When not making or working on something for Cwtch Lifestyle, I am probably making, generally crocheting, for a British Wildlife charity fundraiser. I belong to a group that knits, crochets and sews for charity. I would probably say we most often make stuff to support British Wildlife, but certainly not exclusively.
The type of stuff we do
Knitted hedgehogs – sold at the local hedgehog rescue centre’s charity shop.
Knitted donkeys – sold at a donkey rescue centre’s annual fundraising event.
Animal-themed items – for animal rescue centres to sell.
Nests—One of our group knitted nests for baby birds and animals. Rescue centres use them to keep tiny baby rescue animals and birds safe and warm, such as squirrels, hedgehogs, bunnies, and other baby mammals or birds. I crocheted 12 of these nests in leftover cotton for the rescue centre.
Twiddle/fidget muffs – heading to hospitals for people with Alzheimer’s.
Many blankets, hats, and scarves have been knitted or crocheted for various charities. One of our group quilted a fabric bedcover/blanket.
At the moment
I am crocheting animal-themed items for a wildlife centre’s annual fundraising event. They raise money to support all sorts of wildlife. I have crocheted items using cotton yarn, as I won’t use acrylic. I choose things that are relatively easy and quick crochet projects to make. Generally, I do not follow patterns; I go with an idea from places like Pinterest. I am crocheting items mainly for children but not exclusively to raise money for Wildlife Aid, such as bags, phone pouches, earbud holders, water bottle holders, and crocheted items for keyrings, all with an animal theme. Below is one of the numerous animal-themed bags or phone pouches I crocheted in cotton.
Self-funded
All of us in the group self-fund our projects for charity. We now think we will ask for local help, asking people to donate their unwanted yarn. Alternatively, eBay is an excellent resource for quality bargains and cheap, good-value yarn, mainly from people who are destashing their hoard.
Update – in November 2024, we were lucky enough to receive a substantial financial donation to buy yarn to continue making things for charity. 🙂
Want to learn to do something similar?
Today, knitting and crocheting are no longer the realm of grannies; all ages are learning to knit and crochet. Our group gets visits from young people asking to learn. If you want to do something similar, learning to knit or crochet is so easy these days. YouTube is an incredible free resource that allows you to learn anything at your own pace.
Before investing too much money in lovely stuff for knitting or crocheting, ask friends and family if they have any yarn, knitting needles or hooks you could have or borrow. Alternatively, pop down to your local charity shops. They often have such things for little investment, and you’ll also be helping charity.
Once you have mastered it, consider investing in better-quality yarn, ergonomic crochet hooks, or modern circular knitting needles. They make the whole experience much more pleasurable and produce better results. You can return your original items back to the charity shop.
