[Lorikeet]

We have found that we end up with too many lapghans. If you enjoy making blankets, we need them to be at least 150 x 150 cm (5 feet square) for a homeless person. Mothers can make best use of blankets for prams and cots. You can knit squares or strips to make single and double blankets. Most knitting groups have dedicated joiners.

 

[judyr]

Well, it could have been if you knitted all white blankets, they would have wanted colored ones. Also are there places that have burials for new babies? I don't know what you call that organization and if they are connected to funeral homes or have a separate organization. Good luck with all of your knitting and I hope you get the end result of all of your creative art of knitted blankets for babies.

 

[Lorikeet]

Nursing homes and homeless shelters will mostly take shawls. Lena B has posted a pattern somewhere on here for her nursing home shawl which is short at the back and easy to remove. Easy to knit also. If you do ponchos, these are also popular with the homeless as they can put them over the top of their other clothing.

 

[AdeleRM]

Crisis pregnancy centers? They would love them I'm sure.

I donate occasionally to a pregnancy resource center. I've also donated hats and scarves to several other 'charity' groups in three counties. I give shawls to my church and to the great-grandchildren's teachers at the end of the school year. The teacher thing started when the oldest great-grandchild, who is now in her second year at the University of Kentucky, was in either preschool or kindergarden. Her teacher was retiring at the end of the year, so I suggested that Lexi give her a shawl as a retirement gift. The next year , Lexi wanted to give that teacher a shawl, as well. So it became a tradition for the ones here in western KY and southern IL. I guess I should ask if the NJ ones want to do the same. I think the teachers deserve it even more this year than usual.

 

[AdeleRM]

Crisis pregnancy centers? They would love them I'm sure.

I donate occasionally to a pregnancy resource center. I've also donated hats and scarves to several other 'charity' groups in three counties. I give shawls to my church and to the great-grandchildren's teachers at the end of the school year. The teacher thing started when the oldest great-grandchild, who is now in her second year at the University of Kentucky, was in either preschool or kindergarden. Her teacher was retiring at the end of the year, so I suggested that Lexi give her a shawl as a retirement gift. The next year , Lexi wanted to give that teacher a shawl, as well. So it became a tradition for the ones here in western KY and southern IL. I guess I should ask if the NJ ones want to do the same. I think the teachers deserve it even more this year than usual.

 

[NimueVaniva]

Just a note (and not regarding baptismal blankets), I watched how my stepdaughter used the many baby blankets that she received with her first. After GD was over about 4 mo old (when swaddling wasn't done as much), they ended up on the floor for our little one to roll around on. Otherwise they were folded in a corner. So the next blanket I'm making uses a linen stitch that makes it much sturdier and thicker -- perfect for floors. It's also large enough to wrap in, but I think it will be more of a mat when used.

 

[Nanamel14]

How about women's shelters or a charity providing services for homeless families?

Great idea, sadly to many end up in shelters with young children

 

[nuts about knitting]

WOW! Such great suggestions! Thanks to everyone who took time to respond to my dilemma.

 

[Just Hats]

I've always gone by the adage that beggars should not be choosers.
If organisations are going to lay down rules about what colours or designs they are going to accept and what they aren't then I don't support them. I like to meet their needs but not their foibles.

Sadly, Beggars should not be choosers doesn't work anymore Mrs P. I have found organisations have become far too picky and demanding.

These days I knit for animal rescue, the animals are not picky about colours.

 

[Christiane]

DO you have a pregnancy resource center nearby? Our provides layette gift bags to the mothers they assist and they're not picky about the colors.

 

[grammag8]

I agree with so much of what has been said! I would say the Lord does not set that WHITE only rule.I am sure the parents would like the blanket even if it can’t be used in a baptism. But if they are just donated to the church and they give them out, I am with another comment...where did those go??
And that would be the last time I would knit for people who can’t appreciate the gift of love you give them.

 

[budasha]

WOW! Such great suggestions! Thanks to everyone who took time to respond to my dilemma.

I am so glad you asked this question. I have knitted many blankets looking forward to putting them on the local mitten tree for Christmas. Now that this has gone by the wayside, I have been wondering what to do with them. I will see if there is a Project Linus near me that will take the blankets.

 

[PRIN4]

Emergency first responders often keep comfort items in their squad cars/response units to help comfort injured or scared children. They might be very appreciative of these comfort items.