No one who witnessed the harrowing images or heard the heartbreaking accounts of the Grenfell Tower Disaster could have failed to have been moved by the enormity of such a tragedy.
Such were the outpourings of love and charity that stories of kindness soon turned to scenes of chaos and for a simple individual like myself I was at a total loss as to what I could do to offer any sort of practical help.
Then I saw the Knit For Peace appeal for hand knitted and crochet items that had been requested by the NGOs working with the families and I was so relieved I could actually do something, however small, to help.
Used with permission from Knit For Peace
Now I know that charity knitting can be a contentious issue and there are many compelling arguments on both sides and yes, it does often feel a bit self centred to feel that you need to be involved, but my personal feeling is that it is better to act than not!
For anyone unfamiliar with their work, Knit For Peace have an excellent reputation for matching the knitted goods donated to them with the most appropriate project and it was this reputation that spurred me on.
Their plan is to send goods in September when the weather starts to get cooler rather than overwhelming them now.
Their list suggests:
- Blankets
- Dressing gowns
- Baby layettes
- Children & toddlers hats, scarves and ponchos
- Adult Clothes and accessories
Used with Permission from Knit For Peace
Having looked at the list of suggested items I couldn’t help feeling that a small list of suitable free patterns that fitted the bill would be a really useful resource and so I sent out a quick call to some of my designer friends.
The response, unsurprisingly, was amazing!
So here is the list:
(Please do remember that the patterns listed are the copyright of the individual designer and they have kindly given permission for their work to be listed for personal and charity use only. I would respectfully ask you to please be mindful of their generosity and not expect pattern support directly from them.)
Rachel Atkinson: Rachel’s wonderful free patterns for a cowl and mitts can be found listed on the Loop Knit Lounge page –
http://www.loopknitlounge.com/category/free-knitting-crochet-patterns/
Renee Callahan: Renee has a stunning Sea Scales cowl and a really useful reflective hat pattern listed on Ravelry –
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/sea-scales-cowl
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/reflector
Used with permission from EastLondonKnits
Anna Elliott: Anna has a pattern for the cutest Snug as a Bug pram set over on her blog –
https://annaelliottdesigns.wordpress.com/
Clare Devine: Clare’s deliciously Toasty cowl and super Sarral Hat can be found on Ravelry –
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/toasty-9
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/saaral
Alitzah Grant: As well as the patterns listed on my blog, there is a pattern for my Gertrude Mitts on my Ravelry page –
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/gertrude-6
Sarah Hazel: Sarah’s Fennella scarf pattern is the perfect stash buster and is available from her website –
http://www.sarah-hazell.com/products/fenella/
Sandra Oakeshott: Sandra has a number of really useful patterns on Ravelry that are free. I’ve got the child’s Mitts on my list of things to knit!
http://www.ravelry.com/stores/sandra-alice-designs
Louise Tilbrook: Louise’s Fuss Free Baby Cardigan is the perfect quick Knit – I’ve managed 3 in as many days! The pattern is on Ravelry –
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/fuss-free-baby-cardigan
Tin Can Knits: Emily and Alexa’s Simple Collection of 10 straightforward patterns tick so many boxes. I’m planning some worsted weight socks for a quick and warming Knit. The whole collection is free and available on Ravelry
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/the-simple-collection/patterns
Woolly Wormhead: Hat architect extraordinaire, Woolly Wormhead has a staggeringly impressive 44 free hat patterns to knit and crochet over on her website –
http://www.woollywormhead.com/free-patterns/
Image used with Permission of Woolly Wormhead
Information on the phenomenal work that Knit for Peace do as well as more details about the Grenfell appeal can be found on their website:
http://www.knitforpeace.org.uk/category/blog/
Used with permission from Knit For Peace
Take very good care,
🕊🌸🕊🌷🕊🌸🕊Alitzah 🕊🌸🕊🌷🕊🌸🕊
Of Blithe Spirit 