I’ve been thinking for ages that I should raise some money for the Salvation Army by creating a yarn for them. So using the colours on the Army’s flag (yellow, red and blue) I came up with a yarn using blends of the three colours in 100% merino wool from New Zealand.
Here’s the result.
It’s already available on my Etsy shop at £5 for a 20g skein. Does that sound a lot? Well, the wool being 100% wool, from small farmers and shipped to the UK doesn’t come cheap. It’s sorted in Huddersfield by a small family business, then hand spun by me on an Ashford traditional spinning wheel. When you think about it, the price for wool like this isn’t too bad.
You’re not only supporting a worldwide charity in doing some amazing stuff, but helping local businesses survive.
Alongside the yarn I’ve made a little pattern for a simple knitted beanie. It’s got the words Salvationist or Salvation Army written across it and is just the thing for those cold nights caroling.
The chart that comes with the pattern has a complete alphabet and space for you to write your own phrases, I might make one for Brian with the words Band Master on it… then one for Colin with the word Major… Thankfully my corps is small so I’ll be done by caroling 2014.
Anyway, here’s the pattern… Salvation Army Beanie
Hope it’s just what you need for the coming winter months. A 20g skein should do 2 hats at least.
Even if you don’t knit, you might know a Salvationist who does, what a great Christmas present.
If you need more than 20g or can’t see any on Etsy, just email me at bettyvirago@gmail.com
Betty Virago 