I’m doing my own thing for Ten on Tuesday again this week. You see, Norma told me that there is a desparate need for additional Red Scarves for the Orphan Foundation of America. I knit one a while back and I’m working on a second one now. I’m hoping I can even bang out a third before the 12/15 deadline. I bet you all could knit one, too and I’m here to give you 10 Reasons To Knit A Red Scarf.
1. It’s for a great cause. You can read the details here but trust me – it’s worth your time and effort.
2. Knitting for charity will make you feel good. I’ve done this before and this is an absolute truth – I felt great about it.
3. Norma will be happy. I’d do a lot to make my friend happy. And I’ve seen her unhappy and it’s not pretty so this reason alone is enough for me.
4. You could win a prize. Anne Hanson of Knitspot is running a raffle in her Ravelry group. Just post a photo of your finished scarf in the thread “red scarf emergency KAL” and you are entered to win.
5. It’s a great way to do some stash busting. Red is preferred but I know I’ve heard people talking about off white and blue scarves, too. The key is to be gender neutral.
6. It’s an excuse to go yarn shopping. Not that we need excuses but if you want to knit a scarf and you don’t have any appropriate yarn, well, a trip to the yarn shop just might be in order.
7. You could try a new pattern. There are links to some wonderful patterns on Norma’s Red Scarf Project Blog. New patterns, new techniques – all fun!
8. The value of a scarf is a tax deduction. Now, I’m not an accountant (I don’t even prepare my own taxes) but I’m pretty sure this counts as a charitable donation.
9. It’s a chance for you to design a scarf yourself. Always wanted to put together your own design? Go for it! Just avoid the lacey stuff, please.
10. It’s just the right thing to do. I don’t want to get all preachy but the kids who get these scarves grew out of the foster care system and now they are in college. Without a family to support them. I’m sending a kid of my own off to college next year and I’d hate to think of her facing that on her own. I know you would, too, and that’s why I know you’ll do the right thing.
So there you have it. What are you doing still reading here? Go cast on! Just please remember to follow the guidelines.
Great list, Carole! This certainly beats this week’s tenontuesdaytopic. I’m still working on my second red scarf for this year. I was so pleased to discover last night I have less than one foot left before I finish!
Great! I’m knitting one too!
Fantastic reasons. I’ve made one already. Will see if I can get another one done!
And then knit, knit, knit. Only a few days to go.
Wonderful list of Ten. I finished my Palindrome last night and will be casting on my second one today. They’re like chips- hard to stop at one!
Excellent post and excellent list (and also, excellent scarf up top, I love that pattern).
My daughter and I cast on this weekend. Got a buddy from my LYS to join us, and she already finished her first and is now on her second. Fantastic cause. Wish I had hopped on board earlier.
I just finished my red scarf on the ride home from Philly yesterday. It feels good to knit for someone who needs it and will enjoy it! Thanks for the reminder.
I laughed and laughed at No. 3. Have tears in my eyes, actually. It’s so true: Don’t PISS OFF the Norma. LOL
But also, yes on No. 8. I’m altruistic as all hell, but I still keep all my receipts, including for the mailing costs, and it definitely counts as a charitable contribution. A feel-good charitable contribution.
It’s a wonderful list, and a wonderful cause, and I’m so HAPPY to see all my friends helping to get the word out. Love your scarf in the photo, too!
I really wish I’d gotten on this sooner. Now I’m just not sure I can churn out a whole scarf in the time we have left. I am going to try to go volunteer to put packages together when they do it. Lindsey will probably join me since she needs service hours anyway. I hope that makes up for not getting an actual scarf done.
I am working on one right now and hope to have it finished over the weekend. I love this cause, and live in Baltimore so last year I went down and helped fill packages. I had absolutely the best day! Knowing we were doing something so good was made even more fun by the great people who were all there helping. I am going to try to do it again this year.
Any cash or gift cards sent count as tax deductions (if you itemize) as well. The time you put into the scarf is not, but the cost of the materials donated (not any new needles) is tax deductible, if you itemize.
I’m hoping to get mine done in time. 🙂
I am trucking along with my scarf. 🙂
Truly wonderful post.
Great list! Especially #10. I’m halfway done with my scarf and have been enjoying it.
Excellent list, Carole! And you’ve given me an idea for one of my own…
Great reasons, all! Love the scarf pattern! xo
I have two scarves already finished…and I will put them in the mail this week…
My scarf is ready to go out in the mail tomorrow. Hurray! It feels great to share.
Wonderful post! I really need to mail mine out.
I love the scarf you have in the picture. What is the pattern?
My second scarf is waiting for ends to be woven in and a quick blocking before going out on a strange journey.