Knitting Patterns for Charity

[Amy]

Hi DIS friends! I usually post over on the Photography and Community boards, but I thought you might be able to help me.

One of the girls here at work is looking for some knit/crochet/sewing articles for residents of a local hospice. They're in need of lap blankets and privacy bags to cover ostomy bags. I have a bunch of leftover yarn at home - usually just a skein of a color - and I thought a privacy bag would take just about a skein. I've recently learned to knit, so I'd like to use knitting. Unfortunately, all she could give me was a crochet pattern for the privacy bag. I've been trying to look online, but I'm coming up empty. Does anyone have a simple knit pattern for this, or can you direct me to a website/book that might have a knit pattern? Thanks!

 

[BeadyLady]

What if you knit a rectangle first? Then pick up the stitches along the three other edges and knit up till tall enough? I've been making bigger bags from wool this way, and then felting.
http://www.blacksheepbags.com/booga_bag.html

just use less stitches so make smaller. and if not using wool to felt - try smaller. Just lay out 20 stitches - to how wide that is with the yarn you have. then either use smaller needles or bigger yarn. you will need a circular 16" to go upwards.

I've only been knitting again since spring. but bags I can do.

 

[Goofysmate]

Hi Amy
Knitting Ostomy bags is not really a good idea as they will be difficult to keep clean & hygiene is very important when you have to wear one. They would be better make from light cotton fabric.
I hope you don't mind me saying this but this is from someone thats Knows first hand.
I would like to say what a wonderful idea & you must be a very nice & kind person to think of others in this way as people like your self are in short supply in this day and age.
Use your wool to make a lap blanket if possible

 

[Amy]

What if you knit a rectangle first? Then pick up the stitches along the three other edges and knit up till tall enough? I've been making bigger bags from wool this way, and then felting.
http://www.blacksheepbags.com/booga_bag.html

just use less stitches so make smaller. and if not using wool to felt - try smaller. Just lay out 20 stitches - to how wide that is with the yarn you have. then either use smaller needles or bigger yarn. you will need a circular 16" to go upwards.

I've only been knitting again since spring. but bags I can do.

Thanks, BeadyLady! I really like the pattern in that link - I might make one of those for myself! Don't know if it'll work for what I need though. I'm not even sure of the exact size - I've (fortunately) never seen an ostomy bag, so I have no idea how large/small they are.

Hi Amy
Knitting Ostomy bags is not really a good idea as they will be difficult to keep clean & hygiene is very important when you have to wear one. They would be better make from light cotton fabric.
I hope you don't mind me saying this but this is from someone thats Knows first hand.
I would like to say what a wonderful idea & you must be a very nice & kind person to think of others in this way as people like your self are in short supply in this day and age.
Use your wool to make a lap blanket if possible

Goofysmate - you have a very good point! The hospice requested the ostomy privacy bags and even provided a crochet pattern, so you'd think they'd be on top of the hygiene issue. Oh well. I just finished a sweater that I'd been working on for 8+ months and I thought the privacy bag would work up quickly and be a good way to use up leftover yarn. But I think you're right and the lap blanket would be a better idea. Chunky yarn and big needles should work up fast, too. Guess I'll have to make a trip to Michael's or Joanne's and buy more yarn. Gee shucks!

 

[BeadyLady]

What about make hats for preemies? That is what I'm starting to do, using acrylic yarn.
http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/baby.html