Homeless Connect Day BRISBANE

Thursday was the best and most rewarding day I have ever spent ! Together with other members of Knitting for Brisbane's Needy, I went to Brisbane City Hall for the Homeless Connect Expo. I caught the train at 6.47 am - on a very cold and windy day (well, cold by Brisbane standards anyhow!)


Here's what I wrote to the group of my experiences:

Well ladies - we did ourselves proud today - everything that was on the tables - beanies, scarves , rugs etc went to a homeless person! For those that didn't go it was terrific day - the homeless people just kept coming and coming and coming - there are 10,000 in the Brisbane CBD alone!

There were hairdressers giving free haircuts or head shaves, there were places for free showers, then there were free clothes and shoes, and groceries, there were two ladies giving massages, there was aroma therapy, there was a podiatrist, there was a whole room at the town hall devoted to help and counselling, both spiritual and otherwise, there were hundreds of wonderful volunteers who went and found homeless people and brought them to the City Hall and helped them find clothing shoes etc to fit.

We, Karen, Dawnie dear,Susan and her wonderful Mum, Wendy (who kept me in fits all day) Sheila who should NOT be allowed to pilot her wheel chair alone in my humble opinion ROFLMAO, lovely Dianne, Cassie, Kylie, Margaret, Daphne, Bunty,oh, and me,we had such a good time! If I missed someone out please forgive me!

There was hot food laid on by the City Council for both the homeless people and for the all volunteers - including us - and coffee, tea, juice, filtered water, and food available all day.Every one of the people who came to our table for goodies was cheerful,polite, and not at all greedy - a few were quite shy and waited outsidewhile a volunteer scurried round finding beanies and scarves or a blanket for them.

One young man came in looking like nothing on earth, and went out with his head shaved, all clean and re-newed, with a black shirt, a lovely black suit, new shoes, and I tell you ladies, he was at least 6 inches taller when he left!!!!! Another man came and picked out some gifts for his 12 year old grand daughter, a poncho and some lovely pink hats and scarves.He was thrilled to be able to have a gift for her.

I found the cutest little baby boy and plonked a pretty soft beanie on his little head and was rewarded by the best smile!! Oh and a lovely Chinese girl came and sat with us and knitted what I thought was to be a thong - but it turned out to be a letter "T" - trust me!

Another girl came and knitted with us, she told us she learned to knit in prison - she wasn't very old. They both took needles with them and some wool.

We gained a few new members too I think - certainly some knitters came and chatted and took leaflets and our newsletters with them. And oh, yes, Sheila and her husband made a fantastic big sign to hang from the table front, and we each had a name tag on a lanyard which Sheila and her husband so kindlymade for us. And Karen you thought I was just yacking, knitting and laughing - but believe me ladies - I was taking it all in!! I am not as shallow and superficial as I appear at times.

One thing that was asked for that we didn't supply was - BALACLAVAS!!! So I shall be going through my patterns tonight - I know I have some balaclava patterns here somewhere!

Well I can't think of anything else that happened apart from a lot of laughs, a few really good jokes, some very kind comments from the organisers and volunteers and the people we aim to help - it was a very tired and happy bunch of KFBN - ers that went home today! Thanks to all the lovely people who knitted/crocheted all the over 300 items that went to a homeless person today.

You did good !!!!!!!With loveYvette

Karen, (pictured here, centre) the owner moderator of Knitting for Brisbane's Needy also wrote her impressions of the day - here is what Karen experienced:

I found when I got home I was emotionally drained but all in a good way! 12 members turned up, some from 8 am and the brekkie and welcome by theLord Mayor and other councillors, other members came at various times.2 of our members brought their mothers along as well, as there were 3 husbands, who wandered off and did their own thing, but came back occasionally.

We had over 300 items to give away to start with, but by the time members came, they all had more donations, so in all we probably had a great array of over 400 items. The doors "opened" at 9 am and from the word go, homeless (some with volunteers to help them choose things)started coming into the Hamilton Room where we were.

I had expected to hear some bad language, but all day I heard not one bad word, there was no aggressiveness. In fact, homeless people who didn't even know each other, were helping each other out to pick out clothes, telling them where something else was situated they might want to have a look at.Each and every one of them who came to us were so polite and so very grateful and lots commented on how "smart" we are to make things, and why "do you want to help someone like us?" (Was told by one of the organisers that there are, over 10,000, yes you read right, 10,000 homeless people in the area covered by the Brisbane City Council!!!! And it is getting worse as rental properties become scarcer and the rents rise out of the reach of a lot of people! I was blown away by that!Heard quite a few stories of how they became homeless etc. That was heartbreaking. There were all ages and genders of homeless from about 12 to a man well in his 80's, plus a husband and wife in their mid 70's. Quite a few homeless families, and many pregnant very young homeless girls!

I must add about one guy who came in, like most of them, head down, a bit embarrassed to be there, and all the rest of it. We gave him a beanie and he was very grateful and off he went. About an hour later I heard a voice say "How do I look now?" I looked up to see this well dressed gentleman, clean shaven, face and head (!), dressed in a beautiful suit, black shirt, shiny black shoes. He was all smiles, shoulders back, I thought, "who is the nice looking business man talking to me?" It ended up being the homeless man from before. He had had a shower, hair cut, shaved, volunteers had helped him find this suit (it looked very modern, almost brand new), a nice shirt to match, shoes, and as he told me quietly "even got new undies and socks!" He looked a million dollars and the difference in which he walked now with head up, shoulders back, ready to take on the world.

Then there was the baby about maybe 6 months old, who was with his mum,but really looking like the rest of the homeless, no smiles , head down etc. But Yvette went over to him and placed a beanie on his head, well immediately she was rewarded with this huge smile, his head went up, he started looking around. Just like he knew his circumstances and he too was so grateful to be helped!I could go on and on with various stories but shan't bore you all.

Besides giving out the beanies etc, another member and I went for a walk round the main auditorium and got lots of contacts for other organisations who would really appreciate donations of knitted/crocheted items including toys! Each and every person there on the day, volunteered their time! There were even "healthy exercises"being conducted, simple things like learing to skip,etc; entertainment; hot food, drinks all day, for homeless and volunteers alike! Different sporting personalities etc etc.

I think I speak on behalf of all of the Knitting for Brisbanes Needy who were there on the day when I say that it was one of, if not the most, rewarding experience I have ever had. Certainly makes you realise that really you have nothing to complain about if you can't get the latest designer handbag, or Plasma Tv, or whatever. We have a roof over our head, food in the cupboard (might not be what you feel like, but at least there is food), and a bed to sleep in.

The Lord Mayor said that they held the first Homeless Connect day last November and it was such a great success they decided to hold another and hoped to do a couple a year from now on! There is not much, if any, media coverage of the event before hand, and they don't want the "takers" coming along ...you know the ones who hear they might be able to get things for free whether they need them or not!!

Anyway we all said we would definitely go to another one, and besides the knitting we sat and did on the day (well I didn't get much done),we all went home determined to do even more knitting/crocheting.

We also found out what the homeless were after, what things they liked the best....Beanies, dark colours for the men, especially maroon (that could be because of the state of origin next week!) Beanies/scarves in the colours of the indigenous, black, yellow and red.The females loved the feather type scarves and beanies, although we are told they are not suitable for homeless, they loved the "pretty" ones. Beanies, scarves and rugs in football (AFL and NRL colours).We were told only to take things for adults, but so many of them were after baby clothes, and clothing for children. Next time will definitely be taking that sort of thing along. Socks/slippers were in high demand as were balaclavas! Rugs of all sorts, but they like ones with fringes as well.They just loved the fact that all our things were NEW.

We learnt a valuable lesson too, next time we would have another sign saying "These items are FREE OF CHARGE ", as many of the homeless were asking us how much for a beanie etc! They couldn't believe it when we said, they are free!!! Then some of them couldn't make up their minds between a couple of items, so we said take them both, a few said "Really, you don't mind?", where as others were saying "No, I will just take one, someone else will need the other one". They were just so considerate of not just us, but also their fellow homeless.

OK I promise I will stop now! But in closing would like to say, if at any time any of you get the opportunity to attend something like this (apparently other city councils around Australia have seen the successof the Brisbane one and are talking about having something similiar) DO IT.

Go along, enjoy the absolute fantastic feeling it gives you, to see the homeless walk in, shuffling along etc, to all of a sudden, being smiling, happy, that people do care about them! Its a shame its only one day every so often, but even so, it all helps them! Also know that by being part of this group you really are making a difference with what you make with love and donate!

One item DOES make a difference, have seen that first hand! THANK YOU from the homeless!!From a very humble Karen

For those who are interested in becoming involved with Knitting for Brisbane's Needy (and you can live anywhere, not just Brisbane or Queensland) here is the link:

http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/knittingforbrisbanesneedy/

More Knitting

Since I last posted - still slogging away on the Adult Surprise Jacket - will make a concerted effort to finish it before June 26th (Simone's birthday)

Have made some more baby things which are all safely given to Karen of Knitting for Brisbane's Needy. Tried a new pattern which is free online. Pretty Baby Sweater.

http://www.knitwits-heaven.com/pretty_baby_sweater.htm

This pic didn't come out too well - seeing as how I took the pic at night when I couldn't sleep! But it is a very pretty little sweater and absolutely seamless! I knit the sleeves on dpns and really enjoyed it - made a change!

Then I made another Rindy's Raglan in pale yellow Fleur. This time it came out toddler size. Wonderful how different yarn and needles change a sweater so much!

I think I should have done this on larger needles. Not as soft and cozy as I would have preferred. But someone will be warm in it !

I hadn't made one of my little Baby Surprise Jackets for a while - so as someone had given me two balls of the nicest tweedy yarn - have no idea what it was - no ball bands - but the two colours went together so well I couldn't resist it - as they were screaming at me to be made into a BSJ!! Don't believe yarn talks to you??? Ask any knitter!! This is so sweet for a little boy - and I had half a ball each left over so think it should be made into matching socks and a hat.

I was given a link to a Rasta Hat pattern on the DIY website - it was from an episode of Knitty Gritty. I made one that seemed Humungeous to me, on some yarn that had been wound, double stranded, into a ball and therefore was anonymous, in a beautiful dark sea green, so made a smaller one in 8 ply on 4mm needles. The second one was striped. So Donna, from Busy Knitting - here it is for you to see at last!

I couldn't resist it - had to try them on - so here's what they look like being worn - imagine dreadlocks and lots of hair!

www.diynetwork.com

and then type in Rasta Hat in the knitting search.

All in all, a pretty good effort for 18 days! On the needles: Adult Surprise, another Rindy's Raglan (love this little pattern) a little sweater for a newborn/preemie adapted from a Shepherd pattern #2010 which has a textured diamond pattern (nice for a change to do a lacy one), still slogging away on my friend's Christmas Red and Green afghan, and will probably cast on something else because I have just been inspired by a little jacket made by my friend Penny!!

I have been given some beautiful baby patterns by a friend in the UK - and I can't wait to get started on those!!!!!!

I will definitely have to live to be 200!!

Adult Surprise Jacket

With the help of Marilyn on knitbabysurprise group, I am participating in a "knitalong" on the Adult Surprise Jacket.


I had been putting off making this because of the thought of the 'math" involved - what a baby I am!
It really is not difficult at all - once I made a swatch, and worked out the number of stitches to 10cm , then asked my daughter for the width of the most comfortable sweater she wears. The rest was easy! But without Marilyn's clear explanation to go along with Elizabeth Zimmermann's pattern instructions, I doubt if I would have braved it !



I am nearly at the part where I place stitches on a holder for the front neckline. I am making it in Cleckheaton Mousse, 60% wool, plus mohair, and viscose, which is very soft and light, but also warm.

The colours are lovely - sort of "brown-y heather-y" mixtures The stripes are fairly random and will, I hope, be quite muted when the jacket is finished.
I am now coming to the front part of the sweater, so will now start to make the stripes smaller, probably one garter ridge only in each colour. I am hoping my daughter likes the colour combinations, and/or the stripes - because I am planning on giving this to her for her birthday in June!!
In the picture below, the left hand edge is the cuff edge, on which I shall pick up and knit down to increase the length of the sleeve. The bottom cast on edge is actually the back neck edge!
If you stand on your head to view this, you will see what I mean LOL!















These two pictures explain just how this finished sweater will look. The stripes will be vertical at the front and horizontal across the back and the only seam will be the shoulder to cuff line. I may take my courage in both hands and use an applied i-cord for this - another first for me! Fortunately for me - I have lots of help and encouragement from knitters who have done this before on this wonderful group! I am thoroughly enjoying this knitalong!

It is amazing that a shapeless blob can suddenly start to become a recognizable garment! The construction is so ingenous - is it any wonder I have joined the ranks of the Zimmermaniacs???
I have knitted dozens of the Baby Surprise Sweater - so I guess the Adult version is not as daunting to me as it could have been!

I would therefore recommend that the Baby version should be tried first !!

Couple more hoodies!

I made my second Tomten!!

This time I was happier with it - mainly because I read the pattern more carefully when I came to doing the double decrease on the sleeves. For those who like to know these things - the Tomten pattern is from the remarkable brain of the late Elizabeth Zimmermann and is available in a couple of her books, Knitting Workshop and the Opinionated Knitter or as a single pattern leaflet from www.schoolhousepress.com

I can recommend it - but be warned - just like E.Z.'s Baby Surprise Jacket - it is highly addictive!!

Someone had given me an anonymous skein of yarn (no ball band) which I think was wool, in a beautiful soft cream with a coloured fleck in it. I didn't have enough to do the whole sweater in it and as it had flecks of blue in it as well as a little bit of yellow and red, I found some Cleckheaton wool blend in a beautiful blue for the sleeves. I used literally every last inch of both colours!

This little hoodie I made for my dear friend Karen's great niece Jasmine. Karen provided the yarn and the pattern which was from a Powder Puff book, I think this is Paton's? Can't tell you because I gave the pattern book back to her!

Garter stitch, in alternating ridges of Powder Puff and Feathers, this was so easy to do, albeit tricky due to the nature of the yarns.

The finished hoodie was just so sweet - lovely and cosy too. Took no time to make either!!

Could call this home........

We have been thinking of moving to Toowoomba to be closer to Simone. Since having had problems with the new neighbours, and giving up our beloved cats, the idea of a new start is looking more attractive every day.

We found a wonderful rental property about 15 minutes from Toowoomba CBD - on 23 acres, plus a fenced paddock. The potential is endless! You can just see the back of the house here if you look carefully.

Who knows what we can do - and the thought of all that wonderful space and fresh air, birdsong, peace, and most of all no nosy neighbours, is very appealing!

There are two hills like this rearing up at the back of the house - which is small - but still has three bedrooms and a brand new kitchen. Plus a BIG brand new deck as well, large enough to take two outdoor settings.

These two views are the left hand hill.

The soil is black, friable and very fertile. There are lots of rocks around which will be handy for retaining walls around veggies etc. Lots of space for growing raspberries (one idea we had) and gooseberries.

Plenty of exercise to help me lose weight!

Space for chooks and goats - I am thinking Kashmir goats here !!!

Isn't this gorgeous?? I took this at night, last Friday week when at Simone's - the most beautiful Crab Cactus, also called Christmas Cactus in USA

I used the night setting because it was pitch dark

at the time - not that you would know it!

And just look at all the flowers still in bud!

Blazing Sunset!

What a sight!

I have to share these pics - taken on Wednesday evening 2nd May 2007. We get beautiful sunsets here - but isn't this spectacular?? The bumps on the skyline on the next picture are the Glasshouse Mountains.

At the end is was like watching a bush fire

through the trees at night!

Another Beanie Blitz

More beanies made this weekend - for Knitting For Brisbane's Needy - a great Yahoo group I belong to, that knits (and crochets) for homeless and needy people.

Mind you - we are getting alot of requests for knitted items from a lot farther afield than just Brisbane now - and our members are from all over Australia, in U.K. and U.S.A.

We make what we want, when we want - but just occasionally, we have a blitz for items badly needed - in this case beanies - but there is a big demand for gloves, scarves, and rugs. We are also needing baby booties too.

If you can help and want to join, go here: http://au.groups.yahoo.com/group/knittingforbrisbanesneedy/

We have only been in existence for 15 months - but already we have made more than 1100 items for needy people in that time!

Best Ever Baby Sweater

Finished this beautiful baby sweater - finally sewed the buttons on!

It is from Elizabeth Zimmermann's book, "Knitters' Almanac" - the lace stitch is Gull Wing stitch.

The only seams were the sleeves - I could have knitted them on two circulars I guess and then there would have been no seams at all!

Thanks to Marilyn on EZknitalong - for pithy and comprehensive instructions - even though I was too impatient and scooted along without her after Day 2 LOL!! I didn't make a mess of it after all.

Aren't the little mushroom buttons cute?? From Dave Rundell in Florida - "daverun"on ebay .

Oh yes, cream Angoretta and some lovely apple green anonymous donated yarn - I have a fair bit of this - so it will feature in some more baby sweaters I am sure!

Oh yes; I knitted these this week too!

This dear little sweater is "Rindy's Top Down Raglan"

There are absolutely no seams at all!!! I knitted the sleeves on 2 circulars.

The little girl buttons are adorable aren't they? I have them in red, blue, pink,yellow and mauve - I got them on ebay from Dave Rundle (daverun)

I use them a lot. They make all the difference don't they?

This is a cowl ( neckwarmer or joined up scarf) for another exchange - this time on Knit4charities, a Yahoo Group I belong to.

The recipient is Penny in Tasmania - who absolutely hates acrylics - so I hunted through my stash and found this beautiful dark red (her favourite colour) wool yarn from U.S.

A few years ago I bought a half finished afghan and the remaining yarn on ebay - unravelled it and stashed it. This is what was left and it came in exactly right for this exchange. The pattern is a freebie from someone's blog!!

I keep saying I won't do another exchange - I am still waiting for the knitting tote bag from my partner on another Yahoo Group exchange from last September. I sent mine - and she said she liked it - but it was acrylic so I think that was not appreciated !!!!!! I thought it was pretty but what do I know. I also sent nice candles and pot pourri too - one of these days it would be nice to do an exchange and get an exchange if you know what I mean??

Apart from my dear friend Maria (see the Christmas posting I made of her beautiful exchange gifts to me!!! )I haven't had too much luck with other exchanges.

I hate it when you make something really beautiful for someone and take the time and trouble stick to all the rules , then receive some crappy last minute bought-in-a-discount-crap-shop-exchange in return!!!!

Knitting over Easter in Toowoomba

I made another dog coat for Fozzie - this one is a freebie on the internet called Dog Coat with Contrasting Collar. It was super easy to make - and quick too!

I also made a lot of beanies for Knitting For Brisbane's Needy - the Yahoo group I belong to and am co-moderator of. I crocheted and knitted 6 Adult size and 3 Baby size - and FORGOT to take pictures!!!!!!!!!! AAAAGGGGHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! I gave them to Karen, the group owner at the last Knit and Natter and forgot to take pictures there too!!!!!! If she still has them when I next see her - I shall whip out the camera and snap them !!

We had a lovely Easter with daughter Simone in Toowoomba. - she has a new partner Rick who is an absolute darling !!! Lots of laughter - he has a big family and they are all within walking distance of Simone's house. Very handy when you have a few drinkie poos and don't have to drive!!! I love Rick - and his family - and yes, I forgot to take a decent picture of him - I had one but it wasn't too good. Here's one of Simone though - she is a darling girl and I love her to bits.

This is the only one of Rick and Simone that is any good! Rick is busy looking at his sister's movie camera and Simone is taking a pic of Rick's brother Errol. Rick is a smashing man - he is a country singer and writes really great songs. But the best thing about him is how much he loves Simone - he really is devoted to her - and she to him. They have been together a year now and I am so happy for them. Long live love!!!!!

More Knitting!

This is my first Tomten Sweater!! I have been "chickening" out of making this for years - so took the plunge when a knitting group I belong to that specialises in Elizabeth Zimmermann patterns, did a Knitalong - it was really easy - although I had a hard time when it came to the armholes - I found out I was making it so much harder than it really was - I had mis-interpreted the Knitalong instructions!!!! After a visit to the Frog Pond, I could have smacked myself "upside the head" !!!!! It really is easy to do and the beauty of it is that it can be adapted for an adult or child of any size!!! The pattern is available from Schoolhouse Press on its own - and it is in Knitting Workshop by Elizabeth Zimmermann.

I really recommend it!

I made this little set because I was given (well I unashamedly asked for it really LOL!) a skein of anonymous acrylic in red with a tiny blue fleck in it - the yarn was scratchy and hard - but such a pretty colour - so when I had finished the jacket I washed it in shampoo and rinsed it in conditioner and then chucked it in the dryer for about 15 minutes - the result????? Soft as soft can be!!!!! The jacket is my Tiny Version of EZ's Baby Surprise Jacket, and the leggings are a free pattern from Red Heart yarns (Coates and Clarke) - Happy Baby Pattern. The hat is also a freebie from the internet - so just Google "Rolled Brim Baby Hat" (The train buttons are from Dave Rundle on ebay "daverun" is his id)

What else have I made in the last couple of weeks? Oh, yes - this gorgeous little Candy Stripe set

It is a Stylecraft or Knitters Choice leaflet - it is knit from one cuff across to the other - it buttons up the back too!

I took this to the l ast Knit and Natter at my friend Dawn Pee's house - she seized it immediately for her grandson William!!!!!! AND the pattern too!!!!! Feisty lady - who could say no to her?? Certainly not this gal!

Then I made this little top down raglan pattern that I have had on my to do list forever - I found three 50 gram balls of a lovely soft wool/mohair boucle yarn that was just right for this pattern. The tammy is from another Stylecraft or Knitters Choice leaflet.

And a lovely little toddlers sweater in Pound of Love - another freebie pattern - I haven't sewn it up yet - oh, I HATE sewing up!!! But it is pretty - destined for my friend Lisa in Canada.

I also started a cuddle blanket for a friend of mine - Diane in Michigan. We have been internet friends since 2001 - Di's favourite colours are Christmas Green and Christmas Red - so this is being made in good old soft and cuddly Capricorn Red on BIG needles - with some Caron simply Soft in Emerald Green that another friend, Marguerite in Long Island NY sent to me a few years back!

I have some other items too - which I made over Easter and this last week or so. But more of these later........

Four Beloved and Greatly Missed Cats

Very sadly we have had to take four of our six beloved cats to the local Animal Aid Centre because of threats to their safety made by the man next door. The anxiety caused by this was too much to bear - every time one of them went outside I was in terror for its life and limb.

They have already been separated - two males and two females - they had a big area for each at the centre. Eric said they were very frightened and were busy trying to hide from all the other cats when he left.

The good news is that they don't put the animals down - but keep them there until they find homes for them.

Here are some pictures of my darlings.

This is Meggy - born 28th March 2004 (my birthday) Shy but very loving - de-sexed and very solid for a female. A very pretty cat.

This is Whiskey - Meggy's brother - also born on 28th March, 2004, he is a big, solid cat - de-sexed. Very affectionate - if he doesn't think you have petted him enough - he will gently bite your fingers until you resume stroking him!

This is Buderim Ginger - Buddy for short! De-sexed, he is all red - no white anywhere - a beautiful big, solid tabby - affectionate and funny - Mr Personality we call him! He is Meggy's offspring born 25th December 2004 - he was very attached to his mother - they spent a lot of time curled up together asleep.

This is another of Meggy's babies - Black Magic - Magic for short. Smaller than any of the others - she is sleek and dainty and shy - she and Meggy were almost inseparable - they were nearly always together. Born on 25th December 2004, and also de-sexed (as are all our cats)

So if anyone who lives in Brisbane would like a de-sexed beautifully behaved cat - go to the Peninsula Animal Aid in Grice Street, Redcliffe - the phone number is (07) 3284 1927. The phone runs hot all the time - so keep dialling until you get an answer.