Maybe a month ago now, I came across a mention on Open Doors NZ’s website about a project called Knot Forgotten. Interested, I clicked through for more information—and immediately signed up to be part. It’s taken me a while to collect supplies, but now I’m nearly done with my first project—and what fun!
The main idea behind Knot Forgotten is to make stuffed animals to send to children overseas, especially refugee children or others in similar situations. I saw the other day that several Open Doors/Knot Forgotten workers were delivering two huge garbage bags full of handmade toys to Syrian refugee children!
While it might not seem like the most practical use of time and resources (after all, wouldn’t things like clothing and food be a better option to send them?), there are a few reasons why I’m excited about this particular project.
- The children will have something to call their own—something they can hang onto when they’re frightened, and something to play with that doesn’t involve more fear and sadness. (And hey, if they already lead happy lives, this will just add to it!)
- I can pray for the children while I make them. I often feel like there are too many things to pray about (aack! this world is so needy!), and feel somewhat stymied when it comes to prayer, but this is one way I can direct my prayer.
- Slightly selfish, perhaps, but I have an excuse to crochet! For other people! And I know it will be appreciated!
So far, I’ve only managed to make the main body of one bear, and have its nose and one ear ready to attach. I need to figure out how to sew features on (hello again, embroidery!), and then I can work on the finishing touches.
This first one is for my dear little sister. I thought it would be good to try out the pattern before I actually properly make it, so it’s been fun to create with her in mind—aka, as many pinks and purples as I can comfortably put on there!
It’s also a very simple pattern, so that makes it easy as this is the first stuffed toy I’ve ever made (unless you count the time I rescued a broken china doll…). I’d be excited to try to create my own versions eventually after I’ve had the practice of making the other two crochet animals in the pattern set I was sent.
For now, I will finish this cream-and-pink bear, and dream up other color combinations. I’ve come across several gorgeous variegated balls of yarn lately (watch out, yarn selection in our local home and living store!), and can’t wait to start using them. I also have quite a few odds and ends that I’ve picked up from different thrift stores over the years, so I’m hoping I can use some of those, as well. We’ll see! The opportunities are endless!
Let’s discuss: Do you enjoy doing handicrafts? What have you made recently (handmade or otherwise)?
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