Please note: I’ve recently added two more Ravelry groups to the “When You’re Ready to Donate” section in the last third of this post. Be sure to check those out, if you’re looking for additional avenues for yarn donation! When I first sat down to write this article a few years
ago, it hit me that I had never actually donated yarn to anyone. (Since then, that has changed… but I will admit that I still haven’t donated much of my yarn.) In the past, when I have asked readers about their greatest knitting struggle, I saw many mention their gi-hug-ic yarn stashes. And, I often saw a variation of this sentiment: “I know I should probably give away some of my yarn, but it would break my heart.” At first I thought, “Well that seems like an
overreaction.” And then I looked at myself and thought, “Oh, yeah? Well I don’t see you donating your yarn, you hoarder!” Ouch. So, although I had first attempted to read other people’s minds and wonder why they might not want to part with their yarn, I thought, “Perhaps I ought to look at myself and ask this question!” Why I Struggle to Donate YarnI really wanted to write a list here. Lists seem so logical. So organized. So precise. But to create a list, one needs multiple steps or ideas or thoughts. And the problem is, I have only one real reason I struggle to donate yarn. I MIGHT NEED IT SOMEDAY. Ugh. Isn’t that depressing? I wanted to have deep, psychologically heavy reasons why I’ve never parted with yarn once I’ve obtained it somehow. But nope. There’s my single, solitary reason! Here’s how I tend to look at my yarn stash:
Y’all, I’m hopeless. And honestly? I’m pretty sure I’ve already reached SABLE (if you’re not familiar with this term, it’s an acronym that stands for Stash Acquisition Beyond Life Expectancy). No, my yarn stash doesn’t fill a room or anything like that. But I have a lot of yarn and, while I’m a reasonably fast knitter, I don’t think I’m going to put a dent into this stash until I’ve retired. In fact, I might not feel the need to start donating my yarn until I am retired. (Assuming I ever retire. But seeing as how I have the best job in the world, will I? Um… 👀) Eager to knit for charity but unsure where to start? When You’re Ready to DonateSo suppose you’re not me (thank God) and you’re ready to start donating your yarn. I frequently hear from folks who want to unload yarn, wondering where are the best places to donate. Here are some great ideas for places that you may find eager to take your yarn:
Note that both Ravelry groups have additional links to other Ravelry groups that also allow for exchanges of yarn and/or supplies. Let’s hear from you now: do you struggle with letting go of yarn? If so, why? And do you have additional ideas for places and ways for donating your yarn? Get "How to Get Your Handknits to Local People in Need: What You Need to Know" FREE with your subscription to the Knitting Nuggets Newsletter. When you join this community, you'll receive resources + inspiration to knit patterns you love for people you care about! I believe there's someone who needs what you love to knit. If you'd like to knit patterns you love for people you care about, I can help! Post navigationWhat can you do with old yarn?What To Do With Leftover Yarn Scraps. Save them to add faces and details to hats you make from my patterns!. Weaving.. Knit a temperature blanket.. Knit a striped scarf with tons of colors. What is this? Report Ad.. Granny squares.. Log Cabin blanket.. Knit Christmas ornaments (they're small!). Make pom poms.. Where can I sell yarn?Ravelry. Ravelry might be one of the best places to find new patterns, learn about fibers you've purchased and chat with other crafters—did you know it's also a place where you can sell your stash yarns? ... . Ebay. ... . Instagram. ... . Etsy. ... . Yarn for Good. ... . Local Thrift Stores. ... . Charity Donations. ... . Nursing Homes & Schools.. Where can I donate knitted items in Brisbane?Knitting for Brisbane's Needy meetings are held at the Victoria Point Library on the second Wednesday of every month. Only basic knitting skills are required. Donations of wool, knitting needles or hygiene items are welcome.
Where can I donate knitted items in Australia?Knit 4 Charities has three state branches: southern Australia, western Australia, and Tasmania. Rather than helping one sole cause or organization, the knitters and crocheters (yes, those who crochet are welcome too!) behind Knit 4 Charities support many different causes.
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