Knitters are awesome!

I mean, we already know this, right? This community that we are a part of is made up of generous, caring people. In the relatively short time I've been knitting, I've witness numerous occasions where knitters have stepped up to help with different causes and people in need. Our community is coming together again now to help with relief efforts in Haiti. In addition to individual groups on Ravelry raising donations, many of your favorite designers are committing to donate proceeds from their pattern sales on to Doctors Without Borders.

This is Sunset Glow, my Simple Things shawlette-in-progress, designed by my friend Mary-Heather Cogar. Mary-Heather is donating 75% of the purchase price of her patterns (including Simple Things) sold between January 15-31 to Doctors Without Borders.

I've been so moved by what Mary-Heather, Marnie, and others are doing that not only have I joined the cause, I want to mention it here in hopes that even more people might join in as well. So if you are so inclined, please check out the Help for Haiti patterns on Ravelry. There's a good chance that you'll find some of the patterns you have queued or favorited on these pages. Not to be an enabler, but I'm just saying- if you're thinking about buying a pattern or two in the near future anyway, if you purchase them now, a good percentage of the cost of the pattern will be donated. :)

At a time when finances are tight for so many of us, I realize it's more difficult than ever to make charitable donations. However, I am so grateful more than ever for what I do have, and I would still like to be able to help others, if even in the smallest way. No pressure of course, but if you feel the same and can afford to do so, please consider buying a pattern or two. This is a way that we can each do something small that, when combined with everyone else's help, will make a big difference.