Knitting in the News: Knitting for Babies and the Thrill of the Game

Lots of news this week about people who are helping others with their knitting. First there Australian teen Tenly Monroy-Bowden, who is knitting sweaters for babies in Africa she calls "fish and chips babies" because they're normally wrapped in newspapers to keep warm when they leave the hospital. She's got people at her school knitting and has also posted notices at churches and community halls and is hoping to get 2,000 sweaters to send over.

In Britain, members of Parliament are talking about Save the Children's Knit One, Save One campaign. MPs are urging their constituents to get out their needles and Richard Burt, a candidate for Parliament from West Worcestershire, says he'll learn to knit so he can help. There's a campaign promise we can get behind.

I recently told you about a couple of knitting competitions running in conjunction with the Olympics, and Catherine Hollignsworth notes one I missed, sponsored by Knitty Coture in St. Louis. The store will be open late on Friday so people can cast on there during the opening ceremony, and all participants will get a medal for trying to knit something spectacular during the games.

Finally, a bit of link love from the About family: Recently I was complaining to some of my colleagues about how I hurt myself knitting too much (again), and Beth over at the Pottery site was inspired to remind potters that they need to be careful with their bodies, too. It's a good reminder to us all, particularly those participating in the Olympic events: be good to yourself and take lots of breaks!