I usually end up with too much yarn, especially if I am making an item that calls for more than one type or color of yarn. So, knitting scarves has been an idea that I went with to try to use up my yarn but now everyone I know has many scarves from me. So what now?

Well I discovered a number of charity sites that accept knitted/crocheted goods that one can make with small amounts of yarn. Here are a few. Project Linus accepts blankets and I have knitted a few of those with leftovers, knitting them into unusual patterns and designs with the different colors.

There is also a group called Caps for the Cure which knits caps for chemotherapy patients. Cubs for Kids knits little sweaters and hats for teddy bears for homeless children. This also does not require a lot of yarn. Newborns in Need offers warm clothing to newborns of needy famiies so that when the baby leaves the hospital they will have something warm to wear. This group has many local chapters and there may be one near you.

The Dulaan project to warm Mongolia is a terrific project to knit hats, mittens, sweaters and other things for Mongolian children. The capital of Mongolia is the coldest capital city in the world. A visit to their web site will melt your heart. Patterns are available at the Dulaan project web site and at most of the knitting for charity sites that I visited.

But what if you have too little yarn to finish your project? That is a serious issue after putting in tons of hours and work. I looked all over the internet for some sort of yarn swap or yarn exchange but only found sites that sell yarn and how can I know if it is the dye lot I need even if I find the right yarn at all? Being the resourceful knitter that I am, I created my own yarn trader site and I am waiting for its discovery. It is basically a freecycle devoted to yarn and craft items.

So now that I think I have overcome all my knitting issues I guess I will start knitting for those little children in Mongolia. Do the same. It is a good feeling to give you knitting away.