Hi friends, Today I'm pleased to introduce you to the Knitting Sisters, a group of women on the west coast of Canada who put their crafty efforts to good use making handmade items for people who could use a little extra comfort in their lives. I found out about the group from Alice Gisborne, who kindly took some time to answer some questions for me. Thanks, Alice! Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your organization. We are a group of ladies that knit or crochet for as many worthy causes as we can think of! We are located in the Vancouver area of British Columbia with some members in other areas of B.C. How did you become interested in knitting? How long have you been a knitter? How did you learn? Four years ago when I had some extra time off work I decided to learn to knit and crochet and asked a friend to help me get started. I started making fancy scarves and then decided to try and make a hat. What made you decide to start Knitting Sisters? A young woman co-worker who had lost her hair due to cancer treatment absolutely loved the very first hat I made so I gave it to her and she immediately put it on and she just had the biggest smile on her face!  It gave her an alternative to the wig that she wears, makes her feel pretty and keeps her head warm and covered. [caption id="attachment_2149" align="aligncenter" width="282" caption="Alice (right), her friend, and some beautiful hats."] [/caption] This truly inspired me to make more and see if there were others who also would like to help.  I let my co-workers know and also my local community.  Before I knew it I had close to one hundred ladies wanting to help.  I organize the pick up or drop off of the items and my husband helps me deliver them to all the different places. How long have you been involved in the organization? How has it changed over the years? I founded this organization just over two years ago. We have expanded from hats for cancer patients to many more worthy causes, such as making items for the homeless, sick children, safe houses, comfort dolls for  children, and baby items for mothers in need. Can you tell me about the Knitting Sisters? What are your members like? Our members have  ranged  from 13 years old to 101 years old.  Some have been participating since the beginning. [caption id="attachment_2150" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="Alice and fellow Knitting Sister, Dorothy."] [/caption]

We all love being able to make a difference  and give a gift made with love to those going through difficult times.  Many of our ladies had stopped knitting or crocheting but are now  enjoying making  our projects. Do you have a regular scheduled meeting? We have drop in sessions twice a month at a local centre. What sort of things do you make, and to whom do you donate them? We make hats, toques, scarves, gloves,  lap blankets, slippers, comfort dolls, baby items, toys and special requests by individuals. [caption id="attachment_2151" align="aligncenter" width="300" caption="These dinosaurs were made for the BC Children's Hospital."][/caption]

They go to the Cancer Agencies, Cancer Society, Ronald McDonald House, Easter Seal House, BC Childrens Hospital, Food on the Corner Society, Options, Safe Houses, Canadian Comforts Society and Special Requests from individuals who contact us. Can anyone get involved? Are you interested in receiving inquiries from crafters in your area? Could you use donations of materials (wool, needles, etc.)? Yes anyone who can knit or crochet.  We can always use more “Sisters” or “Brothers” if interested.  We can use donations of yarn, needles, hooks! How can people find out more? Visit our webpage or check out The Knitting Sisters Group on Facebook. Feel free to contact me by email or call 604-946-3060. Is there anything else you'd like to share? If you love to knit or crochet and would like to give joy to those going through difficult times, this is a wonderful way to do it.