Take an Hour: Knit a Hat

We knitters cherish the idea that knitting can save the world. When knitblogs were king and there were any number of KALs for the distressed, I warmed up my needles for Afghans for Afghans squares and a few sweaters, hats and mittens for the Dulaan Project.

Minor evidence to the contrary, I'm not inclined to charity knitting, but I seem to have a number of friends who are Doulas, midwives, ObGyn nurses, and the like.  This week, I have received a few requests to knit Preemie hats in honour of September as Infant Mortality Awareness month, and I find this an easy kharma boost for my needles.

The International Center for Traditional Childbearing is hoping to round up 27,000 preemie hats this month, as many hats as there were American children who did not survive their first year in 2008. In light of the health care debate, regardless of one's position, this seems unconscionable that in the 21st century, so many children fail to thrive in this wonderful country of ours. And such hats truly do make a difference in mortality statistics. There are any number of preemie patterns available on the web. I don't know how many of us still pay attention to such things, but I thought that anyone who was still reading here might consider an hour of their knitting time for a little hat.  You can contact the ICTC for local collection addresses, or you can mail them to their national headquarters here.

ICTC
PO Box 11923
Portland, OR 97211

Comments

[Rosemary]

I was already planning to spend some time this weekend knitting one preemie cap for my new niece (born last week at 30 weeks, just under 3 lbs.). I'll make a few extra for the Brigham NICU and send them with DH this week when he heads to Boston for a visit.

[Dr Judy]

I visit regularly to see if there are new entries. I do so enjoy the whole experience. There are several women in our knitting group who do almost nothing but charity knitting. I contribute now and then. It might be a good time to put in another effort.

[kathleen]

Thanks for sharing the info on this project. I'm heading to the stash right now...

[Lynn in Tucson]

Julia, with your permission, I'm lifting this info and posting to my Facebook page. I heard Robert Reich on NPR just the other day, talking about healthcare, and the preemie & infant mortality stats he cited were just staggering.

[julia]

It's my pleasure, Lynn. Pass it on.
julia

[lynette]

thanks for posting this info. i'll definitely knit a few hats.

[Judy]

Thank you Julia for taking this idea and soaring wiht it. Abeautifuly written post.

[penny]

Thank you! As a preemie who is trying to knit & crochet 30 hats by my 30th (oct 31st) this is wonderful. I'll spread the word among those who wanted to help me out.

[benedetta]

Thanks for the info, Julia, a few small hats will be fun.
BTW, i moved closer to you!

[julia]

how much closer? (be still my quickening heart)
xo
Julia