Sad for me but perhaps a blessing for someone else?

[Purple*Lotus]

Okay, here is the thing. I have had carpal tunnel surgery done on both sides. While the improvement has been dramatic, I am still unable to crochet without pain.

My main problem is, is that I have about 200 skeins of yarn. Maybe more.

I would like to donate this yarn to someone/someplace but I have no idea how to find someone. Mainly all of my crocheting was used to donate to the women's shelter, the children's hospital, etc. So ideally I would like my yarn to go to a good cause. I just have no idea how to go about that.

Does anyone have any suggestions for me? I suppose I could just CL it and be done with it.

Does anyone know of any organizations that take yarn donations to be used craft things and then donation?

It breaks my heart that I can't crochet anymore. Truly. But I can't be in this pain forever. And my wrists feel so much better when I don't crochet.

[2xand2y]

Please check this out: http://www.fiberfarm.com/blog. In the search area of the blog put in "yarn storming" and you'll find many posts about the project. they collect donations and accept requests for yarn. They are a sort of "clearing house" for yarn so charities etc- can get a large enough amount to do a complete project. Very cool.

I hope your wrists continue to heal.

[OkiMom]

You could also look at the holiday helpers threads, there are a bunch of mamas looking for thread.

Im sorry you can't crochet any longer but Im glad your wrists are getting better, are you going to try to take up another craft?

[glowan1]

I am part of an organization who knits and crochets any manner of items for babies, mothers, brothers, sisters, dads, anyone really. The items are donated to a handful various charities that then gets them to those who need them.

PM me and I will get you contact info for the organizer.

[One_Girl]

Our hospitals have volunteers who put together toys, hats, and blankets for kids who have to go in for various reasons. It was such a blessing to my dd to get a hand made bear when she had to go in for surgery after breaking her arm. That bear went with her everywhere, it even got a cast when she did and it is still a favorite of hers. Maybe your local hospital does something like that and takes donations or can put you in contact with someone who needs supplies to keep knitting handmade things.

[OkiMom]

Another one is the red cross or navy marine corp relief. They knit blankets/hats other items for service members having babies and for the onbase NICUs.

[sunanthem]

I second Holiday Helper; help our crafty mamas out.
But I also thought of that Linus' group.. the one that makes blankets for kids in hositals.. I think it's called Linus' blankets or something.. I'll go see.

[sunanthem]

Here it is, it's called Project Linus.

[christianmomof3]

some retirement homes have women who crochet for charity and some craft and fabric stores have knit/crochet groups that meet at them that might know who to donate to in your area.

[Brittee]

There is a women's shelter not far from my area. They accept yarn donations for the women to knit things with. Someone was talking about it in one of my fiber guild meetings. There might be something like that in your area. What's a holiday helper?

[ms.shell]

i was just thinking of you and wondered why i haven't seen you posting on mdc, and just found out that you have a beautiful new username.

i am sorry to hear that you cannot crochet at this time. I hope that you will heal quickly and your wrists will be stronger and better and you will be crocheting again soon. if you want to.

and that's lovely to pass on the yarn to be worked now and i know you will be blessed with beautiful yarn to work with when you are able!

in the meantime, maybe you can get a sewing machine. It won't be near the physical workout and you might be amazed by how easy and quick it is to make things. (jmo )

Be well! Good luck!

[DeerMother]

PL, that sucks! Iwas hoping your new hooks would help.

One of my lys knits boobs for breast cancer survivors who have lost one or both breasts. They are knit or crocheted with super soft yarn - cotton, bamboo etc. If that interests you, pm me.

[camracrazy]

The VFW Ladies Auxiliary in my area has been knitting scarves. They have donated them to nursing homes, vets, and various charities.

My church has a group that makes blankets and donates them. I'm sure other churches have these groups as well. A local Girl Scout troup might appreciate the yarn. The Junior level has a badge for Yarn and Fabric Arts.

[cristeen]

Have you tried a different hook? There are hooks made for people w arthritis that have a much wider/easier to grip handle on them. I researched them for my grandmother... I know the reason i have trouble doing much crocheting is my grip on that thin hook far more than the movement required. Might be worth investing in a hook and giving it a try before completely destashing.

[ashleyb87]

If you have any you can spare I really need to make some warm things for my baby. I especially need wool to make wool diaper covers. We're in a really tough spot right now and I can't even pay shipping because every extra penny is going to my ER visit I had and DS's surgery. I would be more than happy to knit hats to donate to the preemies at my local hospital if it makes you feel better about it. I understand if you don't feel comfortable with this-NO ONE around here will help us out and I understand there are lots of mamas in much worse places but if you do pick me to send some yarn to we will be forever grateful.

[Purple*Lotus]

Ashley I don't have any wool. I am allergic to it. I have just synthetic. If you are still interested in some, PM me. I am not really sure the thickness difference in wool and what I have. But maybe some of mine would be suitable for you.

[Purple*Lotus]

Thanks everyone for your suggestions.

I am offering up some yarn here for the Holiday Helpers, hopefully someone can get some use out of it.

I have been crocheting twice a week for small amounts of time, lately, and I have had less pain than when I didn't crochet at all.  So I am not donating all of the yarn.  I am hoping to continue making some things, just very slowly.

[Purple*Lotus]

Originally Posted by cristeen 

Have you tried a different hook? There are hooks made for people w arthritis that have a much wider/easier to grip handle on them. I researched them for my grandmother... I know the reason i have trouble doing much crocheting is my grip on that thin hook far more than the movement required. Might be worth investing in a hook and giving it a try before completely destashing.

It is the left wrist that hurts to most, not the one I use for the hook.  So it shouldn't affect crocheting, however, it really does.  So strange.

[Purple*Lotus]

I also purchased a Kniffy Knitter loom set.  Still have no idea how to use it, though!