Make Something Special: NEIGHBORLY

we are blessed on so many levels, and i have been wanting to find a way to use the success of my pattern writing thing to help others.  i thought about selling a pattern and donating the proceeds to a charity, but then it becomes about money and the charity i choose and my shop... and that is so not what i am about.  what i've come up with is doing something i love, that then enables others to do something they love, that ultimately helps others.
say hello to Neighborly ::

Neighborly is a simple vest sized for a child, intended to keep them warm at their core while not overheating them during all the running about that kiddos do. interest is created by the wide boatneck collar knit in a contrasting yarn which is further accented by a large button. stitches are picked up around the collar’s edge and the piece is knit in the round from the top-down — there is no seaming whatsoever and only a bit of additional stitching at the hemline and weaving in the ends. this is a satisfying quick knit that is perfect for layering throughout the seasons.

Click HERE for my Neighborly Pattern [a freebie from me to you!]

*see it on RAVELRY, too.

in return, i ask that you think about being Neighborly with it - here are a few ideas:

• if you would have been willing to spend a couple bucks for this pattern, use them to make a donation to the charity of your choice.  there's a lot happening in the world these days and everyone from the international red cross to your local foodbank would appreciate any penny you have to give!
• if you do not have a penny to spare, use your stash yarn to make one and then donate it to a local charity - having a new + handmade sweater will mean the world to someone in need!
• knit one, making modifications to the pattern - then post the mods on ravelry and share your creativity, continuing this cycle of giving for the sake of giving.
• link to this post from your own site with images of your finished pieces and your story, so that you may inspire others to be Neighborly as well!

what ever you do - and how ever you do it - i want you to enjoy this pattern as much as i have enjoyed creating it.  and please post images of your finished pieces to the flickr group so that you can inspire others!  xoxo

Comments

[geek+nerd]

What a sweet pattern, and a lovely idea!

[Rachel]

Wow...that is beautiful! I'm totally in awe of your knitting and pattern making skills, as well as the sentiment behind this piece. It's wonderful. What a fabulous item to put out into the world. I'll be linking. This post also makes me want to head outside and tun until I have to pull off a layer or two. That was so much fun. =)

[Kelly]

I love this idea and I love the pattern, I hope I can get one made for my girlies!

[Casa Pinka]

I just put a comment on this on Ravelry and now I see that it is your own design and you are doing a Neighborly project with it! I just LOVE this idea. I'll definitely take part and you should start a Neighborly group at some point. How fun would that be?

[pinry]

a lovely design and lovely thoughts behind it. thank you for your generosity.

[Heather]

That is a beautiful piece, and a great way to spread some love.

[Jan]

Jennifer, thanks for this lovely new pattern!

This is just the thing for some local charities, and even one of my less-local charities, the Santa Train that runs through the Appalachian mountains.

[Anne Marie]

I have fallen in love with this pattern. And I love your idea of neighborly!

[Lindsey]

Thank you so much for working to spread such generosity. I hope to make this pattern for gifts and one to donate. It will be interesting to see how this project sprouts and grows now that you've sent it forth in the world!

[larissa]

beautiful pattern! thanks so much for sharing - what a great way to start the new season.