Wednesday, November 12, 2014

Pins and Needles Challenge and Giveaway: Make the World Better with a Sweater


Will you take the Pins and Needles Challenge with me?   December 12 is "Make the World Better with a Sweater Day" and Save the Children has challenged me to complete a sweater project by that day.  I will be updating you with my progress over the next month, but today I have to decide what sweater project I want to make.  Today I will share with you 12 free amazing sweater projects that will help you join me in the Pins and Needles Challenge, the first look at a new sweater design by ChemKnits AND an exciting give away from Save the Children.

Wear your most festive sweater on December 12 and Make the World Better with a Sweater
Photo Credit: Save the Children
Save the Children is a non-profit organization that supports children.  Their mission is "to give children in the United States and around the world what every child deserves -- a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and care when disaster strikes."  Save the Children responds in emergencies to provide for children and teaches communities how they can support their children through health and education.  89.4% of donations go directly to program services.  As a mother, I believe that all children deserve "a healthy start, the opportunity to learn and protection from harm."  I am honored to support Save The Children and take the Pins and Needles Challenge.  Keith, Lucky, Indy and I pledge to wear our sweaters on December 12 for Make the World Better with a Sweater Day and pledge to make a donation to Save the Children.


12 Free Sweater Project Suggestions for the Pins and Needles Challenge - All of the patterns are free, but you might need to create a free account with the website to download the PDF.  

With the holidays approaching, not everyone has time to knit a whole sweater.  I am trying to decide between 12 fantastic free patterns
  1. Perfect Fit Pet Sweater Generator.  Pets come in all shapes and sizes. Knit your furry companion a sweater using the 
  2. Phone Sweater - Everything is cozier in a sweater!  This adorable phone cozy with cables and a shawl collar will show some great sweater spirit.  
  3. Phone-y Turtleneck Sweater (Crochet) - I didn't want to leave my crochet friends out of the picture - Here is a little sweater phone cozy. 
  4. Sweater Garland - Make one mini sweater for an ornament or make a bunch for a festive garland to decorate your home.  There are dozens of free mini sweater patterns out there, including the BU Sweater Ornament and UT Sweater Ornament by ChemKnits!  
  5. Miniature Sweater Ornament (Crochet) - You can make a crochet sweater garland, too!  
  6. Penguin Sweater - There was once a call to make sweaters for penguins affected by an oil spill.  At a later date a charity collected excess knit penguin sweaters to sell in a fundraiser on penguin stuffed animals.  Either way, how many people can say they've clothed a penguin?
  7. Sheep in Sheep's Clothing - I think there is something witty about knitting a sweater for a sheep.  This is an adorable toy pattern where the sheep is wearing a darling little sweater.  Plus it is a perfect use for any left over sock yarn you might have in your stash!  
  8. The Beer Sweater - Knit a sweater cozy for your beer bottle, complete with arms!  
  9. Sweater Blanket - Do you need some extra snuggles this winter?  Here is a pattern for a hand knit blanket with arm and neck holes.  Super cozy!  
  10. Sweater Greeting Card - This is a darling little project. Make a few to let your friends know about Make the World Better with a Sweater Day!  There is a sweater dress greeting card version from another designer.  
  11. Flax - A list of sweaters to knit should include an actual sweater, right?  I chose Flax because it is simple to knit (seamless and top down) and comes highly recommended as a first sweater projects.  There is even a tutorial!  It can fit every member of your family and comes in sizes Newborn to 4XL.  
  12. Christmas Sweaters - These holiday sweaters were part of 2013's Jumper Day for Save the Children.  Your sweater doesn't have to be "ugly" to be a holiday sweater!  
For the Pins and Needles Challenge, I will be knitting one of these 12 patterns by Make the World Better with a Sweater Day on December 12, which one do you think I should do?


Lucky's Snowy Penguin Sweater Vest

When I met with Save the Children to learn about the Pins and Needles Challenge, I had just finished the sample for Lucky's Snowy Penguin Sweater Vest Knitting Pattern.  This is my favorite design ever, and I am thrilled to share this with you today as part of the Pins and Needles Challenge. This pattern is now available on Ravelry, and I will be donating half of the earnings on this pattern to Save the Children through the end of December 2014.

Lucky is all ready to Make the World Better with a Sweater on December 12 in his Snowy Penguin Vest designed by ChemKnits.  

Make the World Better with a Sweater Give Away

ChemKnits is hosting her first big give away!  I will be giving away a $50 WEBS gift card, provided by Save the Children, to the most spirited participate in Make the World Better with a Sweater Day!  How do you enter?  On December 12, wear your most festive sweater for Make the World Better with a Sweater Day and donate $5 to Save the Children (suggested amount).  Share a picture of your festive look on the ChemKnits Facebook Page with the comment "I donated to Save the Children for Make the World Better with a #Sweater Day" and tag yourself.  Don't forget to spread the word and encourage your friends and family to participate, too!  I will select the most spirited photo on the ChemKnits Facebook Page as the winner on December 13.  If you are selected, PM me with your email and postal address and Save the Children will send you a $50 WEBS gift card.  By sharing a photo on the ChemKnits Facebook page, you are consenting to me sharing the picture here on ChemKnits.com.  While handmade sweaters rock, you do not have to have created your festive sweater yourself.  Use your creativity to show your spirit in supporting Save the Children.  

Any sweater can become festive with some sparkles!
Photo Credit: Dan Burn-Fort for Save the Children

You can increase your entry's holiday spirit by spreading the word on social media.  Show me what you've knit (or crocheted) for the Pins and Needles Challenge.  Share your photo with pride to spread the word of Make the World Better with a #Sweater Day and that you donated to Save the Children on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.    Make sure to tag @chemknits and @savethechildren on Instagram and @chemknitsblog and @SaveTheChildren on Twitter.

You are never too young to Make the World Better with a Sweater! 
Photo Credit: Susan Warner for Save the Children


I hope that you will join me in supporting Save the Children on December 12 for Make the World Better with a Sweater Day.  Will you take the Pins and Needles Challenge with me?

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December 12 is National Sweater Day.  Make the World Better with a Sweater by wearing your most festive sweater and Donating $5 to Save the Children.  Don't forget to spread the word to get your friends and family involved!  Donations may be made by texting SWEATER to 20222; online at www.SavetheChildren.org; or mailed to Save the Children, 501 Kings Hwy E, Fairfield, Connecticut 06825.