Knitting for Kisiizi

I seem to be recovering my enthusiasm for blogging at about the same time as my satisfaction in cooking returns. I've had a couple of weeks when my camera gathered dust, my keyboard remained untapped, and my food preparation was functional. Now I'm feeling more myself, thank goodness.

Anyway, I have more information about knitting for the babies of Kisiizi Hospital in Uganda after a conversation today with Ann Moore. She is so delighted that people want to knit for the babies and children. Apparently there is much excitement and pleasure when a new box of goodies is unpacked and garments are given out. The nights are cold in Uganda and the vulnerable babies and children really need the extra warmth. Add to that the fact that we'll enjoy the knitting and we're winners all round!

The premature babies can weigh from about 1.5 kg (3 lb) so standard 'preemie' patterns should be fine. They need hats (not bonnets, please), cardigans, bootees, matinee jackets and blankets. Ann said of the hats: 'knit a hat for a cat'! The blankets should be about a yard square. It seems to me that hats are especially appreciated.

Not all the babies are premature; we can knit for babies of all sizes and young children up to about age 5 because some children are in hospital through malnourishment. They feel the cold particularly badly and Ann asked for hats and 'big bootees' (i.e. bed socks?) for them. In fact, we can knit garments for all ages up to adult. Also, the parents quite like baby clothes in larger sizes so that they last longer.

Colours - there was some speculation that white was to be avoided, but Ann said this wasn't an issue in Kisiizi. Bright colours are particularly appreciated for the older babies and children.

Washability - the garments will be hand washed, so you needn't limit yourself to acrylic or superwash. However, it makes sense to ensure that the clothes are sturdy and are going to stand up to repeated washings.

When the babies go home the hospital staff give them a parcel of clothes and maybe a teddy bear wrapped in a larger blanket (about single bed size), so if you would like to knit or crochet an afghan I'm sure that would also be appreciated.

I am aiming to pack up a 'banana box' around the end of August. This will go in a container under the auspices of a charity called Medical Mission. They don't have a set timetable for the shipments; they send them off when they are full. Unfortunately we have just missed a shipment and will have to wait for 3 to 6 months for the next one. I will keep in touch with the charity and make sure we don't miss the boat (literally!).

I've had offers of knitting from Nic, Ingrid,  Anne and Polly. Thank you all very much - let me know if you need any more information.

Comments

[Tikkunknitter]

Are you still collecting? My synagogue's knitting group is looking for overseas children to knit for.

[Reethi]

Hi!

Does it just have to be knitted, or do you have any interest in sewn clothes and sewn blankets?

Cheers,
Reethi

[grace]

Hi Birgid,

I came accross this link on Polly's blog this morning. I would like to send some items as well. Are you interested in knitted items only? My daughter was a premie and I have few (new / almost new -used maybe once of twice) sleepers sized for a premie. We live in Canada and had a hard time finding enough premie sized items for my daughter when she was finally ready to come home from the hospital.

Grace

[amy]

Where can I send a few things?

[Luisa]

I'm also very interested in participating in this project. Where do I sent the knitted garnments?

[PurlyQueen]

Count me in!

[Jill]

Count me in for a few bits and pieces too.....

[the pain in the rump ;-)]

Hi Brigid - is cotton ok or are you primarily looking for wool? love p