Salute to the troops and their friends

A few months ago an older gentleman came into the shop and asked for some information for a project he had in mind.  He wanted to make 750 hats for the troops "over there".  He had the backing of his church to go forth and he was confident that he could make this happen.  I gave him the info he asked for and really didn't think too much about it.  Good intentions and all.

Well, Mr Walt came back.  He was "trying out" yarns and asked for some recommendations.  And he wanted to understand how to handle double point needles since he had never knit with them.  I showed him and then I showed him how to use a 40" circular needle using the "Magic Loop" method.  He was in heaven!  After a couple of yarn auditions, he settled on Cestari Farms Traditional 2 Ply wool. Cestari Farms is a family run business in VA that raises the sheep, shears the wool, spins and dyes and then spins into skeins for sale.  What better choice for our Troops?  Take a peak at the farm:  http://www.cestariltd.com/ 

Cestari got the yarn to us in 3 days!  And Walt began ... with a couple of knitters which quickly grew to more.  They have finished the first 100 hats.  And shipped some.  And they have safely arrived at their destination.  Here's the proof.

 Isn't this just the best group you've seen in awhile?  All modeling the hats that Walt and his merry group have knit.  Oh, and did I tell you that some of these knitters didn't even know how to purl when they started?  Yes, he taught them to purl, taught "Magic Loop" and helps to correct ooops!

And they do this out of the kindness of their hearts with the support of their church. 

If we can all do one little kindness each day, wouldn't the world be a better place?