Hats off to Gaza!

Tribute to the Hats

2011-10-02T17:18:00.000-07:00

I have been meaning for a long time to dedicate a post to the beautiful hats we received so far for our current campaign, which is still running in case you were wondering.

I think the pictures will do most of the talking this time. The vacuum packed, saran-wrapped hats are from friends at Baragwanath Blessings, who are committed to helping babies and children around the world. I lef them in the plastic, because I thought it would be easier to send them on later. I very much would LOVE to open it up and look at each and every one! I took several shots to get an idea of the magnitude. There are FORTY hats!

These beauties are from one of the ladies on our Ravelry page, madamedufarge. She did a wonderful job, each one a masterpiece in its own right:

These are from another Ravelry member, who is local to me. She also does fantastic knitting!

And there you have it! That is what 69 hats looks like. 69 hats so far... and counting. 69 warm heads this winter. 69 hats sheltered from the cold. 69 hats sheltered from the rain. 69 hats to uplift the broken little spirits of the babies and children of Gaza.

Enjoy! I may edit this to feature more hat pics when I find them, as there are more!

BIG NEWS!

2011-05-30T01:20:00.000-07:00

Calling all knitters, crocheters and concerned citizens!!

I'm so very happy to report that we have another campaign underway! With a reliable delivery girl! Interestingly, it's the same delivery girl from our maiden voyage, back in 2009. She told us she's been back to Gaza a few more times since then and will be going again, and is more than glad to take hats for us! Isn't that wonderful?

She will be going at the end of Summer, so we have all Summer to concoct some woolly goodness to send to Gaza's neediest members.

I personally am going to knit hats, toys, and blankets. A friend and fellow knitter started a local charity knitters group, and we've been doing a blanket swap where we each knit 4 inches. I am so happy that at least a few of these will be done by then to send to newborn babies of Gaza.

I think this will be our biggest delivery yet. I alone have accumulated over 20 hats made by myself, and 3 or 4 friends.

Did I say I'm excited? Well, I'll say it again! I'm so excited!!

Now let's get to the hat-making!!

Hat Journey Complete

2011-02-13T03:59:00.000-08:00

Our delivery lady was unable to enter Gaza herself but found a doctor with Red Crescent who kindly took them in for her. Mission accomplished. As stated before, these hats will go directly to the hands of children through youth and rehabilitation centers as well as orphanages.
We will update if we hear more.
Thank you to the delivery lady (if you are reading, may we use your name?), the good doctor and others who worked against all odds to deliver these hats to the intended recipients.

This Batch of Hats

2011-02-09T02:59:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all who participated. A special thanks to Shunra who has been coordinating delivery for us as well as taking photos and keeping us all updated on this recent delivery.

Current Delivery Update

2011-02-08T02:40:00.000-08:00

45 hats, a shawl and some soft toys were sent to Gaza on the eve of the Egyptian revolution. We will add photos of these lovely textiles in another post. As of today, its still unclear if our hats made it into Gaza. Our delivery lady was in Cairo during the heat of the protests and tried to keep in touch with us as often as she could. It wasn't easy with internet blackouts.
As of last communication, she was still safe, still in Cairo, still in possession of the gifts and still hoping to enter Gaza to hand deliver these hats directly to a youth center where distribution is direct to the children.
As we hear more, we will update again.
What is going to happen to these gifts if she doesn't get them to the hands of Gazas children? They will come back here and await another opportunity.
Please keep knitting hats, scarves, shawls and toys. Even if a new regime opens the Rafah border permanently, the need will still be there. Our prayers as always are with the people of Gaza and now with the people of Egypt.

A month away from our next delivery!

2010-12-17T15:58:00.000-08:00

We're so excited at Hats Off to Gaza-- still have a month left to knit for the underprivileged, needy, cold orphans of unstable, volatile, beseiged Gaza.

So happy to have this extra time, which was only made possible due to the new delivery girl deciding to postpone her trip. It works out so much better for us hat-makers.
I'm going to be including some small, friendly, woolly softies with my hats. I have four children and know the importance of toys. I don't have traumatized children but can only imagine the need would be even greater.

If you or someone you know would like to contribute to our cause, which is purely to help the children, please email us.
Thank you.

Knitting Away!

2010-10-05T23:07:00.000-07:00

We're so thrilled to be able to send more hats at the end of the year! This will be our third batch, and I know it will be our best yet.
I have already ten hats ready to go, nine are pictured below along with a super-cuddly all-cotton security blankie buddy! The kitty-ear, and cream ribbed are from a girl who is a friend of mine. I knit test knit the keffiyeh hat for TikkunKnitter, and knit the baby blueberry one for my own baby, who I (wrongly) assumed was going to be a boy. The pink one I also knit, it was my first time knitting the Aviatrix. The blankie buddy was also a first-try. Come to think of it, all the hats I made were first-tries. I really like to try new patterns, and before HOTG I had knit just one hat, a chulo for my husband.
Of all the hats I knit so far, I will definitely knit a few more keffiyehs, I think the kids would like that, and the aviatrix. I already have a burgundy one almost done, with plans for more.

Included in the picture above are The Four Hats from Irving, Texas. A super sweet mother-daughter team emailed us back in the winter (or last year, yes... sorry!) and asked if they could send us some hats after stumbling upon our blog. How. Cool. Is. That! Speaking of emails, we do get email from people who are interested in our cause, and in fact we got an email from the founder of a very important website for Gazan children (I promise a separate post on that this week!)
So, it's always encouraging when you see your blog actually making a difference and doing what it's supposed to do, ya know?

These beautiful blue hats are a testament that blogging makes a difference!

To end, if there are any knitters or crocheters out there who want to give us a hat or two, then feel free to email us above. Thank you.

One More Delivery and Some Hope

2010-09-09T06:16:00.000-07:00

Last month, one of our founding members (Shunra) managed to gather a few hats and hair scrunchies and send them to Gaza with a friend who is a member of Code Pink. We just heard that the hats and scrunchies have been delivered successfully to a childrens center.
The deadline for this last batch was short because the opportunity was sudden. However, success is success! Thank you from the bottom of my heart Shunra and Kit:)

While the last delivery was on short notice, we do have another upcoming opportunity to make a difference. We have a tentative date....January. Details will be posted soon. Sharpen your hooks and needles ladies:)

Teaching Others the Craft

2010-06-22T22:25:00.000-07:00

Interestingly, I and a friend were approached a couple weeks ago to teach some kids & teenagers to knit and crochet.

I say "interestingly" because I suggested this as one of the "youth activities" for our Center and was scoffed at ("Knitting? (laugh) These girls don't want to knit.")
Of course, this quote was from the mouth of a 51 year old woman, not the girls themselves or even the Youth Coordinator.
Little did she know...

So, next month will be the first time I teach knitting to a group of youngsters. (Yes, I feel old just saying that.)
Nervous? You bet!
I am not the most outgoing person the first time I meet someone. And I'm so out of their league.

But, with a lot of good advice, ideas and kind words from the lovely gals at the Hats Off to Gaza Ravelry group, I am confident that I will at least inspire a few to want to learn, and actually knit. I think the hardest part won't be teaching them, but keeping them interested and engaged. Hopefully, if I plan it all right from the beginning, I will pull it off.

If anyone out there has any good tips/advice, please comment and let me know!

Psychological Effects of Life in Gaza

2010-04-25T22:31:00.000-07:00

I came across this blog post about a ten-part documentary on the psychological effects of life in Gaza, with an emphasis on the lives of the children.
I feel its a long time coming, and am glad someone took the initiative to do this. They did an excellent, if disturbing in its reality, job.
I was very moved after watching just the first part...

The Green Hat

2010-03-16T09:00:00.000-07:00

When a friend proposed the idea that we, as fiber artists, could use our skills to provide hats for Gazas children, I wasn't at all pessimistic. We could indeed knit or crochet those hats if we wanted. The question was, "Then what?" All other ideas my friends and I had come up with in the past had always been thwarted by this one question!

My friend was much more certain than I. The hats would be delivered to the children they were made for. When I realized the possibility, which was to me, nothing short of a miracle on earth, I found myself becoming manic. I would knit a hundred hats, I vowed! This didn't happen since we had a very short deadline but that number remains a personal goal for the future.

My first hat is the one that stands out the most to me. It was intended for an infant and fit in the palm of my hand. I chose a green yarn because green is the color of renewal and growth. And it is the color of nurturing. I had yet to worry about the details of the delivery during the making of that hat. My emotions were very high and positive and I poured this energy into that hat.

I wanted the baby who wore this hat to grow up to be healthy and strong. I prayed over this hat like I did over all of the 12 or so that I knit and crocheted. Please God, let the child who gets this hat grow to a prosperous adulthood, allow this child to feel secure, to not feel hunger or fear, to feel that there is love in the world and to be loving in return.
The day that I received the first photo of the delivery, I saw that my green hat was taken by a boy who couldn't be more than 10 years old. It is a tad bit too small for him, but he wears it proudly just the same. I thank the heavens that I tend to knit rather loosely!
You can see him in the first photo in this post. He is the one that is leaning on another childs shoulder and looking at the camera in that matter of fact way. I like to think that my prayers reached him. That when he put it on, he felt loved. That he felt a subconscious connection to me as a fellow Palestinian, that we have an agreement that he will rise above his desperate existence to be a man of peace one day, and that I am here for him-always.

However, as other hats began to arrive, I was taken outside myself (and my romantic imagination) . This is why this post is hard for me to write as a testimonial to my own contribution. The hats that arrived overwhelmed me, not just with their quality and beauty, but with the love and prayer of others who trully cared about those children.

The box in which I collected the hats for mailing positively overflowed with love. I was certain that the postal clerk might think that there was something alive in there! LOL! In a way, there was. It was a box full of humanity.

I look forward to doing this again and again. As long as its needed. I am not one of those knitters that can discuss the intricacies of the art. I simply knit in the same way that my Palestinian grandmother taught me and like her, I knit for others, to make them happy. In other words, I knit as an act of love and for Gaza, as a weapon of peace.

Story of a Hat

2010-02-22T14:25:00.000-08:00

This is the first in a Series of "Hat Stories" that will be posted by us, with submissions from our hat makers/contributors, to express what the project meant, and still means to them, and to let them tell their story of why they felt the need to help with this.
The story below is from me, Beeba.
Enjoy!

Although everyone must tire of hearing me say this by now, I must say it again:
I am still warmed inside by the success of our first campaign.

I loved seeing one of my hat contributions in particular popping up in several different pictures, on different kids.
The hat that I had the most reservations about as far as color and style, seemed to be pretty darn popular! (You can see another of mine, brown with a couple green striped in the 21st picture down, looks like its being handed to someone. I just found that out a few days ago. Call me crazy, but yes, I have come back to the Delivery photos post fairly frequently!)

I wanted to write about the story of my black and white hat, my Hurricane Hat, because its been on my mind; not just because, contrary to my initial feelings, it was popular, but also because it amazes me to see something that I made and donated after it was delivered. I mean, I always have given clothing and household items away that I no longer need, but once they were left at the drop off spot, and unless I was giving them away to friends/family, that was the end of the story and I never saw them again. Which is fine, of course, and the ordinary way donations and contributions to the needy work. Right?
But to be able to have inside information and see the beautiful recipient of something you lovingly made and donated is truly heartwarming, motivating, uplifting, and inspiring!
It has motivated me to make more, and inspired me to tell the story of that hat, the one I titled on my Ravelry Projects page, Hurricane Hat for a Gazan Child.

The story begins in Kentucky. While my mother lived there, she bought roving from a local spinner. This roving was either Lincolnshire or Cotswold (we can't remember which exactly!)-- a natural white.
My mother was at this time beyond the beginner phase and was getting really good at spinning. She spun the natural white with some natural (undyed) black alpaca, and the result was gorgeous black and white and silver in some places, thick-n-thin yarn. Truly precious to any knitter.

When I got my three skeins before she moved back overseas, I held onto them close and would fantasize about what I'd knit with them. A Fuzzy Lamb for my boys, perhaps? Leg warmers for me? Trim for a coat, sweater or jacket? The possibilities were too man, I couldn't narrow it down so I hung onto the yarn, lovingly smelling it from time to time (mom uses uplifiting peppermint vegetable based soap, maybe Dr. Bonners?), and squeezing it, trying to conjure up what I would knit with it. I kept seeing Barbara Prime's Fuzzy Mitten cuddlies. I am such a fan.

I had only knit one hat prior to helping with this project. I found some easy patterns and started knitting. I started with the Swriled Ski Cap in Knitting for Peace, but that was, sad to say, a disaster. I then completed Hat #1, and Hat #2, both Rolled Brim from Knitting for Peace, in Lambs Rode worsted, Noro Kureyon, and Cascade Ecological. I then attempted a lace hat that had major pattern issues and was set aside. Then, I tried a somewhat complex slip stitch hat that is absolutely beautiful, but that was extremely slow going. What with the deadline looming, it had to be set aside for a later date, too.
By now I was getting a little bored with frogging (had frogged 2 or 3 at this point!), and setting aside (I set 2 aside, the lace and the slip), and wanted something new and delicious.
I raided the box of yarn mom sent me before she moved, and rediscovered the handspun. I knew I wanted to use it, and what better recipient than a needy child? I knew Mom would be happy by that, too!
I scoured Ravelry for a fast, fun, simple pattern, and can't remember how I came across the Hurricane Hat, but cast on immediately. It was fast and fun.
I had an issue with the swirling part of the pattern, but the designer was really helpful and considerate.
I finished it really fast, and loved the outcome: a beautiful, natural, stormy colored hat.

It did occur to me that maybe the colors were too dark, but my son seemed to love it so that was a passing thought.

Jump ahead to a few months later, and I saw for myself that this hat was really popular with the kids! I read the Hat distributors post, below, and was happy to read the children's reactions to the hats, how they would swap them around, etc-- that explained why in one picture one kid had it on, and another kids in another!

It also broke my heart to read that they never got anything new before, and certainly never got to CHOOSE something all their own.
Knowing this only strengthens my resolve to keep on keeping on, knitting more hats, toys and whatever else I can for these very deserving, innocent children, victims caught in the middle of the crossfire.

I hope everyone who reads this will be inspired and motivated to do the same!

Yes We Did!

2010-02-13T03:39:00.000-08:00

Did you all notice the lovely slide show (look to the top right) that Beeba put together for the blog? I know its a work in progress but I want to thank you Beeba. Great idea and a wonderful end result!
So ladies and gents......Yes We Did! It was a call to action that didn't Change the larger issues but even if only for one winter, our work, which was from the heart, changed the lives of 113 children, innocent victims of the ongoing Israeli blockade on Gaza.
While we want to steer away from out right political discussion, its hard to seperate the fact that as a nation (in the U.S), we are called to action for positive change and yet, as far as matters close to our hearts (the children of Gaza) our hands remain tied. We can work our fingers to the bone for the children but unless U.S. policy towards the situation shifts dramatically, nothing is going to Change.
At this point in time, it's rather hard to envision a free Gaza. In most news articles, when the peace talks are discussed, Gaza is not even mentioned as being on the table! Is Gaza in a permanent state of siege then? And if so, can we accept that?
The less we hear about it, the more it becomes the norm. It isn't normal to imprison an entire population. We should never allow ourselves to become desensitized. Further we cannot allow our neighbors to become so either.
By all means, lets keep knitting! But I am interested in ideas that might help put Gaza on the "Change" list officially, in the White House. Isn't it time we say, "Enough" and demand Change?

Guest Post: An Update on the delivery..photos! Information!

2010-01-20T06:31:00.000-08:00

I know you all have been waiting for a report on the hats being delivered, and I appreciate your patience as travelling through Rafah is at best difficult. The crossing is only open at certain times and these times are difficult to even know and can change at the drop of a hat, excuse the pun:)
I am happy to report that the hats were delivered and were a great hit with the children. The hats were delivered to a group of children whom the majority were orphans, all of them were refugees who lost their homes in the war last year. Please remember that you can click on the photos to enlarge them, now here is my report:
Upon arrival at the community centre where the group of children were to receive the hats I had no idea of what to expect. People themselves were very friendly, all smiles, very happy to see an outsider visiting them. Some spoke broken English, this combined with hand signals and animated expressions allow for eager communication.
I was speaking as best I could, to the lady in charge of the local “Women’s Affairs Centre” who arranged the children’s visit. A heavy set jovial woman whom you can’t help but like, even if you can’t understand everything she is saying. As we waited for the children to arrive, she had arranged a small lunch for me and I felt guilty taking their food as they are so short of things due to the siege. But you soon discover you cannot say “no” to the hospitality, as they will attempt to feed you if you don’t eat a sufficient amount and you must try everything at least twice LOL.
After this we entered a room where chairs were arranged in a circle. All the while this woman either held my hand or had her arm around me, smiling and talking a blue streak of broken English. She told me that the majority of these children were very traumatised as a result of the war. All of them were from refugee camps, many of them had stopped speaking after the war and were now non-verbal. Some had reverted to child like behaviour such as thumb sucking and rocking for comfort. So that set the scene.
Shortly they began to arrive, a group of women, whom were involved in caring for the children arrived and began taking seats around the centre area along with the smaller younger children surrounding where the box of hats were located. The children also arrived and the smaller shy ones sat on the laps of the women or hid behind the chairs, peeking out every now and then to see what was happening.

The children ranged in age from toddler to 12 years old and there were more boys than girls, although not by much. The difference was the girls were younger and on the whole, much more shy, only three of them ever mixed in the larger group after they got their hat, most of them remained hiding behind chairs or on the laps of the women care givers. Overall the girls were much younger than most of the boys and maybe more fearful of strangers. If you enlarge some of the photos and look way in the back you will see some of the traumatized kids with hats, but hiding behind chairs and people. The photo below was actually clipped out of a large group shot and I have enlarged it just to show how they hide behind adults and chairs or anything else they can get behind, because the kids that were hiding were too traumatized for me to get them out from behind the chairs and they were afraid of everything and so I did not want to force them to be in photos. Example below:

The most striking thing for me, and what I will never erase from my mind, was the faces of the children when they first arrived. Their faces were utterly blank, devoid of expression or emotion; their eyes were lifeless and hopeless. It was as if they had lost their identities and personalities, they were so damaged. To be honest they looked like the walking dead. I’ll never forget that for as long as I live and you will see this in some of the photos like the ones below as an example:

This little girl did begin to smile later on after much coaxing on my part and you will see her smile in another photo. The rest of the shy hiding ones never did smile nor come out after they got their hats.
So, it was arranged for the hats to be distributed in some sort of orderly fashion, but once it was announced by the interpreter that the hats were actually for the kids, the kids became all excited once that sunk in, and soon it descended into chaos with scenes reminiscent of a 70% off sale at the mall. It happened so fast that the first pictures I was able to get only show throngs of kids surrounding the hat box. You cannot even see the box of hats, it was madness.

But the kids were so excited and I’ve never seen anything like it, with each one looking for their perfect hat in their favourite colour. Grabbing three at a time and trying them on. Like kids everywhere, some were crying or sulking because someone else got their favourite hat first. Once all the hats were taken, they then began to swap and trade and try each others hats on. So if you see your hat on a kid, you may also see it on another kid later on after all the trading was completed. It was so cute! It was explained to me that they never get anything new, and they never get a choice. So to be able to pick a hat on their own was a really big thing to them. And they enjoyed every second of that foreign experience.

In the photo below you will see a young boy wearing a teal sweater, he is standing with his arms folded looking like a thunder cloud. This is because he did not get the hat he wanted, someone else got to it before he could. He attempted to trade numerous times but to no avail and so he remained sulking the entire time mostly.

Most of the girls took their hats and immediately went back to the women caring for them, back to lap sitting and hiding behind chairs. However, there were three little girls who were curious of the stranger and remained within the larger group of mostly boys. These three girls were so cute and they allowed me to photograph them a few times.

Also, there was the cutest little boy he was 4 years of age and an orphan who had stopped speaking after his family was killed. Although he never spoke or even smiled, he was fascinated with me and his special hat! He followed me everywhere and I made a fuss over him, hugging him and speaking to him, smiling and playing with him. And although he never smiled, he was keen to have my attention continue and would appear at my knees often just staring up at me hoping for more attention. His photo is below:

The trading and trying on of each others hats went of for about 15 minutes more. Some of the children were starting to become more interactive as well. Evidently in school they are taught some English phrases. The two they all seem to know are; “Hello” and “How old are you?” What was funny to me is that they never get to actually try the phrases on real English speakers, so picture a room full of kids and one English speaking stranger to practice on. Are you laughing yet? For the remainder of the time spent there I was continually told “hello” and asked “how old are you?” to which I replied “How old are you?” back, and they’d show by fingers how old they were. Some were intent on me answering them, so I had to do the ten fingers thing a few times to reach my age, which made some laugh and others look shocked at so many fingers LOL.
After this the group moved outside to a small grassy area next to the community centre. Grassy areas are few and far between. I was told this tiny area has been planted after the war as a park type area for the kids to play when visiting the centre. These were the final photos of the day taken here in the grassy area where the kids really by this time were laughing and horsing around with their hats. Many had also become little celebrities and were competing for camera time. They all began holding the hats in the air, like graduation day at your local college. Smiling and waving and celebrating. More group and individual photos follow this section below:

Again this same group who hid behind chairs, continued to hide behind the grown ups and were fearful of being photographed or interacting with me and I did not push the situation, I just let them be and every now and then I’d catch one of them watching with interest from behind their safe space.
So, below are the rest of the photos. I tried my best to take out from group photos, individual kids so people could see their hats on as many as possible. Also once the kids attacked the box of hats it was so difficult to find individual hats, between them all running around and the group of shy kids hiding all over the place. But all of you who contributed to this project should take away a great source of pride from this. Because for just one day in their lives, they got to pick their own thing that had never belonged to anyone else, and you all allowed them to have that experience. Additionally, they know that somewhere outside of their little lives, there are people who thought about them and cared enough to give them that experience, and while that is a small thing in the grand scheme of the humanitarian situation in Gaza, it is actually a big thing to the kids who participated and got a hat of their own and a little bit of attention that was just for them. Next are the groups photos followed by the individual photos:

Individual photos next:

So, I will end by saying thank you to everyone who participated, and by asking each one of you to give yourselves a well deserved big pat on the back for giving this small experience to these traumatized orphans from the refugee camp.
Well done everyone!
Thank You from the kids in Gaza!

Mission Accomplished!!!!!!!!!!!

2010-01-17T05:09:00.000-08:00

I just heard the news, more photos and information coming when our friend gets home again!!! These hats are just some that we sent.
I quote my dear friend from her email to me

the kids in the photos are orphans from the war, they went nuts over the hats and when the bag was oopened they attacked it............seriously they spent 45 minutes trading with each other and they all had to try each hat on, although some would not give up theirs too funny!!!

Thank you all so much for your patience and understanding while we waited to hear news. Our good deed made a difference.

Haiti

2010-01-14T13:38:00.001-08:00

Please keep the people of Haiti in your prayers. The citizens of that country have been living in a horrific situation for years now and I have felt empathy to their plight.

Gaza Children Drawings

2010-01-11T09:50:00.000-08:00

Publish Post

Please also visit this site to read more about the exhibit and you can also visit Rod Cox's blog where he talks more about this very important work he does in Gaza.

Visitors!

2010-01-05T05:16:00.001-08:00

I was just looking around here, making sure that all comments have been answered when I scrolled all the way down to the visitors map (at the very end of the page). It's heartening to see that we have visitors from all over the world visiting this blog! We are getting the message across and our members are spreading the word! Thank you all for that.

I know many do not like to comment on blogs so I don't gauge our success by actual comments, but by actual hits. However, it would be nice to hear from visitors now and then. So don't be shy! Let us know you are there!

Viva Palestina Emergency Appeal.

2010-01-01T06:56:00.001-08:00

Edited: Link (let me know if it works!)

Please visit this link to see how you can help bring medical supplies safely into Gaza.
I know that many are reading this and if you can't donate, you can still help by passing the appeal around. Thanks.

Back to Hats-Another U.S. Beauty

2009-12-31T05:00:00.000-08:00

When this envelope arrived from G-knits, I was with my twins. I didn't even get to touch it at first because the second they saw the colors they grabbed it and began to fight over it:) As if.......
Don't worry G-knits, I retrieved it safely and let them continue the fight without the hat in their grubby hands.
It is a ribbed pattern and will fit various head sizes. The recipient will wear it for years to come since it won't be outgrown. Just beautiful! Thank you!

Remember

2009-12-27T06:02:00.001-08:00

Today is a good day to take some time out, perhaps meditate or pray for peace over your knitting. I want to say so much and yet have not been able to put my thoughts together. Its not that I can't put into words what I am feeling, its just that words are cheap in light of the one year anniversary of Operation Cast Lead. Your thoughts?

Twitter for Gaza

2009-12-26T14:28:00.000-08:00

Only 2 days to go before our attempt at trending #GAZA on twitter to raise global awareness on commemorating one year since the massive Israeli assault and siege....Link

This is something we can all do tomorrow, please check the link and learn how we can help trend Gaza. Thank you Shunra for the heads up.

Tracking the Hats

2009-12-23T22:26:00.000-08:00

So my mother emailed me the news this morning!

The Viva Palestina convoy has successfully made it to Amman, Jordan. Very good to hear.

Soon, very soon, our beloved hat distributor (and all 100+ hats!) will be in Gaza, and the hats will be on the heads of cold, needy children and teens.
Amazingly, according to that report, there are 400 people from as far away as Malaysia and Italy accompanying the convoy. Wow!

I am eagerly awaiting the news that the convoy made it into Gaza. My thoughts and prayers are with them!

100 Hats and counting!

2009-12-13T05:09:00.000-08:00

I just wanted to give the nearly final tally for the hats! 100 plus two packages on their way which I think will make it 113 when all is said and done, two pairs of mittens and one cute kitty comfort toy!
I will resume posting images of hats soon.

"Sisterhood of the Traveling Hats" --Guest Post from the Hat distributor!

2009-12-10T16:58:00.000-08:00

This post is a very special, heartwarming message from the woman who is the key to it all, our wonderful friend who has the lucky job of distributing the hats to the children in Gaza.
Enjoy!

"Sisterhood of the Travelling Hats"

Hello everyone, I want to report that two packages arrived from our European hat makers, AND just this morning the big box arrived from the USA!!!! All the hats are SO beautiful, very well made and unique, I am both amazed and overwhelmed at the quality of the hats people made for this project. You guys are nothing short of being quite simply amazing! All the tiny baby hats, the medium sized kids hats, and a big thanks to those who made some larger sizes for teenagers, who tend to be forgotten because people tend to think of the small children and babies. So thank you to everyone for stepping up, making the hats donating the yarn, mailing your hats to Linda and a HUGE thanks to Safiyah for the blog and Linda who paid $48.00 to send the hats to me.

Now that the official “thank you” is done, I have asked Linda and Safiyah to indulge me and allow me to make this post today, addressed to all of you who participated. This is going to be difficult to write as I am filled with emotion at the moment. Here goes.

11 months, 2 weeks and 4 days ago, the date was December 27th 2008. I remember it so very well, it was the first day of the Israeli air strikes on Gaza. It was a cold dark dreary day where I live, and the day was made more dark, dreary and hopeless as the videos began rolling into the news sources. Like many of us, I expected the air strikes to end quickly, 1-2 days. Yet they continued, day and night for 22 days, unrelenting. As I watched in horror as white phosphorous sprayed down from the skies, surgically delivered by un-manned drones, I felt numb, helpless, hopeless and most of all alone.

That feeling did not go away, as there was more to witness as the bodies of children began to be pulled from the rubble of their homes, schools and mosques. I thought of my own children, and quietly thanked God that they were safe, all the while feeling guilty that they were safe, warm and with a solid roof over their heads as they slept.

I went online in a selfish effort to find others experiencing the alone-ness that I was feeling and was amazed to find millions of others just like me. I was no longer alone and isolated.

Some months later I was lucky enough to find the Knitters group supporting peace in Palestine. As the next winter approached in Gaza I thought about the millions of children that were homeless, living in tents or the rubble of their former homes. Knowing the winters in Palestine can be wet and cold, I wondered what little people like us could do to help them keep warm and to let them know that people cared. And a few weeks later the Hats for Gaza project began, again, thank you to Linda and the others who created the group. Safiyah created a great blog, and soon our little crew expanded and we began making hats to help keep the kids warm this winter.

As I sorted through all the hats today, grouping them into sizes, marvelling at the amount of work that went into creating each little hat, I began to cry. Yup I admit it, I’m pathetic. But I did so because I realised that I belonged to a new sisterhood of people who cared and wanted to do something good. So, the moral of this story is that sometimes in life, good can come from bad. We have met, made friends, worked together and we are no longer alone. Today we are a group, and today or hats have travelled from all parts of the world, to come together and be delivered to the children of Gaza. Today we have become the “Sisterhood of the Travelling Hats.”

More U.S Hats

2009-12-07T11:02:00.000-08:00

Even more gorgeous hats, this time by our friend TikkunKnitter who is on ravelry as well. There are several wonderful patterns used in this batch so if you are on ravelry go check out TikkunKnitters project page for more information.
One I have to highlight for everybody, the green one peeking out in the background:

This is from a chart TikkunKnitter created herself called Kafiyeh Dialog 1. The chart can also be found on ravelry. I think this one is my favorite of all, though "Aviatrix" is so cute as well!
Edited to add- Check out TikkunKnitters blog about the Tikkun Tree Project. Beeba and I actually met there in the comments section. Who would of thought it would come to this!
Big double thanks to Tikkun Knitter!

U.S. Hats

2009-12-06T05:39:00.001-08:00

I'll tell you, these hats were absolutely adorable! They are from Shunra who is on ravelry. I didn't take a photo myself so this one is used by permission. They have flowers! Cute flowers on crocheted hats! Love the color choices as well. Shunra, your work is much appreciated. I loved holding them when I got them, very soft and lofty. The children who receive them will be delighted (and warm!). Thanks so much!

Canadian Hats

2009-12-04T05:03:00.001-08:00

These four hats came from Patricia in Canada. They were all so soft, made of merino wool I think (correct me I'm wrong Patricia). The little red hat on the right was my favorite because I have a thing about tiny baby hats, but they are all so beautiful and perfectly done. So thankful for your work Patricia!

Two More From Judy

2009-12-03T06:12:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I showed two of Judy's wonderful hats. Above are two more that were uploaded by her. Again, I have to say, very lovely, nice color choices and adore the patterns. Judy has inspired me to crochet more actually. I can finish more hats that way.

Crocheted from Europe

2009-12-02T06:05:00.001-08:00

These two lovelies are from Judy who told me she was still trying to get in more crocheting before the European deadline. I love both of these and actually want to make the blue and white one myself. The gray is also really cute, nice color there, looks as soft as the teddy bear. Judy's entire body of work is gorgeous. See more of it on her blog here. Also, look for a post on her blog that has links to baby hats. Lots of them!
Thanks Judy. You helped to make my day!

3 More

2009-11-28T09:48:00.000-08:00

I am horribly behind on posting updates of the hats we have received so far. I am trying to post in order of completion whenever possible so bare with me.
These cute hats are from Maria here in the states who found out about us on ravelry. Her cameras batteries died so I promised to photograph them for her and then my camera batteries died! The colors in the photo don't do the work justice, they are actually softer in tone. Sorry Maria:)
Great work yet again! We certainly have talented fiber artists at work here. Stay tuned for more!

Blog Featured on Desert Peace

2009-11-26T06:39:00.000-08:00

I was searching online for comparable groups that work for Palestinian children and needless to say came up empty handed. However..........I did find that Desert Peace did a feature post about Hats Off To Gaza! Very exciting news! Read it here!
If you followed the link from there to here then welcome friends. We are indeed working on hats for Gazas many needy children. Our first campaign is proving to be a success thanks to the hard work of our volunteers. Many have vowed to continue knitting for this cause and we are now working out the details for our next campaign so please keep checking in.
Feel free to contact us here with questions anytime as well. Most of all, help spread the word. As I said, there are no other groups out there serving Palestinian children, not that I have uncovered as of yet. I don't begrudge that other shattered regions do have groups working for the victims but the fact remains that Gaza's children need us more than ever.

And even more!

2009-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

These beautiful hats are all made by Sipusa in Norway. Check out her blog where you can see more of her amazing work. Sipusa also made a cute little toy which is a great idea. Comfort toys may be in the works for future campaigns. Thanks you Sipusa!

More hats

2009-11-21T08:08:00.000-08:00

I'm falling behind on posting the hats we are receiving! Here are two wonderful images of hats knit by Tracy in Qatar who will be sending to our European collection point. Our overseas participants have it made since they have a longer period of time to knit more hats. I love the colors you used Tracy. These hats really do look warm as well.
Thanks again!

On Recruiting Others

2009-11-15T05:07:00.000-08:00

I had several teenagers over yesterday, 4 girls and one boy, visiting my children. I showed them the hats that I had received so far and as they oohed and aahed away, it dawned on me that so few young ones have learned the crafts of knitting and crocheting and further, their own parents don't have the skills so don't make hats for them.
When I showed them the bigger hats, they couldn't help themselves, they got twinkles in their eyes hoping it was for them. I then explained to them that the hats were intended for Gazan children. Some of you may think that teenagers are removed from political realities but this is not so. This group actually held the hats to their chests as I spoke and one said, "Oh, I want to knit hats for little Palestinian children!" The others agreed.
I then offered to teach them to crochet in exchange for each one making one hat for the cause. They all jumped at the chance, even the boy.
While I can knit and crochet, I find it hard to teach knitting so crochet it will be. I also promised to teach them how to make something for themselves, their choice.
They then began a discussion about their schools crochet club. They decided to join next week as well. And they volunteered to spread the word.
If you find people interested but don't know how to knit or crochet, why not offer to teach them? Childrens hats can be easy projects. Each hat counts. Give it a try!

More Hats! Yes!

2009-11-14T10:53:00.001-08:00

Ravelry member kirbanita sent these five beautiful hats this week. This photo is used with her permission. Thanks so much kirbanita! I know these will keep children warm and the colors will bring some brightness to a bleak winter.
I have been contacted by several more members who are sending to our European collection point as well. We are nearing the deadline for this campaign in the U.S. now but are going to be regrouping afterwards to plan our next one. Our members have come up with several great ideas on possiblities for ensured delivery which sound very promising. Feel free to give us your ideas.
The level of participation has made me see that the world does indeed care about the innocent victims of conflicts and wars. My pessimism melts with every hat we recieve. Thank you all.

Ravelry group is up to 35 members! And more news

2009-11-12T21:02:00.000-08:00

I am so happy to report that the Ravelry group has 35 members.

It seems the word is finally getting out, and people are joining! Just today a friend I didn't think was interested in this project whatsoever surprised me by accepting my invitation. That was my first bit of good news. The second was the enthusiasm of another lady in my circle, she is all for this and has begun work on her first hat today.

Another good piece of news we received in the last couple days is that we have another person who may be able to deliver our hand made items for future campaigns! If this person comes through, it will be a huge relief, as this is a major obstacle in sending anything at all to Gaza. (Don't need to elaborate here! Anyone who follows the news will see what I mean).

I love it when people come together for a good cause. And what better cause than the betterment of childrens lives?
This really gives me the reassurance that our project is a noble one, and begins to fulfill the hope that we will have many more "campaigns" in the future.

A very good week for Hats Off to Gaza!

More on the way!

2009-11-09T15:14:00.001-08:00

In the last two days I have heard from several participants who are ready to mail their hats. This is just so exciting! Thanks to all who have taken an interest. Remember that in the U.S. our deadline is approaching. November 26.
As soon as I get some more hats, I'll share with photos.
Take care all.

Our First Hat Has Arrived!

2009-11-01T03:48:00.000-08:00

This lovely hat was knit by Diana in Korea. Thanks so much Diana, for the hat and for giving us permission to use your photograph on this blog.
We now have over 30 people on ravelry participating and several members who are actively recruiting other fiber artists who are not ravelry members. The compassion for Gazas children shown by so many has been heartwarming.
If you are visiting for the first time, this blog is under construction so if you would like more information, feel free to use the comments button or to email us. Eventually we will have all the information here on the blog.
Thanks for your patience, encouragment and participation. Now go knit or crochet!

Deadline!

2009-10-27T20:16:00.000-07:00

For those who are visiting this blog for the first time and would like to send knit or crocheted hats to Gazan children, here are the deadline guidelines depending on where you are located:

Who to send the hat to?
If you are in the US, the best date to have your hats sent off is November 26.
In the U.S, the address will be sent to you when you email us. When you are ready, please us and we will send you the address privately. We trust that nobody will pass my private information on to others for any reason other than sending me hats.
For Overseas hats: If you are in Europe or the Middle East it may make more sense to send them to a location in the area. Please email us and we will hook you up with the person who is responsible there. Alternatively you can also send them to the US address, if for some reason this will be easier but be aware of the U.S. deadline.
Southern Hemisphere and Asia, please let us know which would be easier and cheaper to send to, U.S. or Europe and we will make arrangements.
Deadline if sending directly to Europe is mid December. You ladies have it made! Mid December the latest!

Check back in for more information. Questions and ideas are always welcome.

About Us

2009-10-10T19:47:00.000-07:00

We are a group of caring, concerned knitter and crocheters all over the globe who wanted to fill a need. Our goals are purely humanitarian, non-political.

This is something people have done and continue to do all over the world, and for various reasons. We merely want to warm the heads of underprivileged, deserving, children of Gaza.

The reasons we chose to do this are somewhere along the lines of these quotes:

"There is no trust more sacred than the one the world holds with children. There is not duty more important than ensuring that their rights are respected, that their welfare is protected, that their lives are free from fear and want and that they grow up in peace." -Kofi Annan

"We cannot live only for ourselves. A thousand fibers connect us with our fellow men." - Herman Melville