June 1, 2009
Knitting Gives Hugs to Children Around the World
Whether making dinner for her local fire department or helping her two daughters or six grandchildren, generosity, kindness and giving back is second nature to Rosemary Sahr.
 So when her husband passed away in 2006, she turned to the craft she has loved for 50 years and began knitting for her community. At first, Rosemary made lap quilts for nursing home patients and prayer shawls for cancer patients but a trip her daughter Debbie and granddaughter Meghan were about to take to Kenya eventually gave Rosemary a new purpose and a family project.
“My mother taught me to knit and I taught my daughters and granddaughters. I have afghans all made and put away for when each grandchild gets married. I always have sweaters, blankets and other items made and ready for giving,” said Rosemary.
 Debbie and Meghan were traveling to Nairobi and planned to visit the Abandoned Baby Center built by Larry Jones’ Feed the Children organization. The evening before they were to leave, Rosemary gave them a bag of sweaters and baby blankets to take with them.
“When they returned, I saw a photo of them holding these smiling babies wearing my sweaters and wrapped in my blankets. From there it became a family project. We decided to make this our mission; keep knitting for them,” said Rosemary.
She shared her story with her church, inspiring others to get involved. Now, Rosemary runs the Heartwarmers Knitting Club. The group meets every other Monday and works on a variety of projects like hats, blankets and sweaters. Skill levels vary from beginner to advanced and Rosemary is always there to provide knitting advice and help in any way.
In July, the group will send a big box to Kenya when the weather in Eastern Africa gets cold.
Rosemary said the group enjoys gathering together to create so much so, that it warms their hearts to warm the hearts of these children; thus the name, Heartwarmers.
“Knitting a simple and colorful sweater is like reaching around the world and giving a child a hug,” said Rosemary.
To learn more about charitable knitting, visit our Red Heart charities. If your local group is interested in an international project click here to learn about the Guide Posts Knit for Kids™. The Guidepost sweater is the pattern used by Rosemary. |
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