#Disasterknitting

That spark of inspiration at 4am is gaining momentum!  Frustrated with wanting to help the affected communities following the Kaikoura earthquake, but being out of work having just finished university course with no money to spare, I decided to donate my craft skills instead.  I have set up three auctions to monetise my skills and donate to the Red Crosses Earthquake Appeal.   I have spoken a little about why money is the best way to donate here: http://junipersnz.blogspot.co.nz/2016_11_01_archive.html
I want to encourage other crafters to do the same, by selling hand spun wool, finished garments or designs and donating to either the Red Cross or another similar appeal to support the affected communities following the Kaikoura earthquake.  Please post ideas and listings here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/Disasterknitting/

My other aims are to promote a partnership between Creative fiber, other local NZ fiber groups, and the Red Cross's Knitty knatter community support groups.  The benefits of craft such as knitting have been well proven to reduce stress as well as provide links for supportive communities to form.  These values are held in high regard by both Creative Fibre and the Red Cross, so a partnership makes sense.   Additionally, there are many knitting, crochet, and fiber groups in NZ not under the creative fiber group and it is about time we had one NZ nationwide organisation to support all wool fiber crafts.

A great article on the benefits of knitting groups following the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake can be seen in this article "Japanese elderly knit a safety net" http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052970203833004577248771587717902