Purling for Peru 

Purling for Peru was organized to collect hand knit sweaters for the indigent children of Collique, Peru, a shanty town on the outskirts of Lima.  The sweaters are distributed during the regular dental care campaigns of  Operation San Andres.  One of us (the Texas sister) has been involved with this group for several years.

    The other two of us (one in Seattle and one in Nashville) are knitters.  After having knit for ourselves and everyone that we know - we were looking for a cause - and we found one - within our own family circle.  As the pictures and stories from Collique poured in - we began knitting.......

The history of charity knitting is a long one and there are many organizations looking for donations.  Betty Christiansen, author of a new book,  "Knitting for Peace: Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time" tells the stories and shares the magic that is involved in knitting for others.  She says,  that in knitting for others, "We can build bridges between warring nations, help to heal deep wounds, offer a primal sort of comfort, and create peace - however small, and in whatever way that may be - for others and ourselves."

We are using wool.  Wool is the most practical fiber for warmth during harsh winters.  100% wool is best for insulating against the cold and it endures best in rugged conditions.  A well-made wool garment can last for many years and can be passed down as children grow.

So, we started out by knitting from stashed yarn (always a good thing) but as we needed to purchase yarn we decided to use Peace Fleece because we like the concept that even buying the yarn is of benefit to someone else.

One of us knits the Children's Neck Down Pullover from Knitting Pure and Simple and the other knits The Wonderful Wallaby from Cottage Creations. Both choices are great, easy knits and the patterns come in a variety of sizes.

Each sweater means one more child is going to be warm.  We really can do something meaningful for children far away and living under tremendous hardship.  Our gifts make a difference in the lives of these children.