There is a review of The Art of Lace Knitting as well as of my new assistant.

To get your copy, follow the instructions found here.

To get your copy, follow the instructions found here.

1. Nearly 1 in 5 Americans said they lacked the money to buy needed food at some point in 2009.
2. More than 38 million Americans—that’s 1 in 8—currently receive food stamps.
3. In the 4th quarter of 2009, 24.1 percent of families with children had experienced problems in being able to afford food.
4. Of the 100 largest metropolitan areas, 83 had food hardship rates of at least 15 percent.

Those are the findings of a Gallup survey, released January 26, 2010.

As readers of my blog Knit-a-While and my posts on various social networking sites know by now, fighting hunger is one of my biggest causes. I’ve often suggested ways that you can help fight hunger in your area and around the world.

But, I want—need—to do more.

Over the past several weeks, two fiber friends and I have worked together to create something we hope will benefit those who must go hungry in the United States. You’ll be hearing a lot about Fiber Friends Feed America—F3America—in the weeks to come. And, we hope that you’ll be willing to help.

F3America’s first major fund-raiser will be an auction. Yes, you’ll be able to bid on fiber-related items and help feed the hungry. The exact dates of the online auction are still being considered, and you’ll be the first to know.

No individuals affiliated with the auction will be paid for their services. This means that all funds raised will be donated. The recipient organization for this auction is Feeding America. You can read about their work if you click on the link. Every dollar that we are able to contribute will help provide 9 pounds of food. Think of how much that will be appreciated by those in need. And you’ll be able to feed your fibery habit.

We’ve already contacted a few of you fiber folk and asked for auction donations. It should come as no surprise that everyone has said yes. There are still many individuals and companies to contact; the more the merrier. If you’d like to contribute to the auction, you don’t have to wait for us to contact you. Just send an e-mail to Fiber Friends Feed America at info@f3america.org.  A complete list of contributors will be published on this blog as well as in Knitting Purls and on my blog Knit-a-While.

We hope that you will all want to participate in this and other projects we hope to have

In this issue, our first of volume 3, you’ll find a review of Simple Styles, a new book by Ann Budd, and of Knit Picks’ City Tweed DK yarn. Designer Michelle Miller–FickleKnitter–gives you guidelines on how you can design your own shawl. And, find out how ease is your friend.

Also inside this issue, you’ll find a review of a new stitch dictionary, details about how you can listen to knitting books while knitting–or doing almost anything else, as well as info on how you can be part of a very special knitting basket.

Have a wonderful holiday season.

Ida

Inside, you’ll discover 2 new knitting books that are a little different than the normal knitting pattern book fare. There’s also information on 3 groups that could use your knitting skills this holiday season.

And, please note that the deadline for the Knitting Purls/Knit-a-While Cuff-Down Smack-Down has been extended to November 1, 2009, so there’s still time to get your entry in.

In this issue, there are reviews of Jelly Yarn and the new Knit Picks Zephyr Options. You’ll also find reviews of two books that would enhance your knitting library. There’s also news of 2 contest, including a Knitting Purls design contest.

You’ll also read the story of a four-year-old who is trying to make hospitalized children feel better–plus, there are ways you can help.

Are you ever tempted to copy a pattern from a friend’s book? DON’T. Find out why in this issue.