’round again knits

’round again knits are made from recycled thrift store sweaters.  As an arts and crafts teacher for children I often receive crafts supplies others are not using. About 4 years ago I started getting a lot of yarn, and after streaming most of it to our local senior center to benefit their knitting group, which makes comfort items for military service people, shut ins and premature babies, I decided to take up a little knitting and crocheting myself. I made some shawls for women in war torn countries, and discovered the Knifty Knitter looms. After knitting several styles of hats, I invented the Double Drawstring Hat, now my main product.

In the meantime, a friend told me about a knitter who recycled Goodwill sweaters into yarn. I had already used some sweaters to make dog sweaters for my pit bull mix, Velvet, who Animal Rescue League rescued from living on the street in the cold of winter. She needed some extra help to want to go back outside. Once I had learned how to take sweaters apart at the seams I realized some of the pieces were a good size to make hats as well as dog sweaters for all sizes of dogs.  I sold a few and made gifts for friends and family.

Then, in the summer of 2008 I suffered a severe leg injury in a freak accident at day camp. I spent the next two years in and out of wheelchairs, surgery, crutches, braces, therapy etc. Thanks to my knit picking and recycling I had something to do with my hands and mind during this time.  I was able to put the hats and dog sweaters into local shops on consignment and sell at a few small craft shows.

Currently I am looking to get back into elementary teaching, and grow the ’round again knits business. No matter what, I will always make sure the business gives back to the community in gratitude for the chance to have something to contribute despite my disabilities.  Current charities include: Goodwill, St. Vincent de Paul, Riverview Community Action, Animal Rescue League, Animal Friends, Military Connections, Greater Pittsburgh Literacy Council.

This January I will be teaching a workshop at the East End Food Coop on how to recycle a sweater. Other mediums I enjoy working with are mosaics, bead jewelry, batik, and sewing. I also enjoy singing and playing hand drums and percussion instruments.