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Each quarter, the Minnesota Knitters' Guild encourages members to knit for a special charity or community service. Our third-quarter community-service project for 2006: The Ramsey County Community Human Services (CHS). For this project, the society's efforts focus on making warm clothes for children (three years old and under) in Laos. Items can be knit, crocheted or sewn.

CHS staff have seen many children in Laos without warm clothing. They say the local markets of Laos have few warm clothes for toddlers and babies, and the items that can be found are poor in quality and too expensive for the villagers to purchase.

CHS is collecting sweaters, hats and warm items for children under age three. Wool is preferred because of its warmth, but any combination of fibers can be used for donated items. Donations of new blankets are also needed — fleece, knitted, or crocheted. For knitted items, sweaters, hats, and blankets are preferred. Please do not knit mittens or scarves. Mittens are too easy for babies and small children to lose, and scarves are not commonly worn in Laos.

For ideas and patterns, you can visit the Textile Center Library, your public library, www.lionbrand.com, or use one of your favorite patterns. We will collect all items at the guild general meeting on September 18, 2006.