By Prudence Ingerman
Here is an opportunity for you to use up small scraps of yarn, cast on 33 stitches and make a small peacepal which will bring comfort and companionship to a lonely needy person.
The organization Knitting4peace.org is based in Denver, Colorado. Since its founding in 2006, it has delivered requested handmade items to more than 195,000 people in communities around the United States and in 82 countries around the world. The organization is composed of those who make the items, those who sort and organize the items, and volunteers who deliver them.
Items which are in constant need are:
- Scarves
- Hats
- Mittens
- PeacePals
- Shawls
- Bibs
- Baby Blankets
- Booties
- Washcloths
- Peace Blankets
- Quilted Sleeping Mats
Specific free instructions and requirements are given for each of these items.
The monthly newsletter includes a list of most needed items, that are often related to the season.
For the past three years I have been making peacepals (562 as of today). These 6 – 7- inch dolls are not toys and are never for sale. They are given to lonely or traumatized people who need a companion and to children who have been abused or abandoned and who need a friend. My brother in California has one he has kept inside his shirt or pajama top for several years. Although he is in a wheelchair, he is not unhappy. He has friends, his wife is a lawyer so they have enough money and a nice property with redwood trees, but he depends on this little companion day and night.
How to Make a Peace Pal
Final product is no more than 6 -7 inches. These are not toys. Please give it to a person who is sad, lonely or who needs a small companion. They are never for sale. Make and send with thoughts of peace and love! No black or white skin, only tan or shades of brown. Only black or brown eyes. All sorts of funky hair are welcomed. The concept of three is in each peacepal. One third represents the person who made it, one third the person who will receive it and one third the spirit of life that all people share.
Materials needed:
If using Worsted weight yarn: size 3 needles- straight or double pointed (d.p.), Use numbers in bold.
Bits of scrap yarn, small sharp scissors, a marker, yarn needle.
If using sport or sock yarn : size 1.5 or 2 needles. Use # in ( )
Bits of scrap yarn, small sharp scissors, a marker, yarn needle.
If knitted flat, knit a row and purl back = stockinette stitch.
START: Cast on 33 (36) stitches. Since you will start with a few rows of garter stitch (just knitting), you may find it easier to cast on all the stitches using a straight needle. But if you prefer to start on d.p. needles, distribute the stitches 11, 11, 11 (12, 12, 12).
FEET – Knit in garter stitch 4 (6) rows (2-3 ridges), then distribute the stitches on the dp needles when you change color for the legs. To add a new color, just tie on the new color and stuff it inside. It will never show.
Now that you are on dp needles, be sure to knit the first few stitches of each needle tightly to avoid unsightly ladders between needles.
LEGS – Knit 10 (12) rows in stockinette stitch.
TOP – change color Knit 12 (14) rows. Cut Then follow these decreases. They shape the top of the head.
Decrease 1 – K 4, k2tog (repeat all the way around) Knit a plain row.
Decrease 2 – K 3, K2tog (repeat all the way around). Knit a plain row.
Decrease 3 – K2, K2tog (repeat all the way around.) Knit a plain row.
Decrease 4 – K1, K2tog – (repeat all the way around.) This should leave you with about 12 stitches.
Cut it, leaving about 8 inches. Thread needle and run through these stitches. Draw up tightly.
Stuff peacepal lightly with polyfil. Thread the yarn you left for the neck stitches in and out of last row of the top stitches. Pull to make a nice large head, and tack in place securely.
Sew arms approximately ¼ of the way in from sides. Sew them down to the waist.
Sew leg separation on a line in the center from feet almost to waist.
Form feet with small crocheted circles or just sew closed. If knitted flat, sew up the back before stuffing.
Embroider features as you like.
See /knitting4peace.org/ for the monthly newsletter and for free instructions and requirements for all projects.
Send completed items and any donations to:
Knitting4Peace
2600 Leyden Street
Denver, Colorado 80207
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