free yarn and patterns (Oxfam)

Oxfam shops throughout the country are currently offering free yarn and patterns to knitters who would like to make accessories for them to sell in stores. (Ultimately this is much more profiatble for them, and far better for the environment, than their former practice of sending jumpers to children overseas. they also accept blankets to sell at Glastonbury!)

I was a bit concerned that maybe they might then sell the items for less than the price of the yarn but, no, the instructions to shop managers on pricing remind them that "each garment is handmade and unique", or, as Csilla in Cambridge's Bridge Street branch said, "we're not going to be offering gloves for £1 or anything silly like that". The patterns available include Rowan designs, and some designed specially for Oxfam. I'll be showing off a pattern for a peaked cap at the KTog this Saturday, and Csilla says that their best-selling knitted graments have been these and ear-flap hats. They're very happy to accept other designs if none of their patterns appeals.

If anyone has any unhomed yarn after Saturday's KTog, Oxfam would be happy to have it (so long as were not talking vast quantities!)