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Adults and 50-Plus

You may be surprised to discover the variety of activities offered at the library. Visit us for reading recommendations, technology assistance, special events, research help, retirement planning resources and more. Last Updated: Jul 22, 2024 12:24 PM

knitting for charity bannerSeptember 16 - November 15

What are the dates for the program? 
Knit anytime from September 16 to November 15. Knitted items must be dropped off by November 15, 6 p.m.

Will the library provide yarn? What else will be included?
Yes, we will provide a limited quantity of yarn at the following library branches: 
Regional: Centreville, Chantilly, City of Fairfax, George Mason, Pohick, Tysons-Pimmit, Sherwood. 
Community: Burke Centre, Dolley Madison, Great Falls, Herndon Fortnightly, Kings Park, Kingstowne, Oakton, Richard Byrd, Thomas Jefferson.  Only yarn will be provided. 

Will FCPL accept donations of knitted hats using my own yarn? 
Yes. The yarn must be new, wool/wool-blend or 100% acrylic yarn and washable. Avoid angora or mohair yarn; people may be allergic.

knitting for charity

Who will receive the hats?
Adults will receive a unisex hat. Knitted hats will be donated to Shelter House, a community-based, non-profit organization that provides crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services to homeless families and victims of domestic violence in our community.

Is there a size for the hat? 
Knit a hat to fit a head circumference of 22.5-24 inches.

Are there specific colors being used? 
Solid dark colors are preferable (e.g., black, dark brown, grey and charcoal).

Can the knitter decide on the pattern? 
Yes. 

May I crochet a hat?
Yes. 

I know how to knit and want to knit with others! Are there knitting groups that I can join? 
Several branches have knitting groups. You can bring your projects and chat with fellow knitters.

Are you offering classes for anyone wanting to learn how to knit?
Check with the knitting groups if they are offering any classes.

Where can we drop off our knitted items?
The collection sites are 
Regional: Centreville, Chantilly, City of Fairfax, George Mason, Pohick, Tysons-Pimmit, Sherwood. 
Community: Burke Centre, Dolley Madison, Great Falls, Herndon Fortnightly, Kings Park, Kingstowne, Oakton, Richard Byrd, Thomas Jefferson.

Are there allergy considerations being considered in choosing which yarn is used? 
Yes. The yarn will be wool/wool-blend or 100% acrylic yarn. We will avoid purchasing angora or mohair yarn.

Will there be a target number of items set? 
No.

Will FCPL accept donations of yarn? 
No.

Could we knit and donate other items like scarves, mittens, etc.?
Yes, and thank you for going the extra mile! However, this is not the expectation.

I can't knit. May I buy hats and/or other winter items to donate? 
No. We realize everyone will not be able to participate, but we want to encourage the gifting of handmade items. Please contact Shelter House directly if you wish to make a donation. 

Do you have any patterns for reference?
Orange Sherbet Easy-Fit Hat | AllFreeKnitting.com and Burgundy Breeze Cable Knit Hat | AllFreeKnitting.com

I have additional questions. Who can I contact? 
Send an email to LibAdultEvents@fairfaxcounty.gov.

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