Yesterday, a friend and I went to Building RE Sources - a non-profit business offering a place for eco-conscious folks to donate and/or purchase recycled building materials.  We had a great time wandering through the aisles of doors, windows, plumbing fixtures and tiles, and spent some time thinking creatively about what we could do with the different items. 

We were hunting for something specific (and didn't find it) but DID find tumbled tile and glass that is produced by The Red Shovel Glass Co.; a division of the same organization.  They offer tumbled terra cotta, random tiles and a variety of ten different colors of glass.  These repurposed mini-gems could be used in planter beds or flower pots, and the glass versions look very similar to sea glass...

The textures and patterns in these salvaged objects are inspiring to me - the cracked paint, worn out and bent metal railings, broken tiles, antique doors... drawer after drawer of card catalogs filled with cabinet hardware... inspiration for knitting patterns is everwhere; we just have to look! 

Our field trip was great fun and while there is no major building project happening currently, I think that visiting places like this from time to time is helpful to show what's available within the community.  It's also a great place to consider recommending for those in the area who are doing major remodels - how nice to donate (and get a tax deduction) for the old windows, doors, lighting and plumbing fixtures in a home instead of sending those things to a landfill!  Salvage centers such as this are located all over the United States.  Search online for one in your area!

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I knit for many reasons.  I knit because it's creative, relaxing, fun, inspiring... I have discovered through my knitting that it is also a great way to start conversations.  When I knit in public, people seem curious about what I'm making; they ask about the techniques, the patterns, the yarn... This is part of the reasoning behind my series of patterns that are designed to raise awareness of different issues.  This pattern, CURE, features a "virus" motif, one red ribbon, and was created to encourage HIV/AIDS awareness.  Beyond the knitter gaining access to the included information sheets about the virus, transmission, testing and various online resources, I hope this information is shared with others while the project is being knit, or perhaps the fact sheets are included with the hat as a gift to someone.  Being able to share facts and resources is one of the greatest gifts we can offer our communities!

In addition to these wonderful benefits, 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this pattern are donated to Project Open Hand;  a non-profit organization offering “meals with love” to people living with HIV/AIDS and other serious illnesses and to seniors in San Francisco and Alameda Counties since 1985.  Learn more at www.openhand.org.

Following this pattern, it’s easy to create a custom hat supporting HIV/AIDS awareness!  Knit one for yourself, make another for a friend or charity!  Share the knowledge you gain with those you love to help raise awareness about the virus and how it is transmitted, and feel good about your purchase; knowing that you're helping Project Open Hand do the wonderful work they've been doing for over 25 years!

If you're interested in knitting the hat, click the "buy now" button below and complete your purchase for an instant download.  Another way to show support?  Click the buttons at the bottom of this post to share this post with your friends on facebook or twitter.  Encourage your knitting group to each purchase a copy of the pattern and do a knit-a-long.  Thank you for your support!!

As an additional note, the other pattern designed to raise awareness, CAUSE, benefits Living Beyond Breast Cancer. 100% of the net proceeds from the sale of this pattern go to an amazing nonprofit in PA.  Founded in 1991, Living Beyond Breast Cancer offers specialized programs and services for the newly diagnosed, young women, women with advanced breast cancer, women at high risk for developing the disease, African-American and Latina women as well as programs for caregivers and healthcare professionals to help them better meet the needs of women affected by breast cancer.  Learn more at www.LBBC.org.


To purchase this pattern, click the "buy now" button.  Thanks for helping to spread awareness of these important issues while helping me to raise money for these worthwhile organizations.

November has been a month full of changes.  I made many life altering choices, including the one to say farewell to my home in Los Angeles and head north to San Francisco!  Change is not always easy, but often these differences in location and change of scenery offer more good than we can imagine!  On Sunday November 20, 2010 I headed north with a friend after loading my (cute) little 10' Uhaul truck.  As we drove it rained softly and we were presented with rainbow after rainbow after rainbow...

We drove about halfway and stopped near Fresno for the night, and woke up the next morning to a clear, crisp day... clean roads and postcard-perfect views all the way into the bay area...

We kept getting closer and closer to HOME - and I finally decided to post on Facebook that I was making the move - messages from all over poured in congratulating me on the decision - it wasn't easy - we often face crossroads in our lives (insert violin music here) and the opportunities we have should be seized!  I am moving to this wonderful new city, leaving my previous job (and career) with the goal of entering into the non profit sector.  Initially I will be seeking work as a voulenteer as an HIV counselor - administering tests and offering information to clients.  In time I will find the right job for me... one that makes a difference in the lives of those in my community.

I thought for a while if I might want to work in a fiber-related field, and I am still undecided about that - I think that I prefer doing something else that I love, and leaving the knitting and fiber fun as a passion - I may change my mind at some point, but for now, that's the road I chose.

We arrived safe and sound around lunchtime - John parked the Uhaul carefully and it only took around 10 minutes to unload into the lobby of the condo.  As the Uhaul was returned I hauled as much as I could up the stairs.  a few days have passed now and almost everything is put away, and the kitties are acclimating to their new home.  They have discovered the wall heaters, and the pidgeons outside the windows.  I think they like both.

Here's Willow sharing Dewey's bed in front of the wall heater - they love the heaters early in the morning, but really prefer the sunbeams... San Francisco is a gorgeous town full of character and interesting people.  I look forward to the adventure here and learning as much as I can about this glorious city!

p.s. Winky is safe in SF too but didn't want to be photographed :)