[Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum]

I desperately want to do something to ease the pain of the children whose families have lost everything in our countries worst bushfires. I was lying in bed last night, trying to think "what can I do?"

Then I remembered some time ago seeing online that people were knitting these "trauma teddies" which are given to children in times of distress. So this morning I've been hunting for information and haven't got too far yet. I have sent off an email to a group in Victoria who does this then donates them to Red Cross.

Once I have the pattern and know where I can drop them off, I want to get started ASAP. Are any other knitters interested in helping me? I'm happy to be a drop off point, and can get them wherever they are needed.

I just NEED to do something.

This is one of the articles I found about the trauma teddies.

http://mornington.yo...es/1381824.aspx

If anyone has anymore info or knows who I should contact to get started, I'll be grateful.

Thanks,
Michelle

This post has been edited by Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum: 11 March 2009 - 09:02 PM

[fleabag]

pattern for teddy
Well heres a start ..it seems the Red Cross are the "governing" body.

Good idea!!

[Furkidz]

GREAT IDEA!

Sorry - I have no idea how to knit, but I know the children who receive these teddies made with love will apppreciate them.

[Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum]

Thanks for the pattern Bronnie, I think there may be a few different patterns around.

So far I've found they need co-ordinators for the red cross for this program, but its all based in NSW. I really want these bears to go to the Victorian families in need at the moment.

I'll keep looking, if anyone finds anything sooner, just let me know. Thanks everyone.

The people I emailed this morning were with the Red Cross in Victoria, hopefully they can send me in the right direction.

[fleabag]

Try this one

[CatsRU]

Michelle, I would love to help but that pattern is a bit complicated for me. Maybe if I knitted bits of teddy or a simpler pattern, I would give it a go.

[Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum]

Thats who I've emailed bronnie, waiting for a response.

Rosanne, if I can organise it I will find an easy pattern. I'd be happy for you to knit the components then send them to me for sewing up and stuffing. I think the Red Cross is the one who this will go through from the looks of it, I just need to get onto the Victorian dept. I suspect they're run off their feet with the current crisis.

I'll keep you posted if I can organise something from here.

[Elfwing]

I'm afraid I can't be much help, my knitting skills are limited to squares and beanies at this stage. It is a wonderful thing you've decided to do Michelle

[Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum]

So far I haven't heard back, I think I will email the people who organise this is Sydney from the Salvo's, I'm sure they will have a contact for someone in Victoria.

I just want to get started, the sooner I start the more I can make.

Mum's in Wagga and has just left a message saying they have fires close to them now. Its terrifying.

[Kicol]

There is another pattern here - not exactly like the "Trauma Teddy Bear", but it is a nice teddy bear and the pullover can be knitted at the same time. Also you don't need to use the specified yarn. A sample can be made from any yarn (just a square over 5cm on each side), and the rows and stitches counted on 5cm to find out how many rows per 5cm and how many stitches per 5cm. And from there finding out how many stitches you need, and how many rows you need for the specific measurements you have decided on.

But in reality any size the teddy bear will come up is fine, within a range of course, so no sample really is needed.

http://au.lifestyle....ted-teddy-bear/

This post has been edited by Kicol: 09 February 2009 - 12:26 PM

[Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum]

Thats a cute pattern Alica. I'm waiting to hear back from the Salvation Army.

[Minka]

I would love to be able to help, but I am not good at putting them together. So I am more than happy to knit, as long as they are simple. I would love to give it a try and so how I go. I will even see if I can get others to knit as well. Please tell me which pattern would be best to use.

[Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum]

I've been in contact with a Victorian branch of the Red Cross today, they have been very helpful. The pattern I tried to do yesterday, is the one they actually want me to do. I knitted one last night, it was very simple.

You just need simple knitting skills. You need to be able to change colours, as I said above if anyone wants to just do the knitting, then I'll be happy to finish them off from here. I'd like to get a collection of 50 or so bears together.

Have a look at the pattern and if you need any help, just ask.

I'll be back with the link.

http://www.volunteer...TEDSPATedit.doc

You'll notice the whole teddy is knitted in one piece, excluding the arms. The arms are knitted on after the whole body is finished. If you don't feel comfortable knitting up stitches, I can do that on this end.

This post has been edited by Sophie_and_Oscars_Mum: 11 February 2009 - 04:38 PM

[pearl8]

thanks Michelle, I'll have a go and see if I can get anyone else to join in - will contact the Red Cross in SA where I am, and see if they are collecting - or tell me where to send them.

[maigrey]

Ive emailed for patterns too so Ill see how I go.