The Walk

That's what they're calling it now: Help fight AIDS by joining "The Walk." When I started doing this (back in 1995 in Halifax, NS), it was called the AIDS Walk. It's also been called the "Stop AIDS Walk." That one's my favourite.

But whatever you call it, that time of year has rolled around again. I am walking in the Michigan area AIDS Walk "The Walk" to raise money for AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist of Northern Indiana. They focus on prevention but also help with referrals (housing and medicine mostly) and support for people affected with HIV and AIDS.

Knitting on the Walk, 2010

Last year for the first time, I made a prize for a randomly drawn person from my sponsors list. I debated and debated this year about whether I could add one more project right now. And then I said, "Bring it on!" So I brought it!

I decided to knit a pair of slippers. They will be given to one of my sponsors. If you would like to be on the list, please send me an email (it's near the top right of this page). I figured something for your feet for giving to a walk would be appropriate.

I looked and looked for a pattern. Something [more or less] unisex; something simple (so I could knit it on the Walk itself--that's my favourite part of all this!); something fast. (I did say, "Bring it." but don't bring too much!)

I settled for a pattern called Slippers Triangle Socks (which I have to say is not a very well thought out name). Triangle Square Slippers would be more apt. Essentially you knit a bias square and then fold it in half to make a triangle and do some sewing. Presto - origami - chango you have a slipper.

Today I was at a seminar all day and managed to knit one. (Really it was one and a half because it came out too large the first time and I had to rip out half of it at lunch. That really confused my tablemates who 1. couldn't figure out what I was making in the first place and 2. really couldn't figure out why part of it seemed missing after lunch!) P.S. I'm really glad my boss who paid for the seminar "doesn't believe in the internet" and thus will never read this. (Seriously, I listened very well, took notes and even participated--so there!)

I have to say the slipper looks a little...odd. Like many things made with bias fabric, it needs to be worn to really be appreciated. On the plus side, it feels good on, will be really warm, and the bias will stretch to accommodate a wide variety of sizes.

In the interest of full disclosure I should also admit that I am making them out of acrylic. I don't know who will be getting these slippers and I would rather give acrylic to someone who appreciates wool than give wool to someone who would treat it like acrylic. So wash, wear, repeat to your heart's content!!

Don't forget, the Walk is Sunday, May 1. Email me if you'd like to sponsor me. I love sponsors!!

Walking in Fancy Shoes

I went for a walk today...the Michiana Stop AIDS Walk 2010. The walk went well; there were a lot of people; the total raised looks like it might make it to $15K. (They weren't quite done counting.) That's a lot!

The day didn't start so well, however. As I was getting ready to leave church and head out for some lunch before walking, I discovered that I had left my change of clothes (and shoes) at home. Argh!

I had fortunately worn jeans to church with flats. If they had been heels, I would have been obliged to buy new shoes. (I know, like twist my arm.) As it was, I decided I could wear the ones I had on and just had to buy new socks. (Aren't the zebra stripes fancy!)

And when I finally got to the step-off location, I saw they were (again fortunately) selling Tshirts. This saved my dry-clean only shirt from a walk on a surprisingly humid day.

I like the shirt. I mean, it is simple, but it's been a few years since they've had any Tshirt available, and the last ones were awful: they had teddy bears on them and were all XL. And of course, being needy and grateful (which I was) makes anything look better.

And what about the knitting?

I did finish the knitting part of the fingerless mittens. I just have a few finishing details and blocking to do. Which means the person the random number generator picked can expect her mittens very soon. "Her?" Yes, her...the winner is [tension-building drum roll here...]:

my co-worker, Deb!!

She very generously had her wallet out almost before I had finished asking for her pledge, and so I'm pleased she won. Of course I would have been glad if you had won too, and really wish I could knit you all a pair. But that's not going to happen. "Better luck next year," is the only hope I can offer you.

Thank you all for your interest in the Walk and your support and pledges. This was my biggest year by far (30 per cent more than my previous high) at $1640. If the Walk raises $15K you all helped me raise more than a third tenth* of that...and more than triple the next highest walker!

I'm very happy to direct your funds to AIDS Ministries/AIDS Assist who do such good work.


____________________________
*ETA: Yes, someone pointed out that my math was wrong. I will just say it wasn't actually a math error; more like a typo error.