A group of knitters and crocheters is nearing its goal of making 100 hats, to be distributed to area social service organizations this month.

The “hat-a-thon,” which began in January, is the first in a series of charity projects taking place at Port Townsend’s Bazaar Girls, which is hosting the Charity Knitting and Crochet group for its second year.

Led by Leslie Seaton, the group offers a way for crafters to take positive action.

“This [group] allows people who may not be out there doing crazy things to actually feel like their hobby is purposeful,” said Seaton.

Seaton first discovered her love of knitting through the Bazaar Girls community. She found the hobby meditative, but she also felt there was some level of indulgence in the craft.

“If I’m going to spend so much much time doing this, I want to harness it for good in some way,” she said.

She organized a successful year of charity knitting in 2016, and is looking forward to giving back this year.

HELPING OUT

“Crafting for a cause is a win-win,” said Bazaar Girls co-owner Kerri Hartman. According to Hartman, it creates a community where like-minded people can come together and do something they love, but do it for someone else.

Those participating in the January/February project are making hats for the Winter Shelter, The Boiler Room and Working Image.

“Bazaar Girls has this beautiful setting, and we also have a front-row seat to the homeless population,” said Hartman. “Instead of complaining about it, we would like to be a part of fixing it.”

While crafting for a cause may not immediately change the world, Seaton said, there is something special about intentionally giving someone something handmade.

Hartman agrees. “It’s tangible,” she said. “It’s a real thing that someone made out of love and kindness and generosity.”

Seaton said Bazaar Girls has been instrumental in the program.

“That business is just amazing, and a big part of why this exists is because of who they are, and what they want to do for the community,” Seaton said. “Even though I’m organizing this, it’s about Bazaar Girls, and what that place means for the community.”

DETAILS

Crafters can come for all or part of any session, or just work along at home, Seaton said, and new knitters and crocheters are welcome to help out.

The dates for each session are the due date for the finished object, but if you finish early, you can drop the item off at Bazaar Girls anytime, she said.

While some projects are free-form, others require specific yarn and patterns, so members should check to make sure they have all the information they need before starting on any of the projects.

Those who can’t participate through knitting, but still want to help out are welcome to contribute yarn, knitting needles and crochet hooks.

The next meeting on Feb. 19 is the due date for hats, Seaton said, but those interested in joining can also stop by to get patterns for the next project, which involves knitting blankets for critically ill children.

Seaton also said there are to be snacks on offer on the charity crafting days, and is planning on making cheddar scallion scones for the next one.

For more information, email Seaton at fps.lqs@gmail.com.

Some of the patterns for upcoming projects are available at

ravelry.com/people/bazaargirls/favorites.