Charitable crocheting co-workers

Karie Bruder, of Buffalo, and Jenny White, of Maple Grove, are co-workers in Buffalo who have been spending some of their free time crocheting for charity. Both Bruder and White have previous crocheting experience and decided together to crochet for a good cause. Bruder and White have been working together for over 20 years.

This past January, White received an advertisement for Annie’s Crochet Caring Kit Club from Annie’s Catalog. “They mailed the information about joining the club, I saved it and brought it in to Karie,” White said. She asked Bruder if she would like to join the club and do the project with her, “I don’t think she wasted a second, she said yes,” White shared.

Since then, they have completed three projects, one project a month. The club sends a crochet pattern once a month for participants to create that can be donated to the charity listed in the packet or locally. “If you know someone in need locally, you have the option to send the completed project there,” White said.

White and Bruder have both created each project, purchasing extra yarn as needed.  When asked what their favorite project has been so far, they both agreed crocheting the shawl was their favorite. “It was more of a challenge; the shawl was listed as intermediate level,” White said.

“It’s kind of fun; we always have something to talk about,” Bruder stated. The pair communicates often about how their projects are going, what techniques have been successful, and what they have been enjoying.

The first three projects of crocheted-fashion chemo caps were for cancer patients experiencing traumatic hair loss, dishcloths for families in need of household furnishings, and shawls for all who have been affected by cancer have been completed. The pair are currently working on their fourth, which is an over-the-shoulder bag. The homemade bag will be sent to an organization that serves those experiencing homelessness.

When they received the pattern for the dishcloths, the directions stated to make three dishcloths. “We made eight dishcloths with all the yarn they sent,” White said. They have gone above and beyond doing something they enjoy that also helps others in need.

As projects are completed, the club also sends tags to add their names to their creations. They have received cards for some of their donations, thanking them for their hand-made items.

“It’s nice to make something to give back,” White stated.

“We are also always learning something new and looking forward to learning the next thing,” Bruder added.

Crocheting together for a good cause has taught the pair a lot and brought personal growth for each of them.

If interested in participating in the crochet club, please visit www.annieskitclubs.com.