Hypoteneuse Scarf

My new favorite yarn: handspun alpaca that I got at the fiber festival in North Carolina last fall. Here's what I made with it. The pattern is Anne Hanson's "Hypoteneuse" scarf (it can also be a shawl). This yarn is so soft and warm that I want this scarf to last forever! Honestly, everyone should have something that feels this good to wrap around their neck.

It was so much fun to knit that I made another one for my husband . . . in a manly brown alpaca/wool mix.


You can order the pattern from Anne's website "Knitspot."

On knitting and orphans

Last year I heard about the "Red Scarf Project" to send hand knitted scarves in care packages to former foster children who were now in college. These young adults are supported by the Orphan Foundation of America. So I sent a couple of scarves and at Christmas I received a thank you card from OFA. I stuck the card in the Christmas card basket and forgot about it until I cleaned the basket out last week.

I was curious about OFA, so I went to their website where I learned that every year 25,000 children age out of the foster care system at age 18. These young people suddenly find themselves out in the world without any family or other means of support. Only half finish high school and only 2% complete college. Without an education, family or financial support, this is a pretty bleak beginning to their adult lives.

Founded in 1981, the Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) is the only national organization focusing solely on education, mentoring and workforce development for teens aging out of the foster care system.

I hope you'll take a minute to read about OFA's good works . . . and to see how you can help. There are several volunteering opportunities, but as little as $20.00 will send a care package to one of the students.