Charity knitting poll

[neadods]

I may have just gotten some good news, but I'm afraid to go into detail and jinx myself. So, instead, a poll.

As y'all know, I think Covers and Soles is a great cause. Thing is... My wool allergy is definitely an issue. Whe I first pick up the project, it doesn't seem too bad to handle, but after about 10 minutes, it gets slowly so itchy that it's like fire. I'll put it down and then repeat the whole cycle again. I *can* knit -- well, in theory, I found a lumpy mistake and have to start over on this one -- and the pattern's fun, but... Well, but.

I wonder if I'm better off cheering from the sidelines (passing my wool on to someone who will complete the hats) or simply not working so fast on a hat (see icon) -- maybe working at two rounds a night so I don't get oversensitive or something like that. Thoughts?



[Poll #1786395]

Comments

[stunt-muppet.livejournal.com]

Have you tried nylon or bamboo-fiber wool, if you can get it? I know wool yarn is optimal but I've heard good things about bamboo.

Also, is it just sheep's wool that's the problem? Would getting a hold of alpaca yarn help?

[neadods.livejournal.com]

In this case, Covers and Soles can only take wool as it is the only military-approved fabric for soldiers in the field. I can do other charity projects in other yarns, but not for soldiers.

[stunt-muppet.livejournal.com]

And only sheep's wool? That's a shame, although I see why they have to do it.

In that case, I second the gloves recommendation. If you can get some powder-free nitrile gloves, those are pretty comfortable and close-fitting.

[songfire3.livejournal.com]

Have you tried working with latex gloves? That would at least reduce the direct skin contact with the wool. (Unless you have a latex allergy, of course. XD)

I was thinking about something like this (http://www.greensideonline.com/shop/Standard_Powder_Free_Blue_Latex_Gloves_Box_of_100_from__3.29.html#a91166269), maybe.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I haven't tried it. Not usually a fan of gloves, but in this case, it may be worth it.

[neotoma.livejournal.com]

If merely knitting a few rounds make you break out in itchy, either give up this project, or see if you can substitute other fiber yarns -- do you react to mohair and llama as well? Are they acceptable substitutes given the project's guidelines?

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Covers and Soles must have sheep's wool, alas.

Do something else

[mustangsally78.livejournal.com]

For the troops.

I'm allergic to wool and I get a RASH.

I don't know if I'd love anything other than my cats enough to touch wool.

Re: Do something else

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I get a rash when I wear it, followed by hives. I thought that it would be okay to knit, but the hand I tension with has the wool rubbing between fingers and across the back, and even if the skin isn't getting red, it feels like the rash, y'know?

On a side note, going to yarn shows is like electroshock therapy. Oooh, that's so -ack! Yum, that... No. Etc.

[belovedwarrior.livejournal.com]

That does not sound healthy at all. :( When you are allergic to something, you should minimize your interaction with it because each time you are exposing yourself to it, it is only making it worse. At least, that's how it is with food allergies. Be careful. :(

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I know :(

[shaggydogstail.livejournal.com]

Give yourself and your hands a break and pass on the knitting. If you can support the project in other ways, great, but no-one would expect you to suffer painful allergic reactions like this. Remember, however worthwhile the cause is, you are important too. :)

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Thank you! That's... Something easy to forget.

[signeh.livejournal.com]

I want to change my vote to Give up; PR helps too. Allergies are nothing to fool around with. You can help in other ways, without making yourself ill.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I had such high hopes, y'know?

[patricia-9.livejournal.com]

You HAVE helped. Because of your earlier post about it, I ordered kits from Covers & Soles and am on my second cover, thanks to your effort to get the word out. So, consider this cover yours, Nea - I wouldn't have known about them without your signal boost. There are many ways to serve and support.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

Good! Well done you!

[starmalachite.livejournal.com]

Perhaps you can donate the wool (and maybe buy some extra to throw in) to another knitter for the cause? This just doesn't sound like a good idea.

OT, would Monday next (the 17th) work for me to come by for some Big Finish CDs? Sorry I haven't made it before now, but with the change of season I've been having joint problems. I *am* still interested.

[neadods.livejournal.com]

I'll donate the wool back for resale.

And yes, the 17th is fine. Any time after 5.