What is KnitWits?

KnitWits is a loosely knit group of University of Michigan faculty, staff, students, alumni and caring friends who create warm wearable goods from donated yarn and fleece for distribution (by University of Michigan students participating in Project SERVE) to a wide variety of charitable groups primarily in the northern United States.

How did KnitWits start?

In the summer of 1995, two University of Michigan staffers discovered they had similar commitments to charitable knitting; but they needed help to supply goods to service agencies and locations outside the local region. University e-mail brought knitters out of offices, laboratories, classrooms and administrative offices. Booths set up campus fairs promoting student service attracted a multitude of students who either knew how to knit or wanted to learn. Knitters can work at their own pace on their own time with supplies and equipment which are provided free.

How can I participate?

volunteer to:

cut out forms (mitten shape) in fleece for others to sew up

sew up the pre-cut fleece (or cut your own to sew up)

assemble kits: gather up a pair of mitten shapes (fleece – a top and bottom, a left and a right), length of sewing yarn or thread a ("made especially for you by Knitwits") tag

knit , crochet, or sew items such as hats mittens, scarves, and slippers

sew on sergers (we even have two donated sergers!) to assemble hats, mittens and strips or remnants into elegant afghans

assemble bags of goods at distribution times (Thanksgiving/year-end) and Spring Break (Alternative Spring Break volunteers distribute many of our donations)

assist in keeping our World Headquarters organized and tidy (We have lots of donated yarn, fleece, and supplies which we periodically need to reorganize, take stock, and determine what is needed!)

drive down to Ohio, to our fleece supplier, and bring back bolts and bags of donated fleece (We are their pet
charity!)

join in on a work day (Community Plunge, Fall Festifall, Winterfest, MLK Jr. Birthday) to do whatever is needed at that time -- make up kits, cutt, sew, or finish goods that others began

What if I don't know how to knit (crochet, sew)?

You might learn to knit (Project Community at Glacier Hills or Michigan League Programs) and start on a simple hat or scarf pattern. Or volunteer for any of the above methods of participation.

How do I get materials for a project?

Materials can be obtained from the Knitwits' World Headquarters (Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, corner of Hill St. and East University) by e-mailing knitwits@umich to arrange for a time, date, and assistance.

Where do I send or drop-off completed items?

Mail items to or drop them off at the Ginsberg Center for Community Service and Learning, 1024 Hill St., Ann Arbor, MI 48109-3310.

Where does KnitWits get its materials?

Knitwits has fleece donated by fleece companies and yarn donated by individuals. Michigan Student Assembly supplies annually some funding for the purchase of scissors, needles and other small supplies. Occasional donations of other materials and money are received from corporations and private individuals.

About how many items are distributed each year?

Volunteers work with our stash of materials to make around 3000 warm wearable items each year.

In the winter of 2001, some 2,535 items were distributed to men, women, and children with HIV/AIDS living in Detroit, Chicago, and New York City; to Hmong and Somali refugee children living in St. Paul, MN; to South Asian women touched by violence in New York City; to poverty-stricken families living in rural Appalachian communities; to children on Chippewa and Sioux Reservations in MI and SD; to homeless adults and kids living in Detroit, Atlanta, Baltimore, and Boston; and to youth at risk living in Detroit, Chicago, and New York City.