Brazilian Prisoners Knitting

I've just read this news story about Brazilian prisoners working for designer Raquel Guimares, knitting pieces for sale across Brazil and even exported to the US and Japan.  I think it's a fantastic idea, the prisoners receive 75% of the minimum wage for their work and 25% of what they earn is put aside for their release. 

They also get one day taken from their sentence for every three days of knitting.  These men are being taught a skill, they're given something that will give them satisfaction to complete and they are able to earn money for when they finish their sentences.  

Brill.  More of this sort of thing!

Baby Rabbit Hat - first post!

So, first post! I planned on starting (or re-starting, technically) a blog of crafting things I've made or things I've seen that have taken my fancy as a new year's resolution but I guess I just couldn't wait that long!

So to start off, here's a little rabbit hat I made for Carolyn at work who's just given birth to a little girl, baby Jessica Elizabeth (congrats to her and her husband David!).  I got the pattern from Ravelry, it's called "Blue Rabbit Hat" and it's by Mel Clark, and best of all it's a FREE pattern.  It's the first time I've ever followed a chart to use colours and I think it turned out pretty well.   My mum made the booties as I have trouble with anything too small and fiddly (honestly, I can't do anything smaller than hats!) and Carolyn seemed really pleased with them.  I'd highly recommend the pattern too - I had to turn the brim up on mine as I wasn't paying attention and made the ribbing section too long, but my mum has used the same pattern and her hats look lovely.

I've quite a few things I've made to post on here over the next few days, between getting ready for Christmas and tidying the flat... you've been warned! :)

Katie