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Girls knit scarves to give babies a future
By Linda L. Osmundson
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Photo provided |
Fort Collins, Colo.—Erin MacRitchie, a seventh grader at St. Joseph School, coined the title “Fashion for a Future” for her scarf-knitting project.
MacRitchie learned to knit several years ago but discovered a new pattern over this summer.
After making five scarves and giving two to teachers, she decided to put her talents to use for a worthwhile project.
“I remembered what the Bible said, ‘Whatever you do to the least of my people you do unto me,’” she said.
MacRitchie considered babies the “least” of God’s people. She wanted to give babies the chance to grow up. She considered selling her scarves and donating the money to an anti-abortion charity.
“I could be saving the life of a child who will grow up to make the world a better place,” she explained.
However, the task seemed daunting. She realized she alone could not knit enough scarves to “make a difference.” MacRitchie shared her idea with friends in her seventh-grade religion class and planned a knitting party for anyone interested in her project.
“I heard about abortion on the news,” said friend Erin Mallory, “and at church and I always felt like there was nothing I could do about it. When Erin told me this I thought that it was a great way to help.”
Other friends experienced the same feelings. Nine girls attended MacRitchie’s knitting party along with five parents. Some already knew how to knit. Still, MacRitchie taught everyone knitting basics and shared her Rozetti Marina yarn scarf pattern. They spent two hours knitting with help from MacRitchie’s mother who also checked quality. Her grandmother, mother and other parents donated yarn. Each knitter bought or borrowed knitting needles. At first the process was slow, but eventually everyone completed a scarf in approximately two hours.
The girls heard about the “40 Days for Life” pro-life campaign. MacRitchie and her mother contacted Respect Life chairs Jennifer and Alan Wade at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish. After being informed about the Knights of Columbus Ultrasound Initiative, everyone decided the initiative fulfilled their goal. The initiative purchases ultrasound machines for Alternatives Pregnancy Centers throughout the country.
The girls went to work. A few labored at home, but most needed MacRitchie’s help when casting on, binding off or if they dropped a stitch. Deidre Workman—the girls’ religion, Spanish and homeroom teacher—found out about the project.
“I was thrilled that my students were so excited to put their faith into action,” she said, “and that they could make a difference in the lives of the unborn through the generous work of their hands.”
She allowed the girls to knit in a class as long as they also listened to what was going on. Some of the boys showed an interest. One even tried knitting.
Workman suggested Mac-Ritchie might use Psalm 139:13, “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.” The group chose to print the verse and attach it to every scarf. With 35 scarves out of a goal of 40 completed, they turned to also making sale advertisement posters. Again materials were donated.
The Wades got permission from the parish to sell the scarves after Masses the weekend of Oct. 15-16. At a cost of $20 each, the proceeds should amount to $800. Parents and participants worry scarves will sell much too quickly and the girls will be overwhelmed.
MacRitchie and her friends are willing to face that potential problem and are confident they can handle it. In the meantime, they hope once a pregnant woman considering abortion sees the baby in her womb through ultrasound, she will change her mind about abortion.
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