1000 cranes for Japan and more

When I last posted, I wrote about the devastating earthquake and tsunami in Japan. Little did I know that there was going to be more earthquakes and aftershocks and there would be nuclear reactor trouble. As I mentioned, I have colleagues in Japan. I work closely with them and I cannot imagine what it must be like for them to be brave every day and come to work and sit in endless meetings about IT projects and operational efficiency when the safety of their drinking water and food is in question. I came across this blog today - Curiously Crafted Creations, and they have a project called the 1000 Amigurumi Crane Project. Read all about it here. There are also others who have written patterns and are selling their patterns to raise funds for Japan. For example, there is this pattern: Picture courtesy of Garilynn If you are lucky enough to snag one, she is also selling the knitted cranes on Etsy. Go take a look!

What about this gorgeous shawl?
Picture courtesy of Beebonnet

And look at this:
Picture courtesy of Kay Gardiner

What a lovely idea! Also sold to raise funds for Japan. I am sure there are lots more and this is just a few of them. If you are a member of Ravelry, take a look around and I am sure you'll find plenty of people are wanting to help andyou can help by buying and promoting their patterns. If you like crafty things but are not crafty yourself, why don't you have a look on Etsy and see if you can find something nice that someone is selling to raise funds for Japan?

I was inspired by all these lovely people. 50% of all my pattern sales from this month will be donated to the Australian Red Cross Japan appeal. If you have been mm-ing and ah-ing about any of my patterns, perhaps now is the time bu buy one, or two, or three.