You know you want to knit a sweater for a penguin

[n2doc]

BY JESS ZIMMERMAN
18 OCT 2011 9:12 AM

Now is the time for all good knitters to come to the aid of some penguins. The New Zealand oil spill has left the little guys in need of some warmth and protection, and a Kiwi yarn store has posted patterns for how to knit "penguin jumpers" and instructions on where to send them.

This is not the first time there's been a call out for penguin sweaters, and the response in the past has been disproportionate. It's a genuine request -- the woolens keep oil-soaked birds warm until they're well enough to be cleaned, and prevent them from nibbling oil off their feathers. But the concept is so gosh-darn charming that crafters go a little nuts trying to help out. In 2001, the Tasmanian Conservation Trust decided to bank some penguin jumpers in the event of future oil spills, but after the request went viral they blew past their goal of 100 stockpiled sweaters, and currently have 10 times that amount.

Still, there really is a need for penguin sweaters, especially in light of this new oil spill. And they don't really have a shelf life, so even if your creation languishes for a while, it will go to some needy bird eventually.

http://www.grist.org/list/2011-10-18-you-know-you-want-to-knit-a-sweater-for-a-penguin

[Sanity Claws]

1. And everything goes with black and white!

You can knit a bright jumper and it won't clash with the penguin's plumage

[nadinbrzezinski]

2. I sent link to two knitters

Too cute

I wonder if I could get one on conures?

[uppityperson]

3. I want to go help put them on the penguins.

[nadinbrzezinski]

4. If they anywhere as bitty

As the kids....

[Speck Tater]

5. Sorry. I only know how to crochet, and we all know how retro crochet looks on penguins. nt

[Lars39]

6. as as fellow crocheter...

:rofl:

[Obamanaut]

7. Many additional responses here ->

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=439&topic_id=2153582&mesg_id=2153582

[eridani]

12. So sweet I had to double my metformin dosage! n/t

[L. Coyote]

8. Caption this photo:

"We're off to suit the penguins, and maybe decorate coffee mugs."
That's right, you can order penguins in sweaters coffee mugs already :rofl:


"Have you heard, we are viral on Facebook."

[starroute]

9. And after that, why not knit some warm woollen socks for OWS?

They're going to need them to get through the winter.

Or if your knitting skills aren't up to socks, I'm sure scarves would be appreciated.

Or maybe one of those funny hats with the earflaps and tassels.

How about it?

[eridani]

11. Socks require much finer yarn and lots more skills. I recommend Costco

I sent all the warm stuff I had that I no longer wear, plus threw in packaged socks and undies and some AAA batteries.

Scarves are very doable, though.

[flamingdem]

10. Rec. I wish I could knit seeing that critter nt

[Raine]

13. Aw what a cute little guy. I sure wish I knew

how to knit, if I did I would make some.