About O.K. Hope

"I want to give back." 

How many times have I said those words and answered myself, "How?" or "When?"

Well, through ORIGI-KNITS I have finally answered both questions. 

I always wanted ORIGI-KNITS to have a charitable component, but it needed to be sincere... organic. I didn't want to just throw money at a cause and hope it made it to those who really needed it. I wanted my impact to be felt immediately and directly by those in need.

The day before Thanksgiving 2020 my neighbor made 50 meals - sandwiches, chips, a piece of fruit, cookies and water - just a few items that we hoped people could and would use. My contribution was a few scarves I had made out of the remnant yarn from a few of my ORIGI-KNITS designs. We visited the myriad of parks in our neighborhood and quickly distributed our packages. It was just a little something, but when recipients thanked us so graciously, it was then that I knew what I wanted to do.

The few scarves I had added hardly took any time to make. They were bright and colorful and would keep necks and ears warm in the fall and winter. 

I love to knit so I have leftover yarn collecting in my closets in boxes, on shelves, in the shower of my second bathroom, under my bed - everywhere in my house! Why not put that yarn to good use? I could make scarves out of those extra skeins and either distribute them directly to the homeless I encountered and/or give them to the local mission to distribute....!

From this epiphany, O.K. HOPE was born. I had found my way to give back. It was simple, authentic, not contrived, and could make an immediate difference in someone's life.

While I am constantly designing and creating my ORIGI-KNITS line for the next season, I am now also producing a few scarves in between each design, getting ready for the fall and winter. My goal for 2021 is at least 100 scarves. Ambitious, yes, but possible, most especially with possible help from the Colorado Springs community.

If you knit or have leftover yarn and would like to be involved in this simple yet impactful cause, I'd like to invite you to join me and ORIGI-KNITS. I will be knitting toward my goal but would welcome additional knitters, if you have the time. I would supply the yarn and needles. Or, if you have leftover yarn and want to donate it, I'd value that, as well. Donations would be accepted at Eclectic CO. in downtown Colorado Springs at 214-1/2 N. Tejon, across from Acacia Park.

Or, just complete the form below if you'd like more information about how you can help.

I am always knitting; I am the definition of a knitting addict. Now, however, my knitting might not only create a one-of-a-kind, unique cardigan or turtleneck sweater someone can cherish in their wardrobe, it might make a difference to someone's life... I hope.

~ O.K. HOPE