In nursing school Maslow’s basic needs theory was ingrained into my nursing soul. As an artist and nurse I find that reaching those higher needs requires giving of myself to others. I have found a way to give through the art of socknitting. In a climate that is cold most of the year both indoors and out, Russian orphans do not have foot coverings. Socknitters throughout Canada and the US make thick wool socks and send them to Russian children through an organization called Children in Common. Wool is required because of its warmth; design and color are left to the knitter. The message these socks deliver to these abandoned children is one of hope and caring. Socknitters and nurses share a long history of caring and giving. In both world wars American Red Cross posters recruited nurses and knitters. The Red Cross gave knitters materials, needles, and patterns to make clothing articles for troops. These vintage posters and patterns can be seen on the American Red Cross website: www.redcross.org/museum. Amazingly the sock pattern is almost identical to ones used for the children. Where once knitters (and nurses) were recruited because of war, today knitters are crossing boundaries with gifts of caring. Knitters are providing warmth where once there was a cold war. My exhibit will include 4 pair of my hand knit socks and the poem “Basic Needs.” Copies of vintage recruiting posters, a vintage pattern, and information about charity knitting will also be displayed.
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