Written by DCist Contributer Clare Kelley

Now that the cold weather seems like it might stick around for a little while, it’s time to bundle up. For a lot of people around D.C., that involves curling up with some cozy yarn and knitting hats, scarves, and mittens. What? You haven’t noticed the scores of knitters on the Metro?!? Knitting is back, baby, and there’s something about handknit accessories that just keeps you toastier.

Whether you are already a knitter or you’ve just been curious to try it out, you (yes YOU) can also help others bundle up this winter. For the fourth year in a row, Food & Friends, a local charity based in Northeast, is collecting handknit scarves, hats, shawls, mittens, and afghans for their clients with HIV/AIDS, cancer, and other life-challenging illnesses. Your handknit treasure will not only help someone stay warm on these chilly D.C. nights, it will remind them that their community is looking out for them.

You can find Food & Friends’ mailing address on their website, or you can deliver your donation directly to Food & Friends during business hours Monday – Saturday. They ask that you deliver your donations by February 6.

Before you all go running for your needles, to help you get started, DCist is offering not one, not two, but three sweet scarf patterns we guarantee won’t get stuck in the re-gifting pile like that pink and avocado sweater set Grandma gave you. Never knit anything before and/or don’t fancy yourself a crafty-type? Not a problem. Check out the gURL Guide’s step by step instructions on how to knit your first scarf. In no time, you’ll be whipping up goodies left and right to share the gift of wamth this winter. And that’ll make you feel warm and fuzzy as the scarves you make.

Photo by epmd