Getting together with the girls for crafty time is always fun, there’s always plenty of giggles, tasty snacks and dirt to dish. This weekend’s Needles for Newborns event will be the ultimate in girl bonding and heart-warming. Local knitty chics are gathering at Paste in Soulard (1009 Russell) for 24 hours of needle crafts to benefit St. Louis Children’s Hospital. The ladies will be whipping up preemie hats, booties and blankets for the wee ones starting at 8 a.m. on Saturday and continuing until the break of dawn.

Some of St. Louis’ crafty girls are dedicating a few hours each to stitch up something soft and warm – teensy-weensy babies get cold really easily! Local eateries including Nadine’s, Soulard Coffee Garden and Ferraro’s Pizza have generously donated food to keep the girls properly fueled. Paste will also be pitching in with snacks in addition to playing host. I’ll be there providing impromptu beginner lessons in addition to reppin’ Girls Guide and my crafty biz, South City Studio.

If you’re rusty or have tried unsuccessfully to start knitting, come on down and I’ll do my best to get you going. I’m no expert, but I’m happy to share my (limited) knowledge for such a great cause! Note: If you are an expert and will be jarred by my unconventional ways, please avert your eyes – it’s for charity. None of my scarves have unraveled…yet. Warning: There may also be a dirty acronym involved in my lesson plan. Just sayin’.

There is still time to sign up, just give Katie at Paste a shout. Heck, feel free to just drop in. We’ll have lots of patterns to share or you can just wing it if you’re that kind of gal. Bring a folding chair or comfy camping chair if you have one handy. You can purchase yarn at a discounted price at the shop when you get there or you can bring your own, just be sure it’s baby friendly.

Good times will be had by all, but most importantly some teeny tiny bambinos will be a little more comfortable because of the generosity of a group of totally amazing ladies with big hearts.

Holly is the Arts & Crafts Editor for Girls Guide. You can check out her site, South City Studio, to see her handmade jewelry, read about her upcoming craft shows and learn more about her artsy self. You can contact Holly by Emailing her – holly [at] girlsguidetothegalaxy [dot] com, and you can follow her on Twitter – @southcitystudio.