By Reid Posey

news@oxfordeagle.com

When the Alabama Crimson Tide roll into Oxford on Sept. 7 to try to avenge back-to-back losses on the gridiron to the Rebels, they won’t be the only ones from Tuscaloosa looking for some competition from Oxford.

Local yarn store Knit1 Oxford has been challenged by Tuscaloosa shop Serendipity to participate in this year’s edition of the Yarn Bowl competition, in which each store partners with their respective communities to see who can knit and crochet the most hats for children in need by the Sept. 7 match-up between the Rebels and the Crimson Tide.

The deadline to contribute hats that will be counted for the competition is Sept. 1, after which Knit1 will ship them to Tuscaloosa for the final tally. After the results are determined, Serendipity will send the hats back to Oxford so that Knit1 can donate them to local organization More than a Meal, which will in turn distribute them to individuals in need.

If any entrants or participating groups wish to donate to a charity of their own personal choosing, Knit1 said that they will be more than happy to accommodate these requests after the hats are sent to Tuscaloosa for the final count.

Any yarn, pattern, or color is acceptable for the hats, and if anyone needs help or supplies, Knit1 is more than happy to provide assistance. Knit1 even offers a number of free patterns that comply with competition guidelines on their website for the benefit of Yarn Bowl participants.

Acceptable sizes for hats range from preemie all the way to teen. Competition requirements only specify that hats should be either knit or crocheted, preferably with soft yarn, and that the minimum accepted dimensions for the hats are 10 inches in circumference and five to six inches in height.

Knit1 is offering several prize categories to encourage both creativity and productivity among competition participants, including most creative use of Ole Miss school colors, most unique hat, most colorful hat, most hats made with Knit1 yarn, most hats knitted, and most hats crocheted.

Additionally, all donated hats double as raffle tickets for a drawing for door prizes, and anyone who makes five or more hats will be rewarded with a 20 percent discount coupon to Knit1 Oxford.

This year is the third year of the competition between Tuscaloosa’s Serendipity and other yarn shops around the SEC, and last year Tuscaloosa eclipsed 3,000 hats made.

According to Knit1’s website, as of May 11, Oxonians have contributed 45 hats toward the competition, and owner Patsy Engelhard both acknowledges and embraces the challenge ahead.

“The hill is a steep one, and we are very optimistic,” she said.

Engelhard said that the shop has received contributions from participants as young as 10 years old and hopes that people will continue to embrace the event.

“Many are loving the challenge because they can use their own great stash of yarn for a great cause,” she said.

Before June 1, participants can mail their hats to Knit1 Oxford at 1103 W. Jackson Ave., but after June 1, contributions should be sent to 303 Heritage Drive.

For more assistance or information, interested parties can reach Knit1 by emailing knit1oxford@gmail.com, calling the shop at 662-238-2829, or visiting their website at www.knit1oxford.com.