Pete, MSF UKs Web Editor, along with the rest of the MSF teams across the world, has been working his (non-hand-knitted) socks off since last week when the earthquake devastated Haiti so he hasn’t had much time for knitting his scarf (more on that later). However he has put together this interview he did with MSF surgeon Paul McMasters who is working at the Carrfour hospital in Haiti.

If you want a reminder of why we support Médecins Sans Frontières and the work they do to help people in need please listen to this.

Haitian doctor Adesca, Surgeon Paul McMaster and German nurse Anja Wolz, Carrefour.

Photo JulieRemy via MSF UK

We knit, we make beautiful tactile things, we enjoy it, but we also give that little bit extra with p/hop.

The atmosphere in the MSF UK office is busier today with a calm yet determined sense of purpose due to the earthquake last night in Haiti. You can keep up-to-date with MSF’s disaster response on the MSF UK website or via their twitter feed.

I’m sorting out new p/hop patterns which feels a little odd in the middle of all the serious work going on around me but I know it does make a difference.

So if you’re knitting while watching the news tonight you can know you’ve made a difference too as having money already in the MSF pot makes it easier to respond immediately to disasters.

Obviously MSF still need money so if you like our knitting patterns please download them and make your donation either through justgiving in British pounds or firstgiving in US dollars. Thank you very much.

Hi guys, sorry for the non-knitting related post, but I think this is very important…

For the last five months, we have been running a multimedia project called Condition: Critical which gives a voice to the people living through the war in Eastern Congo – people all too often ignored by the world and the world’s media.

Today is Mother’s Day (I hope all you mothers are having an excellent one) and I just want to ask that you spare a moment for those women in Congo struggling to look after their children, giving birth in really difficult circumstances and having to flee their homes with their families to escape violence.

Giving birth for the 4th time

Please read Congolese women’s testimonies here and then, if you are willing, post about these women or share with your networks. We just want their stories heard by as many people as possible…

Thanks for your help,

Pete