DONATIONS FOR THE BISHOP'S STOREHOUSE

OH, and I also noticed at our Bishop's Storehouse they have a big basket in the corner with knitted and/or crocheted hats, gloves, scarves for anyone to take for free if they have the need. Another place for donations ....

A LADY I VISIT TEACH

GUESS WHAT?! A lady I visit teach has PILES AND PILES of squares ... she crochets. People also donate squares to her and she puts them together IDENTICAL to the ones "we" have done and donates the afghans to the Veterans' hospital, etc. Just thought this was a fun tidbit to share. Maybe she'd like to join our club...?

Time For a New Project

GrammaJuneBug wants some lil birdies to blanket stitch and otherwise embroidery stitch around. Polly and Mary have a few that would be awesome for this purpose.

What's Going On?

The last post was April 16th?!?! Anything happening anywhere?

Charity Crafting, and Project Linus.

Hi all. How are you? We've all been so busy and haven't been able to get together as often or coordinate on projects very well, so there hasn't been too much to read about on here lately! I thought I'd post and show what I've been up to lately, knit-wise. :)

To be perfectly honest, I'm a bit tired of making squares at the moment. :) Also, I don't know about you, but our recent projects, while definitely worthwhile and for very beloved and precious people, have all been focused on sad events, and I've found that I've needed to put a bit of a more cheerful focus back into my knitting for awhile to lift my own spirits. So I've done a bit of "just for me" knitting (which for me is usually hats and scarves), and a bit for gifts for family members.

Now, though, I'm feeling the bug again to "knit for the greater good,"- I guess I'm just drawn to knitting for charities or causes because it feels good to be using my hands to make something tangible that will bring warmth of heart or body to someone who really needs it. I know, no one's going to save the world with a handknit scarf or hat or blankie, but maybe for one person, that gift of a pretty item that a stranger spent hours and lots of good feelings on, just for them, will bring them feelings of comfort and hope and like somebody, somewhere, is wishing the best for them, no matter what- just because they matter.

There are TONS of knit/crochet charity organizations out there. You can make helmet liners, socks or slippers for our troops abroad, red scarves for American foster children, tiny beanies for premature infants, snuggly cage liners for pets in shelters, slipper socks for Russian orphans, colorful vests and sweaters for impoverished, war torn refugees in Afghanistan... the list goes on and on, whatever you want to knit or crochet, someone somewhere may already have it organized. Or, you can always start your own. (If any of these causes interest you, let me know and I can help you find out more info).

Project Linus

For me, the project that for some reason is grabbing my heart is Project Linus.
It is a nation-wide organization that collects and distributes handmade blankets to kids who are ill or are in crisis. The name comes from, as you might guess, Linus the Charlie Brown character and his beloved blue blankie. Project Linus has groups (called chapters) open all over the country run by volunteers, and you drop off your completed blankets to your local chapter, and they are then distributed locally to kids in your own community. They work with all kinds of organizations- hospitals, police and fire departments, crisis shelters, wherever they find a need. And there is always need- they never run out of kids who need blankets, it's usually the opposite- trouble getting blankets to every child who could use the comfort. They don't pay any attention to the kid's background- rich, poor, it doesn't matter- all that matters is that a little person is having troubles, and a gift of a handmade blanket can bring them comfort and cheer to hold on to and call their very own.

The blankets must be new, machine washable, and handmade, store bought blankets aren't accepted. They can be knit, crocheted, quilted, or as simple as a fleece panel with a hand knotted fringe. They can be as simple or as complex as you want- a simple quilt with two panels of fabric bound together and yarn-tied, or a complicated quilt with applique... a big knitted garter stitch square or an advanced lace pattern... it doesn't matter, the kids love them all.

To read some inspirational stories about how Project Linus makes a difference in kids' lives, you can go here and open up a newsletter from them containing letters from families, or go to this web page to read about how Project Linus blankets made a difference to the victims of the Columbine High School shootings.

So that's what I'm working on- the pic at the top is my first Project Linus blankie, using up remnants of all the Vanna and other acrylic, machine-washable yarn I have piled around the apartment. My local Project Linus Chapter is the South Puget Sound chapter, and my local quilt shop is a drop site, so I'll drop of my blankie there when it's done (after washing it in unscented detergent to get rid of cat hair in case the kiddo recipient has allergies!). It is fun to work on, and I hope it makes a little girl in my area smile.

You're invited to join me of course as a Project Linus Blanketeer. :) Blanket specifications are here for my local chapter, but you can also go to the main Project Linus website and search for a local chapter in your area, and to find lots of tips and patterns (for knit, crochet, quilts, fleece, etc). Just remember it has to be machine washable, new, and handmade, and to wash it in allergen-free detergent before you hand it in to remove pet hair/cigarette smoke/etc. (many go to hospitals to infants). Teens are often the group in greatest need, so don't think it's only pastel baby blankies- a 40 x 60 camouflage lap blanket for a teenage boy may be exactly what's needed. Be creative and have fun, which is also one of the main missions!

I'll leave you with the Project Linus Mission statement from their home page:
"First, it is our mission to provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need through the gifts of new, handmade blankets and afghans, lovingly created by volunteer “blanketeers.”
Second, it is our mission to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children.
Together we have distributed over two million blankets to children in need since our inception in 1995."

Love, Val

My beautiful birthday shawl!

Look what Val made me for my birthday! Its a reminder of my rose garden, in my favorite shade of pink. Didn't she do a beautiful job? I love it! Thanks so much Val!

Sigh!

Is it spring yet?

Aunt Lucia's Finished Afghan

Here's Aunt Lucy's finished afghan. So sad that we didn't get it to her in time. I know Uncle Fred is enjoying it now though! Polly you did a GREAT job getting all the blocks together! OK now on to the next project! Everyone lets get some ideas going!!

Thanks and Uh, No Clue.

Thank you, Juneanne, for posting a pic of Aunt Lucia! She was SO Fabulous, and will be sorely missed. Polly, the wonderful finisher of all our Afghans lately, has sent down Fred's and Lucy's afghans together, and we hope that the love that goes with them will be comforting.

And about the Warrior block- Uh, no clue. Maybe in Mom's quilting room? Maybe... in a closet in my apartment still packed in a box from my most recent move? That's probably most likely. When I find it, maybe I can make it into... a pillow? A wall hanging? A... T-shirt? As far as I know, my block was the only one that didn't make the cut, my fault because I didn't get it sent in time to the piecer (Mom). DOH.

:) -Val

Warrior Block

Hey there ... Alan wants to know where his Warrior block is ... not on the quilt ... and he WANTS IT!! A pillow case, or something? I have leftover fabric. Are there others that missed the cut??

Aunt Lucia

Just remembering things about Aunt Lucia a lot today,
and thinking about what wonderful reunions she must be having!

More blocks!

A couple more pictures of the blocks we've completed so far. We have 27. Pol found this really pretty light lavender yarn and we think it will look nice for joining the blocks together.

The blocks I've knitted and purled

Here's my new blocks. Polly is on her way out to pick them up so she can get started getting Aunt Lucia's afghan put together.

Aunt Lucia's Afghan

Just a note to cheer you all on!

Knit one, Pearl two! Knit one, Pearl two!

Ra, ra, ra!!

(or however you do it)

I love you!!!

Trying Again

Alan's Quilt is Ready to Gift!

It was spendy, but I think it was worth it to take it to Quilt Expressions and have them complete it. Mary did an excellent job (would we expect anything less?) putting the squares together and making the top. I think it is gorgeous. Enjoy the photos. I think I'll wrap it and put it under the tree (which is not up yet) and let him choose whether or not he'll take it to Iraq. I have the feeling he'll think it's too special and will not want to risk losing it. We'll see.

2 Afghans Completed!

Front and back shots of the 1st afghan

Front and back shots of the 2nd afghan.

Great job Polly!

Alan's Quilt at the Quilt Shop!!

Hey, Ya'll!
As of last week, the quilt is at Quilt Expressions, here in Boise, being quilted and bound. Should be done in four more weeks, or three if we're lucky. I'll take photos and post when finished. I am SO FLIPPING EXCITED to send it to Alan, and he STILL HAS NO CLUE!! I am really glad we've been able to keep it a total secret. How fun is that?! It will be perfect timing to send it off to him, as it is just starting to cool down a LITTLE BIT now. If you want to check out the shop where it is, go to www.quiltexpressions.com

I would SERIOUSLY love to host a gathering of the Cricket's Club here in Boise. We have some really awesome knitting shops and quilt shops. I have LOTS of space and we could just have a fabulous time. Pleeeease?? Ideas for dates?? Love you all!

Here's the 2nd picture

Don't know what happened with that last post, but the picture wasn't there! Here it is!

The Quilt Top is Finished!

I got it done today! Sorry the 2nd photo is a little blurry. Now Juneanne will take it over and get it quilted and bound, then it will be ready to give to Alan whenever she decides! Its pretty neat that it's been kept completely a secret.

Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU so much.

Pol and Mom and Shan and Lucy and Juneanne and all those who are keeping Cricket's Club going- Thank You from the bottom of my heart! I am loving my new job, but as is totally obvious, my time spent on Cricket's Club came to an abrupt halt as I've been adjusting myself and my life to my new little career. I am so grateful to you for continuing to work on our projects and keeping our little club alive and well. This truly is a family effort, and is carried upon the loving shoulders of many. You guys are simply beautiful.
I'm gradually getting settled down more into a more normal routine and working hours, and am of course making more time for my knitting too (Hooray!!). I have a couple lovely squares from Aunt Lucy that I will bring over next week when Chad and I pass through (Pol, save room for one of Aunt Lucy's squares in Fred's Afghan please), and I'll start working on some from me too!
I Love You Guys.

Alan's & Freddie's new blankies!

Here's pictures of the new creations! Polly and her friend Vickie came over last Saturday to help arrange all the squares, then Polly took Fred's afghan squares home to work on, and I'll be putting Alan's quilt top together. Shan did a lot of awesome granny squares! Right now I have here at the house seven squares towards Chuck's afghan. So come on you knitters and crocheters, get busy!

Alan Quilt Squares and Fabrics

Here's all the blocks and fabrics! Juneanne you did an awesome job with the photo blocks! Wouldn't the completed quilt be a great Christmas gift for Alan this year? We have all the photo/color blocks we need except one! I have a pic of an American flag I was thinking of adding, so I'll probably do that for the last block. I don't know about using both blocks of cowboy boots. What do you guys think?

Newest Crop of Squares

Here's the current squares that I have..including 2 that Aunt Lucy gave me last weekend. We should get the rest of them together and see how many we have total!

Rowan Tree Woolery

Val and I visited Rowan Tree Woolery right down here off the good old Wenas Hwy. She sold us really nice wool yarn for cheap! I'm knitting a handbag to felt from her homespun yarn. We watched her spin a little, she was great to show us. Didn't take a picture of that, she didn't seem to glad about me taking pictures. Here's a couple though. The next day Val and I met Polly at the little coffee shop in Selah to show her the yarn. Also, here's a picture of Tommy enjoying the yarn!

Give me a 10 for Best Couple

More Blocks for Alan- by Gwen!

How are everyone's blocks coming for Alan's Quilt? If you haven't done them yet, pull them out and get them done and sent to Mary in Selah, please- I'm setting a deadline for us, please get them in the mail no later than March 31 to Mary in Selah (contact me if you need an exception).

Gwen sent some pictures of the beautiful, thoughtful blocks she has done for Alan's Quilt:


"The cabin is for Alan's love of the outdoors.


The Harley -( the other type of pig) I know that he and Juneanne would someday like to have one, went to a Harley shop with them.


The "Lord's Prayer" - Alan's love of Heavenly Father, and his ancestory back to the Wampanaog Indians."


Thank you so much, Gwen, they are wonderful.

Squares, Squares, Squares

Hi All,

I have about 8 more squares done....most are granny squares. They rock, I love how fast they are. Let me know what we are doing next...

Delightful Day!

Three cheers to the Washington Cricketeers! Simply GORGEOUS, despite the mix up on the ordering. What was in that Cranberry juice? And .... murky chocolate? Hmmmm. Well, it seemed to have worked wonderfully. Love to all from the Lazy Idaho Chapter.

Second Afghan Done!! Woo-hoo!!!

This past Saturday, the Washington Division of Cricket's Club gathered together all their crafty stuff in laundry baskets, backpacks, and tragically ugly fabric bags and schlepped it all to the Roarks' beautiful home for some serious crafting. And Woo-hoo, did we get a lot done! Here's a play-by-play:

Mom shows her Too-Cool-For-School crafty hipness as she uses the high-tech light box to trace designs onto quilt squares in permanent marker for Alan's quilt. Other Crickets such as Britney and Polly decided to stay on the somewhat safer side and wield crayons instead.
All this crafting being serious business needing complete and utter concentration and delicate fine motor control, the troops decided they needed a little reinforcement. You know, cranberry juice. I guess it helps a lot. (Umm, I don't know what all that other stuff is.) ;)
But apparently it works! Look at the beautiful squares they made! Color Crayons Rock.
After an hour or two of coloring, we decided to work on Uncle Monte's afghan. Here Pol is joining squares into a row:
And Shan as well, sporting an awesome new tattoo she got for her birthday, proving definitively that you can, folks, crochet and be a BadAss at the same time.
The coloring was too much for Jodi and Britney, who retired to the love seat when the needles came out, and watched the boys play video games. Poor Brit, it seems like whenever we get together the excitement of it all just overwhelms her and she passes out. (NO, she didn't have any cranberry juice!)
I think maybe the dogs did though. Or else they are confused and think they're cats sunning themselves.
I think there's something about video games that diffuses the relaxing effect of lots of yarn and crochet and knitting being in the room, because the boys seem just fine.
Sunday was so warm and sunny outside that Val took the rest of the afghan outside and parked on Mom and Dad's front lawn, and finished piecing it together.


Let's call this shot "The Plan." See all those little sticky notes? On each of them is a column letter and row number denoting the row and column for correct placement of the block. "A2." E5." D7."

Somehow between Val and Pol and insomnia and cranberry juice, these little sticky notes became horribly undecipherable. I don't know if you can see in this photo, but somehow, in the row that Pol joined, row D, the numbers went 2,1,3,4,6,5. And when Val was done joining the columns together, the alphabet went A, B, C, E, D.
Hmmm. We have no idea how that happened. It's a complete and total mystery. (Val would like to point out that she did NOT have any cranberry juice, thankyouverymuch, and that she only messed up two letters and not like, 6 numbers. Pol would like to point out that she did NOT have that much cranberry juice, anyway, and whose dumb "Plan" was it in the first place, Miss SmartyPants? Sheesh!)
Shortly after the above photo was taken (while Val and Pol alternate between pondering the confusing "Plan" mystery, petting the blanket, and discussing baby blanket projects), Val waited until Mom and Pol started sipping on some murky stuff from stemmed glasses that they swore was chocolate (Mmm-hmmm, yeah right), waited until they got a little giggly, then sneakily planted the suggestion that they should take these cool little blue needles and weave in the eleventy-hundred yarn ends on the back of the afghan (which I HATE!). It worked, I didn't have to do a single one, and was entertained at the same time.
Then I did the border on Monday. Wa-La! Woo-hoo! Whoopie! It's Done! Here are some very professionally arranged photos (aka "throw it on this. Now throw it on that") for your viewing pleasure.

The final throw was over Dad, who tested it out and said that it works just great.
Ahhhh..... there's nothing like a beautiful completed project. Let's just bask in this moment for awhile.

Ok. Basking over. Let's get Alan's quilt done!