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