September Newsletter 2016

Looking forward to….  

If it seems like a short time between blanket-making days, that’s because it is!  Our September day is happening two days before September.  Join us on August 29th, and then not again till October 3rd.  

Hope your Labor Day celebration is a fun one. 

This past month we have received a wonderful in-kind donation of cotton quilting fabric and flannel for receiving blankets.  Thanks to LuAnn Greenwood for looking up Project Linus and getting the fabric to us.  We have been able to share the windfall with Square Corner Quilters as well as with others who sew and contribute to PL children.  

        We provide security blankets for babies:  Here is a “thank you” received from a new mom:

“We received a Linus Blanket with the arrival of our daughter this past week and I hope that our heartfelt thanks will reach the women who made it.  We delivered at Pioneer Valley.  The note says it was made by “Lanette.”  She did such beautiful work.  Please thank her for me, and also thank you for this beautiful program.  We’re already putting the blanket to good use, as you can see in the picture.   Kenzee”

 We also provide blanket hugs for teens:  Here is a “thank you” from SLC Youth Services – for our donation to teens living in group homes: 

“Thank you for your generous donation!  Together, we are working to make a difference in the lives of abused, neglected and at-risk youth.”

If you are wondering what size blankets to make this month – 

THINK BABIES!    We are in short supply for the NICU’s and hospitals. 

Thanks Blanketeers for all you do – whether it’s shopping, sewing, cutting fabric, delivering, labeling, fund raising, etc. it all counts for kids.

Millie

           

August 2016 Newsletter

Hi Blanketeers, 

        A reminder that our usual calendar has been changed!  In August we will meet for blanket making twice – 4 weeks apart.  Blanket days will be on August 1^st and August 29^th.    Thus - no blanket day in September – all due to the way Labor Day is so late in the month this year. 

We Love All Types of Blankets

I have been thinking about how many different ways there are to make a lovely blanket for a child.  Since there is no “one right way” just let your imagination range and don’t limit your creativity.

The only requirement for a Linus blankets is that it should be serviceable, child friendly, new, hand made, and quality made.  Make your blanket as though it were a gift for a loved child that you would want him/her to treasure and keep. 

Our basic “Fleece Fringe Loop” blanket is an important mainstay to our distribution. 

                                 

Some variations on that basic pattern include – “Western Fringe“  “Arrow Feathers” “Bunny Ears” “Jungle Grass”  “Pinking Edge” and others.

                             

We love to receive blankets that are “All Crochet or Knit” - soft yarn – no wool.

 

Also the “Crocheted Edge Fleece” makes a great blanket and can be edged with either a feminine or masculine look.  The stitches are as many as there are people stitching them.   Here are some examples:

    

                               
“Flannel Receiving Blankets” are wonderful - machine sewn or edged with crochet.

Of course – All Types of Quilts are also kids’ favorites!  Note: If you create one with raw flannel edges – be sure to wash it so most of the loose thread that will fray, has a chance to remove itself in the washer and dryer. 

Hope you are having fun designing and creating blankets in your own special way - for the children that Project Linus serves.  

Wishing you a happy – however warm – summer.    Hugs to all of you and thanks for all you do. 

                                                Millie

July 2016 Newsletter

Along with all the patriotic celebrations this month, July certainly brings some hot days!!

Hope you are all having a wonderful summer.  

Square Corner Quilters

     This month we have welcomed the contribution of 20 amazing and artistic quilts hand made and presented in June to PL by a new contributing group – Square Corner Quilters.  This well organized and civic-minded group of quilters is an outgrowth of a Job’s Daughters tradition.  Every young woman makes a quilt, with her mother’s help and instruction, as part of her learning to contribute her skills to the greater community. 

     They have 32 members at this time and meet at First Presbyterian Church in SLC.  They love to sew and they love to laugh.  Their president is Denise Smith and Eileen Dwyer is president elect and ready to take over leadership in this next year.  They function as a part of Utah Quilt Guild and all of their quilts are carefully planned, and expertly created. 

     It was a touching event to meet with them and to receive the generous donation.  The level of expertise and artistic works of art that they create for little children in Salt Lake is unparalled.   PL is proud to distribute these keepsakes to cheer up and comfort children who need a blanket hug.

      They were shy about posing – but here are their pictures.      

This is Cashton who received a Linus blanket.    

  

  This is what his grandma said:

    “We were given temporary custody of our Grandson, Cashton last month.  He turned two in March.  At the courthouse, we were given a beautiful blanket made by Karen.   

    Cashton is thrilled with the blanket.  He brings it to me for naptime and for reading time.  He holds it up and says “Cashton’s blanket huh grandma.” So cute! 

     What a wonderful organization thinking of these little souls that are struggling to find themselves, missing their parents, and trying to find others to love them. 

     My sincere gratitude to you,”

    

Phyllis Vincent

Sandy, Utah   

KEEP SMILING, KEEP SEWING, KEEP REMEMBERING THAT YOU ARE DOING A WONDERFUL SERVICE FOR CHILDREN IN DISTRESS. 

                      MILLIE

  

   

  

Newsletter June 2016

 

  Blanket Day - Summer Schedule

The first Monday of the month is the preferred blanket day date!  However, holidays also seem to occur on the first Monday – July 4^th and September 7^th.    In order not to space our blanket days too far apart – this is the schedule we will follow:

 June 6^th – This date works fine.

July 11^th – This is the second Monday (avoiding July 4^th)

August 1^st – This day also works fine.

August 29^th – This will be the day we meet rather than waiting until the 12^th of September.

September 5^th - This is Labor Day -no blanket day this month (August 29^th will replace it.)

October 3^rd – This takes us back to our regular schedule

 Join us anytime between 10:00 and 2:00 at OSLC

           

 Spotlight on Blanketeers and Fund Raising

     Last year I spotlighted Jackie Cohen and her sister Chris Nash and welcomed them as new blanketeers.   These sisters have since then, recruited more blanketeers to their sewing circle.  They meet once a week to sew quilts, crochet edges on fleece and share sewing ideas to benefit Project Linus.  They have taught their friend Murleen Filmore to crochet edges on the fleece blankets as well.  Patsy Bueno often joins them also. 

     Among Jackie’s good ideas is a suggestion for fund raising.  She says that if any of you out there belong to Thrivent Insurance Co, you can apply to head up a “Thrivent Action Team”.   Since Project Linus qualifies and is recognized as a project to be funded, you can receive up to $250.00 to buy fabric and supplies for blanket making. 

  

                Pictured are Jackie, Chris, Murleen & Patsy

          

            New Contributors

These intricately made designer-quilts were made and donated this month by Linda Hunter.  They are heavily stitched and have imaginative patterns.  What a lovely gift for us to give to children!  Thank you so much Linda.   

Also, thanks this month to Becky Wright of American Express Volunteers for their generous donation of fleece blankets.

Thanks also to Emily Stanton of Valley Park 5^th Ward for her work with children and their donation of fleece blankets. 

Hugs and thanks to all of you who volunteer your time and work so diligently for Project Linus and for the good of children.    Millie