Monday, May 23, 2011

punching blankets to crochet edges

http://www.youtube.com/embed/ZtLkkJs-kXI

Here is a video made by blanketeers from another chapter of Project Linus.  The only difference when we use the skip stitch blade (can be purchased from Project Linus at www.projectlinus.org) is that we place the holes 5/8" from the edge & round the corners.  Square corners work ok too, but you have to add stitches to turn the corners.

I like using a size G crochet hook & a lighter weight yard like Simply Soft by Caron.  I've also heard that Vanna's yarn is a good choice too.  Many types of yarns work, some will be easier to work with.  Remember that the fleece will naturally fold in half as you stitch & that to prevent bunching in your stitches make sure to do a single crochet, chain, single crochet chain.....or place 2 single crochets in each hole.  This is necessary for the first row.  You may add a 2nd row or any type of stitches.  I like to add a 2nd row of single crochets in the back loop of the first row.  I'll try to post some edging pictures soon.  Be creative & choose bright fun colors that  compliment your piece of fleece.  Happy stitching!

Friday, May 20, 2011

May newsletter


May 20, 2011                               Blankets delivered:   7075


Dear Blanketeers,

 Welcome to the new Blanketeers who have joined our chapter during the past month.  We have exciting news –

We’ve started a BLOG for our local chapter.   The address is slcprojectlinus.blogspot.com.  On the blog you’ll find the current newsletter, updates on blanket donations, instructions for making fleece blankets (great for people who can’t attend Make a Blanket Days and want to make fleece blankets), and do’s and don’ts. 

 “Make a Blanket Day” for the north VALLEY WILL be june 6th ... come join us at Our Saviour’s Lutheran church 3900 S. 2500 E. From 10-2.   Bring your lunch – we have a wonderful time!!
 
The next South Valley “Make a Blanket Day” will be june 22nd at the South Jordan Library from 10:15 – 2:00.  We’re building a nice size group, the ladies are very friendly and welcoming, AND I hope you’ll join us.

This past month we delivered blankets to; the Guardian ad Litem office downtown and West Jordan, the Neighborhood House, St. Mark’s NICU, and Lutheran Social Services AND 136 blankets for the children attending Camp Good Grief on Memorial Day Weekend.   Thank you so much for your continued support!!!!!!  

This past month has been a little quieter than most, but that’s ok.  We’ve been receiving many colorful, cuddly blankets, labeling, packaging and delivering those blankets.  I have received several phone calls from organizations hoping the help make blankets and I look forward to working with those groups. 

Some of you are asking what size blankets we need and I wish I had a great answer.   It seems that if I tell you we need large blankets, we’ll receive lots of large and then we’ll run out of small or medium.  I guess the best answer is, make a variety of sizes and boy and girl blankets.  When you shop, be sure to check the pattern on the fabric and make sure it matches the size of the blanket….. a baby print on a large blanket isn’t as useful as a teen print on a large blanket. 

Thank you to everyone who contributes to Project Linus in Salt Lake County.  Whether you make blankets, sew labels on, package blankets, donate funds for shipping and stamps, or donate paper, yarn or fabric, each one of you helps to grow our chapter so we may give a little bit of love and security to a child in crisis. 

Hugs to you all,

Kathy

Wednesday, May 11, 2011

TAPS donation

Hi, I wanted you to know, Kristin and I sent off the TAPS blankets yesterday. You generously made 136 beautiful blankets for these very special children. This year Camp Good Grief requested 900 blankets and thanks to your generosity they'll have that many blankets on hand.

We shipped the blankets through UPS and Cody at the Herriman store was very helpful reconfiguring a box or two to help us get the cheapest rate. He even gave us a 15% discount.

The total shipping cost was $242. 38. THANKS to Peg, Millie, Pat, Betty, Myrna and Dr. David Coates for donating enough money to cover the shipping, plus a little more!!!!!!!

The children who receive your blankets will love them.

With a huge hug,

Kathy