September newsletter

Sept 23,2011

Blankets delivered: 7921

Dear Blanketeers,

Welcome to the new Blanketeers who have joined our chapter during the past month, we’re so glad to have you with us and hope you’ll love Project Linus as much as we do. Be sure and let Kristin or Kathy know if you have any questions.

Be sure and check out our blog - 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 Oct .3 ... 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 Oct. 18 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 we hope you’ll join us.

Our chapter is looking for a new coordinator: I’ve loved being the coordinator for our chapter for the past 5 years, meeting so many talented, generous blanket makers and having the honor of delivering your lovingly made blankets to the children. Each time I deliver blankets, the thanks you’s from the recipients are so heartfelt and I am humbled by the need for the love and security our blankets represent. But, the time has come for me to step down as the chapter coordinator. Kristin is able to stay on as chapter assistant coordinator and is able to share most of the responsibilities and she knows all the ins and outs of chapter management.

The coordinator should coordinate the chapter activities not necessarily DO them all. The responsibilities include picking up blankets from the drop-off locations, packaging the blankets for delivery, and then delivering the blankets. Many of you have helped with these responsibilities and Kristin and I deeply appreciate your time. We also work on publicity, fundraising, thank you note writing and answering phone calls. Headquarters requires a quarterly and yearly report filed electronically both of which take only about 5-10 minutes. I probably spend 1-2 hours per day working on Project Linus.

The new coordinator needs to have a place to store the blankets until they are delivered. Kristin and I have worked lately to get to a system so that blankets come in and go out quickly so there isn’t a lot of time with lots of blankets in my house.

Project Linus headquarters is a wonderful resource for a new coordinator and coordinators have access to a Yahoo. Groups chat site for that is full of great ideas …. You’re never alone while you’re a coordinator.

I hope you will give considerable thought to being the coordinator of our chapter. The rewards are beyond your imagining. Please give me a call (801-302-8096) or send me an email if you’re interested.

Just a note – we talk a lot about making fleece blankets but we dearly love crocheted and knitted blankets as well as quilts. So where ever your talents lie we would love to receive your gifts of love.

This year we will again participate in Shop with a Cop. We will be donating 160 medium sized blankets. We’ve been able to save up 70 blankets, so if you’re wondering what we need it would be 90 more medium blankets for boys and girls – be sure they are colorful with kid friendly prints – thanks so much!!!

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 & Kristin

August newsletter

Aug, 25,2011Blankets delivered:  7861

 Dear Blanketeers,

 Welcome to the new Blanketeers who have joined our chapter during the past month.  

September has always been a “rally” month for me with High School Pep rallies, Sunday school rally day, new clubs and activities rally for the coming year.   Project Linus needs to have a huge rally too!!!!   We’ve barely been able to meet our blanket obligations this past summer and in Aug we weren’t able to give blankets to The Neighborhood House or Lutheran Social Services.  We always have fewer blankets donated in the summer. I understand that and try to reserve some blankets for the summer months, but this summer has been especially slow.

I appreciate all the blankets you have made for Project Linus and the time talent and money it takes to make the wonderful, cuddly ‘hugs’.   What I would ask is that you spread the word about Project Linus to everyone you can think might be interested in making blankets.  We’ve received blankets from individuals, Eagle Scouts, High School leadership groups, Young Women’s groups, Boy Scout Troops, Quilt clubs, Knitting clubs, and businesses.  I will gladly speak to any group interested in Project Linus. 

Please remember the children who receive your blankets and the love , security and hug that is a part of each blanket.   I dread the thought that when I receive the next call from someone or an agency needing blankets, we won’t be able to fill that need.

So this is me saying – Go Team! Sew and knit Team!  Give a hug to a child Team!    Rah, Rah Rah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Our chapter did send a Patriotic blanket to the 21 month old son of Navy Seal Jason Workman of Blanding, UT, who died last month in a helicopter crash in the Middle East.

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. 

I would like to encourage you to attend a Make a Blanket Day.  We have a great time exchanging ideas, sharing techniques and getting to know each other.  I always come away rejuvenated and inspired.  Come just for a little while or come for the whole 4 hours.  We can always use more hands to make blankets.

“Make a Blanket Day” for the north VALLEY WILL be Sept.12 ... 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 Sept 20 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, St. Mark’s NICU, and Lutheran Social Services, Primary Children’s and Shriner’s Hospitals and The Road Home  Thank you so much for your continued support!!!!!! 

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

July newsletter

                                                   
July 25, 2011

Blankets delivered: 7581

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.

I would like to encourage you to attend a Make a Blanket Day. We have a great time exchanging ideas, sharing techniques and getting to know each other. I always come away rejuvenated and inspired. Come just for a little while or come for the whole 4 hours. We can always use more hands to make blankets.

“Make a Blanket Day” for the north VALLEY WILL be MONDAY AugUST 1 ... 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 TUESDAY August 16 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, Primary Children’s and Shriner’s Hospitals and The Road Home Thank you so much for your continued support!!!!!!

Last week, Kristin was able to attend a blanket making evening with a group from Daybreak's 1st Ward. Everyone who attended brought a piece of fleece or two to complete that night. They decided to make it a family event & invited the whole neighborhood! In just a couple of hours, 36 blankets were completed or donated! One of the funniest things was how the kids (& adults) played with the scraps when selvage edges were cut, etc. There were many "ninja" blanketeers that night with their colorful head bands. Very fun! The other part that was wonderful was how many large blankets were made. We've been so in need of the large size, especially for boys.

We are desperately low on blankets of all sizes!!! Each month lately we’ve just barely been able to meet the demand. A large blanket is about 60” x 72”, medium about 45” x 60” and smalls are 45” x 50”. If you can help keep us supplied in blankets it would be appreciated. I know the weather has really warmed up and I know you all have lots of outdoor activities planned but, the need for blankets continues no matter how warm the weather. Our donations usually decrease in the summer so I encourage you to keep making your blankets.

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

June Newsletter

June 23, 2011

Blankets delivered: 7275

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 MONDAY July 11 ... 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 WEDNESDAY July 20 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, Primary Children’s and Shriner’s Hospitals and The Road Home Thank you so much for your continued support!!!!!!

We are desperately low on large blankets!!! Each month lately we’ve just barely been able to meet the demand. A large blanket is about 60” x 72”. If you can help keep us supplied in large blankets it would be appreciated. The weather has finally warmed up and it feels like summer and I know you all have lots of outdoor activities planned but, the need for blankets continues no matter how warm the weather. Our donations usually decrease in the summer so I encourage you to keep making your blankets.

Please read these thank you notes from 2 TAPS blanket recipients:

Today, I gave a blanket from the Salt Lake County Project Linus to the son of a U.S. service member who was killed while on active duty. The blanket was made by Pat and was a U.S. Navy blanket with a large Navy ship on it. I received the blanket to give to this child through Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, or TAPS. I was serving as this child's mentor over the memorial day activities here in Washington, DC. I am an active duty Army Aviation Officer with two sons, and am sure Pat's blanket will bring some comfort to the son of the deceased service member I spent the weekend with. Thank you for what you ladies do, and it is humbling that you spend so much of your free time in service to these children.

--
Chris and Alison

Dear Kathy and friends,
I'm a TAPS mentor at the good grief camp and my teen just gave me one of your blankets. I also got him one from you all in Utah as well. Wes found an army one for me as I am an Army veteran and I found a Marine Corps blanket for him since his dad was a marine corps pilot. Wes wants to follow his dad's footsteps and go to the Naval Academy. Thanks again for your gracious and caring gift and God bless!
Cheers
Dan and Wes

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

large blankets needed!!

We always need all sizes, but recently we keep running out of medium & large boys blankets. If you are out shopping, keep an eye out for larger boy prints & solids. Medium size is 1 1/2 yards, large is 2 yards of material. Thanks so much!!!

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!

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