First Quarter 2015 Newsletter
CHAPTER COORDINATOR’S MESSAGE
We are fast approaching that wonderful time of the year when everything seems to be waking up. I was talking to my first crocus this morning and welcoming the buds on the trees. Those of you who have been "blanketeers" for several years or more know that this time of the year brings our Volunteer Appreciation Tea. This is to be held on May 23rd at the Lutheran Church of the Nativity. If you made a contribution to this chapter in the past year, be it a blanket, an in kind donation, and etc. we will look forward to having an opportunity to say thank you. Enclosed in this envelope is your invitation. A reservation is a must and I encourage you to call and place your name on the list as soon as you check your calendar and find that the date works for you. We expect a full house and hate turning those away that call too late. Last year's format was such a success that we will be following that this year. There will be demonstrations, including one on CPR, a craft sale, door prizes, and a raffle. Of course, lots of delicious goodies and time to renew old friendships.
BUILD A BLOCK CHALLENGE
Eight years ago Luke, the grandson of Mary Balagna, our National Vice President passed away at the age of 2 1/2 from a undetected heart condition. Luke's Mother, Cari, was concerned that her son's memory would one day be lost, so she developed this wonderful challenge as a tribute to him. There are six weeks of clues, with patterns that can be downloaded in order to make this precious quilt. The challenge has begun, but it isn't too late to join in. Go to the National Website......projectlinus.org and get all the information.
The cost is $15.00 and if you put in our chapter name (Western North Carolina) we will get the credit. Check it out. Those of us who have attend the National conferences know Cari as the photographer, trailed by her precious children. Even last year, very pregnant she was climbing over all obstacles in order to get the perfect photo.
WEBSITE
Speaking of websites, check out ours. Anne Ogg is our web master and she has done a great job. http://www.projectlinusofwnc. org
BOOKS FOR GOOD
I want to encourage all of you to visit the location of Books For Good. This is a non-profit that collects used books and gives a percentage of the sales price to non-profits. Thanks to you we have donated over 800 books and can continue to give to them. You can drop off your donation in person at their location and let them know it is for Project Linus. If it is your first visit you will be amazed at the size and quantity of the books that they have for sale and at such low prizes. It is a win-win situation for all. If you are unable to do this, let me know and we can work out other arrangements. We have received a check for over $100.00 and soon should be getting another. Their hours are Monday - Fridays 12-5 and Saturday 10-2. They are located in Fletcher at 50 Heritage Park Drive It is in storage units located at the very end of Heritage Drive. Don't stop driving until you reach the back. Please spread the word. They accept used books that are in good condition (no odors, no mildew, and etc.) along with original CD'S and DVD'S. They do not want encyclopedias or Readers Digest condensed books. You can visit their website www.booksfor goodinc.com.
SPREADING THE WORD
In order for our chapter to continue to grow and to enable us give blankets to all those who need that extra hug, we must share the information on the Western North Carolina chapter with others. I am excited to let you know that the magazine, THE LAURAL OF ASHEVILLE, is doing an article in their April edition on our chapter. This is a free magazine full of activities in this area. Pick up your copy and enjoy.
CROCHET EDGING AROUND FLEECE
Crochet edging around store bought fleece is becoming very popular. It is possible to purchase these rolls at very good prices. Be aware that the quality can often be of a questionable nature. Pay attention to the thickness of the fleece, some is so thin that fingers can almost poke a hole through it. Our mission is to provide a handmade blanket so our goal must be to make the finished project handmade. It is necessary to remove the store tag from the edge. If you aren't careful the stitching will start to unravel. In this case it will be necessary to make small holes around the edge in order to have a place to put your first row of single crochet. This can be done with an ice pick, nail, awl, or best of all a skip-stitch rotary blade which will fit on your rotary cutter. Be sure and protect your work surface first. If you are unable to find a blade to purchase, our National store has them for sale for $15.00. You can let me know if you want one. Now for the finished edge., it is necessary to go around the fleece more than one time in order to create a blanket that looks hand- made. You can chose the stitch to use (ex. single crochet, double, half) but make your edging using several
rows.
MAKE A BLANKET DAY
March 21st was the perfect day for our MABD held at Eliada Home, a dream location with lots of windows to enjoy the gorgeous day, huge turnout, many blanket hugs being made, goodies to eat and most importantly, so many of you to visit with. Thanks to Sharon Waltman for putting together this special day.
CAMP CORRAL
This camp is sponsored by Golden Corral Restaurant for children ages 8-15 who have lost a parent or have had a wounded parent return home from having served in our armed forces. For the third year we will be working with them to provide blankets. As the children are older we will need the large size blanket. Since we have joined in to do this, we have seen that the children especially love the camouflage fabrics in all colors, military themed blankets, sports themed, but not so much the solid colors of red or blue. This camp is held during the summer, but we will start collecting them now. I am going to commit to sending them 100 blankets.
BLANKET DROP OFF SITES
Asheville:
A.C. Moore Craft Store
River Ridge Shopping Center
Hendersonville:
Grace Lutheran Church
1245 Sixth Avenue, West
Joann Fabrics of Hendersonville
Blue Ridge Mall
1800 Four Seasons Blvd. (leave at the cutting counter)
Mars Hill:
Make It With Yarn
635-6 Carl Eller Road
First QUARTER STATISTICS
In Out
January 214 337
February 364 334
March 386 184
1st Quarter Totals: 964 854
With these latest numbers. Our local chapter has now distributed 52,381 blankets!
Number of knitted dolls donated and distributed
this quarter: 341
Weighted blankets donated to date: 692
CONTACTS:
Chapter Coordinator
Ellen Knoefel 828-645-8800
Buncombe County Contact
Sharon Waltman 828-645-7190
Cherokee, Clay, and Graham County Contact
Pat Carman 828-321-4172
Haywood County Contact
Mariam Howell 828-456-5154
Henderson County Contact
Helen McConnell 828-890-3067
Jackson and Macon County Contact
Ellen Knoefel 828-645-8800
Madison County Contact
Sandy Burns 828-734-1261
Mitchell County Contact
BettyAltman 828-765-2526
Transylvania County Contact
Pat Crawford 828-883-8746
Yancey County Contact
Asta Jeffcoat 828-682-4373