So what’s the official plan, you ask?
Well, I’m kinda making it up as I go along… But I’m totally open to comment and ideas and the like! In the meantime – here’s what I’ve come up with:
-
Hand craft one item for each of those homeless students.
- These students are ages 5 to 18 – so pretty much just about every size needed!
- If you really want to send your thinking into the realm of radical – start thinking about the fact that each of these kids has got a parent or guardian or two, and some non-school aged siblings…
- Yeah – no – not gonna turn stuff away if we – by some miracle – get more than 1617 items – there’s plenty of need – we can make sure someone who needs something gets matched up with something lovingly made.
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Keep items small-ish – these kids don’t have room to house a lot of stuff. In fact, it’s not unusual for them to have to be able to carry all of their belongings with them very easily.
- I’m thinking hats, scarves, mittens/gloves, socks…
- There has been an expressed thought that it might be nice if anyone is interested in making a small blanket for each of the kids – it would be well-received. It would need to be something warm, but relatively light-weight. (Wish I were a quilter – wouldn’t a lap quilt for each of these kids be awesome?!)
- It’s all about the love. It’s all about the fact that Jesus loves each and every one of us. This is just a little way to put hands and feet to this love.
- It needs to be hand crafted. It doesn’t have to be knit. It could be knit. It could be crocheted. It could be sewn. It’s more about the fact that I really believe the best way to convey the fact that we care is to put a little effort behind it – right?
- Teach kids how to care for hand-crafted items. I think it would be super awesome to have little “clinics” to teach them how to hand-wash and dry their gifts. It’s a skill that will serve them well for life. And – hand washing can happen pretty much anywhere there’s a sink. Convenient, huh?
Things you should know about homelessness…
If you sleep in a shelter – it’s not unusual for there to be a 3 night limit. How would you feel if 3 nights in a row was the longest you slept in one place?
If you leave your stuff behind when you go somewhere – the likelihood that it will be gone when you come back is very real. Even if you’re a school child. Imagine carrying all of your worldly goods with you to school each day.
If you are a family that has become homeless, chances are fairly decent that your family will be split up.
Getting things laundered regularly – well – doesn’t/can’t always happen.
Now – brace yourselves – I’ve got some awesome news…
I started talking to someone who knew someone who works at a yarn company. Said someone said, “Hey, you should talk to my friend – I’ll bet they’d love this project!” I thought, “Cool – maybe they’d be willing to give our crafters a little bit of a discount when they need yarn!”
Little did I imagine that they’d donate yarn.
But they did.
And they’re not the only ones.
I’ve started to get donations from yarn companies – who are SO into this project.
Not only that – but some of the local yarn stores are pretty excited about partnering with us, too. They’re talking about inviting us to join in with their Knit Night events, and helping us spread the word, and just generally want to be supportive and give us a hand.
How cool is that?
(I mean seriously – I’m getting choked up over this. THIS, my friends, is what community is all about.)
So…
I’m pretty excited.
I keep getting asked what our target “finish” date is.
I have no idea.
Right now I’m thinking I can probably knit a couple hats a week. That’s barely a raindrop in the ocean of need, you know what I’m saying? But if we all partner together… Isn’t it important to make sure that our lovingly crafted items are put to good use when before the need is acute? (I.e., before it gets super cold, or snow flies, etc…)
AND – even bigger a thought – does it ever “finish”? ‘Cause in my mind – there’s no finish until there’s no more homeless. CMBC is trying hard to work toward helping – with the food pantry, supporting and being involved with Blanket Coverage, and now the new effort to get homeless kids into housing throughout our church body… Maybe we never finish. Maybe we just shoot for crafting enough NOW – like by Thanksgiving or something – and never say we’re done – we can continue to trickle stuff to BSD as long as there is a need.
(Can you tell I’m making this up as we go along?!)
So – here are some more details that are important:
If you don’t know how to knit or crochet – we can teach you.
We found out a couple of years ago when we initiated the YarnFest events that willing hearts and hands were the most important element.
Wish I could say I could teach you to sew – but um, yeah – not a good idea.
We’re gonna need to get together – ’cause it’s just way cooler and more fun to hang out together some when you’re working on a common goal.
I’m working on different venue possibilities… but things that come to mind…
New Season’s on Cedar Hills Blvd has a knit night – I gotta get more info – but meeting up there and hanging and knitting together would be pretty cool. For that matter – we could always meet up at a Starbucks with a little extra elbow room (like up at Forest Heights) and sip coffee and knit for an hour or two.
The Knitting Bee has a great Charity Stitching Circle the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 am to noon. You can find more details here.
Knit|Purl has a weekly Knit Night that’s fabulous. It’s on Thursdays from 6:00 to 9:00 pm. Yeah – I know – it’s downtown, and for some, it’s a challenge. BUT – it’s
right on the corner of 11th & Alder – can be reached by public transportation galore, and well – we could always carpool, too!
I can always fit about four or five people in my front room – and I’m happy to have people over – it would be a particularly intimate setting for folks who are just
learning how to knit and/or crochet.
If you can fit more in your home and are willing to host – just say the word! Email me, comment here, or call me, and we’ll get you on the schedule!
Getting the word out is going to be super important.
I’m going to email pretty much everyone I know and ask them to email pretty much everyone they know. It’s gonna take that many folks to get this done.
I’ve already been asked if folks who live far away and want to be a part can be. Why not?! If you know of someone who falls into this category – let me know, and I’ll get them my address to send completed items, okay?
SO!
I’ve got yarn for anyone who needs it.
If you have your own that you want to use – groovy! Go for it!
When should we start? About a month or two ago. So – get going! Now’s the time!
Have I mentioned lately how awesome you all are? I wouldn’t even begin to think about this as a project without you – my knitting, crocheting, sewing friends – an important part of my life. You’re the coolest!
Now – let’s get started!
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Shirley Steinert said:
I’m interested. A little awkward since I broke a wrist about two years ago,
but can do stocking caps, and scarves i think.
Dina said:
Hey Shirley! WONDERFUL! Glad to have you join the ranks! Let me know if you need any yarn – I’ve got a lovely little stash here just waiting to be worked with. I’ve also been hoarding patterns like crazy for months now – so if there’s anything in particular you’re looking for, let me know, okay?
Hooray!!! Thanks for responding!
Sheryl said:
I’m in! just let me know where you decide to meet up….have lots of yarn. Great idea.
Dina said:
Hi Sheryl! Thanks for joining us! I’ll send you an email right away, okay? 🙂
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Kristen said:
I’ve got yarn and sticks. I’m sure I can come up with a couple items to donate. I posted your link of my facebook page and on the page for my fledgling knitting group. Hopefully at least a couple people find you through there.
Dina said:
Kristen,
Fabulous! We’d love your help! And any you can invite along to help – wonderful!
Let me know if you or any from your knitting group need yarn, okay? And if you meet in the Portland metro area, if you’d like – I could come to you and bring yarn! 🙂
Bless your heart!
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Lori said:
i was homeless from age 14 to 18, and lived on the street. your description – only having what you can carry, especially – brings it all back, though those years are never too far from my mind even though i’ll be 52 this year. i’d like to send something; will you be posting a mailing address?
Dina said:
Lori – you’re a sweetheart! I’ll email you right away! 🙂
Mary said:
I can help.
I can knit hats and fingerless mitts, and scarves. It would be fun to try new patterns– I’ll be happy to use some of your “donation” yarn. Are you meeting up anywhere in SE to knit?
Dina said:
Mary – I’d be happy to get yarn to you. Any particular fiber or weight you’re interested in? Hats, mitts, and scarves are all perfect!
I want to get over to Happy Knits for their knit night – I had planned on going to the one tomorrow (Thursday) – but it’s my son’s back to school night. I should probably go to that, huh?! 🙂 But yes – I definitely want to get over to the SE side of town and join in somewhere.
So glad to have you helping! 🙂
Mary said:
I can’t make it to Happy KNits this Thurs but maybe next Thurs–
Mary
Sarah said:
How can we get finished objects to you? If I drop off hats at one of the local knitting stores would they make it to you?
Thanks,
Sarah
Dina said:
Hi Sarah! Just sent you an email. 🙂
Meleta said:
I’d like to help knit hats and scarfs. I also live in the area, so if you are having any knitting get-togethers, I’d like to join you. Thanks. Meleta
Dina said:
Meleta – you’re fabulous! Thanks so much!
We’ve got two events coming up – if you click on the Events tab above, you’ll see the details about them. The first one is October 1st. There are times at 1:00 pm and 7:00 pm – so folks who work days have an option for an evening get together, and those who aren’t able to get out evenings have a daytime option. We’d love to have you join us!
Do you need yarn? How can I help? I’m going to send you an email, too, okay? 🙂
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Mary Ellen said:
I have 18 hats of various sizes and yarn types. some knit some loomed. please send me an address. I would love to help out. thanks. Mary Ellen
Dina said:
Mary Ellen,
Thank you so much! That’s amazing!
I’ll send you an email right away, okay?
Thank you so much for partnering with us!
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Malissa Heinen said:
There is a fairly new yarn shop in the Beaverton shopping center next to Fred Meyer called For Yarn’s Sake. They have two knit chats a week. One is Tuesday nights and the other is Thursday mornings. Maybe you can talk with the shop owner and see what can be done there.
Dina said:
Hi Malissa! Thanks for commenting! 🙂
Yes! I’ve been talking with Anne, the owner of For Yarn’s Sake and she’s totally on board with the Project! I should have a post up later on today with details about a potential opportunity to meet weekly! Hope to see you there! 🙂
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Melinda said:
I’m in Tennessee but my son and daughter-in-law live in Beaverton so I’d like to help. I have several things to contribute so please email me your address.
Dina said:
Melinda – you’re a total sweetheart! Thank you so much! I’ll email you right away!
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Judy said:
Hi Dina!
Our church has many women who we believe would love to craft for charity. We also have a heart for outreach as well as “in” reach, helping people with limitations to feel empowered by helping others. Our goal is to start a “crafting for charity” group that can meet regularly, seek out needs in the community, and provide items lovingly made and given with love. We hope to get this group started with the BSD project. Since the deadline is so close, we will begin with simple fleece scarves. From there we will be knitting, crocheting and sewing items and teaching women who have never learned these needle arts. I haven’t seen the actual deadline for the BSD project, other than “Thanksgiving”. Could you fill me in. We’ll be setting a date for cutting the scarves the weekend of Nov. 13-14th. Can’t wait for your response!
Dina said:
Judy, thanks so much for commenting!
I’ll email you right away with the details, okay?
Blessings!
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isabel said:
Hi, my name is Isabel and I’m the president of the Southridge High School Knitting Club. if it’s not too late then we’d love to help with this project! please email information on how we could help 🙂
Thanks,
Isabel
Dina said:
Isabel – wonderful to meet you! We’d love to have your help – wonderful! I’ll send you an email right away, okay?
Blessings!
Helen Combs said:
Dina – have a few small lap size blankets – knit or crochet. But they’re done with – shutter – acrylic. Not the natural stuff you’re seeking. Is that okay or shall I start on the naturals? I figured the acrylic would wash and dry well, vs hand washing of some of the other.
Thanks!
Helen
Dina said:
Helen – that’s fine! The problem with doing acrylic squares (as opposed to a completed item) is that the squares can’t be blocked. I just didn’t want to ask anyone to make a whole blanket! It’s such an undertaking. Although I know people who can fly through a blanket at about the same speed I can finish a scarf! (I don’t know why scarves seem so eternal to me!)
You’re a gem!
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Zina Starr said:
I have just recently moved here to the Portland area. Since I don’t really know anyone here so I have been crocheting up a storm…making hats and bags and shawls…and wondering for whom I’m making them?? Now I know. Thank you. It is in giving that we receive the most valuable gifts. I am most interested in making this journey with you in this mission of love. Please contact me. Peace out. Zina
Dina said:
Zina – welcome! And hooray! We’re so glad to have you join our effort! I’ll send you an email right away!
Blessings!
dina