Two to three months ago, the Cancer Centre where Carrie works started a program with donated yarns, needles and crochet hooks in their waiting room, asking for patients and their families to knit/crochet blocks as a way to pass their time while waiting for their appointments. And who would have thought there were so many knitters/crocheters out there? The knitted and crocheted blocks have started pouring in....and I offered my help in assembling them for lap size blankets.
The lap blankets are going to be donated to the Oncology Floor of the hospital and to Hearth Place, which is a local support centre for cancer patients.
Carrie brought me the first 80 or so blocks before Christmas and they have started to come in slow but sure ever since. So over the Christmas break, I got my first blanket put together. I used just the crocheted blocks in these since I could put them together easily with a crocheted stitch. I used 40 blocks, 8x5, to make a nice sized blanket and then did a double crochet around the edge to make it look more finished.
It looks pretty, doesn't it. I wish I knew how many people had their hands involved in the making of these!
And look what she brought me last night! Most of the blocks I have now are knitted, and there are enough for about 3 more blankets. Any ideas....thoughts.... about a fairly easy, nice looking way of putting these together? I had thought to use the same single crochet as I put together the first blanket, but my hook is not going to go through these very easily and I don't want to ruin the look of the blocks. I need to get going on these lovely blocks before they take over my sewing room!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
Knitting and knitting and some crocheting too!
Posted by Wendy at 8:26 am
Labels: Cancer afghans
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19 comments:
I'm not much of a crocheter or knitter...I can do both, but I've made about 2 afaghans and that's it...a long time ago...whatever you come up with, I just want to say how nice it is to see the goodness of others! Thank you for doing it!!!
What a nice idea on the part of the Cancer Center. And how gracious of you to put them together. This is very touching ;)
Way to go Wendy...looks great. With the knitted ones...what about just a "whip" stitch in cream or black? I have lots of black yarn & white too I could bring to our next get-together. Just ask everyone to bring their own wool sewing needle & we can all help!!
Marg
You can join the knitted blocks with a mattress stitch, which is my joining stitch of choice. It's illustrated here: http://www.knitty.com/issuespring04/mattress.html
I think it's great that you're doing that for them!
On another note, I posted (finally) the RR neighborhood yesterday via Global Priority, so you should be seeing it soon I hope! I think I'm finally getting my act together with this new year. It looks as if you have plenty on your plate too!
What a wonderful idea, and what a fabulous response!! Can you imagine, all these people were at the Centre for their own issues and still they were willing to do some good for others! Afraid I can't help you with your dilemma... I couldn't crochet to save my life and my knitting is only so so... Whatever you come up with, I am sure it will be beautiful!!
Hi Wendy, what a great idea. Thats a great idea to spend your time while waiting to see a doctor. You could make a whole rug while you wait to see out doctor. He takes forever.
My sons fiance came up to see me yesterday and bought 10 kilos worth of sweets with both their names on them to give out at the wedding. She wanted me to put them into bags and tie a ribbon on them. I am all "bowed" out today as I had 150 to do. Boy I was glad when that was finished. Have to go, someone wants to get on the computer. All I'm getting is "Mum" LOL - Take Care - Sandra.
You've been a busy one!!
You are to be greatly commended for what you are doing. They are going to be such treasures, so comforting for others to use. Blessings, my sweet! You have a great BIG heart!
What a nice idea! Anmd it was so sweet of you to volunteer to put them together :)
Wendy, what a labor of love you've made in crocheting the first piece for the Center. I'm so grateful to you on behalf of all those whose lives you'll touch. When my dad was so sick and dying, I kept him warm in the waiting rooms with my quilts, but I saw so many others shivering and cold...it would just break my heart. I'm so glad this project exists. I hope the blessings are returned to you many times over, Wendy!
Love and hugs,
Deb
What a great idea! There's nothing like that at our hospital, just a lot of grumpy staff and puzzles with bits missing, lol.
How about fixing them together with contrasting blanket stitch? Really big stitches in thick wool.
I never learned to crochet so I'm very impressed with anyone who can! You've made a super job of adding all the squares together into blankets.
How nice of you to crochet the blocks together for the Cancer. It is amazing to see the work of so many come together into one whole. Kudos to you!
Hi Wendy,
The afghan that you've completed looks wonderful. It's a great cause that you're doing it for. Hugs to you for your loving and giving spirit.
Although I can do simple things like a scarf or dishcloth, joining things together is not something I have any practice in. Is there a yarn shop anywhere near you where they might give you some ideas? The squares look great, so bright and colorful, what a wonderful idea to make blankets. They are going to bring a smile to someones face.
Your Home of a Needleworker is coming along beautifully, nice progress.
Sue
I agree with Marg - a whip stitch works really well.
I work with a sewing group in AZ and we make quilted and crocheted lap robes for the local nursing homes, school bags for the indigent immigrant children, aprons for the mission staff, hospital gowns for a battered womens shelter, quilts for preemie babies and any other charities we can find. It is enjoyable and we get to use our assorted talents for good.
These are fabulous squares!! What size are they? Go you for putting the crochet squares together. Looks marvelous. I've tried to crochet & tried to knit. I'm terrible at both. I have no clue about sewing knitted blocks together. I hope there are bloggers out there who see your post & reply.
I love to crochet but I haven't for a while. But you have inspired me to take it up again! You are much better than me though. I have some knitting tutorials and have always meant to learn but for some reason I always chicken out. It looks so complicated to me!
Gorgeous Blocks - and what a great way to relieve some stress in the waiting room.
Wow! What a wonderful project you've undertaken to finish these into afghans!
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