Project Linus Central Illinois Chapter

USPS, UPS and a Project Linus Motto!

2011-09-06T15:27:00.000-05:00

“Neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night stays these couriers fromthe swift completion of their appointed rounds. " ---The Unofficial Postal Worker’s Motto

A while back I purchased a bundle of beautiful coordinatingfabrics. I didn’t have a particularproject in mind but I knew from the moment that I laid eyes on the eye-catching stack there was a quilt hiding inside begging to be discovered. Unfortunately, I just haven’t had a freeminute over the last 6 months to even think about making a quilt for myself – so the fabrics just saton my cutting table….waiting.

At the end of August my final deadline for a two-year long project was approaching and I decided to celebrate by making this special quilt. We were going to be spending the LaborDay holiday at our cabin in the Northwoods so I packed up the fabric and planned myproject on the way. Of course, when I arrived at the cabin and did the final calculations – I didn’t have enough fabric to complete the quilt pattern I chose. Since the fabric waspurchased a year ago, it was no longer available in the local quilt shop. Due to the magic of technology and the internet, I found the pieces I needed at a shop in NewEngland. Getting this fabric from them to me should have been an easyprocess.

It wasn’t.

Here’s what happened beginning with some background information...

1. We do not have a USPS mailbox or USPS maildelivered to our cabin. It’s in aremote area and since we are only here occasionally we decided that if we needanything delivered we would use UPS or FedEx.

2. When I placed my fabric order the order form gaveme the choice of USPS or UPS delivery. Ichose UPS 2^nd day delivery and specifically stated in myinstructions that we were vacationing and if they were unable to ship thefabric to our cabin with arrival within the next week to please contact me andI would give them my home address.

3. The following day after placing my order I received a copy of my order andshipping confirmation. The fabric hadbeen shipped out USPS (United States Postal Service) Priority Mail (not UPS 2^ndDay Air). Knowing that the box would be returned to sender, I was hoping this was amistake so I contacted the shop.

Here’san entertaining synopsis of our e-mail exchanges:

My order instructions:

Shipping Method: UPS 2^ndDay Air

SpecialInstructions: I am on vacation and will only be at this address until 9-7-11. If it is not possible to ship this and receive my order by that dateplease let me know via e-mail. Thank you!

FromFabric Shop:

Shippingconfirmation via USPS (United States Postal Service) Priority Mail with Priority Mail Tracking Number

From Me:

I'mconcerned about my order - I paid for UPS 2nd day air (see UPS confirmationbelow) and received notification and a tracking number for USPS. We cannot receive United States Postal Service mail at this address - everything must be sent UPS - which is why I paid forUPS 2^nd Day Air shipping. I hope this notice to track viaUSPS was sent in error.

Pleaseadvise.

Thankyou,

Mary

Fromthe Fabric Shop:

The package was sent out Priority and the USPS said three days max. to deliver. I only didthat because I know when I send to my daughter in Va. I send Priority and shegets it in two days for the most part, and once in a great while if weather isbad.....three. I was just trying to get it to you within the time framebut at a savings to you in postage. Sorry to have caused undue stress. Prayingthe USPS is good for the date they told me!

Sincerely,

Connie

FromMe:

DearConnie,

Iappreciate that you were trying to save me money on the delivery, but theproblem is that we do not have US mail delivery here at this address - it is avacation home and we did not set up mail delivery. We had the choice ofwhether or not we wanted a box set up for mail delivery and since it's very remoteand we are not here very often, we decided not to have USPS delivery. This is why I asked that it be sent UPS - not USPS when given the choice onyour mail order form. Unless the Postal Carrier decides to bring the package to us -which we were told they would not - the package will be returned to you.

I'mnot sure what to do...

Mary

FromFabric Shop:

Noresponse

Note: It was driving me crazy to think that I may not be getting my fabric. I decided to personally visit the Post Office to check on my options and here's what happened:

FromMe:

Connie- I just spoke with the post office and they said they will not deliver thepackage to our cabin since we do not have regular mail delivery here. The postal worker said that it will be returned to you. I evenexplained that it would be a package that would be too large to put in astandard mail box but she said no - they still will not deliver it (since we donot have a mailbox and are not on a regular mail route). This is veryupsetting as it was for a quilt I wanted to finish this week and I was so happythat you had the fabric I needed to finish it. I will not be able tocomplete it in time with the package being returned to you. Please creditmy credit card when you receive the package back.

Mary

FromFabric Shop:

Mary,

Inreviewing the emails this am. it appears that we have not responded to youremail from August 31st. Pleaseaccept our apology for the delay in responding. We do not like to leaveopen-ended issues laying dormant, however I understand the store has been busywith long-weekend visitors and I expect no one had a chance to check forinternets/emails in the last 48 hours.

Inreviewing your series of emails with Connie, I'm sorry that we did not get yourfabric to you with an appropriate delivery method that ensured it arrivedsafely to you for your project deadline. The owner of the store has been in theprocess of training some new staff and unfortunately some of the detailednuances of internet orders can be tricky. In your case, Connie wasfocusing on delivery time and dollars. These are typically ourprime focus areas, however when we think it makes sense to change a deliverymethod, we typically communicate with the customer first to ensurethat there is no conflict in our thinking - in this case, ourthinking would have been flawed and had we called you or emailed you back,you would have been able to tell us about the delivery flaw and wewould have honored the UPS request. Unfortunately, Connie did not knowthis extra step in our process as these situations are rare.

We aresorry that we caused disappointment. Please know that wewill modify our processes internally to ensure this does nothappen in the future.

We willcredit your card immediately.

Sincerely,

Brenda

Fromme:

HiBrenda,

Thankyou so much for your note and your explanation. I just couldn't stand thethought of not getting the fabric and finishing the quilt - so here's what wedid. My husband and I visited the Post Office in town and the supervisor saidthey would not deliver the package to our cabin without a mailbox at the end ofthe road (about 1/4 mile from our cabin). This is a remote area and themailboxes are all lined up on a particular corner near a main road. Hetold us to find one that looked abandoned and label it with our house numberand street name. The other problem was that Connie labeled the box"Bologna" and my name is "Balagna" - so it was entered intothe US Post Office computer incorrectly. The supervisor said he wouldwatch for the box and tell the postal carrier that the name was incorrect andthat we did have a mailbox and to make the delivery. So - on Friday, webought some letters & numbers from Wal-Mart and put them on an old rustyabandoned mailbox (that we pried open) that was sitting in a bucket of cementamidst all the other mailboxes. On Saturday there was a knock onthe door from the local postal worker and she personally delivered the package and welcomed us to the route! WooHoo!

I amvery glad to have the package - although, as you said - if it would have beensent UPS it would have arrived at my door on Friday and not taken up so much ofour time trying to make our home "US Post Office accessible". But, that being said - the fabric is here - it's beautiful - and I'mworking on the quilt - so all is well. Please do not credit my card as Ihave received my order.

Thankyou so much,

Mary

Fromthe Fabric Shop:

Mary,

Wellthank you for making me smile this morning. Don't get me wrong, Irealize that you have really gone out of your way to make this fabric orderhappen as a result of judgment and process errors on our end. I'm smiling from the perspective that I don't think I've ever heard of anyonebeing so creative to get fabric!

Thankyou for telling me the end of the story. I want to make sure thatmy colleagues understand the degree of effort you had to put into thissituation to make it happen! My hope is all employees will rememberthis file and your creativity and take the extra step to ensure that we nevercause this type of creativity again! We want to put our creativejuices into color design and beautiful projects.

Thankyou for your patience with us on this one!

I didcredit your card on Saturday. So when your credit card invoicelooks a little wacky this month, you'll know why. I'll put throughthe charge today.

Enjoyyour quilt and have a great extended summer!

Sincerely,

Brenda

So –all’s well that ends well! I have myfabric and I’m working on my quilt AND we have a rusty old mailbox with our name in beautiful gold letters that we can now call our own! :-)

As I read the quote at the beginning of this entry - it reminds me of our Project Linus chapter coordinators and blanketeers across the country. “Neither rain, nor sleet, nor gloom of night stays these volunteers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds of making and delivering blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children." Although we DO have a Project Linus mission statement - we DON'T have an official motto. I think I like this one!

Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

The 2011 “Moving Forward Mary-thon”

2010-12-23T17:28:00.016-06:00

"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible." John Hanc

Back in December 2009, while recovering from foot surgery I was contemplating my “theme” for the new year. (I refuse to make "new year's resolutions" as they just don't work for me.) After much deliberation and consultation with family, I decided my 2010 theme would be “Finish the Race and Finish Strong”. In 2010 "Life's Rat Race" was the only race I anticipated running but I have always been intrigued by long distance running. In fact, one of my life-long dreams was to run a half-marathon. For a variety of reasons, I never made the effort to transform that dream into a reality, however, the more I contemplated my 2010 theme, the more I thought that 2010 could be “my half-marathon year”! I was at a bit of a disadvantage since I am not very athletic, I had never been on a sports team and I certainly had never run a race of any kind...ever. With this in mind I didn't feel comfortable sharing my goal, simply because as a "card-carrying rule follower", I knew that if I told anyone – that would mean that I made a commitment and I would be obligated to follow through with it. Thinking realistically, I just wasn’t sure I had the strength within my mind and body to do it.

But I did have a secret motivation – a yummy carrot dangling in front of my running cart. What was it that motivated me? What was my inspiration? What would be the power that would carry me over the finish line? THE FINISHER’S MEDAL. I wanted to finish the race within the allotted time, I didn’t want to finish last, and most importantly I wanted to be awarded a finisher’s medal. I wanted to be able to say “Yes, I finished the race, I finished strong - and here’s my medal to prove it!” So, I made the commitment – I officially registered for the December 2010 Las Vegas Rock and Roll half-marathon and then told everyone that I planned to run it. There was no turning back.

After enlisting my husband, two daughters and one son-in-law to join me (there’s strength in numbers) my year-long training began. I knew I needed a plan so I went online and found a training schedule for beginners. During each week of my training, I increased the distance of my long runs, and my confidence grew stronger with each added mile. I had my set-backs (such as a major "trip and fall" during my 10 mile long run) – but as the date for the race got closer, I knew I was ready. There were 28,000+ runners and although my family finished ahead of me (as well as thousands of other runners) as I crossed the finish line, I looked back to see several thousand runners were still behind me! Woo Hoo! I wasn’t last! And the best part is that I got my medal and achieved a life-long dream! I finished the race and I finished strong! The emotion that I felt as I stepped over the finish line was unlike anything I have ever felt. It was a truly phenomenal experience. I didn't want it to end - and I didn't want to lose what I had gained during 2010.

So, I decided on my theme for 2011, based on a favorite quote of mine:

“Around here, however, we don’t look backwards for very long. We keep moving forward, opening up new doors and doing new things… and curiosity keeps leading us down new paths.”–Walt Disney

In addition, I tried to think of a way to keep me motivated while incorporating this theme into my life. In order to help me to "keep moving forward", I would like to invite you to join me and participate in the “2011 Moving Forward Mary-thon”. I know...the name's cheesy and a bit self-indulgent...but I wanted to distinguish it from a mara-thon! :-) A marathon is 26.2 miles long - however I’m not asking you to commit to run a marathon, or a half marathon or even a 5K (unless you want to...). Since registration = commitment, when you officially register for the "Moving Forward Mary-thon" (i.e. send me an e-mail: mary.balagna@gmail.com), you agree to exercise at least 30 minutes a day for a minimum of 5 days a week for 26 consecutive weeks and your "Moving forward Mary-thon" must be completed in 2011. Your exercise can be running, walking, biking, jogging, swimming, water aerobics, racquetball, spinning, weight lifting, elliptical training, or similar. In other words, you must commit to at least 30 minutes of concentrated exercise, five days a week. I will send you periodic messages of encouragement and you’re welcome to e-mail me when you need support. This is the honor system – so it’s up to you to keep track of your progress honestly. When you’ve completed 26 weeks of consecutive exercise as outlined, let me know and I will add your name to our blog 2011 Mary-thon Finishers! In addition, I know how much the finisher's medal meant to me when I ran the half-marathon. It doesn't seem like much, but it REALLY kept me focused and served as that carrot in front of my running cart during the more difficult times - or the times when I could feel apathy creeping in to my training! So, I thought about what was missing from the 2011 Mary-thon challenge - and I concluded that it was a finisher's medal. I did some research and found out that we could have a beautiful 2011 Mary-thon medal made for each person who finishes the 26 weeks as outlined! The clincher is that we will need 100 people to finish the event (I have to order the medals in increments of 100.)

What do you think? Do you think we can enlist 100 people to join us? Friends, relatives, neighbors...anyone who wants to either make some "healthy changes" in his or her life or continue with some already established "healthy habits".

If you're on the fence - here are the benefits:

1. You will have finished 26 weeks of exercise!

2. You will tone muscles, increase your strength and lung capacity, and possibly even lose a couple of pounds (or more).

3. You will complete a life-changing a goal!

4. You will receive a BEAUTIFUL FINISHER'S MEDAL!!!!

Of course, even if we don't get 100 people to participate, the 2011 Mary-thon is still on - for anyone who signs up! I'll try my best to be your motivational coach - and hopefully we will all finish the challenge! I know the power of camaraderie and friendship. I know what it means to have support from family and friends. I know that words of encouragement DO help and consistency can promote success. I also know that commitment, setting goals and following through are most important and that working together can give us the needed confidence to finish.

When I was running the half-marathon, many runners wore shirts with inspirational messages on the back. One, in particular struck a positive cord with me: "FINISHERS = WINNERS". I would like to encourage you to register for the 2011 Moving Forward Mary-thon and then complete the 26 week commitment!

If you would like to follow our "Mary-thon blog" go to: movingforwardmarython.blogspot.com

Ready...set...GO!!!!

Good Luck and Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

After 13.1 miles, finally crossing the finish line!

FINISHING = WINNING!!!

"Handmade Gifts from the Heart"

2010-11-06T22:45:00.001-05:00

I still use some of the same potholders that Terry and I received for wedding gifts. We’ve been married for 32 years and yes, they’re getting a little worn. But – they do exactly what they’re supposed to do. They keep my hands from being burned when I take something hot out of the oven and they protect my table or counter from the heat of a hot pan or dish. The best part is that they’re broken in. They bend easily so that I can grip any size pan and truly are quite functional in spite of their age. The only problem that they have is that they’re ugly; ugly colors, ugly patterns, in ugly condition due to lots of use – they’re just plain ugly. I don’t mind their ugliness, for the most part. If they’re “out”, they’re usually under something and not visible. If they’re “in” - meaning back in the drawer after being used – they are rarely seen other than during the few minutes when they’re doing their job. BUT…there’s one time of year that I just can’t use my ugly potholders - as practical and useful as they may be. That time is during the holidays. This is the time I bring out the holiday potholders. Some years I purchase new potholders and other years I enjoy making them. This year is a “handmade” potholder year and I would like to share my pattern with you. It’s very simple, it goes together quickly and it’s adorable! It’s kind of like making a VERY TINY blanket – and we know that we all love blanketmaking!

As for blankets...many of us cannot even count the number of blankets we have made for Project Linus. 10, 100, 500…more??? But when we’re asked for proof – something to display – something to show off – we have none. Why? Because we’ve given them all away to children who need them more than we do…children who need a special hug that only a blanket can provide. Our handmade blankets are created in our hearts, put together with our hands, and when given away offer a hug of love, and physical or emotional healing to the recipient. I guess it’s in our nature to give away more than we keep…that’s what being a blanketeer is all about.

FYI - This potholder pattern makes a nice little gift for a friend or family member. It is also a gift created in our hearts, made with our hands and given away with love - just like our blankets. So far I’ve made 4 holiday potholders. As with everything else, I haven’t yet made any for me but I do plan to do so…just as soon as I finish a few more for gifts. I think that’s because it’s just so much more fun to give our handwork away…isn’t it?

Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

Potholder

Here’s the pattern instructions:

Fabric:

You will need 2 fat quarters of fabric (light and dark contrasting holiday fabrics work best) for each potholder.

Cut:

3 – 9” squares of the darker fabric (Fabric A)

2 – 9” squares of the lighter fabric (Fabric B)

2 – 9” squares of batting. (I like to use Warm and Natural batting.) If you are using Warm and Natural Insul Bright (insulated batting) you only need to use 1 layer.

Assembly: (Click on instructions below for full size view)

Won't you be my neighbor?

2010-09-17T16:09:00.001-05:00

I have a neighbor who has lived across the street from me for over 16 years. His name is Bobby. Bobby walks his dog regularly and when I see him he always greets me like a long lost relative. He may be a block away from me, but as soon as he spots me, he waves his arms, smiles and shouts “Hi Neighbor!!!” at the top of his lungs. I ALWAYS smile, wave and shout “Hi Bobby!” in return. I can’t think of another neighbor who greets me like Bobby does and it truly makes my day. I know that Bobby cares about our family and in turn, we care about him. When we lost our grandson, Bobby watched the chain of events from his front yard. He was so concerned about our family and wanted to help – but just wasn’t sure how. He decided to cut out the obituary from the newspaper and give it to us. His kindness touched our hearts in a very special way, during an especially difficult time – and his “neighborly” love for our family was very much appreciated. Bobby has served us in very simple yet meaningful ways throughout the years, for which we will always be grateful. Bobby has Downs Syndrome – and although he has his share of challenges as he finds his place in the world – he is a neighbor like no other. He is someone who is such an example of genuine love and compassion and it is a privilege and a pleasure to be numbered among his friends.

Although we may think that such a kind, caring and attentive neighbor is a rarity these days, actually I have found a special place in another neighborhood that I cherish: The Project Linus neighborhood. Last weekend, Carol and I attended a Project Linus regional conference in Kansas City MO. This weekend we are attending the Portland OR/Vancouver WA Northwest regional conference. Chapter Coordinators and volunteers in these regions of the country gather together for a weekend of inspiration and fellowship with those who share our love and passion for Project Linus! Although we are far from our physical neighborhood in the Midwest, we couldn’t feel more welcome and more at home as we gather together with our Project Linus neighbors across the miles. We have learned new blanketmaking techniques and skills, visited with volunteers and chapter coordinators, enjoyed the inspirational stores that have brought others to our “Project Linus neighborhood” while sharing our love for Project Linus. It doesn’t matter whether or not we have met before – it feels like home. As soon as we see the “Project Linus” t-shirt or nametag as we walk down the hall or enter a room – we know that we’re meeting a beloved neighbor and we feel an instant connection.

We often talk about the mission of Project Linus – donating handmade blanket to seriously ill and traumatized children. We occasionally mention the second portion of our mission which to provide a rewarding and fun service opportunity for interested individuals and groups in local communities, for the benefit of children. This meeting of our hearts is what creates that special neighborhood. We not only serve the children, but we serve each other. We teach each other, we care for each other and we love each other.

It’s time for us to gather together again for Make a Blanket Day. If you haven’t registered, please do so right away. We still have openings and we ask that all of our attendees register. See our Project Linus newsletter for details.

I hope that I can use Bobby’s neighborly example as I see my Project Linus neighbors at home and across the country. So – to each of you, I’m waving my arms, smiling and sending you a special “Hi Neighbor” greeting! Have a wonderful day!

Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

Weddings and Bliss!

2010-07-12T16:17:00.005-05:00

To be blissful means to be in seventh heaven - to be on cloud nine - to be walking on air! Weddings are often associated with bliss and rightfully so! To witness two people in love unite as husband and wife is truly a blissful moment. The moments prior to the bliss, however, can be a bit stressful as the final details are polished and the preparations are completed. There are always a few glitches here and there and it always amazes me that once the ceremony begins "all is well".

There are those who, when faced with a situation that may be emotional or stressful or new, are calm, cool and collected. You would never know that inside they may be nervous and emotional because, on the outside they are able to handle the moment with grace and ease. I personally know of individuals who have been blessed with this gift, but unfortunately I myself am not one of those. I tend to wear my emotions on my sleeve for the world to see. If I’m happy – you can tell. If I’m angry – you know that as well. If I’m sad I cry and if I’m frightened I look and act accordingly. When an important family event takes place (weddings, missions, births of babies, etc.) and we are “in the moment”, I usually react by simply losing all touch with reality. I don’t know why this happens, and I don’t like it, but I have realized over the years that I must live with it. My family knows that although I APPEAR to be in control, my mind is blank and I can’t be trusted to do much of anything. So, they lovingly take me by the hand and escort me through the event – making sure that I don’t lose anyTHING or anyONE in the process.

Saturday was one such day. My son Jonathan was married to the love of his life – Erin. They are a beautiful couple and we couldn’t be happier for them. The day before the wedding, all the members of the wedding party, family and friends used our “Disney Give a Day Get a Disney Day” free passes for a day at Disneyland. We had so much fun and thank Disney for such a memorable and fun-filled day! All went extremely well and I really thought that maybe I had things under control! When we returned to the hotel, Terry realized that his contact lens case must have fallen out of his pocket on a ride and had no place to put his contacts for the night. I suggested that he fill the two glasses in the bathroom with water and drop one lens in each glass. He thought that was a great idea and placed the glasses on the counter – left lens in the left glass and right lens in the right glass. The next morning I got up first and began getting ready for the wedding. When it was time to take my Vitamins I promptly filled up the right glass with water and drank his right contact lens. I immediately realized what I had done when I looked at the glass on the left and saw the little lens floating in the inch of water. I then examined the glass on the right, hoping against hope that the lens was stuck to the side of the glass, but it wasn’t. It was already in my tummy with my Multiple Vitamins. I felt just terrible, knowing that he really would have preferred to witness Jonathan and Erin’s marriage “clearly” but now he would have to settle for a semi-sharp view of the nuptials. Either way, it did provide some comic relief for everyone. As Terry and I sat across from each other at the wedding, the man marrying Jonathan and Erin commented to them about their parents and our happy marriages. As we looked at each other – Terry closed one eye so that he could see me clearly, and smiled at me. Everyone in our family knew EXACTLY why he was winking at me – and I think this is one story that I will hear recounted for many years to come – the day Mom drank Dad’s contact lens.

I didn’t bring any crocheting or quilting with me on the airplane from Illinois to California. Maybe I should have…because when I’m making a Project Linus blanket, I tend to calm down and relax. It takes me to a different world and I like it there! I know that many of you also seek refuge from the world as you make blankets, and the children we serve do the same as they take advantage of our creations. Well, three of my children are now married with one to go. I’m not sure what that day will bring, but maybe a skein of yarn and a crochet hook needs to be on my list.

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Comfort and Security vs. Worry and Panic

2010-06-17T09:36:00.003-05:00

"We experience moments absolutely free from worry.

These brief respites are called panic." Cullen Hightower

For those of you who know me, you know that it is not my intention to spend my day worrying OR in a panic…but there are "a few" occasions where somehow, I just do. I think it stems from the fact that by nature, I’m a worrier. Now – don’t get me wrong – this isn’t all bad. I try to look at all angles of a particular situation and then prepare myself for what may come. For example, when there is a severe thunderstorm warning – I am NOT one to stand on my porch with a camera. My children will testify that we spent many a storm warning in the basement closet with blankets and a radio – waiting for the “all clear” while prepared for the tornado. I call this “controlled worry”. When my “worrying” is under control – I am able to compartmentalize it and go about my day. Then if the anticipated situation arises, all I have to do is retrieve my “worry plan of action” and carry it out. Unfortunately, there are a few occasions where my worry gets a bit out of control – and I enter panic mode. I worry about going into panic mode…simply because it takes me by surprise causing me to be totally unable to predict where it will take me and how I will react. I can go from a calm, cool existence where I am totally in control – to chaos, panic and mayhem in a matter of seconds. In fact – you could almost say that I could be compared to a fast car or jet plane when you look at my ability to escalate my psyche from calm to full scale panic in a moment’s notice. Yesterday was one of those unpredictable moments.

We had been out of town for a week and our newspaper was to have been restarted on the morning of our return. When I checked for the paper (which wasn’t delivered…) I noticed that there were some blossoms on the plants on my porch that were looking a bit shriveled and needed to be removed. I went back inside, got my clippers and then returned to the porch. I left the front door slightly open behind me – and the outside door was closed, but not latched. When I finished my trimming, I picked up the dead blossoms and took them to the trash. As I was returning to the porch I saw a cat running across the street in front of my house. MY CAT!!! Sadie is 2 years old and is an inside cat. She has never been outside and wouldn’t know where she lived if she ran away and tried to find her way back. In a single moment, I transformed from being a calm gardener to a panicky "cat mom". My initial semi-rational thought was to go into the house to see if Sadie was in there (initializing my “worry plan of action”) – but I was already escalating into panic mode and it was too late. My thought process was that if I went INSIDE where she probably wasn’t, I would lose sight of her OUTSIDE where I knew she WAS. She can push a door open - and although I THOUGHT the front door was heavy enough to be secure - obviously I was wrong. She got out. So, I took off running after her. I was barefooted and as I ran down the street and through the neighbor’s yards – sobbing and calling her name – I lost all touch with reality. Each car that passed me seemed to be speeding out of control and I KNEW that little Sadie would never be quick enough to get out of their way. Garage doors were open everywhere – and I KNEW that Sadie could be hiding ANYWHERE in the neighborhood or beyond. She was out of my site and I just KNEW that she was gone. I ran back home, got into the car and began canvassing the neighborhood and beyond – hoping that I would see her. I called Terry – in my panic mode - and he immediately came home and began to look as well. A short time later my cell phone rang and it was Terry. He had stopped home for a second and once inside, guess who greeted him? Sadie! Oops - I suppose I should have gone with my initial “worry plan of action” and looked around the house BEFORE I began my search – but, I have found that once I go into panic mode, it’s difficult to retreat. If not for my sweet hubby, I probably would still be out there driving around looking for Sadie.

There are many occasions where we simply need someone or something to comfort us. We need a hug to take us from our worries to a place of peace and solitude and to keep us from going into “full panic mode”. Project Linus offers this type of comfort and security to seriously ill and traumatized children through the gift of a new, handmade blanket. With each blanket that is given to a child in crisis – the hug of comfort not only touches the child – but also reaches out to the family as well. One blanket serves as a gesture of love that can work miracles.

When it was time for my 20 minute “power nap” in the afternoon, I was grateful for my quilt. I wrapped up in it and it brought me comfort AND security. I’m also pleased to report that Sadie joined me as well.

Tapping into a Fountain of Youth!

2010-04-14T18:15:00.005-05:00

“There IS a fountain of youth: it is your mind, your talents, the creativity you bring to your life and the lives of people you love. When you learn to tap this source, you will truly have defeated age.” --Sophia Loren

My granddaughter Lucy turned 3 ½ years old. She was SO EXCITED to learn that “and a half” had been added to her 3 years and she always remembers to tack on the “and a half” to her age whenever she’s asked. April 15th is MY half birthday, but for some reason I never think to add the “and a half” to my age when asked how old I am. In fact, when I’m asked my age, I need to make a quick calculation. By subtracting my birth year from the current year, the difference between the two is my age. I feel that this is a long, arduous and unnecessary process, so I try not to make my age a major life concern . At this moment, I don’t know how old I am in years and I don’t really care how many years have passed since the day I was born. I do know that I am over 50 because my family had a wonderful birthday party for me on my 50th birthday a few years ago. Now don't get me wrong - I LOVE my birthday month and I look forward to celebrating for the entire month each and every year. I just don't mark the year with a number.

I have a very good reason not to keep track of my biological age. Between the ages of birth and 21, there are many milestones ahead of us and we look forward to each one. Starting school, our first date, getting a driver’s license and eventually being legally recognized as an “adult” are exciting events that just don’t come quickly enough. When we turn any age “and a half”, we are six months closer to reaching those milestones so we keep close track. Once I turned 21 my age just didn't seem as important to me as it once did. It was almost as if counting my years evolved into a way of keeping track of the wear and tear on my bones, muscles, organs, feet, joints, teeth, eyes, etc. I find that I just don’t like anticipating the predicted “age” when my body parts begin to show signs of wearing out - so I adapted an anti-aging policy called "Ignorance is Bliss".

Instead, I now prefer to keep track of my theoretical age. Some days I feel young, and other days I feel old. I have more young days than old days, so I believe that is a good sign. I feel old when I strain my back picking up an item just out of my reach, when I try to play the Wii with my grandchildren and always end up in last place, and when I can’t see the picture I just took on my digital camera without putting on my glasses. On such occasions, when my theoretical age begins to climb, I have found very effective ways to rejuvenate myself. Engaging in an early morning run either outside or on the treadmill, a romantic date with my husband, watching The Andy Griffith Show on TV, lunch with my friends, going to a quilt show, gathering with family, listening to an "Easy Listening" music station and quilting in any shape or form all direct my theoretical age toward “younger". I like that feeling.

Another way to lower my “theoretical age” is to associate with Project Linus volunteers. Their excitement, their attitudes, their diligence, their stamina, their dedication, their perseverance and their friendship makes me realize that biological age can be quite deceiving. Once you’ve attended a Project Linus event or associated with blanketeers, you will realize that the number of years we have spent on earth is immaterial. As we join together as friends to serve others, while doing something we love we have actually tapped into the fountain of youth. It's true - Project Linus is actually the “fountain of youth” in disguise!

Now, don't be selfish. There's plenty of youth coming from the fountain for everyone. Just pass it along! :-)
Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

With no strings attached!

2010-03-24T23:33:00.001-05:00

I had a crazy dream last night. I dreamed that I was pregnant and about ready to deliver my TWENTY-THIRD child. In my dream, I was in the hospital discussing my large family and impending labor with the nurses. I was relating to them the fact that this delivery was a bit bitter-sweet for me because we had decided that this would be our last child. I’m not sure what prompted the dream but I do know that when I woke up, I was so grateful that I have 4 wonderful children, almost 7 absolutely adorable grandchildren and, thank heavens, I am NOT pregnant.

I have always felt that it is very important that each child and grandchild receives a quilt made by me, sometime in his or her life. As each grandchild has arrived, I have tried to have a quilt finished before his or her first birthday. With grandbaby #7 (a boy) due in a few weeks, I have been searching for fabric that will be just perfect for his “construction/trucks” quilt. Twins Luke and Logan received twin “happy snake quilts” – made from the same pattern, but different background colors. Lucy received a fun and “girly” animal quilt, Tyler’s was an “I Spy” quilt and Gracie received a “Ducks in the Pond” quilt. As I look back, it seems like the pattern and construction of each quilt got a little more involved with each subsequent grandchild. When the time came to make Katie’s quilt, it started as a “Bee in the yard” quilt, and ended up being an appliqued “Bee-attitude” quilt – full of grandmotherly advise. Each appliquéd bee and flower had its own message embroidered in the squares - “Be honest, be grateful, be respectful, be clean, be joyful, be still, be forgiving, be involved, be kind, be positive, be loving, be smart, be humble, be prayerful, be patient, be yourself, and be true.”

Quilting affords us many opportunities to touch the lives of others. We choose a pattern and then make it our own. We choose fabrics that suit our personality, or the personality of the recipient. We choose colors that distinguish our handiwork as something for an adult – or a child; a man – or a woman. We can take hours (or even days or weeks) to select fabrics that will appropriately convey the theme of our quilt. When we cut our fabrics into pieces and then stitch them back together again, we try to make sure that the finished quilt has points that match, borders that are not wavy and backing that has no tucks. After we carefully attach the binding, we sign our name inconspicuously in the corner and admire our handiwork. Then, we look at it one last time, hug it goodbye, and lovingly give it away to the intended recipient - with no strings attached.

As blanketeers, you also lovingly give away your masterpieces with “no strings attached” - but it’s usually to someone you’ve never met – and probably will never meet. What a selfless gift of love! We thank you and we applaud you as do the children and their families who are the grateful recipients of your kindness and generosity.
If you happen to visit the Decatur Quilt Show at the Civic Center on Friday or Saturday (March 26th or 27th) – please look for Katie’s “Bee-attitude” quilt hanging with the other children’s quilts. As soon as the show is over, the quilt will be given to Katie and hung on her wall – a gift of love from her Nonna – with no strings attached!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Nothing has changed!

2010-02-25T16:40:00.006-06:00

Just because everything is different doesn't mean anything has changed. ~Irene Pete

One beautiful day in 1979 I was out running errands with my baby Cari, in Guadalajara Mexico. I put my purse on the roof of the car, strapped Cari in the infant seat (we didn’t have car seats then) and hopped into the driver’s seat. I drove a few feet, heard a thump and realized that my purse just flew off the roof of the car. I immediately stopped the car, jumped out and searched the area but my purse was gone. In my panic, I ran to the road workers nearby and asked them if anyone saw my purse, but surprisingly – no one saw anything. I vowed that I would ALWAYS keep better track of my purse…

In the early 1980’s we were driving from our home in Michigan to visit family in Illinois. When we arrived in Rockford I reached for my purse as we got out of the car. No purse. Trying to retrace our steps, the only stop we made was at a McDonalds restaurant in Battle Creek Michigan. I have no idea how Terry remembered the exit number, but we were able to track down the McDonalds phone number through “Information” (we didn’t have internet then) and sure enough, they had my purse. We picked it up on our way back home a few days later - contents intact. WHEW!

On another occasion, while I was shopping in Springfield, I heard my name announced over the mall loud speaker. Guess what? Someone had found my purse hanging on a hook in the dressing room of a store where I had been shopping. Oops! I retrieved it with everything accounted for – thank heavens! Each time I recoverd my lost purse, I vowed I would ALWAYS double check to make sure I had my purse with me. I really tried to keep that vow – however it has been much more difficult than I ever anticipated and I have found that I still have trouble keeping track of my purse. I have left it in various restaurants, gas stations, churches, homes of friends and family and restrooms across the country. It has been suggested to me that I not carry a purse – but that is totally out of the question. What would I do without my camera, cell phone, my checkbook, my hand sanitizer, my brush, my pen, pencil and Sharpie marker? How can I live without my keys, my credit cards, my dollars and my change? What if I (or someone else) need some Tylenol or Dramamine or Immodium, Zantac or Tums? You never know when I’ll need a Band-Aid, Lip Stick, a breath mint, glasses, dental floss, a tape measure or all the punch & discount cards that I have from various shops that I frequent!

Actually I’ve been pretty good about keeping track of my purse lately… well - except for an incident in October - you may remember my blog entry when Cheryl, Jane and I were at the Bloomington airport. I discovered at check-in that I left my purse at home and Terry came to my rescue by making a mad dash to the airport so that I wouldn’t miss my flight…

Well - last Tuesday – it happened again! While driving to Chicago with Cheryl to purchase fabric for Make a Blanket Day – Cheryl’s cell phone rang. It was Terry letting her know that my purse was hanging in a BP Gas Station bathroom stall in Odell Illinois. The kind and honest worker who discovered my purse found my phone number on my checks and called my home. She gave me a pretty good reprimand when we returned (we were almost an hour away when we got the call) and I assured her that I had been beating myself up the entire way back to Odell. Cheryl has since vowed that she will always be on “purse watch” when she travels with me and she said she would also enlist the help of other family and friends!

So – referring back to the quote at the beginning of the blog – although my purses are different, my circumstances are different and the places I go are different – the basic scenario never changes. I still lose track of my purse on occasion. I still panic when I realize that my purse is gone, I waste a lot of time either looking for it or going back for it, I profusely apologize to everyone who is with me for the inconvenience, I express extreme gratitude to the person who returns it to me, and I vow never to do it again…until the next time happens. In addition, I am very grateful that I don’t have to travel with someone like me because I’m afraid I wouldn’t be as gracious as my friends and family have been…each time it happens.

On Saturday, February 20th we celebrated our National Make a Blanket Day. Although the place was different (we moved our event from the Hickory Point Mall to Decatur Memorial Hospital), the set-up was different (due to the fact that our numbers increased substantially to 175 attendees) and the food was different (now catered by the hospital), nothing had actually changed. The Golden K’s, the LDS Missionaries and our spouses, families and friends helped with set-up and take-down and carried attendees’ supplies. We had door prizes, added charms to our bracelets, played games, had special drawing prizes including handmade big boards donated by Bill Busbey and a sewing machine, donated by Stewarts. And all the while, our attendees made blankets…lots of blankets…1553 blankets…for seriously ill and traumatized children in our local chapter area and in Haiti. We visited with friends while we worked side by side, serving those children who needed our help.

Thank you to each of you for your support. It is because of you that our work is able to continue. Even though things may be different on occasion – nothing has really changed! National Make a Blanket Day 2010 was a wonderful and productive day! We still love to do what we do and we try to do our best to offer comfort to any child who needs a hug!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Finding Peace...

2010-01-30T12:54:00.011-06:00

Several years ago I sat in a lawn chair along a rock wall reading a book. I was in Haiti. I remember being captivated by the glistening gulf waters and beautiful sandy beach as I enjoyed the peace offered by this heavenly haven. As I watched my kids swimming, snorkeling and lying on the beach, I couldn’t help but think this was the most beautiful place I had ever visited. It was truly one of those hidden earthly treasures and I was so grateful that I was there at that moment.

A 180 degree “about face” took place in Haiti on January 12th, 2010. Life for its citizens either ended or was forever altered on that fateful day. From the news reports, I could see that the peace I once felt on the Haitian beach was nowhere to be found. When the earth began to quake and buildings began to tumble I can only imagine what went through the minds of those standing in the midst of it all. As the walls of their homes, schools, hospitals, shops and workplaces collapsed around them did they even have time to come up with a plan to find a way out? Where do you go when everything inside and outside is shaking and breaking and falling around you and on you? As a “grown-up” I know that I still feel panic when the unexpected happens. But the earthquake in Haiti was more than “the unexpected”. It was a disaster which ran its course in a very short time yet created devastation beyond belief and no one appeared to be spared from its impact. Not even us. Although we personally didn’t feel the initial shaking, nor were we eye-witnesses to the destruction, weeks later, we still feel the aftershocks. We’re shocked by the increasing number of reported deaths, the homelessness, the crime and the rubble. We’re shocked that right in the midst of it all are children - children of all ages who are now alone and suffering - without shelter, food, clean water or medicine - without anything to call their own.

This is where Project Linus comes in. Project Linus gives blankets as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children. What could be more traumatic than to have your entire sense of normalcy completely stripped away from you in less than a moment. No food, no clean water, no toys, no bed, no roof, no bed covers, and in many, many cases – no family. It’s more than our adult hearts and minds can fathom.

I have always known that Project Linus has been guided to do what is needed, when it needs to be done. We listen and then follow. When the Disney Give a Day Get a Day program was in its initial stages, Carol (our National President) and I discussed the fact that we could potentially receive thousands and thousands of blankets just here in Central IL not to mention those donated to our nearly 400 chapters across the country. We both agreed that we were being prepared for an occasion where we would need a very large number of blankets, very quickly. Of course, that was exactly what happened. Within days of the beginning of the Disney promotion, the earthquake hit Haiti and we immediately knew where many of these blankets would go. Very soon after, we were able to identify and assist reputable organizations who have a continuing presence in Haiti. They have welcomed our Project Linus blankets and we are doing our best to fill the blanket needs they have requested.

The task at hand (identifying recipient agencies and directing the shipping of blankets to those who will deliver them to the children) has created a stressful time in my life, to say the least. The sheer volume of inquiries that needed to be answered continued to climb. In addition, trying to orchestrate the blanket collection and distribution in an orderly and effective fashion was very overwhelming – albeit in a good way. Then, I hit a road block. The need for 10,000 blankets had been met in less than 20 hours after the request was posted. When this was announced, many of our volunteers were sad and upset that they did not have a chance to help. The e-mails continue to pour in and I didn’t know what to do. I decided to leave my computer and cell phone behind and seek the feeling of peace that I found on that Haitian beach several years ago. As I drove the back roads to a favorite quilt shop – Peace and Applique, I prayed for more opportunities to become available to send blankets to these children. When I arrived at the quilt shop, I spoke with Lois, the shop owner, about our situation and she listened with an open heart. Our short visit brought me comfort and yes – it brought me peace. I was away from e-mail for about 2 hours and when I returned, there was a request for 10,000 (or more) blankets from another organization.

As of this minute, 31,325 new, handmade blankets are going to the children of Haiti. How will these blankets help? I hope that these handmade gifts from Project Linus blanketeers will let the children know that they are loved and prayed for. I hope they will realize that this blanket is a gift just for them and that it's theirs to keep. I hope that when they wrap these blankets around their shoulders they will feel a hug of comfort from the blanketeers who made them. When they cover themselves with their blanket, I hope it will block out the devastation that surrounds them - even if it's just for a moment. When it’s time to rest I hope their blanket will give them a soft cushion and separate them from the ground that has become their bed. When they dream, I hope that their dreams are sweet and that the soft touch of a Project Linus blanket will give them peace in their beautiful and soon to be rebuilt Haiti.

Thank you to all for your help. May you find peace as well.

Happy Blanketmaking,
Mary

Finish the Race and Finish Strong!

2010-01-05T12:56:00.002-06:00

“If you set a goal for yourself and are able to achieve it, you have won your race. Your goal can be to come in first, to improve your performance, or just to finish the race - it's up to you.” Dave Scott

It’s the new year and time for me to select a new “theme” for 2010. I have always loved January 1st for a variety of reasons. I look at it as a time to start over – to refresh myself – to try something new and to give me something on which to focus for the year. I have eliminated the words “New Year’s Resolution” from my vocabulary simply because they only last a couple of weeks - when the year is “new”. When the year begins to age, I find that my resolutions disappear right along with the “newness” of the year. Instead, I focus on a theme for the year.

For example in 2008 my theme was “Because Nice Matters”. I TRIED to be as nice as I possibly could throughout 2008. There were occasions when my frustration with regard to a particular situation overtook my ability to be totally nice – so in those cases, I tried to be NICE-ER than I would have been in the same situation during previous years. In 2009 my theme was “The Cup is Half Full” and I TRIED my best to look on the bright side of things, rather than always expecting the worst. That was tough at times. For some reason when faced with a crisis, my thoughts tend to immediately jump to a negative conclusion. But since I did have a “theme” for the year that encouraged a “half full attitude”, I think I’ve made progress.

I have been pondering all the possible “themes” for 2010. Based on my busy schedule as well as my seemingly involuntary habit of getting myself involved in many, many, many different projects which tend to require much time and effort and always have a deadline that’s written in stone, Jonathan’s fiancée Erin suggested the theme “Finish the Race” to which I added “and Finish Strong”. I love it! It’s so me! I love to make lists, to categorize, to set goals, to plan and to check things off when completed. Even more importantly, I love to do it quickly and efficiently and I love to have a “strong finish” in the end. In other words, I’m intrigued and motivated by the whole “race concept”.

My first race of 2010 began on January 1st. I did sign up for it, but had no idea what to expect. You may have heard of the “Disney Give a Day, Get a Day” volunteer opportunity. (www.disneyparks.com) Project Linus is one of the official non-profit organizations that is partnering with Disney. A variety of service opportunities are posted on their website and if you register and complete one, they will give you a free day at either Disney World or Disneyland. I posted three opportunities for our chapter and was excited to think that we would be getting some blankets and new volunteers as a result. Beginning at 9:00am on New Year’s Day, the calls and e-mails started coming in. For the past 4 days, I have been on the computer answering e-mails non-stop. So far, I have had hundreds and hundreds of e-mails and almost 400 people who have committed to making blankets. I almost dropped out of the race yesterday, when I thought that I would no longer walk again after discovering that my bones seemed to have fused themselves into a “sitting at the computer position”.

But – after a warm bath, and a good night’s sleep, and the calming words of a wonderful husband, I decided simply to forge on. I do plan to not only finish this race but to also finish strong! More importantly, the children who will benefit from these beautiful hugs of comfort will win right along with me!

I wonder what my next race will be? I’ll keep you posted!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

The Worst Christmas Gift Ever???

2009-12-20T11:48:00.006-06:00

As I was listening to a radio show, the commentators were asking listeners to call in with their "worst Christmas gift ever" memories. Of course the usual "wrong size", "ugly fabric or color", "not-my-style", and "various items termed useless junk" gifts were frequently mentioned. The conversation immediately took me to our annual Christmas party and gift exchange at our grade school, reminding me of what I had thought was "the worst gift I had ever received".

Students were asked to spend fifty cents on a gift which would be anonymously given to a fellow student. Keep in mind that this was the early 60's and you could actually find a great gift for fifty cents. The gift needed to be generically neutral - something that would be appropriate for either a boy or a girl. My mom and I shopped for my gift and settled on a "Book of Lifesavers". Ten rolls of assorted flavors of Lifesavers tucked away in a festive holiday gift book. It even contained an entire roll of Cherry Lifesavers - my absolute favorite! I was so thrilled with our purchase that if I could have chosen my own gift, I would have. But, I knew that instead, one of my classmates would hit the jackpot when they opened my gift at our party. We played games and ate treats and then when the time came, our teacher handed each of us one of the wrapped gifts from under our class Christmas tree. When we were finally given permission to open our gifts, the wrapping paper began to fly as each of us literally tore into our gift. When I opened my package, I remember my heart sinking as I discovered 3 pieces of white chalk. That was my gift. That was what I received in exchange for 10 rolls of delicious Lifesavers in a beautiful holiday book. And now - the most difficult part - how could I possibly show genuine gratitude for such a gift, knowing it was the worst gift given to anyone in the class? Well, my mom always insisted that we be thankful for whatever we received no matter what. So, that's what I did. I pretended to be happy for my gift of three pieces of chalk - even though I wasn't. I pretended that I actually needed my gift of three pieces of chalk - even though I didn't. I pretended not to mind that my beautiful holiday book of Lifesavers was going to someone else - even though I did mind. It probably took about 2 1/2 minutes for the gifts to be opened and the festivities to end - but it was actually 2 1/2 minutes of my life that I will never forget. While I was "in the moment" of opening my gift, I didn't realize that someone was watching me. Actually two people were watching me. My teacher approached me after the party and thanked me for accepting my gift graciously - even though she knew that my gift was a bit disappointing to me. That made me feel better. Later I found out that my gift came from a girl in my class who had several brothers and sisters. They were a poor family and purchasing a fifty cent gift for each of their children to take to school was nearly an impossible task. Dividing up a box of chalk between their children who would then take 3 pieces each and give them as their gift to their classmates was a true sacrifice. That little girl was watching me as well as I opened her gift. Fortunately, my mom taught me well and I passed the "how to express your gratitude no matter what you receive" test. I can now only imagine what it would have done to her, had I not been gracious. I guess that deep down, I knew that the gift that I was given was just that - a gift. A potentially negative situation actually created a good memory that I'll never forget. I have come to realize that my gift of chalk really wasn't my worst gift ever...in fact I don't believe I ever have had a "worst gift". Why? Because the words "worst" and "gift" just don't go together in my book.

Now, what does this memory have to do with Project Linus? We have had over 44,000 blankets donated to our Project Linus Chapter over the past 10 years. 44,000+ children have been blessed by the kindness and generosity of strangers. 44,000+ blanketeers have painstakingly created beautiful gifts of love that have been donated to a child with no strings attached. Each time someone donates a blanket to Project Linus and that blanket is donated to a child - an unconditional gift exchange occurs. Occasionally blanketeers are able to show their blankets to family and friends before they are given away, resulting in oohs and aahs of admiration. That feels good. Occasionally a thank you note may come our way from a blanket recipient as well. That warms our hearts. But for the most part our "gift exchange" may actually appear to be one-sided. Yet, as we all know, a very special gift exchange actually does occurs. There are always some who say that the LACK of accolades resulting from a beautiful handmade gift anonymously donated to a Project Linus blanket recipient should be termed "the worst gift ever" in this "gift exchange"? I guess they just don't understand where we're coming from...because to each of us as blanketeers, we know that our gift is not only appreciated for its beauty but also for it's healing properties, its comfort, its warmth and the love that is passed on with every stitch. Also, there's something special that touches the heart of a parent when a gift is donated to their child, anonymously. In return, the feelings of goodness, warmth and love that we feel in our hearts when our gift of a blanket begins its journey from our hands to the hands of a child makes the gift exchange complete...creating the BEST gift ever. For this, we say "thank you"!

Merry, merry Christmas and Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Fa-La-La-La-La, La-La-La-La!

2009-11-02T11:34:00.009-06:00

I cannot believe it! I’m so excited! It’s here – it’s FINALLY here! The Christmas season has begun! If I could pick one word to describe my elation, it would be “Hallelujah”! Now, you may wonder how I know that the opening of the Christmas season is upon us? What has made me privy to this valuable information? In fact a spark of jealousy may be ignited in you as you wonder “Why does Mary Balagna get first dibs on making this long-awaited and anticipated announcement?” Well – the reason is that I am very diligent about checking the music channel line-up on our cable television. There is a station (Channel 882) called “Sounds of the Season”. As of this weekend, the sounds of the current season were eerie Halloween tunes BUT – when I checked the line-up this morning I was thrilled to hear Karen and Richard Carpenter serenading me with “It’s Christmas Time” from their 1978 Christmas Portrait Album. And THAT'S when I came to the realization that – The Christmas Season is Here and it’s up to me to spread the word!

Now, there are those naysayers who insist that it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. Well, DUH! I KNOW that it’s not Thanksgiving yet. In fact, I’m grateful that it’s NOT Thanksgiving yet, because that would mean that the Christmas season is half over. In addition, I am so grateful for Thanksgiving - a holiday that gives me permission to offer thanks for the all of my blessings – blessings which include the Christmas season.

I often wonder how I can possibly get so excited about Christmas year after year after year. What is it that causes me to simply explode when I think about all of the upcoming celebrations, traditions, music, movies, TV shows, gatherings, etc.? I guess it’s just in my blood. I was raised with it and I raised my family with it. As a child, I loved watching “White Christmas” each Christmas eve with my Dad. I loved when my grandmother came over for Christmas Eve dinner. I loved when I sang with the grade school choir at Midnight Mass. Even today, I love reading the Christmas Story from the Book of Luke in the Bible. I love watching “A Charlie Brown Christmas”. I love decorating each of our 14+ Christmas trees – displayed throughout the house. I love hanging our Christmas stockings in the entry. I love my Nativity collection – each celebrating the birth of our Savior in its own special way. I love, love, LOVE the music (except for “Blue Christmas”). I love our church’s annual cookie exchange. I love holiday parties. I love Christmas sweaters and Christmas shoes. I love Linus’ soliloquy as he shares what Christmas is all about with Charlie Brown. I love the scent of Christmas Candles and Christmas Cookies and Cinnamon Rolls. I love Christmas movies and I truly believe that "It IS A Wonderful Life"! I love peace on earth and I love to offer goodwill toward all men, women and children. I really believe that most people share those same sentiments - although, I wish peace on earth and goodwill toward men would radiate from each person throughout the year, rather than simply during this season. But... we can always hope for that someday... I do know that you, our blanketeers, DO offer goodwill toward all men, women and children throughout the year. Your gifts of handmade blankets offer peace to those experiencing turmoil and crisis - and this, in turn, gives ME peace and hope. In a nutshell, this is why I love Christmas.

We still have some tickets available for our Appreciation Breakfast on December 3rd. This is a great way to become acquainted with Project Linus or introduce your friends to our organization. It’s also a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season. We hope you’ll join us as we celebrate the end to a tremendous 2009 and look forward to a banner 2010! Please e-mail mary@projectlinus.org for details on purchasing tickets.

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

FYI – I start listening to Christmas music on September 1.

On being grateful for the birthday rainbow!

2009-10-21T15:10:00.002-05:00

As many of you know – October is my birthday month and on October 15th I celebrated the 13th anniversary of my 40th birthday. I always talk to my parents at 2:25pm – and thank them for welcoming me into the world during this most beautiful season of the year. I love when everyone calls, e-mails and sends me cards. I love to go out to lunch or to dinner in my own honor. I believe that the colors of autumn make it easy for everyone to remember my special day. When they see the leaves on the trees beginning to change – they know it’s Mary’s birthday month – and the fun begins! I look at the changing leaves as my own personal birthday rainbow, giving me a fresh start to each new year.

This year was a little different for me because the International Quilt Festival in Houston was held 2 weeks earlier than usual and the dates included my birthday. Project Linus was invited to host a booth during The Festival and Carol, Jane, Cheryl and I planned to be in Houston from October 12th – 18th. I have only celebrated one birthday (my 27th) without Terry since I turned 19 so I was a little sad that we would be apart. BUT – since I DO celebrate the entire month – we decided that our celebration would simply be postponed.

This year my “birthday week” was a little stressful, to say the least. Here is a brief (well, actually a detailed) rundown of the happenings. Our flight to Houston was scheduled to leave at 12:27pm from Bloomington on Monday. It was difficult to sleep on Sunday night because I was so excited about the week ahead. The Houston Quilt Festival is not only a huge and elaborate display of the most beautiful quilts that I have ever seen but it is also graced by aisles and aisles of vendors. There are so many patterns, books, tools and ideas available for sale that it’s difficult to choose where to go first and what to purchase. I could just feel my credit card jumping out of my wallet as I packed my suitcases, brief case and backpack. When we arrived at the airport, Cheryl graciously let me off at the door with the luggage while she parked the car. As I placed our suitcases near a row of chairs, I noticed that my backpack felt rather light. My purse is very small but I knew it wasn’t THAT small. When I unzipped the backpack, to my horror I discovered that my purse was not there. Panic swept over my entire body and I immediately proceeded to unbuckle and unzip each piece of luggage as I frantically searched for my purse. I then realized that while printing our boarding passes from my home computer that morning, I had taken my purse out of my backpack to make a credit card payment for the luggage we would be checking. When I zipped my backpack closed, I never put my purse back inside. As I was standing in the airport I realized that I had no ID, no credit cards, no money, no cell phone and it was 1 hour before our flight was to depart. I felt like my head was going to explode. Cheryl was still parking the car so I ran up to an innocent bystander and blurted out a request to please use her cell phone to call my husband. It was obvious to her that I was in major distress and she quickly handed me her phone. I prayed that Terry would answer the phone since the call was coming from a number he didn’t recognize – and he did. Without hesitation he said he was in the car and on his way to Bloomington (one hour away) with my purse. Cheryl and Jane soon joined me and although they were so kind and so patient – I just knew that in their minds they were probably making a mental note to NEVER travel with me again. To our good fortune, the Departure screen indicated that our flight would be 1 hour late. Phew! Terry, my husband and hero, made it in time and handed me my purse. I couldn’t have been more grateful and more relieved.

We arrived in Houston safely, had a nice dinner and went to bed. Since Carol is still on IV antibiotics for the bone infection in her shoulder, she and Kirk drove to Houston and met us on Tuesday. Kirk tirelessly unloaded the trailer which included our 200 pound Linus and all of our booth supplies for the week. After making sure all was well, he flew home a few hours later. We worked all afternoon setting up most of our booth and then decided to go to dinner. We found a wonderful Greek restaurant near our hotel in a beautiful area of Houston. Since the restaurant was across a busy thoroughfare, we decided to drive our rental car over and park in their well-lit parking garage which was patrolled by a security guard. Our dinner was scrumptious and it was so much fun dining with my good friends for a pre-birthday dinner celebration. That celebration ended on a sour note when we returned to our car to discover that the passenger window had been smashed, the car ransacked and my GPS, Carol's GPS and Carol’s purse had been stolen. We immediately called the police and Jane went back into the restaurant to notify the manager. Workers were sent out to help clean-up the glassy mess but we cautioned them not to get near the car until the police had a chance to check out the crime scene. As they were sweeping, they told us that this “happens all the time” and when questioned, the security guard said he “didn’t hear or see anything”. What an interesting observation, since he was standing in the same place he was when we arrived at the garage, in plain sight of our car.

The officer who arrived at the scene asked us all the usual questions as he wrote out his report. When we asked him if he wanted to “check out the crime scene” he casually said “No – these are professionals.” Professional what? Professional thugs? Did they attend “thugery school”? Were they awarded a diploma which graduated them from being a petty thief to a professional thief? Did this certificate of achievement give them the privilege of no longer being pursued by the authorities when they commit a crime? Good grief!

My birthday-eve, Wednesday, was basically uneventful and I was sure that since it was my birthday week, we would not have any more distractions that would take away from the celebratory spirit of the week. I was wrong. On my actual birthday, Thursday, I received a call from the mission nurse in California who told me that Alex was scheduled for surgery at 10:30am that morning. She said he had been ill and they were going to do an appendectomy. He was in a small area with an even smaller hospital and when I asked her if she knew that he had Long QT and a defibrillator she seemed surprised. Needless to say, her reaction caused me to panic and I called Terry to relay the message. He spoke with the physician and found out that they really weren't sure if he indeed did have an inflamed appendix. After several tests and a CAT scan, they decided that they would wait to see if Alex got better rather than do surgery without a definitive diagnosis. Fortunately, he did steadily improve. What a relief! (On a positive note – Alex was able to wish me a Happy Birthday!)

The rest of the week went swimmingly! We met many wonderful people from near and far and were able to spread the Project Linus word to young and old. Although some just came to take a piece or two (or 5) of candy from our candy bowl, most were very interested in our organization and how they could get involved. In spite of the difficult start to the week the finish was perfect and we were so grateful to be given the opportunity to share our message of comfort through service to so many people.

We all know that life is never perfect, but we do manage to get through our trials one way or another. When you look outside and see the beautiful fall rainbow of colors, I hope that it will remind you that no matter what trials face us throughout the year, the good times will follow and we are never alone.

Happy Blanketmaking,
Mary

Holding on to the things we love!

2009-10-07T17:08:00.002-05:00

I’m fascinated by the Food Network Show – "Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives". If you haven’t seen it – Guy Fieri travels around the country visiting local restaurants and sampling their specialties. Now, I’m not talking about the 5 Star restaurants that we read about in Gourmet Magazine or the fashionable eating establishments across the United States frequented by celebrities. I’m talking about the Mom and Pop restaurants – those “greasy spoons” that are locally known for their mouthwatering entrees and side dishes. They are a place where, I believe, the phrase “comfort food” was coined. Guy observes as the cook (usually the owner) whips up his or her famous house specialty for him to sample. After he oohs and aahs over the delectable creation that has been prepared, he meanders through the restaurant interviewing “the regulars” as they sing the praises of the restaurant and its owner(s). The restaurant may be small, simply decorated and old-fashioned or outdated in décor yet the patrons seem to relish the fact that they always feel welcome and that they look forward to ordering their favorites from a menu that never changes.

I’m not sure why I love this show. Maybe it’s because it takes me back to some special eating establishments from my childhood. The “B&K Restaurant” on 7th Street was a favorite restaurant of our family. I always ordered the Meatloaf Dinner – and it was DELICIOUS. While we were waiting for the waitress to bring our meal, my dad would let us put a quarter in the tableside jukebox and we could pick three songs. I’m not sure if the B&K would qualify as a diner or a dive – but either way we loved it and when I think about it, it always brings back fond memories.

As for drive-ins, we loved to frequent the “Dog ‘N Suds”. On a hot summer evening my parents would load us up in the station wagon and head to the drive-in on West State Street. My mom, dad and three brothers ordered a root beer and I ordered an orange drink (I didn’t like root beer). We just loved the way the carhop delivered our order right to our car and hooked the heavy tray to the car window. Amazingly, it NEVER fell off and the window stayed intact! Somehow the sweltering heat of an August night just didn’t seem as stifling when we were sitting in the car at the Dog ‘n Suds drinking a root beer or an orange drink!

OR – maybe it could be that “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” takes me back to a place where I could basically eat anything I wanted – and I never worried about the calories or the cholesterol or the fat content or the sodium content or the carbohydrates or the sugar content. If I liked it – I ate it. If I wanted more – I ate more. (That philosophy eventually did catch up with me in a negative way as the years passed…but I’ll postpone that for another blog entry.)

Even more, however, I think the show rekindles memories of such simple yet special times in my life. When I watch Guy visit the “Big Star Diner” and eat their “Big Star Meatloaf” or hear the patrons of Ruth’s Diner sing praises about “Grandma Claire’s Macaroni and Cheese” it just makes me happy (and hungry). It’s always fun to go back in time and reminisce. The ability to recall helps us realize that things that didn’t really seem to matter at the time, do indeed matter. I think this quote from a favorite TV show says it all: “Memory is a way of holding onto the things you love, the things you are, the things you never want to lose.” (…from the television show The Wonder Years)

As for our involvement with Project Linus, when we make a blanket for a child we offer that child a good memory to physically "hold on to" in spite of the negative circumstances which surround him or her at the time. We know that Illness or trauma in the life of a child can be devastating, but the hug of a blanket can somehow buffer the agony. Eventually, the hug of that blanket can actually rekindle a positive remembrance which somehow softens the details of a nightmarish experience. Thank you for your help in making these good memories!

Well, I'm ready for dinner...meatloaf, mashed potatoes, gravy and green beans sure sound good! But I think I'll go with the broiled cod - that sounds good too!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Old memories creating new memories

2009-09-18T13:30:00.010-05:00

The weather was gorgeous - not too hot - not too cold. While the sun was shining outside, the blanketeers inside were hard at work. The blue, cloudless sky and the warm balmy breezes certainly didn't give any indication as to what had just happened to our country. On 9-11-2001, we all remember that the USA was attacked in a way which was somehow very confusing and very foreign to us. Nothing like this had ever happened before and we certainly didn't ever expect it. We were pierced to our cores and each of us was scrambling to somehow do something...to somehow be of service to those in the immediate area of the attack. Our Project Linus chapter was almost 2 years old and we had a core group of volunteers numbering less than 100. Of course, when tragedy strikes, Project Linus volunteers immediately start thinking "blankets". We decided to hold a special Make A Blanket Day and were offered the gymnasium at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints to hold our event. In less than a week, the newspapers had been notified, the TV station held a "pre-event" interview and advertised our event for us and over 500 volunteers attended. Local businesses paid for postage to ship the blankets to NYC and the Pentagon, school children had "fleece drives", blanketeers came with their friends and family, some donated money, some donated materials, some donated their time and we worked together, side by side, to try to bring some sense of comfort to those tragically affected. How? By doing what we do best - giving them a gift of a handmade blanket. We were all focused and we made hundreds and hundreds of blankets. It was an amazing day. We had a purpose and our purpose was accomplished.

As the sun came out on Thursday, September 17th, 2009, I couldn't help but be reminded of that MABD event in 2001. We have continued to host this Community Day of Service each fall ever since and this was our 9th Fall Make a Blanket Day. This year, we also had a focus - we made weighted blankets for children with autism. I've discussed autism and the weighted blankets on our blog previously, so I won't get into the details. What I will share with you is what I observed.

Almost half of our 120 volunteers were newcomers to Make a Blanket Day. What a PLEASURE it was to meet each new blanketeer! We hope you'll come back!
Many of our preconceived notions about what autism is and how it manifests itself in those affected were dispelled by Ashley Whittington - a representative from "The Autism Place" who gave us some background information on the children we were preparing to serve. What a wonderful and enlightening presentation. It gave each of us the boost of energy we needed to spend the day making weighted blankets.
Each year, Carol and Jane from National HQ always attend - bringing food, organizing the lunch buffet, cleaning up and attaching the charms everyone earned in the previous 6 months to our bracelets. This year Carol has been experiencing some set-backs following her shoulder surgery and was unable to attend. We missed her and so many of you asked me to send her your good wishes. Thank you!
Being the simply amazing person she is...it's not at all surprising that Jane managed to organize a meal for 120 people - single handedly. With help from the church Relief Society and our attendees - we all had an absolutely delicious meal and we are so grateful for Jane. She's always behind the scenes - and we didn't even have a chance to give her a round of applause - so this is as good of a time as any. Applause! Applause! Applause!
Thank you to Gayla Clawson and Elizabeth Gauthier for taking over the "charm table" and updating your jewelry. So many of you wear your beautiful Project Linus charm bracelets and necklaces to our events and it is so heartwarming to actually be able to equate your service with all of the charms you have earned! You are all amazing!
What would we do without such a great work area! At no cost to us, we are able to use the entire church building for our event and although there are occasions where the quarters are tight, we have such a wonderful time together - we don't even notice! When the Young Men youth group dedicates their Wednesday evening to help us set up, it warms our hearts and souls to see them offering service to us! Thank you!
When we decided to make the weighted blankets, Cheryl created the perfect pattern for us. It's simple - goes together quickly - and makes an adorable blanket! To see each of you attempting a new pattern and working so hard to make a beautiful blanket for a very special child is more than heartwarming. Thank you!
Sheets, sheets and more sheets were donated to fill the weighted blankets. Our local hospitals (DMH and St. Mary's) were so generous - giving us hundreds of sheets for our event. We saw boxes that our volunteers displayed at their churches, their work places and their schools - filled with sheets for us to use. Many of our blanketeers brought sheets they collected or purchased and other members of the community stopped by with sheets they wanted to donate. Each blanket took 12-14 sheets. When you're talking about 150 blankets - that's a LOT of laundry! In addition, if you talk to any of the ladies today who worked on the stage sorting and preparing sheets under the direction of Caroline Embleton - I know they will tell you that they never worked so hard. Imagine how you feel after you wash your bed sheets and then fold them. They folded HUNDREDS of sheets. I hope their arms are "usable" today! I'm sure they developed some muscles after yesterday's event.
Thank you to each of you who helped with set-up and clean-up. We couldn't do it without you. Thank you to your husbands for helping as well. Isn't it amazingly wonderful to have a spouse who is such a support! Whenever we have a Project Linus event, my wonderful husband faithfully dedicates every minute of time to help make sure everything runs smoothly. Even when the stress tends to get the best of me, his words of encouragement and love keep me keepin' on! Thank you dear!
Thank you to the Golden K's and the LDS missionaries for their continued support of our events. Each year they not only help set up and take down, but they carry in our heavy supplies so that we don't have to! THANK YOU!!!
I was so touched by stories shared by many of our attendees who have friends or family with autistic children. With the tremendous cost of purchasing a weighted blanket keeping many from reaping their benefits, we hope that our blankets will give them some comfort. Thank you to each of you who donated fabric to make a blanket - and to each of you who donated your precious time to come and help!
Did you read the article in the Herald and Review newspaper? What would we do without the support of reporter Theresa Churchill? The pre-blanket day news posting brought several inquiries this year. The beautiful article written by Theresa in today's paper was such a pleasure to wake up to! There is even a beautiful picture of a new blanketeer, Elizabeth Michael. Here's the link if you'd like to take a look: http://herald-review.com/news/local/article_18fa937c-3e43-5a7c-8cbe-456b4c7dca9c.html Thank you so much Theresa!

To those who were unable to attend - we missed you and hope to see you in February at the Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth (details TBA).

Thank you again to each of you for supporting Cheryl and me. We will be continuing to make weighted blankets on occasion - as they are needed. We hope to make some at our February 2010 event as well.

Our next event is our Appreciation Breakfast on December 3rd. No work - just food and inspiration as we welcome in the holiday season and thank each of you for your service to our Project Linus chapter! :-)

Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

Are you ready for some blanketmaking????

2009-08-29T10:30:00.007-05:00

After a 6 week hiatus, I thought it was about time for me to update the blog. As Charlie Brown would say "Good Grief!". It certainly has been a busy summer - and I'm sure you're all asking the same question as I am - where did it go???

Well - here's a brief rundown. Following our Project Linus National Institute in June I had surgery on my feet. I was blessed with my Grandma's feet - the feet that horrified me as a child - and now have become a visual "gift" I am passing along to my own grandchildren. After nursing the aches and pains that have plagued me for about 13 years - it finally got to the point that I was unable to finish my daily run - or take a long walk - without quite a bit of pain. So - after being encouraged by a friend - I scheduled the surgery and fixed my left foot and part of my right one. Hallelujah! I'm so happy that I did it! It's been 9 weeks and although it's not perfect yet - it's MUCH better than it was 9 weeks ago and it should be in great shape by October 26th when I finish up my "lower extremity maintenance work" and repair my right foot! My wonderful daughters and grandchildren took care of me for the first week - pulling me around on my office chair from here to there, cooking for me and keeping me company. When they left, my sweet hubby took over and friends kept me company as I recovered in my chair. All in all, I have been treated like a queen. It just doesn't get any better than that! :-)

At the end of July, we had a wonderful family reunion in Wisconsin followed by a VERY brief trip to Utah to meet Jonathan's fiancee Erin. What a wonderful girl - and they make the perfect couple. We're so happy for them. (A July 10, 2010 wedding is being planned.) Then, we packed Jonathan up and helped him move to Carbondale where he began his first year of Medical School. I just returned from a trip to Ohio to visit Cari and family and here it is - the end of August already.

Which leads me to the title of today's entry: "Are you ready for some blanketmaking?" September 17th is Make a Blanket Day and it is right around the corner. We only have 70 people pre-registered (about 50 less than usual). We also have had no response to our plea for set-up and take-down help. If you are able to help us set up tables and chairs on Wednesday evening or take down on Thursday at 3:00pm - please e-mail Cheryl cherahugs@comcast.net Our Fall Make A Blanket Day is held in the gymnasium of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Decatur. We absolutely LOVE make a blanket day and are so excited to make our Weighted Blankets for children with autism this year. If you have not yet pre-registered, please do so right away by e-mailing mary@projectlinus.org We would hate to set up for 70 work stations, have food for 70 people and find that we actually have 120 people attending. Of course, you are always welcome to bring a friend. It will be a wonderful day of service for some very special children and their families. You can set-up your work area between 8:30 and 9:00 and our program from "The Autism Place" will begin at 9:00am in the chapel. A copy of the most recent newsletter is available on our google groups list with all of the details. Click here if you haven't read it yet: http://groups.google.com/group/project-linus-central-il

What to bring:
1. We are in need of twin sized sheets (any color - no jersey knit or flannel) that we will be using to "weight" the blankets. They can be used or new but must be clean. If you have larger sheets (double, queen or king) we will "serge them" to size. If you have fitted sheets, please cut off the elastic. We are also in need of 1 1/2 yard pieces of coordinating fabrics (one solid color - one kids print). The velcro will be supplied. Please make sure that your print is not "too busy" - as that can be irritating to an autistic child.
2. Please bring a dish to pass. Carol and Jane always orchestrate a beautiful luncheon for us. A few weeks ago Carol had shoulder surgery and although she still plans to be in attendance - she is unable to use her left arm and will need our help cleaning up following lunch. If we all clean up our little corner - that will be a huge help.
3. We will have charms (puzzle piece charms - the symbol for Autism awareness) for everyone in attendance. Although Carol will not be able to attach your charms - we will still have our charm forms for you to complete and charms for you to take home.
4. If you would like to attend our Appreciation Breakfast on December 3rd, we will be selling tickets. They are $10 each and space is limited.
5. Although our focus for MABD will be our weighted blankets, we will still be accepting and labeling blankets. As winter approaches our need always increases.

I hope you have a wonderful holiday weekend as we celebrate a wonderful summer.

We'll see you at Make a Blanket Day!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary and Cheryl

Let's Bring Out The Sun!

2009-07-08T14:09:00.006-05:00

"I feel life is a journey and we all have to learn to ride the storm. For some of us it can seem more like a tidal wave, but with every storm the sun eventually comes back out." -Alyson Bradley

This is a quote from Alyson Bradley - a woman diagnosed with Asperger's Disorder. If you are not familiar with Asperger's it is a milder variant of Autistic Disorder (which is a brain development disorder). Autism is not a new term - but the questions, research and discoveries associated with autism have recently been brought to the forefront.

This year at our Project Linus National Conference, we were privileged to hear from Illinois State University Psychology Department Faculty Member Karla Doepke and Marty - an autistic young woman. Karla and Marty gave us an overview of autism and touched on the difficulties that those with this disorder experience in the "real world". Most of us found that we knew very little about autism. We also didn't know that as Project Linus volunteers, we could be of service to the children and families in our area who are dealing with autism. Karla and Marty focused their remarks on the use of a weighted blanket as a calming and comforting influence on an autistic child. Although there is no single option that is effective for every autistic child, weighted blankets are being used with very positive results. It has been shown to be very effective in giving some individuals with autism a much needed hug of comfort and in many cases a much needed restful night's sleep. Even as an adult, Marty showed us her weighted blanket that she treasures and uses regularly.

Now - when the words "blanket" and "child" and "comfort" and "hug" are connected with a child in need, our Project Linus hearts are touched and our desire to serve kicks into high gear. We just can't help ourselves. That's what we're here for...to comfort...to help...to hug...to serve. Weighted blankets are VERY expensive and most are not covered by insurance. When families are dealing with a special needs child, the costs of care, therapy and treatment can be financially devastating. So - here's our plan:

On Thursday, September 17th, 2009 Project Linus Central IL will have our Fall Make a Blanket Day at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. This will not be our "traditional" Make a Blanket Day. We will begin with a program by Karla and individuals affiliated with "The Autism Place". Following their remarks we will be instructed as to how to make "weighted blankets". Then, we will go to our work stations and make weighted blankets for autistic children in Central IL. We do have some fabric specifications which I will detail in our next newsletter.

What can you do?
1. Pre-register for Fall Make a Blanket Day by e-mailing mary@projectlinus.org
2. Arrive around 8:30am to set up your work area in the gym, as usual.
3. Be in place by 9:00am to listen to our guest speakers
4. Listen to the demo on how to make a Project Linus weighted blanket
5. Help out as needed (sewing, cutting, stuffing, labeling)
6. Bring bed sheets (new or used). These will be folded and stuffed into the pockets sewn into each blanket.
7. Join us as we serve, side by side!
8. We will still have lunch, door prizes, special drawings and LOTS OF BLANKETMAKING FUN! You won't want to miss it! :-)

NOTE: With regard to the sheets, used sheets must be freshly laundered, free of any smells (musty, febreeze or similar, dryer sheets, smoke) and must be stain-free. They can be any color. Ask your friends, family, anyone you can think of to help us. Each weighted blanket needs 12 sheets (twin, double or queen sized) - if you have king size we ask that they be cut in half and hemmed. If the sheets are fitted sheets, we will need to cut off the elastic and hem the edges. We can make these alterations at MABD. If you don't have any used sheets - we found sheets at Wal-Mart for $4.00 each last February. Maybe you have a friend that doesn't sew but would like to help Project Linus - here is a perfect opportunity. Also garage sales can be a great place to find inexpensive sheets.

If we do not have enough sheets we can give the parents a blanket without sheets and ask them to purchase their own - but we would rather give them a completed blanket if possible. At this point we would like to fill an order of 300 blankets. I know it's a LARGE order, but I also know that we can do it! We don't have to make them all at our Make a Blanket Day - but we can make a great start.

Usually, by the end of the summer, Cheryl and I are very low on blankets and need to have a Fall MABD in order to replenish our supply. For some reason, this year that is not the case. Our blanket supply is very abundant and we know that it is because we have another special mission for our fall MABD.

We hope that you will plan to attend. We hope that you will ask friends and family to donate clean laundered sheets (without holes or stains or smells) for you to bring with you.
We need volunteers who would be willing to be "sheet storage and drop-off locations" for us. With all of the blankets that Cheryl and I have, we just don't have room for any more. If you may be able to help us in that area, please let us know.

Cheryl and I are VERY excited about this project. We hope you will be too. Let's see if we can "bring out the sun" in the lives of some very special children and families.

Thanks so much for your help and your support!
Happy blanketmaking!
Mary and Cheryl

What's our secret?

2009-06-28T19:13:00.003-05:00

As of June 21, 2009 it's officially summer and we just completed our National Project Linus Institute in Bloomington IL. What an amazing weekend! We had Project Linus Chapter Coordinators and their assistants attend from across the country for 4 days of instruction, inspiration and fellowship. It is always amazing to me to be a part of the excitement as we gather together to share our passion for Project Linus.

When I am speaking or answering questions in a break-out session, I often share information about our local chapter and volunteers with our national audience. In addition, our attendees actually have been able to meet some of our chapter volunteers at our Expo on Thursday. During Institute, I enjoy relating stories of the tremendous volunteer spirit in our Central IL chapter. On many occasions I have coordinators tell me how impressed they are with our Central IL volunteers and ask me what our secret is. From my perspective, I see each of us with the same desire to serve others, standing side by side - anxious and able to respond to a need when it arises. But I know that it's more than that. Is it the friendships we have created as a result of our dedication to Project Linus? Is it because Project Linus gives us a reason to get behind a sewing machine or pick up our knittning needles/crochet hooks or rotary cutters? Is it because we feel the need to serve others and Project Linus fills that need? What is it?

So - I would like to know what it is that keeps you coming to our Make a Blanket Days, our Appreciation Breakfasts, participating in our special projects such as Camp Coco or TAPS, helping out at conference or just making blankets? Why do you do it? Please leave a comment by e-mailing me. Let me know what keeps you interested and motivated so that I can pass that information along to our chapters?

I know my posting is short. I'm exhausted and ready for my post-conference (institute) nap.

Have a wonderful week and happy blanketmaking!

Mary

10 Blanketmaking Tips

2009-06-14T08:41:00.004-05:00

June is an EXTREMELY busy time of year for me with Project Linus Conference (now called Project Linus Institute) right around the corner. Project Linus Institute is an event for our Project Linus Chapter Coordinators from across the country to gather together for blanketmaking inspiration, chapter training and fellowship with other coordinators. The coordinators then take what they have learned and share it with their local chapter volunteers. In just over a week, we will be in Bloomington setting up for our 4 day event. On Wednesday June 24th we will have classes and our opening reception. Thursday is our EXPO, Friday is our business meeting and Saturday is our Symposium. As we come into the home stretch of our preparations, I have been gathering some blanketmaking tips for my presentation for Friday. Here are a few things that I've learned:

1. Bath Scrunches: These wonderful little items are great to clean off your rotary cutting
mat. After many uses a cutting mat tends to collect tiny bits of thread. Rubbing a bath scrunchy over it will pick up a lot of these loose threads.
2. Scrappy Binding: Save the leftover strips from your quilt bindings and join them together until you have enough to bind another quilt. Using them on a Project Linus Quilt enhances the fun "kid-friendly" look of the finished project.
3. Quick and Easy Tying Solution: When tying a quilt, thread the needle with yarn or crochet thread and then, rather than cutting and recutting yarn from the spool or skein, simply pull the yarn through as you make your stitches at 6” increments across the quilt. You can easily stitch across the quilt - then cut your yarn half way between each "tie", tie them off and begin a new row. This eliminates the constant stopping to cut more yarn and makes this step much faster and easier.
4. Wind several bobbins before going to a class or Make a Blanket Day. You may want to consider purchasing pre-wound bobbins. This saves a lot of time and you don't need to continually thread and re-thread your machine when you run out of bobbin thread. I purchase my pre-wound bobbins at http://www.superiorthreads.com/ They last much longer than the bobbins I wind myself, the thread is of excellent quality and I think they're worth the price.
5. Stay Put Rag Squares: If you like to make rag quilts you may have found that you keep getting uneven seams on the squares. Part of the problem may be the need to regulate the pressure foot - but many machines will not allow you to do this. If you are sewing from corner-to-corner (on the bias) you may have discovered that pins just won't hold. Try using the quilter's basting spray. Spray both sides of the batting before making your "sandwich". This will keep the fabric from slipping and you will end up with even seams on all of your squares.
6. How to Sew a Straight Line on your fabric: Use painters purple tape. Just place the tape where you want your sewing line to be, then place the edge of the presser foot beside it and away you go. The tape can be replaced several times before losing it's tackiness, but it will leave nothing behind on the fabric.
7. Stray threads: Keep a piece of flannel or a small square of leftover fleece by your machine. When you snip the threads, put them on the flannel. They will stick to the flannel and not fly all over.
8. Easy roll binding: When binding a quilt, often times the binding starts to get tangled (or even caught under the wheels of your sewing chair when you're not looking). Try rolling the binding around your finger and when completely rolled up place it into a sealable plastic sandwich baggie. Seal the baggie and put a slit in the bag just under the seal ,(just large enough for the binding to fit through easily). Then put the baggie in your lap. As you sew and need more binding it automatically just slides right out... no twisting or catching.
9. www.Youtube.com and blanketmaking: Did you know you can get some great quilting, crochet and knitting videos online at YouTube.com? Check it out by going to www.youtube.com and doing a video search for "quilt" or "crocheting" or "knitting" to get all the current instructional videos. You can get more specific in your search by typing in "foundation piecing tips" or "how to double crochet" or "how to machine applique". Just ask your question and see what comes up!
10. Crocheting Chain Three Alternative: Crochet patterns always say "Chain Three" when you begin a row. Many crocheters do not like the look of that chain so here's an alternative: Yarn over twice then go through the intended space and work it like a double crochet. It works great and no one can tell where you began.

There are many more great tips out there - but here's 10 to get started!

Have a wonderful week and Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Scheduling our priorities

2009-06-02T15:32:00.010-05:00

I love the quote by Steven R. Covey: "The key is not to prioritize what's on your schedule, but to schedule your priorities."

It's hard to believe that it's already June and the first day of summer is right around the corner. Since Project Linus ranks very high on my priorities list, I try to make sure that all of our major events are on my calendar early in the year.

January - February is always reserved for National Make a Blanket Day and its preparations. For those of you who are new to our chapter - this is an event at the Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth - held on a Saturday in February - where approximately 200 of our chapter volunteers gather together to make blankets. It's a lot of fun and a great way to meet new friends with similar interests while serving the children of our community. We have door prizes and lunch and new ideas and new patterns and a whole host of blanketmaking inspiration throughout the day.

Once Make a Blanket Day is over, I focus most of my attention on our National Project Linus Institute. This is a four day event that is held in June, in Bloomington IL for our chapter coordinators from across the country. Many of our Central IL volunteers help with this event and it seems like each year it gets bigger and better.

Then, I try to take a bit of a break in July, followed by August which brings about preparations for our Fall Make a Blanket Day. On a smaller scale, this event is held during the week - usually a Thursday - at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Decatur. We have about 120 volunteers and share a day together making blankets, listening to blanketmaking demos, door prizes and sharing lunch together.

In October I assume my National responsibilities and travel with Carol to the Houston International Quilt Show and Market for just over a week of general networking for our National organization.

November is reserved for Thanksgiving which is immediately followed by our Chapter Appreciation Breakfast the first week in December. Of course, birthdays, anniversaries, church responsibilities and family vacations are intermingled between the Project Linus events for the year. In addition, I always make sure that there's some time set aside for quilting! When the new year arrives, I find that I have basically the same agenda!

So, here's our Project Linus schedule for the rest of 2009 if you'd like to schedule these events as a priority on your calendar:

September 17th: Make a Blanket Day (pre-registration requested)
December 3rd: Appreciation Breakfast ($10.00) Pre-paid reservations required

We are pleased to announce that in the summer of 2010 we will be once again, making quilts for Camp Coco. We took some time off to re-group and hope that you will help us with this wonderful cause once again. In 2008 we had a very difficult time gathering enough quilts needed for all the kids at camp - which is why decided that our blanketeers were sending us a message that they needed a break. We hope that there is a renewed interest in helping out at Camp Coco and that we can get many of you interested in making a quilt for these great kids. For those of you who are not familiar with Camp Coco, it is a camp held each year near Bloomington IL for children who either have cancer or have a sibling with cancer. Here is the link to their website: http://www.siumed.edu/foundation/campcoco.htm Camp Coco has expanded its focus for 2010 and will be needing 160 quilts (quilts only - no fleece, crocheted or knitted blankets) by mid June, 2010. We ask that the quilts be no smaller than 40" x 55" - 60" and up to 72" in length. There are older teens who attend camp and they will need the larger blankets. Camp Coco prefers quilts with a outdoor or camp theme that would be appropriate for either a boy or a girl. If you make a quilt for Camp Coco you are welcome to take it to a drop-off location any time prior to mid June 2010. It needs to be bagged separately and labeled "Camp Coco" on the outside of the bag. For those of you who work on a camp quilt, you are eligible for a "campfire charm" as well. THANK YOU for your help!

I hope that you will take some time, not only to schedule your Project Linus priorities, but to schedule some time for your family as well as some time for you.

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Measure twice...cut once! Measure TWICE...cut ONCE!

2009-05-22T17:35:00.009-05:00

Although measuring twice and cutting once is excellent advice, for some reason I have always gravitated more toward: "Measure once, cut once, check size of piece that has been cut, realize it's wrong, throw it away, measure again, cut again, re-check size and hope it's right. Repeat as needed." Now, I must admit that I have wasted a lot of fabric and time with my "do-over" method and I often wonder why, after 30 years, I still tend to balk at the "measure twice" method. I'm not sure if I think that I'm perfect and don't NEED to measure twice - or if I'm actually lazy and don't want to take the time to measure twice - or if I'm always in a hurry and just don't have the time to measure twice. Whatever the reason - I just wanted to share with you that, unfortunately, "I did it again!"

I have been working on a Block of the Month quilt that has been designed and presented by the Decatur Quilter's Guild evening group this year. The block for this month was a bit complex and we received excellent instruction at our last meeting. Mary T., one of our guild members and an excellent quilter, demonstrated how to make and sew together 45 degree diamonds. She has stressed precision piecing and each month encourages us to try something new. I have truly enjoyed learning new cutting and piecing methods and the hands-on experience that comes with making the block. Mary showed us how to cut the diamonds, mark them with pencil, pin them along the sewing line (rather than perpendicular to it) and then she demonstrated how to carefully stitch the pieces together while gently slipping the pin out of the fabric as the needle approached it. I wanted to give it a try! Now, you would think that since I can be very fanatical about my points matching and my blocks laying flat, I would ALWAYS measure twice before I actually cut my beautiful fabrics...

Well, once again, I only measured once and here's what happened:

I had been asked by one of the leaders of our church women's group to design and make a quilt block for a special quilt that was being made. Since the backing fabric was given to us, the square either had to be embroidered (don't know how...don't want to learn); written on with fabric markers (I have TERRIBLE handwriting - in fact I got a well-deserved C- in handwriting in the 3rd grade and my writing has never improved.); or applique. Applique is artwork - it is more than just making a precision-cut quilt block - and just not my forte. BUT - it was really my only choice.

I decided to make a Tree of Life block. I found a beautiful pattern in a book called "Big Block Quilts by Magic" that used 45 degree diamonds to make the tree. Lo and behold - I just LEARNED how to make PERFECT 45 degree diamonds! I was very anxious to give it a try. The block dimensions in the book made a tree that was larger than the piece of background fabric that I was given, so I needed to scale it down. In addition the block was pieced and really didn't lend itself well to applique. BUT - I was feeling pretty ambitious and decided to use the new method I learned at my guild meeting and then applique the finished tree to the background fabric square. How hard could it be??? I measured the size of the background fabric, measured the size of the tree I needed, divided out the measurements and came up with the size of the diamond that I needed. I cut out 34 diamonds and a tree trunk - and sewed them all together. It was PERFECT! When I placed the tree on the background fabric I was simply devastated to see that my tree was about 3 inches larger than the background square. ARGHH!!!!! An entire morning spent on making my beautiful tree of life, and NOTHING to show for it.

So, as per "Mary B.'s do-over Method" I measured again, cut again, re-checked size and - yes - it was right. Whew! I stitched each diamond together, then cut little diamonds of freezer paper and ironed them to the inside of the points. I turned under the edges of each "tree point", basted the raw edges down, sprayed the tree with sizing, removed the basting stitches and papers, and machine appliqued it down.

Here's a picture of the finished block.
I think there are many times that we're happy with the status quo. We use our old methods because they're tried and true - even though there may be other methods out there that are easier, more accurate and fun. I could have cut templates for my diamonds and stitched them together, but with Mary T.'s encouragement at guild meeting, I tried something new and guess what? It worked!

In revisiting my reasons for not measuring twice and cutting once...I really don't think I think I'm perfect (I KNOW I'm not), I don't believe I'm lazy (although I have my moments), and I would never try to hurry up on a quilting project. I think that the reason I don't remember to measure twice is that I just get so excited to try something new, that I simply forget. After this most recent fiasco, will I remember to measure twice and cut once next time? Hmmmm....I'll certainly try, but there are no guarantees.

On a side note - my mom and dad were married on May 30th (Memorial Day), 1953. They will be celebrating 56 years of marriage on Saturday. Congratulations Mom and Dad!

Happy Blanketmaking and Happy Memorial Day!

Mary

Our Spark Has Been Rekindled!

2009-05-17T20:47:00.013-05:00

I'm a little late writing my blog entry for this week. Carol and I have been at Quilt Market in Pittsburgh PA, helping to introduce a new Project Linus fabric line to the quilting world! What a marvelous experience it has been. We are so grateful to Richard Gross, the president of Avlyn Fabrics and Patrick Lose, a well know fabric designer, for taking a leap of faith and creating a fabric line for Project Linus called Komfort Kids. As we watched the Avlyn sales representatives as well as the fabric distributors from around the country write order after order for our beautiful fabric, we couldn't have been more excited to see how successful this venture is proving to be! We cannot wait to get our hands on the fabric (probably in July), and actually make some quilts! We hope you feel the same. In addition, Fons and Porter Magazine will have a Project Linus "Komfort Kids" spread in their next issue. There is a contest that will be introduced and the prizes are absolutely phenomenal. You can work as an individual or as a group and I'll post again as soon as I am able to send you all of the details.

Please click on this link to view Avlyn's Komfort Kids promotional video: http://avlyn.com/gallery/video/7/

Please click on this link to view Patrick Lose's blog and then click on New Fabrics to see Komfort Kids: http://www.patricklose.net/

Komfort Kids is such an appropriate name for a line of Project Linus fabric. We know that the gift of a handmade blanket offers comfort to children going through a difficult time and this new fabric has truly captured the essence of what we're all about. What an honor it continues to be as we work with these kind, extremely talented and generous individuals!

Not only does a child receive comfort from a Project Linus blanket, but the family members benefit as well. The following thank you note was sent to Project Linus by a mom whose child received one of our blankets. She writes: “The other day my son was hospitalized due to his cancer returning. He is three years old, and has been fighting cancer since December of 2007. This time was a lot harder on him as they found it in his spinal fluid and brain this time. At the hospital he was given a quilt made by one of your angels. He has not let it out of his sight. I cannot thank you enough for the work you do. Just know this is one mom that will spread the same love. I would like to donate once I can, and I have asked others.”

The beauty of this note is that in spite of the heartache and difficulties that are currently enveloping this family, the mom still felt the need to take the time to write us a personal note. Not only did she thank us for the Project Linus blanket that is now offering comfort to her little boy but she also to offer to help us in the future. Her beautiful expression of gratitude not only warms our hearts, but touches our souls and as Project Linus blanketeers we are inspired by the sincerity of her words.

Albert Schweitzer said: “At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within each of us.” The touching words of gratitude that are passed along to us through a simple thank you note, rekindles OUR light and inspires us to make yet another blanket for yet another child in crisis. For the mom, the blanket has been the “spark” sent out from a stranger to rekindle her flame – giving her family hope and a reason to forge on. What an inspirational cycle of hope – and each of us can participate!

There are many times in our daily lives that we may feel as if our light is going dim. We may be overwhelmed with tasks and responsibilities; we may have health problems that are getting us down; we may be dealing with difficult family issues or we may simply be losing our way. An expression of gratitude offered to us can quickly and easily rekindle our flame, enabling us to extend the same act of love to someone else.

It is my hope that your blanketmaking light will be rekindled by the illuminating spark offered by those individuals mentioned above. I offer you my sincere thanks for your continued support of our Project Linus Chapter. Each blanket you make keeps my light bright – and each delivery that I make does the same for a very special child and his or her family.

Happy Blanketmaking,
Mary

Dreams do come true!

2009-05-08T21:24:00.029-05:00

When I was in grade school, one of my dreams was to purchase a sewing machine. My grandmother had a beautiful sewing machine in a brown wooden cabinet and on one occasion she opened it up and let me look at it. That’s all it took - I knew that I wanted my own. I had a paper route and although I didn’t make much money, I knew that if I saved every penny I made, I could eventually purchase my very own sewing machine. When I had saved $100 I visited the local Bernina dealer - ready to make a purchase. I very quickly learned that I couldn’t even afford the foot pedal of a Bernina. In fact, the cheapest machine they had was a used Kenmore sewing machine in a cabinet for $150.00 and I was still $50.00 short. I was devastated. I talked to my grandmother about it, and she agreed to advance me the additional money I needed to purchase the machine. It was blue and it was BEAUTIFUL and I was ready to make something. My mom, on the other hand, thought that sewing was a waste of time and money, and refused to let me waste my time or my money on my new found hobby. That didn’t stop me. At night, when everyone was either watching TV or sleeping, I would quietly retreat to my bedroom and secretly practice my sewing. (Yep - I was a rebellious, out-of-control teen - that's for sure!) I was sure that I could finish a project, present it to my Mom, and she would applaud my hidden talent and encourage me to make more! But, realistically speaking, most (in fact all) of my secret sewing projects didn't quite come out the way I had hoped. Why? I needed to take sewing lessons. Convincing my mom was not easy, but eventually she relented and allowed me to take a summer school sewing class at the local junior high school where I made a simple blue dress. In the end, somehow one armhole came out smaller than the other and the finished dress was a disaster that I never wore. I almost accepted the fact that Mom was right - sewing was indeed a waste of time and a waste of money.

When I became interested in quilting, it wasn’t as popular as it is today – in fact it wasn’t popular at all. My quilting curiosity was born when I came across a book with black and white pictures of quilts – no instructions on how to make one – just pictures and historical descriptions. I thought they were just beautiful and wanted to give quilting a try. I bought the book and planned my quilt. With 3 pieces of fabric I was ready to create my masterpiece. I cut the fabric into hundreds of little pieces – squares, triangles, rectangles – not even realizing that I needed to have a seam allowance added to each piece in order to sew them together. When I tried to sew the first two pieces together my sewing machine literally devoured the tiny pieces and hid them somewhere under the throat plate. I was so discouraged and so disappointed. I packed up all my fabric shapes and put them in a shoe box. I hid the box in my closet and decided to give up quilting “for a time”.

Then, in the late 70’s I bought a Good Housekeeping Magazine that had a log cabin quilt on the front of it, with “quilt as you go” instructions. EUREKA!!! It was at that moment that I knew I could make a quilt. My confidence was restored and I approached quilting with a new vigor! The Good Housekeeping instructions were very easy to follow and I made 2 twin sized log cabin quilts out of red, blue, green and yellow calico fabrics, with a solid red backing. I thought they were BEAUTIFUL and I gave them to my mom. She loved them and used them for years until they literally fell apart.

Since then, I have made quilts for my children, my relatives, my friends; for raffles, for auctions, for contests and now for Project Linus. I’ve had many, many sewing machines since my first Kenmore, including a Bernina! I have a treadle machine, a Featherweight, an embroidery machine, a Janome that automatically cuts the thread and my dream of all dreams - a long arm machine! It’s my philosophy that you just can’t have too many sewing machines.

My mom is now very supportive of my quilting. Since I REALLY never was a rebellious child or teenager – she says that the fact that she did all she could to discourage me from sewing is what led to my obsession with quilting! I agree and give her full credit! I also thank her from the bottom of my heart! I have found a hobby that takes me to a very special place each time I sit down at my machine. Quilting gives me a way to offer comfort to those in need, a way to express myself and a way to let my family and friends know how much I love them. How many hobbies can cover that many bases?

On this Mother’s Day, I am reminded that I have the most wonderful mom in the whole world, the best children and sons-in-law and grandchildren anyone could ask for, as well as a loving husband who literally supports me and all that comes with my “quilting habit”. This special day dedicated to mothers reminds me that I am blessed in more ways than I can count. I love each one of them with all my heart. Because of each of them, my dreams have come true! It just doesn’t get any better than that!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Twittering Away – As Time Goes By…

2009-05-01T19:33:00.008-05:00

Twitter, Twittering, Tweet, Tweets and followers...are we talking about bird noises and bird watchers? No – believe it or not, we’re talking about a 21st century method of human communication. As we all know, each new bit of technology brings about a whole new lingo that accompanies it and I’m DETERMINED to keep up with it all. IMing, facebook friends, chats, blogs, iPods, cell phones, and even e-mail were words with definitions that were non-existent 20 years ago and now are common terms that have been added to our vocabulary. Then, in 2006 another new term entered the English Language: Twitter.

For those of you who may not know, twittering is an instant messaging service that allows you to communicate with the world by typing a message on your cell phone or computer using 140 characters or less.

Here’s how it works: The “twitterer” (you) answers the following question: What are you doing right now? Your answer to this question is called a “tweet” which you send as an instant message once you subscribe to the free twitter service. When someone either reads or replies to one of your “tweets” – they are one of your “followers”. According to published reports, everyone who is anyone twitters. Clergy are twittering their church services; health officials are twittering about the swine flu; experts are twittering about their areas of expertise; philanthropists are twittering about their causes; and politicians even twittered during the president’s speech.

So far, I don’t have a twitter account and I don’t tweet but with all the hoopla going on about it, I thought I should check it out.

Here’s what I found out: The twitter.com website says that “with Twitter, you can stay hyper–connected to your friends and always know what they’re doing.” This posed a couple of questions in my mind: Do I REALLY want to be hyperconnected to my friends and always know what they’re doing? Do I really want to have “followers” who are hyperconnected to me and always know what I’m doing??? Now, I admit that there may be people out there who would like access to "what I'm doing right now." I could tell them when I took my vitamins this morning or how empty my gas tank was when I filled it up. They may even be interested in the fact that I beat my high score on Brick Breaker while I was waiting for my flight in the airport on Sunday. OR – better yet – I’m sure everyone would like to know that I bought new ruler, some fabric, a few patterns and a pattern book when I visited “Quilt Country” while in Dallas last week! Of course, the escapades and accomplishments of my adorable grandchildren are fodder for a plethera of tweets, and news of the next quilt I plan to make is always a highlight. Yes – I do live a very exciting life and I probably should tweet on occasion to let the whole world in on all the excitement instantaneously. Why make anyone wait for an e-mail or a new weekly blog posting? What else do I have to do? I mean...I could spend all my leisure time twittering away…as time goes by…

On second thought, maybe I’ll put “twittering” on hold for now and put my new ruler to good use. I think I’d rather be quilting away…as time goes by.
Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

PS - We got a new kitty this week! Her name is Sadie and she is a rescued cat who started her life 6 months ago in a shed. When she was found she was in very bad shape and her foster mom nursed her back to health. She’s very sweet, very loving and we are already crazy about her - and she did a great job posing for her photo!

There is "Good Grief"!

2009-04-24T12:41:00.006-05:00

Grief is defined as "keen mental suffering or distress over affliction or loss; sharp sorrow; painful regret." If you've experienced any type of grief in your life, I'm sure you will agree that experiencing grief is something that we do not welcome nor do we embrace. We would never consider looking forward to it, we would not wish it upon anyone else and if it does grace our doorsteps, this unwanted guest is never warmly received or welcomed into our lives.

Charlie Brown, however, is famous for his exclamation "Good Grief!" which prompts the question - how could grief possibly be good? Well TAPS (the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors) has given us a special opportunity to help attach "good" to "grief". We as Project Linus blanketeers, are able to touch the lives of children who have lost a parent while serving in the military by making blankets to be given to children attending "Camp Good Grief". Bonnie Carroll, founder and chairman of TAPS quotes the organization's motto: "Remember the love, celebrate the life, and share the journey." She states that "TAPS provides a place for understanding, sharing, and comfort for the families experiencing the traumatic and sudden loss of a loved one serving in the military. We honor the sacrifice of those we have lost, by caring for those left behind."

This is the third year that Project Linus Central IL will be sending patriotic-themed blankets to Camp Good Grief. We thank you and the children who receive your blankets thank you! At camp, the children will gain their own age-appropriate peer support network and learn coping strategies for dealing with loss through educational activities. As part of the five-day camp, they are allowed to choose a Project Linus blanket. It's a wonderful way for us to offer a huge thank you to these children and their families for the service rendered by their loved one as they cope with the grief they're experiencing.

We also want you to know that you can earn a charm (American flag) if you participate in making a blanket for Camp Good Grief. Whether you make a blanket on your own or participate in a group TAPS effort, you can still earn a flag charm!

We are not looking for hundreds of blankets to be sent to Camp Good Grief from Central IL. Chapters across the country will be participating and our chapter has committed to sending 15-30 blankets. We really want to stress "quality" blankets rather than a huge "quantity" of blankets and ask that the blankets are made with patriotic colors and patterns. Blankets can be delivered to Cheryl between now and May 10th. Blankets will be shipped on May 11th. Blankets received after May 11th will not be shipped to the camp, but will be given to children locally.

My son-in-law, James, is a Captain in the U.S. Air Force. We are so proud of him and his service to our country. We know the tremendous sacrifice he and his family give to each of us, each day. Many of you either have served, or have family members who have or are currently serving our country. Some of you have experienced the grief that accompanies the loss of your family member - and can truly empathize with the children who attend Camp Good Grief. Our hope is that there will come a time that Camp Good Grief will no longer be needed. Until that moment, Project Linus blanketeers are here to do what we do best - comfort and support those who are grieving by giving them a little "good" to accompany that grief. Thank you for your kind hearts and giving spirits.

Have a wonderful week and happy blanketmaking!

Mary

I LOVE Project Linus...for many reasons.

2009-04-18T10:06:00.015-05:00

Yes, I do! I love Project Linus. The secret is out! There's no doubt about it. I do. I LOVE it! I really couldn't list every reason why I love Project Linus in this tiny space, but the following are just a few of the many reasons why I LOVE Project Linus!

First of all, I LOVED being able to construct the mystery quilt with you! After 5 weeks, the mystery has been revealed (the finished quilt is pictured below) and the name of the quilt is “I Love Project Linus”. After all that you’ve accomplished on the mystery quilt (or HOPE to eventually accomplish), I hope you agree! In the process, I hope you’ve challenged yourself. If you’ve never matched the corners of a nine-patch, if you’ve never attempted appliqué or even if you’ve never made a quilt before – I hope this has inspired you to at least try. Before I continue with my litany of Project Linus Loves, let's finish up the Mystery Quilt. As you know, this is the final week of construction. You will be assembling the blocks and adding your border.

STEP 1

As you sew the blocks together, make sure that you match up the point of the corner of your snowball block (1/4" from the edge) with the blue-white or green-white corner of your 9-patch block (1/4" from the edge). I find that placing a pin straight through these points secures the corners and matches the points. (Click on picture to make it larger.)

STEP #2

I know that a first look at this step appears to takes you back to High School Algebra Class but if you read it slowly and carefully - you'll see that these equations actually CAN be applied and used in the real world. (No offense to my Algebra teacher Sister Delores.)
Here we go: Assemble blocks by fours and sixes (Row 1 Block 1 plus Row 1 Block 2) + (Row 2 Block 1 plus Row 2 Block 2); followed by (Row 1 Block 3 plus Row 1 Block 4 plus Row 1 Block 5) + (Row 2 Block 3 plus Row 2 Block 4 plus Row 2 Block 5).

OR - a picture can be worth a thousand words... (Click on picture to make it larger.)

STEP #3 and STEP #4

Connect the two sections that you made in Step #2 together and continue on to Rows 3 and 4, 5 and 6 and end with Row 7. Add the side borders first and then the top and bottom borders – and your quilt top is done! (Click on picture to make it larger.)

STEP #4

In order to finish your quilt, you will need five – 2 ½” strips of fabric to make the binding and 1 ½ yards of backing and batting. If you're not familiar with "mitering corners" when you bind your quilt, please check out the following set of instructions. It walks you right through a simple six step process, and you will end up with clean, crisp mitered corners.

Click here: http://quilting.about.com/od/bindingaquilt/ss/mitered_binding.htm

STEP #5

When you’re finished with your quilt, please e-mail me a picture (mary@projectlinus.org) and I will post all of the finished Mystery Quilt photos in our Chapter Pictures flickr site and we’ll let the world know (or at least our part of the world) that there are many people who are happy to advertise “We Love Project Linus!” I decided to challenge myself by using some new quilting patterns, rather than my usual overall-meandering. I found myself "frogging" (rip-it; rip-it; rip-it) SEVERAL times, but eventually I finished the quilt and I think it came out o.k.

Here it is:The Litany of Project Linus Loves continues...

Here’s another reason I LOVE Project Linus! I hope you all received the chapter newsletter with information on the new fabric line “Komfort Kids” made especially for Project Linus. Fabric designer Patrick Lose and Avlyn Fabrics worked with Project Linus to create these absolutely beautiful fabrics! The fabrics are not available in the retail stores yet –first we need to let our local fabric stores know that if THEY purchase it for their shops, WE will buy it!

Here’s a link to view the fabric line: http://avlyn.com/collections/komfort-kids_latest/ You can look at the fabrics on the Avlyn website (www.avlyn.com) but only fabric shops can order from this site.

Carol and I attended Quilt Market in Houston last October and met Patrick Lose. As soon as he saw us, he said that he and his co-workers are avid supporters of Project Linus on a local level and would love to do more for us. We had already been meeting with Avlyn fabrics about a Project Linus fabric line. Patrick created the absolutely adorable designs and Avlyn fabrics is putting these designs on fabric. We hope that you will all encourage your favorite fabric shops to order the Project Linus “Komfort Kids” fabric line and that you will purchase it when it arrives! The fabrics will be available for purchase by August 2009 – maybe sooner! Patrick Lose and Avlyn fabrics LOVE Project Linus!

In addition - a challenge quilt contest with GREAT prizes will be announced by Fons and Porter in an upcoming issue of their magazine as well! Why? Because Fons and Porter LOVES Project Linus too!

I also LOVE all of our Project Linus volunteers. We have 301 people on our Project Linus e-mail list and 176 on our snail mail list. I hope that each person on our list also LOVES Project Linus and wants to remain on our list. Unfortunately – when I have recently tried to e-mail our newsletter or blog updates to our e-mail list, I have been labeled as a spammer by many of your servers. I have had to separate e-mails by servers (AOL, Comcast, etc.), send multiple e-mails (with 50 or less in each mailing) or simply send e-mails “one at a time”. In the process I know I have missed some of you and some of you are unable to receive my messages altogether plus it takes a lot of extra time to do this. I decided to try a “google groups” message service.

Everyone on our Project Linus e-mail list has been sent an invitation to receive e-mails from me through a google list address. If you would like to continue to receive e-mail messages from me and our chapter, you will need to reply to the invitation and then you will be added to the list. So far, I sent 301 invitations and only have 68 replies. I hope that doesn’t mean that 233 of those on my e-mail address list are no longer interested in Project Linus. If you have not replied to the invitation, please do so right away. You will be automatically added to the list.

There are many advantages to being a part of the Google List. I already have downloaded a copy of the most recent chapter newsletter. That way, if you are unable to receive attachments to your home or work e-mail addresses, you can go to this site and view the newsletter. I will also download all the steps for the mystery quilt and post them as well. Some of you receive the e-mail newsletter as well as a newsletter by mail. If you would consider giving up the snail mail newsletter and simply get the e-mail newsletter, please let me know via e-mail. Technology is wonderful as it continues to evolve but in order to take advantage of the current technology we need to keep up. If you have not received an invitation to the google list or if you deleted your invitation, please let me know and I’ll be happy to send you another one! Thanks!

In summary – I LOVE the Mystery Quilt, I LOVED your e-mails of support when we lost our kitty, I LOVE the new Project Linus fabric line, I LOVE the new google groups list which will make my life much easier, I LOVE each of you – our Project Linus volunteers and I truly do LOVE PROJECT LINUS!

Have a wonderful week and Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

We thought we just really weren't "cat people"...

2009-04-15T18:04:00.002-05:00

19+ years ago, a 6 month old Tabby cat was dropped off in our neighborhood. Since the person who had her didn’t want her, she was left on her own to find herself another home. She worked her way from house to house trying to coax someone along the way to take her in. No luck. Finally, she found shelter under our backyard deck - but we didn’t want a cat, because we just weren’t “cat people”. She really seemed to be a sweet kitty – she greeted us when we opened the back door and she loved to sit on the deck post outside our dining room window, hoping to be invited inside. It was a nice try, but we didn’t invite her in because we just weren’t “cat people”. She was great with the kids and they loved playing with her in the yard. When we whistled for her, she always came running – almost like a dog and she purred constantly. We thought she was really cute - but we really didn’t want a cat because we just weren’t “cat people”.
One rainy day, I had been out shopping and when I returned I found this little tabby cat sitting on a towel in Terry’s favorite chair in our family room. I was shocked – because we really weren’t “cat people”. I couldn’t imagine how she made her way into our home. Well, it just so happened that during the rainstorm, she positioned herself in her usual spot on the deck post and with her ears dripping with water managed to get Terry’s attention as he walked through the kitchen. He said that she looked so pathetic that he just had to let her inside. He dried her off and let her sit in his chair until the rain stopped. It was the “humane” thing to do…just until the rain stopped.
I have a wonderful aunt who loves animals. She and my uncle live in the country and they always offer shelter to an animal in need. We decided to ask Janice if she would take in this sweet little kitten. We knew she needed a home, but we couldn’t offer that to her because we just really weren’t “cat people”. Of course Janice agreed so I bought a pet carrier and we made plans to drive her to her new home in Rockford (about 3 hours away). As I was preparing to leave Terry said “Are you sure you want to do this?” We discussed it and decided that we would take her to the vet to see if she was healthy and if she was we would offer her a home. She was healthy so we kept her. We decided to name her Purdy because she was always purring. We weren’t sure it would work out, however, because we just really weren’t “cat people”.
That was 19+ years ago. In those 19 years we discovered that a rescued cat becomes a life-long loyal and faithful companion. We discovered that cats smile by squinting their eyes while they’re purring, they express affection by “kneading” you with their paws, they always “greet” you with a meow when you enter a room and expect a reply, they love to snuggle, they love to be petted and scratched and brushed, they get excited about a “Fancy Feast” meal as special treat every once in a while, they bring you presents (dead birds, rabbits, mice, etc.) and leave them by the back door and they really do have nine lives. Purdy was an inside-outside cat. We tried to make her an inside cat, but it just didn’t work out. She HAD to go outside. In the process, she used up several of her nine lives – but each time she made her way home and back to Terry’s favorite chair to heal her wounds. According to the Internet, Purdy was 98 years old in human years but you’d never know it. I only hope that when I’m 98 years old I can still climb up a post to our second story deck and back down again!
On Easter Sunday Purdy died. She hadn’t been doing well for about a week and we knew she wouldn’t be getting better. Finally she decided she didn’t want to eat or drink any more – a sign that she had given up. We kept a vigil beside her – trying to offer her just a tiny bit of the loyalty and friendship she had given us for the past 19+ years. We just had no idea how much we would miss her – because you see – I guess we really are “cat people” after all.

A Bouquet of Flowers Sent with Love - Mystery Quilt Week #4

2009-04-09T12:34:00.025-05:00

Fun, Funner and Funnest! In an attempt to rate the funness of each step of this quilt - the following is an explanation of my rating scale. The idea of a Mystery Quilt is FUN (meaning quite enjoyable), following the new mysterious guidelines each week is FUNNER (better than fun) and this week's instructions are the absolute FUNNEST (achieving the highest rating on the funness scale). However, according to dictionary.com, FUN is a word but FUNNER is not a word nor is FUNNEST. I'm pretty sure they don't acknowledge that there is a funness scale either. But it is my belief that if the folks who contribute to dictionary.com, had decided to make our Mystery Quilt they would agree that funnest is indeed a word. The instructions for this week have been the most fun of all - and Week #4 has reached the highest rating that can be achieved on the funness scale.

Now, if you got through the first paragraph of the blog, you will be semi-adequately prepared for this week's set of instructions. They're a little challenging - but LOTS of FUN! Keep reading!

It’s time to take out the 18 Snowball blocks that you made and add some creativity and fun to the blocks! If you’re new to fusible appliqué – this will be a challenge for you. But don't be discouraged. Approach this step with our "half full" mantra and you will be successful. I encourage you to take the challenge and dive right in. That’s the only way to learn and you’ll be so happy with the results. So – here goes!

STEP #1

The following images (flower, flower center and heart) are your appliqué templates for the Snowball Blocks. Click on the picture. It will take you to an enlarged copy that is “printable”. Click on the printer in your tool bar and print a copy of these images. You will need to trace around the flower, flower center and heart templates several times, so it’s best if you print them on card stock paper. If not, print it out on regular paper and then trace them to template plastic or a stiff paper. The heart and flower will each need to fit on the white portion of a snowball block. If it's too big or too small, make sure that your print preferences (in the print menu of the tool bar) are set to “Actual Size”.

STEP #2

Cut out each image (heart, flower and flower center) to create your appliqué templates.

STEP #3

This is the step where you will use your fusible webbing. The Lite Steam a Seam -2 has three layers – a paper layer on each side of the fusible webbing. Other products have two layers – a paper layer on top of the webbing. Place the templates that you cut out, wrong side up, on the paper side of the fusible webbing and trace around each image with a pencil. You will need 8 hearts, 9 flowers and 9 flower centers.

STEP #4

Roughly cut out the images from the fusible webbing. Do NOT cut on the lines but leave a bit of a margin around the pencil line. Once you fuse the webbing to your fabric, you will cut on the pencil line.
STEP #5

If you are using a 3 layer product, remove the unmarked paper layer from the fusible webbing image. If the webbing appears to be sticking to the unmarked paper side, simply use a pin to peel the webbing off the unmarked paper and make sure it stays attached to the marked side as you remove the unmarked paper. Using a hot DRY iron, press the fusible webbing (paper side up) onto the WRONG side of your chosen fabrics. (Check instructions on your fusible webbing product to make sure you have the correct temperature and fusing time.) Remember that you will be using the red or pink fabric scraps for your hearts and your pastel fabrics for the flowers. You will use a yellow fabric for the centers of your flowers.

STEP #6

Using scissors, cut out the shape exactly on the drawn pencil line. Take care when handling the fabric to avoid fraying the edges.

STEP #7
Carefully, peel the paper backing from the pattern piece. A fine layer of adhesive will remain on the fabric. For easy paper removal, I like to take a straight pin and strike it lightly across the paper - tearing the paper but not damaging the webbing or the fabric.

STEP #8
Begin with the hearts since they are the easiest – and center a heart in the center of a snowball block. Make sure the snowball block is “right side up” - there should be a green triangle in the top left corner of the block. Fuse the heart to the block as directed on the fusible webbing instructions. Do the same for 8 hearts and 9 flowers. You can fuse the flower and flower center to the snowball block at the same time. Don't they look beautiful!

STEP #9

Now it’s time to appliqué. It doesn't get any funner than this step - which means this is the funnest step! The machine blanket stitch works best, but if your sewing machine doesn’t have a blanket stitch, you can also use a very tight zig-zag or satin stitch. Don’t be afraid to try something new! You'll be SO HAPPY you did when you see the finished product. You can use any color of thread that you like for your blanket stitch. You can use thread that matches the heart and flower fabrics or you can use a black applique stitch for all the hearts and flowers - it's up to you. In my quilt I switched threads to match the fabrics, but either way looks great! Here's a picture of what the blanket stitch looks like (it's stitch #35 on my sewing machine).

STEP #10

Here's the finished product when you use the blanket stitch on your sewing machine. If you’ve never tried a machine blanket stitch I would encourage you to do so. It makes such a nice finish to your appliqué and it goes VERY quickly.

This is the longest and most involved week of the mystery quilt. Next week we will put it all together! When you’re in the process of appliquéing your blocks on your sewing machine, go slowly and you will be very pleased with your finished product! In fact, it's so easy that you will become a blanket stitch applique expert with your first heart! It's smooth sailing from that point on.

Since it's Easter Week and Tax Day is almost here, I'm reminded that 20 years ago today, I was VERY pregnant and anxiously awaiting the birth of our 4th child who was due on April 13th. We already had two daughters (Cari, almost 10, and Rachel, 7 1/2) and one son (Jonathan, 4 1/2). The ultrasound said this baby was a girl but Terry & Jonathan INSISTED that it was a boy. We decided to name the baby Alexander if it was a boy and Alexandra if it was a girl. In the wee hours of the morning on April 15th,1989 our baby was born. April 15th has always been a special day for our family. Yes, it's "tax day" and we LOVE tax day because that's the day we were blessed with our beautiful baby boy Alexander William. Alex is serving a 2 year mission for our church right now and this is the first birthday that he has not been home. We miss him each day, but know that he is where he wants to be, doing what he loves. As we celebrate Easter this weekend, we are reminded of our Savior and His gift to us of eternal life. I'm so grateful to have Alex spreading this glorious message and wish each of you a very Happy Easter.

As you work on your mystery quilt this week, remember that the hearts and flowers that you create and applique will let a child know that this quilt is truly a bouquet of flowers sent with love. That in itself takes this quilt over the top on the funness scale!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Mystery Quilt - "Checking Out" Week #3

2009-04-03T11:06:00.008-05:00

I hope that you're ready for Week #3 of the Mystery Quilt Challenge! The instructions for this week are very easy. If you are familiar with a 9-patch block, you're home free! If not - a 9-patch block looks like a checkerboard with only 9 squares. (...hence the blog title "Checking out...") As you make your own nine-patch blocks, Step #3 will give you some tips on making sure that each of your corners match up perfectly! If you still have questions there a link to an internet video that you can watch.

STEP #1
You will be using the rest of your 2 1/2" strips for this step and will be making two sets of strips: Strip Set A and Strip Set B. Here's how:
-First you will make 2 1/2 Strip Sets BWG = Blue-White-Green (...that's two full strips and 1/2 of a third strip of each color) by sewing a blue strip to a white strip (press toward blue) and then adding a green strip to the white side (press toward green).
-Then make 1 1/4 Strip Sets WYW = White-Yellow-White by sewing a white strip to each side of a yellow strip. (Press toward yellow). Click on picture to enlarge instructions.

STEP #2
-Cut the strip sets into 2 1/2" segments creating Strip Set A and Strip Set B
-You will need to cut 36 of Strip Set A (B-W-G) and 18 of Strip Set B (W-Y-W) Click on picture to enlarge instructions.

STEP #3

-Each 9-patch block consists of two Strip Set As and one Strip Set B
-Begin making the 9-patch blocks by sewing a Strip Set A to a Strip Set B as pictured below (blue on top).
-By pressing the strips as instructed in Step 1, this will enable the strip sets to "butt up" against each other creating perfectly matched corners! If would further instruction, this is a GREAT video that shows you exactly how to make perfectly matched corners.
http://www.5min.com/Video/How-to-Match-Seams-on-Square-Quilt-Block-Patches-64331734
-Add a strip Set A to the "B Side" of the Strip Set A-B combination (green on top).
-Complete this step for all 18 blocks. Click on picture to enlarge instructions.

Congratulations! You "checked out" Week #3 of the Mystery Quilt and hopefully you have completed 18 PERFECT 9-patch blocks! This week was easy - but next week will be a little more challenging so stay tuned.

Of course sewing ALWAYS works up an appetite and to close my entry for today I just had to share the following "find" with you. Maria Dixon Lichty - a family friend and my daughter's college roommate (originally from Cerro Gordo IL) - has an outstanding, AWARD WINNING cooking blog that may be of interest to you: "Two Peas and their Pod". Maria and her husband Josh call themselves the "Cooking Couple" and their recipes are absolutely phenomenal. She was recently featured in a cooking segment on the NBC affiliate TV station in Salt Lake City. (She is very poised and comfortable in front of the camera and looks absolutely gorgeous!) The blog cooking instructions with pictures are very easy to follow and the finished recipes are absolutely delicious. She has desserts, salads, main dishes, side dishes and it's all categorized under "Find it here" on the right side of the blog entries. If you'd like to "check out" her blog - here's the link: http://www.lichtyfamilyblog.blogspot.com/

It's best not to look at Maria's blog when you're hungry because I know you'll be tempted to make every recipe that you read! Remember - you still have a Mystery Quilt to make! :-)

Have a wonderful week and Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

The Mystery Snowballs - Week #2

2009-03-27T16:29:00.036-05:00

It has been 1 week since I first posted the Mystery Quilt Challenge and if the 400 hits to our blog is any indication of interest - I think we have a lot of Project Linus sleuths out there ready and willing to accept the challenge and solve the mystery! Congratulations!

CLUE for the week:
What do you call a snowman party? (You will find the answer as you read on.)

INSTRUCTIONS FOR WEEK #2
Note: If you would like to see the instructions "up close" just click on the picture and it will open in a large, easy to read window. You can also print the instructions from that window as well.

From the fabrics that you cut last week, you will be using the following for Week #2:
-2 1/2 strips of the blue 2 1/2" strips
-2 1/2 strips of the green 2 1/2" strips
-17 - 6 1/2" squares cut from the white background fabric
Pencil, ruler, rotary cutter and mat or scissors

STEP #1 (click on picture below for a larger view)
Cut 34—2 1/2” blue squares from the 2 1/2” blue strips.
Cut 34—2 1/2” green squares from the 2 1/2” green strips.
You will probably be able to cut 16 squares per strip - so it will take approximately 2 1/2 strips of each color depending on the width of your fabric. (When you finish cutting, you will have 68 squares total.)
Set aside the remainder of the blue & green strips for later.** STEP #2 (click on picture below for a larger view)
-On the WRONG side of each of the 2 1/2” squares, draw a pencil line on the diagonal of each of square. This pencil line will serve as your stitching guide. -RIGHT SIDES TOGETHER - Place a blue square in the upper left and lower right corner and a green square in the upper right and lower left corner of one of the 17 - 6 1/2” white background squares as pictured.
-Stitch on the outside edge of the pencil line - shown as a dashed line in red. STEP #3 (click on picture below for a larger view)
-Place the 1/4” line of your ruler on the stitched lines (red dashed lines in diagram) and trim seam allowance to 1/4”.
-Discard corner piece.
-Attach blue and green corners to all 17 of the 6 1/2” squares in the same manner, trimming as indicated.

STEP #4 (click on picture below for a larger view)
-Press Corners Open (pressing seam allowance toward corner).
-Square up the block to 6 1/2” square if needed.
-Dashed line around edge of block in diagram indicates block seam allowance.

So, What do you call a snowman party? A Snow Ball!

Congratulations! You have created 17 "Snowball" blocks! Set these blocks aside for another week. You're not finished with them yet! :-)

The instructions for our Mystery Quilt are very detailed so that anyone of any skill level can easily create this quilt. Thank you so much for your notes of encouragement and excitement about the Mystery Quilt!

Next week I will post the third set of instructions.

Based on the weather we're expecting this weekend...I thought this week's blog title was appropriate. Yes, we have discussed the fact that Spring has arrived, but there are days when winter returns for a day or two before Spring actually takes hold. Remember our mantra for the year: "The Glass IS Half Full". As we all know - being snowed in is the perfect time to put on a favorite sweater and fuzzy socks, turn on some inspiring music, serve up a cup of hot chocolate and make a Project Linus blanket! We'll hope the predicted 4-6" misses us, but if it does arrive - I think I'll just say thank you for giving me a great reason to stay home and sew!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

**For any more experienced quilters who are replacing the blue and green strips with alternate colors, remember that you will need to make note of which color is replacing blue and which color is replacing green as you put your blocks together. There is an order to the positioning of the green and blue strips and you don't want to get them mixed up.

A Mysterious Challenge!

2009-03-20T19:51:00.018-05:00

By definition, a mystery is anything that is kept secret or remains unexplained or unknown.

FOR EXAMPLE:
*What does "it" mean in the sentence "What time is it?"?
*Why do our noses run and our feet smell?
*Why is it that when you transport something by car, it's called a shipment, but when you transport something by ship, it's called cargo?
*Why can I remember the phone number and birthday of a high school friend, but cannot remember where I parked my car when I go into Wal-Mart?

The answer to any of these questions is: We don't know...it's a mystery!

Mysteries can be frustrating and perplexing - but they can also be fun! I'd like to offer you a "fun" Project Linus mysterious challenge.

LET'S MAKE A MYSTERY QUILT!

WHAT IS A MYSTERY QUILT?
It's a quilt design that is presented in sections so that the quilter does not know what the final design will be until the last section has been received. Keep in mind that this is a Project Linus mystery quilt so...it's a little easier than most "Mystery Quilts" and it's a little smaller than most "Mystery Quilts". But it is a mystery none-the-less and you will just need to trust me as you follow my instructions. Even the title of the quilt will remain a mystery until the end.

I have divided the construction of this quilt into several steps. When you check the BLOG each week, you will receive the next set of instructions. Anyone of any skill level can participate. If you have a question - just e-mail me and I'll try to help you out without giving away the mystery! Please don't ask for the next set of instructions early - you'll just have to be patient and wait for it to be posted on the BLOG! :-) Some of you will learn some new techniques from this - while others will simply breeze through the instructions. Either way - it's a fun way to make a quilt! When you've solved the mystery (i.e. finished the quilt) - please e-mail me a .jpeg picture and I will post all of the finished quilts on our BLOG. It will be so much fun to see how different each of you solve this "mystery" as you construct the quilt using the "Mystery Quilt" instructions!

HERE ARE THE INSTRUCTIONS FOR WEEK #1
You will need the following fabrics and materials for this quilt: (This does not include backing and binding - we'll take care of that later.)
FABRIC A: 1/2 yd. blue (either a tone on tone or predominately blue fabric)
FABRIC B: 1/2 yd. green (either a tone on tone or predominately green fabric)
FABRIC C: 1/4 yd. yellow (either a tone on tone or predominately yellow fabric)
BACKGROUND FABRIC: 1 yd. white background fabric (tone on tone)
Pink or Red Scraps (Eight - 6" squares)
Pastel Scraps (small prints or tone on tone solids work well) (Nine - 6" squares)
1/2 yard predominantly yellow fabric
Double stick fusible webbing: (I used 2 packages of Lite Steam a Seam 2 with five 9" x 12" sheets per package)

CUTTING INSTRUCTIONS:
Fabric A Blue: Cut five—2 1/2” strips x WOF (width of fabric)
Fabric B Green: Cut five—2 1/2” strips x WOF (width of fabric)
Fabric C Yellow: Cut two—2 1/2” strips x WOF (width of fabric)
Background fabric: Cut 5—2 1/2” strips x WOF (width of fabric)
Background Fabric: Cut three—6 1/2” strips x WOF. Then cut the strips into 17—6 1/2” squares
Pink scraps: Eight—6” squares (They can be all the same fabric or 8 different fabrics.)
Pastel scraps: Seven—6” squares (A variety of colors works best.)
Predominantly yellow:
-If your width of fabric is at least 42” you will need 4 strips of 3 1/2” x 42”
-If your width of fabric is less than 42” you will need 6 strips of 3 1/2” x 42”

So - how about accepting the Project Linus Mysterious Challenge? I hope your answer is "YES"!!!

Cecile M. Springer says: “Above all challenge yourself. You may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have, what you can accomplish.”

If you follow the instructions EXACTLY as written...and ask questions as needed - you will be able to solve the mystery and in the process "you may well surprise yourself at what strengths you have - what you can accomplish"!!!

Happy Spring (yes - it's FINALLY here!) and Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

**ADDENDUM to pattern: Some of you have asked if alternate fabrics can be used for this pattern. I wanted to make the pattern very straight-forward so that it would be simple to follow - which is why I limited the fabric colors. If you would like a different color scheme the fabrics that I believe can be changed are Fabric A: the 2 1/2" blue strips and Fabric B: 2 1/2" green strips. Make sure the two fabrics you choose are contrasting colors - you don't want these two fabrics to blend together. Just look at all the fabrics you've chosen (including the scraps) and see if you like the combination.

Springing Forward

2009-03-14T16:20:00.014-05:00

I just love Groundhog Day. (I love the movie with Bill Murray as well.) Each year I wait to hear the report from Punksatawny Phil as to whether or not we will have six more weeks of winter. Although I really KNOW in my heart that spring is six long weeks away, I'm always a little disappointed when it's confirmed that he did indeed see his shadow. I look forward to spotting my first robin and seeing the buds on the trees turn into actual leaves. I love to see the tulips and daffodils sprouting and the grass turning green. When the magnolia trees blossom, I just can't get enough of them! As March 20th gets closer, a few warm days intermingled with the cold days gives me the reassurance I need that Spring WILL arrive and winter WILL end.

Several years ago, when we were well into March, I was just too busy to notice those tell-tale signs of Spring. I had a million and one things going on in my life (not that that's anything new) and in the process of accomplishing everything on my "to do" list, I never saw any buds on the trees, magnolia blossoms or my first robin. I didn't even know if we had six more weeks of winter because I forgot to read Punksatawny Phil's report back in February. I was so caught up in the busy-ness of my "to do" list that I missed every single thing that announced Spring had arrived. Here's the worst part: My wake-up call came as I was driving down the road and I noticed my first robin of the season - squashed dead on the street. Isn't that just awful (and kind of disturbing)? It made me sad that my first robin of the year was a dead robin and what was even worse was when I looked up from the road I noticed that all the trees had leaves on them, the magnolia blossoms had already fallen off the trees and were covering the grass - and I never even noticed. Good grief! I'll never forget that day because that was the moment I vowed to never again be so unobservant and caught up in every day tasks that I would miss these once-a-year displays of rebirth and renewal.

This week has been a wonderful week. My daughters Cari and Rachel and their families are visiting. Terry and I have enjoyed family meals together, playing with the grandkids, taking pictures, shopping, singing, visiting, etc. and it has been heavenly! Our regular routines and schedules stop when the family gathers...and that's a good thing! Since we don't live close to our children and grandchildren we try to enjoy every precious minute together. It's been so much fun! So, I tried to think of a subtle way to show off my adorable grandchildren while relating it to our Project Linus BLOG! :-) Of course, with 500+ Make a Blanket Day blankets stacked halfway to the ceiling in my hallway I had the perfect answer! This setting offered us many family photo opportunities that I would like to share with you. If you click on the slide show below see if you can find Logan, Tyler, Katie, Lucy and Gracie "hidden" on and in "Blanket Mountain"! (If you run your mouse over the picture, it will stop and tell you who you see.) Don't be concerned - The blankets are all bagged, protected and tagged for delivery and are actually stacked rather neatly in the hallway - it just doesn't look like it from the pictures! :-)

There are too many occasions when we miss out on the important things in life, simply because we're just too busy to notice. Our lives are full, our schedules are packed, the demands on our time are more than plentiful and there just aren't enough hours in the day to accomplish everything. So what do we leave out? Or...better yet -what do we leave in?

Let's select something special that we each plan to do this week...and leave it in our schedule, no matter what! I think I'll work on a quilt top for two special friends (Does that surprise you?) and when I look out my sewing room window, I'll keep watching for leaves on the trees and my neighbor's daffodils. I already saw my first robin (it was alive) and I will be watching for more!

Have a wonderful week and Happy Blanketmaking!

Mary

To ski or not to ski...that is the question!

2009-03-06T23:23:00.006-06:00

In the early 70’s when I was about 13 I had my first skiing experience. My mom had some antique skis that were just perfect for my introduction to the sport. My dad drove us to Twin Sisters Hill in Rockford where we loved to go sledding. They had a “high tech” ski rope where you grab on and are pulled by a rickety pulley to the top of the hill. I had no instruction but I knew that I could do it. How hard could it be? I made it to the top of the hill using the rope, gave myself a push with the ski poles and down the hill I went. What I did not know how to do was stop. About half way down the hill, the reality of my lack of experience and instruction slapped me in the face and I started to tumble. If I were a cartoon character I would have been pictured as a huge snowball with skis sticking out. But – since this was real life and not a cartoon, I was just “Mary in a Heap” at the bottom of the hill. As you can imagine, this discouraged me from attempting to ski again.

In the 90’s my husband and kids discovered skiing and they LOVED it. Not just the Twin Sisters Hill type skiing - they headed to the mountains for some REAL skiing. On one occasion they decided that it would be fun to take a family ski trip to Keystone Colorado. I bought a ski suit and optimistically decided that I would give it a try. We hired a ski instructor for me and as I headed up the bunny hill on the ski lift, I had a flashback of my experience on Twin Sisters Hill when I was 13. When I “jumped off” the lift I was once again “Mary in a Heap” - but this time I was at the top of the hill and knew that somehow I needed to get to the bottom of the hill. I panicked and “discussed” my apprehension with my ski instructor. (Actually I told him in no uncertain terms to just teach the kids, that I would crawl down the hill on my own and that I didn't expect to be reimbursed for dropping out of class.) He insisted that I ski down the hill just one time. I finally agreed and slowly made my way to safety. When I reached the bottom of the hill I said a prayer of thanksgiving for sparing my life and raised my arms in a victory stance. Terry decided to videotape my experience for posterity. When I watched the tape, I noticed that my ski instructor was actually pulling me down the hill by hanging on to the sleeve of my new jacket as we made our way down the hill in tandem. I was a little disappointed that I didn’t ski “solo”, but in reality, I THOUGHT I was skiing on my own and if I hadn’t been towed down the hill I would probably STILL be standing on the top of the hill.

This brings me to this week. We’re spending the week in Park City Utah on a ski trip. But things are a little different nowadays. I don’t bring a ski suit – I bring a sewing machine. One day is spent planning my project. The next day is spent shopping for the fabric and the next two days are spent sewing. My family always feels sorry for me when I spend the ski trip by myself sewing. They always offer to take me with them. They say they’ll ski slowly and that they’ll take the easy hills. I always decline their kind offers. What they don’t realize is that each of us has our own kind of fun and I have a GREAT time. Their fun involves wearing skis, trying to jump off a ski lift without falling under it, cold and snowy weather, claustrophobic helmets and the ever present medical danger resulting from a major fall. My fun involves beautiful fabric, a great sewing machine, patterns, rotary cutters, cutting mats and rulers and a finished quilt in the end. I usually work on a new Project Linus quilt pattern. It’s such a pleasure to sew with purpose and it warms my heart as well as my soul when I look at what I’ve accomplished. How could I pass up such fun? So – to ski or not to ski – that really isn't even a question for me. Hands down – I choose not to ski. I just couldn’t give up a week of fun behind a sewing machine.

I hope you’re able to take some time this week to work on something that brings you joy. Maybe a Project Linus blanket???

Happy Blanketmaking,
Mary

Project Linus Blankets Central Illinois!

2009-03-01T07:36:00.013-06:00

Yes, it's true! 1,023 blankets are now ready for delivery as a result of our Make A Blanket Day efforts. With over 200 volunteers (almost 60 more from last year) a GREAT time was had by all.

You can only imagine the sea of blanketeers working side by side - it was truly a sight to behold. The newspaper article said that we were a "crazy quilt of women" [and a few men]. I'm sure we'll all agree that we're pretty crazy. We're crazy about getting together to make blankets. We're crazy about serving the children of our community. We're crazy about food and door prizes and special drawings and ribbons and charms and challenges and fabric and yarn and fleece and rulers and cutters and sewing machines and patterns and books and Project Linus shirts and bags...and the list goes on and on! We just get pretty crazy about anything related to blanketmaking and Project Linus. The photographer from WAND-TV said that he never saw this many people in one place at a Mall Event since "Deal or No Deal" came to town! That's quite a compliment! :-)

The pictures have been posted. If you click on the link in the column to the right (Central IL Chapter Pictures) you can get a feel for the day.

Thank yous are in order...although we could NEVER adequately express our gratitude for all the help we received. Please know that without your help, we would not have been able to have such a successful day.

-On Thursday evening we were able to set up 46 quilts in the Boo-Boo Kids Quilt display in less than 30 minutes with the help of the Galos, the Busbeys, the Atteberrys, the Uhlers and the Balagnas. Set-up has become second nature for many of our husbands and Terry and I (especially Terry since he does most of the work) couldn't be more grateful for the help!

-On Friday evening we had many, many blanketeers, husbands, children and friends come to help with the main event set-up. THANK YOU to each of you and please let your familiy members & friends know how grateful we were for their help as well!!! We started at 8:30pm and we were home by 11:30pm. Gone are the 2:00am curfews for Blanket Day Set-up!!!

-Thank you to the Hickory Point Mall management - and especially Justine Robinson. Hickory Point mall could not have been more accommodating, more helpful and more gracious. We had the perfect work area and everything went as clockwork! We did have a little trouble keeping the general public out of our dining area...even with the "Private Luncheon" signs. News must be traveling around the community about Carol and Jane's oustanding Project Linus luncheons. :-) If you would like to send a thank you to the mall, please click here: http://www.hickorypoint.com/shop/hickorypoint.nsf/contact

-Thank you to everyone who worked a shift at the Boo-Boo kids table - selling votes for the quilts on display. It's difficult to take time out of your day - especially on Saturday when everyone is having so much fun at the OTHER end of the mall - to offer this service and we thank each of you for helping out.

-THANK YOU Carol and Jane for working your magic once again by hosting our luncheon! There was not a hungry tummy in the bunch once we finished lunch!

-Thank you to Stewart's Sewing Machines for donating a beautiful BabyLock Quilter's Choice Sewing Machine ($900 value) for our drawing and to Jana Wrigley and Paula Hovey for once again hosting an instruction area at our event. Many of our blanketeers were able to learn paper-piecing techniques using the quiltmaker "Lotsa Pops" pattern made especially for Project Linus National Make a Blanket Day 2009. Anyone who pre-registed for Make a Blanket Day (and was over 18 years old) had a chance to win this machine! Congratulations to Angie Gum - the lucky winner! Angie and her mom were pictured in the Herald and Review article in the Sunday paper!

-Thank you to Quiltmaker Magazine for 2009 Make a Blanket Day Lotsa Pops pattern. Here's the Lotsa Pops Pattern link if you're interested: http://www.quiltmaker.com/LotsaPopsProjectLinus.pdf

-Thank you to Theresa Churchill for BOTH of her beautiful articles on Project Linus in the Sunday morning paper. I'm sure that the reason our blanket day attendance has grown as it has is due to Theresa's articles. What a privilege it is to have her attend our events and cover them in such a heartfelt and inspiring way. We are so grateful for the support of the Herald and Review - they have put Project Linus on the map!

-Thank you to Hope and Elizabeth Gauthier for serving as our Boo-Boo Kids judges. Their meticulous critiques accompanied by their kind hearts and past experiences made them the perfect judges for 2009. What a difficult job! We are so grateful for their help!

Here are the links to the articles:
http://heraldandreview.com/articles/2009/03/01/news/local/1039533.txt

http://heraldandreview.com/articles/2009/03/01/news/local/1039532.txt

-Thank you to each blanketeer who made a quilt for the Boo-Boo Kids Challenge. We had 46 quilts this year and each was simply breathtaking. We raised $3,140 from the Challenge! Woo Hoo!!! The pictures of the quilts are posted - just click on the "Chapter Pictures" link to the right. Congratulations to our winners!

Our winners in the judged category were:
1st: Jo Ann Holtzscher
2nd: Bunny Filer
3rd: Tie between Linda Kirby and Lisa Miller-Welton
Honorable Mention: Evelyn Guinan

Our winners in the fundraising category were:
1st: Eleanor Kirby
2nd: Barb McKee
3rd: Linda Busbey
Honorable Mention: Marge Perrino

-Thank you to Team 35 for the beautiful raffle quilt they donated to Project Linus. As a result of their tireless efforts, an additional $1,036 was raised for our chapter. THANK YOU!!!!

-Thank you to members of the Golden K's in Decatur for serving as our supply toters. We couldn't ask for better service. Many husbands and family members helped to tote supplies as well. We thank you and our blanketeers thank you! :-)

-Thank you to C.J. Banks and Christopher & Banks for offering our blanketeers a 30% discount for their stores on Saturday.

If we've forgotten anyone, we truly apologize and please accept our thanks for your help. Terry and I were home by 4:30pm, the cars were unloaded by 5:30pm and the trailer is parked and ready for Fall Make a Blanket Day in September (date to be announced). Dinner was followed by an early evening nap that gave us enough energy to make our way upstairs to bed for a GREAT night's sleep!

There's just nothing like a Make a Blanket Day to recharge our batteries. Just like the Energizer Bunny - when we are able to offer ourselves in service to others that is what keeps our bodies and our souls going and going and going and going and going....

We're especially grateful for our blanketeer friends. We may only see each other 3 times a year at most, but the friendships we've created will last forever!

Have a wonderful week and Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary and Cheryl

Here's the Scoop! Ten Tips for a Fantastic Day!

2009-02-21T07:33:00.015-06:00

One week from this minute (7:34am) Cheryl and I will either be at the Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth or on our way. The weather will be beautiful. Beautiful for driving - but a little too cool to work out in the yard. All 179 (Yes - 179!) of our pre-registered Make a Blanket Day attendees will be healthy, happy and loading their cars - ready to spend a day at the Hickory Point Mall in Forsyth making blankets for children in need of some very special hugs! WE CAN'T WAIT!!!! We hope you feel the same!

Here are some updates and instructions for the day. PLEASE make note of the following changes and/or suggestions:

1. When you arrive at Make a Blanket Day, we will have helpers who will tote your supplies into the mall work area (in front of Bergner's). If you would like help - pull your car up to the mall entry door (the east side of the building next to Bergner's). A volunteer will unload your supplies for the day and take them to the work area while you are parking your car. When you come into the mall, simply locate your supplies and find a place to work. If you need help getting your supplies to your seat, we will have additional volunteers inside to help you get situated. It's so easy! Thank you so much to our supply toters!

2. Please note: Carol will NOT be attaching charms to bracelets at Make a Blanket Day. With 174 attendees and counting, we were afraid she would be blind by the end of the day - and she needs to drive home! So - we will still ask you to turn in your charm order form and Carol will put your new charms and connecting rings in a little bag. You can either attach them yourself when you get home or have someone else attach them. I'm sorry for this change, but Carol had so many charms to attach at our Fall event that during the entire day she never had a moment to look up. Our attendance will almost double at this event. Since she also takes care of the Project Linus items as well as the luncheon - we wanted to make sure that she comes back in the future! :-) Your understanding is most appreciated.

3. Don't forget to bring a Project Linus Project to work on. If you are not sure what to do - please bring a 1 1/2 yard piece of a kids print fleece and we have patterns with some finishing options. If you would like to learn to tie a quilt, please bring two 1 1/2 yard pieces of coordinating kid-friendly fabric and we have a simple envelope-style pattern you can make. We do have some bolts of fabric and batting that you are welcome to use. With 174 attendees, we are simply not able to supply everyone with a project.

4. We will be foundation piecing two blocks this year. One is our "Lotsa Pops" Quiltmaker Magazine block and the other is our Anniversary block. If you are not familiar with foundation piecing or just need some help getting started, Jana and Paula from Stewarts Sewing Machines will have an area located near the welcome table. They have an absolutely adorable quilt kit that they will have available if you are interested and they will teach you how to paper piece correctly - if you'd like some instructions. They have beautiful sewing machines that they will be bringing as well - so don't hesitate to visit their area and take a lesson!

5. Lunch will be served at 11:30am. We ask everyone to bring a snack, salad or dish to pass and we will provide the main dish, water and a few extra goodies. Our "lunch" will be served in the first store on your left as you enter the mall. You may leave your food there when you arrive or you can bring it in before 11:00am.

6. You will not go home empty-handed! :-) We have door prizes, special drawings, Boo-Boo Kids awards and welcome packets for those pre-registered. For everyone over 18 years old who pre-registered you will have the opportunity to enter a drawing for a Babylock Quilter's Choice Sewing Machine donated by Stewart's Sewing Machines!!!!! THANK YOU to Jana Wrigley and Stewart's for this GENEROUS donation!

7. We have seating for 200 attendees - first come, first served. Make a Blanket Day is from 9am - 3pm and you are welcome to arrive any time AFTER 8:30am.

8. Team 35 will be selling tickets for their gorgeous raffle quilt. Tickets are $1.00 each - and the proceeds will go toward the purchase of more blanketmaking supplies for our next event! THANK YOU TEAM 35!!!

9. Don't forget about our Boo-Boo Kids display. Invite your friends and family to visit the display on Friday or Saturday and vote for their favorite quilt! It's $1.00 per vote or 6 for $5.00. Again, all proceeds will go toward the purchase of more blanketmaking supplies! The quilts are absolutely beautiful again this year - with the theme "To the Rescue". 2010 kits will be available at Make a Blanket Day. The kit is $5.00 if you have never made a Boo-Boo Kids quilt. If you have, the kit is free. We have an adult category and a kids category - so everyone is welcome to make a quilt for 2010. The theme is... "Wish Upon a Star"!

10. When do we have an uninterrupted 6 hours that we can spend doing what we love to do! Be sure to leave all your troubles at home and join us for an exciting day of blanketmaking fun!

Cheryl and I want to thank each of you for all of your help! We would not have been able to serve the children of Central IL over the past 10 years without each of you.

Happy 10th Birthday Project Linus Central IL!

See you Saturday!
Mary

PS - if you are available at 8:45pm on Thursday evening February 26th, we could use some help hanging the Boo-Boo kids quilts. Please join us in front of Von Maur. The more help we have, the faster we get the job done! Thank you!

Set-up on Friday evening will begin at 9pm. If you can help, we would love to have you! Thank you!

"All You Need Is Love...

2009-02-14T08:25:00.018-06:00

...But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt!"
Charles Schulz

Terry and I exchanged Valentine cards this morning and we gave each other nearly identical cards! I guess after 34 years of dating and 30 years of marriage - we really have become a lot alike! I love that - and I love him! I also had my absolutely delicious chocolate protein bar this morning as well...Clif 20g Chocolate Mint Builder's Bar...which is to say that I truly do have it all...love AND chocolate! :-)

I'm thrilled to report that we have 155 people pre-registered for Make a Blanket Day!!!! WOO HOO!!! If you haven't done so, please make sure that you pre-register. We want to make sure everyone gets a seat and enough to eat! (However, enough food has never been a problem at our MABDs thanks to Carol and Jane!) Also, don't forget to bring a Project Linus project to work on and a dish to pass or snack to share. When you enter the mall (the entrance near Bergner's) there is a store on your left - it used to be a bank - that we have been given permission to use for our "dining area". Food can be dropped off there when you arrive. It's going to be a fantastic day filled with fun, fellowship and the opportunity to serve some special children and families in our Central IL area!

Great News! We have a FINAL answer on Project Linus and the CPSIA. On February 9, 2009, CPSC staff issued a document called Guidance on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for Small Businesses, Resellers, Crafters and Charities and If you would like to read the text here's the link: http://www.cpsc.gov/about/cpsia/smbus/cpsiasbguide.html

Briefly, a portion of Question #13 in particular applies to Project Linus:
Q. “Can I donate the children’s products that I make to local charities and hospitals?
A. Yes, you can make and donate children’s products to local charities and hospitals, if they are made of exempted materials or materials that you feel confident do not contain lead (see Table B). Children’s products made of yarn, dyed or undyed fabrics and natural materials such as untreated wood or cotton do not contain lead at levels sufficient to exceed the new lead limits.
Also, on page 7 you will find a list of exempted materials, including:* Yarn, dyed or undyed * Dyed or undyed textiles (cotton, wool, hemp, nylon, etc.), including children’s fabric products, such as baby blankets, and non‐metallic thread and trim. This does not include products that have rhinestones or other ornaments that may contain lead or that have fasteners with possible lead content (such as buttons, metal snaps, zippers or grommets).
So, we have been given the green light to continue making blankets as usual. Thank you for the letters, e-mails etc. that were sent to our representatives. We do have a voice!

In our National "Blanket Beacon" newsletter, we have a section we call "Love Notes". Since this is Valentine's Day, I would like to share a love note that we received, addressed to each of you:

Dear Project Linus,
My name is Katie and I am 15 years old. I received a Project Linus blanket while in the hospital this past summer. Even though I am old enough were I don't need a blankey anymore your balnket gave me lots of confort and much needed warmth. I now sleep with it everynight, and when my friends ask I am proud and grateful to say that it came from Project Linus. I am hoping to make a blanket soon to give back to the kids who are now feeling as bad as I once did. Thank you so much!

So, I think I need to add to Charles Schulz's quote: "All You Need is Love...but a little chocolate and a blanket now and then doesn't hurt!"

Happy Valentine's Day! I hope that you all take a minute to wrap your favorite blanket around you and "feel the love".

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Anniversaries

2009-02-07T09:39:00.006-06:00

For some reason it seems as though we love to celebrate anniversaries. We mark the day we were born (I just celebrated the 12th anniversary of my 40th birthday), the day we got married (it was 30 years in July), the day our chapter started (we opened our chapter 10 years ago - January 1999), etc. Today is the 1st birthday of our little granddaughter Gracie - and I was there to see her come into the world. What a miraculous anniversary to celebrate! Today is also the 34th anniversary of our first date. We were in Iowa City, Iowa and Terry and I were both freshmen in college. We went to the movie "Freebie and the Bean" - I'm sure you remember it...??? There were only 2 theaters within walking distance of the dorm so our choices were VERY limited. I don't remember much from the movie other than car after car being demolished - but that's because my mind was preoccupied thinking about the gorgeous guy sitting next to me! Each year we love to celebrate this special day, simply because it was the day we fell madly in love. You may say that no one could fall madly in love after one date...but I'm here to tell you that we did and we still are!

Tomorrow is the anniversary of the date that we lost our precious grandson Luke. This is one of those anniversaries that we would prefer not to remember for many reasons, but we choose to remember and cherish it for one very special reason. It's the day we celebrate the gift that we have been given - "Families are Forever". We know that one day we will all be together again - and this is the day that we are reminded of that sweet promise. I'm sure you all have a "Families are Forever" anniversary that has brought you sadness in the past - but brings hope to you for the future. We can't escape the grief we experience from the parting, but the reunion will be glorious!

As we know, our service through Project Linus offers us a bitter-sweet experience as we cradle those in need of a hug. We love to make blankets and we know that we are able to bring comfort and security to a child going through a medical or emotional crisis through our handwork. This brings us joy. But we also know that in order to receive a blanket, this child must go through that crisis. This makes us sad. We know that we can offer hope to the parents of these children through the simple gesture of offering their child a handmade blanket. This keeps us making blankets. But we also know that these parents are suffering as well, as they watch their child suffer. This breaks our hearts. As blanketeers, we know that the efforts that we put forth to make a beautiful handmade treasure for a child in need of a hug are most appreciated. In addition, it gives us an opportunity to extend our hand in service allowing us to become a part of the healing process for all concerned. As a parent looks at the blanket given to their child, they will be reminded of that anniversary when their child received the blanket. Whether it commemorates a joyous victory or a sad reminder - either way, it lets them know that someone cared enough to offer their family comfort during a difficult time.

As I look at the anniversaries in my life I hope that each one helps to remind me to be grateful for what I have been given - and what is yet to be! We hope you'll join us on February 28th for our Make a Blanket Day at the Mall! Come and celebrate our 10th anniversary as we serve those in need of comfort, side by side!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

The Results: CPSIA - Stay; Project Linus - Keep Moving Forward!

2009-01-31T09:02:00.018-06:00

What a GREAT end to a very busy week! As of Friday, January 30th, 2009 the CPSC has issued a one year stay of enforcement on the Consumer Project Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) while the committee sorts out all of the requests for ammendments, clarifications, exclusions and exemptions, etc. that have been presented to them. From this new ruling and the letter written by Nancy Nord, the acting chairman of the committee - we are very happy to report that we do not anticipate that the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act will have an impact on our organization or its mission. You can feel Ms. Nord's frustration with the CPSIA as you read her letter.

Here is a link to the letter and the press release if you would like to read it:

Nancy Nord's Letter to the committee (Click on Link): http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115nord.pdf

Consumer Product Safety Commission Press release (Click on Link):
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09115.html

I want to stress that in the letter and the press release, the charities mentioned were those who SELL their items (Goodwill, Salvation Army, thrift stores, etc.). As you all know, Project Linus does not sell or manufacture/import items for sale but the wording of the CPSIA posed many unanswered questions as to whether or not we would be affected by this Act. The conflicting answers we received from Washington and committee members as well as the concern of volunteers across the country compelled us to voice our concerns.

Thank you for your help! We know that the letter writing campaign has made a difference and we can't thank you enough for your support! We will continue to carry out our mission with the same dedication as we have for the past 13 years.

PRE-REGISTRATION FOR MABD
There's still time - just e-mail Mary

BOO BOO KIDS QUILTS
If you are making a Boo-Boo Kids quilt, please deliver them to Cheryl or Mary by February 14th. Since Make a Blanket Day is a week later, you have one more week to finish your quilt. Please call or e-mail Cheryl or Mary before you deliver your quilt to make sure that we are available.

MAKE A BLANKET DAY HELP
We still have a few spots open at the Boo-Boo Kids table. If you can help, please e-mail Cheryl and she will tell you what times are open.

SUPPLY TOTERS
If you know of an able-bodied person who can help bring in our blanketeers' supplies between 8:30am and 10:30am on Saturday morning, please let us know. In the past we have had members of scout troops, church groups, the Golden K's as well as family and friends. If you know of a group in need of service hours - we would love to help them out. :-)

Thank you again for all of your support and as always...

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act May Improve Project Linus Out of Business

2009-01-24T16:10:00.008-06:00

Yes, you read it correctly! We need your help to make sure that Project Linus is allowed to continue as a 501c3 nonprofit organization that donates handmade blankets as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children and provides a tremendous service opportunity for members of our community for the benefit of children. Why would ANY act of government want to stop the good work that we are doing?

Well, on August 14, 2008, the Congress of the United States passed a law called the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. It goes into effect on February 10, 2009. The purpose of this act is to establish consumer product safety standards following the high lead content that was found in children's toys imported from China. In response, Congress acted quickly to protect America's children by enacting the CPSIA. Unfortunately as with every law, many questions have arisen that are still unanswered. You can learn more about it at http://www.cpsc.gov/ .

Basically, the Act states that all products marketed or intended for children 12 or under must undergo testing by a certified laboratory to be CPSIA compliant. There are enormous costs to do so, and very substantial fines and penalties involved for non-compliance. As originally written, the Act potentially has far reaching consequences. The Act requires those who manufacture items for sale to have their products tested. Unfortunately the way the Act is worded, the term "distribute" is used, which could include any item made and GIVEN or SOLD to a child under 12 years old. At this time, we do not know how or if it will impact Project Linus and other charitable organizations but we know that the CPSIA needs clarification with regard to charities. The reality is that if the law is not clarified to exclude charitable organizations, or to define certain terms regarding “distribution” and remove the potential liability to organizations such as Project Linus, we will have no choice but to dissolve our beloved organization.

Project Linus has been working with representatives from Congress and the Consumer Product Safety Commission for clarification of how the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act may or may not affect our charity and others. We know that our specific circumstances are under discussion at this time but so far we have yet to receive a clarification from the committee. We believe, and have been specifically told, that we can have an impact on the interpretation of this law. We need the help of everyone and anyone who knows of or has been touched by Project Linus to write an e-mail or letter. You don't need to be a blanketeer in order to express your opinion with regard to this legislation.

Carol Babbitt (our National President) and I have drafted a letter that you are welcome to copy and paste (fill in the blanks as indicated) and send it to your congress person, senator, the Consumer Product Safety Commission or Committee on Energy and Commerce members. Some can be sent via e-mail, but if you are not in the district of the congress person or senator you may need to send your letter to them via snail mail.

To locate the contact information for your congress person go to https://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml
To locate the contact information for your US Senator go to http://www.senate.gov/general/contact_information/senators_cfm.cfm

HERE IS THE SAMPLE LETTER, if you would like to use it.
Bill Number H.R.4040 Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act
From: [your name and address]
To: [your congress person or senator, CPSIA or Committee on Energy and Commerce Members]
Re: The Consumer Product Improvement Act (CPSIA) clarification regarding charities requested

Dear [your congress person, senator, CPSC or Committee on Energy and Commerce members],
As a volunteer and supporter of Project Linus, a 501c3 National Non-profit organization, I am very concerned about the effect the Consumer Product Improvement Act (CPSIA) H.R. 4040 will have on our organization as of February 10, 2009. Like many people, I was deeply concerned by the dangerous and poisonous toys that large Chinese toy manufacturers have been selling to our families. I was pleased that Congress acted quickly to protect America's children by enacting the CPSIA. However, I am very concerned that the CPSIA's mandates for third party testing and labeling could have a dramatic and negative effect on our charity (Project Linus).

For your information, Project Linus distributes handmade blankets as gifts to seriously ill and traumatized children across the country. (See http://www.projectlinus.org/ for more information.) We have chapters in all 50 states, have donated almost 3,000,000 blankets and our safety record has always been exemplary. If charities such as ours are not exempt from this Act the closure of our organization will devastate the hospitals, shelters, police and fire departments and other social service agencies who give our blankets as gifts to children going through a crisis. In addition it will also take away the opportunity that our volunteers have been given, which is to offer service to these children through their blanketmaking skills.

Project Linus does not sell its blankets. They are all given as gifts to children ages 0-18. We are the consumer and not a retailer or seller however the current wording in the CPSIA can be interpreted to include organizations such as ours. We are a charity and would never have the funds to submit each blanket made by our volunteers to the expensive testing required. As our new President has encouraged us to volunteer and perform acts of service, it would be devastating to approximately 60,000 volunteers such as myself who have been making blankets for Project Linus, to have our organization closed due to the CPSIA.

I urge you to quickly request the Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Committee on Energy and Commerce to make some very reasonable exclusions in their interpretation of the law as they continue their rulemaking process. This would include exempting nonprofit organizations and charities who do not retail their products.

Thank you for your attention with regard to this matter.

Sincerely,
[your name]

Here are some additional contacts:
Contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission - (301)-504-7923
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
4330 East West Highway
Bethesda, MD 20814
http://www.cpsc.gov/about/contact.html

Contact the House Energy and Commerce Committee - (202)-225-2927
2125 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515

You are welcome to contact the personal offices of anyone on the following list, who are the members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee. There is not room here to post addresses, but a google search will give you their snail mail addresses.

Henry A. Waxman, CA , Chair
John Dingell, MI, Chair Emeritus
Joe Barton, TX Ranking Member
Edward Markey, MA
Rick Boucher, VA
Frank Pallone, Jr., NJ
Bart Gordon, TN
Bobby Rush, IL
Anna Eshoo, CA
Bart Stupak, MI
Eliot Engel, NY
Gene Green, TX
Diana DeGette, CO
Lois Capps, CA
Michael Doyle, PA
Jane Harman, CA
Janice Schakowsky, IL
Charles Gonzales, TX
Jay Inslee, WA
Tammy Baldwin, WI
Mike Ross, AR
Anthony Weiner, NY
Jim Matheson, UT
G.K. Butterfield, NC
Charlie Melancon, KA
John Barrow, GA
Baron Hill, IN
Doris Matsui, CA
Donna Christensen, VA
Kathy Castor, FL
John Sarbanes, MD
Christopher Murphy, CT
Zachary Space, OH
Jerry McNerney, CA
Betty Sutton, OH
Bruce Braley, IA
Peter Welch, VT
Ralph Hall, TX
Fred Upton, MI
Cliff Stearns, FL
Nathan Deal, GA
Ed Whitfield, KY
John Shimkus, IL
John Shadegg, AZ
Roy Blunt, MO
Steve Buyer, IN
George Radanovich, CA
Joseph Pitts, PA
Mary Bono Mack, CA
Greg Walden, OR
Lee Terry, NE
Mike Rogers, MI
Sue Wilkins Myrick, NC
John Sullivan, OK
Tim Murphy, PA
Michael Burgess, TX
Marsha Blackburn, TN
Phil Gingrey, GA

With our 60,000+ volunteers we can make a difference! Please help these legislators to understand that we are not a manufacturer. We are the consumer! We don’t manufacture or sell blankets! We don’t have a factory or any location anywhere in the country where blankets are assembled. These blankets are largely made by individuals, in their homes or in small private groups. Almost 3 MILLION blankets have been donated to almost 3 MILLION children under strict quality control standards. Speak from your heart, share your passion and help us to insure the future of Project Linus.

Thank you so much and long live Project Linus! :-)

Mary

Project Linus for Kids; the Shawl Ministry for Grown-ups

2009-01-17T17:20:00.017-06:00

On Monday morning, we received a phone call telling us that dear friends of ours, Amy and Sean, lost their 19 month old daughter, suddenly. Immediately my mind took me back to 3 years ago when we lost our sweet little Luke, suddenly. Such tragedies initially take their toll on our minds, our bodies and our spirits. They rob us of our ability to be alone with our thoughts. They remove our desire to put one foot in front of the other. They can even cause us to question our faith for a time. From the moment we received the call, we knew that this was the beginning of a very rough road for our friends and my heart ached. Although it has been 3 years, it felt as if it was happening all over again. But...then we realized that it HAD been 3 years and in that length of time we have come a long way. We knew we now needed to take what we had learned and help our friends. We needed to serve them as we had been served.

As you all know, Project Linus blankets offer comfort and security to those going through a crisis. Through the events of this week, I have been reminded that Project Linus came to our family's rescue 3 years ago. Our lives fell apart a week before Make a Blanket Day (our busiest event of the year) yet volunteers came forward and made it all happen without a glitch. Luke's twin brother Logan received a Project Linus blanket when he lost his brother and another one when he was in the hospital having surgery to manage the condition that took the life of his brother. Then, our son Alex received a Project Linus blanket when he also had surgery for the same condition. They received comfort from these special blankets and we were comforted by the love and support offered by those who served us in such a very special way. In addition a dear blanketeer made a special gift for me - a shawl as part of the Prayer Shawl Ministry. In a nutshell - a person handmakes a prayer shawl, not knowing who the recipient will be. She prays for the recipient as she makes the shawl. Then, when the opportunity arises, she presents the shawl to someone in need.
(See http://www.shawlministry.com/).
I was the recipient of such a prayer shawl. As a Project Linus blanket recipient wraps the blanket around his or her shoulders and receives a hug of comfort - the same is true for a prayer shawl. The only difference is that Project Linus is for kids and a prayer shawl is for grown-ups. As I wrapped my shawl around my shoulders I felt the love, the prayers and the concern of the person who made the shawl. I truly felt it comfort me and heal me.

When our friends saw their sweet little daughter in the Emergency Room - she had been given a Project Linus blanket. They had the blanket on display at the funeral and placed it over her chair at home. I'm so glad that Project Linus was there for them in much the same way it was there for us. I believe it brought them comfort to know how much they are loved. Each brother and sister as well as five cousins received Project Linus blankets. One of Tori's sisters said that their Project Linus blankets are for them to wrap around their shoulders when they miss Tori. I know that the special hug of comfort that they feel brings them closer to little Tori for a moment. That's a good thing. As for the prayer shawls, I always have one shawl "ready to go" for a time when it's needed. For some reason, this time, I had two. I was able to give Mom - Amy and Grammy - Soni a shawl to comfort them as well. I hope that as it holds them, it eventually will help to heal them, as it did me.

I'm so grateful that Project Linus has given me the opportunity to serve others during times of crisis in such a personal way. We hear from parents all over the country how blessed they feel when their child receives a handmade treasure from someone they don't even know. They are grateful to know that others care about them and want to help ease their pain. Of course, we can't take away the pain, but I know that when we wrap a blanket or a shawl around our shoulders - the comforting hug we feel can take our thoughts to a better place, reestablish our desire to put one foot in front of the other and reminds us of our faith.

We can't change what has happened, but we can offer service to those going through such a difficult time. In addition, when we offer service we are able to forget ourselves and focus on others. I have found that when I am able to focus on the needs of others it helps to heal my own soul. I feel like I've reached some milestones in our "healing process" this week. That is also a good thing.

Our love to Amy and family and Soni and family.

Mary

My theme for 2009: "The Glass IS Half Full!"

2009-01-10T10:12:00.006-06:00

Each year I have tried to come up with a "theme" or "mantra" for the year. 2008 was "Because Nice Matters". My daughter Cari made me a beautiful plaque with "Because Nice Matters" written on it. I have it proudly displayed in my sewing room, by my computer and I have honestly tried to be nice this year. It's not that I'm intentionally annoying or demanding or short tempered or insensitive or generally "not nice" but its seems as though I don't always "think before I speak or act" and that's what gets me into trouble. I tried my best to make a postive change in 2008. As I move on to a new theme for 2009, it doesn't mean that I'm finished being nice because that was an "old 2008 goal" ...I do plan to move on to my new "mantra"...but I still plan to be nice :-)

2009 brings a new "theme" to my year. "The glass IS half full." I have always been a "half empty kind of person". I know - how depressing. I did have a method to my madness, however. I felt that if I expected the worst, and ANYTHING less than the worst occurred, I wouldn't be disappointed. In fact - I found I could even find joy in most outcomes that didn't meet my negative expectations. Well - the anxiety, high blood pressure, insomnia, etc. that accompanies a doom and gloom attitude just isn't worth it. I have a wonderful husband and family, a GREAT "job" with Project Linus, tremendous friends and a strong faith. How could that glass possibly be half empty?

So, as 2009 begins with our 10th birthday celebration I want to let each of you know how much Cheryl and I appreciate you. As we prepare for Make a Blanket Day on February 28th and our Boo-Boo Kids display on the 27th and 28th I am simply overwhelmed by your kindness, generosity and giving spirits. Thank you for pre-registering. How exciting to have so many of our volunteers gather together and spend an entire day making blankets and socializing! Thank you for offering to help with Boo-Boo Kids set-up on Thursday evening, MABD set-up on Friday evening and MABD clean-up on Saturday. Thank you! At our first MABD at the mall in February of 2002, my husband Terry and I set up the event in an ice storm, all by ourselves. We were at the mall until almost 1am - and then back at 7am to finish. The next year, we decided to ask for help - and you responded to our call. Every year since, many of you have come to our rescue! We couldn't do it without you!

I want to remind you that Carol (our National President) will be hosting our luncheon as well as filling orders for the charms you earned for your bracelets. (THANK YOU CAROL!!!) Please bring a dish to pass (salad, snack or dessert) and we will provide the paper products, chicken and bottled water - along with a few other goodies. Don't forget to bring your charm bracelet with you if you would like Carol to attach the charms for you. We have an adorable "birthday balloons" charm for our 10th Anniversary Make a Blanket Day!

As I finish up my message for today, it just makes me realize that my glass isn't half full - it's OVERFLOWING!!! Maybe I need to change my theme to "The Glass is OVERFLOWING!"

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T13:12:00.013-06:00

It's hard to believe that it's already January 1st! Next to Christmas and my birthday month (I celebrate the ENTIRE month of October) New Year's day is one of my favorite days of the year. I love being able to start fresh and set some goals for myself. I've learned that my goals need to be realistic or they just don't work for me - whether it be personal goals or Project Linus goals.
Here are my two REALISTIC 2009 New Year's Resolutions for Project Linus:

Simplify, Simplify, Simplify: As everyone will tell you, I tend to come up with an idea and then expand on it to the point that it takes every waking moment and every available person to carry it out. It's not intentional - it just happens. For example - we had an idea where we would be displaying blanket requests on an "angel tree" at Make a Blanket Day inviting blanketeers to make blankets for the children of the women at the Women's Correctional Facility. We figured we'd need about 40-50 blankets but when all was said and done, it turned into a major project of 778 blankets. Wow! We did it - with the help of each of you - but it was a bit more than we bargained for. We're still recovering! :-) I'll try my best to make things as simple as possible without compromising quality and fun when it comes to our events. So, this year at Make a Blanket Day we will have pre-registration but I will not be making personalized nametags and door prize tickets. We'll still have door prizes and nametags but there will be generic packets with blank tickets in the packets and attendees will need to write their own names on their nametags and door prize tickets. You have to start somewhere, right?

Ask and accept help as needed: I have always been reluctant to ask for help simply because each of you donate so much of your time and energy by making blankets and I feel guilty asking you to do more. But, many of you have reprimanded me for NOT asking for help. So, I'll make a deal with each of you. I'll ask for help as needed and if you're able to help - you'll say yes. If you're not able to help - you'll say no. Agreed?

IMPORTANT NEWS: The date for our February Make a Blanket Day has changed. It will be held on Saturday, February 28th from 9am - 3:00pm. We will have the Boo-Boo Kids quilts displayed Friday and Saturday. If you can help by working a 2 hour shift selling tickets at the mall on either Friday or Saturday we would be very grateful. We always have a VERY difficult time getting volunteers to help in this area - and it's really a very easy job. You simply sit at a table and encourage people to vote for their favorite Boo-Boo Kids quilt for $1.00 per vote. You can even bring a project to work on or a book to read while you're there! Details on how to help and pre-registration will be forthcoming in our newsletter. Let Cheryl or me know if you can help. Please pass this information along to anyone you know without e-mail.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PROJECT LINUS CENTRAL IL: In January of 1999 our chapter of Project Linus was officially organized. Happy Birthday to us! What a great 10 years it has been. I want each of you to know what a privilege and a pleasure it is to work with each of you. It takes a very special group of caring individuals who would give so much of their time and personal resources in order to touch the lives of some very special children going through a rough time. Thank you! My life has been so enriched simply by our friendship and I am so grateful that our paths continue to cross as we serve side by side.

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I hope your 2009 is blessed with good health, prosperity and all the time you need to do what you love to do!

Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary

Merry Christmas!

2008-12-25T09:36:00.006-06:00

On December 4th our Project Linus Chapter ushered in the holiday season with our Appreciation Breakfast! It's our 3rd Annual breakfast and we had such a wonderful time. We don't often have time to just enjoy each other's company and share the year's Project Linus events with our dedicated volunteers. We were blessed with good weather - although it was cold - and spent 2 hours simply enjoying the friendships we've made through our work with Project Linus. Of course, immediately after, I headed out to take advantage of the pre-Christmas sales and managed to find the most perfect centerpieces for our 2009 breakfast! Mark your calendars for December 3, 2009 at 10:00am at the Hickory Point Golf Course Banquet facility in Forsyth! If you'd like to view pictures from this year's breakfast, please click on the link to the right "Central IL Chapter Pictures".

Now that 21 days have passed (three short weeks - I think we lost out due to the late Thanksgiving we had this year)...the Christmas season has reached its peak - Christmas Day! I'm a Christmas fanatic - and I just can't get enough of it. I start listening to Christmas music on October 1st and never get tired of it. We've experienced just about every type of weather this past month - from rain to snow to sleet - and we probably even had some hail at some point. It's been warm, cool, cold, and bitter cold but that hasn't stopped us from enjoying the beautiful lights, displays and warm feelings that the Christmas season brings us each year. This year is our "quiet Christmas year". Our daughters and their families are spending Christmas with their in-laws and our son Alex is in California serving a mission for our church (we get to talk to him today!!!) and Terry worked in the ER from 12pm - 12am. So my son Jonathan and I shared Christmas Eve dinner with him at the hospital.

Of course, in order to make the holiday complete, I must quote our beloved Linus:

"And there were in the same country shepherds, abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them! And they were sore afraid ... And the angel said unto them, "Fear not! For, behold, I bring you tidings o great joy, which shall be to all my people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ, the Lord." "And this shall be a sign unto you: Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger." And suddenly, there was with the angel a multitude of the Heavenly Host praising God, and saying, "Glory to God in the Highest, and on Earth peace, and good will toward men."

"That's what Christmas is all about, Charlie Brown." - Linus Van Pelt

Merry Christmas!
Mary

Welcome to our BLOG!

2008-12-07T14:06:00.002-06:00

Things certainly have changed since our chapter first began in January of 1999. It's our 10th anniversary and I wanted to share how things have changed.

1. In 1999 I had an e-mail address, but I never checked it. BLOGS didn't exist.
2. In 1999 our chapter donated 98 blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children.
3. In 1999 We had 1 recipient facility - Decatur Memorial Hospital. We also donated 25 blankets to the students effected by the terrible tragedy at Columbine High School.
4. In 1999 Project Linus National HQ was located in Denver Colorado and I never dreamed I'd serve on the National Board of Directors.
5. In 1999 we started our chapter with a volunteer base of about 12 blanketeers.
6. In 2009 I have e-mail that I check dozens of times each day. Our chapter has a BLOG.
7. We will have donated over 40,000 blankets to seriously ill and traumatized children in Central IL
8. We have 20 regular recipient facilities as well as many individual children who have received blankets from our chapter for various reasons.
9. We have 3 major events each year - National Make a Blanket Day on the third Saturday of February, Fall Make a Blanket Day in September and our Appreciation Breakfast in December. We usually have over 150 volunteers in attendance at each event!
10. We now have over 500 volunteers!

So, as you can see, in 10 years Project Linus has grown by leaps and bounds. I will try to keep you posted on all of our Project Linus news through the BLOG and our newsletter (which comes out 3 times a year).

In the meantime - Project Linus Hugs to all of you!
Happy Blanketmaking!
Mary