We're Still Here!

I am so bad about keeping this blog updated, which has led to quite a few questions about whether the group is still active.

YES! The group is still active and going strong...in fact, we just surpassed our mark for 5,000 hats donated! 

You can email us at handmade.hope.wpa@gmail.com or find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/HandmadeHopeWPA.

If you are interested in making hats or donating supplies, those donations can be sent to:
Handmade Hope of Western PA
c/o Pam Ayers
150 Leasureville Road Sarver, PA 16055

 Local pickup can also usually be arranged.

 --Kristie

Wow, what a great week it has been for our effort! We had 2 new knitters volunteer their time and talents, and we also received a very large donation of some very nice yarn from one of the cancer centers where we distribute. Thanks to all!

June 2012 Update

Hi everyone --It's Kristie checking in with a long overdue update. All the knitters and crocheters have been busy bees! As of June 2012, the tally for items we have sent out is 2530 hats, 12 children's blankets, 35 adult blankets, 16 prayer shawls, and 27 pairs of slippers. Wow! In addition to people knitting and crocheting, we have several folks who donate yarn, supplies, or money to the effort, and we certainly appreciate that as well. The items collected are regularly being sent out to 4 regional treatment centers and hospitals: Butler Regional Cancer Center, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh (where they get spread amongst the neonatal ICU, the pediatric ICU, and the children's oncology floor), Armstrong Memorial Hospital Cancer Center, and UPMC Cancer Center in Natrona Heights. The response from both clinic staffers and patients alike has been amazing. We are really making a difference in people's lives, and I am so proud to be part of this group! I've had some folks ask about new patterns, so I wanted to share this website with lots of great free patterns: http://www.dailyknitter.com/patternsdetail.php?type=HA Also, in honor of the summer gardening season, check out this adorable Fruit Orchard Hat pattern! It is TOOO darling! http://gatheringstitches.webs.com/-%20Free%20Patterns/Premie%20Knitted%20Fruit%20Hat%20-%20Charity.pdf Thanks to all -- stay crafty :)

2011 update

Well, 2011 has been a productive year for Handmade Hope!  The tally is in, and as of 11/18/2011, we have made and distributed 1778 hats, 12 fleece blankets, 48 lap robes, and 5 prayer shawls to local cancer centers, hospitals, and nursing homes.  

We've gotten countless emails and notes from patients and providers thanking us for what we do.  It is truly heartwarming; however, it's a bittersweet experience, as many of our own group members and/or close family members are currently battling cancer as well.

This may sound like a cliche but I know it's true for all of us: We hold every one of these patients; friends, family, and strangers alike; close to our hearts and send them love. I personally count my blessings every day that I am healthy and happy, and also that we have found a way provide some love and comfort to those who are not as fortunate right now.

On a lighter note - I found a few super fun cute patterns to share:

For some fun right in time for Thanksgiving, check out this link:  http://goingcrafty.com/?p=86
How cute is that little turkey hat?!?

Or maybe some adorable elf hats for Christmas? http://www.polarknitpatterns.com/Elf-Hats.pdf

Thanks again to everyone who has made this such an amazing year.   I am so proud and so thankful for every single person that has taken up the call to help.

Have a blessed holiday season everyone...and keep crafting!

--Kristie <3

New Mailing Address

There is a new mailing address for those wishing to send their submissions through the mail.  As I have moved out of Western PA and am now residing in Nashville, my mother will be taking over collection and distribution for Handmade Hope.  (Yay Mom!!)

The new submission address is:
Handmade Hope of Western PA
150 Leasureville Road
Sarver, PA 16055

Again, thank you all so much for your participation!  I continue to be touched and inspired by everyone's love and generosity.

Thanks,
Kristie
<3

Facebook

There is now a Facebook page for Handmade Hope of Western PA. For those of you who are on Facebook, please come join us! https://www.facebook.com/HandmadeHopeWPA

The Tally So Far....

I'll be honest...when I started this project I wasn't so sure it was actually going to take off.   I have been proven wrong.  Last night's Handmade Hope meeting brought out some big numbers!!

For ONE MONTH we collected 175 adult hats, 77 kid hats, 9 lap robes, and 3 prayer shawls!

The grand total collected and distributed so far is:
347 adult hats
139 kid hats
16 lap robes
3 prayer shawls

The thank you notes and email are pouring in...both from the treatment providers and the patients themselves. 

We are also beginning to receive out-of-state donations via postal mail -- most recently from New York State, with the farthest distance so far being from Idaho!

I would like to sincerely thank everyone who has participated.   You are all so special and it truly warms my heart to see such a wonderful response.

<3

Kristie