The community outreach committee invites all interested crocheters to join our first CTC Charity Project Meetup on Saturday morning October 20 at the
Bruegger's in
Sun Ray Shopping Center in St. Paul. Since this is our first meetup, here are some answers to questions you might have.
- Just what is a Charity Project Meetup anyway?
Meetups are informal meetings where we spend the time crocheting and socializing. A Charity Project Meetup is a meetup where we gather to work on charity projects that we're participating in as a chapter. This year, we're planning meetups at least once a quarter; we hope this will be a fun opportunity to practice crochet skills, to relax and visit socially (maybe grab a bagel and a cuppa java) while working on projects that give back to the community.
- What time is the meetup?
We have the private room at Bruegger's Sun Ray reserved on Saturday October 20 from 9:00am to noon. You're free to come and go at any point during that time to work on charity projects. We're hoping that most people will be able stay one and a half to two hours - but any length of time you can come is fine. There's really only one rule: if you show up, you have to work on charity projects, not other projects.
- What projects are we working on?
Currently, we have four specific projects that we're participating in as a chapter.
- Warm Up America provides afghans to homeless and needy persons nationwide; we are participating by making 7 in. x 9 in. blocks that are used in the afghans.
- Harriet Tubman provides shelter to women and children escaping domestic violence; we are participating by making scarves, hats, and mittens for this local center.
- The Mother Bear Project helps provide comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations; we are participating by making bears using the approved pattern.
- Prospect Park United Methodist Church Art Fair / Bazaar is an annual event (November 3, 2012) that helps fund the programs and operations of the church where we rent space; we are participating by making small crocheted items (such as hats, purses, kitchen towel toppers) for the 100% donation table.
- What do I need to bring?
You need to bring the following items:
- A skein of smooth worsted weight yarn - a machine-washable material such as 100% acrylic is best so that donated items are easy to care for. Look for brands like Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, Red Heart Super Saver or Classic Yarn, or Caron Simply Soft - usually available at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores, Michaels Stores, or even Walmart.
- A suitable hook for the yarn - for most people, this will be an I9 or J10 size hook.
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Do I need to bring a pattern?
No, there will be some patterns for hats, scarves, and mittens at the meetup plus templates to use for making Warm-Up America squares. (If you're interested in the Mother Bear project, it's a little more complicated - ask at the meetup or email ctclist@gmail.com for details.)
- Can I come if I'm a beginning crocheter?
Absolutely! In fact, we welcome beginners - this will be the perfect opportunity for you to work on some simple items in a fun, supportive environment with plenty of people to help if you get "stuck".
