Volunteer knitters and crocheters needed

It's a brand New Year and I can't think of a better time to make a commitment to doing more charity knitting/crocheting this year. I'd like to invite you to join me in supporting the WarmUp America! Foundation. Warm Up America! (WUA!) is an organization made up of volunteers from across the country who create handmade afghan blankets, clothing and accessories to help those in need. These items provide warmth and comfort to people who have lost their homes, fled abusive relationships, or are being cared for in hospices, shelters, hospitals, and nursing homes. Amazingly, more than 250,000 afghans have already been made and distributed through this program.

So what does this have to do with Soulful Knitting Ministries and how can you help? I'm so glad you asked! Caron, manufacturer of Simply Soft, a wonderful (and wonderfully inexpensive) yarn that I use a lot in the SKM Signature Prayer Shawls, is sponsoring a Sofen the World Simply Soft Sweepstakes. Participants are asked to submit any number of knit or crocheted 7" x 9" sections in any Simply Soft yarn. All stitched sections will be donated to WarmUp America! And, in addition to knitting and crocheting for WarmUp America!, you'll also be supporting Soulful Knitting Ministries, because the group that submits the most sections by the deadline will win a check for $300, which if we won, would be used to purchase yarn to make more prayer shawls. How's that for the ultimate charity knitting/crocheting two-fer?

The only requirements for the sections, is that they measure 7" x 9", and that they use Simply Soft yarn, which I know is available at Wal-Mart and can probably also be found at other craft stores or mass merchandisers that sell yarn. It's less than $3.00 for a 6-oz skein, which will make lots of sections, and is also available several places online (try searching for "simply soft caron" on google). You can use your own pattern ideas (just remember it must measure 7" x 9"), or use any of these free patterns from WarmUp America!

You can send your completed sections to me either a few at a time or when you've done all you're going to do, but please make sure that I receive them no later than April 15th so I can get them shipped to Caron before the May 1st deadline. Please send your sections to:

Sydney ThomasPO Box 6233Ashland VA 23005

Thank you in advance for your support. And please feel free to pass this request on to all of your knitting friends and knitting groups. It's a great way to support two organizations who are helping others, one stitch at a time!