Saturday, December 27, 2008

And a Crafty New Year

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Wrap up the season of giving and kick off the New Year on a crafty note by taking up your needles or hook to knit or crochet for charity.

Earlier this year, Coats and Clark announced a campaign to wrap athletes competing in the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games "in a little handmade love."

Coats and Clark Red Heart Super Saver YarnThey are inviting yarn crafters to contribute by knitting or crocheting a scarf in Delft Blue (885) Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn, which perfectly matches the Special Olympics logo, and white (311) Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn.

Other than specifying the colors to be used, the campaign puts no limits on your creativity in making a scarf that will be donated to one of the 2009 Special Olympics athletes, delegates or dignitaries attending the winter games in Idaho. They do provide a couple patterns to get novice knitters or crocheters started.

Scarf submissions must be received in Idaho by Thursday, Jan. 15, 2009, and should be sent to: 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project, 3150 West Main Street, Boise, Idaho 83702. Visit the Coats and Clark Web site for more details.

If this deadline is a bit tight for your schedule, you're feeling more (or less) confident in your knitting or crocheting abilities or would like to be part of an ongoing effort, there are a host of other charities that accept handmade contributions.

Lion Brand Warm Up America BlanketFor example, Warm Up America is an organization made up of volunteers who create hand-knit and crocheted afghans for people in need. Volunteers can knit or crochet 7” x 9” blocks or 7” x 63” sections that will be joined with pieces completed by other craftspeople to create finished blankets measuring 49” x 63”.

If you are beginning yarn crafter, a 7” x 9” block is an achievable project that allows you to see results quickly. It also gives you the freedom to try out new and different stitch patterns.

On their Web site, Warm Up America recommends that groups of yarn crafters pool their time, talent and resources so they can donate a completed blanket, with each member of the group contributing a block or section. And, of course, anyone interested in making an entire afghan on their own can do so -- in any stitch pattern and in full size or baby blanket sizes (approximately 32" x 38").

You can find local organizations looking for knit or crocheted donations via Lion Brand’s Charity Connection page or learn from fellow crafters about charities accepting a variety of handcrafted donations by visiting the Joann.com Message Board Charity Forum.

Please Note: Delft Blue 885 Red Heart® Super Saver® yarn is available on Joann.com; this color is not currently stocked in our stores. (added 12/30/08)

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Tuesday, December 9, 2008

Let's Make Christmas...A home-made holiday

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Free Jo-Ann Project: Fringed Basketweave AfghanJo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores is witnessing a trend in home-made holiday gifts this year.

"We are seeing customers making the gifts they give this holiday season," says Travis Smith, executive vice president, merchandising and marketing, who acknowledges that the economy plays a major factor in the trend.

"We know that our sewers and crafters see many benefits to making gifts rather than purchasing finished goods. These gifts are more personal and can be customized to fit the recipient. With the current economy, many people are realizing that home-made gifts can also be less expensive," Smith explains.

Smith says that Jo-Ann has a wide variety of inspirational products from top vendors and that the company is committed to providing value to its customers. One such example is a special senior citizen discount day (in-store only) on December 10th that will enable all seniors, 60 years or older, to save an additional 15% off their total purchase.

Free Jo-Ann Project: Chalkboard Apron"We are known for carrying a wide array of fabrics and sewing items, and an extensive collection of crafting materials all under one roof," said Smith. "We are particularly excited to also offer customers creative holiday fabrics, crafting supplies, home decor items, and even novelty gifts. Our hope is that customers will come into our stores and feel inspired by our selection, and impressed with our team members' knowledge and helpful service."

Smith notes that the company also has an e-commerce site, Joann.com, for customers who prefer the ease of online shopping. Customers can order through December 22 (selecting 2-day express shipping) for Christmas delivery.

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