Crochet for a Cause!

In 2007, Laura Marshallsay had a creative, simple idea that just might save lives: members of Messiah could crochet 12-inch squares, which would then be stitched together into big, warm blankets to help people who are homeless, ill or facing other life challenges to stay warm. To promote her idea, Laura conducted a crocheting workshop at the Parish Retreat that fall, and a loyal core group of crocheters was formed at Messiah.

Anne Vanneman continues the project this year, and stitched together the first set of squares into a beautiful blanket (above), which was blessed by The Rev. Tony Hollis on October 5th, 2008.

All crocheters, including members from the community, are invited to contribute squares so that we can continue producing these thick, warm blankets for those in need of warmth. This project is a great way to use those leftover bits of yarn from other projects!

Here's the information for making a square:

	Each square is 12 inches.
	The stitch is single crochet, the easiest stitch to master but also a fairly tight stitch, and therefore warmer.
	The yarn is easily-available, medium weight, 4-ply worsted acrylic (NOT wool), so that the blankets can be machine washed.
	Any color is fine -- use your favorites or whatever you may have lying around!
	Parishioners may leave completed squares in a basket located in the Tower Room, and community members can make arrangements to donate squares by calling the number below.

After each blanket is assembled, it will be blessed before being distributed through the Church of the Guardian Angel's active urban ministry, which includes a focused outreach to homeless people in Baltimore. Blankets may be given to neighborhood children at Christmas or to homeless people, seniors, and other residents in need. Just think: we can each work individually to produce an item that we finish collectively, filled with thought, love, prayer, and life-giving warmth. This is truly crocheting for a cause!

If you don't know how to crochet but would like to learn how, Crafty Daisies has a wonderful online lesson, complete with video taken from the crocheter's vantage point to help you get past the trickiest parts.

Please call 410-426-0709 for more information. We would love to be deluged with colorful, warm blanket squares!