Homemade with care...
Project Linus afghans and blankets are always homemade, with knitting needles, crochet hooks, knitting machine, or sewing machine. Our Blanketeers buy materials specifically to make their blankets and quilts, while others raid their stash or use donated fabric or yarn. Whether you buy materials or pull material from your on-hand store of yarns and fabric, take a moment to read over the following information to ensure your blanket will indeed brighten the life of a child in need.
The afghans and blankets need to be made to withstand a fair amount of wear. Young children may latch on to your blanket as their security blanket, perhaps even taking it to school with them, stowed in their backpack. Other blankets will be cuddled with during sleep. But sturdy doesn't preclude creative and fun! The making of a blanket should be as enjoyable for you to make as it will be for a child to receive. Remember to keep the intended source in mind though – think soft, think cozy!
The afghans and blankets need to be made to withstand a fair amount of wear. Young children may latch on to your blanket as their security blanket, perhaps even taking it to school with them, stowed in their backpack. Other blankets will be cuddled with during sleep. But sturdy doesn't preclude creative and fun! The making of a blanket should be as enjoyable for you to make as it will be for a child to receive. Remember to keep the intended source in mind though – think soft, think cozy!
Wish list...
If you don’t sew, knit or crochet, you can still help. We are always in need of cash, fabric, low-loft quilt batting and yarn donations, and/or gift cards for fabric, batting or yarn. We also need Postage stamps, paper and ink for the computer and unscented laundry soap. I know that sounds strange but we go through a lot of laundry soap washing all the blankets. Anything you can do to help is always appreciated!!
Clean and safe...
The materials you use to make your afghan or blanket should be clean and free of odors. Special care should be taken to ensure that blankets are free of smoky smells or any chemicals which could cause problems for a child. It's also wise to keep pets away from your materials and blankets in case they end up with a child with allergies.
Always check blankets carefully for pins and stitch markers; better you should find them than the child! And PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE securely weave in all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted afghans – it is terribly time-consuming for one person to do this for all the donated afghans!
Always check blankets carefully for pins and stitch markers; better you should find them than the child! And PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE securely weave in all yarn ends on crocheted and knitted afghans – it is terribly time-consuming for one person to do this for all the donated afghans!
Blanket sizes and colors...
Project Linus blankets go to kids ranging in age from newborn to 19 years, so we need blankets for babies as well as teens. The following sizes are approximate. You certainly don't have to stick to them exactly--just try not to make them too small or oddly shaped.
Size Inches
Baby 25 x 30
Toddler 35 x 40
Child 40 x 60
Youth 45 x 65
Teen 50 x 72
Kids love color! You needn't limit yourself to baby colors, especially when making afghans and blankets for older kids. Keep in mind that boys need -- and receive --afghans and quilts, too, so colors and patterns that aren't girly will be greatly welcomed. Nevertheless, do keep colors cheerful!
Size Inches
Baby 25 x 30
Toddler 35 x 40
Child 40 x 60
Youth 45 x 65
Teen 50 x 72
Kids love color! You needn't limit yourself to baby colors, especially when making afghans and blankets for older kids. Keep in mind that boys need -- and receive --afghans and quilts, too, so colors and patterns that aren't girly will be greatly welcomed. Nevertheless, do keep colors cheerful!