Just look at our progress!

On Wednesday, May 7th, we met over lunch (thanks to everyone who could make it -- if you couldn't, no worries, we'll try to all meet again next month). We had a pretty good turnout. It was a relaxed session, with people eating their lunches, knitting, chatting, coming and going, just as their schedules allowed.

We displayed all of the beautiful blocks, chemo hats and preemie hats that we have made so far. We were all quite impressed with the handiwork of our fellow knitters! Great job -- keep up the great work!

We also had a special visitor -- John Batchelder's wife, Tracy. She spent some time with us and brought in several preemie hats that she handcrafted especially for our effort. For those of you that don't know, Tracy is the author of Wool Windings (see link under Favorite Blogs on this page), a very spectacular blog showcasing her knitting projects and also including snippets from her life. She has many avid followers (me included!) from Williams and all over the world. I am quite addicted to her blog and find it amazing to see everything that she is able to accomplish. I recommend that you check it out for lots of good knitting ideas and just to see what she is up to. Unlike me, she updates her blog quite frequently and always includes great photography to boot.

Let me just address another question that we've been getting. We've heard from several people that have said (with quite a bit of shame): "I haven't yet finished a block. I feel like quitting because I haven't completed anything!" Let me just set the record straight - this is not a race and you shouldn't be ashamed! There really isn't a deadline and we are still accepting blocks, chemo caps and preemie hats. We will be collecting all year. Knitting sometimes just has to take a back seat to your life and your work. When you get a spare moment, just take it out and continue. And, if you get stuck, give one of your fellow knitsters a call. We love to help and really don't mind.

One more thing, we have scheduled weekly meetings: Wednesdays on level 10 (10333) and Thursdays on level 13 (13405). The organizers will make every effort to attend one of these weekly meetings. But, I’m sure, just as your schedule can be hectic, things come up and we are unable to attend. Please, feel free to go ahead and knit with whoever shows up. Sometimes there will be lots of knitters and sometimes there will only be a few.

Here are some more pictures from our meeting on Wednesday:

I'm holding a very cool tiger hat completed by Valerie.

Stay tuned for more photos from our meeting -- I'm hoping to receive more from John.

Until next time,

Amy

KNIT ON!

We've made over 100 blocks!

I've been travelling the past two weeks and have not had the chance to post anything. Sorry 'bout that! But, not to worry, a lot of progress has been made...

Congratulations to everyone for helping us to meet our goal of 100+ blocks for Warm Up America! Don't worry, if you're in the midst of creating one - we will continue to accept blocks as long as people make them.

Some of our knitsters are moving on to hats and, I must say, doing a fabulous job! I am impressed by the skills of our new knitters!

Keep up the great work. I am looking forward to our next knitting group.

KNIT ON!!

Amy

More Progress!

Isabel's 1st Chemo Cap (Great job!)

As you can see by the progress bars, we are really making progress on our blocks. We're up to 85!! A lot of people have asked if we wouldn't accept any more after we reach 100... Well, our advice isto keep working on your blocks, if you're doing so. When you feel comfortable enough to move on to hats, please feel free to do so. We will send in whatever amount that we receive. Our original goal was 100, but there is no magic number.

Tip to those of you trying out the hat patterns: Use a row counter! These are readily available at Michael's or Hobby Lobby. These handy little devices will help you know what row you are on in your pattern. The best way to use these -- advance the counter upon completion of a row. And, when you stop your knitting, always remember to complete a row.

Keep up the great work!

KNIT ON!