AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Grace has moved to a new home DATE: 6/05/2007 08:50:00 PM ----- BODY:
Grace has moved here. Please come and visit.
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Three Glorious, Wonderful Rockin' Blankies..... DATE: 9/03/2006 09:40:00 PM ----- BODY:
I am back - sort of. I have to be very careful with my energy but Warming Grace is always on my mind and so close to my heart. I wanted to share with you these three lovely beauties (Justin's, Simone's and Grace's blankies from left to right).

This is my Mom and Dad (Jim and Jackie) holding Grace's blanket. Grace is their grand-daughter and I think they are quite pleased and proud to have this honour. Grace's blanket was pieced and edged by my best buddy Carole, who did an outstanding job! The blanket is just so gorgeous in person and oh so soft. There is a square in the blanket that has been knit by Briana who is just 9 years old - Briana, you get a huge shout out and a big thank you from me!

Carole did this fabulous ruffled edge on the blanket which is very girly (Grace will so appreciate that). Carole has been a godsend for me. While I have been MIA this summer she has taken on the task of collecting the squares I get, assigning sewers and working on more blankets herself. I cannot say how much this means to me. Thank you is so very inadequate however THANK YOU CAROLE!

Simone's blanket is above. Simone's blanket was sewn and edged by Ann. Actually Ann did not sew the blanket together; she knit all the squares together. She also knit the edging in this really fabulous manner (I have to get the details because the final result is so lovely looking). I do promise to post some closeups so that you can see the details. The softness is unbelievable. Thank you so much Ann! Justin's blanket was sewn together by a bunch of us at our sewing party way back when. Julia from Village Yarns sewed the panels together and began the edging which Dale finished. The result is wonderful and truly a collaborative effort. Thank you to everyone who helped with this blankie. Again this blankie is so soft and squishy perfect for a little boy!

Of course my biggest thanks goes out to all of you who have knit squares, are planning to knit squares and who have sent so much positive energy, thoughts and prayers this way. I can attest to the special energy the blankets have - they are absolutely wonderful and vibrate the love that has gone into them.

My goal is still to complete twenty blankets (Carole has finished another one which I will post soon I promise - there is a three year old named Hannah who will be the lucky recipient of this blanket - more on that as well). i promise to make sure the posts are regular and you are kept up to date.

Please keep sending the squares and the positive vibes; this is truly a special project!

-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: An Update for Cindy DATE: 7/19/2006 11:45:00 AM ----- BODY:
This is Cindy's husband Ed. Cindy has not been well the last few weeks (her Fibro, CFS and Lead Poisoning) so there have been no posts on Warming Grace. She is on the mend and hopes to be back up and running next week. I apologize for not being able to get back to all those who have sent squares for the project. Cindy will update all the administrative 'stuff' (emails, noting squares received, photos and the June 30th draw) as soon as she is back. She apologizes profusely and hopes to get all caught up soon. She does want you to continue sending squares. Her good friend Carole has taken over keeping all the squares in order and having them knit up so that on this end things are still running smoothly in that area. Grace, Simone's and Justin's blankets are done and will be on their way this week. I don't know how to load on the photos but again Cindy will post the photos as soon as she is back. They do look great. Please hang in there and thanks for your ongoing support of the project.
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Presenting....Justin's Blanket DATE: 6/20/2006 09:15:00 AM ----- BODY:
It is done. Actually it was done and drying last week although with the humidity it take the darling thing a while to thoroughly dry. The squares were sewn together at our party, Julia sewed up the panels and started on the edging which Dale finished. Thanks Julia and Dale!
My primo buddy Carole delivered it to the farm (that woman is everywhere!) and we gave it a gentle bath and here we are. Enjoy!
This is the whole blankie - sorry about the upper edges; didn't want to lay it on the ground and I think the outside light is the best for viewing.

This is another view of the top half of the blanket.

This is the bottom half of the blanket.

Another view of the blanket full scale. Pardon the squeezed and stretched out edges; perhaps this is the first kid test (Ed's finesse was not available - he left for work early this morning and the weather was too perfect not to get out there and take these). Nick, who wanted to know why his face couldn't be part of the picture since he was modelling the blanket (I did try to tell him he was 'showing' the blanket, not modelling it - not a huge distinction for photo hogging children I guess) wanted you all to know that the "perfectly mowed lawn" is his doing. Thanks to everyone who responded to the call for Justin's blue squares (if you don't see it here you will see it in another blanket soon!). This blankie is beautiful, soft and it smells really good!

Please keep them coming! We have three finished (I don't have Simone's but I should be receiving it soon), two more being sewn together by Jean-Anne, another being sewn together by Carole and more squares waiting. My goal is TWENTY blankets so please keep sending squares when you can. Thank you again!

-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Draw Prizes and Things... DATE: 6/20/2006 08:18:00 AM ----- BODY:
I apologize for the long time between posts. My fatigue and fibro have been acting up and I have been so so tired.
Between Blogger's tantrums and my ups and downs I have been neglectful in posting some of the other draw prizes that I have received (that draw to take place on June 30, 2006 and I will make sure to recap draw prizes before the draw).
If I have neglected to email you for the receipt of squares, if I have not put up your stars (yours have been updated Dawn!) or I have messed up please let me know so I can rectify the situation. Okay - so here goes: I have developed an incredible love for the S 'n B'rs of Albequerque! These women knit up squares as a group and again have sent squares individually, they have sent yarn prizes, awesome energy and good thoughts. You guys rock! Last week Noelle sent some Lorna's Laces and then Ramona sent me some STR Sock Club Yarn. The sock club yarn not available to the public (with the pattern no less). Your ongoing generosity is absolutely wonderful!

Thank you Ramona!!!

Annarella sent me some lovely squares and a set of her stitch markers for the draw. This chick makes markers! Go check out her website; I was totally impressed (and making a list for myself!). She has some really neat stitchmarkers for sale. I will definitely be indulging in the near future (I have to wait for the fire on my plastique to be put out!). Thank you so much Annarella!!

The lovely Dee from Posh Yarns sent me some wonderful sock yarn. See that photo below? 2 x 50 grams (total of 360 yards) of oh so soft and precious Cashmere/Merino sock yarn - colourway: Hothouse. This stuff is delish!!! Dee is absolutely lovely and her yarn is exquisite.

Thank you Dee!!! I also got some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (Cotton/Merino Blend) from my mom for the draw. It is a lovely shade of blue (Malibu Blue) and there are 5 skeins, each 215 yards, to come to some wonderful knitter.

Thanks Mom! Joy sent these lovely necklaces; one is for Ari (I will send it to you ASAP), one is for Grace and one is for me! These are lovely necklaces and I so appreciate the work that has gone into these beauties. Thank you Joy!!!!

Last but certainly not least, Julia sent this lovely Prayer Bear with her square. This is wonderful. I am not sure who the bear is intended for but I think I will send it to Justin.

Thank you so much Julia!

Thanks so much to everyone for their ongoing generosity and outpouring of love and warmth for the kids and this project. You are all wonderful! And a big thanks to Blogger for letting me post all the photos I want - woo hoo!!!

-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: The first blankets are drying.... DATE: 6/12/2006 07:12:00 PM ----- BODY:
Justin and Grace's blankets are drying - I should have the pics up later this week. They look awesome! Simone's blanket is being sewn up. I haven't updated stats for a while so here goes: 1. We are at 221 knitters - amazing! Thank you for continuing to volunteer. My goal is 20 blankets and I know it can be done. 2. Squares are still arriving - I need to send out a huge thanks to the following: Amanda Cathleen, Annarella, Dorothy, Joy, Julia, Karen, Karen K, Katie, Knitpastis, Knittymama, Lin, Noelle, Sandra, Scout and Tracey - the squares are beautiful and the goodies too! Thank you so much for your hard work!!!! If I have made an error or if you haven't gotten your duly deserved props for sending squares PLEASE let me know - I realize everyday how easy I make mistakes and I don't want to not give anyone the credit they so richly deserve. 3. I am still getting draw prizes - woohoo! I am donating a skein of the lovely and elusive Vespers sock yarn. Noelle generously donated some Lorna's Laces sock yarn. I must say these Albequerque S 'n B'rs are incredible - you girls are stupendous! Thank you Noelle! I have other draw prizes whose pictures I cannot load on. I will display them as soon as the problem is rectified. 4. I spoke with my brother about the status of our three kiddies - Jamie says Grace, Simone and Justin are all doing well with no significant changes for the worse - excellent news. Note: I have been having problems downloading photos for about the past week; hence no posts. Blogger is not letting me put up photos and when I can only one or two. I am rectifying this problem by moving my blogs - I will keep you posted as to when and where. I do apologize for not being able to put up more photos.
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: The Sewing Party - Part Two DATE: 6/02/2006 11:53:00 PM ----- BODY:
I am crossing my fingers that this will post properly as Blogger is finally letting me load more pictures of the sewing party. Hard at work are Ann (front right), my primo buddy Carole (center) and Debbie (top left). These women took to the task and how.

More industrious square sewing. Debbie (top right), Julia (center) and Dawn (bottom left). I don't have a pic of Jean Anne but that girl worked her butt off.

This is the frontside of Gracie's blanket.

When I talked to Carole yesterday all the panels had been sewn up and she was finishing the edging. Which means almost done!

These blankets are looking so good and there is so much good energy in these. Carole said that sewing up Gracie's made her feel so good.

This is the front side of Simone's blanket. I don't have an update but I am sure Ann is well on her way. Ann, who is working at getting her Master Knitting Certificate, will certainly be doing a fantabulous job on putting together Simone's blanket.

I will be thrilled if this makes it way onto the net; pink power will blast it's way through Blogger boo-hoo-ness!

-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Sew! Sew we had a party........ DATE: 5/31/2006 02:48:00 PM ----- BODY:
In spite of the toxic soup that is Toronto right now (heat, humidity and pollution are such an evil combination) sewing was had on Sunday at Village Yarns. In attendance were myself, Ann, Carole, Dawn, Debby, Julia and Jean-Anne. These chicks rock! I mean seriously rock! Given my various infirmities (of which everyone is also so considerate about) they took on the task of sorting and matching over 400 squares; it was an amazing sight to see. The squares laid out for Justin's blankie are below. We ended up going with a smaller blanket given that he is only 4 years old right now. This should be very comfy for him. We had plenty of eats. Carole brought fruit salad, cookies, muffins, cheese, crackers and ju-jubes. The woman knows how to provide. Jean-Anne brought a fabulous broccoli salad and coleslaw. They were fantastic! Julia provided lemonade and mineral water. I brought some yummy stewed chicken made by Ed. Carol sent scones via Ann because she couldn't make it (and understands the value of carbs and sugar for hard working knitters!). We made excellent progress and were able to sew together the panels for Justin and Grace's blankets, leaving just the panels. At the end of the day Ann left with Simone's blanket to sew together (from sewing together the squares to sewing the panels to edging the blanket), Carole left with Gracie's blanket (to sew together the panels and edge the blanket), Julia left with Justin's blanket (to sew together the panels and edge the blanket) and Jean-Anne left with squares for two blankets to put together (sewing together the squares, the panels and do the edging). Julia took the rest of the squares and sorted and divided them into coordinated piles for more sewing up. This girl is a dynamo - d-y-n-a-m-o!!! We have enough squares for at least 3 more blankets with more squares arriving daily. Please don't fret if your square is not up there. All the squares will be used to make blankets - no square will go unused or unloved; they will all make some child warmer! I am so humbled by their generosity and enthusiasm. THANK YOU ANN, CAROLE, DAWN, DEBBY, JEAN-ANNE AND JULIA!!! I am totally excited by the prospect that I will probably be able to send Justin's blanket out by the middle of next week. I will post pictures of the completed blankets as soon as they are done. We are so close to having our first few!!! By Monday night Julia had Justin's blanket sewn together and was working on the edging. Things are starting to take shape! I do apologize for the total lack of photo content. I have pictures which Blogger is not letting me download ***!!@@##***- must be the heat (LOL). I will attempt to edit with photos when I am able or just publish another post but I had to get this up!
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: I love you knitter peoples so much........ DATE: 5/26/2006 08:52:00 PM ----- BODY:
We now have 200 knitters dedicated to the Project! This is so amazing given that my original thought was one little blanket for my niece Grace. Wow. Of course having these numbers requires a level of management, organization and attention that is challenging. I apologize for not getting around to my favourite bloggers the way I would like. I actually thought I was caught up last weekend and was patting myself on the back (even got to a few blogs...) - HA! Here I am again trying to catch up. We got LOTS of mail this week; lots and lots of blue squares for Justin. Amazing! Still more pink Grace squares and other colours which can be used for boys or girls. Awesome! This is an experience like nothing I have ever had the opportunity to appreciate. Each parcel with it's contents lovingly put together, beautiful notes for me and for the kids. Such love, caring and compassion - I giggle, laugh and cry. This experience is humbling and beautiful. The squares are from everywhere; several Provinces in Canada, Many States from the States, England and the English Channel, France, Australia and Singapore. I am truly starting to believe that if the world was left up to knitters we could solve a lot of the world's ails. I am so glad we are focusing on the kids. There will be a big sewing party on this Sunday at Village Yarns. It should start at about 1030am and if you are in the area - come! Justin's blanket will be sewn together and finished between Sunday and Monday. I have a goal to stick to. I am staying in Toronto until Tuesday night (Dr.'s appts) so I will post Wednesday am at the latest. I am also hoping to get a good start on Grace and Simone's blankets and farm out a couple more to wonderful people who are willing to put an entire blanket together. EVERY SQUARE RECEIVED WILL BE USED. NO SQUARE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THERE IS NO DEADLINE FOR WHEN SQUARES WILL STOPPED BEING ACCEPTED. I have had a number of emails from people wondering if it is too late, if their square will be used, etc. I will make blankets for as long as I receive squares. If you want to make more, you can always make the colour of the month as per Project Spectrum. Make any colour you like. The sad deal about all of this is that there will always be a need for these blankets so I will keep on sewing and if there is a need for a child somewhere and we can help him or her, please email me and we will get on it. I need to send out SHOUTS and SHOUTS of thanks to the following knitters whose squares I have received this week: Aija, Amy, Ann L., Ariane, Barbara, Beth K, Carole A, Carrie, Christina, Daphne, Eileen, Francesca, Jackie, Jamie, Janine, Jillian, Joanne R, Kate, Katrina, Kelli-Ann, Lauren P, Lisa, Lu, Lucia, Marie-Michele N, Marnie, Michelle, Rhonda, Susan, Suzanna and Vicki! (If I have made any boo boo's please let me know). The squares are beautiful and the cards and the notes are wonderful. YOU GUYS ROCK! ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY ROCK! Lauren sent a whole box full of goodies along with her squares. All kinds of groovy stuff totally suitable for Grace, Simone and Justin. Lauren's two kids are named Grace and Justin. What are the odds? I didn't realize it at the time but there are also two skeins of Reynolds Lopi in there for me. Thank you so much Lauren! Amy also sent some goodies for Grace and Simone (I didn't get a chance to photograph them but I will). Thanks so much Amy! Jillian kindly sent along these two skeins for the June 30th draw. They are 2 50gram skeins of KnitPicks Shadow Merino Laceweight in the colour Vineyard. It is a lovely burgundy/purple with flecks of yellow and red. Spectacular. A total of 880 yards which could certainly make something really decent. Thank you Jillian! If anyone else would like to donate something for the draw on June 30th, please feel free! Ariane sent along this passel of goodies. Nick is drooling but I told him to keep his mitts off. After all he has a whack of candy just received from Amanda. Ariane you really didn't have to. Thank you so much! Rabbitch sent along these markers. I thought they were for the next draw. Apparently not. They are for me. Me! I can't believe it! Rabbitch you really didn't need to. Thank you so much Rabbitch!

I just want to say thank you for all of your ongoing generosity and enthusiasm in this little project.

I am so touched and impressed and humbled by the quality of people out there.

I keep laughing as you all tell me thanks for the opportunity and for the work I am doing; you don't have to, I am really doing so little in comparison.

Your caring, compassion, love, positive prayers and energy are miraculous. Truly miraculous. I do feel so incredibly humbled and I am so blessed to be such a part of this project.

-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Long Weekend Update DATE: 5/19/2006 05:32:00 PM ----- BODY:
I can't believe how quickly time seems to move along. Not surprisingly you have taken up the gauntlet regarding Justin and how! I have started to get blue squares already and those pink squares are still pouring in! Thank you so much! I am finally going to be starting the sewing - we are having a big party at Village Yarns. They have generously turned over the store to us on Sunday, May 28 (I wonder if they will let me shop??!!!) and I will be hanging out in Toronto for Monday night's project group as well to keep on finishing the blankets. Thank you Karen and Julia! If you are in town and can come let me know. My intention is to have Justin's blanket done as well as Grace's and Simone's well underway(if not done). More will be done as I will be giving them to a couple of generous volunteers who are willing to take an entire blanket's worth of squares and sew them up. Can't wait to get the initial blankets finished and on their way! It has been quite a week. Lots of emails from interested knitters. If you email me and haven't heard from me within 24 hours try me at cynicked@lincsat.com - I have been having some difficulty with my email carrier and I do apologize (I am trying to rectify the problem). Arrivals on several days. More squares from Anny, Batman, Carol, Celia, Debbie A, Irene, Joanne A, Kelli Ann, Leah, Liz, Rae, Rebecca, Shanna, Teresa and Teyani. Your energy and enthusiasm is unbelievable and thanks are so inadequate. THANK YOU ANYWAY!! I still have plans to take pictures of the squares but I may wait until the blankets are done (there are a lot of squares!) Teresa sent a lovely little bag of goodies(see above) for Grace with this beautiful bracelet on the outside. Grace will love it. Thank you Teresa! Joanne A. sent this so totally cute knitted teddy bear. He is so adorable! Thank you Joanne! Carol also sent me a gratis set of square blockers that she and her buddy Ann make and sell. They sell blocking kits for sweaters as well as things in the round. I have one of their larger kits and they are fantastic! You can email them at FinishTouch1@aol.com to find out about these lovely goodies. Thank you Carol! It looks small but there are over 400 squares in that basket - Nick calls it the Laundry Basket of Love. I was finally able to put a sticky label with a name on the back of each square so they could be identified, got all the postcards, cards and notes organized, names with emails and blogs - it did take some time. I do have a system so hopefully it will be that much easier from now. I was speaking to my brother earlier in the week. Grace, Simone and Justin are maintaining which is the best that anyone can hope for. He was also telling me about the Clinic Poke Box. The Poke Box is for every child who gets a poke (treatment/intrusion/needle) of any kind while at the day clinic or at the Q cluster (oncology department) - they go to the box and take a small goody. These goodies range from pencils, play jewellry, paper, small toys, etc. So if you want to send something for the Poke box feel free. He says that the stuff they have that gets donated is great! I am trying to get him to get me a photo of the Poke box so I can post it. Exciting, exciting news. I got an email from Janet Szabo. Yes, that Janet Szabo. She is excited about our project and wants to get involved! Janet is a 12 year survivor of Leukemia (Congratulations Janet!!!!) and she has decided to do the following for us; she is donating a prize for the draw - your choice of: 1. a copy of Aran Sweater Design or 2. a copy of the I Hate to Finish Sweaters book or 3. a one year subscription to Twists and Turns! This is so fantastic! Thank you Janet! June 3rd is the 12 year anniversary of her diagnosis. She is going to work up 3 or 4 cable knit square patterns and post them to Aranknit as an "Anniversary Challenge." (I am going to see if we can post them here but I am sure we can put the link on the sidebar!). She is also going to mention our project in the Fall issue of Twists and Turns. Awesome eh!!! Thank you so very much Janet - YOU ROCK! Thank you again Janet! I got some yarn from Celia in the mail for the draw. This is as beautiful as it looks. 22 micron Merino top. Thank you Celia! And, in further draw news Dee from Posh Yarns in the UK is donating a 100 gram skein of cashmere/merino for the draw. This looks so yummy! Can you believe it? Thank you Dee! I continue to be thrilled and touched by the generosity of everyone in donating to the draws - this is just icing on the cake but really it is so incredibly special. I have also finally mailed out all the yarn and needles and things to the draw winners of May - sorry for the delay; it took me a bit longer than I thought. You should be receiving them next week. Again thank you to all of you who have knit squares, are knitting squares, will be knitting squares and who have donated draw prizes. You and this project warm me!
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: I've got my mojo on for Justin! DATE: 5/14/2006 01:06:00 PM ----- BODY:
So the call went out and true to form all you awesome knitters respond in fine form!!! We are cooking! Justin needs those squares! We will have the blanket to him as soon as possible. I knit 3 squares myself last night with more set for today. They are blocked and I will sew in the ends today. I used some Morehouse Merino 3 strand and oh it is so soft and warm and light. I am going to have to order some more in different colours. If we get more than 63 squares? Sadly, no problem - there are others who need the blankets too. My immediate focus is Justin. He needs the blanket. NOW! I have my squares basket loaded with the colours I need: Blue for Justin (and other boys), Pink for Grace and Simone (and other girls) and Green for Jamie's friend's grandfather. I do have other colours to add to the basket once these are used: purples, yellows, oranges and reds to name just a few. Thanks for answering the original call and making squares and thank you to those able to get me squares for Justin as soon as possible. You continue to amaze me!
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Emergency Call for Blue Squares DATE: 5/13/2006 05:21:00 PM ----- BODY:
My SIL Adrienne just emailed me this photo of Grace and her 'boyfriend' Justin. Gracie loves Justin and says she is going to marry him. Gracie doesn't know that Justin is very very sick. Justin has liver cancer and he remains very ill. According to Adrienne, Justin has surpassed his Doctors predictions that he wouldn't make it past February, and they are just so grateful for everyday Justin survives and the time Gracie has with her Prince Charming. They are all very close so this is an upsetting and emotional time for both families. Please keep them in your prayers. She also said that Justin would probably love a blankie, and it would give his parents a good deal of comfort. I did know about Justin (that he and Gracie were buddies and that his situation didn't look so good) but now we can do something! So, we need 63 squares now! Anyone who can knit up a square or three and get them to me within 10 days please let me know. Make sure they are blocked and ready to be sewn together. Don't worry about a postcard (I know how hard it has been for everyone to find them); send a note to Justin and make sure you include where you live. The first blanket will be for Justin. I want to have it ready to send within three weeks and whatever you can do will be great! Thank you. Please make sure I have your email address! Thanks!
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Gracie has a new home! DATE: 5/12/2006 09:52:00 PM ----- BODY:
Warming Grace has a new home! I hope you like it. The participant's list is getting so wonderfully large and so much is happening that I felt it was time to move to a separate blog. Several people also mentioned it and I had been mulling it over so here it is! We are up to 174 participants!! Wow! Another week of mega deliveries! Lots and lots of squares; some of you knitters are seriously putting it out! Thank you, thank you, thank you to Amanda Cathleen, Claudia, Crystal, Dawn, Emily, Kimberly, Liz, Lynne, Melissa, Ramona and her S 'n B group from Albuquerque (Amy, Carole, Diane and Noelle) ,Sarah, Sharon, Susan, Teresa, Terri and Vicki. I also want to put a huge thanks out to Jennifer B. from Spokane, WA and Paula E. from Centre, AL - can you please email me so I have your proper emails (and if you have blogs that I have not linked you to). THANK YOU!!! The mail just keeps on coming. Even as I write this blog I have some mail and goodies not photographed. I will try to get it up as soon as possible. Kerstin sent me this. This little heart blanket is absolutely stunning. Thank you so much Kerstin; I don't really have the adjectives to adequately describe my appreciation. Some little darling is going to love her new blankie. You are a superstar! Thank you Kerstin! Amanda Cathleen sent this lovely little box - not only squares but two lovely little dolls (going to Grace and Simone). Oh and there is some sustenance in there for me as well - tee hee. Some chocolate peanut butter bars that Amanda Cathleen says are even better frozen. Yummy! Thank you Amanda Cathleen! Emily also sent me some sustanence! You guys are too much! I am torn between saying you really don't have to (and you really don't have to) and telling to keep bringing it on! Ed loves Jelly Belly so he'll have to be really nice to get some of these babies - I got a lot of squares to sew together - A LOT!! Thank you Emily! Lynne sent me some markers. I love them! I am not expecting anything; your notes and well wishes are gifts enough but I have to say these little treasures are really wonderful! Thank you Lynne! Dorothy sent me a set of wooden circular needles and a set of cable needles. Holy crap! These are so beautiful! I can't wait to use them. They are just so lovely. Thank you Dorothy! Warming Grace Phase Two

Okay so there will be another draw! Yes indeedee. Another draw! Besides the fact that people continue to volunteer things for another draw I figure we should do another one. You guys so seriously rock. The next draw will be June 30, 2006, and all squares received beginning this week are entered. So keep sending the squares. Any colour, any pattern.

What do I have for the next draw so far?

1. My lovely brother is donating another $300.00 in gift certificates(3 x $100.00) from Make 1 Yarns. We will have to hear back from our other winners as to how much fun this is. He is absolutely blown away by us knitters. I am blown away by him! Thank you Jamie!

2. The lovely Rabbitch is donating another set of stitch markers. Rabbitch actually sells her stuff - she has markers and handdyed, handspun. Check her out here. Thank you Rabbitch!

3. The S 'n B group from Albuqueque donated a skein of STR. I don't know what it is about this yarn but I do have an unatural reaction to this yarn. I love it! The colour is Cobalt Bloom and it is lovely.

Thank you Amy, Carole, Diane, Noelle and Ramona! You guys are amazing! 4. I have some Fleece Artist, Koigu, some Brown Sheep and some other yarn goodies up for the draw...more on this later! 5. Celia who so generously donated a skein of her handdyed is donating a skein of her handspun, handdyed this time around. Thank you Celia! Check out her etsy; she has some new yarn there! 6. Jen from whom I purchased this wonderful sock bag (I love it so much!!!) is donating one of her bags for the draw. I am donating another one. These bags are so excellent! Check out her etsy too! I love Jen's bags so much I am going to get some more! Thank you Jen! That is what we have so far - aren't we all wonderful! If you would like to donate something email me. Seriously, I am thrilled beyond belief; at the response to the call for squares, at the extra gifts for Grace, the goodies for me, at the generosity for draw prizes. The squares are coming from all over and I love to read the notes and cards, this is such a special thing. The blankets will be magic. Another call for squares to note: Jamie is putting out the call for green squares for a friend's grandfather who is in a hospice. Green is great for all those participating in Project Spectrum (I think I am stuck in the pink month!) so if you can make her an 8x8" square head on over. I don't think Christine knew what was ahead when she first decided to ask for squares for her brother. Thank you for your inspiration Christine!
-------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Grace has moved to a new home DATE: 6/05/2007 08:50:00 PM ----- BODY:
Grace has moved here. Please come and visit.
----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Three Glorious, Wonderful Rockin' Blankies..... DATE: 9/03/2006 09:40:00 PM ----- BODY:
I am back - sort of. I have to be very careful with my energy but Warming Grace is always on my mind and so close to my heart. I wanted to share with you these three lovely beauties (Justin's, Simone's and Grace's blankies from left to right).

This is my Mom and Dad (Jim and Jackie) holding Grace's blanket. Grace is their grand-daughter and I think they are quite pleased and proud to have this honour. Grace's blanket was pieced and edged by my best buddy Carole, who did an outstanding job! The blanket is just so gorgeous in person and oh so soft. There is a square in the blanket that has been knit by Briana who is just 9 years old - Briana, you get a huge shout out and a big thank you from me!

Carole did this fabulous ruffled edge on the blanket which is very girly (Grace will so appreciate that). Carole has been a godsend for me. While I have been MIA this summer she has taken on the task of collecting the squares I get, assigning sewers and working on more blankets herself. I cannot say how much this means to me. Thank you is so very inadequate however THANK YOU CAROLE!

Simone's blanket is above. Simone's blanket was sewn and edged by Ann. Actually Ann did not sew the blanket together; she knit all the squares together. She also knit the edging in this really fabulous manner (I have to get the details because the final result is so lovely looking). I do promise to post some closeups so that you can see the details. The softness is unbelievable. Thank you so much Ann! Justin's blanket was sewn together by a bunch of us at our sewing party way back when. Julia from Village Yarns sewed the panels together and began the edging which Dale finished. The result is wonderful and truly a collaborative effort. Thank you to everyone who helped with this blankie. Again this blankie is so soft and squishy perfect for a little boy!

Of course my biggest thanks goes out to all of you who have knit squares, are planning to knit squares and who have sent so much positive energy, thoughts and prayers this way. I can attest to the special energy the blankets have - they are absolutely wonderful and vibrate the love that has gone into them.

My goal is still to complete twenty blankets (Carole has finished another one which I will post soon I promise - there is a three year old named Hannah who will be the lucky recipient of this blanket - more on that as well). i promise to make sure the posts are regular and you are kept up to date.

Please keep sending the squares and the positive vibes; this is truly a special project!

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Unknown DATE:9/04/2006 12:01:00 AM The blanket are truly beautiful - I am so glad to be part of this project! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Kristy DATE:9/04/2006 01:48:00 AM These blankets are truly gorgeous. I am sure that the recipients will be blessed. I am so excited to add some squares to this project. I hope your health continues to improve. I look forward to watching the progress. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Teyani DATE:9/04/2006 11:19:00 AM what gorgeous blankets! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:9/05/2006 01:33:00 PM Those blankets are so beautiful! Everyone did a great job putting them together. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:9/05/2006 07:42:00 PM Hi Cindy,

The blankets are truly beautiful.

You take it real easy and see you Sept 14th.

Dawn ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:9/06/2006 09:55:00 AM The blankets look lovely. You should be so proud to have started this project! Thanks to the ladies who assembled them - I know how difficult that can be. The edgings are inspired.
Take care of yourself Cynthia - more squares en route. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rabbitch DATE:9/06/2006 11:29:00 PM Welcome back -- I was getting worried.

Excellent job on the blankets. I'll knit a couple more squares and send them on. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Jackie DATE:9/07/2006 05:50:00 AM Oh, pooh. Now I'm crying again.

Bless you a thousand times over, Cindy! You are definatly earning karma points with this project. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:9/07/2006 10:51:00 PM wow, amazing. So very heartwarming and amazing! The blankets look fantastic. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:9/12/2006 04:08:00 PM Those blankets are perfect! They will be well loved I'm sure. I'll have to take a look at what I've got left for cotton ... feel another square or two coming on. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger kelli ann & lorie DATE:9/14/2006 08:17:00 AM cynthia: bravo to all, this is such an inspiration. remember to slow down & delegate, ask for help when you're getting overwhelmed. we all need you to be well! all the very best wishes ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Mary DATE:9/17/2006 04:52:00 PM Amazing! Kudos to everyone involved. May all the love poured into the squares pour back out onto Grace, Justin and Simone is the form of healing. :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:10/04/2006 02:35:00 PM Oh, they turned out so wonderfully! I found at least one of my squares:-)
I'm happy to have contributed to this great project and I hope the children are going to be all warm and cuddly in their new blankets.
Thanks for putting this together. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:10/23/2006 10:02:00 AM Please resend me your mailing address. and do you still want blue ones too? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:11/04/2006 06:27:00 PM Hi Cynthia, I sent a box of squares - pinks, blues and bright yellow from Seattle a couple of weeks ago. Hope you can use them.
Connie ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger firefly DATE:11/09/2006 08:06:00 AM Such beautiful blankets. Truly special.

~firefly ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Unknown DATE:2/09/2007 10:33:00 AM The blankets look great! Do you believe I come here almost every day just to look at them? They make me happy!

I am starting to plan a couple of squares of my own too, but as overseas mailing is a bit more expensive, I'm looking into flat rate envelopes/small boxes and how many squares I can fit into them! One question: If the square does not measure _precisely_ 5 inches, is it still OK? Because sometimes I get distracted and my gauge varies a little bit...

I am very curious about the knitted "sewing" method used in Simone's blanket. You see: I don't like sewing, so I would love to learn such a trick! Don't worry if you cannot post it for some time: I added this blog to my blogroll and even if you only get the time/energy to post about it in some month's time, I will still be able to read it and learn it!

Take care! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: An Update for Cindy DATE: 7/19/2006 11:45:00 AM ----- BODY:
This is Cindy's husband Ed. Cindy has not been well the last few weeks (her Fibro, CFS and Lead Poisoning) so there have been no posts on Warming Grace. She is on the mend and hopes to be back up and running next week. I apologize for not being able to get back to all those who have sent squares for the project. Cindy will update all the administrative 'stuff' (emails, noting squares received, photos and the June 30th draw) as soon as she is back. She apologizes profusely and hopes to get all caught up soon. She does want you to continue sending squares. Her good friend Carole has taken over keeping all the squares in order and having them knit up so that on this end things are still running smoothly in that area. Grace, Simone's and Justin's blankets are done and will be on their way this week. I don't know how to load on the photos but again Cindy will post the photos as soon as she is back. They do look great. Please hang in there and thanks for your ongoing support of the project.
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Scoutj DATE:7/19/2006 04:21:00 PM Please let her know she's in my thoughts..... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:7/19/2006 07:28:00 PM Tell her to take her time. We are very understanding people. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger aija DATE:7/19/2006 09:14:00 PM Sending her get well vibes and no worries... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Shanna DATE:7/20/2006 02:04:00 PM aww! big hugs for a fast recovery! lots of prayers heading your way! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Gingersnaps with Tea... DATE:7/20/2006 10:07:00 PM I am so glad to hear that there is help (of the knitting sort) there at that end. Cynthia has worked so hard and from everything I know from the e-mails we've exchanged she was putting a lot of pressure on herself. It's so good to hear that her good friends in ON are stepping in to lend a hand. Tell her I'm thinking about her.

Marnie ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Miss Scarlett DATE:7/22/2006 02:59:00 PM Wonderful.
Ed thanks for the post - you are the best. Seriously.
I am so pleased that Cyn is getting help with the sewing too.
Eevn though I am sure all of her friends & projects are weighing on her mind - tell her not too give us a second thought. We know she needs to take care of herself.
We will hear from her when she is well and until then we will keep her close in our hearts. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:7/23/2006 06:09:00 PM Cindy,

Please don't overdo yourself when you come back. I personally would rather see you work on getting yourself well. I intend to help Carole out with the blankets.

Love ya girlfriend,
Dawn

PS Ed you are a sweetheart. I wish I could do something to help Cindy other than pray for her. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger celia DATE:7/24/2006 01:04:00 AM Hi Cyn

Hope you are feeling better. I just came back from my vacation yesterday and popped by to see how the blankets are coming along, and saw that you're unwell. take care

celia ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:8/02/2006 08:28:00 AM Hi Cindy, Hope you will get well soon. You've done so much for others and you should also be kind to yourself and take a good rest. Hugs and kisses from Australia. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Presenting....Justin's Blanket DATE: 6/20/2006 09:15:00 AM ----- BODY:
It is done. Actually it was done and drying last week although with the humidity it take the darling thing a while to thoroughly dry. The squares were sewn together at our party, Julia sewed up the panels and started on the edging which Dale finished. Thanks Julia and Dale!
My primo buddy Carole delivered it to the farm (that woman is everywhere!) and we gave it a gentle bath and here we are. Enjoy!
This is the whole blankie - sorry about the upper edges; didn't want to lay it on the ground and I think the outside light is the best for viewing.

This is another view of the top half of the blanket.

This is the bottom half of the blanket.

Another view of the blanket full scale. Pardon the squeezed and stretched out edges; perhaps this is the first kid test (Ed's finesse was not available - he left for work early this morning and the weather was too perfect not to get out there and take these). Nick, who wanted to know why his face couldn't be part of the picture since he was modelling the blanket (I did try to tell him he was 'showing' the blanket, not modelling it - not a huge distinction for photo hogging children I guess) wanted you all to know that the "perfectly mowed lawn" is his doing. Thanks to everyone who responded to the call for Justin's blue squares (if you don't see it here you will see it in another blanket soon!). This blankie is beautiful, soft and it smells really good!

Please keep them coming! We have three finished (I don't have Simone's but I should be receiving it soon), two more being sewn together by Jean-Anne, another being sewn together by Carole and more squares waiting. My goal is TWENTY blankets so please keep sending squares when you can. Thank you again!

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Tara DATE:6/20/2006 11:42:00 AM Beautiful! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/20/2006 11:48:00 AM The blanket looks wonderful! He will love it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Miss Scarlett DATE:6/20/2006 12:18:00 PM That is great! I love that square with the teddy bear. So thoughtful.
Nick - the lawn looks great! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/20/2006 12:21:00 PM It looks great ... brings tears to my eyes. I hope all the love in it helps Justin. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:6/20/2006 01:25:00 PM That is one beautiful blanket!
Good job on the grass Nick!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger strangelittlemama DATE:6/20/2006 11:45:00 PM oh, I'm so sad not to have gotten a square out for Justin. Are you looking for particular colors for the others?

It looks amazing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:6/22/2006 10:45:00 AM I absolutely and really and truely love that blanket. I'm so over-joyed to be a part of it. Justin will be cozy in it.

Nice blanket modeling job Nicky! Grass looks great too - way to go!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/22/2006 08:55:00 PM ok i have 4 squares blocking right now that will be mailed out maybe fri or sat. i'm sorry i'm too late for the draw but glad to be knitting for a good cause :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/25/2006 11:28:00 AM Cyn, the blanket is fabulous all the love and prayers knitted in just makes it that much better! I love the penguin square. It is TOO cool!!
Nicky, you are a wonderful blanket model! You did such a great job on the grass, better than my lawn guy! ; ) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rabbitch DATE:6/26/2006 02:06:00 AM That's a beautiful blanket!

Do the squares need to be pink and blue or are you going for any colour at all? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Knittymama DATE:6/26/2006 09:57:00 AM Wow, that turned out so beautiful!!! It is so amazing what has been accomplished on this board. I was glad to see my squares made it, and so fast. Can't wait to see the next blankies!!!


I'm starting a blankie for my own Knittybaby, I will be sure to squeek out a few more squares to send your way... ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger kelli ann & lorie DATE:6/26/2006 03:28:00 PM cynthia, it's gorgeous! excellent work, everybody!!! coucou, nick, and the lawn looks good! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Jackie DATE:6/27/2006 09:41:00 AM It looks wonderful. I found some pink yarn that I had dyed as samples for a student a few years back. I think that there may just be enough for another square. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Samantha DATE:6/28/2006 06:07:00 PM It's beautiful! I thought I had mailed my stuff to you, but just noticed it sitting on the shelf ... crud. I will mail it tonight. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Sarah DATE:7/09/2006 02:24:00 AM hi
i found this site through punk rock knit girls and i just wanted to say what a beautiful project you have undertaken.
i will send you some squares from australia in the next few weeks.
ps. i'm sure it's been said before but... omg, those eyes! gorgeous. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:7/13/2006 04:47:00 PM I'm hoping my 18 crocheted light blue squares got there ?? They would be good fill in for more decorative squares. Mailed about two weeks ago.

Anne
http://geocachingknitter.blogspot.com ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Draw Prizes and Things... DATE: 6/20/2006 08:18:00 AM ----- BODY:
I apologize for the long time between posts. My fatigue and fibro have been acting up and I have been so so tired.
Between Blogger's tantrums and my ups and downs I have been neglectful in posting some of the other draw prizes that I have received (that draw to take place on June 30, 2006 and I will make sure to recap draw prizes before the draw).
If I have neglected to email you for the receipt of squares, if I have not put up your stars (yours have been updated Dawn!) or I have messed up please let me know so I can rectify the situation. Okay - so here goes: I have developed an incredible love for the S 'n B'rs of Albequerque! These women knit up squares as a group and again have sent squares individually, they have sent yarn prizes, awesome energy and good thoughts. You guys rock! Last week Noelle sent some Lorna's Laces and then Ramona sent me some STR Sock Club Yarn. The sock club yarn not available to the public (with the pattern no less). Your ongoing generosity is absolutely wonderful!

Thank you Ramona!!!

Annarella sent me some lovely squares and a set of her stitch markers for the draw. This chick makes markers! Go check out her website; I was totally impressed (and making a list for myself!). She has some really neat stitchmarkers for sale. I will definitely be indulging in the near future (I have to wait for the fire on my plastique to be put out!). Thank you so much Annarella!!

The lovely Dee from Posh Yarns sent me some wonderful sock yarn. See that photo below? 2 x 50 grams (total of 360 yards) of oh so soft and precious Cashmere/Merino sock yarn - colourway: Hothouse. This stuff is delish!!! Dee is absolutely lovely and her yarn is exquisite.

Thank you Dee!!! I also got some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (Cotton/Merino Blend) from my mom for the draw. It is a lovely shade of blue (Malibu Blue) and there are 5 skeins, each 215 yards, to come to some wonderful knitter.

Thanks Mom! Joy sent these lovely necklaces; one is for Ari (I will send it to you ASAP), one is for Grace and one is for me! These are lovely necklaces and I so appreciate the work that has gone into these beauties. Thank you Joy!!!!

Last but certainly not least, Julia sent this lovely Prayer Bear with her square. This is wonderful. I am not sure who the bear is intended for but I think I will send it to Justin.

Thank you so much Julia!

Thanks so much to everyone for their ongoing generosity and outpouring of love and warmth for the kids and this project. You are all wonderful! And a big thanks to Blogger for letting me post all the photos I want - woo hoo!!!

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:1/19/2007 02:35:00 AM So glad you sent to prayer bear for Justin. I thought it might be a comfort to Grace or any or her friends at the hospital, including Justin. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: The first blankets are drying.... DATE: 6/12/2006 07:12:00 PM ----- BODY:
Justin and Grace's blankets are drying - I should have the pics up later this week. They look awesome! Simone's blanket is being sewn up. I haven't updated stats for a while so here goes: 1. We are at 221 knitters - amazing! Thank you for continuing to volunteer. My goal is 20 blankets and I know it can be done. 2. Squares are still arriving - I need to send out a huge thanks to the following: Amanda Cathleen, Annarella, Dorothy, Joy, Julia, Karen, Karen K, Katie, Knitpastis, Knittymama, Lin, Noelle, Sandra, Scout and Tracey - the squares are beautiful and the goodies too! Thank you so much for your hard work!!!! If I have made an error or if you haven't gotten your duly deserved props for sending squares PLEASE let me know - I realize everyday how easy I make mistakes and I don't want to not give anyone the credit they so richly deserve. 3. I am still getting draw prizes - woohoo! I am donating a skein of the lovely and elusive Vespers sock yarn. Noelle generously donated some Lorna's Laces sock yarn. I must say these Albequerque S 'n B'rs are incredible - you girls are stupendous! Thank you Noelle! I have other draw prizes whose pictures I cannot load on. I will display them as soon as the problem is rectified. 4. I spoke with my brother about the status of our three kiddies - Jamie says Grace, Simone and Justin are all doing well with no significant changes for the worse - excellent news. Note: I have been having problems downloading photos for about the past week; hence no posts. Blogger is not letting me put up photos and when I can only one or two. I am rectifying this problem by moving my blogs - I will keep you posted as to when and where. I do apologize for not being able to put up more photos.
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger aija DATE:6/13/2006 11:25:00 AM Great news!

On the blogger front, I use blogger for the blog but flickr for all of my photos. I find its more reliable, has better options for scaling, and is free too (they will archive the pics forever, but only the most recent 200 photos will be available for viewing directly from flickr. if you use their html code/picture in a blog post, that pic will stay active...)

Best wishes to all involved! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:6/13/2006 01:07:00 PM Blogger has been horrible lately! I had to upload photos one at a time for a week. Suddenly, everything works again and the next day, down again! Aaargh!
I use Photobucket and Flickr to host pictures and you can always put links in your sidebar so people can access them at anytime. I also know that a lot of people use Typepad to run their blogs and they don't seem to have the problems Blogger does. It does cost a bit of money, but, you could always set up a Paypal account and add a donate button. I'd help you pay to keep this site up and running! I'm sure others would too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rebecca DATE:6/13/2006 07:56:00 PM I use flickr for my pictures also, and that might be a good option for you. It would mean that you could post your pictures so we could see them all in one place, and if you create a photo group, others can contribute photos of their squares too. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Teyani DATE:6/14/2006 11:41:00 AM I've had the same problemo with blogger of late - and am also thinking of moving my blog. Can't wait to see the finished blankets :-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Samantha DATE:6/14/2006 01:25:00 PM Blogger is upgrading, apparently. Hope they hurry the heck up.

I have mail for you -- keep forgetting to shove it in the mailbox though. Hopefully will get it in there later today. :) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:6/15/2006 05:09:00 AM Blogger seemed okay yesterday and I got lots of pictures up in one post. Wish they would notify us if they were updating and we could be patient during the process. I use flickr sometimes but I'm still getting use to it.

20 more blankets, huh? I can't wait to see the first 3. I can't wait to see the kids getting them too! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Miss Scarlett DATE:6/15/2006 10:14:00 PM Wow - that is amazing!
224 Knitters! How many blankets will that be Cynthia?!
Don't worry - we all know about technical difficulties. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/17/2006 07:46:00 PM Way to go. Can't wait to see the blankets. Let's keep those squares coming in - you're all amazing!! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: The Sewing Party - Part Two DATE: 6/02/2006 11:53:00 PM ----- BODY:
I am crossing my fingers that this will post properly as Blogger is finally letting me load more pictures of the sewing party. Hard at work are Ann (front right), my primo buddy Carole (center) and Debbie (top left). These women took to the task and how.

More industrious square sewing. Debbie (top right), Julia (center) and Dawn (bottom left). I don't have a pic of Jean Anne but that girl worked her butt off.

This is the frontside of Gracie's blanket.

When I talked to Carole yesterday all the panels had been sewn up and she was finishing the edging. Which means almost done!

These blankets are looking so good and there is so much good energy in these. Carole said that sewing up Gracie's made her feel so good.

This is the front side of Simone's blanket. I don't have an update but I am sure Ann is well on her way. Ann, who is working at getting her Master Knitting Certificate, will certainly be doing a fantabulous job on putting together Simone's blanket.

I will be thrilled if this makes it way onto the net; pink power will blast it's way through Blogger boo-hoo-ness!

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:6/03/2006 12:36:00 AM Awesome!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Anny DATE:6/03/2006 01:06:00 AM The blankets look beautiful already. And all those lovelies look like they were meant to be together, dontcha think? Amazing that, really. Considering they were all knit by different people not really knowing what everyone else was up to. Really, an awesome sight ;0)

And what about all those sewers? Aren't knitters great? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger aija DATE:6/03/2006 03:00:00 AM Amazing, just amazing how they're coming together.

Hooray for the knitters!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:6/03/2006 06:17:00 AM I don't see the pink blanket pictures ... Blogger must be testy today. I have trouble from my home computer as well. Can't wait to see the finished blankets!
Will we see you in the picture giving them to Grace & Simone?? I'm talking to you, Cindy, LOL. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Scoutj DATE:6/03/2006 09:05:00 AM It makes me so happy to see these blankets. I hope you received my square! Can you update us on the kids too? OR do you do that somewhere else? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Jackie DATE:6/04/2006 06:27:00 AM There are some truly fantabulous squares there! Wow! What an amazing response to this project! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/04/2006 07:46:00 AM Hey Girlfriend,

When is the next sewing party? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/04/2006 08:28:00 AM The blankets look fabulous. Way to go knitters!! Keep those squares coming. THANKS to the hard-working ladies for sewing them up. Like Dawn said, when's the next party? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Vicki Knitorious DATE:6/04/2006 07:53:00 PM Oh, those blankets are absolutely FANTASTIC!!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Sandy DATE:6/07/2006 02:39:00 AM My square was sent with Katrina's package. I will send more soon. I plan to earn more stars by my name.

Being a beginner, hearing about your cause has really given me a chance to practice knitting and casting on and off.

I recently received approx. 50 different colors of yarn as a gift, along with 20 or so different size crochet hooks, craft books galore, hundreds of needles and spools of thread, complete with two identical sewing macines (one for parts, just-in-case).

My ultimate goal is to practice and learn until I can use these sentamental gifts to contibute to your much needed kind gesture. And perhaps one day I'll be confident enough in my handiwork to do the same and start another from scratch.

Thank you for your inspiration and keep a look out for my 7 in 7 package. You'll be seeing a lot more from me. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Miss Scarlett DATE:6/09/2006 01:48:00 AM Super cool!!
I love this - the blankets look incredible.
Beatiful work ladies.
Thank you all for sewing these treasures together - I am sure they will be dearly loved. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/12/2006 02:15:00 AM The squares look amazing!

Just wondering whether you got mine yet... and the little gift too...

Take care xxx ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger markali52 DATE:4/28/2008 06:13:00 AM Superb work there are some great things here, on a bigger scale my friend knitted a complete cover set for aluminium garden furniture set, it was great warm and comfy, she put a lot of work into it and the design but I was bowled over with what she had done. ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Sew! Sew we had a party........ DATE: 5/31/2006 02:48:00 PM ----- BODY:
In spite of the toxic soup that is Toronto right now (heat, humidity and pollution are such an evil combination) sewing was had on Sunday at Village Yarns. In attendance were myself, Ann, Carole, Dawn, Debby, Julia and Jean-Anne. These chicks rock! I mean seriously rock! Given my various infirmities (of which everyone is also so considerate about) they took on the task of sorting and matching over 400 squares; it was an amazing sight to see. The squares laid out for Justin's blankie are below. We ended up going with a smaller blanket given that he is only 4 years old right now. This should be very comfy for him. We had plenty of eats. Carole brought fruit salad, cookies, muffins, cheese, crackers and ju-jubes. The woman knows how to provide. Jean-Anne brought a fabulous broccoli salad and coleslaw. They were fantastic! Julia provided lemonade and mineral water. I brought some yummy stewed chicken made by Ed. Carol sent scones via Ann because she couldn't make it (and understands the value of carbs and sugar for hard working knitters!). We made excellent progress and were able to sew together the panels for Justin and Grace's blankets, leaving just the panels. At the end of the day Ann left with Simone's blanket to sew together (from sewing together the squares to sewing the panels to edging the blanket), Carole left with Gracie's blanket (to sew together the panels and edge the blanket), Julia left with Justin's blanket (to sew together the panels and edge the blanket) and Jean-Anne left with squares for two blankets to put together (sewing together the squares, the panels and do the edging). Julia took the rest of the squares and sorted and divided them into coordinated piles for more sewing up. This girl is a dynamo - d-y-n-a-m-o!!! We have enough squares for at least 3 more blankets with more squares arriving daily. Please don't fret if your square is not up there. All the squares will be used to make blankets - no square will go unused or unloved; they will all make some child warmer! I am so humbled by their generosity and enthusiasm. THANK YOU ANN, CAROLE, DAWN, DEBBY, JEAN-ANNE AND JULIA!!! I am totally excited by the prospect that I will probably be able to send Justin's blanket out by the middle of next week. I will post pictures of the completed blankets as soon as they are done. We are so close to having our first few!!! By Monday night Julia had Justin's blanket sewn together and was working on the edging. Things are starting to take shape! I do apologize for the total lack of photo content. I have pictures which Blogger is not letting me download ***!!@@##***- must be the heat (LOL). I will attempt to edit with photos when I am able or just publish another post but I had to get this up!
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/31/2006 10:27:00 PM oh,my goodness you girls have been busssY! I can't wait to see the finished blankets! : D ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/31/2006 11:13:00 PM No need for thanks, I always have time to do something for kids; especially ones that have troubles, it was great seeing you, had a lot of fun, and never would have left you with all those squares to sew alone. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger celia DATE:6/01/2006 02:23:00 AM What amazing work! Good job, ladies!
I can't wait to see the finished blankets. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/01/2006 07:29:00 AM Wow! You've done a lot of work and you all have a lot more to do. It's wonderful to see so many squares for the kids. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Vicki Knitorious DATE:6/01/2006 08:20:00 AM That's so wonderful!! Looking forward to seeing finished blankets... and, maybe, eventually, some smiling faces to go with 'em! ; ) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Melissa DATE:6/01/2006 08:53:00 AM How awesome! Good for you all. Sounds like a good time was had by all!
I've started using photobucket for pics instead of blogger because I was getting so frustrated. Maybe you should try that? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Jackie DATE:6/01/2006 09:26:00 AM Glad that it all went well and that you had so much help and good food! I never underestimate the power of a good meal! I am sure that he will love the blanket and feel all of the love and prayers that have gone into it. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger batman DATE:6/01/2006 09:52:00 AM it's so nice to see all the squares together. it makes it a little more real for the rest of us out here who are too far to come and help sew.

i can't wait to see pictures of the completed blankets. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Shanna DATE:6/01/2006 11:48:00 AM that's so amazing! again i am overwhelmed with tears.

can't wait to see the finished one's! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:6/01/2006 03:43:00 PM It all looks so beautiful! So much love all laid out and in the open for all to see and a lucky few to touch and love back! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/01/2006 08:44:00 PM How wonderful the first few blankets are coming together! And many thanks to the helpers who are willing to do the work of putting together the finished products. The squares are always the easiest part ...

Beth K. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger High Power Rocketry DATE:6/01/2006 09:10:00 PM : ) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Francesca DATE:6/02/2006 03:57:00 PM What amazing work you've all done. It's so wonderful to see all the little bits come together as a whole. So wonderful. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:6/03/2006 06:13:00 AM I see my squares, I see my squares! It's going to be an wonderful blanket for a little boy too. I sure wish I could have been there to help with the sewing. But it's great to see so many helpers [you girls rock]... knitters are awesome and I'm glad to be a member. Keep on knitting! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger kelli ann & lorie DATE:6/05/2006 11:53:00 AM hi cynthia! kudos and blessings to all of you for this project-- and thanks for posting about it! the photos are lovely. ;-) xoxo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:6/07/2006 01:04:00 PM Gracie's blanket is DONE. Can't wait to bring it up this weekend. It's beautiful. I feel very special to have the honor to sew up Gracie's blanket. Every seam was inspiring. I put a ruffle around the edges - I won't even attempt to count the stitches. I took several hours just to cast off!

I've started a 2nd blanket using a crochet method. I'll bring this one up with me as well, for your review.

Until Friday........ ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: I love you knitter peoples so much........ DATE: 5/26/2006 08:52:00 PM ----- BODY:
We now have 200 knitters dedicated to the Project! This is so amazing given that my original thought was one little blanket for my niece Grace. Wow. Of course having these numbers requires a level of management, organization and attention that is challenging. I apologize for not getting around to my favourite bloggers the way I would like. I actually thought I was caught up last weekend and was patting myself on the back (even got to a few blogs...) - HA! Here I am again trying to catch up. We got LOTS of mail this week; lots and lots of blue squares for Justin. Amazing! Still more pink Grace squares and other colours which can be used for boys or girls. Awesome! This is an experience like nothing I have ever had the opportunity to appreciate. Each parcel with it's contents lovingly put together, beautiful notes for me and for the kids. Such love, caring and compassion - I giggle, laugh and cry. This experience is humbling and beautiful. The squares are from everywhere; several Provinces in Canada, Many States from the States, England and the English Channel, France, Australia and Singapore. I am truly starting to believe that if the world was left up to knitters we could solve a lot of the world's ails. I am so glad we are focusing on the kids. There will be a big sewing party on this Sunday at Village Yarns. It should start at about 1030am and if you are in the area - come! Justin's blanket will be sewn together and finished between Sunday and Monday. I have a goal to stick to. I am staying in Toronto until Tuesday night (Dr.'s appts) so I will post Wednesday am at the latest. I am also hoping to get a good start on Grace and Simone's blankets and farm out a couple more to wonderful people who are willing to put an entire blanket together. EVERY SQUARE RECEIVED WILL BE USED. NO SQUARE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THERE IS NO DEADLINE FOR WHEN SQUARES WILL STOPPED BEING ACCEPTED. I have had a number of emails from people wondering if it is too late, if their square will be used, etc. I will make blankets for as long as I receive squares. If you want to make more, you can always make the colour of the month as per Project Spectrum. Make any colour you like. The sad deal about all of this is that there will always be a need for these blankets so I will keep on sewing and if there is a need for a child somewhere and we can help him or her, please email me and we will get on it. I need to send out SHOUTS and SHOUTS of thanks to the following knitters whose squares I have received this week: Aija, Amy, Ann L., Ariane, Barbara, Beth K, Carole A, Carrie, Christina, Daphne, Eileen, Francesca, Jackie, Jamie, Janine, Jillian, Joanne R, Kate, Katrina, Kelli-Ann, Lauren P, Lisa, Lu, Lucia, Marie-Michele N, Marnie, Michelle, Rhonda, Susan, Suzanna and Vicki! (If I have made any boo boo's please let me know). The squares are beautiful and the cards and the notes are wonderful. YOU GUYS ROCK! ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY ROCK! Lauren sent a whole box full of goodies along with her squares. All kinds of groovy stuff totally suitable for Grace, Simone and Justin. Lauren's two kids are named Grace and Justin. What are the odds? I didn't realize it at the time but there are also two skeins of Reynolds Lopi in there for me. Thank you so much Lauren! Amy also sent some goodies for Grace and Simone (I didn't get a chance to photograph them but I will). Thanks so much Amy! Jillian kindly sent along these two skeins for the June 30th draw. They are 2 50gram skeins of KnitPicks Shadow Merino Laceweight in the colour Vineyard. It is a lovely burgundy/purple with flecks of yellow and red. Spectacular. A total of 880 yards which could certainly make something really decent. Thank you Jillian! If anyone else would like to donate something for the draw on June 30th, please feel free! Ariane sent along this passel of goodies. Nick is drooling but I told him to keep his mitts off. After all he has a whack of candy just received from Amanda. Ariane you really didn't have to. Thank you so much! Rabbitch sent along these markers. I thought they were for the next draw. Apparently not. They are for me. Me! I can't believe it! Rabbitch you really didn't need to. Thank you so much Rabbitch!

I just want to say thank you for all of your ongoing generosity and enthusiasm in this little project.

I am so touched and impressed and humbled by the quality of people out there.

I keep laughing as you all tell me thanks for the opportunity and for the work I am doing; you don't have to, I am really doing so little in comparison.

Your caring, compassion, love, positive prayers and energy are miraculous. Truly miraculous. I do feel so incredibly humbled and I am so blessed to be such a part of this project.

----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:5/26/2006 11:32:00 PM Somehow I think just the organization required to co-ordinate this project and all the time spent opening and cataloging squares is no small task. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Shanna DATE:5/27/2006 12:43:00 AM amen to what dorothy said! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Jackie DATE:5/27/2006 05:42:00 AM Have fun stitching this weekend! I wish that I could be there. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rabbitch DATE:5/27/2006 09:16:00 PM Dude, you're sewing them all together. We get the fun part. I work for a charity that makes blankets and spend long evenings both finding people to sew squares and joining them myself, so I know whereof I speak. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Melissa DATE:5/29/2006 10:21:00 AM I'm glad that the donations are pouring in! Our group at church of beginners is working on some squares this week. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger thordora DATE:6/04/2006 10:53:00 AM ARGH! What I sent must have gone missing. I'll send another package-I guess she wasn't meant to have any lupins! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Long Weekend Update DATE: 5/19/2006 05:32:00 PM ----- BODY:
I can't believe how quickly time seems to move along. Not surprisingly you have taken up the gauntlet regarding Justin and how! I have started to get blue squares already and those pink squares are still pouring in! Thank you so much! I am finally going to be starting the sewing - we are having a big party at Village Yarns. They have generously turned over the store to us on Sunday, May 28 (I wonder if they will let me shop??!!!) and I will be hanging out in Toronto for Monday night's project group as well to keep on finishing the blankets. Thank you Karen and Julia! If you are in town and can come let me know. My intention is to have Justin's blanket done as well as Grace's and Simone's well underway(if not done). More will be done as I will be giving them to a couple of generous volunteers who are willing to take an entire blanket's worth of squares and sew them up. Can't wait to get the initial blankets finished and on their way! It has been quite a week. Lots of emails from interested knitters. If you email me and haven't heard from me within 24 hours try me at cynicked@lincsat.com - I have been having some difficulty with my email carrier and I do apologize (I am trying to rectify the problem). Arrivals on several days. More squares from Anny, Batman, Carol, Celia, Debbie A, Irene, Joanne A, Kelli Ann, Leah, Liz, Rae, Rebecca, Shanna, Teresa and Teyani. Your energy and enthusiasm is unbelievable and thanks are so inadequate. THANK YOU ANYWAY!! I still have plans to take pictures of the squares but I may wait until the blankets are done (there are a lot of squares!) Teresa sent a lovely little bag of goodies(see above) for Grace with this beautiful bracelet on the outside. Grace will love it. Thank you Teresa! Joanne A. sent this so totally cute knitted teddy bear. He is so adorable! Thank you Joanne! Carol also sent me a gratis set of square blockers that she and her buddy Ann make and sell. They sell blocking kits for sweaters as well as things in the round. I have one of their larger kits and they are fantastic! You can email them at FinishTouch1@aol.com to find out about these lovely goodies. Thank you Carol! It looks small but there are over 400 squares in that basket - Nick calls it the Laundry Basket of Love. I was finally able to put a sticky label with a name on the back of each square so they could be identified, got all the postcards, cards and notes organized, names with emails and blogs - it did take some time. I do have a system so hopefully it will be that much easier from now. I was speaking to my brother earlier in the week. Grace, Simone and Justin are maintaining which is the best that anyone can hope for. He was also telling me about the Clinic Poke Box. The Poke Box is for every child who gets a poke (treatment/intrusion/needle) of any kind while at the day clinic or at the Q cluster (oncology department) - they go to the box and take a small goody. These goodies range from pencils, play jewellry, paper, small toys, etc. So if you want to send something for the Poke box feel free. He says that the stuff they have that gets donated is great! I am trying to get him to get me a photo of the Poke box so I can post it. Exciting, exciting news. I got an email from Janet Szabo. Yes, that Janet Szabo. She is excited about our project and wants to get involved! Janet is a 12 year survivor of Leukemia (Congratulations Janet!!!!) and she has decided to do the following for us; she is donating a prize for the draw - your choice of: 1. a copy of Aran Sweater Design or 2. a copy of the I Hate to Finish Sweaters book or 3. a one year subscription to Twists and Turns! This is so fantastic! Thank you Janet! June 3rd is the 12 year anniversary of her diagnosis. She is going to work up 3 or 4 cable knit square patterns and post them to Aranknit as an "Anniversary Challenge." (I am going to see if we can post them here but I am sure we can put the link on the sidebar!). She is also going to mention our project in the Fall issue of Twists and Turns. Awesome eh!!! Thank you so very much Janet - YOU ROCK! Thank you again Janet! I got some yarn from Celia in the mail for the draw. This is as beautiful as it looks. 22 micron Merino top. Thank you Celia! And, in further draw news Dee from Posh Yarns in the UK is donating a 100 gram skein of cashmere/merino for the draw. This looks so yummy! Can you believe it? Thank you Dee! I continue to be thrilled and touched by the generosity of everyone in donating to the draws - this is just icing on the cake but really it is so incredibly special. I have also finally mailed out all the yarn and needles and things to the draw winners of May - sorry for the delay; it took me a bit longer than I thought. You should be receiving them next week. Again thank you to all of you who have knit squares, are knitting squares, will be knitting squares and who have donated draw prizes. You and this project warm me!
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Shanna DATE:5/19/2006 09:30:00 PM ack! i just got all teary! look at that basket! that's so amazing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Vicki Knitorious DATE:5/20/2006 08:52:00 AM Oh, that's just so cool... I have a thing for laundry baskets, I suppose it's because if I had to pick a "favorite" household chore, it would be laundry, and it would be so without a doubt if it were filled with pink and blue wool squares all the time. LOVE IT!! I'm so very happy for the success of this project, Cynthia. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger celia DATE:5/23/2006 01:33:00 AM I wish I could come help you sew all those squares up. It's so amazing! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/23/2006 03:15:00 AM Hi there,

I love this initiative (got to know your blog via Dee at PoshYarn.co.uk, who's also donating for my Cancer Research fundraising).

I made a few squares for Justin and have just emailed you to find out where to send it.

Luv, xx ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger The Little (Knitting) Hedgehog DATE:5/26/2006 11:21:00 AM I have eleven squares with blue in them that I finally got the ends sewn in and blocked! A few other people in the Albuquerque Snb are sending theirs in separately. I will be mailing mine to you today. And some lorna's laces sock yarn! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Sandy DATE:5/26/2006 04:11:00 PM I've just finnished my square for Justin. It is only my 2nd finnished product, and I knitted every stitch with love and a prayor. You should be receiving it shortly. God bless. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:6/03/2006 06:27:00 AM It brings tears to my eyes to see so many generous people & their donations ... But the "Basket of Love" did it ... I have to go blow my nose now ... ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: I've got my mojo on for Justin! DATE: 5/14/2006 01:06:00 PM ----- BODY:
So the call went out and true to form all you awesome knitters respond in fine form!!! We are cooking! Justin needs those squares! We will have the blanket to him as soon as possible. I knit 3 squares myself last night with more set for today. They are blocked and I will sew in the ends today. I used some Morehouse Merino 3 strand and oh it is so soft and warm and light. I am going to have to order some more in different colours. If we get more than 63 squares? Sadly, no problem - there are others who need the blankets too. My immediate focus is Justin. He needs the blanket. NOW! I have my squares basket loaded with the colours I need: Blue for Justin (and other boys), Pink for Grace and Simone (and other girls) and Green for Jamie's friend's grandfather. I do have other colours to add to the basket once these are used: purples, yellows, oranges and reds to name just a few. Thanks for answering the original call and making squares and thank you to those able to get me squares for Justin as soon as possible. You continue to amaze me!
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Jamie C. DATE:5/14/2006 03:28:00 PM I will start work on a blue square now. I should have it ready to mail by Tuesday. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/14/2006 05:00:00 PM Hey Girlfriend,

Back from Romni, will rock with blue now.

Dawn ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger The Little (Knitting) Hedgehog DATE:5/15/2006 03:23:00 AM Do you need solid colored blue or will variegated colors with blue be ok? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/15/2006 09:36:00 AM Okay, count me in, I'll have it out, STAT!...doctor talk, for I'm working on it really fast;O) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/15/2006 09:39:00 AM Is possible to have a little background on him...his favorite toys, candies, and/or his parents likes as well? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Samantha DATE:5/15/2006 10:34:00 AM Hey! I will knit up some blue squares (found some blue in my stash that'll work!) but I'm not sure if I'll get it to you in time for the blanket for Justin. I will get it to you though. :) I had Natalie at Keeping Me In Stitches (http://knitting.xaviermusketeer.com) add Warming Grace to her list of 2006 KALs. Hope that was okay.
http://knitting.xaviermusketeer.com/2006knitalongs.html ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Dorothy DATE:5/15/2006 11:02:00 AM I'll do my best, but, I can't promise they'll get there in 10 days. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/15/2006 01:52:00 PM Count me in--I will get started right away. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/15/2006 06:59:00 PM Hey - the box I sent today DOES have a blue one in it. HURRAH. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/15/2006 11:32:00 PM I will be sending out a box tomorrow with squares in it for Justin! I hope it gets there quickly =) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:5/17/2006 09:46:00 AM I put my 3 blue squares in the mail yesterday & was so concerned about getting them out & up to you right away that I FORGOT to take a picture of them. Can you believe it? Well, it was more important to get them in the mail, and I'm happy to say I made 3 instead of just the one I promised. The pouring rain kept me inside, knitting & focused as you see. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Suzanna DATE:5/17/2006 06:03:00 PM Hi I would like to send you a square for Justin's Blanket if you could send me your postal address

Suzanna Bond ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Scoutj DATE:5/17/2006 08:52:00 PM I'm part of the Albuquerque SnB and I'm knitting my square right now. :) Can you please send me your address so I make sure it gets to you?

scoutj at scoutj dot com

xo ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/17/2006 11:33:00 PM Cynthia, I mailed 10 today. They should get there in 4-7 days. The rain kept us inside, and me busy!! : D ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Anny DATE:5/18/2006 12:38:00 AM I mailed my penguin square yesterday. I sent it Expresspost so you should get it tomorrow or Friday.

Good luck! ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Emergency Call for Blue Squares DATE: 5/13/2006 05:21:00 PM ----- BODY:
My SIL Adrienne just emailed me this photo of Grace and her 'boyfriend' Justin. Gracie loves Justin and says she is going to marry him. Gracie doesn't know that Justin is very very sick. Justin has liver cancer and he remains very ill. According to Adrienne, Justin has surpassed his Doctors predictions that he wouldn't make it past February, and they are just so grateful for everyday Justin survives and the time Gracie has with her Prince Charming. They are all very close so this is an upsetting and emotional time for both families. Please keep them in your prayers. She also said that Justin would probably love a blankie, and it would give his parents a good deal of comfort. I did know about Justin (that he and Gracie were buddies and that his situation didn't look so good) but now we can do something! So, we need 63 squares now! Anyone who can knit up a square or three and get them to me within 10 days please let me know. Make sure they are blocked and ready to be sewn together. Don't worry about a postcard (I know how hard it has been for everyone to find them); send a note to Justin and make sure you include where you live. The first blanket will be for Justin. I want to have it ready to send within three weeks and whatever you can do will be great! Thank you. Please make sure I have your email address! Thanks!
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Vicki Knitorious DATE:5/13/2006 07:04:00 PM I should be able to get you a blue square or two by the time you're aiming for. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger strangelittlemama DATE:5/13/2006 07:28:00 PM Oh sweet baby. That breaks my heart. I will definitely send you a blue square. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Unknown DATE:5/13/2006 10:06:00 PM I am going to cast right for blue square(s) - whatever I have by Monday (at least a couple), I'll send them to you. I took a while last time (I think a week), so I won't wait. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rebecca DATE:5/13/2006 10:32:00 PM I had pulled together all my pink yarn to make a few more squares, but I dug out my blue yarn tonight. I have two squares done already, and will hopefully have a few more done by Monday. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Samantha DATE:5/13/2006 11:44:00 PM Does it need to be cotton or soft wool? Hmmm ... will have to check my stash.

The blog looks great, Cynthia. You rock!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Anny DATE:5/13/2006 11:52:00 PM I'm on it! I'll try to get it done tomorrow after our mother's day lunch so that hubby can mail it out on Monday.

Cheers! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Melissa DATE:5/14/2006 12:04:00 AM I'll work on squares tomorrow and hopefully getting them in the mail Monday will meet your 10 day deadline. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Miss Scarlett DATE:5/14/2006 02:57:00 AM Oh my goodness. Heartbreaking. My Mom has already made a square and I will put down my socks and make one tomorrow.
Little love. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:5/14/2006 08:31:00 AM I will make at LEAST one today to mail out tomorrow... it's heartbeaking news, but a blankie will be a comfort for the little guy to hold onto. Oh, poor Gracie. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Gingersnaps with Tea... DATE:5/14/2006 11:03:00 AM Can do, I know there was one indigo blue square in the batch I sent earlier but I've got one summer blue square blocked (it's a swatch but with you in mind it's a 5" square swatch) and I'll try and do up some more.

How sad. We've had a serious situation the last 3 weeks with my 12 year old neice (she's had 3 operations and is down to 80 lbs but she's turnned a corner and is going to be OK). There is absolutely nothing more heartbreaking than sick children and I can't imagine a sadder situation than Justin's. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/14/2006 12:32:00 PM I've dug through my stash and found three balls of wool!! Count me in!! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/14/2006 04:33:00 PM on it's way. Airmail \;-) ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger pacalaga DATE:5/14/2006 06:02:00 PM I'll be sending them on Monday!
As soon as I stop crying. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/15/2006 09:15:00 AM Can you please add me as well? My email address is yuliknits@gmail.com. The first thing I will do tomorrow is to cast on a denim blue square and express post to you. Oh, poor little Justin. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/15/2006 02:23:00 PM Please count me in. I have finished one pink with another on the needles and some blue up next! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Francesca DATE:5/18/2006 12:15:00 PM It will be done -- and sent to you by tomorrow - I'm sorry I didn't see this sooner than today! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/18/2006 04:10:00 PM I will send you two squares and can mail them on Saturday. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Tara DATE:5/18/2006 05:21:00 PM I'll start some blue squares tonight! I can mail them on Monday...probably 3-4.
I think what you're doing here is great-thank you for your generosity and inspiration! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger KnitPastis DATE:5/19/2006 07:11:00 PM I have already casted on!! Add me to the list! Where do I mail it? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/20/2006 08:55:00 AM I'd love to knit a square: is there still time? ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/22/2006 12:28:00 AM Is there still time to send a square or two? Today is the 21st and I can knit one or two tomorrow. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/22/2006 12:29:00 AM Why'd it call me anonymous? My name is Jenn, but I guess I don't know how to comment so that you can get back to me. I will see if I can email you directly.... ----- -------- AUTHOR: Unknown TITLE: Gracie has a new home! DATE: 5/12/2006 09:52:00 PM ----- BODY:
Warming Grace has a new home! I hope you like it. The participant's list is getting so wonderfully large and so much is happening that I felt it was time to move to a separate blog. Several people also mentioned it and I had been mulling it over so here it is! We are up to 174 participants!! Wow! Another week of mega deliveries! Lots and lots of squares; some of you knitters are seriously putting it out! Thank you, thank you, thank you to Amanda Cathleen, Claudia, Crystal, Dawn, Emily, Kimberly, Liz, Lynne, Melissa, Ramona and her S 'n B group from Albuquerque (Amy, Carole, Diane and Noelle) ,Sarah, Sharon, Susan, Teresa, Terri and Vicki. I also want to put a huge thanks out to Jennifer B. from Spokane, WA and Paula E. from Centre, AL - can you please email me so I have your proper emails (and if you have blogs that I have not linked you to). THANK YOU!!! The mail just keeps on coming. Even as I write this blog I have some mail and goodies not photographed. I will try to get it up as soon as possible. Kerstin sent me this. This little heart blanket is absolutely stunning. Thank you so much Kerstin; I don't really have the adjectives to adequately describe my appreciation. Some little darling is going to love her new blankie. You are a superstar! Thank you Kerstin! Amanda Cathleen sent this lovely little box - not only squares but two lovely little dolls (going to Grace and Simone). Oh and there is some sustenance in there for me as well - tee hee. Some chocolate peanut butter bars that Amanda Cathleen says are even better frozen. Yummy! Thank you Amanda Cathleen! Emily also sent me some sustanence! You guys are too much! I am torn between saying you really don't have to (and you really don't have to) and telling to keep bringing it on! Ed loves Jelly Belly so he'll have to be really nice to get some of these babies - I got a lot of squares to sew together - A LOT!! Thank you Emily! Lynne sent me some markers. I love them! I am not expecting anything; your notes and well wishes are gifts enough but I have to say these little treasures are really wonderful! Thank you Lynne! Dorothy sent me a set of wooden circular needles and a set of cable needles. Holy crap! These are so beautiful! I can't wait to use them. They are just so lovely. Thank you Dorothy! Warming Grace Phase Two

Okay so there will be another draw! Yes indeedee. Another draw! Besides the fact that people continue to volunteer things for another draw I figure we should do another one. You guys so seriously rock. The next draw will be June 30, 2006, and all squares received beginning this week are entered. So keep sending the squares. Any colour, any pattern.

What do I have for the next draw so far?

1. My lovely brother is donating another $300.00 in gift certificates(3 x $100.00) from Make 1 Yarns. We will have to hear back from our other winners as to how much fun this is. He is absolutely blown away by us knitters. I am blown away by him! Thank you Jamie!

2. The lovely Rabbitch is donating another set of stitch markers. Rabbitch actually sells her stuff - she has markers and handdyed, handspun. Check her out here. Thank you Rabbitch!

3. The S 'n B group from Albuqueque donated a skein of STR. I don't know what it is about this yarn but I do have an unatural reaction to this yarn. I love it! The colour is Cobalt Bloom and it is lovely.

Thank you Amy, Carole, Diane, Noelle and Ramona! You guys are amazing! 4. I have some Fleece Artist, Koigu, some Brown Sheep and some other yarn goodies up for the draw...more on this later! 5. Celia who so generously donated a skein of her handdyed is donating a skein of her handspun, handdyed this time around. Thank you Celia! Check out her etsy; she has some new yarn there! 6. Jen from whom I purchased this wonderful sock bag (I love it so much!!!) is donating one of her bags for the draw. I am donating another one. These bags are so excellent! Check out her etsy too! I love Jen's bags so much I am going to get some more! Thank you Jen! That is what we have so far - aren't we all wonderful! If you would like to donate something email me. Seriously, I am thrilled beyond belief; at the response to the call for squares, at the extra gifts for Grace, the goodies for me, at the generosity for draw prizes. The squares are coming from all over and I love to read the notes and cards, this is such a special thing. The blankets will be magic. Another call for squares to note: Jamie is putting out the call for green squares for a friend's grandfather who is in a hospice. Green is great for all those participating in Project Spectrum (I think I am stuck in the pink month!) so if you can make her an 8x8" square head on over. I don't think Christine knew what was ahead when she first decided to ask for squares for her brother. Thank you for your inspiration Christine!
----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Teyani DATE:5/13/2006 12:54:00 AM Congrats on the new 'home' for Warming Grace ! It's wonderful.
I sent three squares a little more than a week ago -( I hope that they arrived, and that you're just too swamped) I was a tad concerned about sending thru customs, and didn't want you to pay a tarriff, so I just marked them as granny squares of no value.
I sure hope that you have some help sewing these together. If not, please feel free to email me back. I could help with some, or at least get together a band of folks who would!.
Maybe we can find a way to spread out the assmebly so that you are not overwhelmed. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:5/13/2006 07:42:00 AM Good idea to have a new blog for Gracie! So many nice people sending in stuff. And I can imagine the postcards that came along with the squares. Have you been able to put those in a notebook with pictures as planned? I bet that is a lot more work than you had planned also. Well I'll be making more squares ... want to do mixed colors this time... Happy knitting! ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Rhonda the Stitchingnut DATE:5/13/2006 07:46:00 AM p.s. You need a production line just to open mail, photograph and record the contents & from whom is came. Hope you have a team there helping you out. Go girl, go! [consider me the cheerleader, lol] ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Anonymous DATE:5/13/2006 08:07:00 AM Cindy,

You are so full of wonderful ideas. This is great. Assembly help ... just call. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Sorka DATE:5/13/2006 08:15:00 AM super cool that you have a new site. I might just have to knit up a couple more sqares!I'm just sad that the one blanket I have knit up is in acrylic!! Rats!Otherwise I would be more than glad to send it!
Denise
knitchat.com ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Blogger Melissa DATE:5/14/2006 12:05:00 AM This is all working so well. Very inspirational. Maybe my new group at church will be able to contribute soon. ----- COMMENT: AUTHOR:Anonymous Long Beach Bankruptcy Lawyer DATE:10/21/2011 04:51:00 PM Nice ideas. Thanks for sharing! ----- -------- Warming Grace

Warming Grace

NAMED IN HONOUR OF MY NIECE GRACE WHO IS BEING TREATED FOR LEUKEMIA, WARMING GRACE IS AN ONGOING PROJECT DESIGNED TO CREATE BLANKETS FROM KNITTED AND CROCHETED SQUARES FOR CHILDREN DEALING WITH CANCER...

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Grace has moved to a new home

Grace has moved here. Please come and visit.

Sunday, September 03, 2006

Three Glorious, Wonderful Rockin' Blankies.....

I am back - sort of. I have to be very careful with my energy but Warming Grace is always on my mind and so close to my heart. I wanted to share with you these three lovely beauties (Justin's, Simone's and Grace's blankies from left to right).

This is my Mom and Dad (Jim and Jackie) holding Grace's blanket. Grace is their grand-daughter and I think they are quite pleased and proud to have this honour. Grace's blanket was pieced and edged by my best buddy Carole, who did an outstanding job! The blanket is just so gorgeous in person and oh so soft. There is a square in the blanket that has been knit by Briana who is just 9 years old - Briana, you get a huge shout out and a big thank you from me!

Carole did this fabulous ruffled edge on the blanket which is very girly (Grace will so appreciate that). Carole has been a godsend for me. While I have been MIA this summer she has taken on the task of collecting the squares I get, assigning sewers and working on more blankets herself. I cannot say how much this means to me. Thank you is so very inadequate however THANK YOU CAROLE!

Simone's blanket is above. Simone's blanket was sewn and edged by Ann. Actually Ann did not sew the blanket together; she knit all the squares together. She also knit the edging in this really fabulous manner (I have to get the details because the final result is so lovely looking). I do promise to post some closeups so that you can see the details. The softness is unbelievable. Thank you so much Ann! Justin's blanket was sewn together by a bunch of us at our sewing party way back when. Julia from Village Yarns sewed the panels together and began the edging which Dale finished. The result is wonderful and truly a collaborative effort. Thank you to everyone who helped with this blankie. Again this blankie is so soft and squishy perfect for a little boy!

Of course my biggest thanks goes out to all of you who have knit squares, are planning to knit squares and who have sent so much positive energy, thoughts and prayers this way. I can attest to the special energy the blankets have - they are absolutely wonderful and vibrate the love that has gone into them.

My goal is still to complete twenty blankets (Carole has finished another one which I will post soon I promise - there is a three year old named Hannah who will be the lucky recipient of this blanket - more on that as well). i promise to make sure the posts are regular and you are kept up to date.

Please keep sending the squares and the positive vibes; this is truly a special project!

Wednesday, July 19, 2006

An Update for Cindy

This is Cindy's husband Ed. Cindy has not been well the last few weeks (her Fibro, CFS and Lead Poisoning) so there have been no posts on Warming Grace. She is on the mend and hopes to be back up and running next week. I apologize for not being able to get back to all those who have sent squares for the project. Cindy will update all the administrative 'stuff' (emails, noting squares received, photos and the June 30th draw) as soon as she is back. She apologizes profusely and hopes to get all caught up soon. She does want you to continue sending squares. Her good friend Carole has taken over keeping all the squares in order and having them knit up so that on this end things are still running smoothly in that area. Grace, Simone's and Justin's blankets are done and will be on their way this week. I don't know how to load on the photos but again Cindy will post the photos as soon as she is back. They do look great. Please hang in there and thanks for your ongoing support of the project.

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

Presenting....Justin's Blanket

It is done. Actually it was done and drying last week although with the humidity it take the darling thing a while to thoroughly dry. The squares were sewn together at our party, Julia sewed up the panels and started on the edging which Dale finished. Thanks Julia and Dale!
My primo buddy Carole delivered it to the farm (that woman is everywhere!) and we gave it a gentle bath and here we are. Enjoy!
This is the whole blankie - sorry about the upper edges; didn't want to lay it on the ground and I think the outside light is the best for viewing.

This is another view of the top half of the blanket.

This is the bottom half of the blanket.

Another view of the blanket full scale. Pardon the squeezed and stretched out edges; perhaps this is the first kid test (Ed's finesse was not available - he left for work early this morning and the weather was too perfect not to get out there and take these). Nick, who wanted to know why his face couldn't be part of the picture since he was modelling the blanket (I did try to tell him he was 'showing' the blanket, not modelling it - not a huge distinction for photo hogging children I guess) wanted you all to know that the "perfectly mowed lawn" is his doing. Thanks to everyone who responded to the call for Justin's blue squares (if you don't see it here you will see it in another blanket soon!). This blankie is beautiful, soft and it smells really good!

Please keep them coming! We have three finished (I don't have Simone's but I should be receiving it soon), two more being sewn together by Jean-Anne, another being sewn together by Carole and more squares waiting. My goal is TWENTY blankets so please keep sending squares when you can. Thank you again!

Draw Prizes and Things...

I apologize for the long time between posts. My fatigue and fibro have been acting up and I have been so so tired.
Between Blogger's tantrums and my ups and downs I have been neglectful in posting some of the other draw prizes that I have received (that draw to take place on June 30, 2006 and I will make sure to recap draw prizes before the draw).
If I have neglected to email you for the receipt of squares, if I have not put up your stars (yours have been updated Dawn!) or I have messed up please let me know so I can rectify the situation. Okay - so here goes: I have developed an incredible love for the S 'n B'rs of Albequerque! These women knit up squares as a group and again have sent squares individually, they have sent yarn prizes, awesome energy and good thoughts. You guys rock! Last week Noelle sent some Lorna's Laces and then Ramona sent me some STR Sock Club Yarn. The sock club yarn not available to the public (with the pattern no less). Your ongoing generosity is absolutely wonderful!

Thank you Ramona!!!

Annarella sent me some lovely squares and a set of her stitch markers for the draw. This chick makes markers! Go check out her website; I was totally impressed (and making a list for myself!). She has some really neat stitchmarkers for sale. I will definitely be indulging in the near future (I have to wait for the fire on my plastique to be put out!). Thank you so much Annarella!!

The lovely Dee from Posh Yarns sent me some wonderful sock yarn. See that photo below? 2 x 50 grams (total of 360 yards) of oh so soft and precious Cashmere/Merino sock yarn - colourway: Hothouse. This stuff is delish!!! Dee is absolutely lovely and her yarn is exquisite.

Thank you Dee!!! I also got some Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece (Cotton/Merino Blend) from my mom for the draw. It is a lovely shade of blue (Malibu Blue) and there are 5 skeins, each 215 yards, to come to some wonderful knitter.

Thanks Mom! Joy sent these lovely necklaces; one is for Ari (I will send it to you ASAP), one is for Grace and one is for me! These are lovely necklaces and I so appreciate the work that has gone into these beauties. Thank you Joy!!!!

Last but certainly not least, Julia sent this lovely Prayer Bear with her square. This is wonderful. I am not sure who the bear is intended for but I think I will send it to Justin.

Thank you so much Julia!

Thanks so much to everyone for their ongoing generosity and outpouring of love and warmth for the kids and this project. You are all wonderful! And a big thanks to Blogger for letting me post all the photos I want - woo hoo!!!

Monday, June 12, 2006

The first blankets are drying....

Justin and Grace's blankets are drying - I should have the pics up later this week. They look awesome! Simone's blanket is being sewn up. I haven't updated stats for a while so here goes: 1. We are at 221 knitters - amazing! Thank you for continuing to volunteer. My goal is 20 blankets and I know it can be done. 2. Squares are still arriving - I need to send out a huge thanks to the following: Amanda Cathleen, Annarella, Dorothy, Joy, Julia, Karen, Karen K, Katie, Knitpastis, Knittymama, Lin, Noelle, Sandra, Scout and Tracey - the squares are beautiful and the goodies too! Thank you so much for your hard work!!!! If I have made an error or if you haven't gotten your duly deserved props for sending squares PLEASE let me know - I realize everyday how easy I make mistakes and I don't want to not give anyone the credit they so richly deserve. 3. I am still getting draw prizes - woohoo! I am donating a skein of the lovely and elusive Vespers sock yarn. Noelle generously donated some Lorna's Laces sock yarn. I must say these Albequerque S 'n B'rs are incredible - you girls are stupendous! Thank you Noelle! I have other draw prizes whose pictures I cannot load on. I will display them as soon as the problem is rectified. 4. I spoke with my brother about the status of our three kiddies - Jamie says Grace, Simone and Justin are all doing well with no significant changes for the worse - excellent news. Note: I have been having problems downloading photos for about the past week; hence no posts. Blogger is not letting me put up photos and when I can only one or two. I am rectifying this problem by moving my blogs - I will keep you posted as to when and where. I do apologize for not being able to put up more photos.

Friday, June 02, 2006

The Sewing Party - Part Two

I am crossing my fingers that this will post properly as Blogger is finally letting me load more pictures of the sewing party. Hard at work are Ann (front right), my primo buddy Carole (center) and Debbie (top left). These women took to the task and how.

More industrious square sewing. Debbie (top right), Julia (center) and Dawn (bottom left). I don't have a pic of Jean Anne but that girl worked her butt off.

This is the frontside of Gracie's blanket.

When I talked to Carole yesterday all the panels had been sewn up and she was finishing the edging. Which means almost done!

These blankets are looking so good and there is so much good energy in these. Carole said that sewing up Gracie's made her feel so good.

This is the front side of Simone's blanket. I don't have an update but I am sure Ann is well on her way. Ann, who is working at getting her Master Knitting Certificate, will certainly be doing a fantabulous job on putting together Simone's blanket.

I will be thrilled if this makes it way onto the net; pink power will blast it's way through Blogger boo-hoo-ness!

Wednesday, May 31, 2006

Sew! Sew we had a party........

In spite of the toxic soup that is Toronto right now (heat, humidity and pollution are such an evil combination) sewing was had on Sunday at Village Yarns. In attendance were myself, Ann, Carole, Dawn, Debby, Julia and Jean-Anne. These chicks rock! I mean seriously rock! Given my various infirmities (of which everyone is also so considerate about) they took on the task of sorting and matching over 400 squares; it was an amazing sight to see. The squares laid out for Justin's blankie are below. We ended up going with a smaller blanket given that he is only 4 years old right now. This should be very comfy for him. We had plenty of eats. Carole brought fruit salad, cookies, muffins, cheese, crackers and ju-jubes. The woman knows how to provide. Jean-Anne brought a fabulous broccoli salad and coleslaw. They were fantastic! Julia provided lemonade and mineral water. I brought some yummy stewed chicken made by Ed. Carol sent scones via Ann because she couldn't make it (and understands the value of carbs and sugar for hard working knitters!). We made excellent progress and were able to sew together the panels for Justin and Grace's blankets, leaving just the panels. At the end of the day Ann left with Simone's blanket to sew together (from sewing together the squares to sewing the panels to edging the blanket), Carole left with Gracie's blanket (to sew together the panels and edge the blanket), Julia left with Justin's blanket (to sew together the panels and edge the blanket) and Jean-Anne left with squares for two blankets to put together (sewing together the squares, the panels and do the edging). Julia took the rest of the squares and sorted and divided them into coordinated piles for more sewing up. This girl is a dynamo - d-y-n-a-m-o!!! We have enough squares for at least 3 more blankets with more squares arriving daily. Please don't fret if your square is not up there. All the squares will be used to make blankets - no square will go unused or unloved; they will all make some child warmer! I am so humbled by their generosity and enthusiasm. THANK YOU ANN, CAROLE, DAWN, DEBBY, JEAN-ANNE AND JULIA!!! I am totally excited by the prospect that I will probably be able to send Justin's blanket out by the middle of next week. I will post pictures of the completed blankets as soon as they are done. We are so close to having our first few!!! By Monday night Julia had Justin's blanket sewn together and was working on the edging. Things are starting to take shape! I do apologize for the total lack of photo content. I have pictures which Blogger is not letting me download ***!!@@##***- must be the heat (LOL). I will attempt to edit with photos when I am able or just publish another post but I had to get this up!

Friday, May 26, 2006

I love you knitter peoples so much........

We now have 200 knitters dedicated to the Project! This is so amazing given that my original thought was one little blanket for my niece Grace. Wow. Of course having these numbers requires a level of management, organization and attention that is challenging. I apologize for not getting around to my favourite bloggers the way I would like. I actually thought I was caught up last weekend and was patting myself on the back (even got to a few blogs...) - HA! Here I am again trying to catch up. We got LOTS of mail this week; lots and lots of blue squares for Justin. Amazing! Still more pink Grace squares and other colours which can be used for boys or girls. Awesome! This is an experience like nothing I have ever had the opportunity to appreciate. Each parcel with it's contents lovingly put together, beautiful notes for me and for the kids. Such love, caring and compassion - I giggle, laugh and cry. This experience is humbling and beautiful. The squares are from everywhere; several Provinces in Canada, Many States from the States, England and the English Channel, France, Australia and Singapore. I am truly starting to believe that if the world was left up to knitters we could solve a lot of the world's ails. I am so glad we are focusing on the kids. There will be a big sewing party on this Sunday at Village Yarns. It should start at about 1030am and if you are in the area - come! Justin's blanket will be sewn together and finished between Sunday and Monday. I have a goal to stick to. I am staying in Toronto until Tuesday night (Dr.'s appts) so I will post Wednesday am at the latest. I am also hoping to get a good start on Grace and Simone's blankets and farm out a couple more to wonderful people who are willing to put an entire blanket together. EVERY SQUARE RECEIVED WILL BE USED. NO SQUARE WILL BE LEFT BEHIND. THERE IS NO DEADLINE FOR WHEN SQUARES WILL STOPPED BEING ACCEPTED. I have had a number of emails from people wondering if it is too late, if their square will be used, etc. I will make blankets for as long as I receive squares. If you want to make more, you can always make the colour of the month as per Project Spectrum. Make any colour you like. The sad deal about all of this is that there will always be a need for these blankets so I will keep on sewing and if there is a need for a child somewhere and we can help him or her, please email me and we will get on it. I need to send out SHOUTS and SHOUTS of thanks to the following knitters whose squares I have received this week: Aija, Amy, Ann L., Ariane, Barbara, Beth K, Carole A, Carrie, Christina, Daphne, Eileen, Francesca, Jackie, Jamie, Janine, Jillian, Joanne R, Kate, Katrina, Kelli-Ann, Lauren P, Lisa, Lu, Lucia, Marie-Michele N, Marnie, Michelle, Rhonda, Susan, Suzanna and Vicki! (If I have made any boo boo's please let me know). The squares are beautiful and the cards and the notes are wonderful. YOU GUYS ROCK! ABSOLUTELY POSITIVELY ROCK! Lauren sent a whole box full of goodies along with her squares. All kinds of groovy stuff totally suitable for Grace, Simone and Justin. Lauren's two kids are named Grace and Justin. What are the odds? I didn't realize it at the time but there are also two skeins of Reynolds Lopi in there for me. Thank you so much Lauren! Amy also sent some goodies for Grace and Simone (I didn't get a chance to photograph them but I will). Thanks so much Amy! Jillian kindly sent along these two skeins for the June 30th draw. They are 2 50gram skeins of KnitPicks Shadow Merino Laceweight in the colour Vineyard. It is a lovely burgundy/purple with flecks of yellow and red. Spectacular. A total of 880 yards which could certainly make something really decent. Thank you Jillian! If anyone else would like to donate something for the draw on June 30th, please feel free! Ariane sent along this passel of goodies. Nick is drooling but I told him to keep his mitts off. After all he has a whack of candy just received from Amanda. Ariane you really didn't have to. Thank you so much! Rabbitch sent along these markers. I thought they were for the next draw. Apparently not. They are for me. Me! I can't believe it! Rabbitch you really didn't need to. Thank you so much Rabbitch!

I just want to say thank you for all of your ongoing generosity and enthusiasm in this little project.

I am so touched and impressed and humbled by the quality of people out there.

I keep laughing as you all tell me thanks for the opportunity and for the work I am doing; you don't have to, I am really doing so little in comparison.

Your caring, compassion, love, positive prayers and energy are miraculous. Truly miraculous. I do feel so incredibly humbled and I am so blessed to be such a part of this project.

Friday, May 19, 2006

Long Weekend Update

I can't believe how quickly time seems to move along. Not surprisingly you have taken up the gauntlet regarding Justin and how! I have started to get blue squares already and those pink squares are still pouring in! Thank you so much! I am finally going to be starting the sewing - we are having a big party at Village Yarns. They have generously turned over the store to us on Sunday, May 28 (I wonder if they will let me shop??!!!) and I will be hanging out in Toronto for Monday night's project group as well to keep on finishing the blankets. Thank you Karen and Julia! If you are in town and can come let me know. My intention is to have Justin's blanket done as well as Grace's and Simone's well underway(if not done). More will be done as I will be giving them to a couple of generous volunteers who are willing to take an entire blanket's worth of squares and sew them up. Can't wait to get the initial blankets finished and on their way! It has been quite a week. Lots of emails from interested knitters. If you email me and haven't heard from me within 24 hours try me at cynicked@lincsat.com - I have been having some difficulty with my email carrier and I do apologize (I am trying to rectify the problem). Arrivals on several days. More squares from Anny, Batman, Carol, Celia, Debbie A, Irene, Joanne A, Kelli Ann, Leah, Liz, Rae, Rebecca, Shanna, Teresa and Teyani. Your energy and enthusiasm is unbelievable and thanks are so inadequate. THANK YOU ANYWAY!! I still have plans to take pictures of the squares but I may wait until the blankets are done (there are a lot of squares!) Teresa sent a lovely little bag of goodies(see above) for Grace with this beautiful bracelet on the outside. Grace will love it. Thank you Teresa! Joanne A. sent this so totally cute knitted teddy bear. He is so adorable! Thank you Joanne! Carol also sent me a gratis set of square blockers that she and her buddy Ann make and sell. They sell blocking kits for sweaters as well as things in the round. I have one of their larger kits and they are fantastic! You can email them at FinishTouch1@aol.com to find out about these lovely goodies. Thank you Carol! It looks small but there are over 400 squares in that basket - Nick calls it the Laundry Basket of Love. I was finally able to put a sticky label with a name on the back of each square so they could be identified, got all the postcards, cards and notes organized, names with emails and blogs - it did take some time. I do have a system so hopefully it will be that much easier from now. I was speaking to my brother earlier in the week. Grace, Simone and Justin are maintaining which is the best that anyone can hope for. He was also telling me about the Clinic Poke Box. The Poke Box is for every child who gets a poke (treatment/intrusion/needle) of any kind while at the day clinic or at the Q cluster (oncology department) - they go to the box and take a small goody. These goodies range from pencils, play jewellry, paper, small toys, etc. So if you want to send something for the Poke box feel free. He says that the stuff they have that gets donated is great! I am trying to get him to get me a photo of the Poke box so I can post it. Exciting, exciting news. I got an email from Janet Szabo. Yes, that Janet Szabo. She is excited about our project and wants to get involved! Janet is a 12 year survivor of Leukemia (Congratulations Janet!!!!) and she has decided to do the following for us; she is donating a prize for the draw - your choice of: 1. a copy of Aran Sweater Design or 2. a copy of the I Hate to Finish Sweaters book or 3. a one year subscription to Twists and Turns! This is so fantastic! Thank you Janet! June 3rd is the 12 year anniversary of her diagnosis. She is going to work up 3 or 4 cable knit square patterns and post them to Aranknit as an "Anniversary Challenge." (I am going to see if we can post them here but I am sure we can put the link on the sidebar!). She is also going to mention our project in the Fall issue of Twists and Turns. Awesome eh!!! Thank you so very much Janet - YOU ROCK! Thank you again Janet! I got some yarn from Celia in the mail for the draw. This is as beautiful as it looks. 22 micron Merino top. Thank you Celia! And, in further draw news Dee from Posh Yarns in the UK is donating a 100 gram skein of cashmere/merino for the draw. This looks so yummy! Can you believe it? Thank you Dee! I continue to be thrilled and touched by the generosity of everyone in donating to the draws - this is just icing on the cake but really it is so incredibly special. I have also finally mailed out all the yarn and needles and things to the draw winners of May - sorry for the delay; it took me a bit longer than I thought. You should be receiving them next week. Again thank you to all of you who have knit squares, are knitting squares, will be knitting squares and who have donated draw prizes. You and this project warm me!

Sunday, May 14, 2006

I've got my mojo on for Justin!

So the call went out and true to form all you awesome knitters respond in fine form!!! We are cooking! Justin needs those squares! We will have the blanket to him as soon as possible. I knit 3 squares myself last night with more set for today. They are blocked and I will sew in the ends today. I used some Morehouse Merino 3 strand and oh it is so soft and warm and light. I am going to have to order some more in different colours. If we get more than 63 squares? Sadly, no problem - there are others who need the blankets too. My immediate focus is Justin. He needs the blanket. NOW! I have my squares basket loaded with the colours I need: Blue for Justin (and other boys), Pink for Grace and Simone (and other girls) and Green for Jamie's friend's grandfather. I do have other colours to add to the basket once these are used: purples, yellows, oranges and reds to name just a few. Thanks for answering the original call and making squares and thank you to those able to get me squares for Justin as soon as possible. You continue to amaze me!

Saturday, May 13, 2006

Emergency Call for Blue Squares

My SIL Adrienne just emailed me this photo of Grace and her 'boyfriend' Justin. Gracie loves Justin and says she is going to marry him. Gracie doesn't know that Justin is very very sick. Justin has liver cancer and he remains very ill. According to Adrienne, Justin has surpassed his Doctors predictions that he wouldn't make it past February, and they are just so grateful for everyday Justin survives and the time Gracie has with her Prince Charming. They are all very close so this is an upsetting and emotional time for both families. Please keep them in your prayers. She also said that Justin would probably love a blankie, and it would give his parents a good deal of comfort. I did know about Justin (that he and Gracie were buddies and that his situation didn't look so good) but now we can do something! So, we need 63 squares now! Anyone who can knit up a square or three and get them to me within 10 days please let me know. Make sure they are blocked and ready to be sewn together. Don't worry about a postcard (I know how hard it has been for everyone to find them); send a note to Justin and make sure you include where you live. The first blanket will be for Justin. I want to have it ready to send within three weeks and whatever you can do will be great! Thank you. Please make sure I have your email address! Thanks!

Friday, May 12, 2006

Gracie has a new home!

Warming Grace has a new home! I hope you like it. The participant's list is getting so wonderfully large and so much is happening that I felt it was time to move to a separate blog. Several people also mentioned it and I had been mulling it over so here it is! We are up to 174 participants!! Wow! Another week of mega deliveries! Lots and lots of squares; some of you knitters are seriously putting it out! Thank you, thank you, thank you to Amanda Cathleen, Claudia, Crystal, Dawn, Emily, Kimberly, Liz, Lynne, Melissa, Ramona and her S 'n B group from Albuquerque (Amy, Carole, Diane and Noelle) ,Sarah, Sharon, Susan, Teresa, Terri and Vicki. I also want to put a huge thanks out to Jennifer B. from Spokane, WA and Paula E. from Centre, AL - can you please email me so I have your proper emails (and if you have blogs that I have not linked you to). THANK YOU!!! The mail just keeps on coming. Even as I write this blog I have some mail and goodies not photographed. I will try to get it up as soon as possible. Kerstin sent me this. This little heart blanket is absolutely stunning. Thank you so much Kerstin; I don't really have the adjectives to adequately describe my appreciation. Some little darling is going to love her new blankie. You are a superstar! Thank you Kerstin! Amanda Cathleen sent this lovely little box - not only squares but two lovely little dolls (going to Grace and Simone). Oh and there is some sustenance in there for me as well - tee hee. Some chocolate peanut butter bars that Amanda Cathleen says are even better frozen. Yummy! Thank you Amanda Cathleen! Emily also sent me some sustanence! You guys are too much! I am torn between saying you really don't have to (and you really don't have to) and telling to keep bringing it on! Ed loves Jelly Belly so he'll have to be really nice to get some of these babies - I got a lot of squares to sew together - A LOT!! Thank you Emily! Lynne sent me some markers. I love them! I am not expecting anything; your notes and well wishes are gifts enough but I have to say these little treasures are really wonderful! Thank you Lynne! Dorothy sent me a set of wooden circular needles and a set of cable needles. Holy crap! These are so beautiful! I can't wait to use them. They are just so lovely. Thank you Dorothy! Warming Grace Phase Two

Okay so there will be another draw! Yes indeedee. Another draw! Besides the fact that people continue to volunteer things for another draw I figure we should do another one. You guys so seriously rock. The next draw will be June 30, 2006, and all squares received beginning this week are entered. So keep sending the squares. Any colour, any pattern.

What do I have for the next draw so far?

1. My lovely brother is donating another $300.00 in gift certificates(3 x $100.00) from Make 1 Yarns. We will have to hear back from our other winners as to how much fun this is. He is absolutely blown away by us knitters. I am blown away by him! Thank you Jamie!

2. The lovely Rabbitch is donating another set of stitch markers. Rabbitch actually sells her stuff - she has markers and handdyed, handspun. Check her out here. Thank you Rabbitch!

3. The S 'n B group from Albuqueque donated a skein of STR. I don't know what it is about this yarn but I do have an unatural reaction to this yarn. I love it! The colour is Cobalt Bloom and it is lovely.

Thank you Amy, Carole, Diane, Noelle and Ramona! You guys are amazing! 4. I have some Fleece Artist, Koigu, some Brown Sheep and some other yarn goodies up for the draw...more on this later! 5. Celia who so generously donated a skein of her handdyed is donating a skein of her handspun, handdyed this time around. Thank you Celia! Check out her etsy; she has some new yarn there! 6. Jen from whom I purchased this wonderful sock bag (I love it so much!!!) is donating one of her bags for the draw. I am donating another one. These bags are so excellent! Check out her etsy too! I love Jen's bags so much I am going to get some more! Thank you Jen! That is what we have so far - aren't we all wonderful! If you would like to donate something email me. Seriously, I am thrilled beyond belief; at the response to the call for squares, at the extra gifts for Grace, the goodies for me, at the generosity for draw prizes. The squares are coming from all over and I love to read the notes and cards, this is such a special thing. The blankets will be magic. Another call for squares to note: Jamie is putting out the call for green squares for a friend's grandfather who is in a hospice. Green is great for all those participating in Project Spectrum (I think I am stuck in the pink month!) so if you can make her an 8x8" square head on over. I don't think Christine knew what was ahead when she first decided to ask for squares for her brother. Thank you for your inspiration Christine!