Happy Spring!
Even though Spring has just begun, our volunteers have been busy crafting blankets for Project #2! Currently, we have approximately 80 blankets out of the 142 that we need for Banwell Gardens for delivery in December.
Even though Spring has just begun, our volunteers have been busy crafting blankets for Project #2! Currently, we have approximately 80 blankets out of the 142 that we need for Banwell Gardens for delivery in December.
Common Questions and Answers
We are often asked questions in regards to the ideal size, type of yarn and so on for our blankets. Here are some tips for creating lap blankets:
Size:
36x45 inches is a good size; give or take a few inches.
Residents may choose to use their blankets while sitting in a wheelchair, recliner or for an extra layer when in bed so the size you decide on can vary to a degree.
Yarn:
Acrylic yarn that is machine washable is a good choice.
Please do not use wool as it will shrink and a resident may be allergic.
Sturdy rather than delicate is a good choice as homes use industrial washing machines.
We use a variety of colors and patterns to help distinguish each blanket. This helps the home keep track of which blanket belongs to which resident. Homes also label blankets with names tags.
Stitches:
Some commonly used stitches are the single or double crochet, v-stitch, shell stitch, granny stitch and waffle stitch but any stitch which is not too delicate would be appropriate.
Additional tips:
Please do not add ties to the blanket. The intention with adding ties is to keep the blanket in place, however, having a blanket tied to a wheelchair will restrict a resident's movement. Therefore, we do not add ties to our items.
Pockets are useful for keeping small items like tissues handy or for keeping hands warm and cozy. If adding pockets for hands, a kangaroo pocket or placing the pockets on an angle are good options. To determine whether the pockets will be comfortable, lay your blanket on your lap and adjust the pockets to a comfortable angle before attaching them.
There are many free patterns available on the internet.
Most importantly, be creative and enjoy crafting your unique blanket!