By Leslye's Blog | January 25, 2015 at 04:39 PM EST | 3 comments
This morning my daughter Amy sent me a photo of hand knitted and crocheted scarves tied around trees in a park in a cold climate. They were put there by the makers so people who needed them could take them. I was very touched by the generosity of the knitters/crocheters who made these scarves to share with people who were physically cold. All that snow on the ground. Brrrr.
Seeing those scarves made me think about what we do at Handmade. Our scarves are not for the physically cold, as are the scarves in the photo Amy sent. Our comfort scarves are for abused women who are so desperate, so at the end of their ropes, that they have fled their abusive environments and sought the protection of a shelter. They feel hopeless, unworthy, stupid, inept, and whatever other negative adjectives their abusers have heaped on them. When they arrive at the shelter, they receive one of our scarves. They are amazed that anyone they don't even know has made anything so beautiful for them! Depending on which scarf maker signed the gift tag, our scarf tells them "Annie thinks you're valuable." "Janet thinks you're capable." "Sharon thinks you have a better future." Suddenly, even if for just a few minutes, they have hope. Directors at the shelters use this moment to encourage them to begin the education and therapy that will make their lives in the future free of abuse. Our scarves warmed their hearts!
We need more scarf makers. We're just beginning our campaign for 2015. Check out the patterns on our website. We need YOU!
Bracing for our next \northeaster\ storm, I am warmed by Leslye's word and the generosity of all who contribute to Handmade Especially for You. I am honored to be a part of this program and am thankful every day that I had a chance encounter with Leslye and Annie at the Princess Wilderness Lodge near Denali. This truly is a heartwarming experience for all!
Leslye - LOVE your blog.
What a great mantra for Handmade - \Our scarves warm hearts\
Ann
What a wonderful project this is. There are so many women (and their children) who are being helped by what you are doing. I'm off right now to grab some needles and get busy. Good luck to you.