Today was Handmade’s first shipping of 2023. And what a day it was. Ann, Chris, and I sent 1,400 scarves and 150 hats to 45 shelters. We didn’t quite finish, but we will do so next week. What impressed me even more than the numbers—and the numbers are truly impressive—is how so many of you answered my call last week for more wrapped scarves and not only wrapped scarves quickly but went out of your way to get them to me in time to include them today. Thanks of course to our regular wrappers—Carlyn, Carole, Chris F, Chris N, Elizabeth, and Sari, but also to two new wrappers, Anneliese and Nancy J. Redwood Knitters’s (Mill Valley) box of scarves arrived yesterday already wrapped. Lisa S, delivered her monthly bag of scarves yesterday and they too were already wrapped. I felt you all sensed the urgency of having enough scarves for the shipping. You can see why I am so touched. So many participants. So much dedication to our project. And together, we achieved so much. Many, many thanks.
Let’s remember all the work and effort it takes to generate scarves that need wrapping. Every scarf starts with yarn, so thanks to all those who donate yarn or $$$ to buy yarn. The yarn has to be measured, so thanks to the measurers--Bonnie, Joyce, Karen H, Meredith, and Paula. Measured yarn needs to be made into Magic Balls, so thanks to all the winders—Karen H, Kayoko, Lois, and Paula. Then, the Magic Balls go to all of you knitters and crocheters and you make them into our wonderful, beautiful comfort scarves. Thanks to each and every scarf maker. Thanks to Sharon for checking the scarves, weaving in the ends (when necessary), adjusting the fun fur and making sure each and every scarf is perfect enough to give to an abuse survivor who has sought the protection of a shelter. Finally, the finished scarves go to the wrappers, who dress them up with colorful curling ribbon. It takes a village for sure, and Handmade is a really good village. Make sure to give yourself a pat on the back for all the good you do participating in Handmade.