The purpose of this project is to present each athlete that competes in Idaho this winter with a handmade scarf (knit or crochet) as a show of support from the maker of the scarf to the athlete. 5000 scarves will be needed and I'm very happy to be donating this one.
Pattern (CO 21 sts.)
Yarn: Red Heart Worsted Weight
Colors: Delft Blue (0885) and White (0311)
Needles: US 10
Size: 6" x 56"
Anyone can participate, but there are some guidelines that need to be followed. The most important one is that you must use Red Heart Super Saver yarn in two very specific colors--Delft Blue (0885) and White (0311). Did I sense a collective cringe from all the natural fiber lovers out there? Yes, this acrylic yarn is a bit crunchy right from the skein, but it does soften up considerably after it's washed and dried.
Coats and Clark, manufacturers of Red Heart yarn and sponsors of this project, have provided two free patterns for use, but any scarf pattern is fine as long as it uses both colors of yarn. Size recommendation is 4 1/2" x 50", but there is some leeway here it seems. You will find guidelines and mailing instructions here and here. There is also helpful information and discussion on the Raverly group.
There is still plenty of time to get involved in this project. Scarves must be received by January 15, 2009.
That is a beautiful pattern and someone is going to love that scarf!
ReplyDeletegreat pattern and nice scarf. I cringed when I initally read the rules but got over myself quickly. And you know what, it wasn't that bad. I crocheted of course but when I wrapped it around my neck it wasn't horrible like I'd imagined it. Thank you for making a scarf too. You're such a giving knitter.
ReplyDeleteTracy, your giving spirit is an inspiration...I'm going to look into doing this. Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeletePerfect scarf!!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing the information about this project. I hadn't heard of it.
ReplyDeleteI like how the two colors work together on your scarf. It is very attractive.
The link for the scarf patterns in your post does not work :(
Excellent project! My son is competing in a Special Olympics tournament this weekend. Thanks for helping to support the cause!
ReplyDeleteGreat scarf! It's also such a great cause. Nice work!
ReplyDeleteVery nice! I'll have to see if my store has those two colors. :)
ReplyDeleteTraci your scarf turned out beautiful. Just love the color combination. Someone is really going to like it! Great project, I might add.
ReplyDeleteA scarf for this project is on my (lengthy) list, too. Yours turned out beautifully.
ReplyDeleteWhat a cool pattern! Love it!
ReplyDeleteI had to read that again , Red Heart:-)) It is a cool pattern though and the yarn does show up nicely in those colors. My great aunts knit everything in Red Heart and could they knit!
ReplyDeleteI have been reading your blog for almost a year now and have really enjoyed it. Your knitting projects are wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe color/pattern combo on this scarf is really nice. I am curious how you handled the color changes. Did you carry the "other" color up the side or did you cut/swap and weave in all those tails?
Donna
Thanks for the post and the links! Looks like the perfect project to work on during our weekly after school "knotty knitters" gatherings!
ReplyDeleteThat's a really pretty scarf, Tracy!
ReplyDeleteI'm going to check with our Wal-Mart and see if I can get the yarn there. I know they carry the brand, but am not sure about the Delft Blue. I hope so. I'm glad to know that washing softens it up, as I know it sure doesn't feel soft in the store!
Yes, I did cringe a bit, I am amazed at the generosity of knitters and it touches my heart. I know that recepients of our loving gifts for the most part are very appreciative. I had knitted several Chemo hats (in the most luxurious fibers I could manage) for a friend, she told her son that they comforted her, so all the effort was so worth it. Your blog is marvelous and very much appreciated.
ReplyDeletewonderful article and great idea. cheers
ReplyDeleteDonna,
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment and question. Since the color change is every two rows, I carried the yarn up the side. It would be too much work to cut and weave in all those ends and I think carrying the yarn results in a neater edge too.
Tracy
dear crafters-Just wanted to thank you all for the scarves for special olympics.I have identical twin girls.they are now 10 years old.they each have diffenent degrees of disabilities.I got them involved in special olympics about 4 years ago.and have seen many magical moments with them,to see them do things i would have never imagined.we recently went to the winter games in connecticut.were one of my daughter's competed in figure skating.they had a box of scarves they were giving out ,It reminded me of when my daughter's were born they were 3 pound babies.and one of the things that was memorable for us is when the nicu gave us little tiny clothes and knitted blankets the size of a hankerchief,they all had little notes inside them.some with addresses in them .I never got to thank the knitter's personally,life has been very busy.with medical issues ect.but this is a thank you for then and now for anyone that reads this who wonders what happens to there charatable gifts,you may not always get a answer back but
ReplyDeletei tell you all that we do thank you all,it means allot to recieve these gifts.I WILL THINK OF YOU AS WELL WHEN MY DAUGHTERS WERE THERE SCARFS!and wish you well and thank you for thinking of the athletes.Life lessons can be learned from special olympians I hope everyone takes time to know a athlete youre life will be rewarded for your efforts.p.s.Iknow how it is I used to be a spinner,wool vs synthetic ......But the spirit your spirits are carried in the blue and white scarfs................peace and love to all