Let's meet next Sunday after church

Shortly after the last post, Phyllis, Rachel and I went to Mary Maxim to purchase yarn for our two new comfortghans. Phyllis gratiously purchased enough yarn to complete both comfortghans. The first one will be in the bright primary shades of red, yellow and blue. The second one will be in pastel shades of green.

Phyllis currently has the yarn in her possession. If you would like to participate, you can purchase two balls of yarn from Phyllis for $10. If we have more people crocheting than anticipated, you may receive a slight refund on your purchase.

So far, I have received 6 completed squares for the primary-coloured afghan. Six more to go and we can start putting the squares together. Way to go crocheters!!

We're planning a time of fellowship after church next Sunday (November 5th). If you'd like to join us, please bring a lunch as we will be meeting after choir practice. You can stay for as little or as long as you like. We usually break up around 2:30 - 3:00 p.m. If you live close by, you can go home, have lunch, then return. We'll still be there!

This would be a great opportunity to receive instruction if you're stuck, learn to crochet if you're new or just enjoy time crocheting with others. I'll bring some spare crochet hooks, instruction sheets and patterns.

Just a reminder about the squares:

• they should be 12" in size (no larger, no smaller)
• you can mix colours that belong in the same colourway (e.g. red and blue or red and yellow) in the same square - that adds some variety
• you can use any pattern you wish as long as the square is exactly 12"
• ensure you don't just "cut off" the ends - leave a length of about 6-8", then sew in the ends so the square doesn't unravel. If you're not sure how to do this, please leave the ends "hanging" when you submit your square and/or ask me for directions.

Feel free to leave me a note in the comments section under this post. Just click on the link below and type your message.

Dave to the Rescue

Dave e-mailed me some photos he took on his cell phone after the dedication service.

We're off and running again...

Two weeks ago the afghans were dedicated during the Sunday church service. Afterwards the afghans were presented to Meghan and Mary.

I realized I never did post a completed photo of the afghans we made. I know that photos were taken after the dedication service. If anyone has digital copies of these photos, please send them to me so I can post them here.

After church this morning, we had a brief meeting to discuss our next project. Here is a brief outline:

• Phyllis and Cheryl will make a yarn crawl to Mary Maxim at Yonge/Eglinton to purchase the yarn for our next project
• We will purchase two batches of yarn - one in shades of green and the other in cheerful primary colours
• By using the same type of yarn, we will be able to provide some "consistency" amongst the squares - this will also make it easier to join them
• The next time we meet, the total cost of the yarn would be divided amongst the crocheters who wish to participate
• We'll keep balls of yarn "on hand" so that anyone who wishes to participate can do so at any time without the need to go out and purchase yarn on his/her own
• We'll continue to make 12" squares using any pattern. Several links to free patterns on the Internet can be found in the sidebar to the right of this post
• Please use either a 4.5mm or 5mm crochet hook - whichever hook size allows you to work comfortably so your work isn't too tight or too loose
• Those who are able to meet on Sundays can do so after church. If not, and you prefer to work at home, that's okay too!

If you need crochet hooks or help with a pattern, please feel free to e-mail me and let me know. There's no limit to the number of squares you wish to make. Just keep us posted on your progress. Ideally, for two afghans, we'd like 24 squares. Please ensure that the squares are exactly 12" in diameter. It's okay if they're a little "off" but if they're 12 1/4" or 12 1/2" square it makes the completed afghan look "puckery".

A short prayer you can use as you begin each square...

Dear Lord; Bless my hands as I crochet today. May each
twist of the yarn guide me to create a pattern of love and
comfort in my work and remind me of Your ultimate protection.
Wrap me in Your spirit so that I will be more caring towards
those in need.

Grant me patience as I create this blanket. And bless
my handiwork as it travels to bring comfort and peace
to someone in need of Your warming embrace. Amen.

(found at shawlministry.com and modified slightly)