Thursday, September 14, 2006

Laurie's Grandmother

Ya'll all know Crazy Aunt Purl, right? Well, that's the Laurie I'm talking about. And Laurie's grandmother has been having a bit of a hard go of it lately. (Read about it here.) She is in a convalescent hospital and Laurie is making the long drive back and forth to see her. (What a good granddaughter!)

So I was thinking, what's the point of all this warm-and-fuzzy online knitting community if not to do something nice for someone who needs and would most certainly appreciate it? I've seen so many successful blanket projects where a bunch of different knitters have each knitted a square or two and then they've all been sewed together by someone (in this case, that'd be me) and they've all turned out so so beautiful. I think we should knit a blanket for Laurie's grandmother. What do ya'll think?

Nursing homes, in all of their various forms, aren't really known for being the most warm and cozy places. I think a knitted blanket would warm her both inside and out. I know from my experience working in a nursing home that any little treasure that shows up is dearly loved - and the stories behind those treasures are loved at least as much if not more. I sorely regret that I didn't knit when my grandfather was still alive and in a nursing home.

I'm still figuring out the details (8" squares? 9" squares? 7" squares? Cotton? Wool? Blends?) So please bear with me. If you'd like to participate, please leave me a comment or an email and I'll do my best in the next day or so to post the criteria.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

Kristy, what a great idea! I'd love to help out, so let us know what size squares, and approximate weight yarn and such, and where to send 'em.

Anonymous said...

Kristy, you can count me in too! Just waiting for the details!

Donna said...

Count me in, too ... this is so nice of to do. :-)

RobynR said...

I'm in! Let me know the details when you figure them all out.
This is a great idea.

Anonymous said...

Well, as you know, I do not knit but I can help you lay out the pieces when they all come in and I can give you some "non-knitter" advice.

Anonymous said...

I don't knit either but this is a great idea! Wish I could help somehow, financial or otherwise. Let me know!

RC said...

Kristy
I'm here from Purl's site and think this is an awesome idea! I'm in for at least 2 squares. I suggest it be washable (just in case) so a blend or one of the super soft acrylics. But whatever you decide. Just send me specs and I'll get to it

rabiesonmyshoe.blogspot.com

Dr. B. said...

This is a GREAT idea. So thoughtful. Count me in!

ccr in MA said...

What a nice thought! Please put me on the list.
ccr in MA

Mitchypoo said...

I'd like to contribute.

Rhett said...

im in for any size, yarn or color square you need!! please let me know where to send it!

WineGrrl said...

Sign me up.

NeedleTart said...

I'm in! I live in a fairly small place, so please give us time to mail order super soft yarn if needed. Thanks.
PS Yeah, washable that's a good idea!

Dusa said...

Count me in if she wants it. And my suggestion is if she doesn't want it for her Gram, maybe we could make one for another resident and she could take it to them when she goes to visit. Just another thought (and another reason to knit).

themusemedusa AT yahoo DOT com

Anonymous said...

Hi Kristy and everyone else- I want to help with Laurie's grandma's blanket. I LOVE love love Laurie (not a stalker, though).

Can I make a suggestion? We had a baby boy 4 months ago and got a few handmade blankets- knitted, crocheted, quilted --in cotton, acrylic, wool. The very best blankie we got - that we use everyday even in summer- is one made of Bernat Cotton Tots.

It is SUPER soft, has a heavy drape, and is warm but breathable. The more you wash it the softer it gets. The yarn comes in solid and variegated colors. It is about $5.30 per skein. You can get it at most Michaels, some Wal Marts and on-line.

I have NOT knit with it, but my girlfriend says it is a dream to crochet with.