THIS PROGRAM HAS BECOME AN EXCITING PROJECT WITH PARTICIPATION FROM BLOGGERS AND NON-BLOGGERS ALIKE. IT IS AN ONGOING PROJECT UNTIL JUNE 2008.
PLEASE NOTE: AS OF JANUARY, WE HAVE ALL THE SQUARES WE NEED, BUT YOU CAN VIEW UPDATES AT THE NEWSHARE A SQUARE WEB SITE.
I have an idea, and I need some people with big hearts to help me make it happen. I’m hoping that it’s you, whether you are a blogger or not. Some of you people dropping in from the Garden Web and other sites might be interested. You can help, too.
Last week, I was reading Phara’s blog, your mirror or mine. She posted a picture of a lovely quilt that was given to her son at cancer camp made by the hands of a volunteer. Over the years that he has gone to camps, he’s been given several quilts that comfort him in difficult times. I loved the idea of giving a quilt for such a charity, but I don’t quilt.
“Hey,” I thought. “I could crochet a granny afghan with all those bits of fancy yarns I have stuck in a drawer.”
Then, I got a package from my friend Teamouse at TeaTime Ramblings with knitted tea towels (I’ll show you the pictures later. Thank you Tea!). As I smoothed out the lovely knitted squares, a lightbulb went on in my brain. How cool would it be to give a sick child an afghan made by many different hands; ALL of them hands that cared about that child? Can you imagine the feeling of being loved that the child would have? Can you imagine the joy of giving that to a child? You don’t have to imagine. WE CAN.
I’ve contacted a cancer camp for kids that is in Fort Worth, Texas; it’s called Camp Sanguinity. Though they have already had the summer camp for this year, we can shoot for next summer. By then, perhaps I WE can have afghans made for all of the children at the camp (140 kids in 2003, but I don’t know how many now. I’m waiting on a call-back). It takes more than one of us to make this happen. Will you help?
Here’s my idea. I’ve found a granny afghan pattern that is very simple. It requires 24 small squares and 6 large squares, but it could work with just 48 small squares. If I can get people to send me the crocheted squares, then I’ll ask folks in my community to put them together; I’m not shy. With every square you send, attach a signed “best wishes” card (you can give an e-mail address to the child if you want). Each afghan will be put together with squares and good wishes from at least thirty different people.
[UPDATE: THE FIRST AFGHAN WILL BE PIECED TOGETHER ON JULY 19TH. SEND ONE SQUARE TODAY!]
You say you don’t know how to crochet? Help me find some people who can. Tell folks on your blog about it, and send them here. If people tell me they want to help, I’ll build a new page and a button for the sidebars [or you can volunteer to make a button for me!]. I will link every blogger who helps with this project.
[UPDATE: INSTRUCTIONS FOR AFGHAN SQUARES
You don't have a blog and you can't crochet? Find someone who can crochet, and give them some yarn. And, get a blog
!Does it matter what yarn you use? No. I used fancy schmancy yarn, because that's what I had (and I thought kids might like it). You can go buy fancy yarn or use what you have. It's the love you put into it that counts.
Does it matter what color? No. All of the squares will be rimmed in black, which will tie them together and make them look like a stained glass window.
How big should the squares be? The pattern calls for 6 "rounds" of crochet. Crochet 5 rounds and have the square measure 5 1/2 inches. 6 inches [ACK! I'm an idiot! Follow the pattern!] I’ll have volunteers crochet a round of black, so that every square on one quilt has the same black yarn. [I had to use a much smaller hook to get the gauge]
What do I do with them when I have them made? Contact me to tell me they are on the way (otherwise, I won’t remember to drive to the post office). Put a signed card with each square and put them in an envelope. If it’s a small envelope, send it to:
P.O. Box 2241
Denton, TX 76202
If you got ambitious, and it’s a large box (I can dream, can’t I?), tell me and I’ll give you my home address.
Is Shelly out of her mind? Probably. To make 140 afghans with all small squares, we will need 6720 squares! If you really help, my mail carrier is going to go postal!
NOW. Tell me, will you help? And, tell me: WHAT DO WE CALL THIS CAMPAIGN? Is it Crochet for Cancer Children? Someone give me something better.
[UPDATE: WHAT'S THE "DEADLINE?" The sooner the better! If I can get them before the end of August, I can get these afghans made!]
[UPDATE 2: Use a small card (such as comes with a gift bag) or a piece of cardboard and tie it to the center of each square. That way it won't get lost in the shuffle!]
Jessica the Rock Chick at Life is RANTastic has already jumped forward to start the publicity with Hip To Be Square
Teamouse at Tea Time Ramblings is on the ball! She created a button, and a banner to use for this campaign. You may use them on your site to link back to the contest! Thanks Sweet Tea! She also posted publicity called Love To Share? Share a Square. Afghans for Kids with Cancer Her first attempt called for Happy Hookers! But she chickened out and changed the title.
Comedy Plus has posted to help spread the word, but I can’t link to that specific post, so I’ll just give you her url.
Life in Westcliffe has added instructions to her site for adding the button to Blogger. Check out her post A Heart the size of Texas
Tumbled Words has a post titled Charity begins in your heart, then moves.
You Can’t Reason With Crazy posted a button to help spread the word.
Running On Empty posted A Quilt of Many Colors
Crocheting for A Cause was posted by my buddy Jen at J’s Thoughts And Musings.
Inside Mo’s Mind wrote Hookers Wanted! That ought to get Mo some Google traffic!
Scott, at Trials and Tribulations is spreading the word, too!
Life as I see it has posted How Square Can You Go?
Running on Empty wrote A Quilt of Many Colors.
Hamelife mentioned the contest, too.
Phara, at Your Mirror or Mine, was the inspiration for this project. She posted Share A Square.
Yellow Rose’s Garden added a post about the project.
My Brown House added a button to her site.
Teebopop added a button to her site.
Imaginif posted Hang Child Cancer on the Hook
Schmutzie’s Milkmoney or Not, Here I Come has posted with a selection of images you may prefer to use on your site. I’ll have them posted on this site as well this week. Thank you, Schmutzie!
Mixed with sugar added a button that Schmutzie made!
THANK YOU ALL FOR THE HELP!
Technorati Tags: charity, Camp Sanguinity, Crochet for Cancer Children
Well, I guess I could do this. I am not very crafty, but I used to crochet. So, why not. It’s for a great cause.
I don’t know when I’ll be done with jury duty. It may be today or next Tuesday before I know anything. I will be interviewed by the judge and attorny’s today. This trial is slotted to last a month. So, there you have it.
A month!! I’m so sorry, but you can crochet while the defendant is on the stand
That will make him nervous. If you could tell people about it, Sandee, it would be great. You have a whole ‘nuther readership than I do! Thank you!!~skt
What a great idea!!!!!! You know I am so on board! I will definitely link up to this project. We need to get a nifty button for the sidebar so people can snag.
I tried once to start up a project of making blankets for the needy at one of the churches I attended but I was told that no one would be willing to do it. Here at the church I attend now we have a group of ladies that knit blankets, mitts, toques and all sorts of stuff and they are always well received. I have made two afghans but doing an afghan is a big project.
I like the idea of doing the squares. I might even be able to get my mom on board. She has moved away , but I’m sure she’d love to make squares and send them to you. I’ll ask her too!
I knew I could count on you Sweet Tea. The squares crochet up in a jiffy and don’t take much yarn at all. If I could get folks to crochet 6 or 7 of them each we could rack up the squares in a hurry. Thank you!
I fixed the link! I thought I had done it right.
ops:
It’s “all good.”~skt
Okay, let me do this when I get back from jury duty either today or tomorrow morning. Have run out of time today.
I’m delighted for your participation, Sandee~skt
What a wonderful idea!!! I’ve been thinking of starting a new crochet project when I have some extra time. I’ll have to gather up my odds and ends of yarn and see what I can do.
Please do! And let me know before you send it, so I can go to the post office
Otherwise it’s just bills.~skt
The post is up. Decided it was too important to wait for later. Have a great day. Off to the shower and then to the courthouse.
Thank you! Have fun at jury duty~skt
Sure I’ll see what I can do. Love the idea, if nothing else a button will go on my site.
Have you been to my site recently? I gave my hair to Locks of Love yesterday. I loved doing it and have started growing my next donation already.
I haven’t been by…shame on me. I was plotting this mischief and got sidetracked, but I’ll come over!~skt
Here’s the code for the smaller photo link, for bloggers. Go to customize, add element, then in HTML/JavaScript paste this code in.
My program won’t let you paste it in comments, and it’s too long for my post page. I’ll just send people to you to get the code
You’re going to love me for that, aren’t you…~skt
WaLa, your done.
I’ve posted and my button is in place - almost.
I saw it and I linked to you! Thanks so much Marcia. As always, your words are much better than mine~skt
Wonderful idea. I will definitely blog about it. I’m sorry I’m not able to crochet or knit blocks but I can bug people to do it..I’m very good at that!
When I was with my grandson for 6 months at Children’s Hospital, many people knit or crocheted blankets, afghans and also cute hats for the cancer kids. Every baby, boy and girl got a blanket that they picked out from an assortment. When they lost all their hair they got to pick cute hats or berets, all hand-crafted. The kids also enjoyed the colorful slippers that were made for them.
I can’t make the blocks, but I can buy some wool and donate it?
Thank you Matty. Give yarn to someone you know, and ask them to crochet. You make the cards and sign names for both of you! This can happen. I appreciate your help~skt
Searching for People With Big Hearts…
An ambitious Texan is calling all crocheters to donate Granny squares for afghans to be given to children with cancer. Love to share? Share a square. This is an excellent opportunity for people to unite in the spirit of charity….
I’ll spread the word around my office. This is a wonderful Idea.
Well, I hope you really will. You *could* be my UK connection…but you are busy planning a wedding~skt
What a great idea! Best of luck, I’ll be curious to see the final product.
Thanks! I think it is going to be a project that takes off…just from the response I’m getting so far.~skt
I think that this is a great idea. I hope that the quilts will give strength the children. My father is a brain cancer survivor, Good Luck with your project! Sorry I am not able to help, I can’t crochet!
You can help spread the word…
~skt
What a great idea. I don’t crochet but I will spread the word for you. Good luck!!!
That’s help of the very best kind! Thank you profusely!~skt
[...] June 15th, 2007 Check this out. [...]
Okay, I went to the pattern and it is Greek to me. I haven’t crocheted in over 25 years. If you can help a bit (translate) then I’ll be able to do this. I just need a jump start.
Back for jury duty tomorrow. In the box, but I’m the absolute last person in this group. What a long three days it’s been.
Let me know any problems you are having, and I’ll find some folks who will be coaches for the project! I hope jury duty doesn’t last for a month~~skt
I posted about this, thank you! I love the idea of us all doing the same thing in different colors and then having it all put together. Now I just have to practice, thank god for the web and how to pictures.
If I find a good how to site with pictures, I will send you the link.
Thank you, Jen. You know full well that I’m going to be leaning on your expertise and wisdom while this project is happening, don’t you? Are you scared, yet?
~skt
I can’t crochet, but I can knit. If you have a pattern for knitting that would work, then I’m your girl. If you find one that works with it, then post it and I’ll get to work.
Cordia, I had thought of mixing knitted squares, but crochet is much easier for most folks to master. I wonder if we should make different afghans with knitted patterns in them? I’ll post that and see if I get feedback. Meanwhile, you could talk about the project, or post the sidebar button, or maybe even learn to crochet
~skt
Okay, I’ve got a new post up about ‘Comfort for Cancer kids’……and an offer they can’t refuse!
Okay,,,,back off…..I mean it..one at a time..whoa!! Stop it……right now….stop! no pushing, eh? Heeelp!!!!
This IS going to happen, Matty, with the help of people like you. Thank you sooo much!~skt
I don’t craft much, but I know folks who do! I’ve posted a link to here on my blog, and I’ll ask around for ‘happy, helpful hookers’ to join in this one!
Great Idea, Shelly, and best of luck with it!!
Thank you, Mo! You are a gem, lady. Posting about it was wonderful help. Anything else you do will be greatly appreciated, too!~skt
I posted about it!! I can’t crochet otherwise I would help out with it!
Posting about it is a great way to help, Jessica. And, I’m going to list some other possibilities for those who don’t crochet. Thank you for helping spread the word! I’ll add a link to you~skt
[...] Searching for People With Big Hearts [...]
Great idea! I’ve been trying to get a few friends together to crochet and I think this will be our project! Thanks for heading it up!! I’ll be posting about this later in the evening or Sat. morning….
FANTASTIC! Y’all are just the type of folks I’m looking to find. If your group gets a few squares crocheted, please send me one or two so I can have them put on the FIRST afghan! More about that later today. It will be made on July 19th. I appreciate you!~skt
[...] at This Eclectic Life is Searching For People With Big Hearts who will contribute to a project for children with cancer. You can send in a crocheted square (or [...]
Hi Shelly!
I’ve posted about “Share a Square” over at my main blog “Up the Hill Gang” and also at our ministry blog “Gus’ Gang”.
I’ve completed 6 squares because it is way more fun to crochet than do my chores! lol!! I’ll need to go purchase some more yarn tomorrow….
Thanks again for heading this up!
Thanks for jumping in to be a part of it! ~skt
[...] Searching for People With Big Hearts [...]
I’ll send a square or two from Austrlia. I am always happy to help kids and I so wish everybody else in the world was too.
Congratulations to you for starting this project canwarm.
I can hardly wait, Megan. This is wonderful! A square from Australia! I’m getting excited~skt
Count me in.
Good going, Karen! Send me one of those squares, gal, so you can have one on the first afghan!~skt
[...] Searching for People With Big Hearts [...]
[...] About Me Archives Blogrolls Buttons Photos Sunday, June 17th 2007filed in: Crafts, News Shellie at This Eclectic Life had a wonderful idea, and it is blooming into a blogsphere wide [...]
Can’t knit. Can’t crochet. I CAN sew.
BUT I did put a button on my blog.
AND I’m willing to donate funds for yarn or extra needles.
Sorry, I’m just not handy with needles!
I appreciate you, and have you on the blogroll! Find some neighbor who can crochet and hand them some yarn. You can put BOTH of your names on the square!~skt
[...] Kneupper Tucker from This Eclectic Life is Searching for People with Big Hearts. Do you fit the bill? Inspired to make a non quilted quilt (because she can’t quilt - either [...]
I love it and I am in! Tomorrow I will get out all my yarn and get started! ♥
Thanks so much! I look forward to getting a square from you…or two…or more
~skt
[...] help, visit Shelly’s Share a Quilt Page, here. Bookmark [...]
[...] Searching for People With Big Hearts [...]
Would you want any big squares if someone wanted to make those instead?
Absolutely, if that’s what you want to make. It would add interest to the afghans…like they aren’t going to be interesting enough!~skt
[...] If you know how to crochet or are willing to learn how to crochet or know someone else who crochets or have a website and would like to advertise this worthy project, go check out Shelley’s pitch and instructions for participation in this worthy cause. [...]
I am making squares and added Schmutizie’s button to my page!
Thanks so much! Can’t wait to start getting squares in the mail~skt
I’ll try to make some up for you. Just to be clear, the squares we send should be 5 1/2″ x 5 1/2″? That’s the way I read it here but on the pattern page it sounds like they should be 6″x6″ before the black is added.
Also, have you checked with the camp to see how they feel about using black? I love the way black makes multi-coloured afghans look but some organizations like this (particularly with sick kids) don’t like the negative connotation. Might be worth asking….
The camp has no problem with black. To quote the counselor, “Black doesn’t have a negative connotation to kids. We wear black t-shirts some of the time.” But, thanks for telling me, so I could make sure. That would have been a horrible blunder. 6 inch square before the black is added. Thanks so much for your help, and you are on the blogroll!~skt
You call…I come a runnin’! Post and sidebar button present and correct…
Best of British/Texan luck to you!
You are a darlin’, Darlin’~skt
[...] Searching for People With Big Hearts [...]
I’ll do it! I’m a DFW’er living in Florida and I have tons of spare yarn!
Thank you, misti! You don’t need to be wearing any sweaters in Florida, so I’m happy that you will participate.~skt
[...] Searching for People With Big Hearts [...]
I like your get up and go spirit so I put the widget prominently on Modern Musings. I don’t knit or crochet but I do hope I can attract more like minded folks your way.
Sending you wishes of health, balance and joy to you and yours.
Be well and enjoy the day.
Thank you, Danielle! I’m adding you to the blogroll for Share A Square. Send me in image if you’d like~skt
Hello Shelly, I talk about your idea to another blogger, I am going to post it in my blog and put a link to this site and to the pattern. I really think Internet can be a place to share many many good things. Un saludo desde Canarias.
¡Lola dulce, gracias por tu ayuda!~skt
My first block is in the mail, soon as I get clear on the size I’ll send more. I placed a photo on my blog but not sure how to get a copy to you.
Janet, I’m excited. Thanks for supporting the project. I need to probably go in and change the posts so everyone understands (because I was in a hurry and goofing up!). The squares are five rows and the size is 6 inches square. Go to the blogroll page, because I think it has the right info.~skt
Hey Shelly. I finally have the button up. I will write a post and email friends at church this afternoon.
Great idea. Thanks for taking the lead.
Love, Lisa
Thank you, Lisa! Knew I could count on you ♥ ♥ ♥ ~skt
Hi, Shelley~ wandered over from Yellow Rose & wanted to let you know that I’ve joined the parade; I’ve posted the button on my Blogger site & will be posting an entry on my MSN site this week.
Lord bless you for taking on this challenge- you are an awesome example.
Got you on the blogroll, Meg! Send me an image if you’d like. Thanks so much for your support. The response is what is awesome
~skt
[...] Searching for People With Big Hearts [...]
My first square is completed and ready to send! I just learned how to crochet in the past month (using an online tutorial) and I’m glad to have a project to keep me motivated while I’m still in the “fumble” stage of crocheting.
I can’t wait to see it. I’ve added you blog to the blogroll page. Send an image if you’d like!
~skt
like some of the commenters, i don’t know how to crochet (though i think i made some projects when i was younger …), but would love to help by posting about this wonderful project of yours!
Thank YOU Maiylah! There are tons of people out there who crochet. *Finding* them is the key. I will put you on the blogroll, so send me an image that is 125 x125 pixels if you’d like. Otherwise, it will just be the name of your site.~skt
Hey! My Momma is in Denton! We lived there for a short time back in 96. On Old Orchard Lane. Love that town..
Anyway, you always have the greatest ideas and I am glad I stumbled on this post today. I am so IN with this project and I will also link your post and get the button on my sidebar. I will let you know when that is all done so you can come over and see!
Great, great idea.
Isn’t it a small world?? Old Orchard Lane is not too far away from me. Do let me know. I’ll put you on the blogroll. If you want, you can send an image that is 125 x 125 for the blogroll page. Thanks for your help with it!~skt
[...] managed to complete my first two squares for the Share A Square project. Here is a [...]
First two squares done and on there way….picture at my site! Today is daughter crochet training day…I can hardly wait!
Whoot! Teach that girl to crochet, Momma!~skt
http://ruhoffman.blogspot.com/2007/06/bits-and-pieces-2.html
You’re linked!
[...] (running on empty) and decided to participate in making afghans for cancer. All you have to do is make granny squares and send them to Shelly with a signed note. These squares will be joined and will be donated to a camp that supports kids who have cancer.. [...]
I have been crocheting for 50+ years and love to do for others. I would be happy to contribute some squares to the project.
I have a question. As long as the squares are 6″ by 6″ can I improvise on the pattern? Varity is the spice of life. If not that is ok too. I’ll send as many as I can.
Please contact me and let me know if this is ok.
Hi Shelly - I can’t make the first deadline but after that I would be glad to contribute. LC
Ok, count me in! I think this is a great idea and I will be starting to work on my square very soon!
I’m glad you started this.
God bless
Ok wait…I have a question already!! LOL
Do we make the small squares or the big ones? You probably already mentioned it, but it’s getting late and I’m getting tired. I’ll go look again and hopefully I’ll figure it out. Otherwise you can email me at: carrie3218@yahoo.com
Thanks!
Ok sorry…sorry….you probably think I’m a total nutcase now. LOL
I have figured out the answer to my own problem and am going to whip up some of these squares right now.
I’m in! I love this idea!
[...] and now that I have blinded you with the beauties that are my blessings and miracles. I am going to remind you about Share A Square [...]
Hi,
I saw your button on the Granny Along Blog. Sounds like a great idea! I make 6″ squares for charity all the time. Would you like some squares from Glasgow, Scotland?
Lindsay
Absolutely! That would be so wonderful, Lindsay! I think it would be awesome to have blocks on a quilt from all over the world. I know if I were a little kid and was given an afghan like that I would treasure it forever. Thank you for your help!~skt
[...] ask her if she would like to write something on this blog to all of the volunteers who are making Share A Square happen. You see, Phara had posted about a quilt that was given to her son, Riley, at cancer camp. [...]
Great project! I read about it on Megs Garden space. I’ll be glad to post a button and send a square (or 2…)
That would be wonderful! Thank you for stopping by~skt
[...] if anyone had commented, and no one had. Yesterday, I thought, “Maybe they are sick of the Share A Square posts?” I just kept posting hoping for comments. Then, I looked on my site and saw that [...]
[...] from people in different states. She’s looking for folks from Alaska in particular. Click here if you can help [...]
Okay! I am up with a button for the project, linking here, on my sidebar and also a little bit about it in my post today.
Can you add me to the blogroll? I have an image, but I am not sure if it’s what you need.
It’s here: http://i160.photobucket.com/albums/t174/aeinoyou/jenninhollandtext.jpg
Thanks! Looking forward to seeing the project come together.
Thank you, Jenn. It’s beginning to get there! I have you linked~skt
[...] of This Eclectic Life - Here’s a Texan with a heart as big as Texas!! Check out “Share a Square” that she started, and see what I mean! She [...]
[...] getting excited about this Share A Square project, because help is coming from many different places. Lola, in Spain, told me that she needed the [...]
Hey Shelly,
I think this is the greatest idea for crocheted afghans. I have crocheted since I was 8 years old. I’m now 53 and granny square afghans are my favorite thing to crochet. I have lots of leftover yarn that I have been meaning to do something with. I believe this is it! I am going to start today!
Connie Killian
Gladewater, Texas
I love it, Connie! Can’t wait to see them. I’m 53, too, but don’t tell anybody
~skt
I posted this on my blog today. I can’t crochet at all, but if I get one person’s attention, then I feel like I have helped at least a little!
Rebecca
If you tell one person, and they tell one person, and they….Yes! Thank you for your help. I’ve added you to the blogroll~skt
Shelly!! Donna, who does the The Yarn Yoga group at the local Ben Franklin craft store I emailed, replied. She said several of the ladies jumped at the chance to make some! I’m so excited. I am just excited. I know it is silly, but I have tears in my eyes - I didn’t think they would reply. How dumb was that! I wonder how late I could overnight them and they would get there for your July 19th - I think I