Resolutions

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Crochet resolutions for 2013

1. Work from yarn stash and only purchase yarn when absolutely necessary for a specific project; don’t buy yarn just because it’s on sale!  I already started this with my Stash Bust 2013 Challenge.

2. Complete the Crochet Guild of America’s Master Crochet Program.

3. Complete at least 2 hats per month for Halos of Hope.

4. Self publish at least 8 new patterns.

5. Learn to crochet with my left hand.  I’ve been “in training” for this by learning to use the mouse with my left hand.

6. Complete that scrap felted throw rug I’ve been wanting to make for a couple of years now!!!

What to do with 6 pounds of yarn…Stash Busting for Hope!

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Stash Busting for Halos of Hope

Last week we were getting ready to meet my parents for Thanksgiving at the beach.  I was frantically running around with last-minute packing and realized I didn’t have a project to work on in the car (6 hour drive!).  I had just finished a baby blanket and had two bib patterns in testing.  My only other WIPs were Christmas gifts for the boys-not something I could work on in front of them.  I did a quick glance at my  yarn stash and made a Thanksgiving promise-I’m going to bust this stash and make some hats for Halos of Hope.

6 pounds of Bernat CottonTots. 2013 Challenge, crochet into hats for Halos of Hope.
6 pounds of Bernat CottonTots. 2013 Challenge, crochet into hats for Halos of Hope.

My yarn stash is stored in paper boxes (you know the ones, I think 10 reams of 500 sheets of paper per case).  I won’t tell you how many boxes I have, but it’s a lot.  I have one box full of just Bernat CottonTots 100% cotton yarn.  I love this yarn.  It’s so soft, perfect for chemo hats.  So, in that frantic last-minute packing, I decided I will crochet all of the CottonTots into hats for Halos of Hope-Stash Bust 2013 (although I have a head start as I started on our trip).   I weighed the yarn when we returned home and it’s over 6 pounds!  While sorting through the box, I found some hearts already made. I’ll be using them on some of the hats.  I’m excited about this challenge and plan to post updates at least once a month.  Please check back on my progress and if you like, join in!  Check this list for pre-approved yarns perfect for chemo hats and this Guidelines and Helpful Hints in making hats for those experiencing hair loss due to chemotherapy or radiation.

Halos of Hope is a fantastic not-for-profit organization that distributes handcrafted hats to chemotherapy patients.  They work directly with chemo centers across the country .  Pam, a survivor, started the organization in 2006.  I’ve not yet had the pleasure of meeting her or the other volunteers in person, but hope to in the near future.  For now, I will continue to make hats and send them to Illinois.  Read some to their Stories of Hope .

Do you have some yarn in your stash that’s not on their soft enough for chemo hat list?  Try this stash buster pattern Made with Love, Heart Baby Blanket.

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