Ravelympics 2010

Lastnight as the Opening Ceremonies began for the 2010 Winter Olympics approximately over 9,100 yarnies participated in a mass cast on in the Ravelympics. What is the Ravelympics you must be asking? The Ravelympics is open to crocheters and knitters alike on Ravelry who want to challenge themselves in completing a project or projects during the 17 days the Winter Olympics are being held. Each project is entered into an event. There are 33 events total. Here is a list of some of them - Bag Jump, Cable Cross-Country, Charity Curling, Hat Half-Pipe, Scarf Super-G, Single Skein Speed Skate, Sock Hockey, and WIPs-Dancing.

For my first event I have entered into the WIPs-Dancing. This means Work-in-Progress and only WIPs are aloud to be entered into this event. All other events can be entered into multiple events but for the WIPs-Dancing it can only be in its own event. This blanket as well as my other projects will be for the orphanage in Haiti. After the blanket is finished I cross the finish line and the Officials from the International Ravelympic Committee review my post with photos of the finished project. Once this is done then they call me up to the Podium and I receive my Olympic Medal!

You may think that this is funny and are shaking your head but I think it is loads of fun! Last night it was so exciting to know that thousands of other hookers (that's a crochet term not a street girl) like me were starting our projects at the same time. No matter where we were in the world we all started at 6pm PST.

I forgot to mention our team name...it's the Flaming Hooks. The pictures are not very good but you can see our team flag in blue with the flame and the other picture is like our group cheer! lol The only rule to the Ravelympics is to challenge yourself. So my challenge is to get as many blankets for Haiti entered into the Charity Curling event and to cross that finish line! I know I have until May because that's when my in-laws are going to Haiti, but this is something fun and exciting and like I said a challenge. So cheer me on and after the 17 days we'll see how many blankets I'll be able to complete!

Toddler Blanket

I wanted to give you an update on the Blankets for Haiti that I'm making. I finished my first blanket a couple of days ago. It's a toddler sized blanket. In the photo it's folded in half and so really it is double in size. I chose a Bernat Softee Baby yarn in a Soft Lilac color and I gave it a cute border in the same brand yarn but in a contrasting Antique White color. This blanket is super soft.

I felt so blessed to make this blanket. Every time I thought about how soft the yarn was I was just so excited for the child who is going to get it. To think of the things we take for granted like a blanket. We have so many choices too. I know I probably have at least 5 throws in my house and I have a couple blankets that I'm crocheting in progress. Then to think of how many times I've changed my comforter in my bedroom, because it's just that easy to go down to Target and pick out a new one. Most of these children that are going to receive these blankets it will be the first blanket they have ever had in their lives.

I want to thank the people that have donated money so far. The children will be so blessed by you, and our family really appreciates it. Last night my mother in-law notified us that they got their official dates for Haiti. They will be leaving May 2nd. Its two months later than they had anticipated but that is because of many things like the armed security they have to hire, chartered planes, and other odds and ends. So far there are 18 people in the group going with her and my father in-law. A church has offered to pay for a shipping container which costs $800 as long as they can get enough donations to fill it. They are collecting shoes and clothing for children and adults, medicals supplies like children's cough syrup, tylenol, diapers, formula, bottles, etc. They will be taking all of these things to the orphanage. Now the orphanage I previously listed in my other posting is not the one they'll be going to. There were some security difficulties so they will be going to an orphanage in Jacmel, Haiti. It is outside of Port-au-Prince.

I am still in need of donations. I am happy to have 2 extra months to make blankets. Also, I said it before in my previous posting if you would like to get involved an make a blanket or two or more please email me at stringsofme@yahoo.com The blankets would need to be recieved by the 1st of April to ensure they make it onto this trip. I will post photos of my in-laws trip when they get back of the blankets with the kids so that you all can see the great thing you did in giving them warmth and comfort!

Blankets for Haiti

Today's topic is very near and dear to my heart. We all know of the devastating earthquake that hit Haiti about 3 weeks ago. Some of you might have remembered me tweeting that day that I have 2 little sisters adopted from Haiti. I asked you to pray for them as this rocked their world along with the other millions of people of Haiti that day. Even though they do not live there anymore their hearts will always be with Haiti. It is where they came from therefore it is a piece of them. You can imagine how helpless my in-laws must have felt staring into the eyes of those precious girls. They too are passionate about Haiti. Haiti gave them two beautiful gifts...their daughters.

Well passion and the love for others is where the topic of today's post comes into play. I knew the second the quake hit my husband's mom would want to fly over to help the people of Haiti. Well she couldn't get over there that second but she is going and she's started a small movement! lol She has been in contact with an orphanage on the coast of Haiti called Jesus Loves Me and in May she, my father in-law, and a group of people will be going. You can find more information on their Facebook page Gonaives Haiti Missions Trip.

When I knew they were going to Haiti I asked my mother in-law if the orphanage could use blankets. I would love to make these children warm and cozy blankies. They have just gone through something terrifying and besides that I want to bring some form of comfort to these children. When she asked the orphanage director the answer was yes. She said the only thing they have right now are burlap. Can you imagine? Burlap is so coarse and harsh to the skin. So I'm going to take these hands and together with hook and yarn make these children as many blankets as I can until my mom leaves for Haiti.

At the bottom of this posting is a Donate button. It will take you directly to my Paypal. I am asking for anything you can spare. Even if its a couple dollars of your yarn money or your Starbucks money for the week. This money is going to go towards buying really soft and warm yarn for these children. Just think when you donate you'll actually know what your money is doing and what it is going towards. ;) This is something I'd like to do year round. So when my mother in-law gets back from Haiti I'll know how to organize this better and if there are any crocheters or knitters out there that would like to participate I would love chat about it later!

I hope you guys will be as excited as I am in getting involved! If any of you crocheters or knitters would like to make a blanket please convo me right away at stringsofme@yahoo.com so we can discuss details. To make it on this trip blankets need to be received by April 15th.

The photos above are of us at Disneyland a couple years ago with my husband's family! Our little sister's are Emma and Chloe. We love you girls and are so thankful for you!