NOTE FROM VISITOR TO OUR BLANKET SHOW

 

 I just wanted to let you and your volunteers know again, how wonderful your quilits make the peds. patients here feel. I am so glad we finally met.

 

The project linus cook-books will make great gifts this year for me. I must say i did not realize how far you and the volunteers reached out to others.What a wonderful project you have going. I have your info, and will share it with others to help donate for project linus. 

 

Take care, and many thanks again!....Alice Burrowes/Child-life asst.

OUR THANKS TO MARDEN'S SANFORD FOR THEIR GENEROUS DONATION

At the recent Project Linus collection day, I wasn't able to attend the local events due to the Studio Sale.  I'm sure I missed lots of fun.

However, the Sanford store did something different for us.  They provided a lunch for patrons and had a donations jar.  How wonderful - they collected over $300.00 for us!  Wow!  Then they converted the money to fleece panels.  How great is that?

Thank you everyone who was involved.  Your work, devotion and heart are much appreciated by the children we provide for. 

Hopefully there will be no conflicts next year. 

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU FROM MMC BARBARA BUSH

This is a very special card from the staff at Barbara Bush.  A warm thank you for all your hard work.  You all are truly amazing.

Thanks for every blanket and every stitch. 

 

FROM THE STAFF AT NICU (NEO-NATAL)

Once again, you have a wonderful group of folks making the beautiful quilts/blankets for the "wee little ones".

"Some people give hugs.  Some people give help.  You give it your all."

Please thank all of your "team" a huge thank you from the staff.  We appreciate all that they do.

                          The Staff on the NICU Unit


p.s.   FYI, we give blankets roughly 36" x 36" to the preemies.  As the little ones are light and sound sensitive, the blankets are sometimes used to cover their incubators. 

UPCOMING BLANKET DAYS

I'm trying to schedule Blanket Days in advance.  My plan is also to have a theme and projects to work on, if you'd like.  If not, feel free to work on your own projects.

     Saturday November 16, South Portland Community Center

     Saturday January 18,   location tbd  (probably South Portland)

     Saturday February 8, Bridgton with the Chickadees Quilt Group

     Thursday, April 7, Freeport with Calico Quilters

I'll send out a reminder prior.    If you've thought about attending, please join us.  It's always a fun time. 

Also, if you have suggestions for days and venues, please give me a call.

VIP DISCOUNT CARD FOR JO-ANN FABRIC

VIP Discount Card

 

 

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores Offers VIP Discount Card to PL Volunteers   Project Linus blanketeers are eligible for  10% discount at Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores when making Project Linus blankets! Following are the enrollment details. Remember, you must also have a Project Linus ID Card, which you can get from your Chapter Coordinator.   1.  Visit the  Jo-Ann VIP Discount Card Page 2.  Click the green "Enroll Now" button 3.  Enter "Project Linus" in the Organization Name box 4.  Enter your information (Name, Address, Email...) 5.  Click the green "Enroll Now" button      - Your Non-Profit Discount Card will arrive in the mail within 3-4 weeks 6.  Take your Non-Profit Discount Card, Photo ID and Project Linus Volunteer Card to your nearest Jo-Ann Store for validation 7.  Save 10% on every* purchase! *exclusions apply.

Become a Jo-Ann VIP & save 10% on every purchase!

If you are a reseller, member of a professional sewing or crafting organization, or an interior design professional, you can become a Jo-Ann VIP! As a Jo-Ann VIP, you'll save 10% on every total purchase*, including regular- and sale-priced items, at any Jo-Ann store or at Joann.com®.
*Some exclusions apply. See card for details.



Contact me for your Project Linus Volunteer Card.  Melodie

THANK YOU FROM MAINE MEDICAL, NICU & CCN

We are overwhelmed by your "team's" generosity.

Thank you so much for keeping the babies warm, comfortable and loved.

     The staff in NICU and CCN, East Tower, Maine Medical

A WARM THANK YOU

Hello!    
                                                        
My name is Danielle and I wanted to write and express my gratitude for the Linus blanket my daughter Isabelle received in the hospital this week. When she woke up, she was comforted to have it, and now she brings it everywhere. Thank God there are people like you who have such a kind and giving heart. May God bless you and you are in my prayers with thanks.                    

       Thank you again, Danielle

WANTED - MACHINE QUILTERS

Several blanketeers have asked if there are machine quilters that would quilt their Project Linus tops for them???

If you'd like to volunteer, please give me a call at 284-5606.

            Thanks.

OPPORTUNITY FOR TEACHERS AND THOSE WORKING WITH STUDENTS

I owe a big "thank you" to Donna Morton of the Manchester Elementary School in Windham for putting together this flyer to encourage teachers to include Project Linus blankets in their school's programs.  For 10 years now, Donna's fourth grade class has been making 2 quilts each year.  The students get very involved and each have their own story to tell. 

This year, we have a separate category for students in the Studio Sale/Quilt Show on October 19.  It would be wonderful to have students and their programs represented.  I encourage you to contact either Donna or I for ideas.  I look forward to seeing you there.

THANK YOU NOTE FROM THE TIP PROGRAM (Trauma Intervention Program)

We thank you, too, for your efforts and hardwork. 

BATTING DONATION

I was invited to speak at the breakfast meeting for the Biddeford-Saco Rotary.  What a great group!     Thank you so much.

I submitted a grant to purchase a roll of Warm & Natural batting and was given the funds to purchase.  What a blessing.

If you would like some of our good fortune batting, let me know.

BLANKET DAY TIME AT COTTON WEEDS IN FREEPORT

I was just talking with Joanne at Cotton Weeds Quilt Shop and she graciously offered us sewing room time; especially during the week the facility is available to us for a Project Linus gathering.  We can always schedule a Saturday as well, but that's subject to availability.  And it's really wonderful space - light, bright and lots of room.

If anyone has a thought of putting together a Blanket Day, please let me know.  For those of you have joined us, they're always a fun day.

Let's get together. 

DONATION OF FLEECE FOR QUILT BACKS

WOW!!!!   What a terrific donation we received from Maine Woolens in Freeport.  A friend and I stopped to say hi to owner Jo Milier and she surprised us with an amazing donation of 96 fleece blankets 50" x 60".  We have white and a pretty light blue.

This blankets are being used as backs for quilts rather than batting and a cotton back.  They machine quilt perfectly and are a really nice back.

Blankets are available for your Project Linus quilts.   Please let me know.
You'll love how they work up.

Thanks again to Maine Woolens.      FYI, they're opening a new store in Freeport in the fall.  Check it out. 

GIFT FROM PINE TREE QUILTERS GUILD

With thanks to the Pine Tree Quilters Guild for their generous contribution of a VISA gift card of $200.00 to help defer costs such as shipping, quilt labels and other miscellaneous expenses.

Thanks so very much for the funds and a very, very special thank you for the participation of so many members and the many wonderful blankets that we receive.     Project Linus depends on your efforts and you do amazing work.   Thank you.  The children love your creations.  They help comfort them so much.     Please know that you've help make a child smile. 

WHAT DO WE NEED FOR BLANKETS

There are always questions about sizes and types of blankets.  I'd like to recap for our area.

 

What type of blankets does Project Linus accept?

Project Linus welcomes blankets of all styles, including quilts, tied comforters, fleece blankets, crocheted or knitted afghans, and receiving blankets in child-friendly colors. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable. In addition, they must come from a smoke-free environment and be free of pet hair.  

You don't have to be an expert to create a blanket that is beautiful to a child!

What do you mean by “handmade,” and why?

When we say “handmade” or “homemade” we mean something that is not commercially manufactured or purchased. Of course, home sewing machines, knitting machines, etc. are fine. It has always been the mission of Project Linus to donate only handmade blankets. (Per the National Organization:)   We receive thousands of letters and thank you notes every year from children. Over and over they express how touched they are that a stranger would take the time to make something for them. They really know the difference.

 

 Purchased blankets are nice, but handmade blankets are from the heart.

 

 

SUGGESTED SIZES:       36 x 42 infant/toddler
                                                 40 x 54/60 for older children
                                                           2 yards or 48 x 65 for teens

INFO FOR FLEECE BLANKETS     Fleece blankets are a wonderful and cozy gift.  It's also a terrific way for schools, scouts and many other groups to make a blanket.    The recipients really love them!

Please remember to remove the salvage edge (the machine finished edges) before starting to cut.  Also, there needs to be a square cut out of each corner the width & depth of the ties,  example,  a 5" tie would have a 5" square cut out of each corner.   Then, the fleece will have room to be tied and won't be rounded up on the edges and will lie flat. 

                             Thanks so much.  You're all so wonderful to help!

 

 

THANK YOU FROM MMC NEO-NATAL UNIT

                              " A very special thank you. . . for being so very thoughtful!

Thank you again for your wonderful donation of beautiful quilts.  You and your team are doing an amazing job and we and the babies on NICU, love getting them.    Thank you!

                The Staff in the NICU Unit

Berwick Elementary School

In April, a Berwick Elementary School Special Education teacher, Amy Harris was killed in an auto accident.   Our Project Linus Chapter delivered 30 blankets to be distributed to her students when school reopened.  I hope that those blankets are helping to comfort them.

STUDIO SALE/QUILT SHOW

It's 5 months until our semi-annual Studio Sale/Quilt Show.

Date is Saturday, October 19 at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarborough.

This year we'll be having demonstrations, an ongoing Blanket Day for you to bring your sewing machine and project, our studio sale and 3 categories for Project Linus blankets in the quilt show - 1. general blankets, 2. the Mystery Quilts and 3. students.  We'll also have a silent auction of donated items.

Also, bring your blankets to donate and we'll give you 3 fat quarters as a gift - as long as the supply lasts.

I'm going to invite representatives from the organizations that receive our blankets to come and meet with us. 

I'm well into the planning process.  If you have any suggestions, please give me a call at 284-5606.  I'm always looking for great ideas to make the day more interesting.

I'm looking for help with:


 Items for the sale, including fabric, kits, books, wool or maybe a machine or 2


 Items for the silent auction.  We already have several table runners and are expecting a hooked and braided rug.


 Hands to set up, take down and pack up and sales help for the day.  We'll need quite a few.


 Anyone have something that they'd like to demonstrate?


 Need help with the lunch café.  I have someone but she'll need assistance.  Looks like
 corn chowder and American chop suey and hot dogs this year.


 Someone to take photographs of what's happening.

 AND QUILTS, BLANKETS AND MORE. . .   


To be continued. . .
 

Manchester Elementary School - Windham

I was privileged to visit Donna Morton's fourth grade class to accept their blankets.  Each child drew a picture of something that they felt would make another child smile.  Then the quilts were assembled. 

They've done an amazing job and they had fun doing it.    Many thanks, everyone!

You'll have to come see your entries in our October 19 quilt show. 



Many Thanks to Cotton Weeds Quilt Shop for...

 

Check this out!  Who would have thought that I would be long arm machine quilting?

Joanne and Meredith graciously offered me a day to quilt for Project Linus.  Wow!  That was the best.

It's so much easier than I ever expected.  Of course, I'm at the beginning of the learning curve but like most quilting, it takes practice.  However, I had impressive results with my first try.   I can't wait until I can go up again. 

A very, very special thank you to Karen McPherson, shown in the picture.  She's a terrific machine quilter, great teacher and probably the most patient person I've ever met. Karen, you made it so easy for me.


Everyone, if you haven't tried this yet, you should give Cotton Weeds a call.  They rent the long arm machine and once you try it, you'll be excited for the next time. 

PHOTOS FROM THE MARCH 16th BLANKET DAY IN SOUTH PORTLAND

Some finished blankets.    Wow!

OUR 2013 MYSTERY QUILT

I'm curious how folks are doing with the Mystery Quilt that comes emailed to you each month. 

There are quite a few of you who are working on this for our Studio Sale/Quilt Show in October. 

It's not too late to catch up if you'd like to start.  Just email me and I'll get you signed up.

Can't wait until we see them all at the show.   It will be great fun.

Thank you from a family

We received a lovely card from the Bennett Family of Veazie, ME and a sweet picture of their son.


To whom it may concern,

At 7 1/2 weeks old our son had to go to the Barbara Bush children's Hospital to have surgery on the pyloric muscle in his stomach.  While we were there, we were given a quilt that was made by some one and donated to the hospital. 

We are writing to say thank you.  Someone special took their time to make that quilt and many others and we want to let you know how much that is appreciated. 

We will enjoy that quilt for a long time and so will our son when it keeps him warm and comforts him at night.

To whom ever and all the ladies that make these quilts, thank you very much  Your thoughtful kindness is very appreciated.

Thanks again, The Bennetts

Note from NICU (Neo-Natal) at MMC

Please thank "everyone" involved in making the blankets/quilts for Project Linus.  What a wonderful thing for all of "our" babies here in the NICU unit.  They are perfect and we are so lucky to have you think of us 

Thank you again from everyone here in the NICU Unit at Maine Medical Center. 

Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More

I want  to let you know that we did not receive a $1,000 grant from the Bangor Savings Bank Community Matters More campaign.  We were a write-in candidate and didn't have enough votes.    It's disappointing - however, next year, we'll try again.

Many thanks to all of you who participated. 

FEBRUARY 8, 2014 BLANKET DAY

Yes, I know that next February seems like a long way away, however, the Chickadee Quilters have already scheduled their next Blanket Day.  The fall/winter schedules fill up quickly, so if you can, please plan on joining us.   It's always a fun day.

Thanks ladies!

THANK YOU NOTE FROM A CHILD AT BARBARA BUSH

What more can I say? 

THANK YOU TO SCARBOROUGH MARDEN'S

A special thanks to Crystal and the staff at Scarborough Marden's for their February 16th Project Linus demonstration day.  They sponsored our time along with school vacation crafts for children.  We did meet several of our Blanketeers and met a few in training.

Cassie Moon was on hand to demonstrate an easy wonky square.  When you go in the store, there's a "story board" and patterns.  So easy and cute.  Thanks again, Cassie.

Sorry folks, no pictures. 

THANK YOU TO MARDEN'S IN SANFORD

Thank you to Bonnie and the "girls" for a wonderful collection day at Marden's in Sanford on March 3.  They're always so gracious and enthusiastic.  A special hello to all who came to visit and those who dropped off blankets. 

A very special "thank you" to Ann Hall who demonstrated a terrific wonky square.  It's an easy block to do and sooooo cute.  So much easier when you see it in progressl 





 

 



CHICKADEE QUILTERS BLANKET DAY MARCH 30

Poor weather postponed the Chickadee Quilters annual Blanket Day until Saturday, March 30 from 10 to 4 p.m.  This is always a really fun day; they're such a friendly and helpful group.  Not to mention that they provide pizza! 

You can either work on your own project, a 1 day mystery quilt (you'll need cutting directions before) or whatever. . .

Please contact me at mprovost@maine.rr.com or 284-5606 to sign up. 

OCTOBER 19, 2013 - STUDIO SALE

Everyone, please mark your calendars for Saturday, October 19, 2013.  We'll be having our Studio Sale and quilt show at St. Maximilian Kolbe Church in Scarboro. 

This year we'll be adding classes, demonstrations, an ongoing Blanket Day along with our Project Linus quilt show and a separate section for our online Mystery Quilts to be displayed.    I'm hoping that we can add a separate section for kids.  Some schools already make blankets - it would be wonderful to add more schools. 

Please remember our Studio Sale as you sort through things this year.  This will be our only fundraising effort this year so we appreciate your support.    We'll do our best to make it a great day! 

NOTE FROM BARBARA BUSH CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL

I just wanted to thank you again for the gorgeous Christmas quilts.  The Linus Project quilts have brought so much joy and comfort to the patients here at Barbara Bush Childrens Hospital.  Seeing one of your quilts on their beds lifts their spirits and knowing they can take their cozy quilt home is a hugh plus for them, too.

Project Linus is like a big hug from you all!   Blessings to you and yours for making the quilts cozy and possible for the kids to have here at BBCH.

Gratefully.

IN MEMORY OF PHYLLIS McDONOUGH

Recently, Phyllis McDonough of Portland passed away.  Phyllis was a very prolific Blanketeer for our Chapter.  She did wonderful crochet blankets for us - always perfect.  I had the priviledge of meeting her and thanking her in person.     Peace.

I wanted to let all of you know that we have received a cash contribution in her name from one of her many friends.    Thank you.

A NOTE FROM MMC NEO-NATAL & CCN

To all:

Thank you so much for the many blankets and quilts you have made for the babies here on NICU and CCN.  They are beautiful, and will last for many years to come.

Thank you all - The Staff at MMC

THANK YOU NOTES FROM SPRING HARBOR

I just received some amazing notes from patients at Spring Harbor who have received our blankets.  Spring Harbor uses our blankets as a part of the therapy for their children.  For many of these kids, it may be one of the rare times that they have something that's just for them - and they get to choose the one they want.         

For this facility, we provide only fleece blankets, mostly a medium or teen size.  In 2012, we provided 339 blankets to this facility.    Thanks to all who have made this happen.           

These notes sum up why we make these blankets.


This card has a pencil sketch of flowers on the front:
    
     Similiar to the flowers that bring light and beauty on dark and cloudy days, the blanket I received from The Linus Project upon my visit at Spring Harbor reminds me everyday that there will always be color and comfort, even through cold and dark times in life.

                Thank you so much, A


Thank you so much for all the awesome blankets that you've made for all of us!  Mine made my bed look so much cheerier and brought a little ray of sunshine into my life.

                                              Thank you, B


Thank you so much for the blankets you provided for us when we first arrived here at Spring Harbor!  It really made my new room seem more like home.  Coming to a pace like this is definitely not easy, so even the small gesture of a blanket really made a big impact on how I felt upon arrival.  

                                      Again, thank you so much, J


Thank you so much for your amazing thoughtfulness and consideration.  Being in the hospital, it makes a compete and total difference to have a great blanket to call my own!

The time and effort you put on these blankets are incredible and it shows how much you care about us.

                                        A very grateful patient!


When I first came here I was scared and for me to say that is a lot but, when I came here and got a blanket, it made me feel loved and that everyone really does care.  Thank you for taking time to make blankets for us.  I know you don't have to but the fact that you do means you care, and to me, that helps. 

The blanket made me feel like there was hope and it gave me strength and it helps with my nightmares.

                                Thank you very much


Thank you for the blanket!  When they brought me to pick one out, I was very sad and it cheered me up a bit.  I really like it and I think it's great what you're doing.  Every night it keeps me warm and it's very pretty.

                                     Thank you very much :)


Thank you so, so much for spending the time and money on these amazing blankets.  It means a lot to a lot of people.  Especially me.  It gives me hope that there is still some good left in people.  These blankets are very special to all those who have them, and I highly appreciate your efforts to support people in need.  You are really making a difference!  Please continue doing what you're doing and enjoy the fact that you made a troubled child/teen's day 10 times better by making them an extremely special blanket. 

It really can brighten my day, knowing someone out there cares about kids and teens with almost invisible disabilities. 

                    Thank you so much.  You're amazing!


Thank you very much for the blanket!  It was nice to have when I first came in, and I was scared.  It's very comfortable.     :)

2012 - OH WHAT A YEAR IT WAS!

Thank you so very, very much to all the faithful Blanketeers.  Your hardwork and blanketeering efforts have meant so much to all the many children that you've helped comfort.  We were able to distributed 2,216 blankets - way up from 1,371 the previous year (845 to be exact). 

Of all the blankets, 67% went to local area hospitals:
     
             888   MMC - Barbara Bush, NICU & ONGYN
              18    Mid-Coast Hospital
              49    Southern Maine Medical Center
             339   Spring Harbor
             195   Goodall Hospital

You're all wonderful and are so important in helping comfort all these children.
Peace.

Newtown, CT disaster

I wanted to let you know that Project Linus was present after the disaster.  When things like this happen, the national organization sends out a request for chapters to send blankets to the affected area.  A total of 700 blankets were sent as the local coordinator felt that was what was needed in excess of what was already in inventory. 

 Project Linus is there, blanketing with love.  Peace.

MYSTERY QUILT STARTING JANUARY 14

Just a reminder - if you would like to participate in the monthly mystery quilt starting on January 14, there still is time. 

Just email me back and I'll add you to the list. 

Each month, you'll receive an email on the second Monday from
      linusmystery2013@gmail.com .   Heather Harnden has graciously
      volunteered to handle this.

I've seen the finished product and it's wonderful.    I'm planning on having a separate section at the quilt show in October for these quilts.

The more the merrier - please let me know.

A VERY SPECIAL THANK YOU from a recipient of a bereavement blanket

As many of you know, I try to keep up with the local paper and send a blanket to a child who's lost a parent or sibling.    In fact, in 2012, we sent out 44 blankets. 

Here's a lovely note that I received from a parent:

I would like to thank who ever however this happened. I arrived home today and there was a package at my back door, from the Project Linus Cumberland/York County. I opened the box not knowing what was inside of it and pulled out two homemade quilts for my girls. They lost their father about 3 weeks ago. He had a heart attack and was only 40 and the love of his life was his two little girls.

 When I handed the two quilts to the girls their faces just lit up and wrapped themselves in the blankets right away. My youngest who is 6, fell asleep under it tonight! My oldest who is 10 wouldn't let it go. I cannot tell you what a wonderful feeling that came over me when all of this happened. I have not seen them relaxed and comfortable like that in the past 3 weeks.

I am not a religious person but you folks are a gift from heaven right now! You made my girls night and for that I just don't know what to say but for once the tears that I had tonight were tears of joy!
You are all wonderful people! I just cannot say enough.

MARDEN'S DEMONSTRATION DAYS

Marden's locallyhas invited us to do a quilt block demonstration at:

                       Scarborough - Saturday  February 16 from 10 to 2

                       Sanford - Saturday March 2 from 10 to 2

Please come and stop by.  It's always nice to to be able to say "thank you" to our Blanketeers in person.  Plus, we'll have patterns for a really great block that you can do lots with.  Please join us. 

"The Giving Quilt" by Jennifer Chiaverini

For you readers out there, the latest book in the Elm Creek Quilts Novels is out.  "The Giving Quilt" is a pleasant read about a week devoted at "quilt camp" to making Project Linus quilts.   What a lovely idea. 

BLANKET SIZES NEEDED

Our Current Area Needs

New, handmade and washable quilts, blankets, afghans and fleece blankets in child friendly colors. Often, patterns will decide what age group will receive the blankets. Such as a baby pattern, even if large size, will go to a toddler.

Knit or crochet blankets should be made of washable, non-wool yarn and closely woven so they don't get caught or tangled in hospital equipment.

Suggested sizes:

Small (infants to toddlers) = 36 X 42

Medium to young teens = 40 X 54 - 60

Large (Teens*) = 2 yards or 48 X 65 or larger

*There is always a special need for blankets especially for teens & boys. 

Fleece blankets are very popular as well.