Knit or Crochet Along for Charity!

As part of the Virtual Homespun Yarn Party, we are hosting a K/CAL for the 500 Hats Project (this year’s charity collection).  HYP charity coordinators Claire and Melissa will be dropping by during the event to offer encouragement and support, and Melissa will answer questions about the project on Facebook, by phone, or email.  You can read more here and here.

Pick out any yarn, any pattern and work up a child sized hat (or two or three hundred).  If you're not sure what to use, try this pattern with several style variations, and any worsted weight wool (washable is best - these are going to kids).  As Melissa says, "These kids are not picky. They always love all of the hats. Go nuts!"

Sizes needed are children's size small through extra large. The children range from age 4 through teenager. Just be sure to make the hat 1 1/2” smaller than these dimensions for a nice snug fit:

• Child (3 - 10 years) Hat height =8.5” Head Circumference: 19” - 20 1/2”
• Pre-teens and Teens Hat height 9-10” Head Circumference: 20 1/2” - 22”
• Adult Woman Head Hat height = 11” Head Circumference: 21.5” - 22.5”
• Adult Man Hat height = 11”-11.5” Head Circumference: 23” - 24

When you're done, or by 5PM today - whichever comes first - post a photo of your hats in progress as a reply to this post.  This will enter you into the running for one of our fabulous door prizes.  We're counting replies on all of our social media platforms, but it's still one entry per person (instagram users can reply with a link to their own photo).  If you're the winner we'll reach out to you for shipping details after the event.

Finish your hat(s) at your leisure and  mail or drop your hats off at Lovelyarns at any time the shop is open (hang on to them for now!). 3610 Falls Road, Baltimore, MD 21211

2020 Charity Collection - Bring us 500 (or more!) Hats

This year the Homespun Yarn Party is once again collecting knit and crocheted hats for the 500 Hats Project. Last year's hats went to two elementary schools, homeless kids and new immigrants without winter wear. `

The 500 Hats Project is a year-round effort; we encourage stitchers from all over to contribute hand-made hats which will warm the heads of elementary and middle-school children in a selected Baltimore City school or program each winter. If you would like to participate in the 500 Hats Project, please knit or crochet a hat in any yarn, any child-size and bring it to the Yarn Party charity table!  Any style is welcome but there is a pattern here to get you started.

There is no deadline for hats as this is an annual project so you can still contribute after the event - just bring your finished hats to Lovelyarns in Hampden (Baltimore, MD).  They are happy to donate yarn if you do not have stash you would like to use.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however we will provide charity yarn for you to work with. We will have a couple of knit and crochet charity hats going at the charity table. Please come by and add a few rounds!

We regret that we cannot accept yarn or other kinds of finished objects this year (shawls, toys, etc.).  Here are some other local organizations that may welcome them:

• Knitters and Crocheters Care (yarn or FOs, VA)
• Handmade for the Homeless at the Edlavitch DCJCC (yarn or FOs, DC)
• Jewish Volunteer Connection (yarn or FOs, MD)
• Alternative House (FOs, VA)
• SCRAP Creative Reuse Baltimore (supplies, MD)
• Upcycle Creative Reuse Center (supplies, VA)

2019 Classes, Contests, and Swag

For many years now, we've run The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. Its been such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle and 10g of the fiber of your choice. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize!

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? We will teach you! We'll offer free classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day. If you're a beginner looking to pick up a new craft, loaner needles and hooks will be provided for intro to knit and crochet lessons. For the spinning lessons, you can purchase some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors or bring your own.

We're excited to bring back two of our popular intermediate level classes this year and add an intermediate crochet class:

We'll show a few different cast ons - i.e. for toe up socks, or the circular cast on for shawls (instead of the tab), or even how to knit that tab. Time permitting, we may add some cast-off options, such as a stretchy bind off for socks or cuffs.

For both knitters and crocheters, we will give tips on how to weave in ends. Then we will show some methods to join new yarn in the middle of a project to avoid having ends to weave in at all. Among other options, you'll be able to watch a spit splice demonstration then try it on your own!

We're also offering a new class this year on crocheted granny squares. If you've mastered the basic crochet stitches and are ready to try something a little more advanced, join us to learn how to make the building blocks of an afghan. Granny squares are a great portable project. We'll review how to read a basic crochet pattern, how to get started crocheting in the round, how to turn a corner on a square, and how to join your squares together.

Classes are held at the center tables. Space is limited and classes are first come, first served.

12:45 – Intro to Knitting

1:15 – Intro to Crochet

1:45 – Intro to Drop Spindle

2:15 – More Ways to Cast-On

2:45 – Intro to Drop Spindle

3:15 – Granny Squares

3:45 – Longest Thread Contest

4:15 – Weaving In and Joining Ends

In addition to our group sessions, our Roving Teachers will be available for one-on-one project help and Q&A throughout the day.
Do you have a project in the works that could benefit from some quick expert advice? Bring it along! Our teachers have generously offered to make time available for those needing a bit of help on a project (e.g. picking up stitches, tightening holes in heel gussets, those blasted side stitches that like to get messy, joining new fiber on your spindle without losing twist, interpreting a tricky pattern instruction) and offer impromptu mini-sessions and on the spot Q&A on crochet, spinning, and knitting.

If you see one of our teachers sitting at the class table without an active class session, or roving about, sporting an HYP "Roving Teacher" button, feel free to flag them down for assistance!

Our teachers will be out and about throughout the day. We want to make sure our teachers get some shopping time in, so if they don't have their button on, they're off-duty.

We'll have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table (aka the TABLE OF AWESOME) - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your knitted/crocheted accessories for the 500 Hats Project. If you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, we will be happy to take it off your hands at the charity table. Some hats will be started if you'd like to stop by and add a few rounds. You can read more about this year's project here.

We'll have Homespun Yarn Party bags, stickers, stitch markers, stitch marker boxes, key tags, tape measures, and buttons for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Here's a preview...

photo by kaylavie - RatchetCatBoutique

Weather permitting, the adjacent deck will be available to hang out and socialize if you need a break from shopping. If the deck is open and it's warm, we welcome wheel spinning and electric spinners outside. Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

NOTE: Our class tables must be kept open for our scheduled sessions and Roving Teachers, and our charity tables for those actively working on a charity project. We ask that shoppers leave their wheels in their vehicles until the final hour of the event unless the deck is open (check first as we have no public storage space). We understand if you need to take a few moments to sit and recover from the yarn fumes but please be courteous of your fellow shoppers and share time at the social tables.

2019 Charity Collection

This year the Homespun Yarn Party and Lovelyarns are collecting knit and crocheted hats and scarves for the 500 Hats Project. Let’s wow them with our generosity!

The 500 Hats Project is a year-round effort; we encourage stitchers from all over to contribute hand-made hats which will warm the heads of elementary and middle-school children in a selected Baltimore City school or program each winter. If you would like to participate in the 500 Hats Project, please knit or crochet a hat in any yarn, any child-size and bring it to the Yarn Party charity table!  Any style is welcome but there is a pattern here to get you started.

There is no deadline for hats as this is an annual project so you can still contribute after the event - just bring your finished hats to Lovelyarns in Hampden (Baltimore, MD).  They are happy to donate yarn if you do not have stash you would like to use.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however we will provide charity yarn for you to work with. We will have a couple of knit and crochet charity hats and scarves going at the charity table. Please come by and add a few rows!

Additionally, if you’re looking to destash, we will be collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the Baltimore/DC metro area. If you have other finished objects to donate we'll find them a good home.

Photos of last year's donations can be seen here in our Ravelry Group!

2018 Classes, Contest, and Swag

For many years now, we've run The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. Its been such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle and 10g of the fiber of your choice. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize!

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? We will teach you! We'll offer free classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day.  If you're a beginner looking to pick up a new craft, loaner needles and hooks will be provided for intro to knit and crochet lessons. For the spinning lessons, you can purchase some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors or bring your own.

We're excited to bring back two of our intermediate level classes this year:

We'll show a few different cast ons - i.e. for toe up socks, or the circular cast on for shawls (instead of the tab), or even how to knit that tab. Time permitting, we may add some cast-off options, such as a stretchy bind off for socks or cuffs.

For both knitters and crocheters, we will give tips on how to weave in ends. Then we will show some methods to join new yarn in the middle of a project to avoid having ends to weave in at all. Among other options, you'd be able to watch a spit splice demonstration then try it on your own!

We're also offering a new class this year on adjusting your gauge. You've seen that cryptic heading of GAUGE in your pattern but paid little attention to it? You've seen it and paid attention but wondered just how flexible you could be with it? You really want to use this great indie dyer yarn that is kind of bulky in a pattern that calls for worsted weight yarn? This workshop is for you. We'll have some sample swatches and rulers on hand, but if you have your own ruler bring it along with a swatch and a pattern that you are planning to make - preferably for a rectangular finished object (i.e. scarves, shawls, some hats, some fingerless gloves, etc.).

Classes are held at the center tables. Space is limited and classes are first come, first served.

1:15 – Cast-On Options

1:45 – Intro to Drop Spindle

2:15 – Weave In, Join Ends

2:45 – Intro to Drop Spindle

3:15 – Adjusting Gauge

3:45 – Longest Thread Contest

4:15 – Intro Knit/Crochet & Demos

In addition to our group sessions, our Roving Teachers will be available for one-on-one project help and Q&A throughout the day.
Do you have a project in the works that could benefit from some quick expert advice? Bring it along! Our teachers have generously offered to make time available for those needing a bit of help on a project (e.g. picking up stitches, tightening holes in heel gussets, those blasted side stitches that like to get messy, joining new fiber on your spindle without losing twist, interpreting a tricky pattern instruction) and offer impromptu mini-sessions and on the spot Q&A on crochet, spinning, and knitting.

If you see one of our teachers sitting at the class table without an active class session, or roving about, sporting an HYP "Roving Teacher" button, feel free to flag them down for assistance!

Our teachers will be out and about throughout the day. We want to make sure our teachers get some shopping time in, so if they don't have their button on, they're off-duty. The 4:15 class session will depend on interest - we definitely want to enable new knitters and crocheters - but most Yarn Partiers are already pretty savvy so we will likely have best availability in the 4:00 hour.

We'll have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table (aka the TABLE OF AWESOME) - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your knitted/crocheted accessories and comfort monsters for Artemis House, Shelter House, and TAPS. If you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, Claire will be happy to take it off your hands at the Knitters and Crocheters Care table. Some scarves will be started if you'd like to stop by and add a few rows. You can read more about this year's project here.

We'll have Homespun Yarn Party bags, stitch marker boxes, key tags, tape measures, and buttons for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. We will have a few limited edition 10th anniversary buttons left, in case you missed getting one last year. Brand new this year: HYP stitch markers, available with lobster claw or split rings. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Here's a preview...

photo by kaylavie - RatchetCatBoutique

Weather permitting, the adjacent deck will be available to hang out and socialize if you need a break from shopping. If the deck is open and it's warm, we may also have some fun demos of wheel spinning and electric spinners. Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

NOTE: Our class tables must be kept open for our scheduled sessions and Roving Teachers, and our charity tables for those actively working on a charity project. We ask that shoppers leave their wheels in their vehicles until the final hour of the event unless the deck is open (check first as we have no public storage space). We understand if you need to take a few moments to sit and recover from the yarn fumes but please be courteous of your fellow shoppers and share time at the social tables.

2018 Charity Collection

This year The Homespun Yarn Party and Knitters and Crocheters Care are collecting knit and crocheted shawls and scarves for Artemis House, a domestic violence shelter, and hats, scarves and mittens for men, women, children and infants at Shelter House. We are also collecting Comfort Monsters/stuffies and water bottle holders for TAPS. Let’s wow them with our generosity!

Artemis House is Fairfax County's only 24-hour emergency shelter for victims of domestic and sexual violence, stalking, and human trafficking (operated by Shelter House - see below).

Shelter House, Inc. is a community-based, non-profit organization serving homeless families in Fairfax County, Virginia. They operate a number of shelters, for people who are homeless, disabled and/or survivors of domestic violence. They also provide transitional housing and case management services. Its goals are to prevent and end homelessness and domestic violence by engaging the community, building effective relationships and providing crisis intervention, safe housing and supportive services.

TAPS provides a wide variety of programs and information to all those affected by a death of a loved one in the line of military duty. Each Memorial Day weekend, TAPS invites their members to attend their four-day Memorial Day event in Arlington, Virginia. Members are offered workshops and other forms of support where they learn to share, cope and heal from some of America’s leading experts on trauma and grief. Since 2003, Knitters and Crocheters Care (KCC) has attended this event; we teach knitting and crocheting and provide comfort items to attendees that stop by the KCC table.

Additionally, if you’re looking to destash - Knitters and Crocheters Care is collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the DC metro area.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however, we will provide charity yarn for you to work with. We will have a couple of knit and crochet charity scarves going at the charity table. Please come by and add a few rows!

Hope to see you there!!

Photos of last year's donations can be seen here and here in our Ravelry Group!

2017 Classes, Contests, Prizes, Swag, and more!

For the last few years, we've run The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. Its been such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle and 10g of the fiber of your choice. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize. In honor of our 10th anniversary, this year's winner will receive former local vendor Sarah Eyre's Craftsy class, Professional Yarn Dyeing at Home, donated by our spinning teacher Lauren.

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? We will teach you! We'll offer free classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day.  If you're a beginner looking to pick up a new craft, loaner needles and hooks will be provided for intro to knit and crochet lessons. For the spinning lessons, you can purchase some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors or bring your own.

We're excited to bring you two new classes this year. We'll show a few different cast ons - i.e. for toe up socks, or the circular cast on for shawls (instead of the tab), or even how to knit that tab. Time permitting, we may add some cast-off options, such as a stretchy bind off for socks or cuffs. For both knitters and crocheters, we will give tips on how to weave in ends. Then we will show some methods to join new yarn in the middle of a project to avoid having ends to weave in at all.

We're also bringing back the "Fixing Your Mistakes" class. Bring a 3"x3" stockinette swatch on large needles with you and we'll teach you how to easily pick up a dropped stitch, add a yarnover when you realize you've missed it on a later row, and fix a twisted or accidentally purled/knitted stitch. Bring a crochet hook appropriate for the yarn used in your swatch if possible; picking up stitches will be easier with one. If you don't have time to swatch you can watch our demo.

Classes are held at the center tables. Space is limited and classes are first come, first served.

1:15 - More Ways to Cast On
1:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle (bring fiber & spindle)
2:15 - Weaving Ends and Joining Yarn
2:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle (bring fiber & spindle)
3:15 - Fixing Your Mistakes (bring your swatch, needles, and a hook)
3:45 - Longest Thread Contest (bring fiber & spindle)
4:15 - Intro Knit or Crochet or Sock Machine and Spinning Demonstrations

In addition to our group sessions, our teachers will be available for one-on-one project help and Q&A throughout the day.  More details are available here.

We'll have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table (aka the TABLE OF AWESOME) - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your comfort monsters for TAPS, hats and scarves for Alternative House, and chemo caps for Anne Arundel Medical Center in memory of HYP volunteer Beth Haneke. If you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, Claire will be happy to take it off your hands at the Knitters and Crocheters Care table. Some scarves will be started if you'd like to stop by and add a few rows. You can read more about this year's project here.


We'll have Homespun Yarn Party bags, stitch marker boxes, key tags, tape measures, and buttons for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. We will have some limited edition 10th anniversary buttons this year. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Here's a preview...

Weather permitting, the adjacent deck will be available to hang out and socialize if you need a break from shopping.  If the deck is open and it's warm, we may also have some fun demos of wheel spinning, and an antique sock machine. Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

2017 Charity Collection

This year The Homespun Yarn Party and Knitters and Crocheters Care are collecting knit and crocheted Comfort Monsters, water bottle holders and shawls for TAPS - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, and hats, scarves and mittens for children and young adults at Alternative House, and chemo caps to donate to Anne Arundel Medical Center in Beth Haneke’s name.

TAPS provides a wide variety of programs and information to all those affected by a death of a loved one in the line of military duty. Each Memorial Day weekend, TAPS invites their members to attend their four-day Memorial Day event in Arlington, Virginia. Members are offered workshops and other forms of support where they learn to share, cope and heal from some of America’s leading experts on trauma and grief. Since 2003, Knitters and Crocheters Care (KCC) has attended this event; we teach knitting and crocheting and provide comfort items to attendees that stop by the KCC table. Last year Bonnie Carroll, founder of TAPS was one of the extraordinary people who were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation’s highest civilian honor. You can read more about this amazing woman here: www.taps.org/BonnieCarroll

What is a Comfort Monster? A Comfort Monster can be as simple as a stuffed square with funky eyes, or as challenging as an elaborately decorated stuffed animal. Just make sure it’s soft and huggable. What is a water bottle holder or water bottle sling? There are a bunch of knit and crochet patterns on Ravelry -- any one of those patterns will work for this program.

Alternative House, located in Fairfax, Virginia - supports at-risk children, youth and families, provides crisis intervention and neighborhood outreach. We are collecting hats, scarves and mittens for children and young adults at Alternative House. Alternative House continues to see an increase in requests for assistance, they rise to the challenge because of generous donations from the metro DC community. Last year they opened a new program to help young people who are homeless while still in high school and who don’t have the support of a parent or guardian. Your generous donation of cold weather items may make the difference between a young person going to school or staying home during the next harsh winter

Chemo Caps to be donated to Anne Arundel Medical Center in Beth Haneke’s name. Beth was one of the Homespun Yarn Party’s volunteers for several years. Beth Haneke and her beautiful golden retriever service dogs were a regular sight at past events. Beth was a cancer survivor who dealt with serious health issues over the years. Unfortunately, she lost her fight just a few weeks ago on February 25, 2017. We checked with her family and they would love for us to donate chemo caps in Beth’s name.

Additionally, if you’re looking to destash - Knitters and Crocheters Care is collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the DC metro area.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however, we will provide charity yarn for you to work with. We will have a couple of knit and crochet charity scarves going at the charity table. Please come by and add a few rows!

Hope you can participate!!

Classes, Prizes, HYP Swag, and the popular Longest Thread Contest!

For the last few years, we've run The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. Its been such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle and 10g of the fiber of your choice. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize.

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? We will teach you! We'll offer classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day.  If you're a beginner looking to pick up a new craft, loaner needles and hooks and yarn will be provided for intro to knit and crochet lessons.  For the spinning lessons, you can purchase some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors or bring your own.

We're excited to bring you a new knitting class this year.  Bring a 3"x3" stockinette swatch on large needles with you and we'll teach you how to easily pick up a dropped stitch, add a yarnover when you realize you've missed it on a later row, and fix a twisted or accidentally purled/knitted stitch.  Bring a crochet hook appropriate for the yarn used in your swatch if possible. Picking up stitches will be easier with one.  

Classes are held at the center tables.  Space is limited and classes are first come, first served.

1:15 - Intro to Knitting

1:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle (bring fiber & spindle)

2:15 - Intro to Crochet
2:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle (bring fiber & spindle)

3:15 - Advanced Beginner Knitting - Fixing Your Mistakes (bring your swatch, needles, and a hook)

3:45 - Longest Thread Contest (bring fiber & spindle)
4:15 - Intro Knit or Crochet or Sock Machine Demonstration

We'll have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your comfort monsters and scarves for TAPS and Alternative House and if you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, Claire will be happy to take it off your hands at the Knitters and Crocheters Care table. Donors will be entered into a prize drawing.  Some hats and scarves will be started if you'd like to stop by and add a few rows.  You can read more about this year's project here.

We'll have Homespun Yarn Party bags, stitch marker boxes, key tags, tape measures, and buttons for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Here's a preview...

Weather permitting, the adjacent deck will be available to hang out and socialize if you need a break from shopping.  If the deck is open and it's warm, we may also have some fun demos of wheel spinning, batt making, and an antique sock machine.  Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

2016 Charity event at Homespun Yarn Party

This year the Homespun Yarn Party and Knitters and Crocheters Care are collecting knit and crocheted Comfort Monsters, water bottle holders and shawls for TAPS - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors and hats, scarves and mittens for Alternative House.

TAPS (http://www.taps.org) provides a wide variety of programs and information to all those affected by a death of a loved one in the line of military duty. Each Memorial Day weekend, TAPS has invites their members to attend to attend their four-day Memorial Day event in Arlington, Virginia. Members are offered workshops and other forms of support where they learn to share, cope and heal from some of America’s leading experts on trauma and grief. Since 2003, Knitters and Crocheters Care (KCC) has attended this event; we teach knitting and crocheting and provide comfort items to attendees that stop by the KCC table. Bonnie Carroll, founder of TAPS was one of the extraordinary people who were awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom - the nation's highest civilian honor. You can read more about this amazing woman here: http://www.taps.org/BonnieCarroll

What is a Comfort Monster? A Comfort Monster can be as simple as a stuffed square with funky eyes, or as challenging as an elaborately decorated stuffed animal. Just make sure it’s soft and huggable. What is a water bottle holder or water bottle sling? There are a bunch of knit and crochet patterns on Ravelry -- any one of those patterns will work for this program.

Alternative House (https://thealternativehouse.org/) located in Fairfax, Virginia - supports at-risk children, youth and families, provides crisis intervention and neighborhood outreach. We are collecting hats, scarves and mittens for children and young adults at Alternative House. Alternative House continues to see an increase in requests for assistance, they rise to the challenge because of generous donations from the metro DC community. The number of young people seeking help at the Emergency Shelter for Teenagers is up 30% over pre-recession numbers. They opened a new program to help young people who are homeless while still in high school and who don't have the support of a parent or guardian. Requests for food and clothing are up more than 50% in their community based programs. Your generous donation of cold weather items may make the difference between going to school or staying home during the next harsh winter.

Additionally, if you’re looking to destash - Knitters and Crocheters Care is collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the DC metro area.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however, we will also provide charity yarn for you to work with.

Hope you can participate!! There will be prizes!

Classes, Door Prizes, Charity, and the popular Longest Thread Contest!

For the last few years, we've run The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. Its been such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle and 10g of the fiber of your choice. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize.

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? We will teach you! We'll offer classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day. Have your needles or hook ready for knit and crochet lessons; yarn will be provided - for the spinning lessons, you can purchase some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors or bring your own. Classes are held at the center tables.

1:15- Intro to Knitting

1:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle

2:15- Intro to Crochet

2:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle

3:45 - Longest Thread Contest

We'll also have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your comfort monsters and scarves for TAPS and if you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, Claire will be happy to take it off your hands at the Knitters and Crocheters Care table. You can read more about this year's project here.

Finally, we'll have HYP tote bags, project bags, and buttons for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Weather permitting, the covered deck will be available to hang out and socialize if you need a break from shopping.  If the deck is open, we'll also have some fun demos of wheel spinning.  Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

2015 Charity event at Homespun Yarn Party

This year The Homespun Yarn Party and Knitters and Crocheters Care are collecting knit and crocheted Comfort Monsters, water bottle holders, hats, scarves and shawls for TAPS - Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors.

TAPS (http://www.taps.org) provides a wide variety of programs and information to all those affected by a death of a loved one in the line of military duty. Each Memorial Day weekend, TAPS has invites their members to attend to attend their four-day Memorial Day event in Arlington, Virginia. Members are offered workshops and other forms of support where they learn to share, cope and heal from some of America’s leading experts on trauma and grief. Since 2003, Knitters and Crocheters Care (KCC) has attended this event; we teach knitting and crocheting and provide comfort items to attendees that stop by the KCC table.

This year we will be creating and collecting Comfort Monsters, hats, scarves and shawls for TAPS. You can drop off your hats at the Knitters and Crocheters charity table at the Homespun Yarn Party on Sunday, March 22, 2015.

What is a Comfort Monster? A Comfort Monster can be as simple as a stuffed square with funky eyes, or as challenging as an elaborately decorated stuffed animal. Just make sure it’s soft and huggable. What is a water bottle holder or water bottle sling? There are a bunch of knit and crochet patterns on Ravelry -- any one of those patterns will work for this program.

Additionally, if you’re looking to destash - Knitters and Crocheters Care is collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the DC metro area.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however, we will also provide charity yarn for you to work with.

Hope you can participate!! There will be prizes!

Classes, Door Prizes, Charity, and the popular Longest Thread Contest!

For the last two years, we've run The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. Its been such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle and 10g of the fiber of your choice. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize.

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? We will teach you! We'll offer classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day. Yarn and loaner hooks/needles for knit and crochet lessons will be provided - for the spinning lessons, you can purchase some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors or bring your own. Classes are held at the center tables.

1:15- Intro to Knitting

1:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle

2:15- Intro to Crochet

2:45 - Intro to Drop Spindle

3:45 - Longest Thread Contest

We'll also have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your hats for Alternative House and if you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, Claire will be happy to take it off your hands at the Knitters and Crocheters Care table. You can read more about this year's project here.

Finally, we'll have HYP tote bags, project bags, buttons and other fun goodies for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Weather permitting, the deck will be available to hang out and socialize if you need a break from shopping.  If the deck is open, we'll also have some fun demos including wheel spinning and a vintage sock machine.  Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

2014 Charity Collection

This year The Homespun Yarn Party and Knitters and Crocheters Care are collecting knit and crocheted hats and mittens for Alternative House. Alternative House operates a house for runaway teens, a house for teenage mothers and they perform outreach for children and families throughout the Balley’s Crossroads area. Alternative House offers children, youth and families hope for brighter futures by providing counseling, shelter and neighborhood-based support.

This year we will be creating and collecting hats and mittens for adults and children. You can drop off your hats at the Knitters and Crocheters charity table at the Homespun Yarn Party on Sunday, March 23, 2014. If you prefer, we will also accept other cold weather wearables, such as mittens, gloves, socks and sweaters.
Additionally, if you’re looking to destash - Knitters and Crocheters Care is collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the DC metro area.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however, we will also provide charity yarn for you to work with.

Hope you can participate!! There will be prizes!

Longest Thread Competition, Classes, Prizes, Charity Collection, Winding Station, and Swag!

Last year we ran The Longest Thread Competition at Homespun Yarn Party. It was such a hit, that we’re doing it again!

Bring your favorite drop spindle, and we’ll provide 10g of fiber. Everybody gets ten minutes to spin as much singles yardage as they can. The longest singles wins GLORY, and a prize.

Hope you join us!

Don't know how to spin on a drop spindle? Lauren will teach you! We'll offer classes on knitting, crochet, and drop spindle throughout the day. Yarn for lessons will be provided - just bring a set of needles or a hook, or pick up some fiber and a spindle from one of our lovely vendors. Classes are held at the center tables.

We'll also have fantastic door prizes throughout the day, courtesy of our vendors and sponsors. You'll get a raffle ticket as you enter, and we'll draw winners every half hour. Prize packages will be on display at the HYP Door Prizes table - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Don't forget to bring your hats for HomeStretch and if you have any extra yarn you'd like to donate, Claire will be happy to take it off your hands at the Knitters and Crocheters Care table. You can read more about this year's project here.

Finally, we'll have a fun little giveaway to commemorate the 6th annual Homespun Yarn Party and we'll also have HYP tote bags, project bags, and other fun goodies for sale at the HYP swag table just inside the door. If you don't have a swift and ball winder at home, or if you just can't wait to start working with your new purchases, we will offer winding for $2 a skein at the HYP Winding Station. All proceeds support future Homespun Yarn Party events.

Weather permitting, the deck will be available to hand out and socialize if you need a break from shopping. Keep your fingers crossed for lovely weather, but our vendors are all indoors so we are mud-free and dry, rain or shine!

Charity Project

This year The Homespun Yarn Party and Knitters and Crocheters Care are collecting knit and crocheted hats for HomeStretch (www.homestretch-inc.org) a 501(c)(3) that serves homeless families in Falls Church, VA. We will be creating and collecting hats for adults and children. You can drop off your hats at the Knitters and Crocheters charity table at the Homespun Yarn Party on Sunday, March 24, 2013. If you prefer, we will also accept other cold weather wearables, such as mittens, gloves, socks and sweaters.

Additionally, if you’re looking to destash - Knitters and Crocheters Care is collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the DC metro area.

You can also grab your knitting needles and/or your crochet hooks, and come and knit/crochet with us. You are welcome to bring your own yarn, however, we will also provide charity yarn for you to work with.

Hope you can participate!! There will be prizes!

Schedule of Events

We have a lot planned for this year's Yarn Party!! Here's a general schedule of events:

Shopping
- Doors will open for shopping at Noon and close at 5 pm.

Door Prizes
- We will be drawing door prize tickets every half hour throughout the day. Prizes packages will be on display at the HYP Swag table - place your ticket in the jar for the prize you'd most like to win but make sure you'll be in the room when that ticket is drawn - you must be present to claim your prize.

Intro Classes
- Intro to Spinning on a Drop Spindle at 1:30 and 3:30
- Intro to Crochet at 2:30
- Intro to Knitting at 3:30

Contests
3:00 we will hold a Spinning Contest and at 4:15 we will host a Knitting Contest - more details to come!

(Supplies and loaner needles/hooks will be provided for each class and the contests.)

Demos
Weather permitting, we will hold demos out on the deck of needle felting, wheel spinning, fleece carding and combing, and an antique sock machine in action.

Charity Hat Collection
As a reminder, we are collecting hats for charity this year too. Drop by the Knitters & Crocheters Care table in the center of the room any time throughout the day.

Charity Knitting!

This year The Homespun Yarn Party and Knitters and Crocheters Care are collecting hats for CHINS (Children in Need of Smiles). CHINS provides children in the oncology unit at Innova Fairfax Hospital with comfort items including: crayons, coloring books and hand knit and hand crocheted hats. We would like to collect so many hats - that this organization can provide comfort to children in hospitals throughout the Virginia, DC and Maryland area. Hats are needed in all sizes from toddler to teen and for both girls and boys. We will be collecting the hats at the Knitters and Crocheters charity table at the Homespun Yarn Party on Sunday, March 25, 2012.

Additionally, if you're looking to destash - Knitters and Crocheters Care is collecting yarn for charity projects and charitable organizations throughout the DC metro area.

Hope you can participate!!

Knitters and Crocheters Care

Charity Crafting at HYP!

Just a reminder that we'll once again have Knitters and Crocheters Care collecting items at Yarn Party this year!

Items will be going to Alternative House, who provides shelter and outreach to pregnant and parenting teenagers, through their Assisting Young Mothers program.

So please knit or crochet an eight inch square (or a few!) and we'll sew them together for some sweet little baby blankets! Of course other baby items are welcome and will find a good home! Please be sure everything is washable!

Baby Blanket Joining Party (plus prizes!!)

We're excited about our charity component this year! We're planning a baby blanket joining party! Knitters & Crocheters Care will once again be our charity partner for this year's Homespun Yarn Party.



We need: 8 inch squares made from washable yarns, to be joined at the yarn party
Prizes: We'll be giving one ticket for squares/blankets/other baby items donated (one ticket total) and one ticket to anyone who sits down and helps us join squares during the yarn party. Two chances to win something!

Prizes to be announced, but we plan on finding some great indie yarn and other fun items!

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Here is a bit more about the organization, and their contact information:

Knitters & Crocheters Care is a charitable organization started by Claire Wudowsky and Michelle Strange. It is our intention to act as a clearinghouse for everything from yarn to finished items and to bring together DC, VA and MD crafters and charities. We currently have four charity events scheduled each month and we would love to add more. If you would like to start one - we will help by providing supplies and by promoting your event on our blog and on Ravelry.

Knitters And Crocheters Care
PO Box 3036
Merrifield, VA 22116

knitters-and-crocheters-care.blogspot.com
knitters and crocheters care on Ravelry
Knitters_and_Crocheters_Care@yahoo.com
ClaireLeah on Ravelry, Facebook and Twitter.