A most amazing thing

I have knitted and crocheted some time for charities and recently saw a clipping in my church bulletin reminding people of the "Homeless Christmas Party" that is held every year. It was to be a few months off so felt led to create an opportunity for any hidden crafter's to put their hands to work and created "No idle hands" to make hats, scarves, mittens and etc. to add to the all ready collected items. I hadn't gotten much response and was a bit discouraged when a lady called me yesterday and here is the story she shared with me:


I have always had a heart for the homeless and would often pray for them. I was getting a little angry with God because he didn't seem to answer my prayers asking him to help them, when one day, he answered me. He said...I made you. She went to the store and saw a loom and thought she could maybe learn to do that as she didn't knit or crochet. She was able to learn and began making hats. She was not sure where she would give them to or how she would get them to the homeless when her daughter who attends my church brought her the little notice of "No Idle Hands".............


Here is what she brought to me

100 beautiful adult hats and 50 baby hats from one amazing heart!

If you want to view my donations click here

October Newsletter from Handmade Especially for You

November 1, 2009
Today’s topics:
 1000 comfort scarves are wrapped and ready for delivery for Thanksgiving
 Making 2000 scarves for Christmas will be a lot of work by all of us. We can do it!
 Talking Crochet Newsletter (Oct. 27, 2009) featured Handmade Especially for You
 The generous contributions from yarn companies and individuals continue
 We now have 6 chapters throughout North America and have many more shelters receiving our comfort scarves
 Pros and cons of keyhole scarves
And now for the details:
In addition to our October delivery of 250 comfort scarves, we now have 1000 scarves wrapped and ready for delivery before Thanksgiving. I am very proud of all of us who have worked so hard to achieve this goal. Honestly, as much as I hoped for such a result, I thought it might be too big to complete. But we’ve done it. Now on to achieving the next goal -- 2000 comfort scarves for Christmas. It looks like we have a real chance to make that goal as well. Read on.

Talking Crochet Newsletter ran a feature story about us October 27, 2009. The response was incredible. I was at Disneyland with my daughter and granddaughters when the story ran. When I returned and checked my email, I was truly overwhelmed. There were hundreds of letters. Some were from people who wanted to participate; some from those who want to start their own chapters; some to generally support our movement; and some from women who had been abused themselves and wanted to tell how important they think our comfort scarves are to those who receive them. You can view the article at: http://www.crochet-world.com/newsletters.php. I have been busy making and sending kits ever since it appeared.

Yarn companies continue their generosity. This means a lot because I am making and sending out so many kits that I am going through miles of yarn every day. Knitting Fever and Crystal Palace Yarns continue to be exceptional donors. Their yarn meets all our requirements--soft, colorful, beautiful, including solid colors and lots of ribbon yarns and fun fur we use to decorate our scarves! Mountain Colors sent another box of their beautiful hand dyed wool. Many of you greet me with bags of yarn. I appreciate all contributions. And I use everything as I’m sure you’ve seen if you use my kits.
Community support is growing as well. On Oct. 18 Wabi-Sabi Knits held a community knit-in in Playa del Rey to support us. That was a first. They have a big bin right now half-full of comfort scarves. They expect it to be filled by Nov. 13, when I will do my first pick up there.

I knit with a group of seniors at Golden West Tower in Torrance. The group is small, but very productive. They have a lot of fun. One of the women encouraged her daughter (a young woman my age) to join us. The two of them talked up the project so much in their family that now the daughter’s daughter has organized a group of her co-workers to make comfort scarves. They are the first (that I know of) 3-generation family to participate.

A woman in IL requested 12 kits for girls she is teaching to knit. She just wrote telling me the girls want to donate their scarves to the Constance Morris House in La Grange. People everywhere are joining our movement.

As a result of our new chapters, we now have several new shelters to add to our list of recipients. The group in Rogers, AR delivers to the Women’s Shelter of NorthWest Arkansas; the San Diego chapter donates to Saint Clare’s Home; in Naples, FL they contribute to the Naples Shelter for Abused Women and Children; Giving Hands, our chapter in Nelson, BC so far gives to Cicada Place for Youth and the Aimee Beaulieu Transition House. Marge has even bigger plans for her chapter.

Finally, in order to reach the seemingly impossible goal of making and delivering 2000 comfort scarves before Christmas THIS YEAR, I have suggested we start making keyhole scarves. They are about half the size of our regular scarves. Thus, they make up very quickly. And it is much easier for me to make the kits. For a variety of reasons, some of our participants feel this is too great a shortcut and that the recipients need the full size scarf. I feel our mission is to recognize and acknowledge victims of domestic violence. I feel receiving a keyhole scarf is better than receiving no scarf. I understand the point made by those who disagree. So I suggest that if you want to make a full size scarf, please do. I am still making kits for full size scarves. But if you are willing to make the keyhole scarf, also please do. Happily, the knit and crochet versions use the same amount of yarn (the crochet has fewer stitches) so I can make the same kit for both and you can do either. Please check the website for the patterns I recommend (on size 15 needles or K hook, of course). Whichever scarf you choose to do, I will appreciate receiving it. We reach our goal one scarf at a time. Your scarf counts!
If you want to donate scarves or yarn or if you want to send a check, please mail to:
Handmade Especially for You c/o Leslye Borden
30065 Grandpoint Lane
Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275
Leslye
www.handmadeespecially.org

EGF DONATION

THIS LITTLE BEREVEMENT SET WILL GO TO EGF. IT FITS A 1-3 POUND PREEMIE. I FOUND THIS LITTLE DOLL AT A YARD SALE THIS YEAR, IT HELPS ME TO KNOW IF THE THINGS I MAKE WILL FIT OR NOT.

Great publicity for Handmade Especially for You

This article appeared in the Oct. 27, 2009 issue of Talking Crochet Newsletter

Handmade Especially for You
Leslye Borden has taken her passion for knitting and crocheting beyond her own personal use by creating an organization that brings a bit of joy to abused women. Handmade Especially for You distributes special scarves to women and children in shelters. Presently, there is a request to the organization for 1,000 scarves for Thanksgiving baskets and another 2,000 for Christmas baskets. A handmade gift can be a small step toward building self-esteem that is so necessary during the healing process for women who have been abused.


Leslye Borden brings a soft touch to women who need it. Photo by Tom Underhill

Leslye's hints for creating scarves are:

1.Use soft yarn (for comfort).
2.Pick happy colors.
3.Make them four to five inches wide.
4.Make them at least 60 inches long.
5.Use open-weave stitch if possible (so they can be used in warm weather climates).
6.Add some novelty yarn or ribbon to make them special.
The intention of making these scarves is to provide a gift of comfort to someone who may have never received a gift before and to show that someone cares.

You can read more about Leslye Borden and the story of Handmade Especially for You online at HandMadeEspecially.org. Her Web site also gives information about starting a local chapter. If you would like to mail scarves directly to her, please send to:



Leslye Borden
Handmade Especially for You
30065 Grandpoint Lane
Rancho Palos Verdes, CA
90275

Sept Newsletter from Handmade Especially for You

October 3, 2009
Today’s topics:
 We distributed more than 2,150 comfort scarves so far this year; 2,350 since we began
 I connected with many knitters/crocheters on Ravelry
 The generous contributions from yarn companies are key to our growth and success
 We applied for the 501(c)3
 We have 600 scarves already made for Thanksgiving and Christmas distribution

And now for the details:

We distributed about 250 scarves again this month! The shelters’ directors are running out of new ways to describe their appreciation for what we do. They apologize for just saying the same things over and over. We love their thanks and want to keep that repetition going. Congratulations to all of you who knit, crochet, wrap, and donate $$$. You are making our project successful!!!

Somehow I figured out how to navigate ravelry.com. Ravely is an interactive website for people who love to knit and crochet. Many groups post activities on the Ravelry site and members sign up for the groups that interest them. They even have a charity knitting group that has over 2,000 members! This group has been very supportive of our cause. Many members have promised to send scarves to help us meet our end of year goals. Many others have requested scarf kits so they can make scarves. I have received so many requests for kits that making them is more than what I can do immediately. I had post a message asking for everyone’s patience. In the meantime, I am glad to report that the yarn meter and my shoulder are holding up just fine.

Another tremendous result of making friends on Ravelry is that several people contacted me asking to set up chapters of Handmade Especially for You in their own neighborhoods. I think that is a very good idea since domestic violence occurs everywhere and people in Naples, FL, for instance, might as well donate their scarves to a local shelter for abused women rather than sending them to me for distribution here in S. CA. Of course, not all of you who make scarves want to start your own chapter and I am HAPPY to receive your scarves. In addition to the Naples, FL chapter, chapters are starting in San Diego CA, Rogers AK and British Columbia. People in St. Louis and St. Paul have made inquiries. Here’s hoping they organize too. Last month I reported that Handmade was becoming more than a group of well intentioned women; that we are a movement. Little did I know how quickly the explosion would occur.
One of my new Ravelry friends wrote me: “I was one of those kids who showed up at a shelter with her mom looking for a safe place. It was full but they paid for a night at a motel for us. The next day, my mom caved and went back. I ended up in youth shelters and foster homes when I gave up on mom ever leaving him. . . . . . I would be happy to make some scarves for your wonderful project!” In another note, she finished her story saying that she and her mom “broke the cycle together.” Please remember, every scarf we give to an abused woman helps her break the cycle. Give yourself a pat on the back for what you are doing.

Yarn companies continue their generosity. This means a lot because I am making and sending out so many kits that I am going through lots of yarn. Crystal Palace Yarns has been an exceptional donor. Susan Druling sent us another enormous case of yarn containing lots of different yarns just perfect for our scarves. I’m sure you have been seeing their yarn in our recent kits. Their yarn meets all our requirements--soft, colorful, beautiful, and lots of ribbon yarns and fun fur we use to decorate our scarves! Sweaterkits and Mission Falls promised donations to the Naples chapter. Many of you just can’t see me without handing me a bag of yarn. Every little bit counts. I feel I can never have too much yarn, although my husband may not agree. Yarn is everywhere in our house.

My husband helped me apply for the 501(c)3. As soon as our corporate status is confirmed, I can apply for the tax-exempt status and then the good times will begin. Handmade needs a workshop (so several people can make scarf kits) as well as storage space. Once we receive the official non-profit designation, we will be able to request and accept donations from large corporations. Some of them may even have space they can donate. You know my motto: Keep that movie rolling. Let’s watch and see what happens.

We have just over 600 scarves set aside for distribution in November and December. Our current 11 S. CA shelters have requested 1000 scarves to include in their Thanksgiving baskets and another 2000 for Christmas. 600 is a start, but a long way to go to reach those goals. We can’t rest on our laurels. We need to keep knitting and crocheting. Of course, I don’t know what will show up on my doorstep in the coming weeks. I hope a lot. I thank you all in advance for your contributions yet to come.
If you want to donate scarves or yarn or if you want to send a check, please mail to:
Handmade Especially for You c/o Leslye Borden
30065 Grandpoint Lane
Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275
Leslye
www.handmadeespecially.org

I did it!

My first ever pair of socks...these are called sox because they have a short cuff and these are for a preemie.



Then I made these and they matched!!! Thanks to Nancy

All donated to Newborns in Need

To follow my ongoing donations go here

More good news from Handmade Especially for You

August 29, 2009
Today’s topics:
 We distributed more than 1,950 comfort scarves so far this year; 2,150 since we began
 Article about Handmade Especially for You appeared in PV Peninsula News
 Knitters at Golden West Towers and the Culver City senior center participate in our movement
 The generous contributions from yarn companies are key to our growth and success

And now for the details:

We distributed about 250 scarves this month! The shelters’ directors continue telling us that the women are amazed that someone who doesn’t even know them has made something as beautiful as our scarves for them; that receiving the beautiful, soft, colorful, and handmade personal gift challenges their poor view of themselves and helps them begin to see themselves in a new light so they can start rebuilding their lives. Congratulations to all of you who knit, crochet, wrap, and donate for making our project so successful. We are more than a local group of well intentioned women; we are becoming a movement!

Handmade received positive press this month when the Palos Verdes Peninsula News published an article (with photos!) about our work. The article was well received in the community. Many people inquired as to how they could participate. Some contributed yarn. Several donated scarves. Others joined one or another of our knitting groups. I was making kits as fast as I could. In fact, I wore out my yarn meter (the tool that measures the length of the yarn I put into each kit). Luckily, June Grossberg, owner of Concepts in Yarn, lent me hers until a new one arrives. I will have to keep a spare on hand just to handle the new demand.

Two new knitting groups have joined our movement: one from Golden West Towers and the other from the Culver City Senior Center. The women in these groups love to knit and they want to create things that are meaningful to them as well as to others. Making comfort scarves has given focus to their creativity and they love the idea that the scarves go to abused women. And they really love the free yarn.

Thanks for the generosity of yarn companies which makes it possible for me to distribute really beautiful and exceptional free yarn to those who couldn’t otherwise have it but want to make scarves to support our project. Last month, as you may remember, Knitting Fever shipped us four enormous cartons of yarn. Tymon Warda, my contact there, wrote: “It's funny how such a seemingly small thing like a scarf makes such an impact” on the abused women.

This month, Crystal Palace Yarns has been the exceptional donor. Susan Druling sent us 5 enormous cases of yarn, all of which are perfect for our scarves. I’m sure you have been seeing their yarn in our recent kits. Their yarn meets all our requirements--soft, colorful, beautiful, and lots of ribbon yarns and fun fur we use to decorate our scarves! Mountain Colors also sent a box with beautiful yarn. Many thanks to Crystal Palace and Mountain Colors.

Given the yarn contributions coming in, I may have to start looking for a storage unit and/or a workshop. Joking aside, I really appreciate the donations of all the yarn companies. Without their contributions, we couldn’t make and distribute as many and as beautiful scarves as we do. I try to put the yarn labels in the kits so the users can see who donated the yarn. June Grossberg posts a list of yarn companies who donate to Handmade on the wall behind her cash register so everyone who purchases anything at her shop can see who contributes. The yarn companies support us and we support them!

As a result of the article in the PV Peninsula News, I have begun working on the 501(c)3 again. One lawyer has offered help. She directed me to a starting place and “linked” me to the first papers I have to fill out. Given that I really need more space, and thus more cash donations, I will get busy on these papers. Once we have the official non-profit designation, we will be able to request and accept donations from large corporations. You see how everything is connected. But first things first. I’ll keep you posted on the 501(c)3. Volunteers welcome.

I also need a volunteer or two who know Facebook. I want to use it (and other forums such as those on Ravelry) to publicize our need for more scarf makers.

Thanks to all of you who have requested yarn kits. I have sent out quite a few and received back some very nice scarves. I look forward to sending out more kits (it costs $4.95 to ship a package with one kit in it; it also costs $4.95 to ship a package with 4-5 kits) and receiving more scarves.

In next month’s Newsletter, I will give you an update on how many scarves we have set aside for delivery in November (we will need 1,000 for Thanksgiving baskets) and December (the shelters have requested 2,000 for holiday gifts to all). Then we can size up the task that awaits us and get busy making the desired scarves. If we meet our end of year goals, we can consider adding to the number of shelters we serve. At present, I can’t see taking on more shelters if we can’t meet the needs of those we have now. Here’s hoping we can increase the number in 2010. I have a 17 page list of the shelters in Los Angeles County alone. The need is great.
If you want to donate scarves or yarn or if you want to send a check, please mail to:
Handmade Especially for You c/o Leslye Borden
30065 Grandpoint Lane
Rancho Palos Verdes CA 90275
Leslye
www.handmadeespecially.org