Afghans for Oaks Update

Greetings! It's been a few weeks since I have started on this little project.  I'm proud to say that I have several people signed up and even one completed afghan and she has started on another. Thanks, Terri!!

It's been a slow process, I have to admit. This is the first time that I've undertaken a project such as this and it's a continuing education process. But, I've just emailed an announcement in to the synod office to hopefully be included in an upcoming newsletter. I hope to be able to send announcements out to individual congregations in the future. We also have a Facebook page set up and a Twitter presence as well. Do we have any Ravelry members out there? Should there be a group set up on Ravelry as well?

Speaking of Ravelry, I've been trying to search Ravelry for patterns that everyone might be interesting and posting them on our Twitter and Facebook pages for inspiration. There are tons of granny square patterns out there and tons of afghan patterns in general. I try to choose those that are free to share with you all.

As always, feel free to email or post comments and/or suggestions below and keep this project in your prayers.

Peace be with you all always,
Casey

Pattern Goodness and Guidelines

Greetings!

I am very excited to get this project underway! This is a project I've been feeling led to begin for quite a while now and, after speaking with a few people, I'm finally doing it.

So, how do we go about doing this? Well, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Since we do not know what each person is allergic to, I believe it would be best to stick with hypoallergenic, machine-washable yarns such as acrylic.
• Some have pets and so let's be mindful that there may be some kids that is allergic to things such as animal dander and try to give the items a good wash and looking over for pet hair.
• Try to keep the colors gender neutral since we don't know exactly to whom each afghan will be given. There is some lead way because we do know there are both boy and girls there but gender neutral as a general rule.
• Otherwise, have fun!

Looking for a pattern? Here are a couple of suggestions:

Easy Ripple Pattern by Lucy at Attic24
Chevron Afghan

Project Linus also has a page with many different patterns. You are more than welcome to use your favorite pattern, too. In fact, email or comment below to share your favorite pattern with the rest of the community.

You may also email me with any suggestions you may have as to guidelines, patterns or any other aspect of this project. It's in its infancy and would love comments and suggestions.

Peace,

Casey

Launching "Afghans for Oaks"!

Not too long ago, I was talking to my pastor’s mother after the morning worship. Both she and I knit and our conversations usually involve some sort of knit or crochet component. What projects we have going on, what we finished and things of that sort. She had mentioned that she made afghans for the Vera Lloyd Presbyterian Home in Monticello, Arkansas. I really didn’t think much more about other than that would be a neat thing to do. 

The thought of making an afghan for one of the kids there stewed in my head for quite a while. I had been crocheting prayer shawls for congregational members when they’ve been ill but I wanted to add to my knitting and crocheting ministry. So, I was about to begin an afghan for a child at Vera Lloyd’s when it suddenly hit me. There’s a place in my own synod where there is a need. Oaks Indian Mission. So, now we have Afghans for Oaks.

Oaks Indian Mission is located in Oaks, Oklahoma and is a home for Native American children who can no longer remain in their present environments. The staff provides a caring and supportive environment for them to grow and succeed in life. They have a maximum capacity of 45 but currently have an average capacity of 35. To learn more about this great organization, go to their website at oaksindianmission.org.

I’m inviting the knitters and crocheters of the Arkansas-Oklahoma Synod and beyond to take part in and donate an afghan for a child living at Oaks Indian Mission. My goal is to have 45 afghans (one for every child plus a few extras for possible intakes) in time to give as Christmas gifts for this year. If you are like me, afghans can be a little slow coming off the hook so the goal may have to be adjusted since I am launching this so late in the year.

There will be more information to follow. Feel free to email any question to me at AfghansforOaks@comcast.net. 

Peace be with you,

Casey Neeley