Dear T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family, it is with heavy hearts that we share with you this somber news. We are sad to report the passing of David Gillespie, a founding member and colleague of T.H.R.I.V.E. Association.
Rest in Peace
Thomas David Gillespie, Jr.
1969-2023
Happy Monday, T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family! This is the Worsted Weight Crochet Gaiter, compliments of our staff at T.H.R.I.V.E. HQ! This gaiter is quick to craft, quite economical in the yarn needed, and comfortably fits under a jacket for our underprivileged veterans and their dependents. It can be as warm as a scarf, but less of the bulk. Here is how to make it:
The Worsted Weight Crochet Gaiter
Abbreviations:
Ch = Chain(s)
Sl st = Slip stitch
Hdc = Half double crochet
St(s) = Stitch(es)
Fphdc = Front post half double crochet
Bphdc = Back post half double crochet
Gauge: Chain 11, hdc into second chain from hook, 1 hdc in each ch to the remaining 9 sts. It should measure 3 inches in length. Adjust the amount of chains and/or hook size accordingly to meet 3 inches. If adjustments were needed, use those same adjustments to augment the pattern.
Ch 71. Join first ch with sl st, making sure not to twist the ch when joining the ends.
Foundation row: Ch 1, place stitch marker, 1 hdc in each st around (70), sl st into first st.
Row 1: Ch 1, fphdc around the first hdc from the foundational row. *Bphdc around the next. Fphdc around next.* Rep *…* to marker (70), sl st into first st.
Row 2-25: Ch 1, fphdc around the previous row’s first post. *Bphdc around the next. Fphdc around the next. Rep *…* to marker (70), sl st into first st. At the end of Row 25, fasten off after the sl st and weave in the ends.
Tips: If you have never tried Front post half double crochets (fphdc) and Back post half double crochets (bphdc), don’t worry – they are much easier than they sound! Here is a picture of what going through the front post looks like:
And here is a picture of what going through the back post looks like (note that the work is being tilted toward the camera to show the back post, thus effectively is a top down view):
Happy Monday, dear T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family! We have been getting a number of questions recently about acceptable colors for donated garments. We know that it is Spring and our wonderful volunteers and donors are really excited to break out their lovely Springtime colored yarns, fabrics, etc. Trust us, we love bright colors too!
However, we here at T.H.R.I.V.E. Association are all about the veteran community that we serve. As beautiful as bright colors and pastels are, we have to keep the recipients’ preferences in mind. Through the years that we have been in operation, we have found that the veterans and their dependents prefer darker colors of blue, black, green, grey, and camouflage. If you are feeling particularly bold, both red or royal purple have also been very popular.
Next week, we will be introducing a new crocheted gaiter pattern, pictured above, created by the our awesome team! If you are a knitter, we also have the same pattern in knit coming at you in the following weeks! So, stay tuned!
Happy Monday, dear T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family! We are currently hard at work in the crafting lab, and we’ve got lots of great new patterns and techniques coming your way in the coming weeks! We’ve got knitting, crocheting, and even loom patterns and techniques coming soon, so stay tuned!