COVID-19 Update

Published: April 23, 2021  ~   0

Happy Friday, dear T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family! We understand that many members of our fantastic T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family have “Covid fatigue”. We are all really missing in-person interaction with fellow crafters, veterans, and friends. However, we must ask for your continued patience. Many of our community partners, as well as those who T.H.R.I.V.E. Association answers to, have time and again asked us to please continue to observe COVID-19 safety protocols.

For those who want in-person crafting groups, we would be willing to have OUTDOOR weekly, or bi-weekly, morning meetings. Crafters would be required to bring their own lawn chairs, have a mask if personal crafting instruction is needed, and observe the “6 foot Rule”. Alternatively, and we highly recommend this option, we would be open to hosting virtual meetings which would ensure maximum safety for everyone involved.

Please understand, we are not being arbitrary, as this is not an easy decision. We are just as eager as our fellow T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family members to return to “normal”. However, at this stage that is simply not an option. We need to continue to do our part in stopping the spread of this deadly virus. Please also keep in mind that the wonderful community that we serve is a very vulnerable population- many of whom may not have yet had their vaccines. Observing the so-called “Hands, Face, Space” guidelines are truly an act of love and are just as much for others as they are for you. With all of this said, we here at T.H.R.I.V.E. Association will still continue to enforce and observe the recommended COVID-19 safety measures to do our part in stopping the spread. We ask that our wonderful community continue to support us in this. We are so close now. Please stay strong!

As a disclaimer, as with most other Organizations that we partner with, two of our Board/Staff Members are fully vaccinated now, but some of our other Members are not. We respect that they have not yet had their turn for the jab and want to limit their exposure to potential threats. Just because some of us have been fortunate to have had the vaccine, that does not mean that we are immune from contracting COVID-19.

“It typically takes a few weeks for the body to build immunity (protection against the virus that causes COVID-19) after vaccination. That means it’s possible a person could be infected with the virus that causes COVID-19 just before or just after vaccination and still get sick.”1

Further, according to the CDC, there is currently no definitive answer one way or the other to say whether or not a vaccinated person can transmit the virus.2 Stay strong, stay safe, and don’t be afraid to reach out; we are always here for you.

1 “Myths and Facts about COVID-19 Vaccines.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 15 Apr. 2021, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/facts.html

2 “When You’ve Been Fully Vaccinated.” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2 Apr. 2021, www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/vaccines/fully-vaccinated.html.

Camouflage Scarves

Published: April 16, 2021  ~   0

Stay tuned for part two of our question and answer series. In the second installment of this series we’ll answer one of our most frequently asked questions- “what patterns work best for camouflage scarves?” We’ll also discuss one of our all-time favorite scarf patterns to use with this particular yarn. 

Questions Answered

Published: April 9, 2021  ~   0

A lot of our wonderful crafters have been asking questions about the best pattern(s) to use for items to donate to support our cause. We understand that finding just the right pattern can be tricky. There are so many great patterns out there. The problem, as with any gift, is to know what the recipient will like. Although we do want our crafters to have the freedom to chose what they make, we do understand the desire to have a bit of help to know what the veterans prefer. After all, our brave veterans and their dependents deserve the very best that we can possibly give them. 

In a previous blog post, “The Ever Popular Scarf”, we pictured a scarf made using a Red Heart Pattern. We are posting another scarf made using the same pattern to show just how beautiful it is in any color! The pattern is called the Red Heart Basketweave Knit Scarf. If you would like to download your free copy of the pattern, please click the link below:

https://www.yarnspirations.com/red-heart-basketweave-knit-scarf/RHK0125-016609M.html

This beautiful scarf is very popular among our veterans and their dependents. In fact, many of our volunteers who distribute our goods at Stand Downs have found that they are some of the first to be chosen by our veterans! If you would like to knit this scarf (or any scarf) to donate to our cause, please remember to make sure that it is at least 60 inches (152.4 cm) in length so that the wearer can wrap it around themselves comfortably. Also, remember that the dear veterans and their dependents prefer dark colors, e.g. blue, black, green, grey, and all-time favorite, camouflage. If you would like to knit this scarf in a brighter color, red is always a popular bright color. We cannot emphasize this important point enough: please do not use sparkly or overly decorative yarns. While they have their place, they are simply inappropriate for the veterans and their dependents (including children because of choking hazards).

Although several of the Stand Downs that we support have been postponed or have had to be altered to keep our communities safe in this current pandemic, we are still collecting goods that will be sent to the various V.A.s throughout the year so please, please keep crafting! If you are not a crafter, but would like to help, there are still many ways to support our cause! Please consider donating materials and/or making a monetary donation to help us cover the costs of materials, shipping, and overhead. Please remember you can support our cause by shopping on AmazonSmile. See the “Shop for Our Cause” blog post for additional information:

Shop for Our Cause

If you need yarn, or other supplies, please contact us through email at thriveassociation@thrivevets.org or by phone at (469) 427-9654. Please be aware that any communications are recorded. If you have donations, we are still continuing our policy of curbside pickup. Please contact us to schedule a pickup if you are in the DFW area. If you reside outside the DFW area and would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact us to make arrangements. Remember, even one lovingly handcrafted hat or scarf can make a huge difference in the life of an underprivileged veteran or their dependent(s).

There is Light at the End of the Tunnel!

Published: April 2, 2021  ~   0

We are one step closer to beating Covid-19 and getting back to normal! Yesterday, two of our board members received their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine!

The Ever Popular Scarf

Published: March 26, 2021  ~   0

Happy Friday T.H.R.I.V.E. Association Family! Scarves are a very popular item among our veterans and their dependents and we never seem to have enough to go around. If you are looking for an item to donate to support our cause, please consider making a scarf. There are lots of free patterns, such as the one in the photo on the Yarnspirations website. Please click the link below to find inspiration for your next project to aid our brave heroes and their dependents as they continue their recoveries from homelessness. 

https://www.yarnspirations.com/patterns

Although several of the Stand Downs that we support have been postponed or have had to be altered to keep our communities safe in this current pandemic, we are still collecting goods that will be sent to the various V.A.s throughout the year so please, please keep crafting! If you are not a crafter, but would like to help, there are still many ways to support our cause! Please consider donating materials and/or making a monetary donation to help us cover the costs of materials, shipping, and overhead. Please remember you can support our cause by shopping on AmazonSmile. See the “Shop for Our Cause” blog post for additional information:

https://thrivevets.org/index.php/2021/03/19/shop-for-our-cause/

If you need yarn, or other supplies, please contact us through email at thriveassociation@thrivevets.org or by phone at (469) 427-9654. If you have donations, we are still continuing our policy of curbside pickup. Please contact us to schedule a pickup if you are in the DFW area. If you reside outside the DFW area and would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact us to make arrangements. Remember, even one lovingly handcrafted hat or scarf can make a huge difference in the life of an underprivileged veteran or their dependent.

Shop for Our Cause

Published: March 19, 2021  ~   0

T.H.R.I.V.E. Association is on AmazonSmile. You can support our cause (providing a hand up to our nation’s homeless veterans and their dependents) by shopping on Amazon! There is no additional cost to you. Just purchase the items that you want and a percentage of the sales is donated to T.H.R.I.V.E. Association.

It is as easy as 1…2…3…!

1. Simply follow the link below and click “Get Started”, or find AmazonSmile on the web using your chosen browser.

https://smile.amazon.com/

2. Then follow the instructions provided on AmazonSmile’s website.

3. When choosing the charity that you would like to support, search “Thrive Association” in the search bar. Although there are many charities with similar names, we are right at the top of the list as Thrive located in Dallas, TX. Select us and shop as usual.

A Closer Look at the Double Moss Stitch Scarf

Published: March 12, 2021  ~   0

We wanted to share some additional photos of our Double Moss Stitch Scarf. Here’s one in the making! Please follow the link below to our blog post on this pattern as well as some useful tips.

The Double Moss Stitch Scarf

If you would like to knit this scarf for our cause, please remember to make sure that any donated scarves are at least 60 inches (152.4 cm) in length so that the wearer can wrap it around themselves comfortably. Also, remember that the dear veterans and their dependents prefer dark colors, e.g. blue, black, green, grey, and all-time favorite, camouflage. We cannot emphasize this important point enough; please do not use sparkly or overly decorative yarns. While they have their place, they are simply inappropriate for the veterans and their dependents (including children because of choking hazards).

Although several of the Stand Downs that we support have been postponed or have had to be altered to keep our communities safe in this current pandemic, we are still collecting goods that will be sent to the various V.A.s throughout the year so please, please keep crafting! If you are not a crafter, but would like to help, there are still many ways to support our cause! Please consider donating materials and/or making a monetary donation to help us cover the costs of materials, shipping, and overhead. If you need yarn, or other supplies, please contact us through email at thriveassociation@thrivevets.org or by phone at (469) 427-9654. If you have donations, we are still continuing our policy of curbside pickup. Please contact us to schedule a pickup if you are in the DFW area. If you reside outside the DFW area and would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact us to make arrangements. Remember, even one lovingly handcrafted hat can make a huge difference in the life of an underprivileged veteran or their dependent.

The Double Moss Stitch Scarf

Published: March 5, 2021  ~   0

Happy Friday to our T.H.R.I.V.E. Association family!

The scarf in this photo was made using one of our all-time favorite stitch patterns: the Double Moss stitch. The Double Moss stitch provides a beautiful texture, and the best part of all is that it is reversible! It is a relatively simple pattern, but it does take some concentration not only to the pattern but also to ensure that your tension remains consistent. The pattern for the stitch can be found below:

Materials:

Yarn: We use worsted weight, but any weight will work for this pattern

Knitting Needles: Appropriate for the weight of yarn for your project (can be found on the yarn sleeve)

Tapestry Needle for weaving in ends

Abbreviations:

CO: Cast On

Sts: Stitches

K: Knit

P: Purl

BO: Bind Off

Scarf Pattern:

Cast On in Multiples of 4 plus 2, and 2 extra for the edge stitches. In our case, it would have been 42 stitches for the pattern, plus 2 stitches for the edges, which gives us a total of 44 stitches.

CO: 44 Sts

Row 1 (Right Side): Slip the first stitch purl wise. *K2, P2, repeat from * to the last 3 sts. K3

Row 2: (Wrong Side) Slip the first stitch purl wise. *P2, K2, repeat from * to the last 3 sts. P2, K1

Row 3 (Right Side): Slip the first stitch purl wise. *P2, K2, repeat from * to the last 3 sts. P2, K1

Row 4 (Wrong Side): Slip the first stitch purl wise. *K2, P2, repeat from * to the last 3 sts. K3

Repeat rows 1 through 4 until the garment reaches the desired length; 60 inches (152.4 cm).

BO and cut yarn leaving a six inch tail. Weave in ends.

For our scarf, we used 5 mm, U.S. size 8, needles and Lion Brand Pound of Love. To ensure that the scarf would be wide enough to be used to cover both the neck and mouth of a veteran (or dependent) living in cold climates, we cast on a total of 44 stitches and worked until the piece measured 60 inches (152.4 cm).

Pro Tip: To ensure neat edges on scarves, remember to cast on two extra stitches for the edges. For patterns such as the Double Moss Stitch, slip the first stitch purl wise and knit in pattern until the last stitch. Knit the last stitch and then turn your work. Do this for every row until you reach the desired length.

Please make sure that any donated scarves are at least 60 inches (152.4 cm) in length so that the wearer can wrap it around themselves comfortably. Also, remember that the dear veterans and their dependents prefer dark colors, e.g. blue, black, green, grey, and all-time favorite, camouflage. We cannot emphasize this important point enough; please do not use sparkly or overly decorative yarns. While they have their place, they are simply inappropriate for the veterans and their dependents (including children because of choking hazards).

Although several of the Stand Downs that we support have been postponed or have had to be altered to keep our communities safe in this current pandemic, we are still collecting goods that will be sent to the various V.A.s throughout the year so please, please keep crafting! If you are not a crafter, but would like to help, there are still many ways to support our cause! Please consider donating materials and/or making a monetary donation to help us cover the costs of materials, shipping, and overhead. If you need yarn, or other supplies, please contact us through email at thriveassociation@thrivevets.org or by phone at (469) 427-9654. If you have donations, we are still continuing our policy of curbside pickup. Please contact us to schedule a pickup if you are in the DFW area. If you reside outside the DFW area and would like to make an in-kind donation, please contact us to make arrangements. Remember, even one lovingly handcrafted hat can make a huge difference in the life of an underprivileged veteran or their dependent.

DROPS Design ‘Keep in Touch’ Mittens Demo

Published: February 26, 2021  ~   0

Here are DROPS Design’s ‘Keep in Touch’ mittens in action!

If you’re interested in the pattern, check out our previous blog post about these wonderful mittens at https://bit.ly/3qwfoW9.​

Winter Storm Uri

Published: February 19, 2021  ~   0

Dear T.H.R.I.V.E. Association Family,

We know that many normal everyday activities, social distancing, and maintaining proper hygiene has been made even more challenging due to the devastation caused by the Winter Storm that has raged across much of the United States- this is especially so for the vulnerable community that T.H.R.I.V.E. Association serves. Understandably, this situation, on top of the challenges presented by the Covid-19 pandemic, can be overwhelming, can lead to anxiety, and even depression. Please know that we here at T.H.R.I.V.E. Association are here for you. Do not be afraid to reach out.

For those members of our community who are still without power or if you simply need a warming shelter, please check your city’s website. If you live in the Dallas Area, please follow the link below to find your nearest warming shelter:

http://dallascityhall.com/departments/public-affairs-outreach/Pages/winterweatherfeb21.aspx

If you live in the Fort Worth Area, please follow this link to find your closest warming shelter:

https://www.fortworthtexas.gov/news/2021/02/CFW-Opens-Overnight-Shelter? BestBetMatch=warming%20shelter|a720ba43-6954-4033-b1ac-a72478fc15dc| f3d8342e-e792-4add-b724-7420243aa350|en-US

Please stay safe and know that we are in your corner!

T.H.R.I.V.E. Association