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:
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).