Project Linus of East Tennessee

ATTENTION Crocheters!

2012-01-01T17:58:00.000-08:00

A great website for patterns: http://www.crochetpatterncentral.com/

Travelling to PA? Check This Out

2011-09-05T07:16:00.000-07:00

Obie's County Store, Goodville, PA - Ida & I returned from Lancaster. Couldn't believe there could be another place like the Treadle - this is a country store floor to ceiling of fabric stacked --- tons of handquilted quilts, tree skirts, potholders, pincustions (she sells thesewholesale to vendors for shows). Great prices if you could pull it outbut just like the Treadle she knew where each type of fabric was. What an experience!
Julia Sullivan
Chapter Coordinator, Orange Co NY & Pike Co PA

Cats and Dogs Fabric

2011-07-31T14:12:00.000-07:00

I have a limited number of kits with the "cats and dogs" fabric from this year's "challenge quilt" at the PL conference in July 2011. If you'd like a package of this fabric in order to make a quilt to donate to Project Linus of East TN, please send me an email with your mailing address at Deb@ProjectLinusEastTN.org. Limited quanities so first come, first served.

Thackston School Summer Camp 2011

2011-07-31T10:07:00.000-07:00

Students at Thackston School Summer Camp having been busy making Project Linus blankets this summer!

A photo collage by Smilebox

Fall 2011 Meeting - MORE DETAILS

2011-07-31T09:51:00.000-07:00

Project Linus of East TN Fall Meeting
October 22, 2011 10 AM – 1 PM (including lunch)
Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church, 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919
(please park and enter building to the left of the church as you enter from Kingston Pike)

Our fall meeting has been revamped to include lots of activities such as demonstrations of blanket making techniques in which you can participate in making blankets and lunch will be provided. Old activities including information sharing about Project Linus, sewing on blanket labels and time for visiting with friends will also be included. IF POSSIBLE, please RSVP by October 18 to Deb Miller at Deb@ProjectLinusEastTN.org or 865 719-2862.
More details in the October Newsletter.

HOLD THE DATE October 22, 2011

2011-07-26T20:11:00.003-07:00

The Fall Meeting is tentatively planned for October 22nd. Please hold the date!

Project Linus Conference 2011

2011-07-26T19:19:00.000-07:00

We had a great time at conference and learned soooooo much. I'm posting lots of pics. Hope you enjoy.

For those of you that like Dianna Mraz' "dog face" quilt, the pattern is available at:
http://www.fonsandporter.com/free_design_downloads.html?column_url=free_design_downloads_bonus_quilts (scroll about 1/3rd of the way down).

If you attended, I encourage you to leave a comment about your experience at conference!!! If you enjoy the pictures, let me know that, too.

Deb

(scroll down)

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Threads of Time Creative Sewing and Retreat Center

2011-07-19T18:29:00.000-07:00

While traveling to the Project Linus Institute 2011, we discovered this great quilt shop and retreat. It's an old nursing home and sleeps 36 in rooms of 2 and 3. There is lots of room for quilt, scrapbooking, etc. It's in Danville, IL. www.threadsoftimefab.com

Leaving Comments on the Blog

2011-07-19T18:13:00.001-07:00

I'd love to have your comments on the Project Linus of East TN blog. For more help in leaving a comment, see the info on the right hand side of the blog.

Deb

PL Blankets for the Japan Relief Effort

2011-03-27T17:54:00.000-07:00

Project Linus will be providing blankets for Japanese children as well as US families being evacuated to US Military bases. Blankets will be shipped via the US Military and an organization called Soldiers Angels. They will be distributed by US Military personnel. I am very familiar with Soldiers Angels – they are wonderful!!!! Here is their website: www.soldiersangels.org Project Linus of East TN has committed 30 blankets so far. They will be shipped in the next week or so. If you want to send additional blankets, you can mark them “for Japan” when you make the donation through regular PL drop off locations. We are also looking for donations to help cover the cost of shipping blankets. Donations can be sent to Deb Miller. Checks should be made out to Project Linus with “Japan” in the memo section at the bottom. www.projectlinuseasttn.org

Smoky Mountain Quilters

2010-12-05T16:49:00.000-08:00

Be sure to check out this group. They are an active group of quilters. Their annual quilt show is March 18 - 20, 2011 at the Cooper Athletic Center at Maryville College. www.smokymtnquilters.com

Quiltmaker Pattern

2010-12-05T16:46:00.001-08:00

See the new pattern for 2011's Make A Blanket Day: http:// www.quiltmaker.com/patterns/details.html?idx=13368

Cute boats! Gather up your blue water fabric now....

Website

2010-11-30T18:34:00.000-08:00

If you haven't checked the website out lately, please DO!!!! Monthly newsletters are added regularly. The photos have been updated with ones from the Fall 2010 meeting. There is lots of good information, links to our recipient organizations and much much more. Tom Eckhardt has done a great job in getting all this information in an easily accessible format. It has saved me hours of time emailing people info. Now I just direct them to the website. THANKS TOM!!! www.projectlinuseasttn.org

Quilters Stuff!

2010-11-30T18:32:00.001-08:00

Quilters: Check out this website. Lots of neat stuff. Checkout the Quick Points Rules under Tools and Rulers (click in box on left of web page). I was really impressed with these at the quilt show in Knoxville this summer. http://www.popsbindings.com/ - Deb

Quilt Jewelry

2010-11-30T18:27:00.000-08:00

I bought some of these pins/earrings at the Knoxville quilt show last summer and again this summer. The colors are vibrant and quality good. A great idea for a Christmas present for or from a quilter. http://quiltedinclay.com/ - Deb

Linus Blanket from Urban Outfitters

2010-11-30T16:39:00.000-08:00

The Linus Blanket is once again available! A portion of the sale of each blanket goes to Project Linus. The blanket is VERY soft and VERY cuddly!

http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=19013242&navAction=jump&navCount

Holiday Blanket Drop-off Break

2010-10-24T17:15:00.000-07:00

Please have all blankets dropped off for the year by Saturday, November 13th. Blankets should NOT be dropped again at our drop-off locations until Monday, January 3rd. This provides room at our drop-off facilities for extra collections and projects they have going on over the holidays. Thank you.

Fall Meeting 2010: October 30th 10 AM

2010-10-24T17:13:00.000-07:00

Our Fall Meeting is Saturday, October 30th. The meeting will be at the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church at 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. This is where we’ve had it the last couple of times. As you come in to the parking lot, go around to the left of the Church and park near the big glass door entrance on the side of the building. Please do not park in the front of the Church since their Pumpkin Festival will be going on. The meeting will be from 10 AM – Noon. We will have a guest speaker – Shannon McCloud from one of our recipient organizations – A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee. If you want, come prepared with needle and thimble to help sew on labels. I hope to see you there. Light refreshments will be served. Call if you get lost or have questions. 865 719-2862.

Project Linus Institute 2011

2010-09-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

The Project Linus Institute 2011 is open to all PL volunteers. There is a lot of information available at the Project Linus website (click on Institute 2011 on the left hand side). Here are some basic details:

When: July 20 – 23, 2011
Where: Hotel Pere Marquette, Peoria, IL
How Far is that? Approximately 570 miles; 9 hours per Map Quest from Knoxville
Cost for Volunteers: $525 ($500 if you register before 12/31/10). This includes Wednesday Dinner reception, Thursday lunch, Friday lunch and dinner, Saturday brunch and dinner. And, most importantly, the Institute conference.
Hotel Costs: $109 plus taxes per night (single or multiple occupancy)
Extra classes will be available on Wednesday afternoon for a fee (TBA). Lunch is also available on Wednesday for $20.

This is a wonderful conference with all kinds of classes, booths to browse (fabric, quilt machines, sewing tools and much more), make-and-takes (quilt, crochet, knit, sewing, etc.) There will be a special session for volunteers. The Friday evening speaker is Jennifer Chiaverini author of the Elm Creek Quilt book series, and a fabric and quilt designer.

I know this is expensive and not affordable and/or of interest to everyone. But, if you are interested, I encourage you to think about attending. If any volunteers are interested, we can discuss car pooling. My tentative plans are to leave Tuesday AM, drive to around Indianapolis on Tuesday, and drive on in to Peoria on Wednesday AM. I plan to get up early Sunday and drive all the way home.

More info at: https://www.projectlinus.org/institute.html If you don’t have internet access and would like info sent to you, just let me know and I’ll mail it to you. - Deb

Fall Meeting 2010: October 30th

2010-09-06T19:45:00.000-07:00

Our Fall Meeting is SET for Saturday, October 30th. The meeting will be at the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church at 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN. This is where we’ve had it the last couple of times. As you come in to the parking lot, go around to the left of the Church and park near the big glass door entrance. Please do not park in the front of the Church since their Pumpkin Festival will be going on. The meeting will be from 10 AM – Noon. We will have a guest speaker – Shannon McCloud from one of our recipient organizations – A Secret Safe Place for Newborns of Tennessee. If you want, come prepared with needle and thimble to help sew on labels. I hope to see you there. Call me if you get lost or have questions. 865 719-2862.
-Deb

The Power of a Blanket

2010-09-06T19:40:00.001-07:00

Enjoy: http://www.parentdish.com/2010/08/06/the-magic-quilt/?ncid=webmail

New Drop-off Location in Sevierville

2010-09-06T19:24:00.001-07:00

THE TIN ROOF CAFE
304 Apple Valley Rd
Sevierville, Tn 37862

Drop off: Mon.- Fri. 2:30 pm until 6:30 pm.

Thanks to Ivy Akin and the Tin Roof Cafe for your support.

Jo-Ann's Craft for a Cause

2010-09-06T18:35:00.000-07:00

Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores® is pleased to offer an exciting contest for crafters called "Craft for a Cause," where you could win a $1,500 Jo-Ann gift card! Here is how it works:• Purchase materials from Jo-Ann Fabric and Craft Stores• Make a blanket for Project Linus• Submit necessary entry information to Jo-AnnAs part of this fabulous contest your blanket made for the contest and donated to Project Linus gives us an entry in their favorite charity contest. The top three charities receiving the most donated items then become finalists. At that point crafters go to Jo-Ann's website to cast their vote. The top charity receiving the most votes wins $50,000.The crafting contest is going on now and ends October 30, 2010. Charity voting ends on December 4, 2010.For more details, including online entry and contest rules, refer to the Jo-Ann "Craft for a Cause" web page. http://mail.google.com/a/projectlinuseasttn.org/?tab=3m#inbox/12ac450170512f47

Little Bitty Quilt Show July 2010

2010-07-13T18:37:00.000-07:00

Patti and Deb went to the show last weekend. Under 20 small quilts, but they were worth seeing. Also the gift shop was very nice. It's close to the Museum of Appalachia. Also close to Golden Girls and Harrisons - both good places to eat. They also have a quilt trail square on the side of the building! A nice 1/2 day outing!!!!

Little Bitty Quilt Show at the Appalachian Arts Craft Center during July. 2716 Andersonville Highway, Clinton, TN http://www.appalachianarts.net/

Project Linus of East TN Donates Over 15,000 Blankets

2010-07-13T18:34:00.000-07:00

As of June 30, 2010, the Project Linus of East Tennessee chapter has donated 15,287 blankets to children in traumatic situations since its beginning in April 2003.

Do You Know What a Cane Sweater is?

2010-07-13T18:09:00.000-07:00

They were invented by the Sacramento Project Linus coordinator. Here's more info from her about them:

Some of you might remember that I invented the "Cane Sweater" 2 years agowhen my dad needed to start using a cane. What started out as kind of afamily joke has turned into a wonderful venture! We have our own website(www.canesweaters.com) and all proceeds go to Project Linus! Well, lastyear, I entered it in the Michael's/Vanna's Choice contest and was just informed that I won 3rd prize! Wow! What an honor! I'm way down the pictures on their site, but we're there! Check outhttp://www.vannaschoice.com/ I wish they had put in the story of its creation to get more publicity for Project Linus, though!
Claire Gliddon, Coordinator
Project Linus - Sacramento

Brother Sewing Machines

2010-07-13T18:07:00.000-07:00

Info from PL Headquarters:

Hi everyone,
Every so often our local Brother Sewing Machine dealer offers some sweet deals to Project Linus folks. In addition to all of the other support they give us, she asked me to pass along that they have the following:
Carol,
Could you let your coordinators or mailing list know that the PE200 Snoopy machines are still available. They are embroidery only and have the Charles Schultz' characters built in, including Linus & his
blanket. They are $500 @ with $25 shipping. If they have any
questions, they can call me at 1-800-962-7180.
Vicky Hartley, Galesburg Sewing Center

American Quilt Show in Knoxville in July 2010

2010-06-13T17:48:00.000-07:00

Don't forget the American Quilt Show is coming to Knoxville again this July.
http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/knoxville/2010/general_info/index.php

AQS Quilt Show & Contest- Knoxville, Tennessee
Knoxville Convention CenterJuly 14-17, 2010

Elm Creek Quilter's Books and Project Linus

2010-06-04T07:11:00.001-07:00

Author Jennifer Chiaverini is teaming up with Project Linus to offer Elm Creek Readers the chance to decide whether Sarah’s twins will be boys, girls, or one of each! If you've not read any of these books, I highly recommend them - they are great novels with a good story line, some history, some quilting info (even for you non-quilters), etc.

http://elmcreek.net/index.php/main/news/sarahs-twins-cast-your-vote/

PROJECT LINUS AND TAPS

2010-06-04T06:51:00.000-07:00

Project Linus, both nationally and our local chapter, is a big supporter of the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors. The May 31, 2010, Time magazine has a great article about the program at:
http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1990797,00.html

More info about the TAPS program is available at: http://www.taps.org/services.aspx?id=1028

Be sure to check out the TAPS videos at: http://www.taps.org/videos.aspx

and the pictures at: http://www.taps.org/photogallery.aspx

Tragedy Assistance Program

2010-05-16T14:10:00.000-07:00

TAPS http://www.taps.org/) is a wonderful organization endorsed by the U.S. Dept. of Defense. Project Linus is pleased to support this organization by sending red, white and blue blankets to be given to children/grandchildren/siblings of fallen soldiers that attend the Good Grief Camps. These are pictures of some of the 70 blankets we sent this year.

New Project Linus of East TN Website

2010-05-04T20:32:00.000-07:00

The new website is up and running thanks to Tom Eckhardt. Check it out: www.projectlinuseasttn.org .

Share 5 Project Linus and Disney

2010-04-08T20:21:00.000-07:00

A great blog about the Disney Give a Day, Get a Disney Day initiative with Project Linus - http://www.share5.org/2010/02/project-linus/

Knit 1, Bless 2 - From Debbie Macomber

2010-04-08T19:30:00.000-07:00

Note: Debbie Macomber is an author that supports Project Linus. http://debbiemacomber.com/

Debbie write:

My Dear Friends: I always say I have the most caring, generous readers in the world, and now's the time for all of you who knit or crochet to prove I'm right! I invite you to pick up your needles and join me in helping infants and children in need across the country in an initiative worthy of our time, talent and yarn. That initiative is KNIT1, BLESS2, a Mother's Day outreach that will provide our hand-knitted and crocheted baby blankets and garments to three national charities that help these precious, needy children. The three organizations are: Newborns in Need, Project Linus and The Binky Patrol. Mother's Day is a very special time for me. I'm usually on tour in May promoting my new book, but I always make it a point to be home on that special Sunday to celebrate with my children and grandchildren and honor the memory of my own mother. This year, I thought about the babies born into this world who may not have all of the advantages that my own children and I enjoyed. I wanted to find a way to help—and knitting for charity has always been one of my passions. I realized that, working together, we could make an extraordinary difference in many children's lives. KNIT1, BLESS2 was created as a focus for the effort. Please choose a project—no matter how small or large—and sign up below. Use a pattern you have on-hand—or check out the websites for the three charities—some patterns are posted there. Recommended items: blankets, preemie caps, sweaters, and bibs. As part of KNIT1, BLESS2, Leisure Arts, which publishes my pattern booklets, is making Knit Along With Debbie Macomber, A Charity Guide For Knitters available from March 1 to May 1, 2010, at LeisureArts.com at a special price of $12.50 ($4.45 off the regular retail price of $16.95. Enter Coupon Code DMACB.) The collection includes patterns and information for a variety of organizations. All of my proceeds from my licensed products, including the Leisure Arts Knit Along series, go to charity.Thank you in advance for being a part of KNIT1, BLESS2 and I hope to see you on tour for my new book!

Truckers Pick Up Quilting and Knitting

2010-04-08T18:38:00.001-07:00

Interesting article: http://online.wsj.com/article_email/SB10001424052748704896104575139990857438962-lMyQjAxMTAwMDAwMjEwNDIyWj.html
Thanks to blanketeer Donna Miller for sharing!

News from the Great Falls, MT, PL Chapter

2010-04-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

In the midst of all the Disney and Haiti blanket collections, we celebrated National Make A Blanket Day with a Quilt Challenge rather than another blanket day (we had already had 4 in the previous month or so with lots of press.) The challenge is being sponsored by one of our local quilt shops, and the Komfort Kids fabric line was the challenge fabric. The entries are hanging in our public library, with our PL banner, all of March and April. Kids are the judges - there are some tickets and a voting box for them to vote for the one they like the most.We had a few entries, and I've put photos on our website. If you'd like to see them, the address is...http://projectlinusgreatfalls.giving.officelive.com/MABDQuiltChallenge.aspx-- *Gina Loss - Coordinator*Project Linus - Great Falls, MT

Attention PLET Blanketeers - Quilt Patterns Needed

2010-03-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

Project Linus – Coming to Your Favorite Bookstore?
From Carol Babbitt, PL National President

A few weeks ago, Mary and I were contacted by a well known literary agent in New York. I don't think she realized that she would be making a dream of ours come true, but she did! For years, we have planned, dreamed, hoped to write a book about the Project Linus story. Well, this was our invitation to do just that and we couldn't be more excited. Preliminary plans are for a book with stories, beautiful pictures and of course, blanket patterns. If all goes well, this will be just the first of a series. Our first book will be about quilts, but we hope that additional books about knitting, crocheting and other blanket methods will follow.
What we would really like to do is include a lot of patterns from Project Linus volunteers and chapter coordinators. We need your help! If you would like to submit a pattern idea, we would love to hear from you. It could be your pattern idea or a volunteer, but it has to be ORIGINAL, and UNPUBLISHED. It doesn't have to be in a pattern format for now. You can include drawings, pictures, and just a description, or if you already have it in pattern format that is great too. Email to Mary at mary@projectlinus.org. We need your ideas by April 15, 2010, and remember this is just quilting patterns for now. We'll ask for additional pattern ideas for other techniques later. If your pattern is chosen we will contact you to discuss details.

Project Linus of East TN Fall Meeting October 24

2009-10-22T20:10:00.000-07:00

Don't forget this Saturday is the Fall Meeting:
October 24th (10 AM – Noon)
Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church at 6900 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, TN 37919

JoAnne's Discount Cards

2009-09-27T17:14:00.000-07:00

Project Linus National Office has worked out an agreement with JoAnne's for 10% discount cards for our volunteers. These are good through August 2010 for items used in the making of Project Linus blankets. Please keep in mind that items are NOT sales tax exempt. If you would like a card, please send a self addressed stamped envelope to:

Annhara Henderson
110 Danbury Dr.
Oak Ridge, TN 37830

I will also have these cards with me at the Fall Meeting on October 24th.

Congrats to Mara Eckhardt

2009-09-27T17:08:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Mara on winning the Threaded Pear Charming Baby Log Cabin quilt kit. It’s a beautiful baby boy cowboy themed pattern! Mara won by checking out the PL Blog and registering for the drawing!

Fall Meeting Update October 24

2009-09-27T16:38:00.002-07:00

Our Fall Meeting is planned for October 24th from 10 AM to approximately Noon. It will be at the Messiah Evangelical Lutheran Church at 6900 Kingston Pike in Knoxville. This is a different location than past meetings - please note the location. The following are the directions:

From the east come through Knoxville on I-40 west:
Take Exit 383 the Papermill Dr./Weisgarber Rd. Exit using the Weisgarber Rd. ramp.
Turn left on N. Weisgarber and go 1/10th of a mile; Turn right on Papermill Dr. NW and go 6/10th of a mile; Turn right on Kingston Pike and go 2/10th of a mile. ; The church will be on your left.

From the west going east on I-40 into Knoxville:
Take Exit 380 West Hills and go off to the right. You’ll be on Montvue Rd. for 1/10th mile and then be at Kingston Pike. Turn Left on Kingston Pike and go 1.3 miles. The church will be on your right.

Great Article from Orange County, CA

2009-09-27T16:33:00.001-07:00

Thought you'd enjoy this article about a 106 year old blanketeer!
http://headlines.ocregister.com/news/blankets-43801-orange-wheeler.html

Project Linus Fabric

2009-08-11T17:23:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Judy Dowker for letting us know the new Project Linus fabric is available at Loose Threads quilt shop in Harriman. Going west out of Knoxville on I-40, go to the Harriman exit 347, turn right off the exit and it's in a shopping center about one mile up on your right.

Address: 1211 S. Roane Street #5 Harriman, TN
Phone #: (865) 882-5588

If you are aware of shops carrying this fabric, please let me know.

Fall Meeting 2009

2009-08-07T06:52:00.000-07:00

Our Fall Meeting is Saturday, October 24th in the morning. More details to follow! Mark your calendars. I hope to see you there!

First Project Linus Fabric Blanket in East TN

2009-07-21T19:29:00.000-07:00

Dianna Mraz just finished the first blanket in East TN made with the new Project Linus fabric. Isn't it beautiful!!!! I brought the fabric back from conference. Don't forget if you see this fabric anywhere to let me know. For details on buying the fabric, scoll down to the posting about the Avyln fabric. You'll have to click on "older posts" to get to it. Thanks Dianna!

Project Linus Conference

2009-07-19T19:02:00.000-07:00

I just got the pictures posted from conference. See the Smilebox to the right. Just click once (don't click on the advertisement) and let the pictures play!

Charming Baby Log Cabin Kit Contest

2009-07-05T15:32:00.001-07:00

This is the first of "surprise" prizes that will be available to Project Linus of East TN volunteers that visit the blog. If you are a quilter and want to make a quilt for Project Linus, let me know by July 31st. I will enter all entries in a random drawing. The winner will receive a beautiful Charming Baby Log Cabin quilt kit (pattern and fabric) from Threaded Pear. To enter you can either leave a comment on this posting on the blog (be sure to include your full name) or send me (miller1219@aol.com) an email titled "blog contest" with your full name in it. I will email the winner back after July 31st.

Resources and Info

2009-07-05T12:42:00.001-07:00

Quilters: Be sure to check out the Quilters Buzz blog at http://www.quiltersbuzz.com/ . They have a lot of good info and exciting things going on.

NixieChicks.com Superstore is a friend of Project Linus. Project Linus Members, email me (miller1219@aol.com) for more information on how to order fabric from this online vendor at a discount. Check out their fabrics at https://nixiechicks.com

Project Linus is going to a biannual (every other year) format for the national conference for coordinators. There will be regional meetings in the off years and volunteers will often be invited. We are planning a regional meeting in Asheville, NC in April 2010. Volunteers will be invited on Saturday. As soon as details and date is confirmed, I'll let you know.

Project Linus Patterns

2009-07-05T11:22:00.000-07:00

I got to see and picked up lots of new patterns at the PL Institute (conference). These include:

1. Cat Walk Quilt
2. Instructions on English Paper Piecing
3. 5 Panel Fleece blanket (that is crocheted together)
4. Mystery Quilt Flowers and Hearts (this is designed to be sent out in 5 weeks so you don't really know what you are making until you are done - I'm sending it all at once!)
5. Boe Tie Quilt
6. Lotsa Pops Quilt
7. Fleece Square blanket (that is crocheted together)

If you are interested in any of these, send me an email (miller1219@aol.com) with "PL Patterns" in the title and then in the body of email indicate which patterns you want emailed to you. If you'd prefer to have them U.S. mailed, then send me a self addressed stamped envelope with a note indicating which patterns you want.

Project Linus Conference - I'm Home

2009-06-29T10:54:00.000-07:00

I got home from the national conference about 12:30 PM. I had a fabulous time. Honestly, the best time I've had in a long time. The Project Linus coordinators and headquarters staff are a great group of people. The conference was informative and lots of fun. We had LOTS of chocolate and lots of fun in our classes and demos. I learned many new ideas for making blankets and in running and growing the chapter.

Ellen Knoefel (Asheville NC) coordinator had emailed me last year not long after my husband died and offered to pick me up and take me to this year's conference. She is a wonderful lady. Her assistant Sharon drove her car and we had a great "road trip" both coming and going. It's a ways to Bloomington, IL but it felt like the old "homeland" in Ohio with all the FLAT cornfields. However, there were a "few more" windmills than what we have on Windrock - there were fields and fields of them. I was told the one field we saw had over 200 windmills. They were beautiful. Of course, we all ate too much, but we had sooooooo much fun and learned soooo much.

You'll be seeing more over the next few months from the information I learned at the conference. Thanks so much for allowing me to be your coordinator - it is truly a blessing in my life.

Still At Conference and It Just Keeps Getting Better

2009-06-26T19:22:00.001-07:00

I'm still at the Project Linus national conference. I'm having an absolutely great time. They are going to an every other year conference format so the next one won't be until 2011. BUT, the good news is that next year there will be regional meetings and volunteers are invited, too. I am probably going to work with the North Carolina Coordinators and we will do one in Asheville, NC. More details to follow. While I'm not a quilter, I am so IMPRESSED by all the wonderful quilts. I've learned a lot of new techniques in working with fleece, good sources for fabrics, wonderful patterns and much more. I'll be sharing these with you as time permits and I dig thru all this stuff I'm bringing back with me! I'm missing the pups and friends, but this has been a wonderful experience.

Avlyn Fabrics WOW

2009-06-25T19:42:00.000-07:00

Many of you have seen the flyers I sent about the new Komfort Kids fabrics put out by Avlyn Fabrics. These are a special line of Project Linus fabrics. PL makes approximately 36.5 cents per yard on all fabric sold. Fabric is available through www.quilterswarehouse.com and local fabric and quilting stores. It is NOT available through chain stores like JoAnn's or Walmart. I got to see the Komfort Kids fabrics at the national conference including the first quilt ever made from the fabric. They are absolutely darling. They should be available at Quilters Warehouse and at local shops on July 1. If you see it in any of our local stores, please let me know so I can pass the word. You can view this fabric and other Avlyn Fabrics at http://www.avlyn.com/collections/latest/ Be sure to watch the video when you click on the Komfort Kids fabric. Also, the Space Rangers fabric is beautiful and it glows in the dark for approximatly 10 minutes after a child is tucked in bed and the lights are turned out. It's totally child friendly - no harmful chemicals, etc. The dinosauer fabric is also great. They have dog fabric that helps support dog rescue and is darling. Also, be sure to check out the July/August issue of Fons and Porter magazine about the new contest using the Komfort Kids fabric - timing is short on this contest so if you are interested you need to move quickly.

Project Linus National Conference

2009-06-25T18:48:00.000-07:00

I'm at the Project Linus National Conference. It's the first time I've ever attended. I'm learning so much and have so many exciting ideas to share with you. First of all, I've learned to create this blog. Like I said before, you can check it regularly or you can click on the subscribe button and you will automatically get information on your email when it is updated. When I post time sensitive or real important information, I will send you an email reminding you to check the blog. We will also soon have a new website. This is out of necessity since Geocities is no longer going to offer "free" websites. If you are not on the Project Linus of East TN email list, please just send me an email and I'll gladly add you to the list. I can add you to receive updates only or to receive both updates and the monthly newsletter. Just let me know.

Project Linus of East Tennessee New Blog

2009-06-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Blanketeers, Recipient Organizations, Family and Friends:
Project Linus of East Tennessee now has a blog. Check back here regularly for updates about our chapter. I'll be sending you an email with information about how to be notified when the blog is updated or you can just make yourself a note to check back on a regular basis.
Deb