tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-77319221312495786432024-02-07T18:57:57.133-08:00Crafted Hearts AllianceLindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731922131249578643.post-63496998942159346912013-06-15T16:13:00.002-07:002013-06-23T13:44:40.167-07:00Next social! *Updated*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKKCzbKlIORGH8g-lHvEtb6uckrOk_S5qnea474oWGV-iGcATtUS2JCtLoEkz1LgzCPEipglklDgGoDqA66a-xFaKsoMsMGxS3soQN-1FUMOqYN_HXbAG57UI9DLk7ncJzpCMhemBK10n/s1600/CHA+social_edited-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaKKCzbKlIORGH8g-lHvEtb6uckrOk_S5qnea474oWGV-iGcATtUS2JCtLoEkz1LgzCPEipglklDgGoDqA66a-xFaKsoMsMGxS3soQN-1FUMOqYN_HXbAG57UI9DLk7ncJzpCMhemBK10n/s640/CHA+social_edited-2.jpg" width="544" /></a></div>
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Spread the news! The next CHA social will be July 13th. Again, it will be open house style. Any projects will go to the Hand'n Hand Pregnancy Center and the "Granny Up For Oklahoma" project. Please email craftedheartsalliance@gmail.com to RSVP. </div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731922131249578643.post-41092990849902224952013-06-08T11:32:00.002-07:002013-06-08T12:18:16.898-07:00Join The CHA Email List!One of the many things I've loved about the Granny Square project is getting to see people from all over the country participate. I've alway pictured this group becoming nationwide, but I figured the progression to this would be a much slower process. At this time, I want to take advantage of this opportunity by starting an <i>(drumroll please) </i>EMAIL LIST!<br />
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Okay, so that was a lot of build-up for something so lame, right? Well, just keep reading! It gets better, i promise!</div>
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Recently, I was made aware of a pregnancy crisis center in Barnhart, Missouri that flooded. I contacted the administrator, and she said that at this time, they're collecting burp cloths, changing pads and blankets. Local needs like this rise up frequently, and I want us to be able to assist however possible. </div>
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That's why I'm unveiling this list. Say a family in Pennsylvania, for example, was to lose everything in a house fire. In St. Louis, I'm unable to do very little, but people surrounding that family could organize a get-together and craft like crazy to bless that family. And that's really what Crafted Hearts Alliance is about - establishing a crafting community to help those around them. </div>
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Starting today, I'll start emailing out needs. You may receive an email that looks like this:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeqi_JBCAPRYf96_kTTXiTR_ftzv0H3HkVb0FSM8qpnO1dN890B9xfxzWl50G6LQl2L2I6cMIKYw5yRtLKVmAThh7xpXfHHyUOereA3Q2WPIO_uJF_5yaUmqXWv-ymEPpGaEIPB2wecnq/s1600/Email+image.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKeqi_JBCAPRYf96_kTTXiTR_ftzv0H3HkVb0FSM8qpnO1dN890B9xfxzWl50G6LQl2L2I6cMIKYw5yRtLKVmAThh7xpXfHHyUOereA3Q2WPIO_uJF_5yaUmqXWv-ymEPpGaEIPB2wecnq/s640/Email+image.png" width="425" /></a></div>
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If it's in your area and you're able to assist, please email me back (but for the sanity of all, do not reply to all UNLESS you're willing to host a crafting day for the need), and we can work out the details. I'll mention it on the blog and include helpful patterns, but it's a much more personal way of reaching out to all members. Also, if a need arises in your area, let me know so I can pass it on to the group. </div>
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In order to be added, simply email craftedheartsalliance@gmail.com, and I'll add you.</div>
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I'm so excited to start on this and see how we can reach out to our communities through it!</div>
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Sincerely, </div>
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Lindsay Fickas<br />
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Also, be sure to check us out on <a href="https://twitter.com/craftedhearts" target="_blank">Twitter</a>!</div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731922131249578643.post-14372171172470707812013-05-24T20:56:00.000-07:002013-05-27T10:48:57.535-07:00Granny Up For Oklahoma (Updated!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Oh, my goodness. I honestly cannot believe the response I've had for this project! It makes me so excited to hear everyone's kind remarks. Thank you so much!</span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I know there have been a few questions, so let me answer a few here:</span></div>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please feel free to make the insides as colorful as you chose. The only thing I'm really particular about is that the fourth round is white. Again, the only reason I do ask for the white border is because it will help to add some control.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While it may be best to gauge the yarn according to the label, just try to make sure it's around 4x4. I personally gauge a little looser, and I know everyone is different.</span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Update: I understand that some are having their squares come out to be 5x5. You can still submit these at this size. I'll be making both afghans and baby blankets and can group the similar sizes together. </span></li>
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<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">At this point, there's no set time limit. When this changes, I'll post it here. I am working to get the finished afghans in a trailer already heading down, but if I need to make the drive myself, I absolutely will. </span></li>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please let me know if you have any additional questions. I'll be making a flyer for those who want to download and share, but it may be later on this weekend. Be on the lookout! </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Also, please feel free to share any progress on Twitter/Instagram with the hashtag of #grannyupforoklahoma. I'm pretty excited to creep on these! And you can always upload pictures to the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/CraftedHeartsAlliance" target="_blank">Facebook </a>page. </span></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Thank you so much! </span></div>
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731922131249578643.post-65680804348788061042013-05-21T11:01:00.002-07:002013-05-21T11:01:59.014-07:00Oklahoma<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Last night, I sat on the couch constantly checking the radar. Summer storms were starting to bear down on St. Louis, and my stomach was in knots. I watched as the red and pink masses headed straight towards Belleville, veering off at the last second. We only received thunder and lightning. Others were not so lucky.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">We're all keeping our eyes peeled on Oklahoma. The damage done is heart-breaking. A town is leveled, and people are still missing. Others are forever lost. </span><br />
<br /><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">But with tragedy, there is always a great hope. We'll watch as the nation pulls together. People with hardly anything will give what they have. Strangers will lend hands, and Moore, Oklahoma will rise back up from the devastating rubble, but it will take time, and it will take work. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">At this time, I want CHA to be involved in the healing process. We'll have a crafting day within the next few weeks and start on projects for those who lost everything. In the meantime, I want to start up a crochet project, and I want all the help I can get. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">In order to get as many afghans completed as possible, I'll be collecting granny squares to stitch together. It's an easy task for even novice crocheters, and it's a great way to get rid of the excess yarn you have sitting around. You can get the pattern </span><a href="http://www.purlbee.com/granny-square-project/2007/4/12/classic-granny-square-pattern.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">To keep the afghans a little structure, I will have just a few suggestions:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1) The ideal yarn would be acrylic, size 4 yarn (I highly advise Hobby Lobby's brand, I Love This Yarn).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2) Please gauge yarn according to package directions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">3) Please make each granny square with four rounds.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">4) Please use white for the outside border (That one is a little picky, but otherwise, it would look really chaotic).</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Please mail completed squares to:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1100 Prairie Ave</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Belleville, IL 62220. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Also, please consider sharing this post. The awesome thing about this project is that you don't have to be in the St. Louis area to participate.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thank you,</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Lindsay Fickas</span>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731922131249578643.post-54191766536107255082013-04-07T12:45:00.004-07:002013-04-07T12:45:56.125-07:00May 4th Schedule of Events<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The aim of the CHA socials is to allow an open house for fellowship with kindred souls and to create products for those most in need. We will have designated teachers to answer any questions you may have about your craft. Even if you have never picked up a needle or a hook, come along! We'll be more than happy to help you out! </span><div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The following will be the basic layout. Please note that in the future, any discussion time will be far more condensed. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11:00 - Arrival and fellowship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">11:30 - 12:30 - CHA Q&A</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">12:30-4:00 - Open house crafting</span></div>
Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731922131249578643.post-15563125308455470832013-04-05T07:38:00.003-07:002013-04-05T07:38:55.889-07:00A Few Updates<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Well, Day 1 into this project, and I couldn't be anymore excited. I can't believe all of the page views generated through Facebook, and I'm so grateful for all who shared it. Just a few updates:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">1) My lovely sister, Stacy, has opened up her house for the May 4th gathering. It's located in Arnold, Missouri, and I know this will be more convenient for most of those coming. It's also more spacious and lacks my crazy dog, so win win win.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">2) A Facebook page has been created. Please go <a href="http://www.facebook.com/craftedheartsalliance" target="_blank">here</a> and be generous with that "like" button. Ever try out the "share" button? Click it...it's awesome:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">3) For those who absolutely hate any sort of crafting yet still want to lend supprort, you can help us by donating any sort of supplies from those Pinterest projects you may have started. Yarn, fabric and thread will be much appreciated. I will warn you, however, that the standard Red Heart yarn can be incredibly harsh when working with it for extended periods of time. Any giftcards to craft stores would also be wonderful. Please email me at <a href="mailto:lfickas@gmail.com">lfickas@gmail.com</a></span> <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">regarding any donations. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Thank you!</span>Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7731922131249578643.post-77604623784257482552013-04-04T09:22:00.000-07:002013-04-04T09:22:34.759-07:00CHA Q&A<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Q. So, what is CHA?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">CHA (or Crafted Hearts Alliance) is a group started for those who want to "Craft for good." Our mission is to use our creativity to reach out to the community.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Q. What kind of crafts will this consist of? </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Whatever! A few of the mediums would be sewing, knitting and crocheting. These are some of the easiest to utilize to help meet a need.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Q. So, what would we make?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Hats, scarves, gloves, blankets, whatever. Can you sew clothes? Awesome! Come along, we need you!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Q. What if I can't do any of the crafts listed above? </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Come anyway! There will be food, friends and coffee. And more importantly, we'll teach you!</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Q. Why would we start this now? In Spring? </span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Crazy, right? Well, there are actually a few reasons for this. One, I'm antsy, and I couldn't wait much longer to get this rolling, and two, think of all the projects we'll have done by this fall. Also, if you're a beginner, that's plenty of time to become a crafting wizard.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Q. Where will the first meeting be held?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">It will be held at my humble abode (and I do mean humble). In time, I'd love to move this to a larger area, but for now, it'll be just fine. Please message me at <a href="mailto:lfickas@gmail.com">lfickas@gmail.com</a> for directions.</span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Q. What can I bring?</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Aww, you're so sweet for offering. A plate of goodies would be wonderful! Also, please bring your own materials. </span><br />
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<span style="color: magenta; font-family: Georgia;">Q. Well, that sounds fantastic!</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Georgia;">Totally! So, I hope to see you on May 4th. It starts at 11, but please feel free to come at anytime through 4:00. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I'm incredibly excited to start on this project and would love for you to join me. Please feel free to ask any additional questions either in this comment thread or via email. Thank you!</span><br />
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Lindsayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09337826204337052580noreply@blogger.com0