Welcome Blankets is a national project where crafters come together to create beautiful blankets to welcome immigrants. A similar project was held for the families of the victims of the Tree of Life shootings. THRIVE is going to make Welcome  blankets  for newly arrived immigrants to Pittsburgh!

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The blankets can be created in several ways. The easiest way to participate is to knit or crochet an 8” X 8” square which will then be joined with other squares. For the more ambitious, if you would like to create larger panels, we only ask that they be in 8” increments so that we can fit them together with other squares. If you want to make a whole blanket, fabulous!  We prefer blankets to be at least 40 x 40", twin size, or full size.

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We also have ready-made squares which need to be crocheted together.  If you are able to help with that, please let us know!  (email below)

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We are asking our crafters to make squares to mail or drop off at

North Hills Community Baptist Church, 7801 Thompson Run Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15237-6346.  If you cannot mail or drop off your squares, please notify us and we will make arrangements to pick them up.

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Below are a couple of links for basic instructions for both knit and crocheted squares. Please use worsted weight acrylic yarn so that the blankets are washable and all squares are similar in material. Of course, you are welcome to use any colors and can create any designs on your squares. Some folks make hearts or other designs on the squares!

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https://knit-a-square.com/basic-square-knitting-pattern-instructions/

https://knit-a-square.com/square-crochet-pattern-instructions/

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For those who you can’t knit or crochet, we accept donations to purchase yarn. Appropriate yarn donations are also welcome. If you need yarn or supplies, also let us know.

 

Questions? Contact Kathleen Ganster at kganster@verizon.net. 

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