Handmade help

FLORIDA — Project Linus is a national, non-profit organization whose mission is to provide handmade blankets for children who are seriously ill, traumatized or otherwise in need. New, handmade blankets and afghans created by volunteers known as “blanketeers” provide love, a sense of security, warmth and comfort to children of all ages, infants to teenagers.

Florida Public Library’s 2012 adult summer reading theme of “Between the Covers” prompted Library Assistant Marie Arnstein and Librarian Terry Numa to think about the warmth of a blanket or quilt and what the library could do to help. They introduced the idea early last year to the needle workers of the Knitting Circle at FPL who have been crocheting, sewing and quilting blankets since then.

To date, the library has collected more than 200 blankets for Project Linus.

When Arnstein noticed the dedication, volunteerism and the number of blankets being produced at the Knitting Circle, she consulted with the Orange County Coordinator of Project Linus, Julia Sullivan, about recognizing the exceptional efforts of two of its members, Kathleen Braun and Lilly Lang. Braun, who leads the group, has knitted many blankets, donated an abundance of yarn and assisted volunteers in choosing suitable patterns and sizes for the blankets. Lang, who is a new Florida resident, was personally responsible for making at least 100 blankets herself.

The certificates were signed by both Sullivan and Carol Babbitt, national president of Project Linus, and were delivered to the library. At the August meeting of the Knitting Circle, Arnstein spoke to the women in attendance about the success of Project Linus and the remarkable contributions of Braun and Lang before she surprised them both with their certificates.

Both Braun and Lang have been instrumental in keeping the project going at FPL for almost two years now. Volunteers continue to make blankets at the library or drop them off as donations. Those blankets for Project Linus stay in Orange County as donations to local hospitals.

The library continues to accept donations of yarn. Anyone who wishes to help can stop by the library for yarn or use your own, make a blanket, and then bring it to library on any Monday, Wednesday or Thursday evening. Staff members will accept your blanket and take it to a facility where it will be given to a deserving child in Orange County.

FAQs About the Project
What type of blankets does Project Linus accept?

Project Linus welcomes blankets of all styles, including quilts, crocheted, or knitted afghans in child- friendly colors. Blankets must be new, handmade and washable. In addition, they must come from a smoke-free environment.

What about sizes?
Project Linus collects blankets for children, infants through teens. Many sizes are appropriate depending on local needs. For example, blankets could be as small as 36” by 36”. The majority of Project Linus blankets are about 40” by 60” or what is called “crib size.” Blankets could be as large as twin size for teens.

Where can I find a pattern for making a project Linus blanket?

Patterns can be found at www.projectlinus.org. Check the Patterns/Links page to see what is currently available online. There are some patterns available at the Florida Public Library. A limited supply of yarn is also available from FPL.

For more information, contact Terry Numa or Marie Arnstein at the Library at 845-651-7659. The Knitting Circle meets regularly on the third Monday of every month from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Adults are welcome to join. Check the event calendar on the library’s web site at www.floridapubliclibrary.org for dates and more information. Florida Public Library is located at 4 Cohen Circle behind Village Hall in Florida.