[The Gratitude Project] Warmth

 Share the love--share the warmth!

We've had the most beautifully warm week.  Unprecedented really.  Just a gorgeous fall.  But the winds of change are blowing.  There is a BIG storm approaching and I find myself grateful today for warmth.  I feel so blessed to have a warm house to sleep in and warm coats and blankets.  There are so many who can't afford those luxuries.  So many men, women, and children that are going to be cold tonight.

I bet that we could make a difference today.  We could donate some gently used coats and blankets to our local care coalition.  That would be amazing!  Or make some simple scarves out of inexpensive fleece.  Have you done this before?  In the past we have made piles of scarves as a family project.  I've taken stacks of fleece to the elementary school and taught the children how to cut the scarves and fringe the ends.  We've done this as a children's project at church and even as a neighborhood.  When the scarves are complete, just pile them in your car and drop them off at your local United Way.  If you are looking for a simple service project that can really make a difference, this just might be it! 

The nuts and bolts:

Buy some fleece fabric at your local WalMart or fabric store (JoAnn's, Hobby Lobby, etc).  There are so many fun colors and patterns.  You want to find some that is sixty inches wide.  One yard will make three scarves.  Fold your fabric in half matching the selvage ends.  You may need to square up the ends if they weren't cut straight at the store.  Now just cut every twelve inches.   I've found that the easiest way is to use a rotary cutter and a self-healing cutting mat.  Your finished scarves should be about 12 inches wide and 60 inches long.  You can fringe the ends by cutting strips that are six inches long and one inch wide.  Sharp scissors work great for the fringe.  That's it!  Easy peasy.

You can easily make three scarves for five or six dollars.  If you watch for sales, you can do it for even less!

Now let's go share the warmth!

And don't forget the hot cocoa.