Interim House Contest Results

(Finally, right? I wanted to give the other person a really good chance to respond about her package. Plus, I needed to make this fancy-schmancy collage so you could all see the goodies that these fine people sent!)

Before I get to the winner, I first have to say how very much in awe I am of the generosity these packages represent. Some were large, some small, some seriously tricked out, but they all are going to a great cause and the ladies at IH really get a kick out of hearing about them. They love the cards/postcards and notes that are frequently included, and the tools and yarn area great addition to their therapy.

It's all wonderful, and I don't want anyone to think that by calling out a couple of things that I don't think it's all fantastic! We had a small helper this year, with one (very) young lady helping photograph her mom's box. "WMK" included a card that read "It's Mel's Birthday/And I'm celebrating/By sending presents to YOU." Tvini sent one of her (now) famous (to me) scarf kits.

Sarah, Pam, Robin, Nadine, Stephanie, Tvini & WMK: thank you so much!

The winner: Robin! She will get a skein of Urban Legends yarn and a project bag.

She already knows; I emailed her after the drawing when I knew the announcement would be delayed.

However, everyone is going to get something. I'll be in touch to check on mailing addresses. If you want to send me an email now with that info., go right ahead.

Read More......

IH Contest - Did I miss anyone?

I'm going to give this a couple of days to make sure I have all of the entries. (I've searched my in-box for every keyword I could think of; I think I have them all, but if I don't, please get in touch ASAP.) I'm preparing a collage to share as well.

• Heather H.
• Robin. *
• Stephanie *
  
• Clara
• Pam
• Sarah T.
• Nadine *
  

I think you all ROCK.

*+blog

PS: 22Sept -- I'm waiting to hear from one person who indicated that she was going to send a package. As soon as I do, I'll take care of the drawing. (It's a special case; normally I'd stick with the deadline, but this is the person whose blog brought IH to my attention in the first place.)

Read More......

IH Contest Extended, Knitting in the Movies

I totally forgot that I'm going to be neck-deep in monsters the week the contest was supposed to end (working on a horror movie that John is directing), so I'm extending the deadline to September 19th. (I'll update the main post, so there is no confusion!)

Packages already sent by: Heather H. & Sarah T. Many thanks, ladies!

Speaking of horror movies... if you think you might be interested in acting in a movie, or - at the very least, playing a zombie-type extra - check out http://www.chartarum.com/. Filming starts September 5th in the NW part of the state (south of Cadillac, MI), and all the zombie stuff is happening that first weekend (Labor Day weekend). It's a low-budget deal, and we're camping, and it's going to be TONS of fun!

This is a fun bit of news: There is going to be knitting in the horror movie. Once details are finalized, I'll be back to share the sponsor info.

Read More......

IH Contest Update

I heard from Kathy, the social worker at Interim House (the one who created the program this contest helps out), and she shared some current special needs with me:

• Straights size 8 and up
• Circulars size 11, 13, 15
• The ladies love the multicolored Red Heart kind, and they always love fun fur.

Feel free to send whatever you'd already planned. This is for folks who wanted some guidance.

Also -- the post card isn't a requirement. Just a request/suggestion. If that's the only thing holding you back, don't worry about it.

I've heard from several people who were going to be working on packages: thanks to you all, and to anyone who is thinking about it!

Read More......

Happy Birthday to Mel - IH Contest Time Again

Please note that the deadline has changed to September 19th. I'll be updating the graphics as soon as I can!

For the last few years, I've held a contest that ended on my birthday. This year, I had to mix things up a little, and I'm starting it on my birthday. Help out a worthy cause and win stuff! This is the 5th contest, but the 4th I've held linked with my birthday.



Short version of the details

• First Prize: 1 skein of Urban Legends sock yarn in a to-be-determined (and dyed) colorway)
• Second Prize: 1 Urban Legends project bag (There may be more, but I don't want to promise until I'm sure)
• Deadline: Package mailed and email to me by noon on September 19th, 2009
• You could have up to five chances to win (1 for mailing, 1 for blogging, up to 3 for referrals) - see the part about spreading the word. Of course, you need to enter yourself for this to work!
  
• Absolutely EVERYONE qualifies, no matter where you live or if you won last time.

Longer version of the details
Interim House is one of a very small number of charities that I both trust and support. It's a rehab facility that (very successfully) added knitting and crochet to their curriculum. Volunteers come in to teach and show off projects, and all the clients learn at least one of the crafts. It contributes a huge boost to their self-confidence to finish something tangible. You can read more about it at their blog. Please note that you'll never see the faces of the clients in the images for privacy reasons, but you'll see their volunteers and interns modeling the clients' work (and their own).

On to the details: It's simple!

• Between now and noon (ET) on September 19th, send a package to Interim House, containing yarn (see notes at end about what to send) and/or notions/tools. Make sure you take a picture of the contents!
  
• Please include a postcard from your area (the ladies like knowing where the packages come from!)
• Send stuff to: Kathy Duffy, Social Worker
  Interim House Inc.
  333 W. Upsal St.
  Philadelphia PA 19119
• Send me an email telling me that you sent a package. Please include a picture (or a link to one) of the assembled goods (and who referred you, if that's the case (you can't refer yourself)). My (spam-proofed) email ends with @gmail.com and starts with crazycatladymel (just switch the order and pop 'em together).
• Keep track of updates via this link, or click on the button in the sidebar. I'll post about developments, update about prizes, etc.

Please, please, please spread the word! Don't think of it as lowering your chances of winning. If you're meant to win, you will! Feel free to grab the button and link to this post. In addition, to sweeten the pot:

1. If you post about this on your blog (and let me know), I'll put your name in a second time. You can post about it before you mail, of course! As long as you get a package out before the deadline, both entries will go in.
2. If someone enters and says you referred them (and you entered too), I'll put your name into the basket again. Up to 3 more times!
   

Sometime after noon on the 8th, I'll put all the names into a basket (including the bonus entries) and draw the winning name.

What to send

• Please send at least a couple of complete skeins. After that, feel free to pile on any partial balls. (It's absolutely fine if you shop from your stash 100%.)
• An assortment of accessories and tools would also qualify (new or gently used). Lingerie bags are helpful because of the popularity of felted bags. (Update: requests from IH.)
• Please send what you feel led to; however, if you need ideas, I'd consider sending things like feltable wool (felted bags are very popular) circular needles (short for bags, long for shawls & blankets), darning needles, etc.
• Please don't send scary yarn. Barring texture and fiber preferences (e.g. fun fur or acrylic), if you wouldn't knit with it, please don't send it. This is my request, not necessarily theirs, and I've never yet had an issue with it. But I've seen the kind of things people donate to charity... it's okay to throw some things away!
  

A great thing that more than one person has done in the past is to put a kit together, with everything needed for a project: yarn, needles and pattern. Most of the women that come into the program start out as beginners, but some of them progress really quickly, so they can use virtually any kind of project (cotton washcloths, felted bags, lace shawls). If you're a sale-watcher, watch for clearance items like tape measures or yarn. If you're a knitter/crocheter, then you KNOW what to get (anything!).

Read More......

IH Contest Results

There was a slight delay in the drawing, because I was out & about celebrating my birthday. I'd like to publicly thank the dear friends who called me yesterday, and gwensmom for the birthday wishes via the blog.

There are three prizes for the contest, so I drew three names. The first place winner can select her prize, then the second place winner can choose between the remaining prizes.

First Place: tvini
Second Place: Beth W.
Third Place: Kat

So, tvini: let me know which prize you want. Then, I'll get in touch with Beth. I'll need mailing addresses, of course!

In this case, everybody wins, in a way. The ladies at Interim House most certainly do. I do, because I love spreading the word about such a neat program. Whether or not a prize was won, each person who shared with IH wins, too.

Thanks, everyone!

Read More......

IH Contest Status

Just a little over a week until the IH Contest ends! I've heard from several people* who were planning boxes, but officially have messages about sent packages from four people:

Pam H.
Stacie N.
Beth W.
Kat (actually, Kat's 4-H group)

Prizes are shown here.

There is still plenty of time! In order to enter, you need to a) send IH some fibery goodies (specs), and b) send me an email, preferably with photo, by noon (my time) on Friday, August 8th, 2008 (8/8/08). If you sent me a message and your name isn't mentioned here, you can try commenting here, just in case there was a glitch somewhere.

From the sound of it, IH is going to benefit from so many of us getting circular needle sets (like Options and Denises).

*issy, sailorcross, Georgi & Connie: I did eventually get your comments! My notifier was messed up.

Read More......

Lunchtime Drive-by

IH Contest
First, a quick reminder about the IH Contest. I've received a couple of pictures of already-shipped packages, and have heard from several folks who have packages in the works. Thanks to everyone! I also just heard from Stacie, who has also held IH Contests, and she is offering up a spiffy prize featuring some hard-to-get Ravelry items.

Some Time Sucks
I've been trying to catch up on Bloglines again, after being sick, and found a couple fun goodies to suck up some of your time: Big Red Button and thisissand (both via How About Orange...).

Firefox Spell-check
We need to talk, Firefox. Until recently, you weren't recognizing most contractions as words. Today, you tried to tell me that I spelled "bandana" wrong. (Still are, as it happens.) It does not have two Ns at the end. I'm afraid I can't trust you, which is sad, because I get typing too fast and misspell words too frequently.

Read More......

Howdy, Ravelers!

I was excited the see the Interim House contest mentioned in the "This Week in Ravelry" newsletter! The main post for the contest is here, and you can see all the posts on the topic by clicking on the button in the side bar.

Thanks for dropping by!! Feel free to hang around and read more.

Read More......

IH Contest Prize Update

(Updated 7/23/08)

The main post is too long, so here are pictures of the prizes:




Good news! Illiane's Corner has generously donated an knit or crochet bag of the winner's choice! The blue knit bag is shown here, but the winner will be able to select the style and color & have it shipped directly to her/him.


Stacie, another longtime IH supporter, has donated a prize package consisting of a (sold out) Ravelry tote, a "Where My Stitches At" T-shirt (size M) - which I don't think is available at all anywhere, and a couple of Ravelry buttons.

Read More......

Interim House Contest Time

It's about that time again: my third annual Interim House contest! If you're new to it, this post should cover everything you need to know (and you can leave comments with questions). If you're an IH Contest veteran, I'll do my best to get the info. you're looking for at the top. Check for updates via the ih_contest label in the sidebar. I'll post about developments, update about prizes, etc.


Click below to read the whole entry -- if it's not already visible.


The basics
This contest will run until noon EST on Friday, August 8th, which happens to be my 43rd birthday. To enter, you need to mail a package (details follow) to Interim House. Please include a postcard from your area and consider a personal note -- the ladies like hearing about where the packages are coming from. Send me an email with a picture of its contents, and tell me who referred you (if applicable). My email ends with @gmail.com and starts with crazycatladymel (just switch the order and pop 'em together). Absolutely EVERYONE qualifies, no matter where you live or if you won last time.

On the 8th, I'll draw at least two names. The first winner will get to pick their prize, and the second winner will get the remaining prize.

Edit: See this post for prizes.

#1: Two skeins of Claudia Hand Painted yarn in fingering weight, colorway "Desert Dude." If I recall correctly, these two skeins alone are close to - if not over - a $50 value.

#2: Emergency Knitting bag in blue (I ordered it 6/24/08.) If a crocheter wins, I'll keep this for myself and order an emergency crochet bag, in the winner's choice of colors (if availabile). NOTE: Wonderful news -- Illiane's Corner will ship either a knit or crochet bag to the winner in their preferred color!

Bonus: Promote this on your blog (send me a link!), and I'll enter you a second time (button-thingy here). If someone enters and says you sent them, I'll enter your name again (as well as theirs, of course). Up to 5 total entries per person -- you can't beat that! Of course, you need to enter yourself for this to work!

What to send
According to Kathy, the social worker at IH, they never have enough circular needles in varying lengths, as follows:

• circulars in size 11 and 13 for blankets 36",
• circulars for pocketbooks which are 10-1/2 or 10 in a 24 inch
• hat circulars which are 16 inches in maybe an 8 to 10-1/2

"We have beginners just learning and it usually takes the whole six months to get really comfortable knitting and purling. Felted bags work great to learn how to knit because holes just felt together and you get a handbag that is like magic."

They're always happy to get partial balls of yarn, and feel free to include them; however, for this contest, if sending yarn please consider sending complete skeins**. An assortment of accessories and tools would also qualify (including zippered lingerie bags for felting). A great thing that more than one person has done in the past is to put a kit together, with everything needed for a project: yarn, needles and pattern. The key: please send what you feel led to. Many people have sent large boxes, at least one filled up the back of her SUV and delivered the yarn in person. Most folks send a small-to-medium box or padded envelope. At minimum, please send at least 3 full-sized items (skeins of yarn and needles), or the equivalent. Shopping from your stash is encouraged!

**Please do not send ratty or stinky old yarn. It's totally fine to send on a style of yarn that you have in your stash but don't care to knit with (yarn that just doesn't speak to you), but not cool to send crap that no one should have to knit with. (This has never been a problem. I'm just trying to cover all the potential bases.)

Send stuff to:
Kathy Duffy, Social Worker
Interim House Inc.
333 W. Upsal St.
Philadelphia PA 19119

Why Interim House?
Interim House is a 6-month rehab facility in Philadelphia, PA, with both in- and out-patient programs. Kathy, the social worker at IH, added knitting & crochet to the therapy schedule a couple of years ago, and it's doing amazingly well. All the students start out with a simple washcloth project.

Here's a link to their blog, where you can see pics of some clients' work (never their faces, for privacy reasons). Any faces you see are staff or volunteers. Only current clients and those that have graduated and come back to help are allowed to use the donated products.

My background re: charities
I don't support a lot of charities. I know there are tons of wonderful ones, but since I worked for a (very similar to IH) charity that ended up being corrupt, I'm very slow and careful when it comes to picking groups to support.

I found out about IH via another blog that pointed me over to applekale's blog. Because of my background , I did a little research, and decided to take a chance. I chatted with Kathy quite a bit, and feel like this is a project I can get behind 100%. I like that the graduates return to show off projects and help new students.

I think each person has to make their own decisions about what charities to support (if they even go that route). I'm glad to have one that I can throw myself behind completely, and offer up my "testimony" to that effect, but understand if not everyone that reads this doesn't take my word for it, and either does their own investigation or selects another charity entirely. I hope I've shown enough character and integrity that my support of IH at least puts them on the possible list for some folks, but I don't take it personally if everyone doesn't jump onto the bandwagon behind me.

Read More......