Comfort Critters Received: Week One

First Group of Comfort Critters have arrived!

Nancy has reported that three  shipments of adorable Comfort Critters have safely arrived from the following people: 

• Amy, St Paul, MN
• Marie S., NY, NY
• Carrie M., S' Side, PEI, Canada
  

If you have shipped critters (and/or comfort shawls) to HHCC'ers Nancy or Fluffy, we will post a listing here at least once a week until the cut off date of February 14th.  We will try to also provide photos as well, as these critters are so adorable, and ready to be loved! 

Pastor Requests Halt to Sending Stuffed Goods to CT

On the Ravelry group, "600 Monsters," Pastor Laura (of Bethel, CT) asks for a halt of stuffed goods being sent to Connecticut -- stating  "in one day over 20,000 stuffed toys were received."  She further states to please "direct your donations to children in need in your community (or one of your choosing) in honor of the 20 children who have died. We are aware that there are many children in need of love and comfort, not just ours. Your gift in their honor will be a fitting tribute to Sandy Hook’s children and bless another as well."

You can read the entire thread here.

The HHCC's Position:  We are in agreement.

However, if you would still like to donate your hand-crafted critter to the HHCC, we will gladly accept it.  Please note our terms:

• Item must be hand-crocheted or hand-knitted.  NO STORE-BOUGHT ITEMS WILL BE ACCEPTED.
• Item must be crafted out of 100% acrylic yarn, and stuffed with 100% acrylic stuffing.  This is for ease of care and for eliminating possible allergy issues.  All color themes will be accepted.
• Item must arrive by the Valentine's Day deadline; our goal is to collect 1,000 - 1,500 hand-crafted critters.

We pledge we will do our best to place your generous hand-crafted donations with those in the Newtown & surrounding areas.

HHCC to Collect Critters and Comfort Shawls for Sandy Hook

img credit: www.123rf.com

On Friday, December 14th, twenty children ages 6 and 7, along with six adults tragically died at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut.  The shock and sadness are beyond words.

 

But we don't have to say a single word; we have our hands.  Armed with crochet hooks and knitting needles, people from around the world want to let the families of Newtown know they are loved.  This is why, in conjunction with Crochet Guild of Prince William County of Virginia, The Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club, a Connecticut Chapter of the Crochet Guild of America, is stepping up to accept your hand-crafted projects, each with thousands of stitches wrapped in love.

From today until Valentine's Day 2013, you can send your beautiful hand-stitched donations to:

img credit: school.discoveryeducation.com

The Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club
c/o  Nancy
3238 Route 52
Stormville, NY  12582

Or to:
The Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club
c/o Fluffy

PO Box 934

Bridgeport, CT 06601-0934

 

We will gladly accept your hand-stitched stuffed critters and comfort shawls.  We ask that they be created using acrylic based yarns of any color.  For those wishing to use school colors, such as Red Heart's "Team Spirit" yarn in the colorway of 968 - Green/White (school mascot is the eagle) that would be wonderful too.  The school reportedly has some 450+ students.  Our goal is to collect at least 1000-1500 critters so siblings can be included. 

If you would like to include a hang tag on your gift, please consider using the tag below.  This will not only help us in tracking all the donations, but it will also help your recipient know where the love for him/her arrived from.

You can use this hang tag for your donations.

  

If you would rather make a cash donation or donate a crocheted or knitted afghan, the following organizations listed on the HuffingtonPost website would love to hear from you:  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2012/12/14/connecticut-elementary-school-shooting-how-to-help_n_2302760.html

 

If you would like to join in on discussing critter creations there is the "600 monsters strong" group on Ravelry.  Looking for an animal pattern?  There are lots available, from patterns designed by Stacey Trock, and those featured on Red Heart's and Lion Brand's webpages, and many more on Ravelry and Etsy.

"[We are] very mindful that mere words cannot match the depths of your sorrow, nor can they heal your wounded hearts.

 [We] can only hope it helps for you to know that you’re not alone in your grief, that our world, too, has been torn apart, that all across this land of ours, we have wept with you. We’ve pulled our children tight.

And you must know that whatever measure of comfort we can provide, we will provide.
                                                         ~President Obama, Dec. 16 prayer vigil for victims

2012 HHCC Holiday Donations

HHCC Members crocheted (and knitted)
for local charities in 2012.

HHCC members have been very busy crocheting (and knitting) a variety of projects ranging from baby blankets, to lapgans, to blankets - to hats, scarves, and potholders.  All of these items were then labeled and sorted.  HHCC'ers Grace & Dee then drove their loaded vehicles to the Salvation Army and to the Elizabeth House to deliver all the wonderful goodies!

Here is a tally of what was donated today:

94 sets of hats, scarves & gloves
19 sets of hats & scarves
15 baby blankets

2 baby poncho sets
8 baby sweater sets
25 blankets/lapghans
  1 pillow

The staff at both locations thanked the Club members for all their thoughtfulness & generosity! :)

A Big Thank You to our members for their Generosity!!

Danbury Hospital Thanks HHCC

In February, as part of the HHCC's "Hats from the Heart" charity drive, members hand-crocheted (and knitted) 85 adult chemo caps which were then donated to the Danbury Hospital.  Original blog post: http://thehhcc.blogspot.com/2012/02/donation-to-danbury-hospital-greatly.html

Yesterday the HHCC received a letter of thanks:



Danbury Hospial Thanks HHCC'ers for Generosity

May & June 2012 Meeting Details

At the May meeting, HHCC members donated eight red scarves to the WomenHeart drive while Anna provided more information about this organization.  Want to learn more about WomenHeart?  Check out this video.  The red scarves collected - a symbol of care and support for women with heart disease - are to be distributed in NY.


Dee demonstrated how to
steam block crochet.  Img used
with permission.

Upon request, Dee brought in her "hot off the hook project," a Delta Lace Topper (pattern found in Karen Whooley's booklet, "Learn to Delta Lace Crochet,") and provided members with another demonstration on how to steam block (the last time she did this demo was in 2010);

Mini~Dee models the
Delta Lace Topper after
it was blocked. Img
used with permission.

members were amazed to see the before and after results.  Dee also advised members that the pattern book is currently on sale at AnniesAttic.com -- and to remember to utilize their CGOA Member Discount when ordering.

Donations for the Salvation Army drive, and for the Elizabeth House were collected, which included an afghan hand crocheted by Rosalie.

 -*-*-*-*-*-

At the June meeting, since the Danbury Library is closed on Sundays during the summer months, HHCC member Margaret Hubert graciously hosted the meeting.  HHCC President, Grace, presented a delicious cake in honor of Margaret to be inducted into the CGOA's Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame next month.


HHCC'er Andrea shows off her
crocodile stitch sample.

Margaret taught members how to create the Crocodile stitch, and had yarn stash enhancements for all in attendance.  For more details and pictures, check out Margaret's blog post here: http://margaretshooksandneedles.blogspot.com/2012/06/ 

More donations for the Salvation Army and for the Elizabeth House were turned in, including an afghan hand crocheted by Theresa's mother.  Everyone had a great time!  :)

HHCC Thanked for Salvation Army Donations

On Thursday, June 7th, HHCC'ers attended the Women's Auxiliary "Luncheon Appreciation."  This luncheon was in appreciation of donations received by local groups, such as The Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club, to the Danbury Salvation Army. 

HHCC President, Grace, accepts Certificate of Appreciation

This is the HHCC's 9th year in donating to the Salvation Army.  Each year HHCC members hand crochet (and knit) scarves, mittens, hats, baby layettes and more (along with a new toy drive) to help the Salvation Army provide to the hundreds of local families in need.

The Women's Auxiliary had a fantastic spread of food, including live music.  HHCC President, Grace, accepted the Certificate of Appreciation.  :) 

Remote HHCC Meetings for Summer 2012

The Danbury Library is closed on Sundays during the summer months of June, July, and August.  This means the summer HHCC meetings are generously being hosted by HHCC members:

• June 10th:  Hosted by Margaret at her home located in Pawling, NY.  Members are invited to try creating the Crocodile Stitch, bring items for Show & Tell, as well as turn in charity items.  If you cannot make this meeting, the Crocodile Stitch was featured in the June 4th CrochetMe newsletter that can be found here.

Catherine's Wheel Sample

• July 8th:  Hosted by Nancy at her home located in Stormville, NY.  Members are invited to try creating Nancy's version of the Catherine's Wheel stitch, featured in her award-winning crochet "Jalapeno Jacket."  Bring something for Show & Tell, and items for the charity drives.
• August 12th:  Hosted by Jennifer at her home located in Montgomery, NY.  Members are invited to try their hand at hand-dying yarn!  (Supply List to be announced.)  Bring your Show & Tell, and your items for donation!
  

Driving instructions will be posted to the HHCC's private online group.  If you are not a member, but are interested in attending any of these meetings, please Contact Us at least 2 days prior the meeting.

HHCC'er to be inducted into Crochet Hall of Fame

HHCC'er Margaret Hubert to be inducted into the CGOA's
Jean Leinhauser Crochet Hall of Fame

Congratulations Margaret!!!

Lion Brand Outlet Trip: Carlstadt NJ

A Trip Report by Diane G.
Photos by Grace G.

Sunday March 25,2012


It was not a bright and sunny day, as one by one, Grace picked up her passengers for the excursion to the Lion Brand Outlet Store in New Jersey. Diana, Diane (me) and then Elaine took their seats ready for the event. The New York City Crochet Guild was going by bus, and other members of our group were driving from their home base.And all would converge on the LION BRAND OUTLET.

We arrived just moments before the NYC bus load, and when the doors opened and we all literally poured into the store – first passing the Statue of Liberty drapped in yarn embelishments – the expressions on the faces of the LB employees was – well shock- they had not expected to see “hundreds” of yarn junkies descending on the store on a Sunday morning. Once the initial shock was over, they did their best – but you could see in their faces that this big a crowd was not expected.

"Hundreds," they muttered under their breath;and valiantly scattered to assist the masses – answering questions, handing out bags (which came in handy- but could not contain the purchases in full), taking pictures, and on and on... “thousands,” they whispered.

A total of 5 Crochet Guilds ended up attending this field trip!
HHCC, NYCCG, CCGLI, HOTSCG, and the BFAG.

After checking out Lady Liberty, the skating lion (yes lion), the penguins, yarn bombed bicycle and the “jungle“ scene (with a giant snake), we proceeded to check out the yarn displays. We had expected a larger “store” to be honest. And we had thought we would see all the yarns that LB sold. So that was a bit of a disappointment. What was there was sufficient to fill at least one (or two) shopping bags –(and they were not small bags). There is a station to locate patterns and print them out, a room to relax and start your project with newly purchased yarn, and the yarn. Though in some cases it may have been discontinued colors, there were sufficient quantities in the color you selected to complete any project you had in mind whether it was a scarf/hat /mitten combo or a king size afghan.

I myself was sure there was nothing more I needed except for the bamboo I wanted – which of course was the last display in the store –making me walk by and check out all the other yarns. Oh my! Needless to say I stocked up on more yarn with no thought in my head except that I liked the color and I will surely find something to do with it….( I have used three skeins of the LB wool to complete a tunisian scarf which I worked on at the CT Sheep and Wool April 28. The rest is waiting for inspiration or just figuring out the pattern.)

The prices were great on the regular items - most were bagged as three skeins minimum at about 50% of the cost.  So a bag of LB wool – 3oz skeins (3 in the bag) had a price of $17.97 noted but your price was $9.00. Only the LB merino and bamboo were sold as separate skeins and not noted as discounted but… when you got onto that long long line to pay for your purchases, you found out that Jack had left instructions that we would get an additional 15%(or was it 20%) off everything; it doesn’t matter which since it was a further discount on everything.

We spent at least two hours making our selections, then returned to the car and stuffed – and I mean stuffed - our bags into the trunk of Grace’s car. I thought it would pop – but Grace assured us the trunk was really roomy even with the stuff we already had in there. She was right.

On our return trip we stopped to grab lunch just down the street at a Subway, ate in the car then returned home with our additions to our stashes.  With thoughts of what we would do with the new purchases, where to put it, and wondered what the NY group was going to do until 3PM when their bus returned for them - because LB outlet is in the warehouse district and there is nothing else there.

A fun day, as always, when there is yarn involved and people who are just like you in your aprreciation for the craft of crochet.

THANK YOU LION BRAND!! :)

Additional pictures of this "Gathering of the Guilds" can be seen on the LionBrand Facebook page here: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.318795614850279.81403.195786563817852&type=3

Details for upcoming May 2012 Meeting

Some Red Scarves from The HHCC for WomenHeart

Normally the HHCC holds monthly meetings on the 2nd Sunday.  As noted back in March, the May meeting date has been changed from the 2nd Sunday to the 1st Sunday of the month due to Mother's Day.

The May meeting is scheduled to take place on Sunday, May 6th, 2012, from 1PM to 4:30 pm, at the Danbury Library. 

HHCC member, Anna, (who is also a member of the NYCCG) has been invited to the 2012 Wenger Awards Ceremony as the guest of the CEO of WomenHeart. Wenger Awards are given "to recognize individuals and organizations for their extraordinary contributions to women's heart health...."

Anna is collecting the red scarves - a symbol of care and support for a woman with heart disease - to be distributed in NY. More information about WomenHeart can be found here: http://www.womenheart.org/programsEvents/programs/heartscarves.cfm

Those attending the HHCC's monthly meeting on Sunday, May 6th, are invited to bring crocheted (or knitted) scarves for this worthy cause.

Please also note due to the library being closed on Sundays for the summer months, meetings taking place in June, July and August are "away meetings," being hosted by various HHCC members.  If you are interested in attending the summer month meetings, please email us for driving instructions.

CT Sheep and Wool-April 28, 2012

A Trip Report by Diane G.
Photos by Alex Iannelli
(report & photos posted here with permission)

HHCC'ers at the 103rd CT Sheep & Wool Festival.

It was a cold start to the day, and little did we realize that it would continue to be “brisk” for the duration of the event.  Upon arrival on a bright sunny but cold morning Nancy, Ruth and I unloaded the many packages and containers of display items and handouts.

We brought our sign and the starter kits, as well as items made of natural fibers.  The young ladies that Dee brought assisted in setting up the displays on the table – heads with wigs, hats and scarves, and a glass head with “brains” of roving and then went out into the sunshine to check things out.

Crochet on Display.

This is a small event, not really spreadout only 4 barns, and some vendors outside under tents.  But there are a lot of things to see, pet and buy.  If you ever go wear sturdy walking shoes as there are not real paths or walkways except indoors.  There were also sheep, sheep dogs, alpacas, and angora bunnies to pet.

While waiting for some parties interested in crochet, Ruth whipped up a new hat for herself which she promptly put on hoping to get a little warmer.  Then she went out into the sunshine and warmth to check out the vendors in the buildings next door and returned wearing wool gloves that displayed only the tips of her fingers.  Dee was toasty warm wearing her mittens, while Nancy and I wore our fingerless mitts and wished we had the yarn to close them up.

We all did our best to help the economy in CT by buying yarn, crochet accessories ( stitch markets, hook markers and shawl pins), wooden hooks, nantucket bags (at a deep discount), and even beads.

More crochet the HHCC had on display.

We demonstrated Tunisian simple stitch and purl (my version which is pretty close to the one in the books), crochet with roving (Dee) and start up crocheters (the young ladies that Dee brought and a few other people).  Also attending: Robyn, and Irene and her husband Alex.

Nancy submitted two items for judging and won ribbons one first place, one third place.  She had never entered anything anywhere before.   We are working on her to enter items at the Big E.

That wind sure did blow through the partially open door of the Red barn and headed straight for us.  We started to envy those sheep clustered in a pen about 25 feet away from us – that is until they started to loose their wooly covering as each were shorn in demos every half hour or so.  I could see the surprised look on their faces as the first of their number returned naked, and he (or she) made straight for the center of the flock to stay warm.  Towards the end of the day only two were left unshorn and they seemd to prefer staying in the middleof the rest of their buddies, but alas they too were shorn of their fleecy covering but not without demonstrating some resistance.

All in all a fine though chilly day.  Only the second time I have attended and I am alrady planning on my warm wardrobe for next year – just in case.

Ewe Know it! Crochet at the 103rd CT Sheep & Wool Festival

HHCC'ers Teach and Promote Crochet at the 103rd Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival

Yesterday, on a sunny yet chilly-perfect-for-wool-buying day, HHCC members set in for a day of teaching and promoting the art of crochet at the 103rd Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival.  The group displayed a wide variety of crocheted projects featuring natural fibers; and offered beginner crochet lessons; as well as demonstrations on Tunisian crochet and how to Crochet with Unspun Roving.

While there, the group was offered an opportunity to enter items on display into a judging contest.  With support of fellow HHCC'ers, Nancy entered two of her crocheted items: her Jalapeno Sunrise jacket and her cabled vest. This would be the first time Nancy ever entered her designs into competition.  Nancy says she was "Hook-winked" with the results, which you can read about on her blog here: http://www.nlsstitches.com/journal/2012/4/28/hook-winked.html

The HHCC would like to Congratulate Nancy on her Ribbons!!  :)

When members were not helping out at the booth, they also got to check out the various demonstrations being offered by other groups, do some shopping, and pet all the adorable animals.

In addition to HHCC members participating, the HHCC had teen-helpers this year, aiding in the setting up & tearing down of the booth, including their own teaching & learning crochet -- but they opted to do it in the sunshine where it was warmer!  (smart girls!)

Everyone had a fantastic time and are looking forward to the 104th Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival next year!  :)

ChainLink 2012: Registration is now open!



How many HHCC'ers can you spot from this 2007 Conference?

Online Registration is Open for the
Summer Knit & Crochet Show
(aka to CGOA'ers as "ChainLink") June 29-July 1
in Manchester, NH
When you pre-register,
you save $10 on each 3-hour class and $20 on each 6-hour class.
Save even more if you are a CGOA or TKGA member!

Click here to Register

(Travel details)

 Register online or print out the brochure (with registration form) and fax or mail it in.

Don't forget to order your Commemorative CGOA Crochet Hook, pins & tote!

EVENT: 103rd CT Sheep & Wool Festival!



The HHCC will be in the RED BARN this year!

The HHCC is excited to announce we have been invited back to the Connecticut Sheep & Wool Festival, taking place on Saturday, April 28th - rain or shine - and will be demonstrating crochet techniques and offering FREE Beginner Lessons in the RED BARN.    For more information about the CT Sheep & Wool Festival, visit: www.ctsheep.com/sheep_and_wool_festival

CGOA MEMBERS VOTE: 2012 Crochet Hall of Fame!!

It was discovered at the HHCC monthly meeting this past Sunday that many members have not received / or just received their Spring 2012 issue of Crochet!  Inside contains the CGOA Newsletter, ChainLink, Volume 21, Number 1.

On page 8 of the CGOA ChainLink newsletter is the call for CGOA Members to cast their ballots for "The Jean Leinhauser CGOA Crochet Hall of Fame."  It states ballots must be received by April 1, 2012.  This has been confirmed by a CGOA Board member that the date is incorrect.  The ballots need to be received by April 15th.

If you have not received your latest issue of Crochet! and need a ballot, please print out the ballot below, fill in, and then mail into the address at the bottom of the ballot.

As a side note, the HHCC is proud to have member Margaret Hubert listed as one of the 2012 Hall of Fame Nominees.  :)

Have Hook, Will Travel!

"Have Hook, Will Travel" is The HHCC's motto!

On Sunday, March 25th, members of the
Happily Hooked on Crocheting Club
will be joining members of
The Hooked on the Sound
The Creative Crochet Guild of Long Island
and
The New York City Crochet Guild
on a field trip to the Lion Brand Outlet
located in New Jersey.

This will be the first time, outside of the CGOA Conferences, these
Chapters have gathered together. 

Change in HHCC Meeting Dates: April & May 2012

The HHCC usually meets on the 2nd Sunday of the month unless there is a holiday, or a CGOA Conference, conflict.  Due to Easter in April, and Mother's Day in May, the HHCC meeting rotation for these two months have been changed to the 1st Sunday of the Month. Please note the change.

Sunday, April 1, 2012

Sunday, May 6. 2012

Both meetings are scheduled to meet at the Danbury Library.

The June, July & August meetings will be "away" meetings due to the library being closed on Sundays during the summer.  These meetings will resume the normal "2nd Sunday" meeting rotation. Details to be announced.

March 2012 Meeting Highlights

HHCC Members proud of Crochet Display at the Danbury Library

The HHCC members & guests had a great time at the March meeting; some working on creating granny square rings, and other working on various projects - including knit ones.  Some members brought items in for the charity drives (Elizabeth House & Salvation Army); while others showed off their latest finished projects. 

One question that was raised is: can members process their HHCC memberships online?

The answer is yes!  Visit the Club's website at www.CrochetClubinCT.org and click onto the "WEB STORE" tab.  Select the membership that best fits you:

• $18.00 for the year: non-CGOA member
• $9.00 a year: a 50% savings for being a CGOA member

A paypal account is required for processing online memberships.  If you're not a CGOA (Crochet Guild of America) member, visit www.Crochet.org for more information.  The HHCC is a proud Chapter of the CGOA.

Crochet Display at the Danbury Library

Crochet on display at the Danbury Library during the month of March, 2012

With March being National Crochet Month, The HHCC membership has various crochet works on display at the Danbury Library.  The display will remain up for the entire month of March.

HHCC President Grace, and Dee (with the aid of her kids) worked together on the display.  The top shelf represents crochet from "yesteryear" - including a replica of a doily Laura Ingalls Wilder once crocheted. (Rose Wilder Lane, daughter of Laura, also crocheted; she published the book, "American Needlework."  Thanks to the efforts of The HHCC, Rose Wilder Lane has been added to Danbury's list of "Famous Residents.")

The second and bottom tier show various projects for both personal use, and for future donation to various local charities.  To show anything can be crocheted, Dee snuck in her sample of crocheted toilet paper, calling it "A crocheter's dirty little secret."

Visit the Danbury Library and see what other goodies are included in the display!  :)

The History of National Crochet Month

The History of National Crochet Month
reprinted with permission from Dee Stanziano

The CGOA (Crochet Guild of America/ www.crochet.org) originated the idea of celebrating crochet nationally during a single week during the month traditionally known as National Crafts Month. In 2003 the CGOA requested crocheters aid in promoting National Crochet Week with the following suggestions (note the first letter of each suggestion and what it spells out):

C rochet something for charity, e.g., afghan squares for Warm Up America!, afghans for Project Linus, caps for Caps for Kids, etc. There are many more charities that appreciate donations of crocheted items.

R esearch the crochet books and videos available at your local library. Make some recommendations to the librarian on additions to the collection. Donate a copy of your favorite reference book to your local library.

O rganize your yarn/thread stash. Try organizing your fiber by color, so that the next time you are looking for a particular shade of red, it will be much easier to find.

C atalog your pattern collection. In the process, you will be sure to discover some treasures and be inspired to start new projects.

H ave you always wanted to learn a new technique? If you have wanted to try Tunisian or filet crochet or broomstick lace, National Crochet Week is the perfect time to stretch your crochet wings.

E xperiment with a new fiber. Visit your local yarn shop and treat yourself to a specialty yarn to see what wonderful results you can achieve.

T each someone to crochet...a friend, family member, co-worker. Perhaps offer to give a demonstration at a local craft/yarn store, school or nursing home.

And back then, websites such as http://www.bluemountain.com/display.pd?prodnum=3027835&path=76749 offered free e-greeting cards.

In 2005 the week long celebration was changed to last the entire month of March, thus becoming National Crochet Month

HHCC'ers Saddened With Loss

Being a member of a group, any group really, creates the opportunity to forge new friendships and strengthen old when connected by threads of interest.  When The HHCC was in it's infancy stage, the colors of Purple, Gold and Silver were selected to represent the group.  The reasoning was Purple stood for the passion for crochet, Gold for keeping old friends, and Silver for making new. 

Those friendships woven together from common interests oftentimes includes the families & loved ones of the membership; where even if they don't know how to read a crochet pattern, or how to count stitches, they still offer their unwavering support.  So be the case of Jud.

Jud's warm smile and big hugs were like jewels free for the taking.  When he and his wife, Diana, opened their home to host HHCC workshops, he was there - helping to ensure all went smoothly.  In 2003, when he saw the need for thread/yarn holders, he used his expert craftsmanship in woodworking to create them for the members that wanted them.

Today The HHCC members are saddened with his passing, but are richer in having had met him and befriending him.  Thank you, Jud, for being our friend, our fan, our supporter.  We will miss you.  Rest in Peace.  We send our thoughts, love, and deepest condolences to his family.

Moment from HHCC History: 2004 CGOA Chapter Challenge

In 2004 The HHCC participated in the CGOA's Chapter Challenge. This involved creating a "Mapquest" board about the Chapter. The HHCC's entry featured many of the things the group still enjoys today:

• learns crochet from each other
•  invites Special Guests to meetings
•  travels to different events & venues
•  and crochets for local communities.
•  And it included a mirror with the words around it stating, "We Need You."

Unfortunately the board later suffered water damage and therefore no longer exists. The good news though: The HHCC won the CGOA's 2004 Chapter Challenge!

Donation to Danbury Hospital Greatly Appreciated

More Chemo Caps Collected (insert: HHCC Pres Grace getting ready
to turn caps over to the Danbury Hospital).



At the "Coffee, Crochet & Chat" session held this Wednesday at Panera Bread on Federal Road in Brookfield, CT, twenty more chemo caps were collected, bringing the total to 85! 

Afterwards, HHCC President, Grace, and HHCC Founder, Dee, brought all of the group's chemo caps to the Danbury Hospital.  While they were waiting to turn the caps over to the hospital staff, several patients approached Grace and Dee and expressed their gratitude for them.  Dee said afterwards, "It was very humbling.  I'm really proud our HHCC members have such big hearts!"

The HHCC will continue to collect chemo caps year-round.  If you'd like to contribute a chemo cap/hat (or more!), please bring it/them to any HHCC meeting.

Meeting Detail: February 2012

Jane Chapman, Creative Arts Coordinator
and Grace, HHCC President

Our first meeting at the Danbury Library was a lot of fun!  Jane Chapman, Creative Arts Coordinator of The Big E was our Special Guest.  Since 2002 (with the exception of last year), the HHCC has enjoyed participating in The Big E - the United States ninth largest state fair - on what is known as Connecticut Day.  Jane outlined the new demonstration area they have in the New England State building, as well as new crochet categories they have for their competition.  The HHCC members will be back at the Big E this September - watch our blog, Twitter, and Facebook page for additional information.

HHCC Member, Diane, with her
Crazy Stitch swatch.

Our member Dee offered instructions on the Crazy stitch.  She advised that there are two versions of this stitch, one worked in rows straight across (also known as The Box Stitch), and the other worked diagonally.  Dee taught the diagonal version.  If you missed the meeting, check out these links that offer instructions on both versions:

• The Box or Brick Stitch
• The Diagonal Stitch

Dee stated she does have a preference - the Diagonal version.  She also likes to substitute the double crochet with extended half-double crochet stitches to "soften the drape."

A sea of Chemo Caps to be donated to the Danbury Hospital.

HHCC'ers also showed they have big hearts.  At the meeting 65 adult chemo caps were collected; these will be donated to the Danbury Hospital this week as part of the "Hats from the Heart" campaign the CGOA Chapter does annually.

There was also some show & tell; visit us on our Facebook page for additional pictures & meeting details.  :)

HHCC is now on Facebook!

While the page is still in development, you can still become a fan and start sharing in the joy of crochet with other Facebook users.  To check out the page, visit http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/pages/Happily-Hooked-on-Crochet-Club/277382492298212?sk=wall.  While you're there, give us a "like."

HHCC February 12th Meeting

The HHCC's monthly meeting,

scheduled for Sunday, February 12th, 2012,

is being held at:

The Danbury Free Public Library
(bottom floor)
located on 170 Main Street, Danbury, CT
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Participants are asked to park in the A. Bardo parking garage (1 block away, located on 10 Library Place, hourly rate of $1.00 per hr)
or along West Street (metered parking, at the time of this blog entry, is free on Sundays; 2 hr limit)

Members and participants of the meeting are asked to bring chemo caps/hats as part of
the HHCC's "Hats from the Heart" campaign.  Caps/Hats need to be adult size, for both men
& women.  These will be donated to the Danbury Hospital.
(pictured above, on right, is a Lacy Chemo Cap designed by Dee; pattern can be found here.)
"Hats from the Heart" labels will be provided at the
February meeting; otherwise, labels can be downloaded/printed from here.

ALSO:  Upon popular request, members interested in learning how to crochet the "Crazy Stitch/ AKA The Diagonal Stitch," bring yarn & appropriate sized crochet hook to practice with.

HHCC'ers Crocheted in Public

The 1st meeting of the New Year was a lot of fun at the Danbury Fair Mall!  Members showed off their latest crochet (and knit!) creations, worked on new projects and discussed various crochet stitches & techniques to learn in 2012:

Irene showed her pretty Bavarian Crochet baby blanket; Anna showed her incredible crocheted vest & flower; Fluffy showed her new Tunisian crochet hook; and Grace showed her "3 Blind Mice" (filled with catnip) inspired by a pattern from the Lion Brand website.

Stay tuned for news on where the February meeting will be held!

January 2012 Meeting

The HHCC's monthly meeting,

scheduled for Sunday, January 8, 2012,

is being held at: 

The Danbury Fair Mall, in the Food Court.

(1PM - 4PM)

WE'RE HAND CROCHETING IN PUBLIC!Bring a project to work on, items for Show & Tell,

and your #Crochet Wish List of techniques or stitches

you'd like to learn or teach.

Reminders: for those renewing their HHCC membership, or just joining:

1. If you are a member of the CGOA then you receive a 50% savings on HHCC annual dues!
2. If you renew or join the HHCC before the end of the March 2012meeting, then you are automatically entered into the Ruth Arbitelle Memorial Membership drawing!

Salvation Army Thanks HHCC Members

Salvation Army Thanks HHCC'ers for Generosity

Elizabeth House Thanks HHCC

Elizabeth House thanks HHCC'ers

Chance to WIN a HHCC & CGOA 1-Year Membership!

Those who turn in their HHCC membership applications by the end of the March 2012 meeting will be entered into The Ruth Arbitelle Memorial Membership Drawing. The winner of this annual drawing receives reimbursement for this year's HHCC dues. Winner to be announced at the April meeting.

Recipients of the Ruth Arbitelle Memorial Membership:

2009 : Linda Maroney

2010 : Diane Gilbert
2011: Dee Stanziano

2012: Could be YOU!!

Reminder: If you are a member of the Crochet Guild of America, show your CGOA Membership card and get 50% off your HHCC dues!!

In addition, for the second year in a row, our member Dee Stanziano, is having a drawing for a ONE-YEAR CGOA Membership! Her drawing is open only until January 14th, so hurry on over to her blog for the details on how to enter!

Looks like 2012, Year of the Dragon, is off to a roaringly good start!