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

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

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 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!