Special Olympics Scarf Challenge

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Swap Homepage:	http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Features/Special+Olympics.htm
Swap Coordinator:	carol (contact)
Swap categories:	Challenges Knitting Crocheting
Number of people in swap:	11
Location:	Other
Type:	None
Last day to signup/drop:	September 10, 2008
Date items must be sent by:	January 8, 2009
Number of swap partners:	1
Description:
I saw this in an issue of a Crochet mag I get and thought Swap-bot would be the perfect place to help meet their goal of 5,000 scarves. The World Winter Special Olympics would like to give a special scarf to each participant. Athletes at the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games in Idaho will be wrapped in a little handmade love, courtesy of knitters and crocheters across the country. Coats & Clark is sponsoring a project to provide each athlete with a scarf created in white and delft blue Red HeartÂ® Super SaverÂ® yarns. The World Winter Games aim to give a scarf to each athlete, the delegates supporting them and various dignitaries who will be visiting the Gamesâ€”and they need help to meet that mark. This is where Coats & Clark comes into the picture. "We're thrilled to sponsor this project. Our goal is to see 5,000 scarves donated. It's a big number, but I'm confident we can do it," says Vicki Blizzard, media relations and special promotions director for Coats & Clark. "Knitters and crocheters are dedicated and generous and are known for rising to this type of challenge." No special patterns or skills are required to create a scarf. Beginners, schools, scout troops and other local groups are actively encouraged to participate. "Our only rule," says Blizzard, "is that the scarves are knitted or crocheted by hand using delft blue (885) and white (311) Red Heart Super Saver yarn, because these colors perfectly match the Special Olympics logo and were chosen specifically by the World Winter Games organizers." To participate in this swap, you will knit or crochet at least one Special Olympic scarf before January 8th and send it to 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project 3150 West Main Street Boise, Idaho 83702 Scarves must be RECEIVED by them by 1/15/09, so be sure to allow plenty of time! You will let your partner know how many scarves you sent and send a copy of the pattern you used. If possible, send along a photo of your completed scarves. Email or snail mail contact is fine with me for this one. If you have a preference, please note it below, but don't rate your partner down if they send an email! The main thing is to send the scarves. Read more about it at http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Crochet/Features/Special+Olympics.htm The scarves mean so much to these Special Olympians! Let's help make their USA Olympic experience memorable!

Discussion

carol 08/26/2008 #

I don't know why the text won't stay inside the box, but you can view the information about the scarves at the website homepage above.

lucias 08/27/2008 #

Hi, I just signed up this swap. I have one question: can you give some suggestions on the substitute yarn for Red Heart Super Saver yarn? I live in Norway. There are many good quality and warm wool yarn, but it seems difficult to find the stated yarn.

Thank you and looking forward to this swap.

carol 08/27/2008 #

Hmm, the website is pretty specific about using those yarns. I think it can be ordered online, too. I'd try that first, if possible.

Otherwise, I'd try to get the closest color match possible, but you run the risk of them not accepting your work if it's not the right color.

Here's the link for the Red Heart Yarn: http://www.yarncollection.com/products/product.aspx?sku=010527&id=0&tab=&page=3

If that link doesn't work, go to http://www.coatsandclark.com/Products/KnittingCrochet/Yarns/

and choose "medium" yarns. SuperSaver is under that category. There's a store search link (for US & Canada) and an online store link. It's $7.99 for the jumbo size (16 oz), and $2.79 for economy (5-7 oz).

ophelia73 08/30/2008 #

This FAQ is from another board I participate in regarding the requirements for the Special Olympics Scarf Project. I thought the information might be useful here: What yarn should I use? scarves must be knit or crocheted by hand using Red Heart Super Saver yarn in both delft blue (#885) and white (#311), the official colors of the Games.

I donâ€™t like Red Heart, can I use another yarn? No, they have specifically asked us to use the yarns listed above. Itâ€™s easy to care for, not an allergy issue and the colors will match exactly with the 4,999 others being donated.

Where can I find the yarn? Yarn is available at Walmart, where it can be purchased for a nominal fee, or through www.yarncollection.com [many people have ordered it from http://www.herrschners.com/ also]

Knit or Crochet? Either one, itâ€™s totally up to you. Finished scarves should be approximately 4.5â€ x 50â€, if they are longer or wider, that is fine. Try to keep them no more then 6â€ wide and 66â€ long. Remember, athletes come in all ages, shapes & sizes, so whatever you make will be sure to fit someone.

Do I have to follow a specific pattern? No, you may use any pattern you choose, as long as it uses both colors of yarn.

How should I package my scarf? Once finished, place scarves in plastic bags with your name and address on a note card. On a separate notecard you may write a personal note to the athlete. Please note, personal information cannot be shared with the delegation members and should not be included in the notes that accompany scarves. We ask that you separate your contact information from the personal notes, so the World Winter Games can thank you appropriately for your support. Within the personal notes, please include only your signature on these notes and do not include contact information such as phone numbers, addresses or email.

Where do I send my completed scarf? Special Olympics Scarf Project 3150 West Main Street Boise, ID 83702

Deadline? Finished scarves must arrive by January 15, 2009

jessica 09/ 2/2008 #

Just an FYI... not all Walmarts are carrying delft blue. I went to both mine & they do not have it. JoAnn.com has it but you can search for it & it should come up. I only know this as I am testing a scarf for a lady on crochetville she designed for the special olympics.

redhatmama04 09/ 3/2008 #

Hi! I am new to 'BOT. This is my first swap. I plan to make my scarves on the Kniffty Knitter. I have made all kinds of items with it. I should be able to make tons of scarves by the Jan '09 deadline. Great idea!

stitchesaroundtheworld 09/ 3/2008 #

I plan on making a ton of them too! This is such a worthwhile swap!

stitchesaroundtheworld 09/ 3/2008 #

I plan on making a ton of them too! This is such a worthwhile swap!

carol 09/ 7/2008 #

Welcome all! I'm so pleased to see the response. If you have trouble finding the right yarn, please see the link in the discussion above. I don't know what the s/h charges are, but the price seemed okay.

Happy knitting, crocheting, or knifty knittering! Whatever we can send will be much appreciated!

Remember you can send/attach a personal good wish with your scarf to encourage your Olympian.

lynnemcf 09/10/2008 #

What a lovely idea. I am enjoying the paralympics in China, team GB are doing very well. I cant get hold of this yarn but would love to send an "angel" package to anyone in this swap (especially if there is something you REALLY want from the UK).

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