When I see a handmade afghan or quilt in a thrift store or yard/garage sale, I am always curious about its history. I recently found matching twin sized blankets at the local thrift shop - one of them pictured below. The photo was taken hastily and does not reflect the neatness of the rows and the obvious care that went into making this perfect pair of blankets.

I wondered if they were crocheted by a grandmother for grandchildren's beds, or made by a mom in school colors for teens. They surely seemed to reflect an intentional act in their creation.
I became interested in "rescuing" blankets like this because it has always made me sad that the time, effort, expertise and often LOVE that went into them is lost when they end up in a thrift store. I want to HONOR the original fiber artists' work, and repurpose them in a way that can rekindle the loving intention with which they were made. I buy, launder and find places that welcome donated blankets. At this time I am preparing my first "batch" that will be given to a community organization that serves Veterans who are transitioning from being inpatients at the VA and eventually will move on into to their own (independent) residences. Veterans may have been struggling with homelessness, mental health issues or drug/alcohol abuse. Once the VA gets them to a point at which they are ready for the NEXT phase, they come to one of these community "shelters" that assist them in their continued transition to independence. These places help Veterans take that next step, so when I found out that they accept blankets to send with the Veterans when they move out and on into their own place, I knew I was on to something good!
As a Veteran myself (USN, Hospital Corpsman), I have a soft spot for other Veterans and focus most of my giving to Veteran-specific organizations. I feel that my recognition of the care and time that went into MAKING these blankets rekindles the love that was present when they were first made and gifted. Passing them on with the intention of providing care and support for another person - especially someone in need -allows for that initial intention of loving care to be given new life.
I can think of no better gift to pass on than the love hand-stitched into something made for someone special. I also believe that there is an "energy" that aligns with our intentions and that is infused in, and remains a part of, the items we create - especially when we give them to someone for whom we love and care.
The vest pictured below was crocheted in the late 1960's by my grandmother (the one who taught me to crochet) and I have it hanging in my house, on the door to my craft room. Each time I pass by, I feel the joy, love, and care that went into making this vest along with a matching (smaller) one for my little sister. It's a totem, of sorts; a reminder of my grandmother's love for us, and her willingness to take her leisure time to make something unique and special for us.

It's that energy I hope to recycle, reignite and pass on. I will continue to seek out hand-made blankets in good shape and help them find a new purpose in warming Veterans' new homes, while providing a little "love" to some folks who need it most.
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