Blanket Bee Teaches and Connects Blanketeers

More than 250 blanket "hugs" are headed out to children in crisis after a successful Blanket Bee for Project Linus of East Tennessee.  Project Linus volunteers gathered on a warm October day at the famous Haley Farm in Clinton to share talents, techniques and their love of making blankets.  They used the beautiful indoor-outdoor chapel facility for this all-day gathering.
Flo Buffington and Mara Eckhardt tie a quilt
created by Karen Feltner
Project Linus quilts, afghans and edge-finished fleece blankets go to children in all sorts of crisis situations, often via hospitals, law enforcement or child services.  Most volunteers never have the chance to meet the recipient, but they make blankets to offer a sense of security in difficult times.
Children's Defense Fund's Theresa Venable tests donated sewing machine
The Blanket Bee allowed newcomers to learn simple techniques and to get ideas for organizing small groups to make blankets as service projects.  You can contact Project Linus to find a group in your area.
Kay Brookshire and Marlene Myers piece quilt blocks
More than 250 blankets are packed up for distribution after the Blanket Bee