Packing Day for the Goodie Boxies to Military

Beverly packs the caps!

Margaret filling up the goodies box.

Marge & Lee learn a new stitch.

Sandy has a goodies box ready to be mailed.

On November 14, 2012 Rachel's Blanket Ministry packed Military Goodies Boxes for 5 soldiers.    The group made military skull caps to include in the box.   Thanks to Phyllis and Debbie for their help.    Members brought caps and goodies to pack.   We had very generous donations from Gary and also from Neil's mom.    Thanks to all!!!

Military Skull Cap Dedication - November 11, 2012

Douglasville First United Methodist Church - November 11, 2012 Veterans participate in the pray of dedication for the Military Skull Caps

Afghan and Military Skull Caps


Instructions for making Military Skull Caps

HATS FOR TROOPS - CROCHET

 

The following pattern will make a hat that some people refer to as a skull cap and can be worn under helmets, if desired.  Blocked hats should be approximately 8” in length.  Not sure about size?  Try it on!  Your hats should fit snugly and cover most, if not all, of your ear.  Hats that fall just above the bottom of your ear lobe will be just fine.  Happy Crocheting!

 

1 Skein 100% wool worsted weight yarn in a dark color

Crochet Hook Size K/10.5*

 

Chain 4.  Join to form ring.

 

Round 1:  6 SC into ring.

Round 2:  2 SC into each SC. (12 st)

Round 3:  *1 SC in next SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (18 st)

Round 4:  *1 SC in next 2 SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (24 st)

Round 5:  *1 SC in next 3 SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (30 st)

Round 6:  *1 SC in next 4 SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (36 st)

Round 7:  *1 SC in next 5 SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (42 st)

Round 8:  *1 SC in next 6 SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (48 st)

Round 9:  *1 SC in next 7 SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (54 st)

Round 10: *1 SC in next 8 SC, 2 SC in next SC, rep from *. (60 st)

Round 11: 1 SC in each SC.

 

Repeat Round 11 until hat is approximately 6” long.

 

Ribbing:  *SC around post from front, SC around next post from back*, repeat * to * for 2 or 3 rounds.

 

Finish off.  Weave in yarn ends and wet block.  Lay flat to dry.

 

 

HATS FOR TROOPS – KNIT ON STRAIGHT NEEDLES

 The following pattern will make a hat that some people refer to as a skull cap.  The ribbing is knit to a length that will lay flat instead of being folded up.  This allows the hats to be worn under helmets, if desired.  Blocked hats should be approximately 8” in length.  Not sure about size?  Try it on!  Your hats should fit snugly and cover most, if not all, of your ear.  Hats that fall just above the bottom of your ear lobe will be just fine.  Happy Knitting!

 

1 Skein 100% wool worsted weight yarn in a dark color

Size 8 or 9 Straight needles

 

Cast on 80 stitches.

 

Knit ribbing, (K2, P2), for 1” to 1 ½”.

 

Change to stockinette stitch and knit until piece measures approximately 5 ½” from cast on edge.

 

Decrease for top as follows:

 

Row 1:  *K6, K2tog* repeating between stars across row.

Row 2 and all even rows:   Purl

Row 3:  *K5, K2tog* repeating between stars across row.

Row 5:  *K4, K2tog* repeating between stars across row.

Row 7:  *K3, K2tog* repeating between stars across row.

Row 9:  *K2, K2tog* repeating between stars across row.

Row 11: *K1, K2tog* repeating between stars across row.

Row 13: *K2tog* to end of row.  10 Stitches remain.

 

Break yarn leaving a 20” tail.  Using a blunt needle, run the tail through the 10 remaining stitches.  Sew seam, weave in yarn ends and wet block.  Lay flat to dry.

 

Update on Happeining with Rachel's Blankets

Here's what's happening with Rachel's Blanket Ministry Team -

• October 14 - 18 Baby Blankets Dedicated in DFUMC services -   Team members and children of the church participated in a Blessing of Rachel's Blankets during morning worship.
• October 17 - 150 Trunk or Treat Bags Made - Team made bead bracelet and twisted yarn bracelet kits packed with directions, supplies, candy, stickers and inform about Rachel's Blankets and Fine Arts Academy.
• October 25 - Booth at Trunk or Treat - Team works Ministry Booth with FAA and Rachel's Blankets.   Gave away Treat Bags and did Face Painting.
• October 31 -  Twisted Bracelet Kits and Treat Bags remaining from Trunk or Treat to be sent to Murphy-Harpst Children.     The remaining Treat Bags will be repackaged and sent to children.
• Nov 11 - Military Skull Caps Dedicated - A dedication is schedule for DFUMC services on November 11, 2012 to dedicated military skull caps.   The caps will be sent to deployed military.    A "goodies box" will be prepared and sent with the caps.   

Rachel's Blanket Ministry Team Visits Ewe Knit&Crochet

 

October 10, 2012

L-R Bottom (Beverly, Makayla, Lee   L-R Top (Janet, Marge, Margaret)

Team Members visited Ewe Knit & Crochet in Carrollton, GA.   Lunch at The Lazy Donkey was great.   Always good to spend time with these dedicated and talented people.    Currently projects a) baby blankets for Pregnancy Resource Center in Douglasville (see the current blankets below), b)  Dedication of the Rachel's Blankets is scheduled for Sunday, October 14, 2012 at Douglasville First United Methodist Church, c) military skull caps and treat boxes to soldiers is scheduled for November, d) in 2013 the team begins making baby blankets for DFUMC member new babies and will have an ongoing prayer ministry for the babies, families and soldiers that receive the caps or blankets. 





This quarter 18 blankets will be donated to the Douglasville Pregnancy Resource Center. 

Rachel's Blankets To Make Blankets & Military Skull Caps

Rachel's Blankets Team Meeting - September 12, 2012
(L-R Back Marge, Sandy - L-R Front Beverly, Margaret, Lee)
Twelve blankets for Rachel's Blankets that will go to the Pregnancy Resource Center.   Beverly is leading a project to knit/crochet military skull caps for our home church soldiers.   We will also be sending a goodies box with the skull caps.    Another new project is crocheting/knitting baby blankets for expectant mothers in our congregation.    This will also be a prayer ministry for those mothers and babies.    Next meeting is Wednesday, October 10, 2012.   Meet at DFUMC at 12:00 p.m. we will have a field trip to the Yarn Shop in Carrollton, GA and eat lunch at the Donkey (Mexican).

Rachel's Blanket Ministry August Meeting 2012

Rachel's Blanket Ministry Team Members display work by the members.   From Left to Right (Marilyn, Beverly, Marge).    The team met today and shared blankets, devotion and prayer.   The group has set a target of 20 blankets for this quarter which will be given to the Pregnancy Resource Center in Douglasville, GA.    New projects for the group are crochet/knit blankets for infant baptism at DFUMC and crochet/knit caps for military church family members who are deployed overseas to be mailed prior to the holidays.   If you'd like to get involved in this group join the blog and we will send you reminders of group activities and meetings.

Easy Baby Blanket Pattern - If you'd like to start crocheting, here is a simple patter that only uses single crochet and chain stitches.  
Ch 145
Row 1:  Place a marker in first ch from your hook, sc in 3rd ch from hook.  (ch1, skip next ch, sc in next ch.)  Rep across entire row.  Ch 1, turn.
Row 2:  (sc in the next ch 1 space, ch 1.)  Rep the sequence in brackets across the rest of the row.  At the end of the row, work a sc st into the st where you placed the marker; you can remove the marker before working the stitch.  Ch 1, turn.
Rows 3 and Up:  The rest of the rows are all exactly the same as row 2, with one difference:  at the end of the row you will work your last sc st into the turning chain of the previous row.  Rep this row until the baby blanket is the length you want.
You can add edging if you like.

Rachel's Blanket Team Meets - July 11, 2012

 Rachel's Blankets Team Members - L-R  Sandy, Beverly, Connie, Marge
This morning the team met to knit and crochet and share blankets that have been completed.    Below are four blankets recently made by Jimmie Lou, Sandy and Beverly.   We welcome new member Connie to our group.   Like many of us Connie learned to crochet from her grandmother.   Rachel's Blankets meets monthly on the 2nd Wednesday at 10:00 a.m. at Douglasville First United Methodist Church.    The Ministry included members from various churches.    The blankets that are made are donated to the Pregnancy Resource Center in Douglasville, GA

These four blankets were made L-R by Jimmie Lou, Sandy and Beverly.   Beverly shared the pattern for the blanket on the far right.   It is an old pattern and we will share the directions to make it on a future post.

Rachel's Blankets - Learn to crochet & knit - classes begin July 11, 2012

Rachel's Blankets will begin offering crochet & knit classes beginning July 11, 2012 from 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. at Douglasville First United Methodist Church.   The classes are held every 2nd Wednesday from 10:00 - 11:00 a.m   These classes are free and are provided by team members.    We have added two new members Cindy and Marilyn.   Welcome.

Blankets Delivered to PRC - June 21, 2012

Twenty-one blankets were delivered today to the Pregnancy Resource Center by Rachel's Blanket Team Members Sandy and Janet.    Welcome to new members Cindy and Marilyn!!

Rachel's Blankets Dedication - May 27, 2012 - Douglasville First United Methodist Church

Sandy, Beverly, Max, Janet(Marge - Not pictured)

Rachel's Blanket Dedication at Douglasville First United Methodist Church   Special thanks to the other Ministry Team members for their commitment - Jimmie Lou, Gladys, Lisa, Louise, Lee.    Blankets will be donated to mothers and newborns supported by Douglasville Pregnancy Resource Center.

Rachel's Blankets - 6 more blankets

Six more blankets for Rachel's Blanket Ministry.

Knit Baby Blanket - Made by Marge - May 2012

This morning Rachel's Blanket Ministry Team met to catch up on our progress with blankets.   Marge brought the blanket pictured above.    To date there have been 25 blankets made by 7 people.   We were pleased today to add Beverly and Lee to our group.    A dedication of the blankets will be held at all services on Sunday, May 27, 2012 at the Douglasville First United Methodist Church.     Currently members of DFUMC and Union Grove Baptist Church are participating in making blankets.    A trip to deliver the blankets to the Pregnancy Resource Center is scheduled for June 2012.    Beginning in July 2012 there will be a monthly free crochet and knitting class held at DFUMC by Rachel's Blanket Ministry Team.   More details will be posted.    Thanks to Sandy for a thoughtful devotion this morning.    "For it was you who formed my inward parts; you knit me together in my mother's womb.   I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made."    Psalms 139:  13-14

Crochet Class Scheduled - Want to participate in this ministry and don't know how to crochet or knit?    A classes are being provided free of charge monthly.    The next class is scheduled for Wednesday,
May 2, 2012 from 10:30 - 11:30.   Join the blog to learn more about this class.

Rachel's Blankets - The group met this morning  and look at the beautiful blankets member have made!   These eight were made by Jimmie Lou, Sandy and Janet.   Marge brought a beautiful multicolored blanket she was finishing up.   A crocheting and knitting class will begin in May as part of this ministry of DFUMC.   Join the blog if you'd like to be included in the classes.   Three ladies from Union Grove Baptist Church have contributed 8 more blankets.  A dedication service will be planned at Douglasville First United Methodist Church.    After the dedication we will drop them off at the Pregnancy Resource Center in Douglasville for use in their program.

Two more blankets for Rachel's Blankets.  
Top - Pink ripple crochet afghan - Jimmie Lou
Bottom - Mint Green SC with chain double ruffle edge.
First meeting of the Rachel's blankets is scheduled for Tuesday, March 27, 2012 at 10:00.   If you want to come sign up for blog or let me know on facebook and I will email you the directions.

First three completed blankets for the Rachel's Blankets Ministry.  
Top - Blue, alternating SC & DC with a shell edging - made by Jimmie Lou
Middle - Cream, alternating SC & DC with a SC edging - made by Jimmie Lou
Bottom - Yellow ripple with puff stitch - made by Janet

Looking for a way to get started?    This pattern is from Marge.    Plans are underway for a monthly knit/crochet class.   A way to learn a new skill and to share the blankets group members are making.

Simple Baby Blanket

This blanket is ideal for the beginner as it uses only knit stitches, a simple yarn over increase and a simple knit 2 together decrease.  It has an attractive border and although  written for a 36 inch square blanket, it can be made larger by continuing the pattern for additional rows before beginning the decease.

It can be used with any yarn although sport weight (number 3), worsted weight (number 4) or bulky (number 5) are best.  Simply select your yarn and use the size needle recommended on the yarn wrapper (if you know you are a tight knitter, you may want to go up one size and if you knit loosely go down one size )  You may begin with straight needles but will need to change to a 29 or 30 inch circular needle in order to get all the stitches on the needle. 

Pattern

Cast on 5 Stitches and knit 1 row

Begin Increase rows:  Knit 3 stitches, yarn over (yo) knit to end; continue each row in this manner until one side of the triangle (measure from point to needle) measures 36 inches.  This is the middle point of your blanket;

then you begin to decrease as follows

Begin Decrease rows:  Knit 2, knit 2 together (k2tog), yarn over (yo) knit 2 together (k2tog) then knit to end of the row.  Repeat this row until you have only 7 stitches on the needle.

Last row, k2, k2tog, k2tog, knit 1.  Bind off last 5 stitches.  Work in the loose ends.

Group members that are participating in the Rachel's Blankets ministry can visit the Pregnancy Resource Center on Monday, March 5, 2012 at 1:00 p.m.   This is a chance for members to get to know the PRC program.  

Simple Crochet Pattern
If you would like to crochet but haven't in a while, here is a simple pattern that you can do in just a few hours.   You can make it whatever size you'd like.   Try making a 36X48.   That's a nice size blanket that will start with the newborn and be big enough to wrap up a todder.

Use a soft 3 or 4 ply yarn.  Hook K or L

Chain an even number of chains    Measure your chain and stop when you get close to 36"  It doesn't need to be exact size but make sure you have an even number of chains.

Row 1 - Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each remaining ch.   You'll end up with an odd number since you skip the first SC.   Chain 1, Turn.
Row 2 - Sc in each sc, ch 1, turn
Repeat Row 2 until piece measures about 44 inches.   Do not finish off, Turn

Top Edging
Row 1:  Ch 1, sc in same st, *ch 3, sc in next st; repeat from * across, ch 1, turn.
Row 2:  Sc in first sc, *ch 4, sc in next st; repeat from * across.  Finish off.

Bottom Edging
Hold piece with the beginning chain at top; join yarn in first unused chain loop at right. 
Repeat Rows 1 and 1 of Top Edging, working Row 1 in unused looops of chain.

 Ripple with Popcorn - This afghan is crochet.   It's a ripple stitch for 5 rows followed by a row of popcorn.   I got this photo backwards but you get the idea.    It's in a pale yellow.   Made by Janet

First completed blanket for Rachel's Blankets - Made by Jimmie Lou or "Granny".   This is an interesting patter made by starting with a odd number of chains, then SC and DC alternately across.   With this patter there is no right side, both sides look the same.    It is a cream color.   Beautiful!

Rachel's Blankets

Rachel's Blankets is now a ministry of Douglasville First United Methodist Church.   We are please to have not only FUMC members but friends from the community who are participating in making blankets.    If you are interested in participating in this ministry please comment on the link and sign up with the blog.   The team will schedule a visit to the Pregnancy Resource Center (PRC)  in Douglasville, GA the first of March 2012.   The blankets will be given to the PRC for use distribution to the expectant mothers who participate in the PRC program. 

Rachel's Blankets - Thank you for visiting Rachel's Blankets blog.   This project consist of a team of people who crochet or knit baby blankets for newborns.   The blankets are lovingly and prayerfully made and given to the Douglasville Pregnancy Resource Center.   The blankets are then given to expentant moms for their new baby.