Group Members Make Mask for Healthcare Workers, Community, Family

During the 2020 Covid-19 Pandemic, members of the group have made mask for healthcare workers, community members and family.    We appreciate those that have used their talents to provide protective mask for our community. 

Projects for Rachel's Blankets 2020

There have been many projects for Rachel's Blanket Ministry in 2020.

The group made prayer squares for a class of Kindergarteners whose school was destroyed by a tornado in February 2020.   Our church Douglasville FUMC, has a contact with one of the families in Nashville, Tennessee where the school was destroyed.   We sent gift cards for school supplies and prayer squares for the children.

During the Covid-19 pandemic in March, 2020, a group of the women made mask for the healthcare staff at a local hospital in Douglasville, GA.

Other members of the group continue to make hats.  Each year in the fall/winter we give away 250 plus hats to children and adults in our community.   So far, our group has made approximately 100 hats.   Mainly due to the "stay at home order" for our community.    Crocheters and Knitters always have something to do and have been staying busy making hats.

Rachel's Blankets received a donation for the Douglasville First United Methodist Church Family this month.    It will go to help purchase yarn for the many projects the group supports.

This fall the group has made hats!!   
47 for Little Scholars Academy - DFUMC
22 for School Backpack Ministry
130 for Burnett Elementary School
20 for Adult Homeless Backpack Ministry

All this was done while still making Prayer Shawls, Lap Blankets, Baby Blankets, Prayer Squares, Baby Bereavement Blankets.

Hats for Youth Villages - Deliver of Hats 2016

It was wonderful to visit Youth Villages and meet Kimmy and Chelsea.    We learned about the program and discussed future collaborations.   We will plan a crochet/knitting class for the youth in the winter.   We delivered 135 hats.    That still left us with hats that will be distributed to homeless in Douglasville by one of our Sunday School classes at DFUMC.   They have a backpack ministry and each winter pack bags of clothing, food, and include a hat.

Hats For Youth Villages 2016 - Dedication Sunday

This year after our group made hats for Burnett Elementary First Graders and the 2-5 year class of DFUMC Preschool we were asked to consider making hats for Youth Villages.   Youth Villages is a residential treatment center for troubled youth.    We agreed and 160 hats later we dedicated them in a beautiful service at DFUMC.

Rev. DeHart, Janet, Sandy and Shelia

Sandy and Shelia

Sandy and Shelia

Beverly, Sandy and Shelia

Beverly and Shelia

Hats for Burnett Elementary School and DFUMC Preschool

This year Rachel's Blanket Ministry Team has been hard at work making hats.   We have always made hats for the Burnett Elementary School clothes closet but this year they ask us to sponsor one of their classes and to make hats for each child.    We decided that we would also make hats for our Douglasville First United Methodist Preschool also.    These faces say it all!!

Some of our Team members with the bags and bags of hats!!

Our Team has also made blankets for the Pregnancy Resource Center and Wellstar Hospital.

This photo is from a few years ago, but once again Rachel's Blanket Ministry made military skull caps for soldiers.    The caps were dedicated this weekend in a service at Douglasville First United Methodist Church.

This month we met and collected the following:
32 hats for Youth Village
26 hats for DFUMC Preschool 2years - 5 years
24 military skull caps
11 baby blankets for Wellstar Hospittal
21 prayer squares
1  baby blanket for Pastor Elizabeth Lobello

Last month we delivered caps to donate to the First Graders at Burnett Elementary School and baby blankets to the Pregnancy Resource Center.    We gave baby blankets to a parent of one of our DFUMC Preschoolers and also to our former Youth Paster.

Prayer Shawl Pattern

This patten was a free crochet shawl wrap I downloaded.   I was looking for something fast and simple.   This is it!!    Instead of crocheting and changing colors, I simply got a variegated yarn and repeated Rows 2 and 3.     If you have time and want to change colors, it makes a very interesting pattern.    For me quick and easy for the trick so add this one to your list of "must crochet".    You'll love it and the prayer shawl will bring warmth and comfort to the one who receives it.

Crochet Wrap
Row two - starts with beginning chain string from first row on right    I used a variegated yarn and repeated Rows 2 & 3 until it was 20 inches wide.    It's worked lengthwise.    Love this simple and easy pattern.   You can look up the photo of the one that uses different colors on the link below.    But for a "make it easy" day, just use one color or a variegated. 

image: http://d2x7flet1wqc2h.cloudfront.net/images/easy.jpg

Crochet Hook: I/9 or 5.5 mm hook
Yarn Weight: (4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)
MATERIALS:
Caron Simply Soft:
A: Grey Heather (9509), 3 skeins
B: Plum Perfect (9761), 2 skeins
C: Charcoal Heather (9508), 1 skein
D: Off White (9702), 1 skein
Crochet Hook: I-8 (5mm)
Yarn Needle
SIZE:
Approximately 20"/51 cm wide x 75"/190.5 cm long
GAUGE:
4 pattern repeats and 8 rows = 4"/10 cm
NOTES:
1. Wrap is worked lengthwise.
2. To change color; work last st of old color to last yarn over, yarn over with new color and draw through all loops on hook to complete stitch.
STITCH PATTERN (multiple of 3 sts + 1; +1 for foundation ch)
Row 1 (RS): (Sc, ch 3, dc) in 2nd ch from hook, *sk next 2 ch, (sc, ch 3, dc) in next ch; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 2: Ch 3 (counts as first dc), dc in first st, (sc, ch 3, dc) in each ch-3 space across to last ch-3 space, sc in last ch-3 space, ch 2, dc in last sc, turn.
Row 3: Ch 1, sc in first st, ch 3, dc in next ch-2 space, *(sc, ch 3, dc) in next ch-3 space; repeat from * across, sc in last dc (turning ch), turn.
Repeat Rows 2 and 3 for pattern.
WRAP
With A, chain 224.
Rows 1–3: Work Rows 1–3 of Pattern Stitch—75 sc and 74 ch-2 spaces.
Continue working in pattern stitch changing colors as follows:
4 more rows with A, *1 row with D, 2 rows with A, 2 rows with C, 4 rows with B, 1 row with D, 4 rows with B, 2 rows with C, 2 rows with A, 1 row with D, 7 rows with A; repeat from * once more.
Fasten off.
FINISHING
Using yarn needle, weave in all ends.

Author Talk with Raymond Atkins

Belles & Books - Book Club and Guest with Author, Raymond Atkins

Janet Deal and Raymond Atkins at Book Signing

Georgia Author, Raymond Atkins

Belles & Books- Book Club

Friday, November 20, 2015 the Belles & Books-Book Club hosted an author talk with Georgia author, Raymond Atkins.    Ray lives near Rome, Georgia and teaches English at a north Georgia college.    His first book "Front Porch Prophet" won the Georgia author of the year award in 2009.   His book "Camp Redemption" won the Georgia author of the year award in 2014.   He was second place in Georgia author of the year for "Sweetwater Blues".    His stories are humorous, folksy, spiritual and entertaining!    Just wanted to share so you might try this author.   We've already booked him for our club next year when his new book comes out.

Prayer Square Pattern

Linda, Bev and Darlene at the November 18, 2015 meeting

Prayer Square Pattern
This makes a larger square.   You can make a smaller one by chaining 14 and turning and chaining in 2nd chain from the hook.    Then you have 6 SC, PC, 6SC  to replace Row 3    Then adjusting the popcorn stitches to SC 6, PC, SC 6 and on the 15th row SC, SC, PC, SC, PC, SC,PC,SC,PC,SC,PC, SC,SC     Eliminate rows to make only 7 PC down and 5 across.

    **  Soft worsted weight yarn - pastel solid color
    **  Size F crochet hook

Abbreviations:
CH = chain
SC = single crochet
DC = double crochet
PC = popcorn stitch
SL ST = slip stitch
YO = yarn over
SK = skip a stitch

Finished size approximately 5" x 7" or smaller depending on yarn used.

POPCORN STITCH -
Make 3 DC in the same stitch.  Take the hook out of the loop of the last DC and insert the hook in the top of first DC.  Hook the loop you just dropped and draw it through the stitch.  Pull tight and then CH 1.  Push the popcorn stitch to the front as you go to the next SC.

CH 18 loosely.

ROW 1 - Starting in the second chain from the hook, SC in each chain (17 SC total).  CH 1, Turn.

ROW 2 - SC in each stitch across (17 SC total).  CH 1. Turn.

ROW 3 - SC 8, PC 1, SC 8. CH 1. Turn.

ROW 4 - SC in each stitch across (17 SC total). CH 1. Turn.

ROWS 5 - 14 - Repeat rows 3 and 4 (5 times)

ROW 15 - SC 2, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1, SC1, PC 1, SC 1, PC 1,
SC 1, PC 1,  SC 2. CH 1.  Turn.

ROW 16 - SC in each stitch (17 SC total). CH 1. Turn.

ROW 17-22 - Repeat rows 3 and 4 (3 times)

ROW 23 - SC in each stitch (17 SC total)

BORDER - CH 2, SC in each row, SC 3 in the corner, SC in each stitch across the bottom, SC 3 in the corner, SC in each row  up the side, SC 3 in the corner, SC in each stitch across the top, SL ST in the beginning SC at the corner and finish off.

Rachel's Blanket Ministry Meets at Brookdale

Fun day at Brookdale with Jimmie Lou and Betty.    From Left to Right Top to Bottom(Bev, Debbie, Marge, Betty, Jimmie Lou)

Rachel's Blanket Ministry Visits Brookdale

The February meeting of Rachel's Blanket Ministry was held at Brookdale Assisted Living.   Jimmie Lou Price and Betty Schulhof were the special guest.   Ms. Price has made dozens of blankets, scarves and caps for the Rachel's Blanket Ministry.

What Rachel's Blanket Ministry has been up to in 2014!!

Broach, Beverly and Shelia from Rachel's Blanket Ministry

 

The year has flown by!!    Rachel's Blanket Ministry was busy this year.  We added more projects and members.   Some of the activities of the group in 2014 included the following.

• Baby Blankets - Blankets are made and donated to the Douglasville Pregnancy Resource Center.   The blankets go in their "store" and women participating in the program can purchase the blankets with "points" they earn by participating in the program.
• DFUMC Baby Blankets - Blanket as made and given to each new baby born in the DFUMC family.   This year we also included "grandbabies" of members.   Two of our own members had their first grandbaby and blankets were given to Beverly and Sandy for their new grandchildren.
• Angel Blankets - Blankets are made for Wellstar Hospital in Douglasville, GA.   These blankets have a special mission because they are use for infants of fetal demise.   A tragic but important ministry.
• Scarves and Caps for Burnett Elememtary School - Scarves and Caps are made for the clothes closet at Burnett Elementary School.    DFUMC has adopted this school and this project is one of many that support the teachers and children of the school.
• Scarves and Caps for Department of Family and Children Services - This project is new for 2014.  Rachel's Blankets partnered with DFUMC Women's Missionary Union to provide scarves and caps for children that come for services.
• Military Skull Caps - Each year in November military skull caps and goodies are sent to service men and women of DFUMC family and friends.   A special dedication service is held in November and veterans in the congregation participate in the pray and dedication.
• Prayer Shawls - Prayer shawls and lap blankets are made for DFUMC Stephen's Ministry.   The blankets are given to people experiencing illness, grief and or hardship.   

Throughout the year, the blankets, shawls, caps and scarves are dedicated in the three services at DFUMC.   All members donated the materials, time and talent to make these beautiful items.   The team's influence has been felt around the world and has touched many lives.

September 2014 Meeting of Rachel's Blanket Ministry

Broach, Marge, Debbie, Shelia, Sandy at the September 2014 meeting

This month Broach made quilted Angel Blankets for the WellStar project.    Shelia was new to the group but already jumping in to get the military cap pattern to make skull caps for the Military project.   This month we saw a great need for prayer shawls in our congregation after the deaths of several members.   The team was able to meet this need for the Stephen's Ministry project.   Jimmie Lou continues to be the star in making baby blankets each month.   Marge, Bev, Debbie, Janet and Sandy all had items to contribute to projects this month.   Thanks to Bev for making the baby blanket for Maggie's shower.

Rachel's Blankets Ministry Update

RACHEL’S BLANKET MINISTRY

 

Rachel’s Blanket ministry is about more than blankets.    There is a team of women who are faithfully using their talents to bless people in our community and around the world.   Whether you crochet, knit, quilt, etc. there is a place for your talent.    Here is a sample of what Rachel’s Blanket Ministry has been doing this year.

·         Baby Blankets for the Pregnancy Resource Center

·         Angel Blankets for Well Star Hospital

·         Baby Blankets for new babies in our church family

·         Prayer shawls and lap blankets for Stephen’s Ministry

·         Scarves & Caps for Burnett Elementary School

·         Military Skull Caps and Goodie Boxes for military family and friends serving abroad

·         Scarves sold and money donated to support two missionaries in Africa

This ministry has touched hundreds of people.   Each item is prayerfully made.   We are please to not only have DFUMC women as members but many of our church family have mothers and grandmothers who make items.   

How can you help?

·         Pray for the ministry members and the people who receive each item that is made.

·         Donate to Rachel’s Blanket Ministry your left over yarn.

·         Donate money to Rachel’s Blankets Ministry for postage and purchase of goodies to mail with military skull caps.

·         Join the group and make a scarf, cap, blanket, shawl, etc.

Contact Janet Deal jdeal@bellsouth.net  for more information or follow us on www.rachelsblankets.blogspot.com

 

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.