Fallbrook Blanket Project completes 100th blanket

FALLBROOK – The Fallbrook Blanket Project recently completed its 100th blanket.

Inspired by the national “Warm-Up America” initiative, Carmen Willard introduced the Fallbrook Blanket Project in late October 2014. The project consists of volunteers crocheting or knitting 56 7 x 9 inch patches, which are crocheted together into a twin-bed size blanket. The blanket is then donated to a worthy organization to be given to a needy person.

Rebecca Lynn, head librarian at Fallbrook Library, agreed to have a basket at the library to collect the finished patches and to provide space to display a completed blanket there. Lynn also arranged for Cathy Wick, who is accomplished in crocheting, to organize a weekly group, called “Hooks and Needles,” which meets in the community room each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Another librarian, Alina Rowe, created a session for pre-teens and teens on Wednesdays from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Rowe also organized a Spanish-speaking group on Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. All groups are free and open to anyone interested. Yarn and crochet hooks are provided.

Individuals have also created and donated afghans, lap blankets, hats, baby blankets, sweaters, scarves and yarn dolls. Nothing is sold as everything is given to nonprofit organizations to make life a little easier for their clients.

In addition to the Fallbrook Library, yarn and collection baskets for patches are also located at St. Peter's church office, Espresso Lounge, Lab Corp, Fallbrook Senior Center, Graybill Medical Group and North County Academy of Dance in Bonsall.

The nonprofit organizations selected to receive blankets, afghans and the other items include the following: Fallbrook Food Pantry; Serenity House, Escondido; Operation Hope, Vista; Women’s Resource Center, Oceanside; Project Safe House, San Diego; and Operation Home Front, San Diego.

Willard said that it never occurred to her that people would thank her for the existence of this project. They have told her that knitting or crocheting for others gave them a purpose, something they could do to help those in need. They also find it has a relaxing and calming effect.