I love making stuff. But stuff clutters up my tiny house. While I was crocheting this beautiful throw over the last two and half weeks I spent most of the time trying to figure out what I was going to do with the blanket once it was complete. It’s always nice to have someone in mind while making something special but instead I was thinking about how something as simple as a blanket could make a difference in someone’s life. Not just possessing something beautiful but sharing something in exchange for good deeds.
My idea grew as my blanket progressed. My inspiration for this comes from an idea that grew like wildfire around last Valentine’s Day. I have never much been a fan of Valentine’s Day. It seems so contrived and sets people up for disappointment if the right sentiment isn’t conveyed by the right people in their lives. But Generosity Day I can totally get behind. Generosity for it’s own sake is so satisfying and I make it a rule at our home to always err on the side of generosity. Even if my kids never learn to love brussel sprouts, I’ll be happy if they turn out to be generous adults.
So what does all this have to do with a handmade blanket? Here’s the deal… I wish to promote and support Generosity Day. In order to get my peeps excited about it I’m giving away this blanket. Unfortunately, I’m only extending this offer to residents of the United States because of shipping costs but please do not let that stop you from being generous in general.
Specifically, I was thinking of my friend who is running the Boston Marathon in April as part of a team to raise money for Mass Mentoring Partnership, an organization that funds 180+ enrichment programs for at-risk youth. She’s putting forth a great amount of time and effort into training and fundraising and I wanted to help using my specific talents. I’ll probably never run a marathon but I can make a blanket to give away that provides exposure for her efforts. You can follow Maggie on her blog called Happiness is Strength.
If you are interested in making a blanket like this one, you can find the pattern at Red Heart.
To enter for a chance to win this blanket, leave me a comment with something you’ve done this month to be generous. If you’ve been generous multiple times leave me that many comments. If you decide to or have already donated to Maggie’s Fundraiser on Razoo, leave a comment about that too. I’ll be selecting a winner using a random number generator on Generosity Day… February 14th at 9:00 pm est.
UPDATE: Congratulations to Amanda H! Her comment of “I donated to several projects that teachers in low income schools were fundraising for– all of which involved books for their students!” is the winner.
Try It You Might Like It 
Gosh that is a beautiful blanket. You are so talented Janna. I can’t think of any specific acts of generosity as of late. I have been a very good friend to my dear friend who has been in the hospital, but it’s mostly been by phone since she doesn’t live close by. I have been a good daughter but neither of these things seems particularly generous, just the day to day living of trying to be a decent human being. I know you are giving this blanket to one of your very lucky commentors, but have you ever heard of Project Linus? My girl scout troop made blankets several times for this organization which gives homemade blankets to kids in the hospital. There are chapters all over. http://www.projectlinus.org/
Lovely patern and colours 🙂
Made a prayer shawl for a friend of mine whose husband is waiting on a liver transplant. Hope when she wears it she feels the prayers of all those remembering her and her husband.
Oh, reading this brought tears to my eyes! Maggie is my niece and one of my most favorite people in the world. So, I love your blanket and I hope I win!! So, here goes, my family and I donated to Maggie’s run. I have more but I’ll tell u another date to increase my chances!! Thank you so much for helping Maggie. We love her!! Heidi
This month I tried my best not to ‘pick on’ a certain someone who I work with for breaking our copy machine. It was extremely hard and took a lot of self control, almost to the point where I would be too tired to even continue with my work. Some days I would have to lay down for a while, just to regain my strength to carry on with my daily tasks. I feel this was such a good deed on my behalf that I should be all set in doing good deeds for others for at least the remainder of the year…. Okay, Okay, this person doesn’t actually break the copy machine, it’s just amusing to try and make her think that she did. To tell you the truth, I believe the machine actually breaks itself when it’s asked to do too much. For example, when you ask it to print copies.
On a serious note, great article Janna and great idea. If I win, I’ll donate a $100 to a charity of you’re choosing. (I’ve already donated to Mags)
-Anonymous Co-worker Tim
Hi, that is a really nice gesture. I am committed to Generosity Day and want to make it all about being kind and generous with my actions. I wrote about this, too, on my blog. Check it out: http://wp.me/p1v5IX-7r
I also focus on philanthropy and inspiring organizations and people who are doing good.
I donated to several projects that teachers in low income schools were fundraising for– all of which involved books for their students!
Hi Janna, it is a beautiful blanket and I love what it represents. I think there are so many little things we do in our day that can be generous but not a grand event. We moved our offices this week and I helped unpack other peoples boxes for them. I have cooked a few meals for a neighbor recovering from surgery. Hugged/cried and Laughed with the husband of my friend and co-worker who passes away a year ago when he visited our office the other day. Reminding him of how special she was to all of us and we missed her. Meeting with Tylers teacher show has gone above the norm to help him and lookig her in the eyes and thanking her for the extra effort she has given and that it is so appreciated. Dave and I giving our time and effort to the Boy Scouts and trying to make every experience a good one. None of these are hard or even have to think about doing it, you just do it because that is the kind of person I want to be.
A family friend is dying so we made Valentines cupcakes for them and another time we and brought soup & cookies…. The whole family went, even my two boys to visit a few times now. Not sure how much time she has left but spending some time with someone is one of the best things you can do for someone. PS The boys brought the biggest smile on her face 🙂 Bless you Gerene xo
Hi Jana, your afghan is beautiful!
I love the idea of generosity day. Your afghan is beautiful! I hope it goes to some well deserving person.
Your blanket is beautiful. Would you be willing to make another for someone. To purchase?
This blanket is beautiful, I’ve been trying and trying to figure out the pattern from Redheart. I’m wanting to make it for my husband’s birthday in a month. I cannot figure out how to join the squares though. If you find time, could you possibly create a video showing how you joined the squares? I would appreciate it so much. And I love your idea of Generous day, I’m a 2nd grade teacher and I think I might have to borrow this idea for my class! Thank you! 😊
yes can you show use how you joined the squares i am trying to make this for my mom for Christmas