MERRY CHRISTMAS AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!

Now that the festive season is upon us, we'd like to thank everyone who has made a contribution of any sort to Casting Off the Cold in 2008.

Whether you have knit or crocheted some items, donated yarn or supplies, or even helped somebody with a project, your contribution will ultimately reach someone in need in our community or in the GTA. And that's what we're all about.

Of course, our greatest thanks goes out to the anonymous donors who provide so many of the pieces we donate. We may never meet you personally, but please know that we sincerely appreciate all you do for our cause without attaching your name to it. We'd love to be able to thank you in person at one of our meetings!

From Sally and the Casting Off the Cold committee, we wish all of our members and donors a wonderful, safe and happy Holiday Season, and all the best in the New Year!

GEARING UP FOR 2009

Now that we 've made our big donation for 2008, we're starting to gather items up for next year!

Our December meeting was a good start. If anyone is at a loss for their next project, contact Sally for a list of requested items. And if you need help with anything, bring your project to our next meeting. There is always someone who can help solve a problem or get you through a tough spot.

Below are some pictures of items we have finished and/or collected. If you are interested in any patterns, e-mail Sally for more info.

This blanket was made by Mohanie, an elderly lady who crochets for "Casting Off The Cold".

Good job Mohanie!!




This throw is about 60 inches long and 45 inches wide, and I used eight colors. It took me about three weeks to finish. It is easy and fun to do. If you're interested in the pattern, you can find it on Lion Brand. This one will be a Christmas gift; I will make a smaller one for charity.










This blanket is quite easy as well and worked up fairly fast.

The Tulip Blanket was also fun crocheting and also a Christmas gift. I'm going to work on another one for our charity.

Another crochet blanket that I had fun doing, and very easy. I am enjoying these colorful patterns and crocheting. I really think It helps my arthritis.

These are just a few scarves I received from the Knitting Basket from anonymous donors. I love the colors!

Some of the MANY,MANY scarves from Candlelight and Memories, also from an anonymous donor.

A red and white baby blanket from Madge, very beautiful.

Carrie, I aways admire your blankets, they are so detailed, and you make it seem so easy.

Another one of Carrie's. Love your work Carrie!

Hat and Scarf from Monica, beautiful!!

Scarf from Madge and I also love this pattern.

Baby blanket by Madge.

Lots and lots of scarves from a colleague's elderly mom from Tracy's office. This was a very generous donation from her. Thank you very much.

Thanks so much to everyone who is working on a project for our 2009 donation year. Every little bit helps - each scarf, hat, sock and blanket will serve to give somebody a little more comfort next year. We look forward to seeing more and more of our members at the meetings in the New Year!!

BATA SHOE MUSEUM DEMO

On November 13, some of the members of Casting Off the Cold were on hand at the Bata Shoe Museum for the kickoff of their 'Warming the Sole' campaign for 2008. The Museum holds a sock drive every year in support of a number of downtown charities, and this year added a silent auction of artwork to boost their dontation. Casting Off the Cold members knit the socks for the auction, and a number of local TV celebrities decorated them. The photos below show some of the finished products that were up for auction.




Siobhan, Sally, Monica and Pat, who represented Casting Off the Cold at the Bata Shoe Museum. The Museum staff kindly put up an information poster to showcase who we are and what we do.

The finished products, on display for the auction. Some of the socks didn't even look like socks any more! Our celebrities certainly used their imaginations in support of the Bata Shoe Museum and their cause.

Thanks to the Bata Shoe Museum for asking us to take part in their sock drive in such a unique way. We hope to be part of it again next year!