Thursday, February 29, 2024

 PennOaks Newsletter March 2024

President's Note


Hi, all!
We had a cozy but marvelous getaway. The hotel gave us each a print by a local artist to thank us for returning. Of course, the food and staff were great.
Please, remind me when the getaway comes up again, to only take one project next time. The olden days when so many of us were actually getting time off from our jobs to sew like crazy women in a sweat shop they loved, are well and truly gone for some of us. Maybe I just need to take easier projects.
We had great time, my Bob and I, it was very nice to go to our room and have him there to take care of me.
Ellen will have details about next year’s getaway and we have lots to talk about regarding it.
I am trying to get my list of projects ready for Jen. I am hoping to get back to quilting more because I have missed it.
Looking forward to our meeting, on zoom, in March. Live meetings are going to come and I can hardly wait!    Carolyn
Programs  

In March, David Owen Hasting will be joining us from the Pacific NW in Washington via zoom. In April, we plan to return to in-person meetings in the back building of the church.  We will be hosting Terry Lieberman from the Brandywine Valley Quilt Guild. The last two months we will focus on a Sew Day working on UFOs or projects and our Quilt Challenge and just having time to socialize with one another and enjoy the members of our guild.


March 3/11/2024 

  • David Owen Hastings
  • Quilt Labels to Love
  • Virtual


David Owen Hastings will present Quilt Labels to Love. He describes his lecture as “ A simple and beautiful quilt label is like a signature on a piece of art, and I truly believe quilts are art! Learn my techniques for creating labels that preserve the important details of your creations. I combine computer-printed custom labels with a woven logo label on my quilts to give them a professional finish, and to record important details for posterity (or for the recipient). Quilts are a wonderful art form, and you should sign your work with a distinctive label. It’s a great opportunity for you to consistently brand your quilts, especially those you gift to others at holidays or other special occasions. It’s also an opportunity to weave in the story of your quilt, so the story doesn’t get lost. Was the quilt made for a special occasion? Was it made from a pattern, based on tradition, or is it a unique design? Who were the makers, and where was it made? Are there special fabrics used that require particular care? Imagine someone seeing your creation in the future: what would you want them to know? I will walk participants through the steps to create these beautiful labels and will share alternate labeling methods that draw from my graphic design background.” 
https://davidowenhastings.com/

April 4/8/2024

·        Terry Lieberman

·        Don’t Stitch in my Ditch:  How to quilt your quilt and select thread colors

·        In-Person

Terry Lieberman will present “Don’t Stitch in My Ditch: How to quilt your quilt and select thread colors.” Terry is a member of the BVQG. She started quilting 18 years ago and quickly realized that her favorite part of the quilting process was the actual quilting. As a national award-winning quilter, she used her teaching background to easily transition into “teaching the art of quilting. Her motto YES YOU CAN!”

May 5/13/2024      

·        Sew Day from 1-8pm

·        In-Person

 The May meeting will be a UFO Sew Day.  We will be in person at the back building in the church were we can work on any UFO or new projects.  It will be a time of community and sewing.  Sewing will be from 1pm to 8pm with a meeting starting at 7pm to discuss any business.

June 6/10/2024

·        Year End Party

·        Quilt Challenge

·        In- Person

In June, we will meet in the back building of the church where we will have our Year End Party, Quilt Challenge, a Show and Tell of any work that anyone wants to share, and some games and prizes.

Debora Houck


Challenge - Kathy Timko - Rikki Newlander

The Challenge: Lets hear it for Barbie!

If you would like to participate, unleash you inner Barbie with at least a baby sized quilt to keep or donate. Go with a riot of pinks or pick your (or your daughters or nieces) favorite Barbie outfit to use as inspiration. We’re looking forward to seeing what you can come up with!

Rikki and Kathy

Snacks
This is a zoom meeting so you can sit in your pajamas and eat chocolate, if you are so inclined

2024 Getaway
There will be several tables available on Thursday (2/22), Friday (2/23) and Saturday (2/24) for those members who wish to bring their machines, ect. and join us for the day.  The fee per day is $25.00, payable in cash. These monies will be used to reimburse those who have paid the room fee. If you've not been to the Amish View Inn this is a nice opportunity to see what the Inn has to offer. Available on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to make your reservation is February 12. The Amish View has requested a list at least one week prior to our Getaway. This is not a firm commitment. If you're unable to attend, just contact Ellen. Please let us know if you are interested.

Ellen McMillen (ejmcmillen@verizon.net) and Cindy Vognetz (cvognetz@hotmail.com

  Ways & Means

So here's our 2024 fundraiser. Prepare a list of UFOs that you would like to get done this year. You give me your list and $5 for each UFO. 
For each UFO you complete, you get $2 back (50ish) and a ticket for an "opportunity" (this is not a raffle).
In December we will get all the opportunity tickets together and someone will win half of what is left over (50) with the other half going to the guild (50).

So, for example, if I have 10 UFOs (you can't spin in my quilt studio without hitting one,  but I digress), I would list them out and give the quilt guild envelope I'll be carrying $50.

If I finish 8, I get $16 back and 8 opportunities to win half of my $34 plus anything else that the quilt guild has added to that pot. Finish all 10? $20 back and 30 in the opportunity pot.

Send me your UFO list by January 15th. I'll collect $ the next time we're together. Take pics of your finishes and you'll get you $2 per and your opportunity ticket at every in person meeting with final drawing at December meeting! You don't have to be at the December meeting to win, but you do need to pay/get opportunity tickets in person! 

Good luck and happy quilting. 

  Membership - Denise Blake and Elaine Egan


  Penn Oaks Sunshine

If you know of a guilt member who could use some well wishes or encouragement because of a sickness or life event, please contact me at ejmcmillen@verizon.net  I will make sure to send our collective good thoughts to our fellow member.
Ellen McMillen

2023  Board

President - Carolyn Davis 

Program Chair - Deb Houck

Assistant to Programs - Elaine Mayer

Treasurer - Rita Marie Smith

Recording Secretary - Kelly Meanix

Corresponding Secretary - Ellen McMillen

Membership - Denise Blake-Elaine Egan

Ways & Means - Jen Burke

Scraps and Pieces From The Textile World

1. Rebecca Page Rebrands, Then Quietly Shuts Down

Popular sewing pattern and virtual events company, Rebecca Page, suddenly shut down this month. Customers, affiliates, instructors, and brand ambassadors were not notified.

The company’s website and social media accounts have been taken down, including a 65,000-member Facebook group for customers. According to the current owner, co-founder and investor Janine Manning, the company is in the process of permanently closing.

Founded in 2014 by Rebecca Page, a New Zealander living in the UK, the eponymous company offered over 1,000 digital sewing patterns for women’s and children’s clothing, accessories, and home décor. Rebecca Page was also known for hosting virtual summits for makers featuring pre-recorded videos by dozens of craft instructors. Most recently the company launched a membership community that granted sewists credits for patterns in the online library.

Page announced that she sold her shares in the company to Manning in May, announcing the sale in an Instagram post. The company briefly rebranded late last year to You.Make before shutting down earlier this month. Page declined to comment stating she no longer has insight into the company’s activity.

2. “Eyewinkers, Tumbleturds, and Candlebugs: The Art of Elizabeth Talford Scott” at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore through April 28, 2024.
3. “Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams” at the Baltimore Museum of Art. March 24th, 2024 through July 14th, 2024.

Sunday, January 28, 2024

February1, 2024 Penn Oaks Newsletter

President's Note


Have a happy day, all!
Personally, I am feeling like I've seen enough snow already. I must admit it's not so bad now that I don't have to go to work in bad weather. Sometimes I stay home from my office in the basement, otherwise known as my sewing room. Regrettably, not much gets done.

 know I can get a lot of inspiration from you all and from our speaker this month. 

I will need to get started gathering project for the getaway. Is anyone planning to bring an AccuQuilt cutter? I can bring mine. Let me know. Hopefully, some of you will come during the daytime to visit and/or sew or cut fabrics.
Hope to see you on Zoom! Have some fun today!
Carolyn
Editors Note: We have an AQ that we could bring. We also have some great Dies.
We have a feathered star die which makes a perfect feathered star with no inseams. 
Let me know if you are interested.
Programs  

I hope everyone enjoyed our last zoom meeting with Julie Sefton I, also, enjoyed the interaction of everyone after our last month’s presentation.   The order has been placed for those interested in her book.

February and March will also be zoom meetings and are listed below.  Rachel Daisy Dodd will be zooming with us from Australia in February! In March, David Owen Hasting will be joining us from the Pacific NW in Washington. I have been following David and he is teaching classes in several quilt shows here on the east coast in the next few months. I hope to meet him at Quilt Con in February. Hope to see everyone at our upcoming winter time zoom meetings.

February 2/12/2024

  • Rachel Dodd
  • Creative Adventures with Racheldaisy
  • Virtual Presentation


Rachael Daisy Dodd will present “Creative Adventures of RachaelDaisy”.  Aussie quilter Rachaeldaisy Dodd has been fondly described as a “kangaroo on a pogo stick” in regards to her style, but the common theme throughout her quilts is finding fresh ways to interpret conventional designs. She uses many 3D elements such as Yo-Yos, Prairie Points, wool felt, appliqued denim, doilies and trims. In this trunk show Rachaeldaisy shares a variety of her quilts in different styles from pretty to modern, and their inspiration stories. Her book Whizz Bang! Adventures in Folded Fabric, published with Quiltmania, has inspired quilters around the world. As the name suggests it covers all the techniques needed to inspire award winning folded fabric quilts. 

March 3/11/2024 

  • David Owen Hasting
  • Quilt Labels to Love
  • Virtual


David Owen Hasting will present Quilt Labels to Love. He describes his lecture as “ A simple and beautiful quilt label is like a signature on a piece of art, and I truly believe quilts are art! Learn my techniques for creating labels that preserve the important details of your creations. I combine computer-printed custom labels with a woven logo label on my quilts to give them a professional finish, and to record important details for posterity (or for the recipient). Quilts are a wonderful art form, and you should sign your work with a distinctive label. It’s a great opportunity for you to consistently brand your quilts, especially those you gift to others at holidays or other special occasions. It’s also an opportunity to weave in the story of your quilt, so the story doesn’t get lost. Was the quilt made for a special occasion? Was it made from a pattern, based on tradition, or is it a unique design? Who were the makers, and where was it made? Are there special fabrics used that require particular care? Imagine someone seeing your creation in the future: what would you want them to know? I will walk participants through the steps to create these beautiful labels and will share alternate labeling methods that draw from my graphic design background.” 
https://davidowenhastings.com/

Debora Houck


Challenge - Kathy Timko - Rikki Newlander

The Challenge: Lets hear it for Barbie!

If you would like to participate, unleash you inner Barbie with at least a baby sized quilt to keep or donate. Go with a riot of pinks or pick your (or your daughters or nieces) favorite Barbie outfit to use as inspiration. We’re looking forward to seeing what you can come up with!

Rikki and Kathy

Snacks
This is a zoom meeting so you can sit in your pajamas and eat chocolate, if you are so inclined

2024 Getaway
There will be several tables available on Thursday (2/22), Friday (2/23) and Saturday (2/24) for those members who wish to bring their machines, ect. and join us for the day.  The fee per day is $25.00, payable in cash. These monies will be used to reimburse those who have paid the room fee. If you've not been to the Amish View Inn this is a nice opportunity to see what the Inn has to offer. Available on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to make your reservation is February 12. The Amish View has requested a list at least one week prior to our Getaway. This is not a firm commitment. If you're unable to attend, just contact Ellen. Please let us know if you are interested.

Ellen McMillen (ejmcmillen@verizon.net) and Cindy Vognetz (cvognetz@hotmail.com

  Ways & Means

So here's our 2024 fundraiser. Prepare a list of UFOs that you would like to get done this year. You give me your list and $5 for each UFO. 
For each UFO you complete, you get $2 back (50ish) and a ticket for an "opportunity" (this is not a raffle).
In December we will get all the opportunity tickets together and someone will win half of what is left over (50) with the other half going to the guild (50).

So, for example, if I have 10 UFOs (you can't spin in my quilt studio without hitting one,  but I digress), I would list them out and give the quilt guild envelope I'll be carrying $50.

If I finish 8, I get $16 back and 8 opportunities to win half of my $34 plus anything else that the quilt guild has added to that pot. Finish all 10? $20 back and 30 in the opportunity pot.

Send me your UFO list by January 15th. I'll collect $ the next time we're together. Take pics of your finishes and you'll get you $2 per and your opportunity ticket at every in person meeting with final drawing at December meeting! You don't have to be at the December meeting to win, but you do need to pay/get opportunity tickets in person! 

Good luck and happy quilting. 

  Membership - Denise Blake and Elaine Egan


  Penn Oaks Sunshine

If you know of a guilt member who could use some well wishes or encouragement because of a sickness or life event, please contact me at ejmcmillen@verizon.net  I will make sure to send our collective good thoughts to our fellow member.
Ellen McMillen

2023  Board

President - Carolyn Davis 

Program Chair - Deb Houck

Assistant to Programs - Elaine Mayer

Treasurer - Rita Marie Smith

Recording Secretary - Kelly Meanix

Corresponding Secretary - Ellen McMillen

Membership - Denise Blake-Elaine Egan

Ways & Means - Jen Burke

Scraps and Pieces From The Textile World

1. Great new quilt shop over in Phoenixville, right on route 13 where Romona's used to be
   Seamless Sewing Arts
2. 10 Crafty Newsletters to Subscribe to on Substack
Everyday Knitter is  a weekly newsletter about knitting and life from Louise Tilbrook.

With so much everything available everywhere, all the time, finding content worth your time and attention can be a struggle. To quote marketing guru Seth Godin, “Where we choose to direct our gaze determines not only what we learn or believe, but how we choose to see the world.” To help you narrow down the options, we’ve identified 10 Substacks that provide information, inspiration, and community for creative entrepreneurs.

What is a Substack?

Founded in 2017, Substack is an easy-to-use platform for the publication, distribution, and monetization of content. This content can take just about any form: text, images, audio, or video. A Substack can be a newsletter, a blog, a podcast, a digital magazine, a serialized novel, or a community conversation. The creator of each Substack retains ownership and control of the content and the subscriber list. Each creator decides whether to offer paid subscriptions and which (if any) content lives behind the paywall. Substack takes 10% of paid subscription revenue.

Big-name authors, such as Margaret AtwoodElizabeth Gilbert, and Nick Offerman enjoy the freedom to write what they like and communicate directly with fans without the mediation of a publisher or a social media algorithm. The subscription model eliminates infiltration by trolls. Because the platform is easy and free to use, there are Substacks on just about any subject you could name, no matter how niche.

Our choices focus on well-produced, regularly published content on craft and craft-adjacent topics. All offer a free subscription option, so you can see if a Substack is a good fit for your interests without any financial commitment.

Austin Kleon

The best-selling author of Steal Like an Artist publishes two newsletter-style posts each week: one for all subscribers and one for paid subscribers only. His content is focused on living a creative life and keeping the artistic fires burning. The weekly free newsletter centers around a list of 10 Things Worth Sharing—links to all sorts of interesting things. Paid subscribers have access to his content archive.

The Gusset

Sarah C. Swett is a fine-art tapestry weaver and cartoonist. Her delightful weekly newsletter is richly illustrated with her cartoons about life as a maker. Swett’s work is whimsical and peppered with nuggets of technique, from building your own pipe loom to spinning yarn from used coffee filters. None of the posts are hidden behind a paywall, but paid subscriptions are welcomed.


The Handmade Garden newsletter is from Lorene Edwards Forkner, a Pacific Northwest gardener who makes gorgeous watercolor studies of natural elements.

The Art of Fiber

Jodie Morgan is an Australian knitter and crocheter. The focus of her Substack is curation of products and technique resources. Her weekly newsletters for all subscribers are packed with yarn store tours, trivia, updates on her works-in-progress, and product recommendations. Paid subscribers have access to the Ask Jodie advice column, full content archive, and tutorial extras.

The Craft of Clothes

Australian clothing designer Liz Haywood writes about sustainable clothing and zero-waste sewing. Her monthly newsletters for all subscribers include information about her patterns, updates on ongoing projects, and links to other zero-waste fashion resources. At the time of writing, there is no option for paid subscriptions; all content is free.

Subversive Substack

Julie Jackson is the creator of Subversive Cross Stitch, a brand known for its cheeky take on this traditional craft. A free subscription will get you a twice weekly newsletter with info on promotions and new products. Paid subscribers receive a free pattern each month, along with the ability to comment, enter giveaways, and access the archives.

The Sewing Machine Newsletter

California sewing machine technician Cale Schoenberg publishes a more-or-less weekly newsletter with everything you never knew you wanted to know about sewing machines. This well-written newsletter is an enjoyable read even for those with only a passing interest in sewing. The regular newsletter is free; paid subscribers get exclusive posts, access to the archive, and can post comments.

Everyday Knitter

Knitting designer Louise Tilbrook publishes a weekly newsletter about knitting and life. Tilbrook has built a lovely community on Substack; the comments on her posts are friendly, warm, and supportive. Paid subscribers get a second weekly email and the ability to participate in a virtual book club and access the archive.


The Gusset is a weekly newsletter richly illustrated with Sarah C. Swett’s cartoons about life as a maker.

A Handmade Garden

Lorene Edwards Forkner is a Pacific Northwest gardener who makes gorgeous watercolor studies of natural elements. Her free weekly newsletter is a compilation of her daily color studies and a wellspring of color inspiration for any artist or designer. Paid subscribers get exclusive posts and access to the archives.

SoulSpace Notes

Weaver Christine Jablonski writes a more-or-less monthly newsletter about her weaving projects and patterns. Her newsletters are full of technical information and lots of enticing photos. Current newsletters are free to subscribers, but the archives are behind a paywall.

Breakfast of Champignons

The title of this Substack tells you a lot about the sly humor on display in this newsletter from English printmaker Deb Champion. Her weekly newsletter includes watercolors from her sketchbook, process photos of her printmaking, and hilariously told stories. None of the content is behind a paywall.

We hope one or more of these Substacks enriches your creative practice. While all these authors make at least some of their content available for free, most consider their Substack part of their income stream. If you have the means and find yourself eagerly anticipating the next newsletter to land in your inbox, upgrade to a paid subscription. Creative work deserves compensation!

Interested in creating a Substack of your own? Check out our article. Want to Make Money with Your Newsletter? Try Substack, for tips on getting started.


3. “Judy Chicago: Herstory” at The New Museum, New York City, through March 3rd, 2024. 
4. “Eyewinkers, Tumbleturds, and Candlebugs: The Art of Elizabeth Talford Scott” at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore through April 28, 2024.
 5. “Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams” at the Baltimore Museum of Art. March 24th, 2024 through July 14th, 2024.

Saturday, December 30, 2023

Penn Oaks Newsletter-January 1, 2024

 January 1, 2024 Penn Oaks Newsletter

President's Note


Happy New Year, Quilters!
Fresh year, new ideas, new projects, or maybe new dedication to finishing old projects.
I have never been much for New Years resolutions. I prefer TTBB - try to be better.
We will meet in January via zoom. Sorry, I forget what it will be exactly, but I'm sure it will be great. There are some fun things popping up for next year to be discussed at the meeting.
I'm looking forward to  seeing you all!
Carolyn

Programs

Note: The January, February and March meetings will also be zoom meetings.  


Intro to Dumpster Diving and Free Piecing

 

Julie Sefton is known online as Quiltdivajulie where she blogs at Me and My Quilts – Exploring the Possibilities.  Four key words encompass her style – liberated, scrappy, eclectic, and colorful. 

 

Julie made her first quilt in 2004 and fell in love with the process, from gestation and planning through free motion quilting and finishing.  In 2007 she created her blog (https://quiltdivajulie.blogspot.com) where she shares her growth as a quilt maker and other glimpses into her life including a recent foray into the world of journal making.

 

In this two-part presentation, Julie will first share her series of eleven completed Dumpster Diving quilts as well as her work in process for the twelfth DD quilt.  She will also briefly share the story of her book BUILD A BARN featuring the free pieced technique along with several examples of her barn quilts, including the book’s cover quilt See Rock City.  There will be a short Q&A opportunity following the presentation.

 

Autographed copies of Julie’s book will be available to POQG members at the discounted group rate of $10 per book via sign-up sheet at the meeting with payment to the Guild. 

 

Breaking News: Julep, a minty green, is the Kona Cotton color of the year. Doesn't help me much as 

I am red-green color blind!

More Breaking News: Pom Pom Magazine's final issue, Check Mate, is hitting newsstands now.


Challenge - Kathy Timko - Rikki Newlander

The Challenge: Lets hear it for Barbie!

If you would like to participate, unleash you inner Barbie with at least a baby sized quilt to keep or donate. Go with a riot of pinks or pick your (or your daughters or nieces) favorite Barbie outfit to use as inspiration. We’re looking forward to seeing what you can come up with!

Rikki and Kathy

Snacks
This is a zoom meeting so you can sit in your pajamas and eat chocolate, if you are so inclined

2024 Getaway
There will be several tables available on Thursday (2/22), Friday (2/23) and Saturday (2/24) for those members who wish to bring their machines, ect. and join us for the day.  The fee per day is $25.00, payable in cash. These monies will be used to reimburse those who have paid the room fee. If you've not been to the Amish View Inn this is a nice opportunity to see what the Inn has to offer. Available on a first come, first serve basis. The deadline to make your reservation is February 12. The Amish View has requested a list at least one week prior to our Getaway. This is not a firm commitment. If you're unable to attend, just contact Ellen. Please let us know if you are interested.

Ellen McMillen (ejmcmillen@verizon.net) and Cindy Vognetz (cvognetz@hotmail.com

  Ways & Means



  Membership - Denise Blake and Elaine Egan


  Penn Oaks Sunshine

If you know of a guilt member who could use some well wishes or encouragement because of a sickness or life event, please contact me at ejmcmillen@verizon.net  I will make sure to send our collective good thoughts to our fellow member.
Ellen McMillen

2023  Board

President - Carolyn Davis 

Program Chair - Deb Houck

Assistant to Programs - Elaine Mayer

Treasurer - Rita Marie Smith

Recording Secretary - Kelly Meanix

Corresponding Secretary - Ellen McMillen

Membership - Denise Blake-Elaine Egan

Ways & Means - Jen Burke

Scraps and Pieces From The Textile World

1. “A Dark, A Light, A Bright: The Designs of Dorothy Liebes” at Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, New York City, through February 4th, 2024 
2. “Judy Chicago: Herstory” at The New Museum, New York City, through March 3rd, 2024. 
3. “Eyewinkers, Tumbleturds, and Candlebugs: The Art of Elizabeth Talford Scott” at the Baltimore Museum of Art, Baltimore through April 28, 2024.
 4. “Joyce J. Scott: Walk a Mile in My Dreams” at the Baltimore Museum of Art. March 24th, 2024 through July 14th, 2024.
5. Places to Donate Your Handmade Goods
       As the new year begins, you might find yourself looking around your studio or storage space wondering what to do with all the stuff. Samples, prototypes, and stale inventory not only take up physical space, they also occupy mental space that would be better used making new work.

Before you pull out the big black trash bags, consider donating your handmade goods. Even goods you consider “seconds” can be useful to people in need. Consult with your tax advisor to find out what portion of your donation (if any) can be used as a tax deduction and be sure to ask the recipient organization for a receipt for your records.

National Organizations

Our objective is to identify organizations that can use what we already have, not to make new items for donation nor to burden charities with stuff they can’t use. Most national organizations are very specific about the donations they accept. They may have standards for size, materials, washability, or messaging. Be sure to check their websites and only send items that comply with their guidelines.

    1. Knit the Rainbow collects hand knit and crocheted winter garments and distributes them via partner organizations to homeless LGBTQI+ youth in New York City, New Jersey, Chicago and Detroit. Scarves, beanies, gloves, socks, ear warmers, and sweaters/cardigans are all welcome.

    2. Since 1995, Project Linus has been collecting and distributing handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. The organization operates through a network of local chapters, so donations are distributed within the community in which they were given. Quilts, knitted or crochted blankets, and hand-finished fleece blankets are all

  3. For more than 30 years, Warm Up America! has provided knitted and crocheted blankets, hats, gloves, scarves and other accessories for people in need. Only items made with yarn are accepted, and all items must be machine washable. Check their current needs page for up-to-date information on requested donations.

  4. Paper crafters can donate greeting cards to Send A Smile Today. This organization mails monthly greeting cards to cancer patients in the United States to let them know they are not alone. They are happy to accept envelopes without cards, and cards without envelopes.

  5. The Smiles for Children division of Project Smile provides stuffed animals to police and fire departments across the country. These soft toys are given to children in crisis by emergency responders.

 6. Local Charities

If the items you wish to donate don’t match up with the needs of a national organization, many local charities welcome a variety of handmade goods. Here are some to consider:

  7. Domestic Violence Shelters

Those who’ve experienced domestic violence often flee with not much more than the clothes on their backs. Shelters must be prepared to provide everything for parents and children—clothing, toiletries, bedding, toys, and a safe and comforting environment. Find a shelter near you by contacting your local Department of Social Services. Some shelters maintain wish lists through a national registry at domesticshelters.org.

  8. Refugee Resettlement Agencies

The United States continues to welcome refugees from around the world. A network of local refugee resettlement agencies around the country works to with refugees during their first 90 days to assist them in finding housing and employment as well as applying for social benefit programs to move them toward self-sufficiency. Many such agencies accept donations of household goods to furnish the homes of new refugees. Furniture, kitchenware, and household linens are often provided. A search for “Refugee Resettlement Agency near me” should lead you to local organizations that would welcome your donations.

6. Brett Bara s the founder of Hello Bargello, a brand dedicated to reviving the vintage craft of bargello for modern makers. Her entrepreneurial spirit has inspired her to start businesses that connect the young, urban folks in her community with the deep tradition of handcrafts. In 2013 Brett founded Brooklyn Craft Company, a modern crafting store and workshop space in Greenpoint, Brooklyn. In Brett’s current role as owner of Hello Bargello, she strives to connect the dots between preserving traditional crafts and building a thriving, contemporary e-commerce business.

 PennOaks Newsletter March 2024 President's Note Hi, all! We had a cozy but marvelous getaway. The hotel gave us each a print by a local...