I'm a few days early, I know. Happy Solstice in advance!
Although winter got a bit of a late start here in Maine, it has arrived. It's cold. If you have finished your holiday gifts and projects and find an extra skein in your basket, please consider knitting a hat or two for Nest. I would love to deliver a big bundle of hats and mittens to the clinic for the homeless in Portland. I stopped by the clinic today to drop off a bag of hats. They could certainly use more.
If you have other projects you would like to knit or crochet instead, please do. What does not go to the clinic will go to the family shelter. They take just about anything. The residents love hats, mittens, vests, socks, and small blankets.
Finally, I wish you a wonderful holiday season. Your generosity and talents make a significant difference. Thank you. I hope your winter nights are filled with peace and joy. And yarn, of course. Plenty of yarn.
Peace,
Jean
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Sunday, July 24, 2011
Nest :: 2011
We are enjoying a very (very) warm summer here in Maine. A few days ago the temperature topped out at about 102 in my neighborhood, which is quite rare here. Yes, it was so hot that I could not even....knit. Thankfully lovely, cool air blew in from Canada during the night and things are more Maine-ish today.
When we first started Nest there was a distinct beginning/middle/end to the season. There was a deadline for sending donations; most packages arrived within a few weeks of that date. Since then things have changed. We receive donations throughout the year. We deliver donations to a family shelter in Portland and a clinic for the homeless, also in Portland. Last year another batch went to a family shelter in Brunswick.
We are often asked what things are most in demand. In truth, we need it all. Small blankets for stroller and car rides, vests, sweaters, scarves, cowls, and warm socks, are all part of winter gear in Maine. But, the two things we really can't live without are hats and mittens. When winter winds are blowing and temperatures are low we need hats and mittens or gloves. These are the articles of clothing that so often get lost or go missing. If hats and mittens are not your favorite things to knit, feel free to knit whatever brings you joy, or whatever pattern you're eager to try. We can always find a home for your lovely creations.
Your kindness and generosity continue to make a positive difference, one stitch at a time. Send your donations at anytime. As always, the P.O. box is open.
Peace,
Jean
When we first started Nest there was a distinct beginning/middle/end to the season. There was a deadline for sending donations; most packages arrived within a few weeks of that date. Since then things have changed. We receive donations throughout the year. We deliver donations to a family shelter in Portland and a clinic for the homeless, also in Portland. Last year another batch went to a family shelter in Brunswick.
We are often asked what things are most in demand. In truth, we need it all. Small blankets for stroller and car rides, vests, sweaters, scarves, cowls, and warm socks, are all part of winter gear in Maine. But, the two things we really can't live without are hats and mittens. When winter winds are blowing and temperatures are low we need hats and mittens or gloves. These are the articles of clothing that so often get lost or go missing. If hats and mittens are not your favorite things to knit, feel free to knit whatever brings you joy, or whatever pattern you're eager to try. We can always find a home for your lovely creations.
Your kindness and generosity continue to make a positive difference, one stitch at a time. Send your donations at anytime. As always, the P.O. box is open.
Peace,
Jean
Wednesday, November 24, 2010
Giving Thanks
I have been thinking a lot these days about gratitude. I think one of the gifts of growing older is the irresistible urge to stop from time to time, no matter how crazy-busy life gets, to give thanks for life's many blessings. I am blessed with a strong, loving family. I have food and shelter. When I turn on the tap, or flip the switch, there is clean water, light, and heat. If any of those things should suddenly disappear, I have good friends who would offer help. And, I have you. Over the past three years you have sent over 700 items to Nest, providing warmth and comfort to many, many people. I am incredibly grateful for that. We are a tiny group by most standards but our work has made a significant difference to hundreds of people. And that is worth thinking about.
Although I am not able to write to each and every one of you, please know that your work is appreciated. I am the lucky one because I have seen the faces and heard the voices of people who wear the lovely things you create. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, give yourself a little pat on the shoulder. You have made a difference.
As always, the P.O. box is open. Until warm weather arrives, we will continue to deliver any items received to two area shelters. As both shelters serve families, anything goes in terms of patterns and sizes. If you have any questions please contact me. Thank you!
Peace,
Jean
Although I am not able to write to each and every one of you, please know that your work is appreciated. I am the lucky one because I have seen the faces and heard the voices of people who wear the lovely things you create. If you are celebrating Thanksgiving tomorrow, give yourself a little pat on the shoulder. You have made a difference.
As always, the P.O. box is open. Until warm weather arrives, we will continue to deliver any items received to two area shelters. As both shelters serve families, anything goes in terms of patterns and sizes. If you have any questions please contact me. Thank you!
Peace,
Jean
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Hats! 100 Hats!
Ah, September. For knitters, such a beautiful word. Especially this summer. Sadly, I put down my needles a few weeks ago. I find it impossible to knit when temperatures are in the upper 90's. Although I don't want to complain, as it has been a spectacular summer, it has been very, very hot. I am ready for cooler days and chilly nights. Perfect knitting weather.
This week we received some very special mail. 100 hats, all knit by Robyn Devine. Hop over to Robyn's blog at www.onehundredhats.typepad.com to see the hats, complete with links to patterns, and read her story. It is very inspiring. Robyn plans to create 10,000 handknits for charity in her lifetime. She also writes another blog I enjoy reading called Minimalist Knitter. It can be found at www.minimalistknitter.com. Thank you, Robyn, for sharing your work, your kindness, and your generosity.
Peace,
Jean
This week we received some very special mail. 100 hats, all knit by Robyn Devine. Hop over to Robyn's blog at www.onehundredhats.typepad.com to see the hats, complete with links to patterns, and read her story. It is very inspiring. Robyn plans to create 10,000 handknits for charity in her lifetime. She also writes another blog I enjoy reading called Minimalist Knitter. It can be found at www.minimalistknitter.com. Thank you, Robyn, for sharing your work, your kindness, and your generosity.
Peace,
Jean
Thursday, July 1, 2010
Nest 2010
Welcome to Nest 2010!
Nest was started in the spring of 2008 in response to the sharp increase in the price of home heating oil. Last night I was reminded of that as I sat looking at our oil bill for the upcoming winter season. I thought of the many Mainers who struggle to make ends meet with limited resources. I also thought of the many boxes and packages of handknits we received over the last few years and the joy those contributions brought to so many Mainers.
In 2009 Nest delivered over 200 articles of clothing to communities in northern Maine via our contact in Ft. Kent. We also donated about 100 items to a family shelter in southern Maine where residents range in age from newborn to adult. Contacts from both communities expressed an interest in unisex hats, mittens, socks of all sizes, and small blankets.
As you pack your bags for summer visits and trips, throw in a skein or two for Nest. Who can resist a stashbusting contribution that will make a significant difference to somebody in need? We prefer donations made from natural fiber, as it is warmest. However, there are folks out there who cannot knit with natural fiber and others who cannot wear it. If you are interested in making handknits using synthetic fibers we welcome your contributions.
Donations received before September 15, 2010, will be given to our contact from northern Maine. All donations received after that will be distributed in southern Maine. Do not spend extra money on postage! Your handknits will find a home no matter when they arrive.
Happy Summer to you all!
Peace,
Jean
Nest was started in the spring of 2008 in response to the sharp increase in the price of home heating oil. Last night I was reminded of that as I sat looking at our oil bill for the upcoming winter season. I thought of the many Mainers who struggle to make ends meet with limited resources. I also thought of the many boxes and packages of handknits we received over the last few years and the joy those contributions brought to so many Mainers.
In 2009 Nest delivered over 200 articles of clothing to communities in northern Maine via our contact in Ft. Kent. We also donated about 100 items to a family shelter in southern Maine where residents range in age from newborn to adult. Contacts from both communities expressed an interest in unisex hats, mittens, socks of all sizes, and small blankets.
As you pack your bags for summer visits and trips, throw in a skein or two for Nest. Who can resist a stashbusting contribution that will make a significant difference to somebody in need? We prefer donations made from natural fiber, as it is warmest. However, there are folks out there who cannot knit with natural fiber and others who cannot wear it. If you are interested in making handknits using synthetic fibers we welcome your contributions.
Donations received before September 15, 2010, will be given to our contact from northern Maine. All donations received after that will be distributed in southern Maine. Do not spend extra money on postage! Your handknits will find a home no matter when they arrive.
Happy Summer to you all!
Peace,
Jean
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thank You!
Before I tell you about the gorgeous mail we've been receiving, I must tell you about a funny thing that happened today. In the fall Portland is visited by many, many gigantic cruise ships. An especially large ship was docked in the harbor today as we drove into town to do an errand. We both noticed that, although it was a really lovely warm day, many folks downtown had on winter coats. What in the world is going on, we wondered. Were we going to get out of the car to find a strange pocket of cold air had enveloped Portland? Then we realized that the people we saw were tourists, or shall we say, guests, from the ship. Where could they be from, we wanted to know, that this warm, sunny day seemed cold. The answer? Texas. Or at least that's what we were told. Yes, of course. In Texas this must be cool, autumn weather. For us, today's warmth was a reminder of summer's passing. As I sit here I'm thinking that those folks must be really chilly now, as even I have grabbed a sweater for the evening. Or, perhaps they're already gone. Quite often they stay in our port for just a visit, waking up even farther up the coast the next day. I can only imagine how cold they will feel in the morning!
But, back to the mail. We received mostly hats this year. Mittens, scarves, a sweater, and a few shawls, too. But mostly really, really gorgeous hats. Some hats were made from the softest merino handspun. There were hats for babies and children. Hats for adults. Striped hats, and hats with buttons and ribbons. And before long we'll all be needing our hats. There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm handknit hat when Maine's winter winds really get going. So, we thank you for sending your beautiful hats to Maine. And for the kind words that I so often find tucked into your packages. Quite seriously, every time I collect a package for Nest I am reminded that there is so much goodwill in this world. Thank you for sharing yours with all of us.
Tomorrow morning all of your contributions will head home with Laura, to Ft. Kent. I'm sure that mornings are getting frosty in northern Maine and that all that lovely work will arrive just in time.
Peace,
Jean
But, back to the mail. We received mostly hats this year. Mittens, scarves, a sweater, and a few shawls, too. But mostly really, really gorgeous hats. Some hats were made from the softest merino handspun. There were hats for babies and children. Hats for adults. Striped hats, and hats with buttons and ribbons. And before long we'll all be needing our hats. There is nothing quite as comforting as a warm handknit hat when Maine's winter winds really get going. So, we thank you for sending your beautiful hats to Maine. And for the kind words that I so often find tucked into your packages. Quite seriously, every time I collect a package for Nest I am reminded that there is so much goodwill in this world. Thank you for sharing yours with all of us.
Tomorrow morning all of your contributions will head home with Laura, to Ft. Kent. I'm sure that mornings are getting frosty in northern Maine and that all that lovely work will arrive just in time.
Peace,
Jean
Monday, August 31, 2009
September!
The donations for Nest are starting to arrive daily. This is such an exciting time. Your amazing work and kind words give us so much hope. So, in advance, we thank you.
A quick note to let you know that nothing needs to be sent Priority Mail! Please, please, please don't spend extra money on postage. We will not be meeting with our Ft. Kent connection until the beginning of October, most likely, so you still have plenty of time. And, if your package arrives after the clothing has gone north, your donations will be distributed in southern Maine. There is so much need, north and south. We can always find a home for them.
Peace,
Jean
A quick note to let you know that nothing needs to be sent Priority Mail! Please, please, please don't spend extra money on postage. We will not be meeting with our Ft. Kent connection until the beginning of October, most likely, so you still have plenty of time. And, if your package arrives after the clothing has gone north, your donations will be distributed in southern Maine. There is so much need, north and south. We can always find a home for them.
Peace,
Jean
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