Pieceful Choices to host ‘Make a Blanket Day' Feb. 18 to aid kids in need

Vernon - Pieceful Choices Quilt Shop is teaming up with Project Linus for “Make A Blanket Day,” to be held Saturday, Feb. 18, at the shop, located at 99 Route 94 in the McAfee section of Vernon. Project Linus is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing love, security, warmth and comfort to children across the country who are seriously ill, traumatized, or otherwise in need. Quilt guilds, sewing clubs, school groups, knitters, crocheters, novice and experienced individual sewers, and quilt makers are all invited to join in making quilts, Afghans and fleece blankets for children in crisis. No experience is necessary to take part. The shop will also serve as a collection site for new, handmade, washable blankets. “This project is so easy to participate in,” says Maureen Lasslett, owner of the country quilt and fabric shop. “The blankets that we are making and collecting do not need to be works of art. Simple patterns, which we can provide free of charge, with easy construction and clean, bright fabrics and yarns are all that’s needed. “To a child in need, these cheerful comforts made by strangers mean so much more than perfect seams and stitches. I tell my customers to make a simple blanket or quilt,” she continued. “They can practice their skills while doing a very good deed. The pile of quilts and blankets already turned in is getting high, and it is wonderful to see. “Our goal is to recruit new blanketeers and have 200 blankets ready for distribution as a result of this event,” she continued. “Community involvement is vital to the success of Project Linus, and our store is very proud and excited to be part of yet another outreach program.” Every individual who turns in a new, handmade blanket to the shop will be entered in a drawing to win a new Janome Decor Series computerized sewing machine valued at $499. Each blanket donated will earn an entry to win the machine. This is the fourth year that Janome dealers across the United States have joined Project Linus in the “Make a Blanket” event.  Last year, they collected nearly 40,000 handmade blankets. Project Linus has donated more than a million blankets to children in need since its inception in December 1995. The blankets are distributed to children’s hospitals, fire departments and family service organizations. The majority of the blankets remain in the area in which they were created. For more information, call 973-823-9297 or visit www.projectlinus.org.