Can you help these disabled kids make it to the Olymptics?? Holding a craft sale

[dr-mom]

Last wiinter two of my girls were scouting aroundfor shawls for theri prom dresses - I have seven childen five adopted with special needs. we just could not find what we wanted at a price we could afford. I hadn't knitted or crocheted in twenty years - but I figured this must be like riding a bicycle - as I worked a taught the girls and we made two beautiful stolls, the perfeect patteern and color, for about $5 each. the girls were pretty excited and they invited a couple of their friends to come and learn and they invtied their friends and you know how it goes. I had decided to limit the group to young adults - once our kids are out of school their social contacts are so limited, but one day my daughter simone came home and said I have someone knew for the groupbut she is only 12, ohhhhhh, mom she wants to learn to crocheet so badly that she is practicing with a pair of those throw away chop sticks, and that is how our crochet/knit group began. the age range is 12 to about 32, and I feel so sad for these young adults, most live in state or federal homes and have no family contact, or support and no spending money. We are desperately in need of supplies, yarn, tapestry needles, crochet hooks, knitting needles, totesl, cotton yarn, large buttons. The group we have noth girls and guys, are teaching me so much about life, and how to life it fully, I don't even want to have to tell someone know becuase I don't have enough supplies. In addition they habe decided to help the special olympics and pay their own way to statae by using their new crafting talents and hosting a craft sale,

If you have extras in your stash, needles you never use cotton, your favorites yarns, will be their favorites, they appreciate everything they receive and not a drop is ever waisted. They decided to call themselves the "Chain Gang" after all you always have to make a chain, and one done you are certainly hooked! Take a look at our photos at
Thrilled to be a member of the "chain gang"!

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/thechaingangs/my_photos? (http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/thechaingangs/my_photos?)

And if you can spaare any of your stash want to make a cash donation or have some items you have made that you might add to our craft table please know you will have one special persons dream come true. (Tax deductible receipts will be issued. the girlshave a paypal account at thechaingang@comcast.net or write me and I will gladly provide you with an address for mailing extra stash,

Thank you - Pamela

[crochet smartcat]

Pamela,


You ROCK!!! Undertaking anything with special needs kids can be difficult but on the scale you are doing is outstanding. I'll root around and pm you for your address to send you and your kids a care package.

[Ro]

Aww man, now I'm crying and so early in the day too!

Bless your heart, this is such a wonderful thing to do! I have a friend who has several adopted special needs kids too (you can read about the family here, (http://www.rememberdaryl.homestead.com))
I think it's absolutely fabulous to teach these kids how to crochet and knit.

I will definitely pass the info about your group along to some friends! I will also keep you in mind for anything from my stash that I can spare in the months to come. Please PM me the mailing address so I'll have it on hand...

You rule, please keep up the amazing work!!! :cheer :clap :manyheart

:hug

Ro

[sjkmaurice]

PM me too. I have a lot of nice colors of yarn that I have absolutely no idea what to do with and will be more than happy to pass some along to you guys.

[crochetfun]

I think what you are doing is fabulous. What a great opportunity for those kids to do something creative:) . Crochet and/or knitting can give them such satisfaction, a sense of accomplishment.
I sent you an e-mail.

[dr-mom]

Thank you for listening and caring for these kids - young adults I know - for some of these young adults they have never had a birthday party or a holiday gift, let alone their very own social group, and your extras will become their gifts - thank you Pamela - take a look at our photos
http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/thechaingangs/my_photos?
I try to add new pictures every time we meet - Pamela

[InStitches52]

What a great group. I loved seeing their proud smiles. I commend you on your willingness to get involved helping those with special needs.

Pm you address and I'll send some goodies. I know I have duplicate hooks and way more yarn than I need. Gee, I wonder how that happened. :lol

Rebecca

[losingmymind2]

I know what you mean about finding extra yarn. :think Maybe it just follows us home? I sent Pamela some yarn and hooks last week, and it felt so good. :yay I've got to search the stash again and see what else I can find...if I can get into the closet. As of now I have to get on my tiptoes to reach the rod cause I can't get in the door anymore. :eek I'm glad these young people can have the joy of creating something just as we all do here.

Kathy

[crochetfun]

http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?p=101367#post101367
Have you seen this post?
Maybe Yarnaholics anonymus can come to the rescue?
(I am serious)

[dr-mom]

I would love to upload a couple of photos here for you guys to see - could anyone walk me thorugh the process, I don't seem to see any instruction but they are probably right in front of my nose!:c9 :manyheart :devil :yay :clap

[crochetfun]

sending you a private message:)

[dr-mom]

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/thechaingangs/detail?.dir=76b8&.dnm=e7d8.jpg&.src=ph photo

[dr-mom]

Not quite right - I thought the photo would show up here but looks like it just posted the URL

[natalie058]

If you use Yahoo as your photo hosting site, you can link to their pictures but not display them. (has something to do with hotlinking).

Many of us here have accounts with Photobucket (http://www.photobucket.com/) which is free and easy to use. It will allow you to post your pictures here.

If you go HERE (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/showthread.php?t=40) in the How To forum, there are clear instructions with how to post a photo.

[CraftyChristine]

That's a great picture Pamela, and I love that hat!

[can't get enough]

I have some yarn for you. My step-daughter has spina biffita (sp) and I have a great respect for anyone who helps anyone learn to knit or crochet. I love it and there is nothing like creating something colorful to help your mood. Please let me have your address and my husband will be more than happy to box up some yarn I have been moving for years.:hook

[dr-mom]

we froggit too!http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/dr-mom/froggin.jpg

[dr-mom]

Here we are brailling cards, while another person is crocheting fridgies to go on the card

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/dr-mom/croochetgroup.jpg

[dr-mom]

I have some yarn for you. My step-daughter has spina biffita (sp) and I have a great respect for anyone who helps anyone learn to knit or crochet. I love it and there is nothing like creating something colorful to help your mood. Please let me have your address and my husband will be more than happy to box up some yarn I have been moving for years.:hook

thank you elaine I will send you PM with my home address - it is really appreciated

[InStitches52]

Pamela,

I have a few questions about your group. I think the information will help us better understand your needs.

How many are in your group at the moment?

What are the preferred crochet hook and or knitting needle sizes? In other words are larger sizes better than smaller?

You mentioned cotton on your original post. Are you referrring to yarn or thread?

I was also wondering if you had a need for simple patterns and how do you teach your group to read patterns? Do you use standard abbreviations or charts or do you rely on verbal instructions?

I ask because it occurred to me that many new crocheters have difficulty getting used to the abbreviations. Would it be helpful to have some of your patterns written out with full words or even typed in a large print format?

Can't think of anything else at the moment, but if I do I know where to find you. :D

Rebecca

[YarnFeather]

I wanted to tell you that what you are doing has brought me to tears. I have a nephew with Downs and no one ever lets him do things like he is a human being unless he is with me or his mom. Thank you so much for doing what you do!

[dr-mom]

How many are in your group at the moment?



We have 30 in the group with usually about 12-15 coming at a time - as they are dependant upon others (staff) to get them to my home - and not always is it a priority for others.



What are the preferred crochet hook and or knitting needle sizes? In other words are larger sizes better than smaller?



Larger hooks and needles would be helpful as well as hooks and needles with adaptations such as the clover hooks, we have a couple that can handle the steel hooks but generally starting at D through the acrylics for crochet hooks, we have 3 with cerebral palsy affecting the hands and difficulty with grasp, and two with vision problems



You mentioned cotton on your original post. Are you referring to yarn or thread?



I was thinking of being able to make pot holders and dishcloths - cotton yarn and thread would be nice for that, but we also need bulky yarns as that works up easily and simply for many



I was also wondering if you had a need for simple patterns and how do you teach your group to read patterns? Do you use standard abbreviations or charts or do you rely on verbal instructions?



all of the above - we have several with autism who are fantastic at verbally informing the others that sc is single crochet and remembering and reciting the patterns we are currently working on - but simple patterns written complete out would be fantastic, I verbally instruct, and I have a teenager who pitches in as well, my daughter who is blind is also autistic so she is wonderful at verbally repeating things! Did that help or confuse?



I ask because it occurred to me that many new crocheters have difficulty getting used to the abbreviations. Would it be helpful to have some of your patterns written out with full words or even typed in a large print format?



to have patterns written out in full words and large print would be helpful for all of my group - I don't think that I even thought of that - I have used my printer to enlarge, and been teaching as we go - for most once they have a pattern down and repeat it - while it takes them longer to learn once learned they have it - then I put them to work teaching the next new one so the student becomes the teacher and you would not believe the glow of self esteem! It just takes such a huge amount of supplies as I want for them to be able to work on thing at their (homes where ever that may be - they tell me how whey they are accept they go to their rooms and work on their projects or - sit in front of the TV and crochet or knit - and how they know how to do things others don't



Can't think of anything else at the moment, but if I do I know where to find you.

[dr-mom]

I wanted to tell you that what you are doing has brought me to tears. I have a nephew with Downs and no one ever lets him do things like he is a human being unless he is with me or his mom. Thank you so much for doing what you do!

your welcome but you know these young adults teach me more than I will ever be able to teach them - my life would not be complete without each one of them in it!

[dr-mom]

also I am thinking if anyone might have lap looms, or small knitting looms, these might work for my gang members who have more involved physical problems, they could slide that handle or wind the loom - :ideaI am not real familiar with looms, but I think once set up for some of my group this might be a real answer and they could do this!:help

[crochetfun]

Wow, Pamela, I was impressed with the work you do on the first place, but by the time I read your last couple of posts, I was sitting here with my mouth wide open.

Perhaps those grips they sell at craftstores would be beneficial to the kids with CP. I have read about people using pencilgrips on hooks to aid with a variety of Physical conditions.

The pictures are beautiful.
I hope your Chaingang gets lots of supplies to keep it going.
(I am still fishing around for some)

[dr-mom]

Hi wanted you to see the tam that the girl smade using the pattern of Captain Hooks on the original pattern page


http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/dr-mom/RastaTamSnood011.jpg


andred hat society

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y263/dr-mom/rosa.jpg

[Ro]

Hi Pamela! I didn't forget about you, we had major work going on at our house the past week and I haven't been near the computer in days!

I was thinking, what about crochenit? Have you tried that yet? Especially for dish cloths it might be helpful for those with vision issues and dexterity problems because the hooks are so huge. Also if you can get a basic pattern that only has a couple steps working the loops on and off the hook, once they get each row down they just have to repeat them to the end...

*gears still turning* when I find my extra crochet hooks they have your name on em!!!


Ro:hug

[dr-mom]

Hi Pamela! I didn't forget about you, we had major work going on at our house the past week and I haven't been near the computer in days!

I was thinking, what about crochenit? Have you tried that yet? Especially for dish cloths it might be helpful for those with vision issues and dexterity problems because the hooks are so huge. Also if you can get a basic pattern that only has a couple steps working the loops on and off the hook, once they get each row down they just have to repeat them to the end...

*gears still turning* when I find my extra crochet hooks they have your name on em!!!


Ro:hug


It sounds like a great idea - I have never done that before - I wonder if anyone on the email might have a couple of exrtra sets of the needles and some patterns that we could try? I am really tapped out for a while can't buy any more. But I am going to keep this in mind - reallly need something for the kids that are more sev erly involved as I really believe they can do this too.

[Ro]

Hi Pamela!

A friend that I 'put the word out' to about chain gang hit Michaels the other day and picked up more than a dozen hooks for you and some patterns, I emailed her the address and she'll be sending them off to you soon! Her name is Ellen so if you get the package you'll know how she heard about you all.

I found some bates hooks hope to mail them out tomorrow or Wednesday, want to put all the stuff in there that I can for you will try to scare up an extra crochenit hook too if I can to see if you can try it out and see if it'll work for some of your more visually challenged kids.

Working off the loops from the hook would be the hardest part I think, but the size of the hook is so much bigger that it may help you! I would also think that maybe trying a Q hook for projects like squares would help the kids with dexterity issues too.

I'm gonna add a page to the PSF website if it's okay with you about Chain Gang, to try to help raise awareness...hope to get to work on that this afternoon some.

:hug
Ro

[dr-mom]

Wow - I can't thank you enough - I am so excited, Ro made me a web page and the URL is www.psf.homestead.com/chaingang.html (http://www.psf.homestead.com/chaingang.html), everyone take a looke it is so fantastic. I can't believe it Pamela

[crochetfun]

I just saw it: it is fantastic.
Beautiful work, Ro:cheer

[dr-mom]

I think there must be a special gene in people who love to crochet as they have such compassion and love, thank you all for helping the chain gang, For those who don't know we are having a craft sale on father's day - if you have any little things you might be able to send us - to sell it would be greatly appreciated, these kids young adults I should say really desreve to go to the special olympics!

Thank you for all you have done.

Pamela

[dr-mom]

:clap CrazeeMoi received your box - it is terrefic, we cannopt thank you enough, please PM me your address so the group can send you a thank you.

Pamela

[Ro]

HI pamela I apologize I didn't get the hooks into the mail yet but hopefully this weekend, I didn't forget about you all!!!

hugs
Ro

[dr-mom]

HI pamela I apologize I didn't get the hooks into the mail yet but hopefully this weekend, I didn't forget about you all!!!

hugs
Ro

We will be happy whenever they arrive - and know we will use everything very carefully and well.

[InStitches52]

I put a little something in the mail for the Chain Gang this afternoon. Look for it towards the end of the week or at the latest by early next week. :mail

[dr-mom]

Thank you ever so much you don 't know hoe much we appreciate this Pamela

[InStitches52]

Over on another thread I saw the article about the Chain Gang in Carol Alexander's About Crochet newsletter.

Congratulations Pamela. What a nice write up. :clap

If any of you have not seen it yet pop on over to Other Crochet topics and look for Crochet Dude. Drew got a nice write up as well.

[Janie]

God bless you for the work you do! I just recently got back into crocheting after quite a lengthy hiatus, (I had some carpal tunnel & tendon problems). Anyway, I had given away most of my yarn to my niece and don't really have a stash anymore, but eventually, I know I'll be back to hoarding my leftovers. So, if you could please keep coming back here and reminding us of your need from time to time, I think it will be worth it. Some others, I'm sure, like me will have stuff in the future. Thanks....

[momofgmd]

I just got the lastest "Talking Crochet" newsletter with Carol Alexander. The "Chain Gang" is featured there. Then I come on this site and see it again! That is a wonderful work. I have some hooks that I've already set aside for you. I would love to send something for the craft show, but all my crochet time right now is taken up making hacky sacks. Our youth group is hosting a hacky sack tournament at a local event this summer. We are also trying to make as many hacky sacks as possible to sell as well. All the proceeds will go to sending the kids to camp. Keep up the wonderful work with your group!

[dr-mom]

Thank you all for your kind comments - I sure will keep checking back - it is a huge unerdtaking as these young adults get better they of course want to tackel bigger projects! Pamela

[dr-mom]

Our Craft Sale is Sunday - Please think positive thoughts Wal-mart is under construction - and I am scared they will cancel on us - you have to be 15 feet from the front door - these young people have been working steady for over 3 months to try to pull this off and go to the Special Olympics - they will be so sad

Pamela

[dr-mom]

Hi I wanted to update everyone on happenings with my group of disabled young adults. We were all set for Wal-mart had the van loaded but my DH said before all the kids get around lets go out there in person and make sure - well we got out there and the sidewalks were all tore up = went to talk to the manager and he said of course you won't be able to sell we have no sidewalk - but they had no plan to even call u s LOL

Thanks to three wonderful women from California that own a web design company we now have our very own site separate from anyone else's and they are developing a craft shop on that site so that all items will be sold!

Now Lol in the middle of sending them all the photos - as the Gang itself had made over 100 items and then all of your wonderful donations, my computer died We hope to have the new site up by the end of the week and I will email you all than.

Then I fell and fractured my hand in the drive way - I have osteoporosis so does not take much - but do you think this is a sign or what

Now for some help - I got a thank you back in the mail that I had sent out for Blaze - if you could email me with your address I would appreciate it.

We received a donation via Herschners from Cheryl Novak, Cheryl could you email with your address too.

And some great person sent us a donation through Caron Yarn Company - we would like to do a thank you, if you would contact me at Email: thegang@thechaingangs.org
Web: www.thechaingangs.org (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/www.thechaingangs.org)

As I have lost all of my email addresses could those of you who had emailed me before just shoot me an email at the address above - thanks for understanding

Pamela

[crochetfun]

Sorry to hear about your accident. Hope you heal soon:manyheart

[dr-mom]

thank you so much for you rkind copmments - these kids keep me gping

Pamela

[dr-mom]

Look what bobi made for me - cool huh

[kariholtz]

That's a great avatar!

[rosa]

Hey Pamela I am wondering once the kids have raised their monies for special olympics are they interested in making scarves and things for the babies at pine ridge? Rosa

[Ro]

Oh I'm so sorry to hear about your hand Pamela!!! I hope you're better soon!

I can't believe Wal-Mart did that, were you able to have the sale anyway???

I can't wait to see the new website, they must be working on it cause nothing comes up when I click the link...

I plan to keep a page for the gang up on the PSF website (unless you don't want me to) I will link it to the new website on your own domain soon as it's up and running.

What wonderful news about the donations, I can't think of anybody who deserves it more than your kids!!

You're such an inspiration to me and so many others!!!:hug

hugs
Ro

[rosa]

www.thechaingang.org (http://www.thechaingang.org) this does not work?

[dr-mom]

www.thechaingangs.org (http://www.thechaingangs.org)

[dr-mom]

here you go

[Ro]

It's GORGEOUS!!!!!! Great job, Bobbi and friends!!!!!!!!:manyheart

I have a couple ideas for other slogans for the group/for cafe press items, if you're interested, please let me know and I'll mail em to you!

xoxo
Ro

[kariholtz]

I totally love the new site! I've already made a purchase, I bought a raffle ticket and a butterfly fridgie (Who can refuse a butterfly fridgie??) Plus linked to ya'll on my site.

[Ro]

Oh, I forgot! Did you guys know that crochet cabana is featuring the original webpage this month? (http://www.crochetcabana.com/links.htm) You should post that on the site too!!!

I'm off to update that webpage right now with a link to your new site Pamela!!!

xoxo
Ro

[dr-mom]

Thank you Ro for telling us - wow and again thank you for helping to make that happen, would you mind adding the new web site to your web site as well and can we add you to our site? Your are one fantastic lady - Pamela

[Ro]

Done! :) I put a big header at the top of the page to direct folks to the new official website. Thanks again to you and Bobbi too for linking back to PSF! :)

You're the one who is fantastic. I hope donations start rolling in bigtime!

:cheer :yay

[InStitches52]

Just visited the new web site. It looks great. Threes cheers for the lovely ladies who put it together. :cheer :cheer :cheer

Sorry to hear you were injured. Hope you mend quickly.

[VV_Designs]

We are so privileged to be working with Pam and the gang. Thank you all for supporting them, visiting the site and all your wonderful compliments.

:manyheart

Bobi, Shelley and Kim
VV Designs

p.s. Yes we are thrilled to be a member of the chain gang!!!

[rosa]

Wow I can't belive a group of three dynamic women from California put their heads together to help a group of disabled adults from Minnesota make a dream come true and go to the Special Olumpics! the world is such a small place. I took a look at the web site of the chain gang - it is not totally up and running but Pamela says they hope it will be this next week. If you have a chance please join me in pm - ing the ladies from VV designs in the above email and tell them thank you - we ae so good at complaining but when someone deos something so wonderful we don't always take the time - Rosa

[dr-mom]

Chain Gang Update



Hello everyone. I wanted to update all of you on the happenings of the Chain Gang - those fantastic young people who are knitting and crocheting their way to the Special Olympics.



Many of you were aware that we had a craft sale scheduled for Father’s Day at our local

Wal-mart, weather was beautiful, could not have asked for a nicer day. We trooped out to Wal-mart only to be told by the manager - sorry the sidewalk is tore up - you can’t do it today - you have to be 15 feet from the front door - it is policy. Well we climbed back into the van - heads held high and not one tear until after we left the parking lot! What were we to do? All you wonderful folks had pitched in and sent crafts, no sales no Special Olympics.



Well thanks to three wonderful and dear women from VV designs, we have been rescued; they have put together a beautiful web page for us and a craft store. Please come and visit us there - www.thechaingangs.org (http://www.thechaingangs.org/) - browse a while, look at our pictures, and feel free to shop! The craft shop is now open - please spread the word - with so many beautiful people out there offering to help us through donations, sending yarns, and crocheting their little fingers to the bone how can we not?!



Thank you all so much for making a dream come true for these young adults who have so many struggles in their lives, but face it all bravely, you are helping to make their dream come true.



Pamela

Proud to be a member of the Chain Gang

thegang@thechaingangs.org (thegang@thechaingangs.org)

www.thechaingangs.org (http://www.thechaingangs.org/)

PLEASE NOTE NEW EMAIL ADDRESS

[VV_Designs]

VV Designs has donated new Chain Gang avator and banner designs for personal use on websites, threads, blogs etc. You can view them here:

http://www.thechaingangs.org/links.html

We are in the process of making more and would be happy to add any that you have designed yourself. PM us if you would like to make a submission and also make sure you include your name so we can give you credit for the design.

On another note, we will be designing the Spirit Rising website in the near future so those of you involved with crocheting for the families on Pine Ridge and similiar reservations, stay tuned !!!!

Warm Hugs,

Bobi, Shelley and Kim

[dr-mom]

While the kids have not yet covered their costs for the special olympics they are all ready talking about how they can help others - they have come up with and idea they want to make two of everything, one to sell and one to give to the kids at Pine ridge - what sweet hearts they said we can't let the babies and the grandpas freeze - with all they have to worry about they can think about someone else - we could use a 1000 moe like these in this world! Pamela

[Sam the Man!]

While Wal-mart blew us off the gang has not let it get them down! They have put their monies together and reserved a table at a large fall craft sale - it was $65 which was a lot of money for them, and while they may not be able to make it for the summer olumpics they are not going to let it stop them from going to the winter olympics - I give them a lot of credit. We would love any simple and good selling christmas craft ideas crochet or whatever - and any extra christmas yarns you might have - Pamela

[dr-mom]

Thank you Sam for posting about Wal-mart they really hit us hard by cancelling the craft table and not giving us notice so we could do something different. Out deadline for the summer program is the first weekend in August and unless we have huge sales from the web page I don't see the gang having enough - they had all ready decided that they all went or none went and they kept saving for the winter olympics - sure am proud of them for that! We can not thank everyone enough for helping us along the way - it was really a large amount of money for a group with this variety of disabilities to raise in a short amount of time - but they are proud and have their chins up - Pamela

[dr-mom]

Hey your package arrived today - thank you so much and expect a little something in the mail for the gang! Pamela

[Ro]

"they had all ready decided that they all went or none went and they kept saving for the winter olympics - sure am proud of them for that! "

Awww, Pamela, that is so amazing...one for all and all for one! Please tell them that I'm proud of them, too for all that they're doing!

You all inspire me!!!

love,
Ro

[dr-mom]

The gang and I have been busy making rattles for the babies at Pine Ridge reservation, I am having a hard time finding small inexpensive containers. We use a small container with a good cover that seals like a prescription bottle for the inside of the rattle, fill it with rice, cover with yarn add a handle and wha la you have a rattle. WE could really use something a little shorter and fatter then the small prescription bottle. A friend of mine that used to work at a hospital, said that she they used a lot of small plastic containers that were just tossed. Also I designed a rattle that you put over an empty plastic syringe, and looks like a pencil real cute - if any of you out there might have access to small plastic containers, any shape but need to be little I can design almost anything to cover it with - teddy bears, ducks, etc. But it needs a good screw on cap, so that it seals and the rice won't come out. Thanks Pamela and the gang

Proud member of the Chain Gang

thegang@thechaingangs.org
www.thechaingangs.org/ (http://www.crochetville.org/forum/www.thechaingangs.org/)

[Simone]

I spoke with gang Leader Pamela Ann and asked her if I could be a mentor for one of the gang members - she said they had a member with the same name but from Brazila nd promounced different so we have begun to email each other. And I got to talk with her! I have found out that Pamela Ann does not tell us all - this dynamic lady opens her home for sometimes as many as 35 indivduals with special needs, power wheel chairs, abound, walkers, braces, and the list goes on. Simone says that Pamela feels like she is alwasy begging for the gang members, but can you imagine keeping 35 or more young peopel supplied with yarn and tools. I asked Simone how the donations were going and she said that people have been wonderful, but that most of their donations are little tiny balls of yarns, and that they dream of the day to have enough of one color of yarn to m ake a sweater or afghan or even a scarf, but she was very clear that she was not complaining. And that she was thinking me in every other word, I was only able to drag this out of her. Simone who is physicall pretty able said that she is sad as they have three or four memebrs who can not hold a hook, and that they still dream to have some type of knitting machine where you can just push the shuttle back and forth. Ok I just wanted to share because this has been fun . Simone ohmy gan members name is said (SEE) (MOAN) (EE)

cool huh

The other Simone

[Sam the Man!]

Talked with Pamela today and she said they are still hoping for Knitting machines and large hooks like the Mo-EZ hooks, they are one inch in diameter. I don't have any or they sure would be for the gang, can anyone out there help with the knitting machine or the large crochet hooks. I just sent today two boxes, each had coordnating yarns so the gang can make some afgahns for their next craft fair, I hear you probably won't be able to make the summer Olympics? Keep your chin up guys and gals I know you can do it I just sent a donation off to paypal right now for those that don't know the paypal address is thechaingang@comcast.net
was pretty easy and i could even put it on my charge card.

Good luck we are rooting for you -

[dr-mom]

We were just featured in the Talking Crochet email newsletter by carol Alexander - take a look this is so exciting - Pamela

[SassyThreads]

Hey all,

Pamela and I wanted to let you all know that we have the charity group ready to go.

We are calling it Crafting For A Cause in yahoo groups. We have decided to include all crafters that would like to help. Crocheters, knitters, quilters, sewers, beaders, woodworking, leather work etc...

To start off we will be including Pine Ridge Reservation, Kids going through cancer treatments at UC Davis in CA

Pamela's Chaing gang and other special needs children.

We also will support a different chairity a month. We are on the ground floor right now so come along and join us.

[dr-mom]

I wanted to let everyone know that we rented a table at an offical community craft sale for October - won't let the kids get hurt again like they did at Wal-mart and be turned awaw - theya re working hard, but I just wanted to send out a plea if any of you have any things they would like to donate - some things you have made that we could sell it would be so appreciated. Pamela

[TXyarnelf]

dr-mom, I have sent you an e-mail requesting your address so that I can send you a box of yarn and hooks. So, please be sure to check your e-mail. I look forward to hearing from you. :manyheart

[dr-mom]

I got it and emailed back - thank you so much for thinking of us

pamela

[dr-mom]

I rented a table at a craft sale - no more being turned away for these kids - set me back $85.00 but I wanted to see the smile on their face. Now here I am begging again - the kids are working as hard as they can but we need some help if you have any items that you would be willing to donate for our sale we would be ever so grateful - thank you in advance because I know this gorup always come through for us - Pamela

[Becks]

I've got some left-over 5x7 inch crocheted and knitted squares that need to be whip-stitched into a lapghan or two. I could send those and a few other things.

Just pm me with your address and I'd be glad to help! :)

[dr-mom]

I can not tell you how much we appreciate this offer - every thing helps no matter how big or small the gang is really working hard but for some of them it is so painstakingly hard but they smile through it all - little things big things what ever any crocheter might have will be greatly appreciated. Pamela

[dr-mom]

We holding a craft sale - I rented a table - cost $85 - wowee - is that usual? But I know the kids won't be turned away this time. the Sale is the end of October any anything you might have made up that is just stashed away in your closet would be fantastic. Would like to have in by 10/15 so the kids can do all their own organizing. This group is so wonderful I know you will be able to helo us

Send to

The Chain Gang
6922 East fish lake Road
Maple Grove, MN 55369

Thank you in advance for reading this and for caring

Pamela

[mseavey2]

In my closet I have a bunch of mittens that I have crocheted. I am more then happy to send them to you . I don't need any type of receipt. It gives me a great joy to be able to do this. I probably have at least a dozen pairs. I'm sure I can add some :hook as well. I will have to dig through the closet. Don't be surprised if you find some extra supplies in the box. It is my pleasure to be able to help.

[dr-mom]

Thank you for thinking of us - this is so great - we have no mittends at all for the sale - and is something a little too tricky for the gang as yet - the kids are really working hard - but for some every stitch is painstaking and they want it to be perfect, but when their fingers are gnarled and twisted it can be very difficult - but they always carry on with a smile, this is just wonderful - Pamela

[dr-mom]

Today a car pulled up in my drive way a gal and her three teens or perhaps tweens - and they had a truck full of boxes for the gang sent by Tween - they were coming from SD to Mall of American and said they would drop them off - thank you ever so much Miss Tween by the way Miss Vemillion I am from Flandreau! Any other SD people on crochetville! Pamela

[mseavey2]

I just dug everything out of my closet and I will be able to donate 31 pairs of mittens that I have made. That should help you out at least a little bit with your craft fair. As soon as I can afford to mail them I will. It will probably be about 2 weeks from now.:manyheart :hug I am very happy to be able to help you and your kids out.

[dr-mom]

I can not tell you how wonderful this is - thank you for reaching out to us - I am just sitting here about in tears - was just thinking how will we ever pull this off - the kids works so long and so hard - but it takes a long time to make anything of any size - thank you for reaching out to us - would you have any interesst in joining the support group for our gang - itis a yahoo group - just email me at
thechaingang@comcast.net

Pamela

[dr-mom]

Just a few minutes ago we were the most popular news story on Yahoo. Oh My GOSH I can't believe this.

http://tinyurl.com/awhrs (http://tinyurl.com/awhrs)

I know I sent this announcement to some of you earlier today. But we need your help. Please follow the link below and rate the story (5 stars would be great) and if you can please email the story from yahoo (link at the bottom of the page) to at least one person and ask them to do the same.

Our little grass roots PR is working. The gang has already started to get donations not to mention the exposure for our little company.

Love and Blessings, Pamela -- \

http://tinyurl.com/awhrs (http://tinyurl.com/awhrs)

[Becks]

I received this really wonderful card from The Chain Gang today.
(Click on pic for larger view).
http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/snapegrace/art%20projects/th_thread005.jpg (http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y225/snapegrace/art%20projects/thread005.jpg)
It's so cute. I love it! :manyheart

[SassyThreads]

The card is so sweet:manyheart Did you receive the square from them also?

I do know that the gang sends a thank you to everyone. No matter how big or small the donation:yay :yay

[mythunderbird]

pamela, i have a couple scarfs i can donate. will see if i can make more things, won't be able to ship until after sept as money is tight right now as taxes are due soon, but will do what i can to help these great kids. by the way, i have the apple they made me and send me along with the card on my fridge for all to see. several of my kids friends have commented on how great a job they did . am teaching some of these kids to crochet and maybe they can help also, will put the word out to them. good luck, and god bless. :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug :hug

[mseavey2]

Here is what I have made to send to you for the craft fair. I will hopefully be mailing them out on the weekend of Sept. 17th. There are 31 Pairs of mittens all different sizes. Some of them I made without thumbs. It was always a challange for me to place mittens on my childrens hands when they were young. It is easier when there are no thumbs. There is also 3 dish clothes and 1 sweater. I have managed to stuff them into two flat rate boxes. Don't ask how.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d728b3127cce93a7858111ae00000016108AZOWbNm5cuG

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d728b3127cce93a79a5651ee00000016108AZOWbNm5cuG

I hope this will help.

[dr-mom]

I am so overwhelmed by your generousity I do not know what to even say - this is beyond my greatest expectations - thank you so very much this is unbelievable

Thank you from the very bottom of my heart - you will make such a differency in the lives of theses young people.

Pamela