Red Scarf Project

See that? Know what that is? It's a wee baby scarf. No, not a "baby scarf" (as in "scarf for a baby") but a "baby" scarf (as in "scarf just getting started"). And see what color it is? Yep, that can mean only one thing. It's time once again for the Red Scarf Project.

If you're not familiar with the project, it's well worth a visit the OFA site to read about it. The OFA (Orphan Foundation of America) is a group that serves the needs of children in the foster care system in this country that "age out" of care every year. It's a scary thing, since their life and their challenges when they turn 18 are no different than when they were "17 and 364 days," but their safety net disappears. OFA helps them in many ways, including scholarships to attend college.

Which is where the scarves come in. OFA has asked knitters and crocheters to create red scarves to give to their students on Valentine's Day as a way to show that people care about them and are thinking of them. You can include a personal note or a Starbuck's or other gift card as well if you'd like. The response of the fiber community to this cause has been overwhelming. In fact, last year the OFA actually had to scale it back a bit... there are now limits about the maximum number of scarves you can donate. How cool is that?

Please consider this very worthy cause as you plan your fall knitting. There are specific guidelines as well as suggestions on yarns, size, and even patterns on the OFA site. Finished should be sent to: Orphan Foundation of America, The Red Scarf Project, 21351 Gentry Drive, Sterling, VA 20166

Scarves are only accepted between September 1st and October 31st , so be sure to read the guidelines and get knitting!

And finally, when I took the scarf picture, I found a few others that the kids had taken and left on the camera, and so, I bring you Lola...

And Max...

... doing what they do best!