Red Scarf Project Challenge

I received permission from carol who is hosting the Special Olympics Scarf Challenge {THANK YOU CAROL!!} to start this challenge for the Red Scarf Project:

"In 2005, OFA launched a unique initiative to warm the hearts (and necks) of college-bound foster youth. We began taking donations of handmade red scarves to put into our Valentine's Day Care Packages."

THE GUIDELINES from OFA: Scarf Size: Approximately 60" long and 5" to 8" wide. Scarves should be long enough to be wrapped around the neck, with tails long enough to be tied in the front.

Style: Think unisex collegiate. Ask yourself if your son, brother, and/or husband would enjoy receiving the scarf. Fringes are optional. Your scarf should drape and tie easily.

Yarn: Preferably DK, double fingering-weight, worsted weight, or light bully yarns. No laceweight, super-chunky, or mohair yarns as there are many people who find mohair too itchy. The yarn should be soft.

Color: Red! However, this could mean burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes with other colors, or multicolor hues including red. Other unisex colors, including black, navy, teal, olive or gold are also welcome.

Finished and tagged: Yarn ends should be securely sewn in. For a personal touch, attach a tag saying "Handmade for You" with your first name, city, and group affiliation, if any. Donors have also included washing instructions, messages of encouragement, gift cards, burger bucks, books of stamps, etc.

Where will my Red Scarf be sent?

Your wonderful handmade creation will be sent in a Valentine’s Day Care Package to an OFA student enrolled in college or trade school.

When/where do I send my scarf?

The submission period for the next Red Scarf initiative is set for September 1 through October 31, 2008. Scarves should be sent to:

Orphan Foundation of America The Red Scarf Project 21351 Gentry Drive Sterling, VA 20166

As we have limited means for storage, please send your scarves only during this time period.

THE CHALLENGE: Knit or crochet at least 1 red scarf and mail it to the Orphan Foundation of America by October 22, 2008. Then send a photo of the finished scarf and the pattern used to your partner via email or snail mail - whichever is easiest since some will be working from a pattern that must be photocopied and some will be working from a digital pattern.