All items must be closely
knitted or crocheted for warmth. "Lacy" styles are not appropriate
for our project, because they are not warm enough. If you can stick
a pencil or your finger between the stitches, it is too loose. A
number 8 knitting needle, or size H crochet hook, or the size to
give you the same gauge, seems to work best for the needs of the
military.
Hats must reach the size guidelines of 8 ½ - 10 inches deep and 22 -
24 inches in circumference. In addition, the military can not use
hats with pom-poms, tassels, bells,
I-cords, or anything else on the top of the hat. Hats with frilly
edges, or brims that fold or roll up, or with an edging made from a
yarn such as the Lion Brand Fun Fur are also not useful to the
military. Hats should be made from one strand of worsted
weight yarn, or equivalent - i.e. two strands fingering weight yarn.
Slippers must have a cuff, or come up over the ankle, for safety
reasons. Frilly edgings, shells, and edgings from yarns such as Lion
Brand Fun Fur are not appropriate for the needs of the troops.
Slippers should be made from one strand of worsted weight yarn, or
equivalent - i.e. two strands fingering weight yarn.
Even though there are many women in our military today, all items
need to be made in styles and colors that will be suitable for men.
The women in the military prefer these as well, rather than more
traditionally feminine colors and styles.
Items made on knitting looms are not, at this time, useful for the
troops. We fully understand that beautiful items can be made with a
knitting loom, but every time we attempt to send these items, the
feedback from the troops is 100% negative. Thank you for
understanding that we strive to send only the items that are useful
for the troops specific and unique needs, and that the troops will
be proud to wear every single day as a reminder of home.
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