Giving

"Some give freely, yet grow all the richer; others withhold what is due, and only suffer want. A generous person will be enriched, and one who gives water will get water." Proverbs 11:24-25 (NRSV)

This past Saturday, July 18, Angel Debbie Kreusch and I took a road trip to visit Angel Karen B., whom we hadn't seen in person in awhile (we'd seen her on her blog, and kept it touch via email, of course!). Karen was doing some summer cleaning, and very generously wanted to share her washable yarn stash with the Angels - AND wanted to show us one of her favorite places for lunch. Yarn, lunch out, and a visit with a friend?? That was something Debbie and I couldn't pass up, so off we went!

We were greeted at the door by Rocky, Karen's furry doorbell (that's him up top). This handsome and very inquisitive young man was immediately most curious about the freezer bag I had in my hand, so I had to open it up right away so he could play with the organic catnip toys inside. I can truthfully say that he fully enjoyed the 'nip!

Karen enjoyed the flowers we brought her and agreed to have her picture taken, once she pulled Rocky away from the 'nip:

Debbie and I had a great time talking knitting, yarn, cats, and politics with Karen -- here Debbie and Karen are discussing some of the finer points of sock knitting (under the watchful supervison of Rocky - can you see his backside in the photo?):

We went to lunch at one of Karen's favorite restaurants, Manny's -- a Chicago institution. There is nothing I like better than diner food. The food was great and portions huge -- so huge in fact that Frank made a dinner out of the 3/4 of my Reuben sandwich that I couldn't possibly finish! That sandwich had to be nearly two pounds of corned beef!

Once back at Karen's home, we went looking for Rocky's roommate, the elusive and shy Nikita. We found sweet Nicky hiding (he really doesn't like strangers -- but once we wagged the catnip toys at him, he came out of his hideyhole):

Now you are all probably just on "hooks and needles" wanting to know what the very generous Karen gave us. Take a look at this:

That is an entire dining room table's worth of yarn! As Debbie and I fondled it when we got back to my house, we decided some of it was so nice that we should use it as prizes for our challenges (you remember those: baby hats, spa cloths, and scarves for men). So take a gander at these AWESOME prizes, courtsey of Karen B.!

Here we have three skeins (all same dyelot) of glorious Claudia Hand Painted yarn in the Blue Terra Cotta colorway. This is lovely worsted weight merino yarn - so soft. There's plenty here to make a really nice scarf, and maybe even a hat.

10 skeins of (SIGH!!!) Debbie Bliss merino dk in a lovely moss green color. This yarn is just heaven to knit or crochet with! There's enough here to make a shawl or sweater.

8 skeins of blissful Debbie Bliss Cotton Angora in a gorgeous deep raspberry color. There is enough here for a very fine scarf or even a shoulder shawl.

10 skeins of incredible Jo Sharp Soho Summer DK cotton in a rich terracotta color. There most definitely is enough here to make a sweater or shawl.

10 skeins of Elann Esprit, a fine nubbly cotton yarn in a soft lavendar color. I'm thinking tank top or small stole here.

FIFTEEN skeins of Elann Sonata cotton yarn in a wonderful latte color -- which is enough to make a cardigan, if you so desire.

9 skeins of GGH's Bali cotton yarn in color "Grape" (it's much more purple than it looks here). You could make a tank top or a cute short sweater out of this gorgeous stuff!

16 skeins of (GASP!!!!!) Rowan All-Seasons Cotton in color "Tapestry." You could definitely get a cardi or a shawl out of this beautiful yarn!

16 skeins of Mission Falls 1824 Cotton in a variety of colors that would go really well together for something larger, or alone in smaller projects.

I was sorely tempted to use this lovely stuff myself to make a prayer shawl -- but I thought one of the winners should have the pleasure of knitting or crocheting with this gorgeous yarn. The color is off in this photo, but this Lorna's Laces Shepherd Worsted is in the Icehouse colorway, a lovely aqua, blue, and green scheme. There is certainly enough here to make a shawl.

And last but not least, for you Chicago Bears fans out there, a limited edition "Bears" colorway of Lorna's Laces Lorna's Shepherd Wool. This yarn will be really fun to knit or crochet with, and will make a great scarf or hat for the football fan in your life.

WOW!!! And this was just the yarn we set aside for PRIZES!! Thank you, Karen, for your inspiration, kindness, and commitment to caring for the least of these. As I looked at all the wonderful yarn you gave us, I thought of the Proverbs verses up top. Truly, your life will be enriched by your generosity - and many, many people will benefit from it. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!

On Sunday, there was a box waiting for me at church from Angel Joyce Dattalo from Oswego, IL. More generosity was inside:

A wonderfully warm, soft blanket for one of the seniors we serve at Cornerstone Community Outreach's Friendly Towers.

Joyce also sent along a very finely made baby blanket in soft lilac yarn for the newborns we serve at Swedish Covenant Hospital. This blanket will most definitely become a family heirloom! In her note, Joyce said: "Thank you for the opportunity to partner with you and yours." Honestly, Joyce, it is WE who are thankful for YOUR generosity! What a blessing you are to those in need! Thank you so very much!

What, you may ask, can top a visit with Karen and yarny goodness from Joyce? Not much, but a good belly laugh comes close! Last Christmas some of our most prolific Angels were given a little Hope - a soft toy sheep. One of those Hopes flew down to Winter Springs, FL to live with Angel Alexis Leuth and ended up supervising operations down in the Sunshine State. Last night, after a very long, sad day I came home to find a letter from Hope -- and a photo. Check it out!

Doesn't Hope look like she is having a great time lounging by the pool? I just LOVE her itty bitty sunglasses, and the hibiscus flower is a nice touch -- and that she is so modestly covered by a beach towel! Here's what she wrote us:

Hi, Chris -- Here I am taking a break from my job of overseeing "tropical spa cloths" production (the switch from wool to cotton 4 me is HUGE!!). I am adjusting to life in Fla. and really like it here. Now I'm working on my tan. My sunscreen is "200" -- but they tell me I'll be a "bronze goddess" in no time! Just wanted to send "a little Hope" your way -- yours in "wool-e-ness." -- Hope

Well, Hope, you certainly did cheer me up! And I'm betting you cheered up a whole lot of other Angels, too! Angel Alexis, you have a wonderful sense of humor! Wherever did you find those Hope-sized sunglasses? Too cute for words!!! Thank you for being so generous with your tropical sunshine and good fun -- you've certainly enriched us and I hope the Angels have enriched your life!

You know, I am constantly amazed at the generosity, compassion, and love shown by the Crafty Angels. I know no finer women than all of you. You are all truly a blessing, to ME!