A Scarf for a Great Cause...

Today I ran across the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf project (yes, I know I am a bit late). This is one cause that I can absolutely get behind. My Uncle is mentally handicapped & he had competed in the regional games many times. He no longer competes, but our family still supports the Special Olympics when we can.

Here is an official explanation from the World Games homepage:

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

This year, the Scarf Project is already back in action for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games! With the national outreach received from Scarf Project sponsor Coats and Clark, the World Winter Games has already received over 1,000 scarves, and we are confident we will reach our goal of 5,000 by January 15, 2009.
Anyone can make and submit a scarf for the 2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project, we just ask that you follow a few simple guidelines in order to maintain consistency:

Colors: Red Heart Yarn Color

0885-Delft Blue and

0311-White

Length: Approximately 4 ½” x 50”

Once finished, place scarves in plastic bags with your name and address on a note card** along with a personal note to the athlete and mail or deliver them to:
2009 Special Olympics World Winter Games Scarf Project3150 W. Main Street Boise, ID 83702

**Please note, personal information cannot be shared with the delegation members and should not be included in the notes that accompany scarves. We ask that you separate your contact information from the personal notes, so the World Winter Games can thank you appropriately for your support. Within the personal notes, please include only your signature on these notes and do not include contact information such as phone numbers, addresses or email.**

Scarves must be received by no later than January 15, 2009.

Here are a few free patterns I have found:

A beginner scarf from Crochet Today.

A very cute scarf from the Crochet Dude.
And for the really adventurous (or for those that need a lot of options), here is a whole list of scarves from the Crochet Pattern Central website.
And for those of us who knit....a list of scarves from the Knitting Pattern Central.

I am thinking about doing the Garter & Stockinette Scarf by Piece-by-Piece. I am planning on doing the garter portion in the Delft Blue & the Stockinette in White. And I am pretty sure I have this exact yarn in my stash...yay :) If not, I heard that Walmart is the best place to get the correct yarn....

Happy Knitting (and Crocheting) everyone,

TTFN