Join Make a Blanket Day
Calling all knitters, crocheters and sewers. Now's your chance to pursue your craft as you help others.
The local chapter of Project Linus, which distributes handmade blankets to children who are seriously ill or in strife, sponsors Make a Blanket Day 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 27.
Take your needles or sewing machines to Venture Hall at the IMAX Theater Building, 201 E. Hargett St., in downtown Raleigh. You can take your own blanket project to work on or use quilt kits provided by Project Linus (the number of kits will be limited, however).
Since the Raleigh chapter of Project Linus was started in 1996, more than 16,000 blankets have been delivered to local groups and agencies, including Wake Med, Rex and Duke hospitals, as well as , Interact (for children of abused women receiving support), Hospice (for its Reflections program for grieving children and teens), the Make-A-Wish Foundation, The Women's Center, Open Door Clinic and Raleigh Rescue Mission, according to Project Linus.
Last year more than 150 people attended the event, said Deanna Winick, this year's event coordinator. This year the event will use double the space, she said.
Project Linus is also looking for recipients for the blankets. If you know of someone in need, or if you want more information about this event, check bit.ly/9oT6Lk
Time for a giveaway
The stack of books on my desk has tipped over more than once, so it's time to give some away.
We have:
"Japanese Maples: The Complete Guide to Selection and Cultivation" by J.D. Vertrees and Peter Gregory has descriptions and photographs of more than 600 plants.
"Lavender: The Grower's Guide" by Virginia McNaughton has information about growing lavender in containers and in the landscape.
"One Magic Square: The Easy Organic Way to Grown your Own Food on a 3-Foot Square" by Lolo Houbein can help get you started on your own garden in a small space, including offering plot designs.
"Small-Plot, High-Yield Gardening" by Sal Gilbertie and Larry Sheehan tells where to get seeds, when to grow and how to grow.
"Garden Bouquets and Beyond" by Suzy Bales has ideas for making arrangements with what you grow in your garden.
Send e-mail to homeandgarden@newsobserver.com by 11 p.m. Sunday. In the subject line, put "book giveaway" plus the title of the book you'd like to have. We'll accept only one entry per household. Winners will be selected by random drawing.
Get cracking, birdies
The N&O Birdhouse Competition is right around the corner. This year's contest is planned for April 8-11 at the JC Raulston Arboretum. You have less than two months to get your work done. There are categories for kids and adults. More details at bit.ly/9LoA1u
Mark your calendar
The Triangle Camellia Society is sponsoring a camellia show and sale March 13 at the JC Raulston Arboretum.
Check out the April azalea sale sponsored by Gardeners of Wake County in the flower show areas at the N.C. State Fairgrounds. The show will run 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. April 16-17 and 1 to 5 p.m. on April 18. Proceeds help pay for scholarships for horticulture students at N.C. State University.
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