Hi Spud & Chloë Friends,

I am constantly amazed at the generosity and good will from knitters. I received a letter from Alicia about her friend’s 2-year-old girl, Henley, who is battling a rare form of cancer. It warms my heart to hear about the fantastic gathering of knitters who came together to support and knit in honor of Henley and her family.

Here is the letter from Alicia to tell us about Henley:

Henley Romine is a two year old little girl who was diagnosed with Stage IV Neuroblastoma (a rare form of childhood cancer that requires intensive treatment) at eighteen months of age.  I knit her several hats from Susan’s Itty Bitty Hats book, but still wanted to do something more for the family.  The Circle of Friends blanket pattern in Last Minute Knitted Gifts seemed like the perfect way to gather friends and family to create something for this brave little girl.

We decided to use Blue Sky Worsted Cotton for Henley’s patchwork blanket. Next, I talked to my local yarn shop, the Knit Stop, in Indianapolis, IN.  They offered to stay open late one evening to host the event.  Several of the ladies who work there also volunteered their time to stay late, and knit squares for the event (thank you Karen, Cheryl and Joyce!).  The Knit Stop also offered a discount on the needles needed to knit the squares.

Lastly, every knitter knows the importance of snacks   Just Pop In! is a gourmet popcorn shop located in Indianapolis.  The owners, Carly and Mandy, are twin sisters who are also mothers.  They were eager to help the cause and donated an enormous tin of delicious popcorn.

The evening was a huge success.  We had over 20 people attend.  Some were experienced knitters, others came to learn how to knit, and some came to support the cause and make a donation to Henley’s medical fund.  There were also knitters who were not able to come to the shop, but mailed squares for the blanket.  Henley’s blanket has squares from Indiana, Georgia, Illinois, Wisconsin and Arizona!

Henley is still receiving treatment at Riley Hospital for Children and Sloan in NYC, but her family’s amazing strength and faith are a true testament.

Sincerely, Alicia

Well, just look at those beautiful squares of love that were made for Henley. Good work to all who contributed.

The finished blanket is so beautiful. It is like a big warm hug for Henley. I can feel the love just by looking at it. Alicia also gave an update on the event, in addition to the knitted squares for the blanket they raised $250 for Henley’s medical fund. Go knitters!

Here is sweet Henley with her brother Cooper. We are wishing you the very best.

Knitting makes a difference and I love to hear about all of the goodness our craft does in the world. The possibilities are endless.

Best, Susie

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