Hugging Has a Lot of Benefits

January 21, 2021 is National Hug Day

Hugging is proven to cause various positive effects to people. For instance, hugging can boost serotonin and oxytocin levels, both of which are hormones responsible for improving mental health and boosting self-esteem. Hugging has also been shown to improve cardiac health, increase relaxation levels, and lower blood pressure.

For 2021 we want to create a project that promotes this healthy and simple act of love to share with others. We may not be able to hug each other physically yet because of the social distancing rules, but by putting love into each stitch of our blanket, your recipient will feel the “HUG” when they wrap this blanket around them.

Make-a-long begins January 21st.

How this make-a-long works & what is included:

You will receive a monthly email that contains that’s month’s block pattern. Each month’s block will be different in pattern and size. There will be a couple months where there are two blocks to make (these are usually smaller than the other month’s so you should be able to get them done in a month’s time).

We will offer pattern support throughout the entire year - either in person at the shop or via zoom. Zoom meetings will be the third Wednesday of every month starting in February. This will be a time to check in with us for any questions or to show off your progress. Zoom information will be emailed along with your pattern.

We have several color palette options to choose from or you can create your own combination. We will be using Berroco’s Vintage in worsted weight and there are over 80 colors to choose from. Please contact us if you need help choosing your own custom colorway.

In November & December - there will be special instructional seaming sessions for participants only (in person or via zoom). These two months will be set aside for all the seaming that will be needed to put the blanket together. Also there will be border options (knit or crochet) you can choose from to do to complete your blanket.

Pattern will come in written instructions or chart format.

What you will need:

US Size 8 circular needle 24” cable
cable needle
darning needles
stitch markers

The starter kits we have available do NOT include the total yardage needed to complete the blanket. These kit include 5 skeins (1 of each color) to help you get started on the patterns and as more patterns are released, you will need to purchase more yarn to complete the project.

Complete Blanket Kit** - includes 3 skeins each of the 5 colors and is enough to complete the blanket. Yarn for the border may need to be purchased separately after you decide which border you want to attach to the blanket.

This blanket will take up several skeins of yarn (approximately 2500 to 3000 yards) but to make it affordable to all, you do not have to buy all your yarn at once. For your initial purchase, you will buy one skein of each color to have it ready for the upcoming months. Then you can continue to buy skeins as you need them throughout the year. For those joining us from a distance, we recommend buying one skein of each color every other month so that you don’t have to pay for shipping for each individual skein.

Optional Add-on: Blanket Tool Kit (includes a notions zippered bag, stitch markers, cable needle and magnetic chart keeper). This add-on costs $25 and will be sent out with the January pattern.

Click on the link to buy your kit.
https://theyarnshoplincoln.com/products/wrap-yourself-in-...

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