CREATE FOR FAMILIES
This week a young couple I know returned from China with their newly adopted son. My heart rejoices with them as they open their home and their hearts to this child through adoption. Congratulations!
I recently had an opportunity to talk with Marilyn Moreno, the program director for Catholic Social Services in Anchorage, about its adoption program. I learned that it is very underfunded yet continues to serve a real need in our community. Its role in an adoption is to counsel the birth family and the adoptive family. It tries to help the birth mother parent her baby, if at all possible. When this isn't an option, the agency helps with placement of the infant through adoption. This year, between 12 and 15 infants were successfully placed with adoptive families. This takes staff, and that requires money.
You may be asking, "What has this to do with knitting or crocheting?" Marilyn Barnett, chairperson of the Quilt, Fiber & Wearable Arts Auction, tells me that this March 4 event creates an opportunity for knitters and crocheters to show off their talents. At the same time, you will be supporting families who are considering adoption. The auction will help raise money for the Pregnancy Support & Adoption Services at Catholic Social Services by providing money for staffing.
This auction began in 2001 and has grown through the years to become one of the most exciting charity events in our city. Beautiful quilts, gorgeous weavings and exotic fiber art will be joined this year by wearable art donations of beautifully hand-knitted or crocheted fashions and other fiber items. Gift certificates of $100, $75 and $50 will be awarded to the viewers' favorites in each category.
What a great opportunity for knitters and crocheters to explore new methods or stitches. Design your own one-of-a-kind clothing to become the most sought-after item in the auction. Stretch your imagination and do it for charity too. There will be plenty to see. Spinning and other fiber arts will be demonstrated, so it's a great event for eager, young needle workers and even those who might want to learn. It's all about families.
Seams Like Home Quilt Shoppe, 1041 E. 76th Ave., invites all donors to join it for a Drop-off Tea from 2 to 4 p.m. Feb. 19
Registration forms and other information are available online at www.cssalaska.org. All donated items must be turned no later than 5 p.m. Feb. 27. You may arrange for a pickup by calling Gene Faulk at 297-7719 or e-mailing gene.faulk@cssalaska.org.
Catherine Hollingsworth, interior designer, artist and professional knitter, has lived in Alaska for 17 years. A past president of Knitters of the North, she currently designs knitwear patterns for publication. To reach her, e-mail twosticks@adnmail.com.
QUILT, FIBER & WEARABLE ARTS AUCTION will be from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. March 4 at ConocoPhillips Atrium, 700 G St. Drop-off locations are at Catholic Social Services offices, 3710 E. 20th Ave. or 225 Cordova St., and at the following stores: Dina's Cozy Cabin Quilts, Far North Knitting, Just Sew, Knitting Grounds, Quilt Works, Seams Like Home Quilt Shoppe, Seams to Bee, Sylvia's Quilt Depot, The Quilt Tree
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