Sisters will have the opportunity to participate in two service projects. It is worth noting that the two projects we have chosen have a direct and personal connection to the Columbia Maryland Stake Relief Society - specifically to Hampstead Ward. Kristen and Jamie the sisters who founded Sassy Caps grew up in the Hampstead Ward. These sisters began Sassy Caps in honor of their mother Sheila Braniff who was a long-time member of the Hampstead Ward Relief Society. On the homepage of the Sassy Caps site they shared this about their mom and why they started Sassy Caps:
"Sheila was a gifted teacher and a loving mother who could laugh at herself and see the best in others. We started this project to honor her and all of the people who went out of their way to show her that they loved her when she was sick - those who wrote cards, or brought meals, or made her laugh that wonderful laugh. Mom's favorite hymn says, "Because I have been given much, I too must give." We have such gratitude for the blessing and guiding influence she has been in our lives. We were truly "given much" in the mother department, and started Sassy Caps to follow her example of giving."
Sassy Caps -- A handheld loom knitting project. These can be worked on at the service project station or taken to classes. Sassy caps are a soft & fun SASSY hat designed to donate to people undergoing chemotherapy. "They are in bright, fun colors or patterns with a little bit of flair." https://sassycaps.org/
We will have a limited number of looms available. If you own a loom (9-10 inch), please bring it along. You also decide to purchase a loom for yourself - as most sisters who try this project decide they really enjoy it and want to continue make the hats. The looms are normally about $10 each, but sisters within our stake who have been making Sassy Caps suggest that you watch for coupons for Michaels Stores to buy one for a really good discount - almost 50% sometimes. Experienced sisters will be available at the women's conference to get you started with this fun and easy project. Appropriate yarn will be provided.
The following is directly from Kristen Mayle of Sassy Caps:
THE LOOM
All looms are not created equal. In fact, I purchased one for a friend that broke the first time she used it. I like the Knifty Knitter looms (available here on Amazon), but if you don’t want a whole set with different sizes, I also like the single 9.5″ loom by Loops & Threads (available at your local Michaels).
You can learn more about the yarns used and what insights Kristen Mayle of Sassy Caps has on the different options here: https://sassycaps.org/2014/01/01/the-stuff/Sassy Seatbelt covers -- "When people receive ongoing chemo, they often have a port-a-cath surgically implanted, just under the skin in the chest. It provides easy access and keeps the frequent infusions from collapsing veins. Though these ports make things easier, they are often right in the spot that can be irritated by wearing your seatbelt in the car. That’s where these little pillows come in handy. They attach to the seatbelt with velcro & relieve the pressure on the port." https://sassycaps.org/sassy-
This is a simple sewing project. We will have sewing machines and sisters on hand to assist at the service project station.
(Photos courtesy of sassycaps.org)
Donation Opportunity!
We will be collecting Diapers (all sizes but especially sizes 4 and up are needed - even opened packages are great!) AND Laundry Detergent at this Stake Relief Society activity to benefit FIRN, a local non-profit organization which helps immigrants and their families. Please consider donating these needed supplies. Thanks for your help!
