This year, we are working on quarterly projects instead of one single, long-term project for the year. Each quarter will have a theme, but members will have the freedom to choose a project based on that theme. We can share progress at each monthly guild meeting and a full reveal of our projects at the end of each quarter.

For Q3, July through September, our theme is Blanket Squares!

Don’t be a square, stitch a square for our Summer Block Party!

Try out a new stitch! Use a favorite and familiar design! Break out that easy-care yarn and do some stash busting. Stitch one square or more, and consider donating them back to the guild to be stitched together for blankets. If you are not in the area, we still want you to participate. Bring your squares back to town upon your
arrival and post a photo on our Facebook page or send one to a board member. Your squares can be 6”, 8”, or 12” to meet the challenge. Please do not use wool or wool blends. Please use yarn that is easy to wash and dry. You can make enough for your own
blanket or donate squares to the committee for a seam stitching party later this year. A guild square stitching session (dare you to say that six times fast) is also in the works. Need ideas? Need help?

Here are some resources:
As always, Ravelry is a great resource for ideas and guidance. On the site, search for:

-Afghans for Pine Ridge: This very active group accepts donations of squares and has people all over the US who receive the squares, and seam them together before sending them to this Indian Reservation in South Dakota. We looked at their guidelines for our challenge. Some of our members regularly stitch for this group. There is a Tips and Techniques thread and a
Favorite Square Patterns thread, among others, on their group page that may be helpful for you.

-Project Linus: This is another nationwide community service group with threads (discussions
about their efforts.)

-Charity Knitting: Another active group on Ravelry with lots of good ideas!
Check out your local library in person or online through Libby. We are so fortunate to have
a county-wide system with many resources. Did you know you can borrow knitting, crocheting,
and other crafting magazines on your laptop or tablet for free in addition to in-person borrowing?

As we stitch our squares and get them ready for sewing them into blankets, we will discuss where we can donate them. One possibility is:
-Project Linus Tampa Bay: Coming right up there is a blanket-making party at St. Joe’s – South Hospital on Saturday, July 11, 2026, from 9 am to 1 pm. The Bottom of the Bin in Brandon (813-986-5882) for July and October, and Quilt Love
Longarm in Tampa (813-491-4133) supports Project Linus.

Is this something you already do? Share your tips and experiences with the rest of us. We are looking forward to seeing all of your colorful and creative squares.
-The Community Service Committee

Don’t forget to share your pictures in our Facebook Group!