Strings of the Heart - Blankets of Love
In 2021 Women's Federation for World Peace adopted a wonderful project, "Strings of the Heart" to give handmade blankets to people who have suffered a loss or who need comfort or inspiration. They are “blankets of love.”
Ladies crocheting or knitting during their lunch break to create blankets of love.
I first heard of Strings of the Heart upon visiting Mrs. Irmgard Baynes in her home. She showed me several blankets she was putting the finishing touches on for someone who needed comfort and support. I was so moved and wanted to be part of this activity. I quickly bought some yarn and crochet needles and started crocheting six inch squares.
This project started with four ladies knitting or crocheting together during their lunch break. They also collaborated on whom to send the blanket. Later on they developed a network to broaden the reach in order to give out more blanket of love. Slowly the group grew and now there are at least ten crafters throughout America participating in their homes. The crafters mail the six inch squares they craft to Marjorie Buessing. Then Marjorie assembles all the donated squares artfully together. It is always amazing how beautiful the blankets come out, combining many squares crafted with a lot of thought and well wishes by different ladies. Marjorie, our artistic assembler then mails a big box of blankets to Tyndol and Irmgard Baynes to put the finishing touches on each blanket and send them out to the person suggested by the network.
I found it a rewarding project to work on during the pandemic … it gave me something to focus on and the squares became so colorful, almost jumping out of the bag in rich hues.
So far 39 blankets have been sent out since the projects began in 2019. More are in the works.
For more information on how you can contribute, contact Irmgard Baynes, ibaynes@wfwp.us or visit the Strings of the Heart webpage.
Below are comments by recipients of the “blankets of love”
I was touched by your kind thought of wanting to keep me warm during this coming winter by sending a beautiful blanket during this challenging time in my life. Your kindness is very much appreciated. God Bless you and your families.
Dear Stings of the Heart! I want to sincerely thank you for creating such a beautiful quilt for me. I am so very touched by all the combined effort it took to complete this. Just know I can feel all the love and support through this quilt…as I travers my cancer journey. God Bless.
