Funds for Soldier's Angels

After several attempts to have my proposal accepted by a funding organization and having been denied, I decided to take matters into my own hands and ask for the funding through a blog. 

I would like to take a moment to make something very clear going any further.  My askance for funds is NOT a "you give me something and get nothing from me in return" proposition.  No, indeed.  After reading my proposal, depending on how much you choose to donate, you WILL receive something hand crafted by me of high quality value.  If I wouldn't use it, I would not make it for you to use.  That being said, let me begin by explaining my proposition.

Soldier's Angels (www.soldiersangels.org) is a wonderful organization that provides hand crafted items to soldiers either overseas and still in combat situations or soldiers/veterans who are stateside for convalescence or are in nursing homes.  Some examples of items that have been requested are blankets for soldiers in wheelchairs, ditty bags, scarves, prayer shawls, baby blankets for pregnant soldiers, and catheter bag covers.  All of these items I am perfectly willing and able to make for the organization as they are requested.  Right now, the current need is for 55 by 55 inch square blankets for soldiers in wheelchairs.

Here is what I have contributed to this endeavor so far.  I have purchased spinning wheels, a drum carder for making batts to spin yarn, a high quality quilting sewing machine, a serger, lessons, knitting needles, crochet hooks, and materials for practice.  All in all, I have spent approximately $3399 of my own money to get myself up and running and trained in most of the fiber arts. 

What I am asking for from you is contributions to purchase bulk quantities of wool and cotton roving to reduce the cost of spinning the yarn; non-toxic dyes to color the roving; bamboo, seacell, tensel, milk protein, and other nice materials to add to the roving to make it extra soft and sparkly; and material to make quilts, ditty bags, and catheter bag covers.

This is a massive undertaking and I am not planning on doing it alone.  My friend Janet, who is just as creatively skilled and creative, is going to be helping me with this project.

The amount of money I am asking for to get the show on the road is $800.  ANY contribution amount would be greatly appreciated and here is a list of of items you will receive depending on your contribution amount--

$5--A hand written card thanking you for your support of this project
$20--The above and a hand knit, 9 by 9, 100% organic washcloth that is spa quality.
$40--A hand written card thanking you for your support of this project and TWO hand knit, 9 by 9, 100% organic washcloths that are spa quality     
$50--30 to 35 yards of an original, one of a kind drum carded and handspun art yarn.
$75--65 to 70 yards of an original, one of a kind drum carded and handspun art yarn
$100--135 to 140 yards of an original, one of a kind drum carded and handspun art yarn
Please contact me for donation amounts above $100

Thank you for your support of my project! As I receive feedback from the soldiers/veterans who usually thank me for the items, I will post their notes here as well!!!

Please see pics below of some of my creations!