Red Scarf Project

JOIN OUR ARMY OF KNITTERS AND CROCHETERS!

Foster Care to Success gratefully thanks the thousands of knitters and crocheters nationwide who make our Red Scarf Project such a success. We put the first red scarves into Valentine’s Day Care Packages in 2005. That year we received 3,500 scarves to send to FCS students away at colleges and vocational schools. The next year, thanks to the support of online needle-arts blog sites, such as Now Norma Knits, we received an amazing 15,000 scarves. And the program just keeps growing.

The Red Scarf Project is endorsed by Interweave Knits, The National Needle Arts Association, and the Lily Chin Signature Collection.

Because FCS staff and volunteers collect, pack and ship out the scarves, we respectfully ask that you send your scarves to us only during our submission period.

We accept scarves from September 1 to December 15 each year.

HOW TO MAKE AN FCS RED SCARF

Click here to download directions for creating FCS Red Scarfs.

Students wearing their Red Scarfs

Resources and Patterns

knittingdaily.com from Interweave Press
Norma Miller for the following free unisex scarf patterns:
Irish Hiking Scarf, Twin Rib Scarf, Basketweave Scarf, Enjoyable Rib Scarf, Reversible Cable Red Scarf, and Ribbed Red Scarf
Geri Inglis suggest a the unique Palindrome scarf. She suggests casting on 52 stitches to get 4 cable repeats and 6-inch width with worsted weight yarn and 5mm needles.
Casual Scarf from Marlo’s Crochet Corner, is recommended by Jaime Birren of Colorado.
Ridged Bi-Color Scarf from CrochetKitchen.com.

My Merino Mantra
High Country Knitwear for a pattern designed exclusively for the Red Scarf Project, recommended by Pat Freeley
Lion Brand for free patterns.

RED SCARF FAQS

Where will my Red Scarf be sent? Your wonderful handmade creation will be sent in a Valentine’s Day Care Package to an FCS student enrolled in college or trade school.

When/where do I send my scarf? The submission period for the next Red Scarf initiative is set for September 1, 2011 through December 15, 2011

Send scarves to:
FCS
The Red Scarf Project
21351 Gentry Drive
Suite 130
Sterling, VA 20166

As we have limited means for storage, please send your scarves only during this time period.

How many scarves can I make and send in? Please limit donations to no more than five scarves from any one person. (Organizations are welcome to combine their submissions into one mailing). Thank you!

Can I be sure my scarf was received? Please include a legal-sized self-addressed stamped envelope in your mailing to FCS, or include your name and email address printed clearly inside your mailing. We will send a confirmation of receipt to you.

Can I include anything else with my scarf to help FCS students? Definitely! Include a personal note of encouragement to keep a student’s spirits up during the cold months. Some of our foster say that hand-written notes mean as much as the care package items themselves.

Please secure your note with ribbon or string to the scarf, and you may include your first name, city and state. You can also mention any washing instructions.

A gift card from any national chain store is also welcome – Barnes and Noble, Borders, Target, Wal-mart, Starbucks or any fast food chain. FCS students LOVE gift cards!

Can I make a cash donation to help these kids? Yes! The Red Scarf Fund for Foster Youth has been established at the suggestion of people in the charitable knitting community.

You can write a check made out to this fund and mail it to us at the above address; or make an easy, swift and secure online donation by clicking the PayPal button below.

Your contribution will enable FCS to provide more students with scholarships and funding to attend college and trade schools in your area and nationwide. Thanks for your support!