theconnectionsnj.com HOME & DESIGN PAGE 56 N.J. Contractor Lic # 13VH00152900 COLIN MACMANUS GARC Roofing Specialist $250OFF NEW ROOF $250OFF Window Installation (Min. 5 Windows) $250OFF GUTTER INSTALLATION 908-526-0072 cell: 732-266-7833 GreatAmericanRoofingCompanyNJ.com Warren, NJ Roofing Gutters Siding Windows COVERING AMERICA, ONE ROOF AT A TIME. Expires 5/31/23 Expires 5/31/23 Expires 5/31/23 Now and then something comes across that just pulls on your heartstrings and moves you to action. This is the case with an article recently appearing in The Washington Post. It’s about an organization of volunteer crafters who complete unfinished projects for other crafters who died before its completion. When a crafter/maker dies mid-project, this tangible, handmade expression of love could get lost, donated, or thrown out. Loose Ends helps to get the project finished as intended and given back to be cherished. Loose Ends is organized and managed by 2 friends residing on opposite sides of the country who generously give their time and skill to help grieving families by matching unfinished projects with a volunteer Finisher. They now have gathered over 4500 volunteer Finishers from 38 countries and all 50 States to help in the effort. Through these volunteers, a maker’s project can be enjoyed by their families. VOLUNTEERS Since all handcrafts are accepted by Loose Ends, all crafter skills are needed, including knitting, crochet, quilting, mending, spinning, weaving, tatting, embroidery, etc. Becoming a volunteer is as simple as completing an application at www.looseendsproject. org. Provide your location (State), skills, and the types of projects you would like to complete. This information is used to match a Finisher with a project. HELP FOR AN UNFINISHED PROJECT Having an unfinished project completed by a volunteer Finisher is at no cost to the family. However, certain criteria must be met: 1. The originator of the project must be deceased or no longer able to finish the project due to illness or disability. 2. The project must be partially begun. 3. The project and its materials must be free of moths and moth eggs. No contaminated yarn or rotting materials. 4. The project must not smell of mothballs or mold. If the deceased was a smoker, they will do their best to match the project with a tolerant Finisher. The family then completes an application at www.looseendsproject.org. The Loose Ends team then matches a project to a nearby Finisher. At that point, the family works directly with the Finisher. The project owner is responsible for all shipping costs to and from the Finisher, along with extra materials and any available instructions. A Little Something Extra…Some of the Finishers shared the idea that they mark the spot where the family member had stopped with a small heart or other marking. I think that is such a thoughtful and warm gesture from a stranger. It is so gratifying to complete a project for a grieving family. I remember feeling helpless when my aunt was dying. My uncle showed me a sweater that she had started for her unborn grandchild. I was able to ask if she would like me to finish it for her. I felt so honored when she said, “Yes”. It gave us both joy and later a welcomed surprise gift to her daughter…lots of tears over that one. WHAT ELSE CAN BE DONE? If your loved one has crafting supplies like fabric, yarn, needles, etc., that are in good condition, think of donating them to a local Thrift Shop or Goodwill. Another option is Gemma Fabrics in New Hope, PA at www.gemmafabrics.com. Gemma Fabrics is a secondhand fabric and yarn thrift store in Bucks County, PA. They accept any sewing, knitting, crocheting, and other fiber arts supplies for resale. Loose Ends is organized and managed by 2 friends residing on opposite sides of the country who generously give their time and skill to help grieving families by matching unfinished projects with a volunteer Finisher. Finishing Unfinished Projects Left Behind By Carolyn Hanson CREATIVE CORNER
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