In April of 2015, a devastating earthquake hit Nepal and left many homeless. Across the world in Durham, NC, Spoonflower’s own Anitha Kothandaraman wanted to do something to help. Anitha came up with the idea that the employees of Spoonflower could use its resources of remnant fabric and energetic, creative employees to sew blankets for Nepal. Just like that, Spoonflower’s Blankets for Good program was born.

Meredith sews a RARE Bear for RARE Science

Meredith, Spoonflower’s Community Outreach organizer, sews a RARE Bear to be given to a child living with a rare disease.

In the year since that first sew-in we have sewn blankets for orphaned babies in India, Softies for Mirabel for children affected by parental substance abuse in Australia, and still more blankets for those without homes in our own local community served by the Interfaith-Council for Social Service. We have sewn blankets to donate to the Raleigh chapter of Project Linus and pouches for orphaned marsupials for Wildcare Australia. In the past month, we have sewn RARE Bears for RARE Science to go to children living with rare diseases and pennants to decorate a community teaching garden in downtown Durham.

Employees have taken it upon themselves to find so many organizations that could be served by our resources. I asked Timothy Cohen, an employee in our Operations Department, what inspired him to participate in our Blankets for Good Sew-Ins. He said, “To me, Blankets for Good is more than a sewing project, it’s about creating something special that will not only keep people warm but to let them know that we care. We all need a little reassurance once and while that people are listening and this blanket is like saying, ‘Yes, I recognize you and am here to keep you warm’.”

I think Timothy is right about what draws us to these projects. We all need, at times, to feel recognized and comforted.  Providing that for someone else, even if that someone is all the way across the world, even if that someone is a kangaroo, feels extraordinary and important.

Spoonflower Blankets for Good Sew-in for Project Linus

Spoonflower employees and community volunteers work together at a Spoonflower sew-in for Project Linus.

Of course, that feeling isn’t unique or restricted to the Spoonflower employees involved, it is also the driving force behind the amazing people who work for the charitable organizations to whom we donate our blankets. I talked to Deanna Winick, from our local chapter of Project Linus, about her work with that organization:

“When I choose fabric for a blanket, I think of what child will receive the blanket. If I choose a fleece print with basketballs, I know that a child who is a sports fan will have a big smile on his or her face.

What always surprises me is how generous people can be and the generous amount of time our blanketeers give: whether they are sewing, crocheting, knitting , sewing on labels, or picking up donations.

We just celebrated our 10th consecutive Make A Blanket Day!  I don’t have a lot of time to sew, so I have been involved in the event planning, PR, community outreach and fundraising for the last 10 years. I hope I have more time in the future to make more blankets. It’s an honor to be with such an incredible chapter and organization.”

Project Linus blankets sewn from Spoonflower remnant fabric

Project Linus blankets sewn from Spoonflower remnant fabric will go to children in need all over the Triangle!

 The work of dedicated people like Deanna transforms the blankets we make in our sew-ins to good for those in need! We are so grateful to have so many wonderful organizations full of inspiring employees and volunteers that enable us to give back to our local and global community.

Giving back is the wonderful kind of thing that creates a cycle of incessant gratitude. Gratitude to the organizations for the generous work they do! Gratitude to the Spoonflower employees that make this work fun and always bringing snacks! And gratitude to be a part of Spoonflower. Anitha, who started all this a year ago says it well: “There is so much we can do in our capacity to support and empower people who still struggle for basic necessities. I am so glad to be working at Spoonflower that supports such initiatives.”

If you aren’t in our area but would like to volunteer or donate to your local chapter of Project Linus, you can find out more at the Project Linus Chapter Listings.

Already using Spoonflower fabric to give back to your community?  Comment and tell us how!



Amy Allen BioAbout Our Guest Author: 

Amy was born and raised in North Carolina and got her degree in American Studies from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. In addition to writing for our blog, she works on the operations floor at Spoonflower processing and shipping orders.  Outside of Spoonflower, Amy’s main loves are comedy and her dog Ralphie. Amy performs and teaches improv comedy as often as she can. When she gets the time, she also loves to cook, quilt, paint and dance.