Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America | 2019

UPDATE: the mailing deadline has been extended to March 16, 2019!

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What is the Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America?

Every year, Warm Up America chooses an organization in need and hundreds of crocheters come together to make a gift for the families in that organization. We work passionately to finish our projects in the allotted time and ship them off to Warm Up America. Once your gift arrives, the volunteers will collect your gift and give it to someone in that organization.

Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America | 2019

The crochet challenge for Warm Up America is the most anticipated pattern and event published here at B.Hooked. This year there is a new addition to the challenge, a knit project. You may choose to make either the crochet project or knit project or both!


Organization In Need of Your Gift This Year

Every gift made and sent in for the Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America 2019 will be delivered to the military service personnel and their families who are being cared for at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in Bethesda, MD.

It is the Nation’s largest military medical center who serve military beneficiaries from across the country and around the globe. It represents hope to those who enter its doorway.

With an average daily census of 160 Wounded Warriors and over 12,000 admissions in 2018, let’s share in one common goal – to provide a gift for as many of these Wounded Warriors as possible.ย Your handmade gift will signify hope, love and gratitude in the eyes of the Wounded Warrior and family member who receives it.

Are you up for the challenge?

Knowing your gift will warm up and brighten someone’s life, makes it worth all the time and effort you will put into this challenge. So I ask, my friend, are you up for the challenge this year?

[bctt tweet=”Walter Reed is where the nation heals its heroes. Will you join the #wuachallenge and make a lap blanket or hat for one of these heroes?” username=”@bhookedcrochet”]

I hope you will say yes.

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Project 1: The Crochet Lap Blanket

Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America | 2019

This stunning lap blanket is surprisingly fast and easy to work. Although it looks like it takes a pro to crochet, as long as you have the basic principles of tension and holding the yarn, you can crochet this lap blanket at any skill level.

The pattern will include both written instructions and a video tutorial to guide you through it.


Video Tutorial

This tutorial is also available in a left-handed version. Click here to be directed to the left-handed tutorial on my YouTube Channel.


Written Instructions

Gaugeย 

13 sts x 12 rows = 4″ in half double crochet

Your lap blanket will measure approximately 35″ x 45″.

Abbreviationsย 

  • Ch – Chain
  • Hdc – Half Double Crochet
  • hk – Hook
  • rem – Remaining
  • RS – Right Side
  • Sc – Single Crochet
  • SextTr – Sextuple Treble **See stitch description
  • sk – Skip
  • St(s) – Stitch(es)
  • Ttr – Triple Treble ** See stitch description
  • YO – Yarn Over

Color Key:

  • Color A – Blue
  • Color B – White
  • Color C – Red

Stitch Descriptionย 

SextTr – Wrap the yarn around hook seven times. Insert hook in designated stitch, YO and pull through two loops. YO and pull through two loops until you have only one loop remaining on hook.

Ttr – Wrap the yarn around hook four times. Insert hook in designated stitch, YO and pull through two loops. YO and pull through two loops until you have only one loop remaining on hook.

Click here for PDF Pattern

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Errattum corrected and updated 2/11/19.ย You will see differences in rows 9-44 only in the repeats and color transitions.

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With color A, ch 85.

Row 1(RS) :ย Hdc in 2nd ch from hk. Hdc in each ch. Turn. (84 sts)

Rows 2-8:ย Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st). Hdc in first st. Hdc in each rem st. Turn. (Break color A and fasten on color B at end of 8th row.)

Row 9: Ch 6 (counts as Ttr). Ttr in next st. *Sk 4 sts. SextTr next 4 sts. Working in front, SextTr in 4 skipped sts. Sk 4 sts. SextTr next 4 sts. Working in back, SextTr in 4 skipped sts. Rep from * to last two sts. Ttr last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 10: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st). Sc in first st. Sc each rem st. Turn.

Row 11: Ch 6 (counts as Ttr). Ttr in next st. *Sk 4 sts. SextTr next 4 sts. Working in back, SextTr in 4 skipped sts. Sk 4 sts. SextTr next 4 sts. Working in front, SextTr in 4 skipped sts. Rep from * to last two sts. Ttr last 2 sts. Turn.

Row 12: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st). Sc in first st. Sc each rem st. Turn.

Rows 13-14: Rep rows 9 and 10.

Rows 15-16: Rep rows 11 and 12.

Rows 17-20: Rep rows 9 through 12 noting that you will break color C and fasten on color B at end of 20th row.

Rows 21-24: Rep rows 9 through 12.

Rows 25-26: Rep rows 9 and 10 noting that you will break color B and fasten on color C at end of 26th row.

Rows 27-28: Rep rows 11 and 12.

Rows 29-32: Rep rows 9 through 12 noting that you will break color C and fasten on color B at end of 32nd row.

Rows 33-36: Rep rows 9 through 12.

Rows 37-38: Rep rows 9 and 10 noting that you will break color B and fasten on color C at end of 26th row.

Rows 39-40: Rep rows 11 and 12.

Rows 41-44: Rep rows 9 through 12. Noting that you will break color C and fasten on color A at end of 44th row.

Rows 45-52: Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st). Hdc in first st. Hdc in each rem st. Turn.

Side Borders (Complete for each side)ย 

With color A and RS facing up, fasten on at corner of lap blanket.

Row 1:ย Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st). Evenly space 124 sc down side of lap blanket. (You may choose to transition through colors A, B, and C to match the color block you’re working over or continue working with color B throughout.

Rows 2-9:ย Ch 1 (doesn’t count as st). Hdc in first st. Hdc in each rem st. Turn. Fasten off at end of 9th row.

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Project 2: The Knit Hat

Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America | 2019

This basic ribbed beanie is a quick knit for those who know how and a great starting point for those who wish to learn or grow their knitting skills. This pattern will also include written instructions and a video tutorial to walk you through it.


Video Tutorial

This tutorial is also available in a left-handed version. Click here to be directed to the left-handed tutorial on my YouTube Channel.


Written Instructions

Gaugeย 

20 sts x 26 rounds = 4″ in 2×2 rib

Your finished hat will measure approximately 9″ long and will stretch to fit approximately 23″ in circumference.

Abbreviations

  • CO – Cast On
  • K – Knit
  • P – Purl

Color Key:

  • Color A – Blue
  • Color B – White
  • Color C – Red

Click here for PDF Pattern

In color A, cast on 84.

Round 1:ย K2, P2.

Round 2:ย K2, P2.

Rep round 2 until your work measures 3″ from cast on edge. Break A, join color B.

Rep round 2 with color B until your work measures 6″ from cast on edge. Break B, join color C.

Rep round 2 with color C until your work measures 8″ from cast on edge.

Crown

Round 1:ย K2tog, P2 around.

Rounds 2-4:ย K1, P2 around.

Round 5:ย K1, P2tog

Rounds 6-8:ย K1, P1

Cut the working yarn leaving at least a 12โ€ tail. Thread that tail on your darning needle and thread each stitch on darning needle and tail to create a drawstring closure. When you have secured each stitch on the tail, carefully pull tail yarn to draw up the closure. Run the darning needle and tail around the opening to secure it closed. Run tail to inside of hat and secure.

You may choose to work either the crochet lap blanket or knit hat or both during this year’s Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America.

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[bctt tweet=”I am participating in the #wuachallenge this year! Will you?” via=”no”]

Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America | 2019

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How to Participate

This challenge has now concluded, however, you may still make lap blankets and hats from these patterns to donate to your local organizations or send directly to Warm Up America at the following address:

Warm Up America/BHooked
3740 N. Josey Lane
Suite 152
Carrollton, TX 75007
They will continue to receive donations for Walter Reed Hospital until May 27, 2019.

Get the Yarn

There are two yarn options to complete this year’s challenge, Red Heart Super Saver and Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice. You may choose which ever you prefer!

Crochet Lap Blanket Supplies

  • 2 skeins Red Heart Super Saver, Burgundy
  • 2 skeins Red Heart Super Saver, White
  • 2 skeins Red Heart Super Saver, Royal
  • 5.5 mm Crochet Hook
  • Darning Needle
  • Scissors

OR

  • 3 skeins Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Cranberry
  • 3 skeins Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, White
  • 3 skeins Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Colonial Blue
  • 5.5 mm Crochet Hook
  • Darning Needle
  • Scissors

*UPDATE* To help with the demand of yarn, Bernat Super Value has been added to the supplies list as an option!

  • 2 skeins Bernat Super Value, Cherry Red
  • 2 skeins Bernat Super Value, White
  • 2 skeins Bernat Super Value, Royal Blue
  • 5.5 mm Crochet Hook
  • Darning Needle
  • Scissors

Knit Hat Supplies

  • 1 skein Red Heart Super Saver, Burgundy
  • 1 skein Red Heart Super Saver, White
  • 1 skein Red Heart Super Saver, Royal
  • 4.5 mm 16″ Circular Needle
  • Darning Needle
  • Scissors

OR

  • 1 skein Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Cranberry
  • 1 skein Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, White
  • 1 skein Lion Brand Vanna’s Choice, Colonial Blue
  • 4.5 mm 16″ Circular Needle
  • Darning Needle
  • Scissors

*UPDATE* To help with the demand of yarn, Bernat Super Value has been added to the supplies list as an option!

  • 1 skeins Bernat Super Value, Cherry Red
  • 1 skeins Bernat Super Value, White
  • 1 skeins Bernat Super Value, Royal Blue
  • 4.5 mm 16″ Circular Needle
  • Darning Needle
  • Scissors

Participants have experienced a limit in yarn availability. If available, you may purchase the colors you see here or choose a different color palette based on the colors that are available to you.


Yarn kits are available for purchase from LoveCrochet and LoveKnitting. The kits will include the yarn you need. You will need to supply the hooks and needles from your collection. Make your yarn selection and order your kit below.

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UPDATE (2/4/19): Yarn kits are currently sold out and I am in contact with LoveCrochet to see when they will be restocked. I will update this page as soon as they are available. In the meantime, feel free to order skeins individually from them or purchase from your local store. You may choose any three colors that are available for you to purchase.

Thank you for your patience. The response to this year’s challenge has been bigger than we ever imagined.

The pattern and tutorials will still be released on February 8th at 3:00 pm EST on this page. Please note that the mailing deadline has been extended two weeks to March 16, 2019.

UPDATE (2/5/19): LoveCrochet now has Bernat Super Value Yarn Kits available for the challenge. Since Bernat Super Value skeins have a lot of yardage, if you purchase a crochet kit, you will have enough to make the knit hat too. If you would only like to knit the hat, you can purchase a knit kit. There will be enough to make several hats!

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Crochet Kits from LoveCrochet

Bernat Super Value Crochet Lap Blanket Yarn Kit

(since Super Value are larger skeins, you will have enough left over to complete the knit hat with this option!)

Red Heart Super Saver Crochet Lap Blanket Yarn Kit – CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

(since Super Saver are larger skeins, you will have enough left over to complete the knit hat with this option!)

Vanna’s Choice Crochet Lap Blanket Yarn Kit – CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

Knitting Kits from LoveKnitting

Bernat Super Value Knit Hat Yarn Kit

Red Heart Super Saver Knit Hat Yarn Kit – CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

Vanna’s Choice Knit Hat Yarn Kit – CURRENTLY SOLD OUT

The links above are affiliate links and at no additional cost to you, I will earn a small commission if you decide to purchase a kit through these links. The commissions made as a result will be donated to the VA hospital. Thank you!

You will also need to have a 5.5 mm crochet hook for the lap blanket and a 4.5 mm circular needle that measures 16″ from tip to tip for the knit hat. If you don’t have these on hand, you can add one to your cart when you purchase your kit!


Step 5: Send Your Projects to Warm Up America

To complete the challenge (and to be eligible for the giveaways) you must have your lap blanket(s) and/or knit hat(s) post marked on or before March 16, 2019.

Please enclose the challenge form in your package so the volunteers at Warm Up America can get you qualified for the giveaways!

Download your challenge form here

Please send your challenge projects to:

Warm Up America/BHooked
3740 N. Josey Lane
Suite 152
Carrollton, TX 75007

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The Giveaway

The drawing for the giveaway will take place after the challenge has concluded.

Rules for entry:

  • To be eligible, you must participate in and finish the challenge.
  • Each lap blanket and each knit hat sent to Warm Up America within the time constraints of the challenge will earn you one entry into the giveaway. So if you send a lap blanket and hat, you’ll get two entries. Two lap blankets and a knit hat equal three entries an so on. The more items you send, the better your chance of being drawn for a prize during the giveaway.
  • Only donations made from the challenge patterns (crochet lap blanket & knit hat) will count as an entry into the giveaway.
  • You must have your package post marked (dropped off at the post) on or before March 16, 2019 to be eligible for the giveaway.
  • Winners must be a US or Canada resident.
  • You must include the challenge entry form in your package.

There are a total of 10 prizes to be awarded during a random draw of all challenge entries.ย 

The winners will be announced live on Facebook, during the Unboxing with WUA show. I will coordinate with the Warm Up America team and post the date as soon as possible. The winners will also be contacted via email and I will send an email to all challenge participants as well.


The Prizes

A huge thanks to our amazing sponsors this year for providing the challenge giveaway prizes – LoveCrochet, Red Heart, Lion Brand, Clover, The Craft Yarn Council and Furls Crochet.

Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America | 2019

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Not able to participate this year?

Will you please share the pic below on Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr – where ever you like to hang out? Every lap blanket or knit hat received will brighten the life of one of our military service personnel being cared for at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and I need your help spreading the word. Thank you!

Crochet Challenge for Warm Up America | 2019

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Frequently asked questions

  1. When does the challenge begin?ย The challenge officially kicks off on February 8, 2019 at 3:00 pm Eastern Standard Time. The pattern will be released on this page at this time and youโ€™ll have the green light to start working on your donation.
  2. What do I do to join?ย Please sign up to participate in the challenge this year.
  3. When is my blanket/hat supposed to be finished?ย The challenge comes to a close on March 16, 2019. You should finish your lap blanket(s) and/or hat(s) by this day and ship it to WUA Foundation before the end of the business day in your area.
  4. Can I use a different yarn?ย The patterns are optimized and tested with Vanna’s Choice and Red Heart Super Saver yarn. I encourage you to use one of these yarns and to order the yarn kit so you have exactly what you need for the challenge. If you are comfortable making yarn substitutions, you may do so. Warm Up America asks that you select an acrylic yarn that is easy to care for.
  5. Can I donate my blanket to another organization?ย Absolutely. If you live outside the US and you would like to participate, I encourage you to find your local charity and donate your blanket. However, you will not be eligible for the giveaways.
  6. What do I do now? Order your yarn kit and sit tight for the pattern release on February 8th.ย Join theย Facebook groupย and strike up a conversation with your fellow yarn heroes!
  7. Who is Warm Up America?ย Warm Up America is a non-profit organization founded in 1992 by a courageous ย yarn hero named Evie. When her vision expanded beyond her capabilities, the Craft Yarn Council stepped in to continue her mission. I encourage you to read more about WUA! Foundation here.