Loose Ends

Loose Ends in 60 Seconds 🩷

Loose Ends seeks new board members to help grow the organization during this exciting next chapter. Looseends.org/board to apply. 🩷🧠

"My Mom Amy was the most loving and generous person. She had a real playful personality and lived to make others happy. Having this project finished was a special experience, and my Mother would have been thrilled." — iris These mittens were finished by Alice. #kindnessofstrangers #looseends

“Everything Joan sewed was perfect until arthritis caught up with her. Mom died April 18, 2023.” This cross stitch portrait of Travis, Joan’s grandson, was completed by Loose Ends finisher Sarah, who spent about 120 hours on it. #kindnessofstrangers #looseends

"Erma was a self-taught quilter who loved color & mixing fabric designs & African American storytelling through quilts. I enjoyed fabric shopping with her & witnessing her ideas become beautifully finished pieces." — Tamera Lisa, Loose Ends finisher, spent about 10 hours working.

We are sending out 2000 letters this month, explaining our end of your fundraising campaign (Legacy Quilt) and the first 1000 letters will contain magnets! So, if you see a piece of mail from Loose Ends, we hope you’ll read the letter but at the very least, grab the magnet and put it on your fridge!

"The joy I experienced in seeing Carol's face upon receiving her finished project was priceless. I will definitely remember this as one of the best volunteer opportunities I've had - even though just to one family, it felt monumental." — Dana (who spent 85 hours completing all the stitching)

“It’s like having a piece of Mom back in the world. My heart is so happy, and my Dad’s is too! I can’t tell you how much it meant to get Mom’s afghan finished! The service you provide is invaluable.” — Susan Jane, Loose Ends finisher, spent 20 hours knitting a few more rows and adding the fringe.

"Our mother made many pieces to commemorate weddings, new homes, new babies, and other milestones. She started this piece for our sister but put it aside when her hands started to give her trouble and she could no longer do detailed work." — Lisa

“My dear sweet mom passed away in 2024 with many, many unfinished projects. She taught me to knit and all my friends to knit too. Knitting was her passion! Not only did I have my mom’s project finished but I made a new friend too! Thanks for all you do!” — Bobbe

Marianne was a gifted crafter who taught Anastasia to crochet. Cara, a Loose Ends finisher, spent 25 hours completing her vest—a colorful tribute to Marianne and her love of frogs. PS: Anastasia shared that her grandma Marianne survived the Barnum & Bailey circus fire at age 10!!!

I asked Kaitlin what her grandma's favorite flower was...a gardenia. With purple, and blue, I crocheted two gardenias to mark the place where Mitzi stopped and I began." — Julie, Loose Ends finisher Julie spent about 75 hours crocheting this blanket.

Sylvia, "Nana," was a short, bubbly, tough woman who loved watching sports. These cross-stitch pieces depict Riley (Sylvia’s granddaughter) and her brother when they were children. One had been started and the other not. Loose Ends finisher Janet finished them both in about 600 hours.

One year ago today, our phones started blowing up, Friends heard volunteer finisher talk about Loose Ends on Jeopardy. Thousands of people have found us because of that mention. Maybe someday we will be the answer to a question!!! Instagram has the video. 🩷@jeopardyofficial.bsky.social

Erma was a self-taught quilter who loved color & mixing fabric designs & African American storytelling through quilts. She died three years ago, leaving behind a handful of unfinished quilts - works of art. Sarah, Loose Ends finisher, completed this piece and is starting work on a second.

“Lisa spent ~50 hrs finishing the quilt my son’s grandma started. With help from Dawn & Harriet at @creationstation, she quilted it beautifully—no charge, just kindness. We were so moved.” Morgan

Matt's grandmother, Helen, passed away mid-sweater, and when Matt submitted the project ot be finished, there was no pattern. Donna, Loose Ends finisher, completed the piece without a pattern, basing the design on Matt's notes, and on the shape of another sweater he liked. #looseends

Milton passed away in 2019 at the age of 82. When going through his things, his kids found a quilt top with a note, written by his mother, that said, “This goes to Milton, he started this when he was a boy”. Lucie spent 60 hours finishing this quilt.

Leslie’s mom began crocheting this blanket when Leslie was born—43 years ago. She passed in 2015 before finishing it. Due to RA since age 3, Leslie can’t crochet herself. Myra spent 40 hours completing it, honoring a mother’s dream.

"How did it feel? There are no words to describe what it’s like to have my mom’s handiwork come to life with the help of very special volunteers. I am so grateful." — Ann Loose Ends finisher, Gail, spent 40 hours completing this blanket. #kindnessofstrangers #looseends

Our first project from Mexico! This quilt was submitted by Donya, begun by her grandmother, matched with a piecing Finisher from Mexico, and then sent to a U.S. finisher for quilting. Then returned back to Donya through three other people, challenging logistics, but we got there! 🇲🇽 🇺🇸 🪡 🧵 #looseends

Carlyn carried her grandma Berdina’s unfinished blanket for 20 years, hoping it could be finished. Loose Ends Project finisher Caroline picked up where Berdina left off. Now it’s ready to pass to Carlyn’s daughter—Berdina’s namesake.

"When Meredith saw the finished sweater she was moved to tears. When she learned that her mother’s sweater didn’t follow the written pattern, she was surprised! Her mother was innovative." — Mercedes Mercedes (Loose Ends finisher) spent 25 hours completing this sweater.

Rachel (Loose Ends finisher) is a pro. She needed to remove some of the original crafters’ stitches and fix them, something that can be a bit stressful. “Because we were local, Judy and I were able to have a tea and visit. It was lovely.” — Rachel Rachel spent about 20 hours on this project.

Jillian spent about 100 hours finishing this blanket for Erin. “Weaving in 352 ends on 44 granny squares took forever.” This project was started by Aunt Dottie for her grand-niece Ella, but she died before she was able to finish it.

"This quilt was begun by my mother who passed away in 2024. I found it in her sewing room. I think it may have been for my wedding but I didn’t end up marrying the guy and I think she set it aside and didn’t go back to it." This quilt was completed and returned by Loose Ends finisher Evelyn.

The last few years of her life, washcloths were her easier, comforting, go-to projects. It tickled her that we found so many uses for them. But we had to promise we would never use them as doilies." — Nancy "To have been a part in finishing Lyn’s knit work was an honor." — Melanie

Cocoknits x Loose Ends launch a new product to help keep your crafts organized & your details in one place. @cocoknits.bsky.social FREE Cocoknits pattern when you buy a Project Keeper or Folders & Tags! Visit cocoknits.com and add the pattern of your choice. Use code: CocoknitsPK at checkout.

Cocoknits x Loose Ends launch a new product to help keep your crafts organized & your details in one place. @cocoknits.bsky.social FREE Cocoknits pattern when you buy a Project Keeper or Folders & Tags! Visit cocoknits.com and add the pattern of your choice. Use code: CocoknitsPK at checkout.

"While not a large project, it was still important to my mother to be able to have it finished and given to Jake while she was still around. Deb did a great job of tidying the edges before applying a binding. It looks so good. " — Beverly This quilt was completed by Loose Ends finisher, Deb.

"I love that the littlest ones in our family will get to experience my grandmother’s skill and her love. Additionally, it was amazing to get to wear the blue sweater. It smells like her home." — Emily These three sweaters were completed by Loose Ends finisher, Jessica, who spent 4 hours on them.

Faelyn’s Nana Bev was vibrant and loving. She taught Faelyn to cross-stitch at 11, and they bonded over fibre arts. Bev began this faerie piece as a grad gift before illness took her. Thanks to Loose Ends finisher Kaylee, it’s now complete!

Nancy spent about 50 hours finishing this quilt. “Surprising Kip was so much fun. He had no idea what Jane and I were up to. His mom did the most amazing handpiecing work I have ever seen. Some of her fabrics were incredible. Working on this project was an honor.”

So grateful to @makersmercantile.bsky.social and to all of the people who bid on handmade samples in their fundraiser auction to support Loose Ends. 🩷 From the bottom of our hearts, thank you.

Cathy, my daughter, died at 27 years old from a heart problem. She enjoyed knitting sweaters, afghans, hats, and scarves. All were gifts.” — Barbara Jess, Loose Ends finisher, spent 75 hours finishing this cable sweater.

"I’d love to be able to pass this on to [my aunt]. This quilt was the last project started by my great-grandmother. She has been holding on to it and would love to have it functional now that she is spending more time at home." — Emmett This project was finished by Jean, Loose Ends finisher.

“My mum, Kaye, is the original knitter, her Alzheimer’s means she can no longer knit. Luckily Mum is still with us and is still able to appreciate and enjoy the finished product.” Mel (Australia) Nan (Finisher) spent about 10 hours finishing this up. #aussieknitters #kindnessofstrangers #looseends

“When you feel the very tight hug, that’s where she left off.” — Phyllis. @stringtheoryyarnco #fairisle #kindnessofstrangers #looseends

Jessica spent 50 hours completing this blanket for Susan. "From the top down, the organization is one of kindness and caring, respectful of the piece and the loved one who began the project. Now we have a beautiful family heirloom for the next generation." — Susan

"I had to learn a new skill to do it, so that was a bonus! Thank you for this organization and the joy it brings to both sides!” - Rebecca "This piece is a labor of love and brings fond memories of when my mom was living." — Yumi Rebecca spent about two hours completing this for Yumi.

This pattern is the Lamia Wrap by Toni Lipsey. It was finished by Loose Ends finisher, Julie, in the UK. “During a very difficult time, the whole experience has been so positive. Julie completed the project so quickly. She even sewed on a small button to indicate where she took over.” - Ben

“My mom started a baby blanket in 2020 for her first grandbaby, but she passed away suddenly that June. I’m now expecting my first child and deeply miss her. Today, finisher Sasha completed the blanket, marking where Mom’s stitches ended and hers began. This keepsake means the world to me.” —Heidi

Today’s the last day to bid on 23 hand knit and crocheted items and support Loose Ends! @makersmercantile.bsky.social is hosting an auction of their handmade samples and that’s why they are our best friends in the whole wide world. Looseends.org and click on the big button that looks like this. 🩷

Some recently finished projects, completed by volunteers and returned to families all done! #kindnessofstrangers #handmade #looseends

Christmas in September! More recently finished projects, completed by volunteers and returned to families all done! #kindnessofstrangers #handmade #looseends

Some recently finished projects, completed by volunteers and returned to families all done! #kindnessofstrangers #handmade #looseends

Some recently finished projects, completed by volunteers and returned to families all done! #kindnessofstrangers #handmade #looseends

One of our earlier stories was re-broadcast last night! This was the meerkat story… So sweet. Visit our website if you want to see pictures of him. #meerkat #kindnessofstrangers theworld.org/segments/202...