'Thoughtful Thursday' The Pink Slipper Project

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month

Domestic violence is one of the great tragedies of our society. The women who escape from their dangerous life circumstances, particularly with their children, are nothing less than heroines. When they arrive at women's shelters, they often have escaped with very little possessions, security, or self-esteem.

Today's 'Thoughtful Thursday' features, The Pink Slipper Project, founded by Joyce Lucas which offers a way to help these women and children.I hope as you read more you will find out what you can do to contribute and help these survivors take steps towards healing. Domestic violence shelters offer protection and healing for women and children escaping from abusive situations. But escaping to a shelter is just the first step. Their sense of security and self-worth has been battered, and they may struggle to accept that they are worthy of kindness.

The Pink Slipper Project seeks to help by collecting and distributing handmade slippers to shelters all over the country for these survivors. Not only do these slippers warm their feet, a valuable asset, when you consider how often abuse survivors must leave without many, if any, of their belongings, but they also serve as a tangible reminder that someone cared enough to offer their time and efforts to provide a gift.

Your slipper contribution does not need to be pink, and the slippers do not need to be made using any specific slipper pattern, but they do need to be handmade, warm and, of course, new. Whether it be one pair of slippers you are donating or 20, your contribution is just as important.

Visit the Project's website and their facebook page wich offers guidelines, lists of needed donations, free slipper patterns, and challenges to help make the knitting and donation process more motivating and enjoyable.

Here's a message from Rachel from The Pink Slipper Project:

Hi, and thank you for your interest in The Pink Slipper Project. I’m Rachel, manager of the Facebook page, standing in for Joyce Lucas, the founder, who is on medical leave of absence. We specialize in slippers. They can be knit, crocheted, sewn in any pattern, any colors, in sizes from toddlers to ladies.

Slippers donated by our members are sent to women’s shelters for victims of domestic violence. October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month. The members of PSP donated purple (the color of DVAM) slippers to Comfort Scarves of Southwestern Pennsylvania. Barbara, the founder, sent the slippers and scarves made by her members to the 11 shelters she services in SW PA. All these handmade slippers and scarves will bring comfort to those who receive them.

Every day 3 women die from domestic violence. 

1 in 4 women suffer domestic abuse.

We have one challenge active at this time. We are sending slippers, knit or crocheted washcloths, and handmade teddy bears/small handmade toys to Comfort Scarves for their Holiday Project. We’d love to have your help. They can use as many slippers as we can send.

Please join us on our Facebook page - The Pink Slipper Project. One pair of handmade slippers will go a long way to warming soles and healing souls.

To continue thier work, lots and lots of slippers are needed! They can be knitted, crocheted or stitched with a sewing machine or by hand. There are FREE patterns for all types of slippers on the patterns page on the web site.

Here's a pattern to help you start.

Cosy Slippers.

You Will Need:

2 skeins of Chunky type yarn any color. I chose pink as it's breast cancer awareness month.
Size 10  (6mm)knitting needles, large plastic needle, regular sewing needle and thread and 2 decorative buttons. This makes one pair of slippers.

Tension 4 sts  and 6 rows (3 garter stitch ridges) = 1 inch

Available in small, medium and large size

Outer Moc:
Cast on 29 (35-41) sts
Row 1: Knit across.
Row 2: K9(11-13), *P1,K9(11-13), repeat from *once more.
Repeat rows 1 and 2 until  30 (34-38) rows have been knit.

Shape Toe:
Row 1: P1, *K1,P1, repeat from *across row
Row 2: K1, *P1,K1, repeat from *across row
Repeat these 2 rows until you have 12 rows (14-16) then work row 1 once more, cut off yarn leaving an 8” end.

Finishing:
 Draw 8” end through remaining sts and pull up tightly, then sew with large plastic needle from beginning of ribbing to form toe. Fold cast one edge in half and sew inside seam for center back. Make 2 pom-poms and tie to each front side tightly and knot to inside of slipper or decoration of your choice, buttons, ribbons etc.

Please join The Pink Slipper Project today! Help them warm the hearts and toes of women and children in need. You will be helping make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate.