For project guidelines, free patterns, and all the information you need to participate in the 2012 scarf project,  visit www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org

A huge thank you to everyone who knit or crocheted scarves for the 2012 Special Olympics USA Scarf Project! We have received over 2,000 scarves in just four weeks -- more than triple our goal of 600. If you still have scarves to send in, please check out the list of participating programs that have not yet met their goal under ‘Stitcher Resources’ at ScarvesForSpecialOlympics.org.

Special Olympics Wisconsin (SOWI) is collecting handmade scarves for our athletes competing in the State Winter Games in January. Any volunteers who enjoy  kniting or crocheting can help provide scarves through the scarf project.

The idea for a scarf project originated back in 2009 when a call went out for 5,000 knit blue and white scarves to serve as a gift of welcome for athletes participating in the World Winter Games in Boise, Idaho. By Games time, nearly 60,000 scarves had arrived from every state in the US and from 12 countries around the world. Athletes, coaches, volunteers and family members donned the scarves throughout the Games as a symbol of unity, support, compassion and empowerment.

Special Olympics Idaho carried on the project the following year for their State Winter Games, and again had tremendous success in receiving scarves from all corners of the US. This year, the Special Olympics USA Scarf Project is spreading its wings and going national, and SOWI is one of 33 state programs participating.

Show your support and help SOWI reach our goal of 600 knitted or crocheted scarves by January 20, 2012! We ask that you please do not send scarves to the Madison Program office until after January 1, 2012.

For free pattern downloads, more specific instructions, photos, and ideas visit http://www.scarvesforspecialolympics.org Join in the discussion and follow updates on the official Facebook and Twitter pages as well.

Official yarn: Red Heart Yarns is the official sponsor of the Scarf Project
Official colors: Red Heart Super Saver 387 Soft Navy, Red Heart Super Saver 319 Cherry Red, Red Heart Super Saver Soft Navy 4604 and Red Heart Super Saver Really Red 9925.

One of each navy and red colors should be incorporated into your scarf. Scarves should be between 54 -60 inches long and approximately six inches wide. Any pattern is welcome!

We hope to drape all participants in unifying scarves at the State Winter Games in Wausau January 28-29, 2012.