The Needlearts — Creating Comfort, Promoting Wellness, Improving Lives
In recognition and appreciation of the intrinsic nature of the needlearts to heal, comfort and renew the spirit, TNNA has and continues to support our members, our industry guilds and fiber artists in a number of efforts.
The needlearts speak to the heart of us all. Regardless of the type of needleart, the activity has always provided a way to relieve stress and release tension, promote wellness and uplift the spirit, and create communities of sharing.
It's not unusual for stitchers to donate their finished goods to charities; it's not unusual for stitchers to come together to support a friend during a time of need . . . or to turn to a special new pattern or canvas to help during a personal crisis.
TNNA Cares is the association's way of helping to promote the efforts of our members, as well as needlearts enthusiasts from around the world, to bring comfort, raise self esteem, enhance self awareness and, in general, help improve the lives of others.
TNNA has created two documents to help you create a successful event of your own. Please download:
TNNA Cares Charitable Event Planning Guide
TNNA Cares Charitable Event Scheduling Guide
Are you a member of TNNA and involved in a needlearts project or program helping others?
Let us know what you're doing so we can help spread the word.
Below are just a few examples of organizations and projects that share the spirit of the needlearts with others, spreading the joy of fiber arts and creating new and inspired stitchers.
Needle and thREAD:
Stitching for Literacy
2010 BOOKMARK CHALLENGE
Independent needlework shops across the country prepare to celebrate Children's Book Week and encourage kids to read by collecting hand-stitched bookmarks during the 2010 Bookmark Challenge, March 18 - May 6. Bookmarks are donated to libraries and schools and used as rewards for reading accomplishments.
In addition to collecting bookmarks, the program raises money for literacy projects. Independent designers donate 10% of profits from bookmark patterns bearing a Needle and ThREAD logo.
To further promote both reading and stitching, some shops host outreach programs during the Bookmark Challenge, teaching adults and kids how to stitch bookmarks.
The Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy program was conceived by Jen Funk Weber at Funk & Weber Designs in 2007 to celebrate and promote reading and stitching. Jen, a TNNA member, is a children's author and needlework designer.
For more information, contact Jen Funk Weber at 907-746-5641, or visit the Needle and ThREAD: Stitching for Literacy Web site at http://JenFunkWeber.com
Stitches from the Heart
A unique charity organization and non-profit store located in Santa Monica CA, Stitches from the Heart was founded by Kathy Silverton in 2004. Since then, they have sent over 500,000 hand knitted or crocheted baby items . . . and a lot of love . . . to premature babies all across the nation. The organization also helps seniors by providing them with donated yarns and supplies. More information can be found at www.stitchesfromtheheart.org.
TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors)
The Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors, Inc., is a non-profit Veteran Service Organization offering hope, healing, comfort and care to thousands of American armed forces families facing the death of a loved one each year.
Claire Wudowsky, a volunteer at TNNA’s Stitch to WIN events and one of TNNA's Unsung Heroes, contacted TNNA for support. As part of her Knitters & Crocheters Care group, she and fellow volutneers share their passion for the needlearts and help others find solace through the fiber arts. For more information, visit www.TAPS.org
Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer 
In 2004, TNNA launched a major community outreach initiative called Stitch to WIN Against Breast Cancer. The campaign’s goals were to . . . through the needlearts . . . help generate awareness of the Breast Cancer Research Stamp while raising funds for a charitable organization serving the needs of those touched by Breast Cancer.
The campaign has raised over $70,000 and reached millions of people through stitching projects and events across the country. TNNA members, as well as members of national needlearts guilds, volunteers and community members came together to support the cause.
We continue to encourage you to use and promote the stamp whenever possible.
Since the creation of this campaign, TNNA members have continued to support the fight against breast cancer by creating a new event entitled Walk to WIN Against Breast Cancer. At each show, attendees and exhibitors alike convene to walk a mile to honor those who have been touched by this disease.
Walk to WIN Against Breast Cancer
At several of TNNA's trade shows, attendees walked to win against breast cancer right on the show floor. In return for a donation, participants signed up to wear a pedometer throughout the show. Awards were presented for the most steps walked by an exhibitor, as well as an attendee.
Donations from this walk supported the Love/Avon Army of Women.