Gail Kiltie and Joyful H'Arts Studio in Alexandria has donated yarn twice this winter to Team Yarn. Wow! We are overwhelmed with gratitude and so pleased by the quality and texture of the yarn.

The first donation of about 30 skeins came via nextdoor.com. "Gail posted posted an ad saying she had excess yarn that she didn't know what to do with," recalled Diane Chynoweth, who lives in Southwest Minneapolis and has known Amy and Tesha for years. "I immediately contacted her and told her about Team Yarn.  She was thrilled to hear of the kind of work Team Yarn is doing and said, 'Oh, that just makes me so happy!'"

The caveat for anyone who took the free yarn was that it be used to make at least one item to give to someone who could use some joy in their life. With Team Yarn, all the yarn will be used for that purpose!

"I totally believe in giving back," said Gail. "I'm Joyful H'Arts Studio and I believe in bringing joy to people through art and any other way possible."  Plus, as most of this yarn had been used to create gifts for others, she was ready to move on to different projects and felt like she should give this yarn a good home before she bought more.

The second batch

"Then I put a shout out on Facebook to see if I could gather yarn from friends when I found out the great work your group does!" remarked Gail. "And they were so awesome to donate more!!" The second time about 45 thick skeins arrived in a Rubbermaid container.

Gail hopes to continue being involved with Team Yarn, whether it is by donating more yarn in the future or perhaps crocheting items to donate. She's got a bundle of Team Yarn business cards that she's been handing out. "Maybe someday when my life slows down (haha), I can join you to crochet some hats. I have a cute pattern that uses pop can tops as an adornment," commented Gail.

The first donation

Her sister-in-law passed away from breast cancer in 2003. Especially around Relay For Life, Gail focuses on fundraising for the American Cancer Society.

She's originally from Alexandria and began her paint n sip business, Joyful H'Arts, there, but just recently moved to the 54th and Lyndale area (Lynhurst neighborhood in Minneapolis).  "We love it. We worked hard and did a lot of remodeling on our almost 100-year-old home," noted Gail. She added, "I am a mobile art teacher so if you know of anyone who wants to have a girls night or something and paint... I'm your girl! I've noticed that the local studios don't do too many 'off site' events, so I think I'll stay this way versus opening a studio here." However, as her parents still reside in Alexandria, she still gets jobs up there and frequently travels between Alexandria and Minneapolis.

ABOUT JOYFUL H'ARTS
Joyful H'Arts hosts Paint and Sip parties. Relax, paint, and enjoy an adult libation, if you wish. Leave with a beautiful painting of your own creation! There are many paintings to choose from.  No previous experience is necessary!

The fee of $35 per student covers the canvas; use of their paint, brushes, and easels; set-up; clean up; instruction; and lots of fun! Classes are approximately 2 hours.

The parties are great for bridal showers, birthday parties, anniversary parties, baby showers, bachelorette parties, fundraisers, Holiday parties, couples’ night, graduation parties, girls night out, family reunions, scout troops, family day, church groups, work team building, vacationing groups!

Contact Gail at (320) 304-3409 or gail@joyfulharts.com. Find her on Facebook.

This lovely shawl and matching hat hand-crafted by longtime Team Yarn member Brenda Lewis is on its way to a new home, courtesy of these three ladies. Diane Chynoweth, Joanne Cyr and Patti Moreen (from Amy and Tesha's bible study group at Park Ave. United Methodist Church) all know Gail G., and they asked us if we had something to provide comfort to her during her cancer treatment. Of course we did! Courtesy of you faithful and talented volunteers!

Gail is a long-time member at Park Ave., and has had a recurrence of melanoma.  She is under a very  new course of treatment for her type of cancer, which is now manifested in a lymph node in her thigh.

"Gail received the beautiful prayer shawl and hat and was so touched!" said Patti, who delivered the items. "She and her husband were hoping to take some time to get away.  With a smile,  Gail said,  'These lovely gifts, prayers and wishes will come with us. Many sincere thanks!'

Long-time Team Yarn member Linda Moore was featured in the Fridley Sun Focus newspaper this week! Check it out!

... a box full of hand-crafted shawls and hats. This is the second box we've received from Jody Gilbertson of Wisconsin this winter, and we can't muffle how impressed we are at her skill level and creativity. Wow!

Look! Team Yarn and Amery resident Bernice Foster were featured in the Amery Free Press
on March 5, 2016!

Check it out!