Compassionate Creations is a Massachusetts chapter of Threads of Compassion.  We are a loosely connected group of survivors of sexual and  domestic violence who desire to offer comfort and support to recent victims.  The idea is simple.  Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual assault or abuse is welcome to crochet or knit a scarf which in turn will be given to a survivor of sexual violence when they enter the hospital for emergency treatment or at their initial meeting with a counselor at the rape crisis center.  Scarves are now also being given out during trainings at domestic abuse shelters.

Having been through similar experiences ourselves, our hope is to offer support at a time when a person is feeling forsaken, fearful, and extremely vulnerable, and in a simple way let them know they are not alone.  So many people are lost in how to respond to friends and family members that have been victims of sexual and or domestic abuse or assault, so they opt to do nothing.  Their fear of adding more pain by saying or doing the wrong thing results in silence.  This silence is heartbreaking to the survivor...a silence that offers no validation to the pain they are going through and that adds to their feeling of isolation.

The silence produces shame.

One of the main goals behind Compassionate Creations is to break through this silence by acknowledging the pain.  The gift of a scarf not only shows the crocheters/knitters concern for the survivor, but also expresses their sorrow for what has happened.  Each scarf is made by someone who wishes to provide a small amount of comfort against the pain being faced, and by doing so, lets the survivor know they are not alone.  The scarves are tangible objects that can be held, wrapped around the neck or shoulders, with the deeper meaning known only by the wearer.  As each survivor touches the threads of the scarves they receive, they are connecting with someone who cares about what has happened to them.  A huge message given through a few threads of yarn.

The added beauty of the scarves is that the gift is actually two-fold.  Through making the scarves, survivors are provided an opportunity to help other survivors (in a very non-threatening way).  Everyone remains anonymous.  Those who create the scarves never meet the specific people who receive their scarves.  That is all handled through the local rape crisis center.  Each scarf will have a small card attached to it that explains the idea behind Compassionate Creations and information on how to contact their local crisis center if they need further help or support.

If you would like to contribute a scarf, please do.  We would be honored to receive them.  Anyone whose life has been affected by sexual assault or abuse is welcome to make and send a scarf.  Whether scarves are done by survivors, or friends and family members of survivors, it does not matter, (scarves can also be made in honor of friends who were raped or abused, family members who suffered sexual abuse, etc.)

The scarves do not have to be any specific size or color, but we do ask that you try and make them at least 5 inches wide and around 65 inches long.  Also the yarn used should be as soft as possible, so that the scarf can be held close without feeling rough to the skin.  Think of it as a "teddy bear".

There are numerous scarf patterns that are very easy to crochet or knit, and can be made by any beginner.  We offer a link with a list of various web sites that offer free scarf patterns, and sites that offer instructions in how to crochet or knit.

***At the request of the counselors, we have now started making a few "lapsquares" and wristbands for survivors as an alternative to the scarves.  The lapsquares are basically a mini lapghan.  They should be between 18" to 30" square.  Once again, any color is fine just please try to make them soft and snuggly.  A link for an easy pattern for a wristband can be found on our LINKS page.  This is a crocheted pattern and is very easy to do!  Once again, any pattern will do.  Please keep them about 3-4" wide and soft!  Bright colors are very popular with our younger survivors!

After you have made your scarf/other item feel free to mail it to us.  Send it to:

Compassionate Creations / 672 Sheldon Rd. / Barre, MA  01005

If you have any questions or comments please contact us at compassionatecreations@charter.net

I appoligize but we do not have a non-profit tax status.  YET!

copyright © 2013 A. Kizis. All Rights Reserved

last updated April 4, 2013