Handmade crafts are one of the most thoughtful methods to demonstrate affection. As a crafter, it is a beautiful talent meant to be shared. This is where the Loose ends Project comes in.
There are instances when many artisans work on several projects at once, leaving incomplete ones behind in case unforeseen events occur. Some examples of unfinished projects can be half-finished scarves and sweaters, customized quilts, or beautifully designed rugs.
Fortunately, some are willing to finish those incomplete projects. Completing half-done tasks is common in many communities, particularly those with solid fellowship and collaboration.
Some may volunteer to assist individuals who have lost loved ones by taking up some of their unfinished projects or duties. Loose Ends, in particular, is a leading organization for that exact purpose.
What is the Loose Ends Project?
The project is an organization that focuses on connecting people through its website to complete unfinished crafts left behind by loved ones. It is usually those who have died away or cannot undertake handwork due to a disability or sickness and then return them to their intended family and friends.
The project features thousands of volunteers known as “finishers” nationwide and worldwide. They are making it a close-knit network of people who wish to assist in filling the need that someone else has left behind.
How did this project start?
The founders of Loose Ends, Jennifer Simonic and Masey Kaplan, both enthusiastic knitters, recognized they shared an experience. And that is when their friends urge them to finish blankets, sweaters, or other unfinished crafts by departed loved ones. But, of course, they always do it cheerfully, knowing what it’s like to wear something handcrafted by a loved one. With that, the idea of Loose Ends emerged.
Kaplan and Simonic decided to take a risk and solve this unique demand by launching the Loose Ends initiative in the fall of 2022. They recruit volunteers or finishers online and then urge anybody with incomplete projects or holders to contact them through their website to seek a finisher.
The mission of the Loose Ends Project
Loose Ends is known for its motto where finishing projects loved ones left behind. They believe some things are left unfinished, but their service can help keep your loved ones close to you, and that is through completing the crafts they’ve left behind. The reason why they started the Loose Ends Project was mainly for that purpose.
This entire project was not created to earn a profit, and no payment or money was involved besides the shipping. But that is also slowly dissolving as more volunteers are coming to join. With more volunteers, Loose Ends is now able to create local matches.
How does the project operate?
In Loose Ends, you can to some degree call them matchmakers, whereas in knitting patterns, K2Tog, knitting two together, is the term for that.
Whenever Loose Ends receives and accepts a project entry, they scan its finishers’ list to find the perfect match. Generally, this will depend on the skill level, preferences, and location of their finishers submitted as their profiles. Indeed, Loose Ends can find the best match for any project.
It is essential to have the perfect match between the finisher and the project because the finishers’ warmth and effort affect those projects. So if the volunteer finisher says yes to a project, Loose Ends will act as the middleman to connect the project holder to the finisher. And once the finisher completes the project, it will be returned to its owner, ready to be used and cherished.
Types of crafts that can be finished
Some may think that the crafts that Loose Ends can finish will be limited in their project. Don’t worry; any fiber arts handwork you can think of will be completed in the Loose Ends Project.
The said crafts usually include knitting, sewing, embroidery, crochet, and quilting. Loose Ends also offers to finish cross-stitch, weaving, and rug-making. Mending, Tunisian crocheting, needlepoint, and knotting are also welcome.
The list of crafts mentioned above may seem brief, but Loose Ends still offers other skills like spinning, basketry, and tatting, which they can finish. That is why you don’t need to hesitate to seek their help if you are looking for someone to help you complete your or your loved one’s unfinished crafts.
No arts and crafts project will be left behind
Crafters can join Loose Ends to convey their love and respect for others, including you. The dedication of all finishers to the project holders gives such significance. These tiny acts of compassion can make you know that outstanding people are prepared to assist you. Indeed, this is a step toward healing a broken and divided society.
