Knitting to Heal

The Middle Way House tree, decorated by the Knitting to Heal Committee, is on the south lawn of Monroe County Courthouse. Photo by Lynae Sowinski

Bloomington may well be the only place in America where the trees are wearing sweaters this winter—and beautifully knitted, themed sweaters at that.

There are 23 sweaters in all, decorating trees around the downtown Square, each one dedicated to a business or organization that has paid for the privilege. The brainchild of Mary Ann Gingles, owner of Yarns Unlimited, and Toby Strout, executive director of Middle Way House, the Knitting to Heal program raised more than $16,000 for Middle Way House. The money will be used to help educate the children of domestic violence victims.

More than 50 volunteers designed and created the colorful sweaters. Admirers of the their handiwork made donations that counted as votes for their favorites.

Click here to read our August/ September 2012 story on Knitting to Heal.