Project: Cold Front

A temporary art installation collaborated by Charles Town Now and Yarnability

Donations of new or gently used cold weather items to Jefferson County Community Ministries are accepted at JCCM, Monday – Friday 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Lawrence Street door.

Donations bins are also located at Abolitionist Ale Works and Sibling Coffee Roasters

1. "Everything Big Starts Small" by Sarah Arzt

This tree is intended to introduce the new outshoot of JCCM hosted by Shepherdstown Shares. The need in our community knows no city or neighborhood borders - help is needed everywhere. Sarah wanted to recognize the volunteers who stepped up to fill those needs and to encourage everyone to do what they can for others, no matter how small.

Like many people during this quarantine, Sarah found herself in need of a way to keep busy and to feel like she was doing something to help. She learned how to crochet in order to make ear straps for masks - something she had never tried before. Project: Cold Front gave Sarah a new way to put her limited skills to good use. This is by far the most involved yarn project she has ever made.

2. "Brighter Days Ahead" by Stacey Rawlings

Stacey is a farmwife, a mom, and a small business owner who was born and raised right here in Jefferson County. She and her husband, Bill, are farmers and raise meat goats and beef cattle on their farm in Summit Point. They both come from farming families, so it’s a lifestyle that they love and cherish. They have three adorable kids, ages: 5, 3, and 1. To say they keep her on her toes is an understatement! She has been knitting and crocheting for about 15 years. This is her second year participating in Project Cold Front and this year she chose the theme “Brighter Days Ahead” as a sign of hope.

3. "Candy Cane" by Betty Dillow

Betty has been crocheting for about 20 years and does simple projects. She was interested in this project because of the increased need for assistance during the colder months of the year. Homelessness, hunger and cold are not always seen and can be remedied if we all do a little. She picked the candy cane because it is the basic tool of shepherds. It was used to reign in wandering sheep, for protection and stability for the shepherds long journeys. The colors of the candy cane represent the purity and blood of Jesus. The cane represents humility and hope.

4. "Butterfly" by Abby Wyatt

It might seem like winter will never end, but Spring is just around the corner! If you like this tree, please make a donation to Jefferson County Community Ministries.

This is Abby's second year participating in Project: Cold Front. Her parents and brother live here in Charles Town and she lives in Leesburg, VA. She has been crocheting for about 10 years and knitting for 4. Abby loves how this project adds color to winter and helps people in need!

5. " Find Your Escape" by Jessica Gormont

“I Read to Dream” – It’s been a hard year for all of us and books have been Jessica's escape. Books inspire, empower, comfort, and create empathy in everyone who takes the time to read them. Check out the selection in the Charles Town Library and take home a small escape of your own today!

6. " Sweater Weather" by Jessica Gormont

“A Cozy Sweater to Keep Out the Cold” - Everyone deserves to feel warm & safe. Jessica loves to crochet & knit items that will help keep her friends and family cozy and show them how much she cares. Please donate warm clothing for those in need this winter and help them feel the love and warmth of their community.

7. "Rose Garden" by Susannah Pizzi

The red rose is a symbol of love. Susannah hopes this garland of crocheted roses will inspire the residents of Charles Town to show love to their community through acts of kindness and donations to the Jefferson County Community Ministries.

Susannah Pizzi, a 4 year resident of the Charles Town area, has been crocheting for almost 20 years. She picked up knitting about 5 years ago. In her spare time, she enjoys making items for charities and has recently donated dozens of handmade character wigs to The Magic Yarn Project, a charity that supplies Disney-themed wigs to children with alopecia. When she heard about the Project Cold Front this year, she was excited to get involved with a local organization.

8. "Night and Day" by Nancy Ehrlich

A first time participant in the project, Nancy was delighted to see last year’s ‘bombing’. We are happy to do anything to spread the word and support the mission. They are there ‘night and day’ to help the struggling members of our community.

9. "Rainbow" by Sandy Tyson

Sandy chose rainbows for her project as they signify happiness and good luck to her.

Sandy learned to knit at age 5 and knitted off and on over the years. She has had more time to knit lately! As a first-year yarn bomber, she chose to participate for the artistic aspect, to brighten spirits in January and to support the Charles Town homeless.

10. "Hogwarts - A History " by Yarnability

“Welcome to Hogwarts. From the platform we are taken to the magical world of wizardry. Can you identify the clues to what awaits you there?!”

This is Yarnability's second year collaborating on Project Cold Front. You can find supplies for your next knitting, crocheting, felting, or other fiber art project at Yarnability, right behind this tree. Yarnability also offers classes for those wishing to learn a new skill.

11. "Fringe Fever" by Karen Nelson

The bright colors in this piece make Karen smile! All the crazy movements that will happen when the wind blows or snow lays on it hopefully will make people walking or driving by smile, also!

Karen has been crocheting for about 11 years! Last year, when she was approached about doing the tree bombing, she felt honored to be a part of this fantastic mission! Bringing awareness to people about the need for warm items for the less fortunate is amazing! Her passion for crocheting has brought her to be able to start an amazing small business Karen’s Kreations. Yarn and an idea and the possibilities are endless!

12. "WV" by Debbie Thomas

Debbie loves West Virginia University and the colors of it. Debbie has been crocheting for 20 years, since her mom taught her. She is married with 2 children and 4 step-children. They have a total of 9 grandchildren. This is her second year and she participated in this to help people in need to get warm coats, gloves, hats. Also, it brightens up the town!

13. "Spice of Life" by Jessica Gormont

“Variety is the Spice of Life” – This Spice of Life pattern is one of Jessica's favorites, because it shows how stitches of all colors, shapes, and sizes can come together to form a complete and beautiful afghan; just as people of all colors, shapes, and sizes come together to form a complete and beautiful community. Our diverse community here in Charles Town is made all the better by our connections to each other, like the stitches in a blanket.

14. "Play Ball!" by Julie Philabaum

Julie was inspired by WEANT to Play, the sporting goods store closest to this tree. Julie has been knitting and crocheting for over 15 years and this is her second year organizing Project: Cold Front

15. "Giraffe" by Julie Philabaum

Julie was inspired by how tall this tree was, without any lower branches and reminded her of a giraffe's long neck. The body of this giraffe was made using an African flower crochet pattern. Julie has been knitting and crocheting for over 15 years and this is her second year organizing Project: Cold Front

16. "Granny square and circles" by Dawn Welsh

Dawn donated a bunch of material to Project: Cold Front last year and there was still enough material left over to cover another tree this year! Dawn is a lifelong resident of Jefferson County; currently lives in Kearneysville. She is a retired teacher (25+ years) of Jefferson County.

17. "Flaming Retro Ripple" by Abby Wyatt

Barbecue is on fire at Tee Dawg's! This tree is inspired by vintage blankets made by your Granny. If you like this tree, please consider a donation to Jefferson County Community Ministries. Help keep your neighbors warm this winter!

18. "The Tale of Two Scarves" by Lola Bane

This is Lola's first year participating in Project: Cold Front. She is well known for running the children's craft barn at the Jefferson County Fair.

19. "I am the Lorax, I speak for the trees " by Abby Wyatt

"But those trees! Those trees! Those Truffula Trees! All my life I'd been searching for trees such as these." This one was inspired last year when Abby found out there was a Charles Town Tree Board who takes care of these beautiful trees on Washington Street! She is happy to know someone is looking after them and cares a whole awful lot! If this tree made you smile, please consider donating to Jefferson County Community Ministries this winter. As the Lorax says, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not." Thanks Charles Town Tree Board and Jefferson County Community Ministries!

20. "Red White Blue Patriot" by Debbie Thomas

This tree, in front of the American Legion, is for Debbie's grandfather, who was in WWII in France. This is in remembrance of him. Debbie has been crocheting for 20 years, since her mom taught her. She is married with 2 children and 4 step-children. They have a total of 9 grandchildren. This is her second year and she participated in this to help people in need to get warm coats, gloves, hats. Also, it brightens up the town!

21. "Show Some Love" by Susannah Pizzi

Susannah hopes this tree will inspire the residents of Charles Town to show love to their community through acts of kindness and donations to the Jefferson County Community Ministries. Susannah believes that even though our loving acts aren’t always noticed or reciprocated, we should perform them anyway, for the betterment of our community. Susannah, a 4 year resident of the Charles Town area, has been crocheting for almost 20 years. She picked up knitting about 5 years ago. In her spare time, she enjoys making items for charities and has recently donated dozens of handmade character wigs for The Magic Yarn Project, a charity that supplies Disney-themed wigs to children with alopecia. When she heard about the Project Cold Front this year, she was excited to get involved.

22. "Do You Want To Build A Snowman?" by Barbara Mackey

Barbara chose to make a snowman tree, because snowflakes are like people. Unique comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes and can become beautiful memories in your heart. Barbara is 69 years old. Her grandmother taught her to crochet when she was 10 years old.

23. "Beer & Pretzels" by Abby Wyatt

If this place was a tavern when John Brown was roaming around town, I’m sure he’d stop in for a beer and pretzel! Charles Washington most certainly drank here. While you are here enjoying your libations, please consider donating to Jefferson County Community Ministries.

24. "Mountaineers are always free" by Julie Philabaum

The mountains are always calling Julie as she loves to hike and camp. She was also inspired by Sierra Pacific's logo, a business close to this tree. Julie has been knitting and crocheting for over 15 years and this is her second year organizing Project: Cold Front.

25. "Bee Kind" by Julie Philabaum

Julie was inspired by the "kindness is contagious" stickers sold at Sibling Coffee Roasters, the coffee shop closest to this tree. Julie has been knitting and crocheting for over 15 years and this is her second year organizing Project: Cold Front

26. "Unity" by Laura Raley

Laura's pom pom tree is a colorful representation that no matter what our differences, we can come together to celebrate life, love, and family. Her hope is that this tree will bring joy to someone's day. Happiness in the New Year to all the passersby! This is Laura's second year with the yarn bombing project. She chose this project to remind people that not just during the colder months, help is needed in our community.

Donations of new or gently used cold weather items to Jefferson County Community Ministries are accepted at JCCM, Monday – Friday 1:00 – 3:00 pm at the Lawrence Street door.

Donations bins are also located at Abolitionist Ale Works and Sibling Coffee Roasters

Screenshot of google map for Project: Cold Front

Check out the google map here