I first heard about Stitch Red at Stitches West. What exactly is Stitch Red?

First, it is not a non-profit. It does not fund research or directly collect donations. What it is - an awareness campaign. Through partnerships with manufacturers and retailers in the needlearts industry, Stitch Red is drawing attention to heart disease, helping people understand the risk factors for the disease and encouraging the adoption of healthier lifestyles so people can protect their heart health. All funds raised will benefit the Foundation of the National institutes of Health (FNIH) in support of the Heart Truth®.

What was Stitch Red's origin? As the website states: "Stitch Red was originally a collaboration between Laura Zander and her friend and marketing mentor, Marta McGinnis. At one friendly coffee meeting, Marta shared that she had recently survived a major heart attack. Laura has also been touched by heart disease, as her young and fit husband Doug had recently been diagnosed with high blood pressure. Through these experiences, both women were shocked to learn that heart disease is the #1 killer of women in the United States. Sadly, Marta passed away in 2008 before Stitch Red ever got off the ground. She will forever be a driving inspiration for the campaign!"

All participants are donating at least 5% of their gross profits of each sale of their Stitch Red products or Stitch Red Knit events directly to FNIH. The campaign continues from June 2012 to June 2013.

What can you do?

Buy a Product: More than 60 manufacturers and retailers in the needlearts industry have created one-of-a-kind Stitch Red products to be sold in local yarn shops throughout the country and at www.StitchRed.com.

Sponsor an Event: Local yarn shops throughout the U.S. are hosting Stitch Red Knit Nights and other community events. Think about sponsoring your own event at a local yarn store.

Check out Knit Red: This new book by Laura Zander features 30 knitting patterns form celebrity designers as well as their personal stories on how they stay heart healthy.

Note: The book contains only knitting patterns. There are a few crocheted items at the website. I'm working on an item or two to submit for consideration so crochet won't be overlooked.

You can find more information at www.StitchRed.com.