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Warm the City: Make Hats for Those in Need

An illustrated promotional graphic for The Laurie Massaro Memorial Mitten Tree featuring an evergreen tree framed by patterned blue knitwear. A banner across the center reads, Give what you can, take what you need!

Introductory - No experience required
Age Requirement : 18+ Years of Age
Meetup

Hosted by: Rose Simpson


Register Now
Help out your community by making simple hats to donate to people in need! The weather’s turning cold, and people are bundling up, but not everyone has hats and gloves to keep them warm. Fortunately, the New Haven Free Public Library has set up their mitten tree to get winter accessories to anyone who needs them. Let’s help warm our community by making hats and other winter accessories to donate to the mitten tree!

Learn more about NHFPL’s mitten tree HERE. 


What to Expect

This meetup will combine a casual gathering with instruction on a simple project. We’ll have sewing machines, fleece, and instruction for making simple hats that take only 10 minutes to make. You can work on those hats, or any other project of your choice. After the meetup is over, we encourage you to bring your items the Ives branch of the library (about 2 blocks away) and hang your completed accessories on the mitten tree.

What to Bring

  • Projects and Materials: While tools and materials for fleece hats will be provided, you’re welcome to bring along your own tools and materials for other projects, including knitting needles, crochet hooks, yarn, and additional fabric.
  • Sewing machines will be available, but you’re welcome to bring your own.

Who Should Join

Anyone who wants to give back to the community by making winter accessories. Sewers, knitters, and crocheters are all welcome to work on similar projects.

Important Details

  • Format: Instructions for one simple project will be provided, but participants are welcome to work on self guided projects
  • Please note that anyone using a sewing machine in MakeHaven must be badged to use one. Hand sewing supplies will be available for anyone who is not badged.
  • Cost: Free and open to the public.
  • RSVP: Please sign up so we can prepare the space for the group and have enough supplies for everyone! 
When
Monday December 7th, 2026 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM
Location
Main Space @ MakeHaven
770 Chapel St
Lower Level, via back elevator or stairs
New Haven, CT 06510
United States
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Instructor or Event Lead

Rose Simpson

she/her
Rose has spent many years as a librarian, teaching people of all ages how to make creative projects. She managed the makerspace at the New Haven Free Public Library, the Tinker Lab, for 7 years. She is particularly fond of quilting and laser cutting.
Areas: Fiber, Clay & Soft Arts, Traditional Handcrafts, Textiles & Fiber Arts

Notices

Learn about our event policies, such as cancellations and inclement weather: Event Policies Page
Find the answers to the most commonly asked questions about workshops and events Event and Workshop FAQ.

 

Accessibility

Our facilities undergo periodic reviews to maximize ADA compliance. We offer accessible bathrooms, elevators, and wide walkways. In tool usage, we aim for universal access and work individually to adapt tools for safe usage as necessary. If you anticipate needing an adaptation to participate in this event or have further questions, please contact us at events@makehaven.org.