Operation helmetliner sends handknit helmetliners (ski mask thinging) and scarves to troops serving in bitterly cold areas.  They are now part of Citizen Sam www.citizensam.org. Patterns are available at their website. You must use 100% wool yarn because it is flame retardent (and doesn't melt into wounds if it does burn) and warm even when wet. I use Paton's classic merino wool which is usually $4.99 a skein at Michael's. This week they have it on sale for 2/$5. I'm not sure I've seen it this low before. I'm gonna stock up. I've already sent for this year, but will start in on next year's batch soon. So much yarn, so little time.

Mellie