Middle Way House’s tree sweater initiative began in 2012 when Yarns Unlimited owner and fiber enthusiast, Mary Ann Gingles, approached the organization with an idea for a fundraiser entitled “Knitting to Heal.” The goal was to install handmade “tree sweaters” on 23 prominent trees in the city to raise awareness and funds for Middle Way House’s childcare program. Gingles, along with Middle Way House’s Executive Director, Toby Strout, oversaw the project’s logistics, from providing underwriting to gathering additional sponsors and artists. The project was such a success, it won the 2012 Downtown Revitalization Award. In the following years, Middle Way House continued to embrace the initiative as “Wrapped in Love.”

Wrapped in Love wasn’t just about tree sweaters; it was about building a community united in their support for survivors. Volunteers from all walks of life came together; the process was simple but profound. Volunteer fiber artists, crocheters, and a coterie of knitters would meet regularly armed with yarn, needles, and a shared sense of purpose. Each tree sweater was handcrafted and customized with every stitch a symbol of strength and solidarity. As the years passed, Wrapped in Love became a Bloomington fixture and Middle Way’s annual signature event. It even garnered national acclaim, winning a Purple Ribbon Award for Outstanding Fundraiser. The scope of the project has nearly tripled over the years with an anticipated 60 sweaters waiting to be installed this September. Dedicated board members and volunteers work tirelessly to connect artists and sponsors, overseeing the placement, installation, and repair of the sweaters themselves.

Each year, Middle Way House holds a Wrapped in Love Yarn-Cutting celebration, an uplifting annual event that takes place after all the tree sweaters have been installed. This year marks our third consecutive year of collaboration with the City of Bloomington to make this event possible. This joyful gathering not only marks the completion of the project but also highlights important social issues while honoring the incredible fiber artists and sponsors who contribute their talents and resources to make the campaign a success. Each tree sweater not only showcases the creativity and passion of the artists but also offers a message of hope, resilience, and community support. This uplifting event serves a vital purpose: to raise awareness about important issues such as domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and invites everyone to reflect on these serious issues while celebrating the power of art and togetherness in fostering change! Together, we can make a difference, one stitch at a time.