DRAPER, Utah (AP) — Utah State Prison inmates are taking up crochet and making blankets with intricate, patriotic designs for to hospitalized military veterans.
Vietnam Navy veteran Brian Mildenhall tells KSL-TV that he was overwhelmed when he learned of the source of his new crochet blanket.
Inmates say crocheting is a popular prison pastime.
Instructor Danny Pitcher says there are about 70 members in Draper’s crochet class that make anything from booties, hats, blankets and scarfs. The class recently participated in a Memorial Day event where they prepared 150 blankets for veterans. The inmates say they have many loved ones in the military and decided to add patriotic and military symbols to their work.
The class says it was important for them to honor their sacrifice.