Silhouetted figures holding auction paddles surround the word "Bid" in large golden letters, with the G.R.A.A.C.E. Alliance and HQ Employee Council logos from the Colorado Department of Corrections visible in the background.
HQ Employee Council

Hosted by

HQ Employee Council

About this event

Stitching Hearts & Changing Lives: CDOC Statewide Afghan Auction! 🧶✨

Pick-up location

1250 Academy Park Loop, Colorado Springs, CO 80910, USA


#1. 1st Place Winner: Centennial Pride: 38th Star Colorado item
#1. 1st Place Winner: Centennial Pride: 38th Star Colorado
$30

Starting bid

Take home an award-winning piece of fiber art crafted for the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives statewide auction. This standout piece earned 1st Place in the CDOC statewide Afghan design contest held at La Vista Correctional Facility on September 4th. This designed was handcrafted with extraordinary skill by a resident at Delta Correctional Center.


Honoring Colorado's heritage as the Centennial State, this blanket showcases incredible craftsmanship. The top half features a vibrant royal blue field framed by an arc of crisp white stars and bold, shadowed block lettering reading "38th Star." The design flows into classic red and white stripes across the bottom, anchored by prominent "COLORADO" banner across the center.


Highlights:

  • Award: 1st Place Winner - CDOC Statewide Afghan Design Contest (hosted at Las Vista Correctional Facility)
  • Crafted by: Resident artisan at Delta Correction Center
  • Design: Custom Centennial State patriotic theme featuring "38th STAR" and "COLORADO"
  • Technique: Precision tapestry colorwork featuring clean multi-color yarn transitions, crisp drop-shadow lettering, and a dense, uniform stitch structure
  • Color Palette: Deep Royal Blue, Crimson Red, Crisp White, and Black accent border detailing
  • Display & Use: Study, tightly woven stitchwork makes it ideal as an eye catching wall hanging, sofa statement throw, or cozy bed topper.

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Own a truly unique, top-prize piece of Centennial State pride!

#2. 2nd Place Winner: Rocky Mountain Centennial (1870) item
#2. 2nd Place Winner: Rocky Mountain Centennial (1870)
$30

Starting bid

A masterclass in textural fiber art, this breathtaking blanket earned 2nd Place in the CDOC statewide Afghan design contest held at La Vista Correctional Facility on September 4th. Meticulously handcrafted by a talented resident artisan at Delta Correctional Center, it captures the rugged grandeur of the Colorado landscape with remarkable artistic nuance.


Set against a midnight navy sky, towering snow-covered peaks rise above a silhouette of evergreen pines. The iconic Colorado Red and gold "C" anchors the left, while the bring white snowfield reveals an exquisite, subtle embossed texture featuring "1876," the historic year Colorado achieved statehood.


Highlights:

  • Award: 2nd Place Winner, CDOC Statewide Afghan Design Contest (hosted at La Visa Correctional Facility)
  • Crafted by: Resident artisan at Delta Correctional Center
  • Design: High-contrast mountain vista featuring the Colorado flag emblem, textured "1876" statehood year, and an evergreen green line
  • Color Palette: Midnight Navy, Crisp Snow White, Mountain God, and Bold Crimson
  • Technique: Complex colorwork combined with raised, dimensional stitchwork for the hidden "1876" lettering
  • Display & Use: A substantial, heavy-gauge heirloom piece designed for mountain-cabin decor, prominent wall hanging, or everyday cozy comfort.

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Don't miss your chance to bring home this award-winning tribute to the Centennial State!



#3. 3rd Place Winner: America 250 Celebration item
#3. 3rd Place Winner: America 250 Celebration
$30

Starting bid

Celebrate a historic national milestone with this vibrant, commemorative piece created for the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives statewide auction. Handcrafted by a talented resident artisan at Fremont Correctional Facility (FCF), this blanket earned 3rd Place in the CDOC statewide Afghan design contest hosted at La Vista Correctional Facility on September 4th.


Designed to honor America's 250th anniversary (Semiquincentennial), the Afghan features a classic patriotic backdrop of broad blue, white, and red bands framed by a checkered side border and a golden braided edge. At the heart of the piece stands a bold, outlined "250," surrounded by embroidered bursting fireworks with colorful starburst accents that radiate across the stripes.


Highlights

  • Awards: 3rd Place Winner - CDOC Statewide Afghan Design Contest (hosted at La Vista Correctional Facility)
  • Crafted by: Resident artisan at Fremont Correctional Facility
  • Design: America 250 Semiquincentennial celebration motif featuring bold "250" block numerals, radiating firework bursts, and checkered accent side borders
  • Color Palette: Patriotic Royal Blue, Bright White, Brick Red, and festive accents in Gold, Yellow, and multicolor spark tones
  • Technique: Multi-stripe foundational crochet combined with surface embroidery and dimensional yarn detailing for the fireworks, finished with a two-tone twisted board
  • Display & Use: Perfect as an eye-catching celebratory wall display, patriotic holiday throw, or functional heirloom blanket

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#4. Patriotic Stars & Stripes Patchwork Afghan item
#4. Patriotic Stars & Stripes Patchwork Afghan
$15

Starting bid

Show your national pride and support a meaningful cause with this beautifully handcrafted patriotic patchwork Afghan.


Design & Craftsmanship

  • Patriotic Motif: Features a classic American theme, combining bold navy blue panels, vibrant red and white stripe patterns, and appliquéd stars in white and red.
  • Intricate Patchwork Layout: Designed in a dynamic 5x5 grid checkerboard pattern with a distinct contrast border in red and white stitchwork.
  • Handmade Quality: Carefully crocheted with durable yarn, offering a rich texture and cozy warmth that makes it perfect as a throw blanket or a patriotic display piece.

Item Details

  • Colors: Navy Blue, Crimson Red, Crisp White
  • Style: Patriotic / Americana Patchwork Blanket

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#5. Patriotic Stars & Wavy Stripes Afghan item
#5. Patriotic Stars & Wavy Stripes Afghan
$15

Starting bid

Features a central panel of red and white rippled stripes surrounded by a vibrant blue border decorated with appliquéd white stars. Expertly crocheted using a wave/ripple pattern that gives the stripes a dynamic, flowing dimension. Crafted with soft, durable yarn for a cozy throw blanket or striking wall display.


Item Details

  • Colors: Deep Blue, Crimson Red, Crisp White
  • Style: Stars & Stripes / Americana Throw Blanket

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#6. Red, White & Wave Patriotic Afghan item
#6. Red, White & Wave Patriotic Afghan
$20

Starting bid

This Afghan is perfect as a patriotic throw or a cozy blanket, making it a wonderful way to honor our country while changing lives in our community. Patriotic Wavy Lines Crocheted Afghan: This blanket features a spirited and dynamic design that stands out in any setting.


Item Details

  • Intricate Wave Pattern: Handcrafted using a beautiful wavy crochet stitch that blends white with speckled red and blue stripes.
  • Bold Scalloped Border: The edges of the Afghan are finished with a strong royal blue scalloped border, providing a crisp and patriotic frame.
  • Artisan Crafted: Each piece is lovingly handmade by an individual within the Colorado Department of Corrections, showcasing incredible skill and dedication while supporting a noble cause.

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#7. Rippling Patriot item
#7. Rippling Patriot
$25

Starting bid

Elevate your home décor with this vibrant, patriotic crocheted Afghan! Meticulously handmade, this one-of-a-kind piece features bold, wavy horizontal stripes of classic red, white, and navy blue. The colorful ripples are bordered by a cozy and unique ruffled white and blue trim, adding a touch of texture and flair.


Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#8. Stars, Stripes, and Semiquincentennial Strength item
#8. Stars, Stripes, and Semiquincentennial Strength
$15

Starting bid

Celebrate America’s history and support a life-changing cause with this handcrafted "Stars, Stripes, and Semiquincentennial Strength" Afghan. Meticulously hand-crocheted, this vibrant blanket reimagines the U.S. flag with a bold, symbolic twist.


The flag pattern features bold, wavy horizontal stripes of classic red and white yarn, perfect for adding warmth and patriotic flair to any room. The deep navy blue field, typically home to stars, now proudly features the embroidered red number "250," commemorating the upcoming 250th anniversary of American independence. The edges are finished with a rich navy blue border. This large, durable throw is more than just home décor; it's a statement piece about history, reflection, and community.


Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#9. Heritage & Hope: A Centennial Tribute item
#9. Heritage & Hope: A Centennial Tribute
$20

Starting bid

Celebrate America’s Semiquincentennial and Colorado’s Sesquicentennial with this striking, hand-crocheted commemorative Afghan.


Design & Features:

  • Dual-Flag Motif: Seamlessly bridges the classic Betsy Ross-style American flag with the iconic Colorado state flag across a unified banner.
  • Historic Milestones: Features "250" ringed by white stars on the navy canton to honor the 250th anniversary of the USA, alongside "150" stitched inside the golden-yellow disk of the Colorado "C" for Colorado's 150th year of statehood.
  • Distinguished Trim: Framed with a bold, twisted gold braided border that adds a crisp finish to the entire design.
  • Artisan Quality: Handcrafted with care using durable yarn, making it an extraordinary display piece, wall hanging, or heirloom throw blanket.

Item Details:

  • Colors: Navy Blue, Crimson Red, Crisp White, Bright Gold
  • Style: USA 250 / Colorado 150 Commemorative Tribute

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#10. Patriotic Mosaic Fringed Afghan item
#10. Patriotic Mosaic Fringed Afghan
$20

Starting bid

Add warmth and vibrant color to your home with this handcrafted patriotic Afghan.


Design & Features:

  • Geometric Block Motif: Features a modern, staggered brick or mosaic pattern woven with bold blocks of crimson red, crisp white, and deep navy blue yarn.
  • Fringed Detail: Accentuated with a plush red, white, and blue fringe along the borders, adding texture and classic handmade flair.
  • Artisan Quality: Hand-crocheted with soft, durable yarn, making it an ideal cozy lap blanket, couch throw, or patriotic display piece.

Item Details:

  • Colors: Deep Navy, Crimson Red, Bright White
  • Style: Modern Patriotic / Geometric Block Throw

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#11. Patriotic Bullseye Granny Square Afghan item
#11. Patriotic Bullseye Granny Square Afghan
$10

Starting bid

Bring timeless comfort and classic color into your space with this handcrafted patriotic Afghan.


Design & Features:

  • Concentric Target Motif: Built from a striking center circle outward into expanding square borders of rich red, bright white, and deep slate/navy blue.
  • Classic Granny Square Technique: Features traditional crochet stitchwork that offers a textured, cozy weave with eye-catching contrast.
  • Artisan Quality: Handcrafted with soft, durable yarn, making it a perfect accent throw for a couch, armchair, or lap blanket.

Item Details:

  • Colors: Slate Blue, Crimson Red, Crisp White
  • Style: Concentric Geometric / Patriotic Granny Square decor

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#12. Thin Silver Line Monochromatic Afghan item
#12. Thin Silver Line Monochromatic Afghan
$20

Starting bid

Bring sleek, modern style and meaningful support into your home with this handcrafted Afghan.


Design & Features:

  • Monochromatic Stripe Motif: Features textured, variegated horizontal stripes in charcoal black, slate gray, and crisp white.
  • Solid Center Band: Highlights a distinct, solid gray horizontal stripe running through the middle, creating a clean "thin line" aesthetic.
  • Versatile Modern Aesthetic: The neutral palette seamlessly blends with modern, minimalist, or rustic interior décor.
  • Artisan Quality: Hand-crocheted with soft, durable yarn, offering a cozy weight perfect as a sofa throw, lap blanket, or display piece.

Item Details:

  • Colors: Charcoal Black, Slate Gray, Light Gray, Crisp White
  • Style: Modern Neutral / Linear Striped Throw

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#13. Cupcake Sparkler Patriotic Afghan item
#13. Cupcake Sparkler Patriotic Afghan
$20

Starting bid

Indulge in a delightful celebration of national pride with this incredibly detailed, hand-crocheted patriotic Afghan. This one-of-a-kind piece is sure to be a sweet highlight of any home, combining festive charm with exceptional craftsmanship.


Exquisite Design & Craftsmanship

  • Sweet Centerpiece: Features a large, detailed crocheted cupcake with fluffy white and light blue frosting in a textured red and light blue striped liner, complete with a dark blue bow tied with a star-spangled center.
  • Sparkling Detailing: Topped with a vibrant red sparkler bursting in a dark blue sky, framed by light blue, white, and red borders that pop with energy.
  • Artisan Details: Hand-crocheted with care using durable yarn, offering a cozy warmth and textured comfort, making it a perfect throw or eye-catching display.

Item Details

  • Colors: Deep Navy, Light Blue, Crimson Red, White
  • Style: Festive American Throw / Novelty Decor Blanket
  • Condition: Brand new, handcrafted with care and passion

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#14. Bold Bars and Braid item
#14. Bold Bars and Braid
$15

Starting bid

A vibrant, hand-crocheted Afghan that instantly commands attention with its graphic style and unexpected border, offering a dynamic twist on classic American colors. The design is built from wide, bold, horizontal stripes in alternating navy blue, rich white, and crimson red, creating an impactful visual statement that is both modern and full of energy. It's the perfect throw for adding a courageous accent to a modern living space or cozying up in memorable style.


Item Details

  • Striking Stripes: Wide, horizontal blocks of navy blue, white, and crimson red yarn form a bold, linear pattern.
  • Handcrafted Heritage: Crocheted with a textured stitch that is as durable as it is invitingly soft.
  • Braid Border: Finished with a dense, braided edge that adds structured detail and a fun, unique boundary.
  • Auction Advocate: An impactful item directly benefiting rehabilitative efforts within the CDOC statewide community.
  • Vibrant Style: A colorful, energetic throw that is perfect for patriotic holidays, cozying up, or making a bold design statement.

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#15. Old Glory's 50-Star Honor Throw item
#15. Old Glory's 50-Star Honor Throw
$20

Starting bid

Celebrate timeless patriotism with this beautifully detailed, hand-crocheted Old Glory Afghan.


Design & Craftsmanship

  • Classic American Flag Motif: Features a traditional 50-star navy canton paired with fine red and white horizontal stripes.
  • Special Edition Detail: Stitched into the lower right corner, a subtle "150" marks Colorado's 150th Anniversary of statehood.
  • Scalloped Border: Framed by a rich red and navy ruffled edge that adds dimension and artisan texture.
  • Handmade Quality: Handcrafted with soft, durable yarn for lasting warmth as a throw or wall display.

Item Details

  • Colors: Deep Navy, Crimson Red, Bright White
  • Style: Traditional 50-Star US Flag / Commemorative Throw
  • Condition: Brand new, handcrafted with care

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#16. Gnome for the Semiquincentennial item
#16. Gnome for the Semiquincentennial
$25

Starting bid

Bring whimsical charm and festive pride into your home with this adorable, hand-crocheted patriotic gnome Afghan! Handcrafted for the Colorado Department of Corrections "Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives" statewide auction, this charming throw combines cheerful holiday decor with detailed artistry.

Design & Features:

  • Charming Patriotic Gnome: Center stage features an oversized gnome with a plush gray beard, a giant navy heart with a white star, and a tall, star-and-stripe stovepipe hat.
  • Semiquincentennial Commemoration: Celebrates America's 250th anniversary with a bold vertical "250" along the upper right side and an American flag waving over the hat.
  • USA Pride Details: Displays a bold "USA" along the bottom border, accented by soft gray hearts floating in the light blue sky backdrop.
  • Playful Fringe Finish: Top and bottom edges are trimmed with colorful, multi-strand fringe tassel accents.

Item Details:

  • Colors: Light Blue, Deep Navy, Crimson Red, Crisp White, Soft Gray
  • Style: Novelty Gnome / Patriotic Commemorative Throw
  • Condition: Brand new, handcrafted with care

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#17. "Bicentennial Butterfly" Patriotic Afghan item
#17. "Bicentennial Butterfly" Patriotic Afghan
$25

Starting bid

Offered for auction is a striking and unique hand-crocheted Afghan, meticulously crafted with a patriotic red, white, and blue theme. This one-of-a-kind piece features a central red butterfly with white accents on a field of grey, set against alternating wide stripes of red and white. Flanking the central striped and butterfly motifs are broad bands of deep navy blue, beautifully adorned with large, repeating white crocheted stars, mirroring the design of the American flag. The blanket is framed with a finished edge of red, white, and blue borders and has several ornamental, star-shaped embellishments in a contrasting light grey or beige color. Perfect as a decorative throw, a commemorative display piece, or a cozy lap blanket, this Afghan is a vibrant and creative expression of American spirit.


Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#18. "Sunshine Yarn" Handmade Afghan item
#18. "Sunshine Yarn" Handmade Afghan
$10

Starting bid

Up for auction is a truly beautiful and delicate handmade Afghan, aptly named "Sunshine Yarn". Crafted from soft, lightweight yarn in a cheerful pale yellow hue, this lap blanket features a captivating and intricate pattern of alternating rows of openwork lace-like stitching and textured stitches. The repetitive wave-like design creates a gentle ripple effect across the surface, adding depth and visual interest. Perfect as a lightweight lap blanket, a decorative throw over a chair or sofa, or a heartwarming baby gift, this versatile piece is both functional and decorative. This meticulously crafted Afghan is a one-of-a-kind treasure, certain to bring warmth and elegance to any space.


Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!

#19. Handcrafted Semiquincentennial Patriotic Flag Afghan item
#19. Handcrafted Semiquincentennial Patriotic Flag Afghan
$20

Starting bid

Beautifully designed in an American flag motif, this piece features bod red and white stripes paired with a deep navy canton spotlighting the number "250" formed by delicately crocheted white flower motifs.


Finished with a festive fringed border all around, this soft and cozy throw is perfect for displaying over the back of a sofa, hanging as a commemorative wall accent, or bundling up during chilling evenings. Whether you are an avid collector of patriotic folk art or looking for a memorable commemorative keepsake, this handmade throw makes a warm, spirited addition to any home.


Item Details

  • Pattern: Commemorative Semiquincentennial American Flag ("250" Flower Motif)
  • Details: Flower-accented blue canton, classic red-and-white striping, decorative fringed edging
  • Care Recommendation: Hand wash cold or gentle cycle in a mesh bag; lay flat to dry.

Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!



#20. Multi-Stitch Scrapghan Throw item
#20. Multi-Stitch Scrapghan Throw
$20

Starting bid

Add warmth, color, and artistic charm to any living space with this one-of-a-kind handcrafted Afghan. Lovingly made in a dynamic "scrapghan" style, this throw blends an array of rich yarn textures and vibrant hues, ranging from bold primary stripes to intricated patchwork blocks and heathered marled accents.


Its unique, eclectic design combines traditional striped rows with color-blocked mosaic sections, marking it a cheerful and cozy statement piece for a living room couch, reading chair, or foot of the bed. Soft, inviting, and full of handmade character, it is as practical chilly nights as it is beautiful on display.


Your bid directly supports the Stitching Hearts and Changing Lives initiative, celebrating restorative creativity, dedicated craftsmanship, and positive community impact across Colorado. Place your bid to take home this one-of-a-kind national celebration keepsake!



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