December 2010 Challenge
As 2010 draws to an end and a New Year dawns it is only natural to reflect on the reality of what we have/what the reality of our world is and to be thinking of what we wish would improve, what could be changed so that life is kinder and brighter for all of Earth's citizens.
The December challenge is a little different; challenging KAS members to put on their thinking hats to get the creative juices flowing as they reflect.
Instead of a challenge tied to a colour scheme or particular motif lets all reflect on the virtues common to all faiths and embraced by those of no faith as well.
Our theme for the December challenge is to answer a few not-so-simple questions:
This December I know that I'll be hoping and praying for Peace for everyone.
Instead of a challenge tied to a colour scheme or particular motif lets all reflect on the virtues common to all faiths and embraced by those of no faith as well.
Our theme for the December challenge is to answer a few not-so-simple questions:
Over the past few years I have often been inspired by members as they share how they pray or think positive thoughts for the children with each stitch. The image of love, friendship and brotherhood boxed up and finding the way to Ronda and team in SA gives me hope.As 2011 dawns what do we need most across the globe? What does that look like to you? How can we make an abstract concept into something we can hold in our hands as gifts to the children of SA?
How would the lives of the orphans improve if our most fervent wish were to come true?
This December I know that I'll be hoping and praying for Peace for everyone.
Peace would mean cooperation by the adults of our world resulting in food, health care and education for all.
My own challenge will be in figuring out how to conceptualize this so my thoughts can be shared and made concrete. Probably a hat of some sort as I think we all need to think more about Peace so that it will become reality. When I think of Peace I can't help but think of the colour blue.
Fairness and friendship are 2 other virtues I will reflect on with each stitch.
A fair world would ensure education, food and safety for all children. A friendlier world would be cooperative so that together we can grow more food more efficiently and share resources to conquer diseases like HIV.
This new and improved world will be alive with colour, with all colours being respected for what they are and not compared to any other colour. Together, like our KAS blankets, each colour will enhance the rest creating a world more beautiful because of it's diversity and unity. Cooperation wins over comparison or competition every time in my book:)
I know that Ronda is hoping for larger beanies/hats. We have a surplus of teeny, tiny baby hats and larger children hoping/waiting for a hat of their own. Larger beanies (for children 3-11 and teens 12+) would be a nice for Ronda & team to receive in the coming weeks. Imagine the joy they'll have stockpiling warm hats for the next winter season in SA. I think it will give them peace of mind.
Ronda and team have much enjoyed the colourful squares sent during an earlier challenge (the Pete Lovemore memorial challenge). When in doubt, colourful squares are always needed year round.
Please share your reflections as you work your way through the December challenge. It will be wonderful to hear from all of you and to have a little more insight into your thoughts about the children, our world and how KAS continues to shine a light on South Africa's most vulnerable citizens.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Pam Antink on -
Dawne, as usual, you are spot on. This wonderful planet has enough for everyone, if, we are wiling to share it fairly. Rainbow colours always win the day for cheerfulness. Nature colours are warm and comforting. Let us bring cheer and comfort to the children who so need a share of love as well as food and warmth. God Bless.
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Permalink Reply by kyla on -
amen!
i have some squares hibernating in the closet that are long overdue to be mailed, but i think i am ready to add some hats to the mix first. -
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Permalink Reply by Michele Gray on -
Oh Dawne, you have put all this into words so beautifully. I know that on my part all these sentiments and prayers are knitted into every piece of work that is made and wrapped and sent with love to those children. What an amazing challenge to come up with a way to convey these hopes and desires for a fairer world in some tangible way. I know that plenty of KASers will rise to your challenge and I look forward to seeing their creations. The friendship and strength that comes from being involved with KAS and being given the opportunity to actually make a difference must also not be underestimated. Thank you for posting this challenge.x
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Permalink Reply by Christine Johnson on -
It's still only November so I'm a bit ahead of myself this month. I have always considered rainbows to be especially appropriate to KAS as symbols of promise and hope, a new beginning, and over the past months I have attempted to knit quite a few. Last month I tried crochet which has to be simple because of my lack of skill. The actual colours are much brighter than in the pictures even though I tried photographing them out of doors. I'm very pleased that hats are still wanted too....
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Permalink Reply by Enid Mary Shaw on
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well done, Christine!!!!!!!
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Permalink Reply by Linda Maltby on -
Christine, these are lovely crocheted squares....sometimes the simplest things ( or squares ) are the best. What a wonderful blanket for the December challenge.
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Permalink Reply by Pam Antink on
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Whoever receives this blanket Christine is going to be uplifted everyday! Magnificent.
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Permalink Reply by Kalai McDonald on -
These are gorgeous Christine.
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Permalink Reply by Linda Maltby on
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Thank you Dawne, a perfect challenge for this time of year and you express it so well.
As the song says "let there be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me ". Truly, KAS people are working for Peace with every stitch we make. -
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Permalink Reply by Mary Kristel Lokken on -
Thank you for posting this challenge Dawne! I think I will concentrate on squares this month - they are so calming to make.
I would like to share some patterns from the RedHeart website that might be helpful - 1 for a knit sampler afghan, and 1 for a crochet sampler afghan, always great for new ideas for squares, and another one that looks an awful lot like the KAS Cuddle!
:-)
Mary
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/sampler-throw
http://www.coatsandclark.com/Crafts/Knitting/Projects/TV+Projects/K...
http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/baby-cocoon -
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Permalink Reply by Barbara Hawkins on -
Hi Mary
Just had a quick look at the 3 links, there are some very interesting patterns especially on the redheart website.
There are just so many beautiful patterns around I feel spoilt for choice.
Bye for now
Barbara x -
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