Julia's Blog
Well here is a first.....I have never "blogged" before so just a small introduction.
My name is Julia. I joined KAS towards the end of 2009 after looking for a cause to support on the Internet. I am 52 years old and have knitted since I was about 8 years old. My first project was a "Sooty" hand puppet in Junior school....bright yellow wool and black stitched features. Over the years I have "inflicted" my Aran, Nordic and Shetland jumpers on my friends and family for presents so having filled all their drawers ! I began to knit display garments for a large wool shop in my spare time. I have not knitted for a number of years but now having lost my last two companion Labrador dogs I find I have spare time around my work commitments so I have started knitting again.
I was very lucky to go to South Africa last year. I fell in love with the country and its warm friendly people. I am going back later this year to see some places I missed last time and revisit some favourite ones. I also want to look at voluntary work as my work in England is seasonal I can spare time to work in South Africa over our winter months.
I really enjoy making things for the KAS children, I kiss every blanket and jumper that I send as I seal the packages I hope it will give the child who receives it warmth and comfort. I find the KAS photo section an inspiration with all of the garments and creative squares that members send and I love the support you get from members around the World. I admire Sandy for having the vision to set this site up and it had been wonderful to watch the numbers of contributors grow each month. I am sure that my friends and family are also very pleased I have found an outlet for my knitting....no more jumpers !!!
Some of you will know I met with Diane and Jeni on 19th August 2010 in Edinburgh primarily to see the "Soweto Gospel Choir". All three of us laughed as we do not have our photographs on our pages.....some were taken....so with official permission from the girls they will appear here when I do my "official blog" of the event......watch this space !
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Pam Antink on -
As ever, Julia, a wonderful, informative and interesting blog. Your are truly adding value to the school days of these children. Love the idea of stair numbers so the children count as ascend and descend the stairs - brilliantly simple, but likely to be very effective, and fun!
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Permalink Reply by Linda Maltby on -
I agree Pam !
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Permalink Reply by Sue Gillman on -
Oh Julia wonderful to have the news and what a difference you are making.
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Permalink Reply by Gitta Seyfert on
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Thanks for the uplifting update Julia :) I also love the idea of numbering the stairs and re-painting the hopscotch area. All the best and enjoy the rest of your stay.
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Permalink Reply by Julia Dee on -
I have arrived back in the UK. We have told the children I have gone on holiday to England as they were getting a little upset that I was going away and not coming back. I am so pleased with things that have been achieved on this visit. The children have worked so hard and have made such wonderful progress. The head of the lower school has a teaching programme for me.....hopefully I will be there for a few years to come God willing. I know how Sandy must have felt when she set up KAS to help the children by providing blankets for them. When you see first hand how these children live and that they have nothing you cannot help but be moved to do something to raise the quality of their lives.I have plans to raise money and support for the school and I only have so much spare time to do it as I do have to work when I am in the UK. I am therefore leaving the KAS family as there is only so much I can do and I have found my own place to make a difference. It has lovely to "know" you all but my knitting needles and crochet hooks have to new path to travel. Good luck everyone and keep creating the wonderful things you do.
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Permalink Reply by Sue Gillman on
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We wil MISS you!!! But what a wonderful way to make a difference. Will you be able to drop in occasionally with news? All the best wishes for your teaching career and best of luck with your future endeavours to support the school !
Love Susan
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Hi Julia, I am so glad that you can make such a difference. Why don't you talk to Sandy & Co if some of the blankets can't maybe be diverted to Cape Town?
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Permalink Reply by Pam Johnson -
Wishing you all good things on your new path Julia. It is wonderful when you find your "place" where you feel you can do the most good and can see the direct results of your actions.Lovely to have "met" you and to have read your blog.
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