A few months back we decided we needed to take some updated photos for the purpose of marketing Knit-A-Square. As we are mindful of not to be seen to exploit these orphaned and vulnerable children while promoting the purpose of KAS, we approached Julia at Kido’s and asked her whether she could obtain written and signed permission from the guardian/s of some of the children who attend her Day Care, for us to photograph them for our marketing purposes.
They were only too happy to assist, so in due course Wendy and Wandi set off for the photo shoot/distribution.
The studio!
The children were apparently really patient and enduring as they were moved around from one location to another within the school grounds, and were asked to pose with the various KAS items they had been given.
I was in Cape Town at the time, visiting my daughter, so could not be there myself.
One little girl could not work out why Wendy was taking a photo of the back of the blankets and she could not resist a peek!
Below are photos featuring each of the children who participated and I am sure you will all agree … they are just beautiful!
We do so enjoy working with these little ones – they are so unspoiled and eager to co-operate, even on the occasions where a bit of “warming up” is required beforehand.
There is a universal way in which children in South Africa welcome others … that is to hold out their thumbs to be clicked against one’s own thumb, as the word “SHARP” is called out. When arriving among a group of children, from tiny tots to school age, the word “SHARP” elicits a forest of little thumbs being held up to be clicked. It is just adorable and, we think, quite unique!
Our little “models” loved their knitted tops and beanies and the KAS toys kept them entertained while they had to wait.
But, the biggest hit of the day was when they got to jump around and wave to showcase their handwarmers – although Wendy and Wandi did say that taking photographs at that stage was not exactly easy!
The weather is beginning to warm up a little in South Africa, but we have learnt from experience that we can expect a cold snap in September and so we will continue to distribute blankets throughout August with just over 15 planned school visits on the schedule!
We are running dangerously low on blankets at the moment, but we have been contacting all our various sewing groups to ask that they sew away furiously to meet the numbers we require. Regarding the other stock, we are also running low on toys and are pleased to report that by the end of September we should have distributed almost all the beanies and tops too … and we now have no stationery in stock, either.
Unlike last year when we had so much space we tended to rest on our laurels to some degree, this year we have worked really hard to get all your wonderful work distributed and it has been a most satisfying and gratifying experience indeed.
At the same time, the past two months have seen greater numbers of squares than usual coming in … and since these are our priority requirement we are, as always, truly grateful for your unstinting, creative and generous support !
Replies
Your response is - as always - amazingly generous and kind.
Thank you - each and every one ! We promise to continue encouraging the children by telling them that the items they receive come from people all over the world who truly care about them, keep them in prayer and think of them with very much love !
You make the miracles - we just get to distribute them !!!
And a pair of hand warmers as Linda suggested on Share a Yarn!
If we can send a "kit" like that it's awesome Sue, I agree 100%. Those of you who have much slower months, as I do, please remember that even your one or two squares counts fully. :) You are indeed a KASer! Whatever you can make and send is highly valued. Some of us are awesome in our amounts of squares and sweaters sent, but every one of us matters, even those of us who struggle not to make wonky squares...like me!
love, Jeanne xoxoxo
Thank you for posting these photos, Ronda. I hope there are enough hugs to go around in the creches. I sent 48 toys, mostly stuffed animals, a few weeks ago. Most were donated by one woman in our congregation. There were also two bags of lightweight plastic building blocks. Can you use more of them? They're said to be good for toddlers development. Hope the package/s arrived since you're low on toys now.
Annie I am positive those building blocks will be treasured and well used.
Ronda what a superb report. Thank you so much. Now we all need to let everyone know that it is "open season" on hats, toys, handwarmers, squares...everything is getting needed but particularly we need to let everyone know that hats are now on the menu again and the backlog is gone!
I will shortly be sending enough squares for a blanket, plus some toys. All of us working together keep this going and it's wonderful and humbling to be able to be part of it. What a privilege!
Jeanne, another warm child and the toys will be so appreciated.
It is lovely that we can start making hats again. We must be careful not to go overboard :-) Perhaps one hat for every 35 squares ?
Indeed, moderation is the key Linda. :) Just toss in a hat when one can. Some people love making hats so I'm sure they'll send more than I ever could.
Cheryl Shirey might I add that I find using larger hooks and not using what I call stiff or sticky yarn makes a HUGE difference to the Arthritis that I have. Way less force is needed with silkier smoother softer yarn when crocheting. You can buy those foam tubes that go around pencils and put them on your crochet hooks for an easier grip or buy special padded out crochet hooks. Also I use the knife grip when crocheting rather than the pen/pencil grip as that makes crochet easier on my arthritis as well.
Hello everyone! I should have squares to contribute by now however crocheting with a bit of arthritis in my hands makes a big difference. The only way to make it easier, I was told, is to practice, practice, practice!
Being picky about my work doesn't help.
I felt bad that I haven't contributed anything yet, although I will be crocheting double-time as soon as my fingers catch up, and I just read about the paper and other items that are needed that I wasn't aware of.
I sent money for 2 packages of paper and will be paying much more attention to back to school sales and low cost toys without taking more than a few minutes from practicing! LOL
The pictures were a wonderful inspiration and all of you must be so proud of your contribution to this wonderful cause for these beautiful children!
Back to practicing!
Cherie
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