Square -raiser (and maybe funds too)
I had been thinking about this for a while, and while I was at the fabric store the other day I came across these kits:
They include a small skein of yarn and 5mm knitting needles along with simple instructions on how to knit the square (cast on 70, knit rows in garter stitch, leave enough to bind off) and where to send it. There's also another thingy in the packet that I couldn't see clearly. It's a South African product sold in South Africa for Cansa (our cancer-fighting organization). The price is R25 (about US$3.62).
My thought is that these kits could be produced for Knit-a-Square for sale elsewhere. Either mass produced for a single country, or hand assembled by KAS members through their local wool shop. If they are mass-produced, the cost should cover materials plus a small amount toward KAS operating costs.
For example, if they are mass-made for Australia, an envelope with postage for one square to somewhere in Australia could be supplied in the kit. The squares could then be bundled up and shipped to SA from there, with the kit price set to include the cost of shipping to SA.
With rough rounding and made up costings -- it could cost $2 for the yarn, $1 for needles (or a crochet hook!), $.50 for printed material and packaging, $.50 for domestic postage and $1 for international shipping; $5 total price to the consumer.
The above could be applied to any country where KAS is a non-profit entity. UK? USA?
I also think that ambitious volunteers could hand-make these kits for sale in local wool shops. The kind of places where the owner is known, as opposed to a mega-giant crafting superstore!
If you are on good terms with your local shop, ask for a discount on a dozen sets of needles and skeins of yarn to build your kits. Make instructions, a "pattern" for the squares and supply KAS shipping information. And, if it just doesn't work in your local shop, make sure the owner will take back the needles and yarn from disassembled kits.
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Sylvia Vannelli on -
I think this is a really good idea. The financing would take a bit of working out. Kerry has posted elsewhere on the forum about the possibility of an online KAS shop. These kits could also be sold through the shop.
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Permalink Reply by Dawne Smith-Sliming on -
What a handy idea! And perfect for those shopping for projects to teach others to knit.
I would imagine that starting slowly, with real one-to-one connections at LYS and farmers' markets would probably be more feasible than a larger project at this point. There are so many great ideas that we just can't jump on yet because we'd be increasing responsibilities without increasing staff. Just my 2 cents of course.
I think this is a very handy idea for those hosting Knit A Square on the Go events. Even if every kit doesn't have needles if it has yarn, a KAS flyer with the shipping address and a personal thank you note with a contact number it could really grow connections locally.
Thoughts anyone?
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Permalink Reply by Michelle Babcock on
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I think making kits for an "on the go" day would be a wonderful start. What a perfect answer when someone says "I haven't done this in years.". Then KAS says "here's a kit with everything you need to make one at home"
The needles or hook would just be for completeness - everything in one handy kit.
For a grassroots campaign, I'd think anyone can work with a local wool shop to do it. I can't tell you all how many times I've seen new or returning crocheters/knitters buying 12-15-20... Or more skeins of yarn for giant ambitious projects that I "know" won't ever be finished. A square is the perfect project for people picking it up again after years away. And the best way to reach these folks is at the shops.
I am toying with an idea for my 2 local shops... Will post here when its done rattling around in the old noggin. -
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Permalink Reply by Andrea Palmatier on -
I, too, instantly thought of the on-the-go events. I think it's a fantastic idea! :o)
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