I have been crocheting for family and charities for many years.
I heard about Knit-a-Square through a woman at my church. When I saw the photos on the website, my heart went out to the AIDS children lying on the floor with no blankets to keep them warm.
I am always crocheting - in the car (well, not when I am driving) in waiting rooms, while watching TV, etc. I crochet items for another charity and they generously offered their donated yarn to be used for Knit-a-Square as well, and so, I am able to use those small amounts for the 8 in squares.
I didn't know it got cold in the winter in South Africa. It gets cold in the winter, here in Texas, so I can understand the need for warm and cozy blankets for the children in South Africa. I enjoy making bright and colorful squares, as I try to be creative with a variety of bright and cheerful colors.
Replies
Hi Elizabeth and welcome from a "near neighbor" - I live in the country southeast of Austin near Bastrop.
I agree with others that I didn't know it got so cold in South Africa. But when I looked at a globe, it made sense as it is surprisingly south and close to Antarctica!
Hope you were safe from all the fires last summer. I moved to Austin, Texas from Washington state 3 years ago. My husband is from Texas.
Hello Elizabeth and welcome! Lovely to have you x x x
Welcome Elizabeth from a fellow crocheter. It's wonderful that another charity has offered their yarn for KAS. The small balls make great squares. The children enjoy looking at all the squares in their blankets so the more patterns and colours the better :-)
Have you seen this article about how cold it is in South Africa ? It was an eye-opener for me. I thought we lived in a cold climate here in Canada but at least we have central heating.
http://www.economist.com/blogs/baobab/2011/07/winter-johannesburg
Where in Canada? I am from Victoria BC, so used to a lot of rain in the winters. (Married a Texan, so that's how I ended up in TX) Here in central Texas, some winter mornings it feels like the wind is blowing straight down from the Canadian prairies with NO opportunity to warm up along the way.
I was given several skeins of fine colorful sock yarn which I combined with baby yarn to make squares - the squares are so colorful and soft, I know they are going to be appreciated.
Hi Elizabeth. I live in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario. We have lots of snow in the winter. Are you in the tornado area or has it missed you ?
The squares will be great for the children. Did you take pictures ? We love to see what others are doing.
Tornadoes can come our way but so far, we have been fortunate. Last year, it was a severe drought and several communities on the outskirts of Austin were destroyed by fires.
I have taken photos of the squares I have made. I thought photos of the squares would make a great children's book - teaching about colors, cultures and caring. Also, taking photos of the blankets. Ummm, now, there's a fundraising idea to help pay for the postage.
Great idea for a children's book and a fundraising idea. Have you seen Maudie Bryan's book about Wool-Girl ? It is quite delightful.
http://forum.knit-a-square.com/forum/topics/wool-girl-and-the-balls...
Also, some members approach their church groups to ask for support. One idea that works well is to ask the congregation to " Sponsor a Square".
I remember seeing footage of the fires in Texas. It was quite devastating.
Welcome Elizabeth. Your crocheting will be most welcome here!! Yes I think a lot of us had not realised how chilly it gets in winter in SA. Especially at night.
I am sure the squares - and blankets not only warms the bodies of the children but also warms their hearts. I do hope so.