Archive for month: August, 2018

Knit-a-Square has a new home !

 

 

 

Starting on Thursday 11th July, the contents of Knit-a-Square were gradually removed from Ronda & Peter Lowrie's home into our new offices!

 

We had hardly begun to settle-in when our first, most welcome, visitors arrived at the new premises that very day!  A lovely group of ladies they were, who travelled from the Vanderbijlpark branch of a company called IEMAS to drop off 2000 truly beautiful squares as their contribution in honour of Mandela Day.  Have a look at the magnificent donation from them – we were thrilled!

 

 

 

Here is Ronda's full Report if you missed it.

 

 

 

The irresistible and irrepressible children of

South Africa Appeal

 

 

 

On 29th June Sandy sent out the Critical Appeal for US$9,000 and within 48 hours KAS received $5,427 of which $4,500 came from a single donation in memory of the donor's recently depart partner. Since then we have received donations ranging from $300 to $2, and many members have doubled their regular monthly commitment!  By the end of the following week we were able to send Ronda R69,755 ($7,000) which will really help with setting up the new offices and on-going operational costs.

 

 

THE KASVAN CHALLENGE

between now and 16th September we would like everyone sending squares to record them on this discussion.  To fill the KasVan we need 9,250 squares

– let's help Ronda fill it!

 

 

 

We are so close to filling the KASvan.  

At the end of this week (8), which is also the half-way mark, the KASvan is 89.5% full !

We need less than 1,000 squares [972 to be exact] to completely pack the KASvan.  I know we will do it before September. Once the KASvan is full we can start adding roof racks and a trailer. The current total is 8,278 squares!

 

THE KNIT-A-SQUARE SHOP

 

 

Please go to the Knit-A-Square Shop today and purchase something special to support the day-to-day operations directly in South Africa.  We will be adding one or two short term items for which KAS will need support shortly!

 

 

You can also help with :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A month of Communications

 

 

KAS operational support is vital in co-coordinating all of our ‘on the ground’ volunteers in South Africa. We have volunteers to pick up and transport squares, others who unpack, sort and record the contents of the packages, a small army of people who sew the squares into blankets, and of course, there are those who drive around the country distributing those blankets to the kids.

 

WHAT'S GOING ON IN SOUTH AFRICA?

 

We have added a new discussion page on the Forum!

 

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM KAS DISTRIBUTIONS

Ronda and Wendy have been producing quite a catalogue of photographs from the recent distributions, rather than post them a few at a time, it was decided to create a discussion page where they could be displayed more speedily so that members might be able to spot their squares, garments or hats earlier!  

 

Here is one of the gorgeous children in a 

'before' and 'after' photo!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We will, where possible, be grouping the photographs into themes and create an archive.  It will build up as the distributions take place.  Already it has some beautiful pictures of the children in blankets and garments, along with the Zenzele ladies stitching blankets and of the settlement.

 

 

Jeffrey's Bay Recycling Project  

 

The children of Jeffrey's Bay Recycling Project have now collected over 200 tonnes of recyclable materials 15th July.  Many of the children chose to 'purchase' blankets made with squares created by the KAS Stitch Witch group and beautifully sewn together with the help of the ladies of the Sunshine Club!

 

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS & BLANKETS

 

G.O.M.A  28th June 2013

 

Ronda and the Team took blankets packs and the ladies at Zenzele pounced and were soon sewing squares into blankets.  The days was such a success that they have requested more blanket packs so they can continue to work for their own community! Here is one of the beautiful stitching Ladies!

 

 

 

 

Vuselela Distribution 18th June 2013

 

KAS supplied square packs & G4S donated sports equipment

 

From left to right – Darrin Hedley (G4S), Sr Eunice and Sr Sato (Vuselela)

and Winston Juju (G4S)

 

 

Thinavhuyo 25th June 2013

 

 

This was a huge distribution and there are a huge number of photographs on the Forum.  To see more of these wonderful distribution photographs go to the new discussion post Photographs from KAS Distributions. There are photos of tops, go-overs, hexagon jackets, cuddly toys and hats – many forum members have spotted their work!

  

This young girl is receiving a lesson from a young teacher named Anna, using the Alphabet Cards designed by Andrea Palmatier and created by the Clear Lake Methodist Church in Houston, Texas USA.

 

 

A RE BONENG in ALEX on MANDELA DAY

18th July 2013

 

Here are some of the wonderful red & white hats that galvanized our members last Summer and Autumn!

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Lorinda Jordaan and her team of stitchers have sewn together 200 blankets since September 2012! Lorinda has a 3.5 hour drive to Ronda's to collect all our squares and then return to Sabie, a small town on the Sabie River in Mpumulanga Province where the completed blankets are then distributed to an informal settlement area called Bushbuckridge, which is an extremely poor district.

 

The team have changed 200 children’s lives FOREVER!

 KAS Blanket No.200

  

 

To view Lorinda's work and other beautiful blankets please do visit The Knit-a-Square Blanket Album

 

Liesl-Anne Pienaar's team in Paarl, Western Cape South Africa

Paarl Girls' High School (Western Cape) actually beat their target of 150 blankets, it finally reached 175!

This is in Paarl, where the kids had an ultra-thin carpet on concrete, before the blankets arrived.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blankets – more and more completed blankets have been added to The Blanket Album – you may even spot your squares!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SPECIAL OPENING DAY PHOTOGRAPH

 

  A letter from Selma saying that the squares, beanies and a vest had been sent in honour of her daughter Cassidy,

who died in a tragic car accident 8 months ago.

Naturally Ronda has written a note of thanks – we hope that people find comfort in helping others when they, themselves are reeling with the pain.

 

 

To see more open day photographs please go to Sorted in Africa

 

Over the years Ronda has received lots of wonderful letters from school children who want to help.  We'll share them gradually that came from the 3M class, Ambleside, Tasmania Island (Australia) :

  

Nixon Street Primary – Tasmania Island, Australia

 

 

KAS MONTHLY CHALLENGES

 

The July Challenge  

 

A Celebration of Africa and the life of Nelson Mandela

 

                                                                          The Long Walk to Freedom

     

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Once again, our Gitta has stepped up and offered to create an album for this Challenge.  You can find it at July 2013 Challenge 

 

Plus Laurie has created us a Pinterest page – don't miss it!

 

What KAS SA is doing on Mandela Day – 18th July !

Lindi and Wandi will be representing KAS at a distribution to be held at the Emdeni Children’s Home in Soweto. We will be visiting the Fundani Nathi School in the impoverished Alexandra informal settlement. On Mandela Day, we hope to be able to motivate Meggy with our "Christmas in July" themed contributions and bring some fun and laughter to Fundani Nathi. 

 

KAS ARE NOW OFFICIALLY REGISTERED AS PARTICIPANTS IN INTERNATIONAL MANDELA DAY EVENTS

also

Click here to visit the Nelson Mandela Day website

 

Here are some of the wonderful squares so far : 

 

 

  

 

 

The Challenge for August Challenge will be lead by

Bev Jeffery (Australia) and the focus will be

Stripes / Zig-Zags / Textured Squares!

 

Here is the list for the rest of the year for those of you who like to snap up bargain yarns in preparation!  The list can be accessed on the Forum – Challenge Themes for 2013

 

 

SQUARE LISTS – TALLY – ITEM COUNT 

 

 

  

 

The Square List for June is ready for viewing. 

Received in June : Squares 21,273 (620 blankets);

Tops 505 and Beanies 881

For further details go to the discussion page Square Lists – Tally – Item Count for previous months.

 

Please don't forget to include your email address so that you receive an acknowledgement once the parcel has been opened!  The files that Erica created for the Package Inventory to make parcel opening day easier for the team in South Africa, and for keeping track of all the items received, are in the lower left hand corner of the discussion. These files can be downloaded.

 

 

AUGUST PATTERN OF THE MONTH

by Linda Maltby

The KASCuddle by Helen Flagg (knit)

and Anne Powell (crochet)

 

 

 

 These are very simple garments to make and are much needed.

Be as creative as you wish.

 

It is recommend that the KASCuddle be made with soft “baby friendly” yarn in a close weave such as garter stitch or single crochet with few gaps for

maximum warmth.

 

 

                                    Knitted KasCuddle Pattern                     Crochet KasCuddle Pattern

 

 

 

SQUARE HEART OF THE MONTH AWARD

Edited this month by Linda Maltby

 

The July Square Heart Award

has gone to Andrea Palmatier (Canada)

 

 

Andrea has been an active member since 2009.

With her talent and skill with a crochet hook, Andrea has created many beautiful squares and garments for the children

of South Africa.

 

 

 Andrea’s Love and Hope patterns are available in the KASPattern Book

 

 

KAS FACEBOOK PAGE

We received an additional 139 Likes on the Facebook page during July so far taking our total to 5,945!  We are nearing the 6,000 milestone, let's hope we reach it by the end of August! We also copy the messages etc received on Facebook to the Forum for anyone who is not a member of FB.

 

CURRENT or PAST CONTRIBUTIONS

 

Maudie Bryan of Wool Girl Book fame – Tasmania Island – Australia

Photographed these vibrant and beautifully crafted Zanny Sweaters were produce to fit 3+ years of age and gifted by Marie. They were knitted by the Catholic Women's League for Africa, and Maudie has very kindly covered the cost. of postage 

 

 

 

Father's Day Sunday 16th June – was chosen for the

Celebration of the Men

who support KAS and its Members

 

Celebration of the Men who Support KAS discussion on the Forum.  It makes interesting reading and a testament to these considerate men, who so often, are very much in the background of KAS, but make a substantial difference to the organisation and its members!  We will keep the discussion open until the end of the year so members who haven't had a chance to add their own thanks, can do so.

 

Joan Yeardley narrates how she got husband John

to produce these lovely squares

 

 

John my husband was talked into making squares when we met Pam J and Elaine at Wonder Wool Wales and they tried to persuade him to do some knitting, he refused, but mentioned that he would like to do weaving  So I sent away for a loom, he looked at it for a couple of weeks then he had a go on a wet afternoon and since then I can't get him off the thing and the only problem is he is quicker than I am with my knitting!

We first became interested in the children on a visit to South Africa in 2003 and we were taken on a visit to a nursery, which John thought he would be seeing lots of plants and flowers – wrong! It was a children’s nursery, the kids were looked after while there mothers were taught to sew and knit – this was a charity which we support – we never forgot the experience. Therefore, when we were introduced to Knit-a-Square it was something we had to do. Now we both love making a difference.

 

Linda's 12 days of Christmas!  (from Facebook, posted by Mary Anne)

 

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

               

Some of the beautiful children our members have been working for.

 

  

 

  

 

 

 

 

We will start KasSnippets with this photograph : 14th May Ronda's car broke down on the way to distribute much needed blankets to Ithumeleng Creche in Soweto! Thankfully, Ronda's saintly husband came to the rescue whilst the AA took care of the car. Peter loaded his car and the journey continued so the children wouldn't be disappointed!  You may recall that in 2010 this creche was going to be closed and demolished as the children were sleeping on linoleum. KAS arrived 48 hours before the deadline and provided blankets, beanies, toys & stationery, and, of course, general love, warmth and encouragement.  Wandile has kept in touch regularly with Mavis, who does a fantastic job and KAS has wanted to re-visit for sometime!  [More pics of this distribution soon.]

 

 

 

16th May – G4S Cash Solutions (South Africa) provide KAS with a blanket distribution vehicle custom painted in our colours and with the KAS logo!

 

Here is an extremely excited, stunned and delighted Ronda with Paul and Justin from G4S.  To read and see more photographs please go to G4S Cash Solutions

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

     

 

Pictured with Ronda is Winston who has been SO helpful to KAS over the past couple of years, along with Jack, the other G4S driver.

 

 

Comment from Ronda : I will forward to G4S any notes of thanks that members include in their parcels – they certainly deserve our appreciation for this wonderful gift.  The van has already proved useful as a number of large boxes had to be mailed to Western Cape – and we got the whole consignment in and only needed one trip to the Post Office as a result!

 

Well, we couldn't resist creating a

special challenge to herald the arrival of the KasVan!

 

KASVAN CHALLENGE  between now and 16th September we would like everyone sending squares to record them on this discussion.  To fill the KasVan we need 9,250 squares – let's help Ronda fill it!

 

KasShop

HELP ON DISTRIBUTION DAY (from anywhere in the world!)

 

We introduced the KAS Shop to help raise funds for the various costs that have to be covered each month.  Very soon we will be adding 'A Ream of Paper', so that in addition, to the wonderful slip-ins of crayons, pencils and stickers that members send with their parcels, we can provide paper for the children to use and cover the walls of their creche's. 

 

It makes much more sense for Ronda to purchase paper at a reasonable cost in South Africa. Paper is very heavy and would seriously add to members postage expenses if we all tried to send it, but is very much needed to inspire the children and provide an opportunity to improve their writing skills.

 

Please go to the Knit-A-Square shop today and purchase something special to support the day-to-day operations directly in South Africa.

 

For example, you could :

 

+ Provide snacks and fresh fruit for the Kids!

+ Put fuel in the car!

+ Let everyone know what's happening!

 

WHAT'S GOING ON IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Blankets – more and more completed blankets have been added to the The Blanket Album– you may even spot your squares!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Liesl-Anne Pienaar's team in Paarl, Western Cape South Africa continue to produce blankets at an astonishing rate!  Since the beginning of the year they have produced 110 blankets! Here are some pictures :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blankets 50-100 are about to be  handed over to the A21 Campaign (abolishing injustice in the 21st Century) which is working for the freedom of trafficked people and children.  They are awaiting a box of beanies which will arrive very shortly from KAS to accompany the blankets!

 

JBay Recycling Project – see their first  Video

 

Are thinking of starting the children on so-called "French Knitting Bees". I learned to knit with one 🙂 The first "arty" session will be on the 10th of June introducing finger painting.

 

Not only are they being educated on the importance of recycling and what items are recyclable, but they will now also be able to exchange their mula for skills training such as knitting, wood work, paper making, chess, body intelligence, arts and crafts as well as computer skills!

 

Jonathan is saving for a new bicycle.  Before weigh-in yesterday he had 160mula and a bike costs 350 – sadly he still needs another 75 mula to obtain his dream bicycle!  However, we have no doubt, with his determination, he will achieve his goal – we'll report back next month!

 

Messrs. Sodladia and Bhakeni are soooo happy with their blankets –

courtesy of the Stitch Witches and Knit-a-Square!

 

 

DISTRIBUTIONS & BLANKETS

 

Some recent pictures of items received on opening days : 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see more open day photographs please go to Sorted in Africa

 

  

Letter received from The Goodwill Soup Kitchen 

 

Below is a transcript of the letter :

 

Dear Ronda – Knit-a-Square,

Thank you so very much for your wonderful donation of scarves and beanies which will help so many people who come to our soup kitchen to keep warm, especially during the coming cold winter months.  

 

Warm regards, All at the Soup Kitchen

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Letter received from Lions Club of Krugersdorp 

 

Below is a transcript of the letter :

 

Dear Ronda,

 

On behalf of the Krugersdorp Lions Club I wish to thank you most sincerely for your wonderful donation of soft toys and small teddies which are given to children at the Krugersdorp police station and hospital after rape ordeals and domestic violence abuse.

 

Best regards, Lion Sue Martin

 

 

 

 

 

KAS MONTHLY CHALLENGES

 

The  May 2013 Challenge  – In Celebration of the Variegated Square

Is proving to be another great source of inspiration, the squares have been photographed and posted in droves!  Gitta Seyfert (South Africa) is leading this challenges and is having her work cut-out in order to keep the discussion page updated!  Here are some of the wonderful squares so far :

        

 

 

     

 

Mary is also having to pull out all the stops in order to get the photographs onto the Flickr Gallery  It might take about 20 seconds to load, but is well worth the view!

 

The Challenge for June is being lead by Linda Maltby (Canada) and the focus will be Christmas Squares

(yes, this does seem a bit mad, or even odd, but it helps that the squares

arrive in time to be sewn into blankets for Christmas distribution!)

 

 

 

Here is the list for the rest of the year for those of you who like to snap up bargain yarns in preparation!  The list can be accessed on the Forum – Challenge Themes for 2013

 

SQUARE LISTS – TALLY – ITEM COUNT

 

The Square List for April 2013 is ready for viewing. 

Received in April : Squares 22,855 (653 blankets);

Tops 684 and Beanies 1,173

For further details go to the discussion page Square Lists – Tally – Item Count for previous months.

Thankfully, the figures have jumped again due to the backlog from the South African Postal Strike being over!  In fact, the team held extra opening sessions to clear every single package.

 

 

Also to view photographs of opening day arrivals Sorted in South Africa ! – well worth a look as you may some of your own!

 

JUNE PATTERN OF THE MONTH by Linda Maltby

 

JUNE Pattern of the Month : No Sew Crochet Slip-Over by Elaine Jones (UK)

 

 

 

This month we are showcasing a lovely crocheted slip-over.

 

This garment is worked from the top down, beginning with a rectangular yoke. Because it is worked in one piece, no hand-sewing is required to finish.  Ronda has asked that the slip-over be made in a soft yarn.  The child will wear it against the skin for extra warmth.

 

Using a soft, variegated yarn makes for an interesting design in the slip-over.

 

 

PATTERNS – DEVELOPMENT – LOOM KNIT SQUARES

 

    

 

Lucy Wallace (UK) has produced, in an amazing short time frame, 3 videos for KAS on the use of Loom Knit Squares. Lucy's presentation style is calm, clear and concise! She has wisely kept the background plain and not added any irritating music to assault our eardrums!

 

VIDEO  No.1  is "Create a flat panel on a round loom"

 

VIDEO  No.2  is "Make an 8 inch square on a round loom"

 

VIDEO  No.3  is "Loom knit squares – strengthening the edges"

 

One comment on the KAS Facebook page said "I love the valuable tip of securing the end pegs first, that was not in any of my looming books, thanks!

 

Another member commented on the Forum, "Well, as you say the subject is already well-covered on YouTube and would perhaps that might be a waste of your time. I just thought that yours was so clear that it actually made me want to have a go! [To be honest I've always thought that it might be boring to make square on a loom, but I think you may have converted me as the squares are so attractive.]

 

Here are some of photographs of the work Lucy has produced for KAS on the Loom, including a Grace Vest :

 

 

 

  

 

SPREADING THE WORD & GROUP DEVELOPMENT

 

The latest group created on the Forum by Patricia Papamichael are the Cyprus Square Knitters and they have already had their first meeting, see lovely warm photograph below!  They have already attracted about 20 knitters/crocheters from that lovely Mediterranean Island, several of whom have recently joined the Forum. Those of us based in the Northern Hemisphere, for whom Spring has hardly begun, are extremely jealous seeing the ladies in their lovely summer clothes, especially as winter seems to be refusing to let go of its white knuckle grip on the weather, particularly in Europe!  The next meeting is set for 4th June.

 

 

Cherry Ames  – San Diego, USA is doing her best to spread-the-word with her discussion "Tell everyone you Know"! Cherry, a new member, has been enthusiastically contacting yarn shops in her area for permission to at a KAS Flyer to their bulletin boards.

 

Valerie Zalewski (France) – The Entente Cordiale Group attended a Charity Fete and raised awareness of KAS and held a cake sale to cover their postage to South Africa!

 

   

  Some 'friends' destined for South Africa!

 

SQUARE HEART OF THE MONTH AWARD

Edited by Mary Kristel Lokken

 

 

 

The May Square Heart of the month Award has gone to

Susan Haines (Knoxville, Tennessee USA)

 

 

 

 

 

 

Susan joined KAS in August 2009. She is a consistent producer of the "Plain Jane" square. Her squares are not so plain! Each one is unique in that the patterns, colors, and textures vary. 

 

 

Susan is also an extremely active member of the KAS forum, intervening often with kind words of encouragement to other members.

 

To read award details about Susan and the responses from other members please go to May Square Heart Award  and to view more of her work here is the link to Susan's photographs

 

KAS FACEBOOK PAGE

 

We received an additional 120 Likes on the Facebook page during May taking our total to 5,714! We also copy the messages etc received on Facebook to the Forum for anyone who is not a member of FB.

 

PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS

 

The Japanese International School – Hong Kong

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We have provided a transcript as the photograph of the letter is not easily readable, see Sorted in Africa : Letter from the Japanese International School – Hong Kong

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Here are some lovely pictures of the children that have been helped by KAS members!

 

     

 

    

 

 

One little square

by Gloria Grandy (Canada)

 

 

 

Gloria wrote :             I'm just a little square.

                                    All alone, I can't do much.

                                    But when I get to South Africa,

                                    I'll join up with lots of my friends from

                                    all over the world to do a very important job.

 

                                    I'm curled up right now,

                                    but when my friends all gather around

                                    and hold on to me,

                                    I know I'll relax and fit right in!

 

                                    Together, we're going to keep a little person warm!