KasSnippets – October 2013

KasSnippets – October 2013

 

Reporting KAS in South Africa : KAS Helps Children outside of Gauteng

 

 

Last week you heard about Oliver and Hotel Hope and the wonderful work they do for orphaned children in South Africa.  KAS also supports other organisations who do the most amazing work with children and who are only too pleased to partner with KAS in order to touch the lives of children in desperate need of help.

 

The first of these organisations I would like to talk about is the Lindelani Reformatory School and how they have partnered with KAS to make a difference in the lives of children in and around the Stellenbosch area in the Western Cape.  Elna Otter, who is an Occupational Therapist working for the Western Cape Government at the Lindelani Reformatory near Stellenbosch, has been receiving blanket packs and other items from KAS in Johannesburg.

Elna with all the the goodies sent to her. 

 

To read the rest of the report please Click here

 

For the other recent reports :

 

What we got up to at KAS today!

 

Blast from the Past 2009-2010

 

We headed to the Vaal Dam this week…..

 

 

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 (KasOps) directly in South Africa. 

 

Ronda with the paper purchased via your generous donations through

The KAS Shop !

 

 

"KAS REACHES GREAT HEIGHTS FOR CHILDREN"

A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD !

This challenge is going to take us around the planet whilst reaching great heights & piles of squares – 178,000 to be precise, in order to reach the top of

Table Mountain, Cape Town in South Africa!

We are going to need 50 squares for every foot climbed!

 

 Our very first target for members to reach is the top of The Liberty Bell in the USA, Philadelphia – 150 squares will be needed to sound the bell!  Once the pile has reached the top of the bell, then we move onto The Little Mermaid in Copenhagen Harbour, Denmark therefore the total will need to reach 200 squares! Next will be Venus de Milo in Paris followed by Greyfriars Bobby, Edinburgh Scotland at 375.  Then it will be the turn of the Long Walk to Freedom Statue of Nelson Mandela in South Africa at 575 squares. You've probably got the picture by now!

 

 

to

 

 

 

KAS has a surplus of hats & beanies, therefore please would those of you who make hats switch to squares as essentially, 1 hat = 3 squares and will help build the piles to reach our target just that bit quicker!

 

Here is the link to KAS Reaches Great Heights for Children

 

 

WHAT'S GOING ON IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Tumi (a regular KAS volunteer in South Africa) discovered a needy 'girls shelter' in her area and a dozen Jenny Nesbit blankets, which were specifically saved for a smaller group of older children.  We will have more photos of the girls later. Tumi is always on the look-out for shelters etc and she is to become a member of the KAS South Africa Board. 

 

 

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM KAS DISTRIBUTIONS

Ronda has sent some photographs from a distribution to 

Ba Jabulile Daycare Centre – February 2010 – pronounced "Bah jah boo lee leh".  She says, "There are some dear little faces in this batch…… I remember them like it was yesterday! 

 

The twins, before and after!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mama Ntombi Community Projects recently sent us the photographs of some of the 300+ hats KAS sent them in August.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Blankets – Lorinda has continued to add more completed blankets (now up to 229 from her team of stitchers since joining KAS in 2012) to  The Knit-a-Square Blanket Album – you may even spot your squares!  

This blanket is from Cheriel's team – one of Ronda's groups.

 

 

John Crane House for Girls

 

Many of you will recall our report earlier this year when KAS supplied much needed items including blankets and cuddly toys.  The house is well established and the 18 homeless girls (many who had been abused) are thriving. Below is a lovely comfortable bedroom for 3 girls

The Board of the Soul Provider Trust is delighted to announce that 82% of the required funding for the Boys House has been secured and it has been decided to commence construction!  

All the children will be cared for by a House mother/father and they will receive an education. It is hoped that construction will be completed before mid-December this year.

 

No doubt KAS will provide much needed blankets & cuddlies for the homeless boys when they arrive.

 

The JBay Recycling Project & Stitch Witch News

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kyknet visited the JBay Recycling Project for it to be highlighted on the TV program Kwela on Kyknet. They interviewed some of the volunteers on 14th October in the morning.

Gitta commented : The crew from Kyknet got so caught up in the project that they only left at 17h30. Exhausted and dirty, but they enjoyed themselves. The children always enjoy the dentists (not like me, I would run) and you can see that it makes a difference, because the following weeks after a dentist visit, the toothpaste and brushes fly out of the swop shop. We are still waiting for the statistics from the dentists like how many children they were able to treat and when they will be back again. Hopefully soon, because there is a huge demand. One of our 15 year old recyclers has never been to a dentist before!

 

The Mobile Dentist (eeek) arrives!

 

 

 

 

SORTED IN AFRICA

Here are a few of opening day photos, To see more open day photographs please go to Sorted in Africa

 

 

Flashback photo from the early days of KAS

 

We recently received photos taken by Madeline, a 14 year old Girl Scout from Germany – who chose Knit-a-Square as her project towards gaining her Silver Award.  In the process Madeline taught 17 people to knit!  We are very grateful and proud that this lovely kind-hearted girl chose Knit-a-Square.

 

 

Over the years Ronda has received lots of wonderful and charming 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 GROUP NEWS & SPREADING THE WORD

The USA Group has been having a Fundraising Drive for Nancefield Creche and they successfully reached their goals!  

Ronda hopes to purchase the tables and chairs and have them installed at the Nancefield Creche 18th or 19th November – do look out for the photographs!

Well done everyone involved, a tremendous effort that will make such a difference to that cavernous gym – making it so much more welcoming and homely for the children.

 

Member Sonja Shaw has been organising and sending  squares for the Dept of Human Services Knitting Group in Australia for a while now. She reports this week : Today we are mailing off another 100 squares which means that around 10 of our packages are in transit and it brings us to a total of 1100 since we commenced in May this year.  We will blitz through another 100+ before the end of the year.  In addition we have sent through lots of beanies (and have now stock-piled the rest because KAS has beanies enough for now), vests, wool, new underwear and socks for the dear children.

While we are gearing up to summer and the expected slow-down in knitting we still anticipate being able to maintain around 100 squares a month and who knows just how much more we can do in winter next year!!

 

One Square at a Time can be found on the Forum menu bar KasBlog

Laurie Fortier (Canada) has generously agreed to write and update a blog for KAS which will help spread-the-word!

She writes : Knit-a-Square allows me to give in an extraordinarily personal way. I may never meet my KASKids in person, but the squares I knit with my own hands will. They will be wrapped around the shoulders of an orphaned child and she will be told, “Someone from across the world, that you don’t know, loves you and wants you to grow and be happy.”

To visit the blog click on One Square at a Time above, or to read more about Laurie, click here !

 

 

 KAS MONTHLY CHALLENGES

 

The Un-Challenge, suggested by Dave Maltby, has proved very rewarding indeed – UFO's galore!  Thanks to Mary Anne Fellows, this has certainly turned into a fun challenge, plus several members have been able to alleviate their guilt with regarding incomplete squares and projects!  Here are some of items posted on the Photo tab :

October theme - UnchallengeOctober 2013 "Un-Challenge" ThemeOctober 2013 Unchallenge UFO4 squares for October unchallengeUnchallenge squares #3

 

OCTOBER 2013 UNCHALLENGE - Seven moreOctober Un-Challenge SquareOctober Unchallenge Diagonals2013-10-05 15.06.29October 2013 - The "Un-Challenge" ThemeUnchallenge Squaresunchallange challangeimageOctober challengeFirst teddy and friend!

 

The November Challenge is being lead by Laurie Fortier

"Toys and Games Squares & Knitted Teddies"

 

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

 
For those of you who are anxious to see the Challenges for 2014 that have been prepared – Anne Powell will be posting them on the Forum as soon as her computer is returned from being repaired – hopefully this coming weekend!

 

 

SQUARE LISTS – TALLY – ITEM COUNT 

 PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO ADD "NO COMMERCIAL VALUE, CHARITY ONLY" ON YOUR PARCELS – SOMEONE FORGOT RECENTLY AND SOUTH AFRICAN CUSTOMS CHARGED KAS 100 RANDS! 

SEPTEMBER CHALLENGE 2013 KASLoveGrannies For Peace EducationSEPTEMBER 2013 CHALLENGE - ColoursSept Challenge 11Beanies with "Knit-fun loom"

 

Go-Over - finished at last!Gus the soccer playerSEPTEMBER 2013 CHALLENGE - BARGAIN SLIP-INSNever promised a rose garden, will a daisy one do instead!!!Little Brown Bear

 

 

Square Lists for September is ready for viewing. 

Received in September : Squares 10,720 (306 blankets);

Tops 213 and Beanies 615

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.

 

NOVEMBER PATTERN OF THE MONTH

by Linda Maltby

 

 Teddy Bear Hand Puppets

Knit puppet pattern by Shelley Pearson (UK)

Crochet puppet pattern by Andrea Palmatier (Canada)

The children in South Africa have few, if any, play things. As well as being a toy, a teddy bear puppet can be a companion for a vulnerable child, especially one who has recently suffered loss.  Puppets will also stimulate the child’s imagination and creative play.

As you can see from Michelle’s knit puppets [in the above photo] they don’t have to be traditional teddy bear colours.  These delightful puppets are already in South Africa, providing great comfort to lonely children.  Safety eyes and noses are very securely attached and will not fall off. 

If you prefer, you may add yarn eyes and noses.

                                                                           

Puppets by Lisa Marie

Both the crocheted and knitted bear puppets are easy to make and will bring such joy to the children.

                            Link to knit puppet pattern                                         Link to crochet puppet pattern

 

The puppets are two of the many patterns to be found in the

KAS Pattern Book

If you see another pattern you would like to try, please do!

 

 

SQUARE HEART OF THE MONTH AWARD

Edited this month by Laurie Fortier

 

This month the Square Heart Award goes to

Three Close Friends

 

Kathy Chantrell  and  Kathy Platts

plus Marian

creator of absolutely adorable cuddly toys!

 

 

KAS FACEBOOK PAGE

We have received an additional 125 Likes on the Facebook page so far during September/October taking our total to 6,319!    We also copy the messages etc received on Facebook to the Forum for anyone who is not a member of FB.

 

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 
 

KasSnippets – November 2013

KasSnippets – November 2013

 

FIVE YEARS AND A FAREWELL

 

Obviously the momentous news of the month is the departure of Sandy McDonald – after 5 years of unstinting work, guidance, and indeed, sacrifice, during the development of Knit-a-Square.  The entire McDonald family  – Sandy, Roger, Kalai, Cressida and Zanny – brought Ronda’s blanket dream into reality.

 

If you have not read the story, please do! Sandy has written about the origins of Knit-a-Square, its development, evolvement and the future!  Here is the final paragraph : 

 

A Farewell…

What a five years it has been. But now, it’s time for the McDonald team to say farewell.

In time, we’ll take up the work again to introduce programs to school children, so that they can help children less fortunate than they. Knit-a-square is a wonderful program for school children, to learn both to knit and the power of making a difference.

For now, we will watch with delight as KasCare moves onto the next stage of its journey in the safe hands of Erica and her board.

Our grateful thanks for the journey, the opportunity to learn and grow from you all and now to teach others the remarkable benefits of community. I tell them, inspired by you: 

What we can do together is yet to be imagined.

With love to you all

Sandy McDonald, co-founder.

Without Sandy’s dynamic vision and energy KAS would not have the strength that it has in order to move forward, above is a bouquet to say thank you and farewell from all the knit-a-square members.

 

Extra news from Sandy : 

A wonderful donation of $500 for KasCare was received from the Catholic Women’s League of Victoria and Wagga Wagga in Australia.

Noreen Elliot passed the cheque to Sandy when she was invited to speak at the CWL Conference. Noreen has known knit-a-square for many years as she used to work for Sir John Bushell (papal knight) who was our long term cherished client and has become something of a personal mentor to us.  He is well versed with all matters KAS and has taken a deep interest in its development over the last five years.

 

Recently Noreen wrote that St Peter’s Parish Epping had a monthly meeting and held a raffle for the upcoming Father’s Day.  They sold tickets at all four masses on the weekend of Father’s day.   The prizes were meal vouchers, the tickets were $1 each and they raised $602 (which is a lot of tickets sold for a single parish).   The members decided whatever was raised would be given to KAS to help with our fundraising. They have donated $800+ in the past.  So they have KAS in their hearts which is wonderful.

REPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

Reporting KAS in South Africa : This is why we do what we do……

Here is part of this report outlining two wonderful heart warming stories – Olwethu :

Another organization we have supported for a while now is Mama Ntombi’s Community Projects (MNCP), also based in KwaZulu Natal.  Sandra Pillay, a Project Manager at MNCP and our contact there reports, “Just this morning we are intervening in the life of little 9-year old girl, Olwethu Shezi.  We found her this past weekend at our Wayside Sunday School in such a state of neglect.  We thank God that one of our Sunday school children invited her to come along for the first time.  

 

 

To read the rest of the report please Click here

 

For other recent reports :

 

Taking time to remember….              A flood of new friends!

 

IN THE NEXT EDITION OF KASSNIPPETS WE WILL HAVE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE NANCEFIELD GYM RESTORATION – THANKS TO A USA GROUP LEAD, INSPIRED FUND RAISING EVENT! TO READ THE FULL REPORT PLEASE GO TO

 Report from South Africa

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 (KAS Ops) directly in South Africa. This month we are highlighting Snacks – an important element of the distributions.

 

During the Kido’s Distribution in 2010, some children were watching the events rather forlornly through the fence – fortunately the team had some spare beanies, biscuits and apples to share with the children!

 

 

 snacks

Snacks for Distributions

 

“KAS REACHES GREAT HEIGHTS FOR CHILDREN”

A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD !

KAS REACHES GREAT HEIGHTS FOR CHILDREN

This challenge is going to take us around the planet whilst reaching great heights & piles of squares – 178,000 to be precise, in order to reach the top ofTable Mountain, Cape Town in South Africa!

We are going to need 50 squares for every foot climbed!

We have zoomed along quite nicely so far! We soon rang the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, topped The Little Mermaid (Copenhagen) and Greyfriars Bobby (Edinburgh). Members have covered Stonehenge, Daibutsu Buddha, The Hollywood Sign, a number of Lighthouses & Castles. Recently, we conquered The White House in Washington, National Monument for Remembrance for those who died in WWI & WWII in Amsterdam.  We recently conquered an unusual bridge in Norway, Buckingham Palace and have recently arrived at the Brandeburg Gate, Berlin!

 

KAS has a surplus of hats & beanies, therefore please would those of you who make hats switch to squares as essentially, 1 hat = 3 squares and will help build the piles to reach our target just that bit quicker!

Here is the link to KAS Reaches Great Heights for Children

 

 

WHAT’S GOING ON IN SOUTH AFRICA?

  

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM KAS DISTRIBUTIONS

The major distribution period is over, but there will be more exciting photos to come – watch out for the installation of desks and other items purchased for Nancefield through the USA lead appeal!

 

Have recently added some photographs of previous distributions that have not been previously seen, so do take a look!

 

 

Jacqui Grieve recently posted this message on the KAS Facebook page : 

I want to thank all the wonderful people around the world who support this worthy charity. I am involved in a Catholic charity in Johannesburg and we support very poor families in a shanty town called Diepsloot. Because of your kindness I am going there today armed with loads of items. And when winter arrives, I will be able to give every single one of our families warm blankets and beanies.

 

 

Today, our Catholic charity group took one of your beautiful crocheted blankets to the knitting society we have started in Diepsloot, Johannesburg. With the wool kindly sent in by some of you, these ladies are going to copy the style of this blanket, and hopefully we will be able to help them sell them! After all, if you create work for a mother, you feed a whole family! Thanks again to all you wonderful people. God Bless you all.

 

 

 

 

You might also enjoy reading a report from Mama Ntombi Community Projects – 

One Child at a Time

 

Sabelo goes from the first photo until he reaches the final thumbs up!

 

 

 
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

BLANKETS

 

 The Knit-a-Square Blanket Album – continues to grow,  you may even spot some of your squares!  

 

 

 

The JBay Recycling Project & Stitch Witch News

 

These thoughtful youngsters used their tokens to purchase blankets created by the Stitch Witch Group for their grandmothers!

 

 

The Stitch Witch Group have been running a competition in order to get as many teddies as possible to give to the children as a Christmas gift!

 

November Challenge - Teddies for the children of the Jbay Recycling ProjectNovember Challenge - Teddies for the children of the Jbay Recycling ProjectNovember Challenge - Teddies for the children of the Jbay Recycling Project November Challenge - Teddies for the children of the Jbay Recycling Project November Challenge - Teddies for the children of the Jbay Recycling Project

 

ISSUES – WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH !

 

For sometime now Knit-a-Square has been trying to convey a message to our wonderful contributors about the teeny weeny garments we are receiving, and, thankfully, the flow has reduced as people have switched to the newly re-sized garments in the KAS Pattern Book.

 

We know that people love to knit for babies, and the garments are quick to do! However, although KAS has some connections with organisations that deal with babies, it is increasingly becoming difficult to distribute these loving made, but tiny garments. It is an issue that is increasingly affecting a number of charities who work in Africa.

This letter from the Greenfields Africa Charity  addressed to all “Fish & Chip” knitters, asking them to switch to other items, or garments for 2-3-4 years of age. These were originally designed for babies born with AIDS. However, the good news is, that, more and more babies are being born in Africa without AIDS.

 

Essentially, the natural age group Knit-a-Square is dealing with is aged 3 – 9 years. Please help spread-the-word about the sizes of garments that KAS and other charities supporting children in Africa in 2014 need. 

 

KAS SQUARE MEASURE

Lovingly created, but variable sizes !

Another issue we need help with, in spreading-the-word is the sizing of squares!  As you can see from the above photograph of variable shapes and sizes that are being received, that we need help in ensuring that as many people as possible know that the squares KAS needs are to be 8x8inch (20x20cm) or as near as possible to those measurements.

Increasingly, the team are receiving rectangles which are very difficult to insert into a blanket.  Sadly, all these well-meaning items are having to be frogged, and, the yarn is then re-used. But this is such a waste of time and energy, especially when one considers the cost of posting to South Africa.  Ronda is loathe to upset anyone, but the situation has got rather out of hand. We are not sure why this is occurring, it may well be that the word has spread about squares, but not the actual sizes!

To help the situation we have created the The KAS Square Measure, which was one of the last tasks Sandy completed before leaving KAS. The measure acts as a jig which can be placed over the top of a square to ensure everyone knows when to stop!

 

Once printed, and, if possible laminated, they make an excellent flyer to give people as well as being the correct size, it contains all the vital information such as postal address, tail size and how to butterfly the tail.

 

SORTED IN AFRICA

Here is a special opening day photo – to see more open day photographs please go to Sorted in Africa

 
Ronda’s sister Charm was visiting from the UK and volunteered to help with the parcel opening session!

(and by all events, had a great time!)

 

Over the years Ronda has received lots of wonderful and charming 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 GROUP NEWS &

SPREADING THE WORD

A great way to help spread-the-word about Knit-a-Square is to send lovely Christmas Cards!  Anne Powell has added them to the  

Resources category in time for the Christmas season, and, where Anne has made some suggestions about printing etc! 

 

 

The beautiful cards are available as free download from

Knit-a-Square Christmas Cards

* * *

The new KasBlog – One Square at a Time 

written by Laurie Fortier (Canada) can be found on the Forum menu bar KasBlog.  We have added a new box on the right-hand side of the Forum front page which will alert you to when a new blog is available.  Laurie regular updates the blog and there are several already to browse!

The Knit for Life Team

Pam Johnson & Elaine Jones are trying to win £300 ($450) to buy yarn for their teams of ladies to knit squares for KAS! You can help by voting for them every week (I do on a Monday).  The competition started on 4th November and runs for 16 weeks. Although Knit for Life hasn’t won yet, it is the 3rd most viewed profile – so they are in with a very good chance! To read more go to Knit for Life.

To vote, please go to the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund

 

 

 KAS MONTHLY CHALLENGES

The November 2013 Challenge Toys, Games and Teddy Bears has really brought out an amazing array of items!

 

NeptuneRabbit or puppy?Nov Challenge Teddy 2November 2013 Challenge - Toys and Games and Teddy BearsTeddy 2 (Nov 13)Teddy puppet and a ball.Teddies and squaresNovember 2013 Ollie OwlThree SoftiesGot this as a gift todayNOVEMBER 2013 CHALLENGE - toy carValerie's BlockToy ballNovember 2013 Roly-Polies 1&2November 2013

 

The December Challenge is being lead by Carol Playford

“Squares for KasCare Aids Awareness Month –

December 1st Worlds AIDS Day”

 

Well it is that time of the year when we start again, here is the list for next year!

2014 Challenge Themes

JANUARY – WINTER DRIVE – Anne Powell (emphasis on long sleeved garments)

FEBRUARY – HEARTS – RED, WHITE & PINK  Laurie Fortier

MARCH – VARIEGATED YARN  Gitta Seyfert

APRIL – COLOUR COLLISION  Elaine Jones

MAY – MELLOW YELLOW – Sunshine, flowers & all things yellow – Sue Gillman

JUNE – DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD  Robin Monsees

JULY – STRIPES, ZIG ZAGS & TEXTURES & MANDELA DAY THEME  Anne Powell

AUGUST – THE BEAUTY OF BLUES  Susan Haines

SEPTEMBER – AROUND THE WORLD IN 30 DAYS! – Bev Jeffery

OCTOBER – FAVOURITES  favourite yarn, patterns etc – Mary Anne Fellows

NOVEMBER – BUGS, SLUGS & HUGS  Linda Maltby

DECEMBER – UN-CHALLENGE – time to relax, have fun, and get ready for the holidays – Susan Haines

 

SQUARE LISTS – TALLY – ITEM COUNT

 

 VITAL MESSAGE : PLEASE DO NOT FORGET TO ADD “NO COMMERCIAL VALUE, CHARITY ONLY” ON YOUR PARCELS AND GIVE A ZERO VALUE ON THE CUSTOMS TICKET, OR THE SMALLEST SUM THE POSTAL SERVICES WILL ACCEPT. 

Please avoid writing such things as “value UNDER $50 or £20” or use similar phrases.  South African Customs Officials do comprehend the word “under” and whack a massive tariff onto the parcels. Recently KAS as been forced to use valuable donations to pay over-the-odds for some parcels.

For example : KAS RECENTLY GOT CHARGED £13 ($21) CUSTOM DUTY ON A PARCEL CONTAINING 14 SQUARES !

 

November 2013 Heather's Hexagon Hugger 1NOVEMBER 2013 - Another 'bear square'November - Peggy's Cove BearMauvellousgumnuts decemberIron Bridge MedallionMy first squareP1050917Grace Vest Nov 201320131027_112843

 

Square Lists for October are ready for viewing. 

Received in October : Squares 11,323 (323 blankets);

Tops 575 and Beanies 793

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

 

 PACKAGE INVENTORY

The  Package Inventory develped to help make parcel opening day easier for the team in South Africa has proved a great success in speeding up the whole process.  Now the team have ‘test driven’ it for several months, Gina has modified the design so that it truly meets the office needs. The file is below, or, click on the link above in order to read the discussion.

 

KAS Package Inventory.pdf KAS Package Inventory.pdf

 

DECEMBER PATTERN OF THE MONTH

by Linda Maltby

 

Crochet Alphabet Squares by Andrea Palmatier (Canada)

 

 and

 

AIDS and poverty are the twin perils affecting the children of South Africa. 

Let us replace these perils with Love and Hope.

The orphaned or vulnerable children are struggling with bereavement and illness.  The loss of their parents  plunges them deeper in poverty. 

The Love they once had is gone and any Hope for their future is bleak. 

What better way to give the children comfort than by having the words right in their blankets.

in the form of a warm blanket to protect a child from the cold and misery associated with poverty.

 that with this blanket, a child will feel the care offered by the world community

and

know they are valued and special.

 

 

Although this is a crochet pattern, knitters are invited to utilize the graphs to fashion the letters with needles

 [Link to pattern and graphs

Perhaps you would like to create the complete alphabet !   Andrea has designed a graph for each of the letters.

 [Link to 26 alphabet letters] 

Love and Hope are among the many patterns to be found in the

KAS Pattern Book.

If you see another pattern you would like to try, please do!

 

 

 

SQUARE HEART

OF THE MONTH AWARD

Edited this month by Laurie Fortier

This month the Square Heart Award goes to

mother and daughter team

Cathy Smith and Joan Todd

 

These two wonderful ladies from the USA, knit and crochet tirelessly for the children of South Africa. Their work embodies the quiet love and dedication of every member of Knit-a-Square.

 To view the rest of this lovely award please click here

 

 

 KAS FACEBOOK PAGE

Lovely blanket for the Album!

We have received an additional 137 Likes on the Facebook page so far during October-November taking our total to  6456!    We also copy the messages etc received on Facebook to the Forum for anyone who is not a member of FB.

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Please do check out Anne Powell’s Christmas fun page!
The discussion was only posted on the 19th and has already received some wonderful, interesting and amusing Christmas stories!
Here is a taster from Gloria Grandy :

Letters to Santa remind me of when my youngest son (now 39) was about 3.  He visited Santa and sat on his lap.  When we got home, I asked what he had asked Santa for.  He said, Can’t tell … Santa knows.  He was very excited because Santa was going to bring him something.  However, Mom didn’t know what Santa was supposed to “buy” !!

We spent days trying to pry it out of him, but he wouldn’t budge.  He wouldn’t say because “Santa knew”.  I had a lovely neighbor who came to the rescue.  One day she dropped a letter to my son into our mailbox.  It was from Santa.  In short, it said that the day we had visited he had seen so many good little girls and boys that he had completely forgotten what my son had asked for.  Could he please write to him c/o the North Pole and refresh his memory?

Since my son could not yet write a letter by himself, I had to do it for him.  We secreted ourselves in his room and he dictated his letter.  He wanted a Fisher Price Record Player !!!  Well, folks, Santa brought him that record player. 

A couple of years later a local group was collecting toys for very needy families in our area.  When they came to our door and explained what they wanted, my son ran upstairs and brought down his Fisher Price Record Player.  I asked him if he was sure he wanted to part with it and he said yes, he was very sure. I explained that if he gave it away, he would not be able to get it back.  He said that was okay … he seemed to understand that some others had so much less than he had and he wanted to share. He hugged his little record player and passed it to the lady at the door. He might have been around 5 years old.   I realized then that he knew what Christmas was all about 

 

and another from Jeanne Haessler :

Our Christmas socks…it wouldn’t be Christmas without them! (except for hubby who’s all business)

 

 

 

KasSnippets – July 2013

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 : 

 

Mandela Day squareMandela Day squareFour PawsJuly Challenge-SpringbokJuly 2013 In the Hands of KAS

 

July 2013 Knit African ColorsFun squares for JulyElephant Square Jul 13  Stuffed Elephant - FrontMadiba's Shirt

 

 

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 

 

 

Cozy Jacket 4The Bear family enjoying the sunshine!Squares July 2013 Meet Ellie & Eli July13hats

 

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)

 

 

The KASCuddle is a very useful and popular item for the babies.

 

 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.

 

Ronda's 3rd report!Thinavhuyo Distribution 25th June 2013Photographs from AfricaThinavhuyo 25th June 2013  Tokologong Daycare Centre - 7th May 2013Sakisizwe - Mamela Informal Settlement 2010

 

Amahle and Cloverdene April 2012Freedom ParkKlipspruit-Soweto March 2011Britz Distribution  Amahle and Cloverdene April 2012Dobsonville (Soweto) - Mandela Day 2011

 

 

 

 

KasSnippets – June 2013

What a fabulous month it has been so far

for KAS in South Africa!

 

Ronda, with Wendy's support has created a report on the Forum which will help all our wonderfully supportive members around the globe to grow even closer to the South African team and get a taste of what it is like to be a KAS volunteer.  For the most part these reports will be weekly and cover distributions, events and developments!

 

On 15th June the team took piles of squares, as well a ready-made blankets, and hats. Below is a fabulous photograph of the ladies helping sew the squares together to provide blankets for the children in their own community.

 

 

On 18th June there is also news of another distribution in an area called Diepsloot which was combined with a G4S donation of sporting equipment to the Vuseleia Drop-in Centre.

 

 

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

 

Winston one of the G4S helpful drivers poses with Ronda for the camera!

 

 

As of  23rd June the total was 5,537 – we may need a roof rack!

 

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

Celebration of the Men

who support KAS and its Members

It was felt that the wonderful men who support KAS in many and varied ways were long overdue some compliments. Thanks! Mili K (Croatia) mentioned "It's nice to read how many husbands are involved especially in the packing and posting of parcels", result, a 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.

 

Here is Dave Maltby (Canada) accompanied by Pixel, in action!

 

 

 

THE KNIT-A-SQUARE SHOP

 

Please visit 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. [Watch this space!]

 

You can also help with : Fuel for a Blanket Distribution

 

 

 

 

WHAT'S GOING ON IN SOUTH AFRICA?

Ronda wanted to pay a tribute to the wonderful support Knit-a-Square has enjoyed since August 2010 from the wives of Black & Veitch contractors, mostly from Kansas, USA, who have been out here working on the huge Eskom upgrade project in South Africa.  

Click here to read and see the Tribute to the USA Volunteers by Ronda on the Forum – not only do we discover the details of the wonderful support these ladies have been giving Ronda and KAS, but a super array of photographs! Below is a beautiful picture of Joyce with a clutch of children at Nothando.

 

 

Liesl-Anne Pienaar's team in Paarl, Western Cape South Africa continue to produce blankets at an astonishing rate!  The total has crept up to 142 with the aim of 150.

 

 

 

SO EXCITING! Handover of 20 blankets and all the Knit-a-Square beanies and snuggles outfits to Jenny, Abby and Glenda of The Rock Community Centre. This is where we reach people. WHERE SMALL BLOCKS make a HUGE difference because we did it together!

 

The history of this project lead by Liesl-Anne was started and launched at Paarl Girls' High School (Western Cape) with the aim of knitting 5250 blocks in 6 months from 16th January to 16th June for Knit-a-Square.  When Liesl-Anne told Ronda about the challenge, Ronda asked her to put the blankets together and distribute them in the Western Cape area.  So far 141 blankets have been completed and distributed to 3 organization ; 50 to the regional magistrates' court for kiddie rape victims, 50 to the new shelter being started by The A21 Campaign for girls freed from human trafficking in Cape Town, and the last ones are for The Rock Community Centre in Paarl.  Although the Girls High School project ends now, there are a few of the team who will continue with the blocks and still be part of KAS!

 

Jeffrey's Bay Recycling Project– see their first  Video

The Stitch Witch team paid one of their monthly visits to the “Ons Tuiste” residential home in Humansdorp to deliver wool and to collect finished squares. 20 knitters joined the Stitch Witches in March this year and again they didn’t disappoint and managed to knit and crochet over 300 squares for the children of the JBay Recycling Project. Almost 10 blankets  It is also amazing to see the change in the ladies since March. They have received a new lease on life, because they are now able to do something to help others.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Ladies of Jeffrey's Bay Sunshine Club have stepped in to help the Stitch Witches deal with the 300 squares received from Ons Tuiste. Fortunately the Sunshine Club operates from the Community Centre where the Recycling sessions take place!

 

Bicycles : We still do not know if Jonathan got his new bicycle, but one youngster –  Andy – finally got his long dreamed of bike after saving for 18 months! He must have spent all his spare time collecting recyclable material! Here he is getting some helping riding his new bicycle, and, doesn't he look happy!

 

DISTRIBUTIONS & BLANKETS

 

Bandaged Heart Clip Art Image

A few weeks ago KAS was called upon to provide an orphanage that had burned down, emergency help.  We sent 20+ blankets, beanies and other items.  This was a very sensitive distribution and we cannot provide photographs or name the destination.  However, Ronda was touched to receive a message that the children take their blankets to church every Sunday! 

 

 

This was a wall hanging from the yarn-bombed house at Homemakers Fair last year, cleverly made into a blanket by Leigh-Ann, a dear friend of Ronda's.

 

 

–  idees is Afrikaans for ideas  –

 

 

 

 

Some recent pictures of items received on opening days :

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

To see more opening 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, many came from the 3M class, Ambleside, Tasmania Island (Australia) :

 

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KAS MONTHLY CHALLENGES

 

 

The June Challenge Christmas in June! Is being lead by Linda Maltby (Canada). Even though Christmas is a long way off, it hasn't stopped our determined members to raid the yarn shops for red and green!

 

Here are some of the wonderful squares so far : 

 

 

Rudolph squareJune 2013 First batchaustralian christmas treeJune 2013 Christmas Squares 4June challenge - sparkly reindeer prancing

 

The Challenge for July is being lead by Anne Powell (Canada) and the focus will be Nelson Mandela

 

July 18th, the day of his birthday, is International Nelson Mandela Day. Mandela, an anti-apartheid revolutionary and politician, served as President of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, the first black South African to hold the office. Mandela had previously spent 27 years in jail for his anti-apartheid activities, finally being released in 1990. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993. Mandela is held in very high regard within South Africa as the "Father of the Nation" and is often known under his Xhosa clan name of Madiba.

 

Madiba said, "It is an occasion when each of us takes a step, through some act of community service, to realize the power in us to change the world."

 

Click here to visit the Nelson Mandela Day website

 

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 

 

7th Jumper for the Childrenmy second squarehats5-13-2013 004 Variegated ChallengeGrrrrrrrrrrrrr Lion Square

 

The Square List for May 2013  is ready for viewing. 

Received in May : Squares 14,844 (424 blankets)

Tops 246 and Beanies 860

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

 

Here is the pdf.file version of the square list  A fourth column has been added been added to the list and will be marked with an "x" to signify the arrival of items other than Tops, Beanies or Squares. However, to avoid creating too much work for Ronda, slip-in such as toys, pencils, underwear will not be recorded.

 

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.

 

 

JULY PATTERN OF THE MONTH by Linda Maltby

 

July Pattern of the Month: The Jigsaw Square by Andrea Palmatier

The colour, with its step pattern, crosses the square diagonally.

 

Jigsaw Square Pattern +

 

 

 

By choosing complementary colours, this can create a wonderful effect as shown in Andrea’s blanket –

The Soweto Gospel Choir Blanket, presented to them in the USA in 2010

 

 

 

Here is the link to Andrea's Photo tab for those who would like to see

more of her creative work!

 

 

This is one of the many patterns to be found in the

KAS Pattern Book

If you see a pattern you would like to try, please do!

 

 

 

 

SPREADING THE WORD & GROUP DEVELOPMENT

 

Ronda has been spreading the word at Benoni Rotary Club in Johannesburg on 30th May. Although developing a cold, Ronda managed with the occasional prompt from Erin.  A number of blankets were taken along for members to see and we gave them a supply of beanies as Yvonne, known as Mrs. Beanie, gives them to the Salvation Army for a homeless night shelter.

 

 

 

PAOLA FERRARI in BOLOGNA – ITALY

Paola, a member since early 2010 is seen here fund raising for KAS at school.

 

HELPFUL HINTS

The Forum menu bar now has a new tab – Helpful Hints – which contains information that will particularly prove useful for new members, or anyone who needs help. It contains FAQ's (frequently asked questions) and How do I (tips for using and posting on the forum) – both discussions are very practical guides.

 

  

SQUARE HEART OF THE MONTH AWARD

Edited by Mary Kristel Lokken        

 

 

 

The June Square Heart Award of the month Award

has gone to

Elaine Jones & Pam Johnson – The Knit for Life Team.

Pam and Elaine are a great team, doing an amazing job at raising funds and spreading the word about KAS in their area on the Welsh Borders and in Shropshire. Pam will often pop out to the shops for five minutes and on return finds a large bag of squares awaiting her on the doorstep!

 

Here Elaine & Pam can be seen fund-raising to send all the 1,015 squares handed in at Yours Live 2013 in March at Butlin's Holiday Camp, Skegness (UK) – plus another 650 brought up from Devon!

 

 

KAS FACEBOOK PAGE

 

We received an additional 92 Likes on the Facebook page during June so far taking our total to 5,806!  We are nearing the 6,000 milestone, let's hope we reach it by the end of July or August! We also copy the messages etc received on Facebook to the Forum for anyone who is not a member of FB.

 

PREVIOUS CONTRIBUTIONS

 

Does anyone recognise these very distinctive garments – they were distributed at Nancefield in April 2012 and recently posted on the Forum Photo tab?

 

 

Nancefield April 2012Nancefield April 2012Nancefield April 2012Nancefield April 2012Nancefield April 2012Nancefield April 2012

 

A lady named Lindiwe (not our Lindiwe!) has taken over this abandoned gym to help the children in the area. Ronda says, the building is huge – ICY COLD and quite inhospitable plus it is surrounded by great poverty – one of those really heartbreaking places. But, the children were their usual sweet selves. KAS also visited in 2011. Unfortunately, it was too cold to undress the children as many of them had colds and snuffles, so the jumpers or sweaters etc had to put on over their existing clothes which makes the children look squished!

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

 

Karen Bennett (UK) a member since 2010 gave birth to Sam on 29th May – a healthy 8lb 12ozs (3.95kg)  We send the whole family our best wishes and congratulations!

 

 

 

This month we have received a wonderful selection of 'cuddlies' which the children will absolutely love and adore, please enjoy a browse of the beautiful creations from our talented members!

 

 

Teddy bear trioimage4 more teddiesIMG_1853snowman hand puppet

 

 

2013-05-28 16.36.332013-05-28 16.37.472013-05-28 16.35.432013-05-28 16.33.402013-05-28 16.30.33

 

 

Santa cutieMr & Mrs ClausMarians Festive Friends 2 - June challengeCrochet catDoll

 

 

DumboMay 2013 KAS PuppetGill's new owl.May challenge - Little Brown Bear hand puppetpuppet

 

 

 

 

More teddy pillowsVariegated Soft BallTeddy3 hand puppets,1 hat, several squares - May 2013Variegated Doll-Blankie Combo

 

 

 

KasSnippets – May 2013

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

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

G4s van keys handed over by Wendy! G4S van being hugged with pleasure! G4S van being celebrated & blessed!  G4S car - the rear end! Ronda takes the G4S car home!

 

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 :

May 2013 Challenge - the Variegated Square   Var. Squares 11 = May 13  Variegated Doll-Blankie Combo image  May 2013 Variegated Challenge

 

 

MAY CHALLENGE-Variegated  top Pavillion Texture Simple Jumper - 1 Crayon Colors Diagonal Square

 

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 :

 

 

 

Loom knit squares Loom knit squares (2) (Mostly) loom knit version of Grace's Ribbed 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!

 

KAS cake sale at local charity fete Charity fete. KAS info table Part of the Entente Cordiale group Gill,Linda et Viola

More squares Friends ready to leave for SA 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!

 

Sakisizwe - Mamela Informal Settlement 2010 Sakisizwe - Mamela Informal Settlement 2010  Informal Settlement in Johannesburg 2012 Sakisizwe - Mamela Informal Settlement 2010 Informal settlement in Johannesburg 2012

 

Dobsonville (Soweto) - Mandela Day 2011 Lesedi - Sept 2010 Sakisizwe - Mamela Squatter Camp 2010 Camp in Johannesburg 2012 Thuli Day Care - Protea South, Soweto 2010

 

 

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!

 

 

 

 

KasSnippets – December 2013

 

KasSnippets – December 2013

 

REPORTS FROM SOUTH AFRICA

 

 

NELSON MANDELA MEMORIAL SERVICE DAY

 

a tribute from Knit-a-Square

On Saturday 8th December Ronda visited the home of Nelson Mandela to pay a personal tribute and to represent Knit-a-Square.

 

 

 

Reporting KAS in South Africa : 

On this Sad Day, Let us Celebrate !!!!

 

We woke up on Friday, 6 December to the very sad news that the father of our nation, Tata Nelson Mandela (Madiba) had passed away at his home in Houghton.  On behalf of all the members of Knit-A-Square we pay loving tribute to this most profoundly humble, kind and forgiving man and what better way to honour his memory than with a KAS distribution?

We teamed up with two South African businesses, Accutronics and Eketsa Interior Design, and headed to Bophelong, an informal settlement situated near Vanderbijlpark, which is in the southern-most part of Gauteng. The staff at Accutronics and Eketsa have been supporting Bophelong Children's Home for two years now, and, as part of their corporate social responsibility initiative, collect much-needed food, clothing and other items for the home and provide them with support wherever possible. Today they were taking a special Christmas delivery of gifts for the children and food to keep them going over the festive period.  Knit-a-Square was made aware of this project via one of our volunteers, Gina, who belongs to the same community forum as Tobie from Accutronics and we asked whether we could join their Christmas initiative and distribute some of your warm, hand-knitted blankets, beanies and tops to the children.

 

 

  Gratitude from the heart and not a dry eye in the house

 

To read the rest of the report please click here 

For other recent reports :

 

Our Wonderful Welcome in Snake Park !

 

Tea with the Susonke Gogos !

 

 

THE KNIT-A-SQUARE SHOP

The new 2014 edition of the KAS calendar is now available for purchase in the shop!

You can buy it now for $9.95.

 

Many thanks to Sandy for designing next year's KAS calendar, it is full of beautiful photos of the kids and your knitting masterpieces. The money from every purchase helps us to continue the distributions and support for the kids, their carers, the creches and the gogos of South Africa.

Please go to the Knit-A-Square Shop today and purchase something special to support the day-to-day operations (KasOps) directly in South Africa. This month we are highlighting Snacks – an important element of the distributions.

 

 

 

 

"KAS REACHES GREAT HEIGHTS FOR CHILDREN"

A JOURNEY AROUND THE WORLD !

 

This challenge is going to take us around the planet whilst reaching great heights & piles of squares – 178,000 to be precise, in order to reach the top of Table Mountain, Cape Town in South Africa!

We are going to need 50 squares for every foot climbed!

Since the last month we have taken trips from London, across the Rockies, into Brazil and Tunisia. Then it was back to Scotland, Wales, Ireland and England with a diversion via Wyoming!  Then we visited Italy, Switzerland and Paris for a croissant and coffee! Niagara has just fallen and we have zipped across to New Zealand! Currently, we toppled two targets in the UK this week – Nelsons Column and The Cutty Sark at Greenwich, now we are in Cornwall at The Eden Project and we need 9,000 squares to reach the top of the bio-domes!

 

KAS has a surplus of hats & beanies, therefore please would those of you who make hats switch to squares as essentially, 1 hat = 3 squares and will help build the piles to reach our target just that bit quicker!

 

Here is the link to KAS Reaches Great Heights for Children

 

 

 

WHAT'S GOING ON IN SOUTH AFRICA?

  

PHOTOGRAPHS FROM KAS DISTRIBUTIONS

There have been some late Autumn distributions including the

 Big Smiles Day Centre

 

 

 

We have more photographs to come from Evaton and Bophelong Children's Home for publishing in 2014. 

 

The Sprout Foundation Report

29th November : Christmas came early this year! Look at all these happy faces. Thank you again Knit-a-Square for your continuous support. It is MUCH appreciated by all of us.

 

 

You might also enjoy reading a report from Mama Ntombi Community Projects – 

 

One Child at a Time

This month we featured the story of Ntokozo who was burnt when her grandmother was cooking and the pot tipped over spilling hot oil on her leg. Ntokozo was spotted at the Mama Ntombi 24th November Sunday session and was taken to hospital for treatment.

 

Burns                                            After hospital treatment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mama Ntombi dressed Ntokozo

 

 

 

10th December Ntokozo wounds are healing nicely

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

22nd December completely healed!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sabelo, who we featured last month, along with his two sisters has been 'adopted' by Lisa through the Mama Ntombi adoption programme which enables a family to be provided for by an adoptee, and who will receive regular reports.

 

 

Photo

 

Olwethu is also progressing well, here she is on 22nd December!

 

 

 

 

BLANKETS !

 

 

The Knit-a-Square Blanket Album continues to grow,  you may even spot some of your squares!  

 

 

You may recall that last year the students of Beaulieu College Outreach helped to open hundreds of parcels from a giant backlog that was choking Ronda's garage.  Well the students hadn't forgotten and contacted KAS to say they would like to do 'something' again.  They were speedily supplied with a number of blanket square packs to turn into blankets!

Please click above and see all the beautifully results created by the students!

 

 

 

The JBay Recycling Project & Stitch Witch News

 

The Stitch Witch Group held a Teddy Bear competition so that all the children who attend the recycling sessions received a bag containing not only a teddy, but crayons, an activity book and cookies! The competition winner was Sandy Pio who managed to produce 60 of the 320 bears received.  

 

This Jeffries Bay Community project has continued to go from strength to strength, undoubtedly helped by the presence of our lovely Stitch Witch team who continue to contribute blankets along with the help of the ladies of the Sunshine Club.

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

ISSUES – WE NEED YOUR HELP WITH !

 

Zero Tolerance

 

 

With regard to the completion of the Custom Slip

attached to your parcels!

 

Please do check out the discussion, ZERO TOLERANCE, in Postage Information, created by Anne to help prevent unnecessary raids on our much needed funds by South Africa Customs & Revenue!

 

Sadly a parcel recently arrived from the UK declaring a value of £12 sterling.  Unfortunately, the writing was not perfectly clear, and, South African Customs & Excise insisted it said £72 sterling, and Ronda had to pay 300 Rand (£17.50 or $30 US) to bail it out. This sum far outstripped the value of the goods contained in the parcel, plus it used up valuable cash that Knit-a-Square would prefer to spend providing the children with extra food!

 

 

Judging from the number of comments posted already, instructions to Postal Office Clerks does tend to vary, rather adds to the confusion. Canada and the UK will accept '0', but sometimes USA and Australia do require a figure. The USA, Helen has found her office accepts a value of $1, elsewhere  Debbie uses '0' without any difficulties.  Bev in Australia has found the $1 is accepted at her post office!

Anyhow, we are asking everyone to spread-the-word about filling in the forms extra carefully in order to safeguard Ronda's piggie bank!

 

 

 

KAS SQUARE MEASURE

 

 The KAS Square Measure, is being revised and worked on, with the help of Adelina in the UK.  We are tweaking it a little as the information concerning the Custom Slip is going to be added and the ruler (that shrank) is being removed.  However the existing Square Measure is perfectly useable and works well as an information pack all rolled into one!

 

 

 

SORTED IN AFRICA

Here are a couple of opening day photographs.  To see more open day photographs please go to Sorted in South Africa

 

 

To read this delightful letter, please click on Society of St. Vincent de Paul and choose View Full Size which makes it easier to read.

 

The Society thanked Knit-a-Square members for the toys we sent them to use as Christmas Gifts – and they certainly came in handy!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ronda and the team packed up 900 beanies which were sent for distribution at the Community Policing Forum's Christmas Outreach (scroll down the page) in Kya Sands. They were very gratefully received!

 

 

Over the years Ronda has received lots of wonderful and charming letters from school children who want to help.  We'll share them gradually that came from the 3M class, Ambleside, Tasmania Island (Australia)  – as we are coming to the end of the year we will make these our final letters!  The letters have been delightful, but due to being written in pencil it is not easy to find one that will post clearly on the page!

 

Nixon Street Primary – Tasmania Island, Australia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

KAS GROUP NEWS &

SPREADING THE WORD

We have received an email from the students at United World College South East Asia – East Campus, Singapore.  The school incorporates a Global Concerns Project into the education of the students. Here is a statement of intent from the college :

“Global Concerns is a dynamic initiative enabling students to put their ideals into action by establishing project groups which actively address specific issues about which the students care deeply. The projects focus on working to support causes and communities through direct links with partner organisations outside Singapore.” 

“The UWC Movement believes that to achieve peace and a sustainable future, the values it promotes are crucial: international and intercultural understanding; celebration of difference; personal responsibility and integrity; mutual responsibility and respect; compassion and service; respect for the environment; a sense of idealism; personal challenge and action and personal example.

 
 

Student Nupur Chatterji  has started a group called 'Knit Kare' and there are currently 20 eager students participating in producing squares to send to KAS, and, we have been promised further updates as the project develops. Below is a photograph of these wonderful students!

 

 

 

* * *

 

 

The new KasBlog 

One Square at a Time 

 

written by Laurie Fortier (Canada) can be found on the Forum menu bar KasBlog.  We have added a new box on the right-hand side of the Forum front page which will alert you to when a new blog is available.  Laurie updates the blog very regularly – often twice a week!

 

 

The Knit for Life Team

 

Pam Johnson & Elaine Jones are trying to win £300 ($450) to buy yarn for their teams of ladies to knit squares for KAS! You can help by voting for them every week (I do on a Monday).  The competition started on 4th November and runs for 16 weeks. Although Knit for Life hasn't won yet, but we are amongst the most viewed profile – so they are in with a very good chance! To read more go to Knit for Life.

 

To vote, please go to the Galaxy Hot Chocolate Fund

 

 

 

 

KAS MONTHLY CHALLENGES

 

The December 2013 Challenge It's a Red Month lead by Carol Playford has produced a wide variety of squares incorporating red!
 
December 2013 Love & Hope December 2013 First batch  December 2013 Red 11 Red for December  7 Red & Royal squares Red and white December Challenge by Susan Donaldson  Rainbow-1 A few more..... Rainbows and Reds  December Reds - Illusion Happy Face  Reds December 2013 November 2013 Going red!  jazzy catsRevamped squares.. 3 December Reds red squares by Ann Clements reddish
The January Challenge – our Annual Winter Drive is being lead by Anne Powell with the focus being garments. This will give members time to create them and get them in the post so they are received by Ronda ready for the South African Winter Distributions in May and June when the first of the cooler weather arrives!

 

 2014 Challenge Themes

Here is the complete list for 2014, but there is a possibility that March and September will be swapped around – Gitta's husband has decided to whisk her off to Paris during March!

 

JANUARY – WINTER DRIVE – Anne Powell (emphasis on long sleeved garments)

FEBRUARY – HEARTS – RED, WHITE & PINK  Laurie Fortier

MARCH – AROUND THE WORLD IN 30 DAYS! – Bev Jeffery

APRIL – COLOUR COLLISION  Elaine Jones

MAY – MELLOW YELLOW – Sunshine, flowers & all things yellow – Sue Gillman

JUNE – DAY OF THE AFRICAN CHILD  Robin Monsees

JULY – STRIPES, ZIG ZAGS & TEXTURES & MANDELA DAY THEME  Anne Powell

AUGUST – THE BEAUTY OF BLUES  Susan Haines

SEPTEMBER – VARIEGATED YARN  Gitta Seyfert

OCTOBER – FAVOURITES  favourite yarn, patterns etc – Mary Anne Fellows

NOVEMBER – BUGS, SLUGS & HUGS  Linda Maltby

DECEMBER – UN-CHALLENGE – time to relax, have fun, and get ready for the holidays – Susan Haines

 

 

 

SQUARE LISTS – TALLY – ITEM COUNT

 

 

November Challenge KAS cuddle Jumper 28 Hey , hey I'm a monkey... November 2013 Roly-Poly 3

 

Square Lists for November are ready for viewing. 

Received in November : Squares 9,255 (264 blankets);

Tops 185 and Beanies 456

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

 

 

 

 PACKAGE INVENTORY

Please do not forget the  Package Inventory develped to help make parcel opening day easier for the team in South Africa has proved a great success in speeding up the whole process.  Now the team have 'test driven' it for several months, Gina has modified the design so that it truly meets the office needs. The file is below, or, click on the link above in order to read the discussion.

 

KAS Package Inventory.pdf KAS Package Inventory.pdf

 

 

 

 

JANUARY PATTERN OF THE MONTH

by Linda Maltby

 

Traditional Granny square- a crochet pattern

 

  

The Granny square is described as any square worked in rounds.

This is the Traditional Granny Square pattern.

 

No one knows where or when the Granny square originated.

The first published pattern was in 1897 in Weldon’s Practical Needlework.  Even then, it was described as a good way to use up scraps and leftover bits of yarn.  People were probably already making ‘Granny’ squares but this has been accepted as the first time the pattern was in print.                                 

One theory to the name is that when a woman became older, she was often the one who took the bits and bobs of yarn and made squares and sewed them into blankets. 

Thus they were Granny’s squares.

 

 

 

Granny squares for the children in South Africa need to be made with a heavy worsted weight/DK yarn to provide an adequate layer of warmth. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Whether you make one Granny square or 35, the child who receives them will love them

…and love showing them off !

 

 

 

 

 [Link to granny square pattern]

 

The Granny square is one of the many patterns to be found in the

KAS Pattern Book.

If you see another pattern you would like to try, please do!

 

 

 

 

SQUARE HEART

OF THE MONTH AWARD

Edited this month by Laurie Fortier

 

This month the Square Heart Award goes to

This month the Square Heart Award goes to 

Jeni Nesbitt from Glasgow, Scotland!

AKA, Harrison's Mom

Jeni has been a devoted member of KAS since 2009.

She started the wonderful Yarn-aholics thread here on the forum which is so therapeutic for all of us

 

 

 

 

KAS FACEBOOK PAGE

 

We have received an additional 119 Likes on the Facebook page so far during November-December taking our total to 6575!    We also copy the messages etc received on Facebook to the Forum for anyone who is not a member of FB.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

There have been a number of landmarks along the way during 2013, especially the arrival of the KasVan via the generosity of G4S, and, KAS was able to move into offices and vacate Ronda's home!  Obviously, the recent resignation of Sandy who co-founded KAS and saw it through its first 5-years is another.  However, any organisation is only as good as its members and supporters who continue to do everything they can to make a truly practical difference to the lives of the children we serve.

There have been many distributions, all of which touched our hearts, but for 2013, none has probably quite had the visual impact that the USA lead fundraising appeal had on the children of Nancefield.

 

The photographs of Nancefield Distribution November 2013 start with the arrival of the KasVan filled with dried food for the teachers to provide meals for the children. 

 

Knit-a-Square members took this cavernous gym with one piece of equipment (the little house slide) for the children to play with

 

 

to an explosion of colour!

 

 

 

 

 

The Knit-a-Square mandate is to reach children of all races, who have lost parents through HIV/AIDs. Our Forum members and the team in South Africa, plus, the worldwide contributors from 60 countries, come from all cultures, races and religions. 
We come together as a team who truly care!
 
 May you all enjoy a peaceful Christmas and a New Year filled with love and happiness!!!!