Kitty's fiber journey

Transitions

2012-06-18T09:59:00.000-04:00

I began this blog last September, to do on paper something that I wouldn't do in real life: take off in my car without knowing quite where I was going nor where I would end up. I have reached a first destination far from where I began and thought I was going. It has been a very exciting "first leg" filled most importantly with encounters with extraordinary people! But now it's time to pause and lay down roots, for a certain time...

I am moving my blog to WordPress and changing the name to Yarns for a Better World. Since I have 5 cats, you needn't worry. There will always be a kitty with me! At this "new" blog you will still find me talking about fiber and Knit-a-Square but also about sustainable development and my yarn shop.

Thanks so much to all of you who have been reading and conversing with me here! I hope I will see you at

Yarns for a Better World!

A peony for your thoughts...

2012-06-15T11:37:00.000-04:00

I thought I would share a few of the blooms from my garden, peonies all.

Have a wonderful weekend!

Hmmm, wasn't there a contest?

2012-06-14T10:14:00.000-04:00

Well, yes there was! Life has been a bit overwhelming for me the last few weeks, but I am getting back on top of things!

Since I kept you in suspense for the total of the Knit-a-Squillion Challenge, I offered a $25 gift certificate from my yarn shop, Hands with Hearts to the person who guessed the closest to the total.

As it turns out, my daughter Cathy had the closest guess with 555. To be fair, we will be sending the $25 to Knit-a-Square (don't worry about Cathy, she has free acces to my shop! )!

Please keep knitting and crocheting. I will be announcing a new challenge soon!

Remember, it's winter in South Africa!

Source

We did it!

2012-06-02T11:01:00.001-04:00


Source

I appologize for the annoying animation, but I really am that excitied!

And now, clic on the drum:

616 squares, 1 scarf, 6 sweaters, 85 hats, 5 teddy bears, 2 stuffed toys, 1 doll, 3 rain ponchos, 5 sets of underwear, 29 pairs of socks!

Can you believe it? I am overjoyed!

There are not enough words to express my gratitude, but thank you!

Thank you all so very much for your incredible generosity!

I want to mention the contributions received since my last update:
Sonya - 10 squares
Rachel - 61 squares, 1 hat
Jill - 2 squares
Sarah - 8 squares, 7 hats, 2 rain ponchos, 3 pairs of socks, 1 doll, 2 stuffed animals
Nancy - 31 squares
Lauren - 6 squares
Stephanie Niu lead a lovely group of teenagers from Georgia - 61 squares
These girls adoped KAS as their project for their Global Connections Club. Most of them were brand new knitters! I hope they caught the knitting bug and that it will stay with them! Congratulations girls! You should be very proud of yourselves! Your squares will be added with just a few others to make blankets that will keep two aids orphans warm this winter, THANK YOU!!


Stephanie and friends

Stephanie Niu - 2 squares
Manon Semrau - 4 squares
Anjani Ganapathy - 3 squares
Ayoung Song - 20 squares
Becky Cox - 11 squares
Catherine Niu - 1 square
Shulie Son - 20 squares
Jenny Fisher - helped others and gave moral support to the team.

If you are still knitting or have squares to send, please do! Unfortunately there is still a need for blankets in South Africa and there will be for some time. I will be collecting and sending as long as they are needed. I will be launching a new challenge soon!

KAS June Challenge - What a beautiful World!

2012-05-30T12:14:00.000-04:00

Each month wonderful people from Knit-a-Square propose a different theme to inspire our creativity and give us a place to share our thoughts and ideas. I mentioned that last month was "Pick it from the garden in May." Knitters and crocheters created some of the most beautiful squares I have seen. You can see them here on Flickr.

Absolutely beautiful from Anneke!

The June theme was just announced yesterday and it is one that is dear to my heart, the United Nations World Environnement Day. For this challenge, we are encouraged to

- create earth themed squares - earth, sky, water, endangered animals and plants

- use only natural fiber yarns

- use recycled yarns

This wonderful little video from the BBC will surely put you in the mood. If you are like me, you will be hearing Louis Armstrong rather than David Attenbourough and you will be humming it all day!

So won't you join us? It's a wonderful way to try a new yarn or reduce your stash while helping to keep an orphan warm this winter in South Africa.

Happy Memorial Day!

2012-05-28T12:01:00.000-04:00

I hope the sun is shining on your Memorial Day parades and barbeques!

Have a wonderful day!


Golden Gate Cemetery, San Bruno, CA

There are five days left in our Knit-a-Squillion Challenge!

Don't forget to come and vote and win a chance for a $25 at Hands with Hearts!

This is it...

2012-05-25T09:25:00.000-04:00

One week and counting to the June 1st deadline for our part in the Knit-a-Squillion Challenge!

I can't tell you how excited I am! Your packages are arriving daily and we are at

_____________ squares !!!

I'm going to let you guess! I'm keeping the total a secret until next Friday!

Since I think that's a little mean of me, we'll make it a contest. Let me know in the comments how many squares you think we will have reached by Friday, June 1st. Last week we were at 437. The person who guesses the closest to the final number will win a $25 gift certificate at Hands with Hearts. The guessing is open to everyone!

Have a fabulous weekend! I leave you with more beautiful photos from Knit-a-Square!

Kathorus Orphange in Thakoza

Art Photography

2012-05-21T11:03:00.000-04:00

I have always said that the best part of the Internet is how it allows us to build relationships. I have met many talented artists, devoted volonteers and made wonderful friends. The most wonderful of all is one woman who is all of these and more! Sonya of Kanelstrand is a passionate woman who devotes herself completely to everything she does. You most likely have already read her blog, but if you haven't seen her photography, you are missing something extraordinary. You can visit her Etsy shop where you will see breathtaking photography. Sonya is a poet with words and images!

Catch the Moon by Sonya Kanelstrand

Sonya has taken this same talent to create an online magazine for her blog sponsors, The Studio Mag. It is absolutely beautiful and showcases all of the artists' talent like nothing I have seen before. Please come and have a look!

Open publication - Free publishing - More craft

To all my Canadian friends, Happy Victoria Day!

16 days and counting!

2012-05-16T10:14:00.002-04:00

Our knit-a-squillion challenge is nearing the June 1st, deadline!

Another lovely person has joined us this week, Paige from Wisconsin, welcome!

I made 3 squares this week and Linda, whose eco-friendly sewing creations you can find here, sent me 19 beautiful felted squares! Thanks so much, Linda!

That brings our total to 437 squares!!

We are 63 squares away from our goal of 500 squares, but I am not worried. Several people have told me that their squares are on their way, so I am sure that we will reach 500 by Friday, June 1st.

Now I have an important message. . . The challenge will not end on June 1st!
Knit-a-Square and all the people involved have become a part of my life. It is extraordinary how much we can receive when we give. So, as long as Knit-a-Square exists, I will be collecting and sending squares to South Africa! I will also continue offering "gifts" from my shop and profits from the sale of 3 of the yarns I have in my shop. Just this month I have made $50 for KAS!

Thank you all so much for your generosity! !

Please keep spreading the word

and look out for our totals on Friday, June 1st!

So many patterns, so little time!

2012-05-11T11:53:00.001-04:00

I don't know what it is about knitting, but I am always working on several projects at the same time. The main reason is probably that knitting takes time, so it's encouraging to have smaller projects going while working on bigger things. I can take a scarf project to the doctor's office whereas taking a blanket would be a lot more complicated! I also like to have an easy project to work on when the house is full of people. I keep those complicated lace patterns for when I'm alone.

That being said, I generally have three projects going at the same time. Since finding Knit-a-Square, I always have a square in progress. I work on something for someone else and something for myself. These are my current projects.

My latest square for Knit-a-Square, finished last night.

The KAS challenge for May is Pick it from the Garden. I encourage you to go and see the amazing squares that have been crafted on Flickr.


A blanket for my daughter Jackie, about 2/3 done.

A summer sweater for me by Katie White on Ravelry.

Isn't is adorable? I've only just started, but I love it! It fits all my "requirements"!

Ah Ravelry! I am absolutely in love with Ravelry! When Ravelry began, I was new to knitting and didn't think I could learn to knit and keep up with an Internet site. I have since come to know the site better and what I love the most about Ravelry is their pattern library and their incredible search engine. I have mentioned before how much I love PDF patterns and there are many places you can find them. But, truth be told, all you need is Ravelry, because most of the patterns I have found on other sites, are also on Ravlery.

What is amazing about their search engine? It will look for just about any pattern specification you can think of. You have 200 yards of Bison yarn and need a pattern? It will find you patterns! With just those two words, they found me 29 patterns including this one!

A beautiful pattern by Jenny Raymond.

You can choose yarn weight, needle size, type of garment, type of constuction. You name it. There are over 20 filters, each with filters of their own. If you haven't tried it, I suggest you do. I have not encountered any other site that is as complete! Also essential, you can save your favorite patterns without purchasing them.

So, how about you? Are you a multi-tasking crafter or one-minded? What do you think about PDF patterns? I would love to hear from you!

Gifts for Mother's Day

2012-05-09T10:57:00.000-04:00

It occured to me this week, strangely enough, that online gift certificates are not only great when we are looking for a "last minute" gift, but also when the recipient lives far away. My parents have both passed away, but when they were alive, mother's day and father's day were always stressful for me. After I finished college, I lived very far away from my parents. I not only struggled to find something that would express my love for them, but would also get there on time!

My mother was quite easy. She loved to wear a corsage (very old fashioned!), so I would order her her favorite, a gardenia corsage. My Dad was much harder, but now I think of all the things I could have sent him directly from Amazon, CD's or books, with no trouble!

Gardenia, I can actually smell the incredible scent!

So, no excuses! If you haven't gotten anything for your mother yet, you still have time. And remember, it doesn't have to be expensive. It doesn't even have to be a thing. What mothers want is to be remembered ON Mother's Day.
A phone call or a visit are worth more than any expensive gift!

My kids, Jackie, David and Cathy with my Mom in 2009.

Is your mother a fiber lover?

Why not offer her a gift certificate from Hands with Hearts?

Hands with Hearts, Yarns for a better World

World AIDS Orphans' Day

2012-05-07T09:42:00.001-04:00

May 7th, is World AIDS Orphans Day. It saddens me so to think that this "day" exists, to learn that there are over 15 million aids orphans on the African continent. However, sadness is pointless unless it urges us to action. That is what I challenge myself and you to do today. No gesture is too small.

South African Aids orphans

Sandy McDonald, founder of Knit-a-Square, sends us this message today:

It's World AIDS Orphans' Day.

It's a day on which we can all bring special attention to these children whose suffering we so wish to alleviate. It's a day when we can all dream a little about what we more we would do, if we could to make a difference in their lives.

Here's my dream. Please add yours. If we keep on speaking, our voices will join others and change WILL happen.

As part of the dream, our wonderfully creative, talented members are Picking It From The Garden In May, for this month's square challenge, run by Anne Powell.

Each square aims to bring into a little child's life, some of the joys of daffodils in spring, autumn leaves, butterflies, sunflowers and bees, poppies and fairies, to name but a few of the beautiful images gracing the challenge.

Please pop in and join in the fun, picking it from the garden during May.

You'll not only be inspired by the creativity, but you'll bring a smile to the face of the little one, who is wrapped with love in a blanket featuring your garden's inspiration.

We look forward to seeing you in there.

Sandy

Visit Square Circle Forum at: http://forum.knit-a-square.com/?xg_source=msg_mes_network

You can see all the beautiful squares for the May challenge here.

If you don't knit or crochet, you can still make a big difference for these children,

- make a small donation

- like the Knit-a-Square Facebook Page

- like the World AIDS Orphans Day Facebook Page

- Talk about both organisations with your friends and colleagues.

Don't feel overwhelmed by this tragedy, ACT, and know that you are making a difference!

This is what helping KAS can do. This is sadness turned to action!

Guest posting today!

2012-05-04T08:52:00.000-04:00

The first friday of the month you can find me guest posting on the amazing Kanelstrand Blog.

Today I am talking about plant fiber yarns for knit and crochet. Come on over and let me know what you think of these beautiful, eco-friendly fibers!

Have a fantastic weekend everyone!

Another incredible week!

2012-05-03T14:10:00.001-04:00

Knit-a-Squillion Challenge update. Wait until you see what I have received for Knit-a-Square this week!

Linda from New Jersey has joined us! She has made some beautiful felted squares. You can get a sneak peek here!

My local girls, Cathy and Sophie have each added one new square.

Sophie trying new stitches. Lovely!

Cathy's first crochet square!

M. Irving from South Carolina sent in 9 squares.

Beautiful, soft and warm!

Kalya Beth from Tennesse sent in 8 squares.

Gorgeous, spring garden colors!

Arlene from Arizona sent in 7 squares.

Beautiful and super "boy" colors!

Britta from Louisianna sent in 7 squares.

Lovely colors!

The amazing mother-daughter team of Cathy and Joan sent in 45 more squares. You ladies are incredible!

So many colors and patterns. Each one more lovely than the next!

Finally, a lovely lady named Valerie from Ontario sent 13 squares, 14 hats, 2 go overs (as we call them!) and 5 of the cutest teddy bears I have ever seen!

We have added a total this week of 91 squares!

This brings our total number of squares to...

415 squares!

Just under one month left in our challenge and only 85 squares to go! I know we will make it!

Your generosity overwhelmes me and at the same time gives me so much hope!

Thank you all so very, very much!!

**If I have made any mistakes with names or numbers, I do appologize and hope you will let me know so I can correct my records! Thank you!

There is nothing we can do.

2012-05-01T10:21:00.001-04:00

How many times have we heard this statement, or even said it ourselves, when discussing war, famine, poverty or other social injustices in the world? Although we are empathetic to the suffering, we tend to see these problems as too big. In reality, we take the easy route when we say "nothing to be done." Choosing to make a difference, finding something that can be done, is difficult and can even be threatening to who we are. But, thank goodness there are people who are willing to take that risk, to find a way to make a difference and give us the chance to be a part of it.

The McDonald family and Knit-a-Square are one extraordinary example, and today I have another to share with you. Two team members from Team Eco Etsy have begun an ingenious project. Karen Lee of EcoKaren and Mary Kearns of Herban Lifestyle have joined together to help unemployed women in transitional housing in the DC and NY areas.

Herban Crafts: Crafting a Better World!

This is their mission statement:

Our mission is multi-fold: to promote self-sufficiency while also supporting the health and wellbeing of people and the planet; and to help address the problem of unemployment, a contributing factor to homelessness, by offering a hands-on job and social skills training program for unemployed women living in transitional housing.

Isn't this extraordinary? There really is no problem too big for us to make a difference. It just takes courage and a lot of heart. People like Karen, Mary and the McDonalds help us realize that truly,

There is nothing we can not do!

Find out more about Herban Crafts on Idiegogo. Follow on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest

And they're off!

2012-04-25T12:52:00.000-04:00

I have shipped the first of our KAS squares today! YAY!!

I can't tell you enough how thrilled I am to have so many of you supporting KAS! I will never say it enough, "thank you!"

I will be sending out our 324 squares + in groups of 40 or so which is the limit for a ground package from Canada. It is the least expensive way and the best way for Ronda to receive them. In S.A. boxes are apparently more suspect to customs officers and the customs fees don't seem to follow any logical rules.

We have two new lovely people who have joined the Knit-a-Squillion challenge this week

Leslie from Iowa

Britta from Louisiana

Welcome!

I have updated the Knit-a-Squillion page so that it will be a kind of album for our progress. Please have a look at the list to make sure I haven't made any mistakes or forgotten anyone. The list of your names and contributions is sent to Ronda so she will know where the beautiful squares come from.

You may know that I am following a personal dream and have opened my own online yarn shop, Hands with Hearts, Yarns for a Better World. I am very pleased to announce that I have chosen three of my yarns to be KAS yarns. That means that all the profit I make from the sale of these yarns will go to KAS!
The three yarns are

Artyarns hand painted supermerino

Manos del Uruguay Maxima

Green Mountain Spinnery Yarn Over

If you are tempted to try any of these yarns, know that you are not just buying beautiful yarn, you are directly helping the children of Southern Africa.

I choose these three yarns in particular because they are worsted weight, soft, warm and would make wonderful squares, but you can make anything you like with them!

In my shop, world wide shipping is always free. If you subscribe to my newsletter you get a 15% discount on all purchases and you all receive KAS thank you coupons. Anyone who contributes to the Knit-a-Squillion Challenge receives 1$ per square, 3$ per hat, 5$ per sweater.

Now, I know that you make these squares because you are extraordinary and generous people and you don't expect anything in return, but please take them as my thanks. Use them to buy more yarn for squares, give them as a gift to a friend, or treat yourself. It really is important to me to be able to offer you this token of my gratitude for all that you do for the children! I will be double checking to make sure I get the coupons out to you. I don't have everyone's e-mail, so don't be shy. Send me a message and I will get it right out to you.

Once again, to end this week's message please,

spread the word any way you can,

more hands, more squares, more warm children!

Knitter, know thyself!

2012-04-20T11:06:00.002-04:00

I have several projects in progress and many on my "would like" to-do list. I though Friday, would be a good day to share them with you. I subscribe to several knitting and fiber magazines (electronic and paper), I have many knitting books and DVDs and many favorite knitting sites that I visit. I sometimes have the feeling that I dream more than I do, but for me, it's all a part of my creative process. Perusing all these different sources helps me learn an amazing amount of information about fiber, yarn and design, and they spark my creativity for color, design and construction of garments.

A part of my collection!

My studies are mostly creative, but there is also a practical side. The more I learn, the better choices I make. I choose patterns that I know I will enjoy making and that will be flattering for me or the recipient when they are finished. I knit fairly quickly, I think, but the time I have to knit is limited. This also affects my choices. We knit for pleasure. It should not be a stressful experience. That is why knowing what we like and don't like helps to avoid frustration, hence the call, "knitter know thyself!"

Here is my list of preferences for sweater designs:

1. In the round - You knit and get stocking stitch for free! Elizabeth Zimmerman said that we would enjoy purl just as much as knit, but we don't do it enough. I am sure that she was right. I'm getting faster at purl, but knit is just so easy!

2. Little or no finishing - Remember my unfinished objects that I mentioned last fall? They are still in the bottom of my closet. Shameful, I know, but it seems the longer you put something off, the harder it is to get back to it. I hate finishing!

3. Worsted weight yarn and size 8 to 10 needles. These are big time savers. Speed is important for me when I am making a big garment. Seeing the sweater develop quickly is motivation to continue.

Christina Wall's Greta Vest

Preferences two and three are what led me to want to make this vest the minute I saw it! The Greta Vest by Christina Wall is just about as easy as it gets! She calls it a "mind clearer". You just cast on and knit/purl, instant knitting gratification! It is also a very practical, four season garment. If I sew a skirt with $5 worth of fabric, I don't mind giving it away after a few seasons, but when I invest a good amount of money and time in a sweater, I want it to be a design that will last a long time.

No picking up and knitting at the end!

I knit this vest in Knit Picks City Tweed ( Aran / Heavy Worsted Weight
55% Merino wool, 25% Superfine alpaca, 20% Donegal tweed
164 yards/100 gram ball). It is a lovely, soft yarn and easy to work with. Knit Picks has a large selection of patterns from independent designers, beautiful, reasonably priced yarns and a large assortement of knitting needles.

Still needs blocking!

This was my first "top down" sweater and I loved it! I have found that there are many techniques in knitting that seem mysterious and complicated before you try them, and when you "get your courage up" you realise that it's really not that hard.

Here you can see the fake seam!

So to recap, heavy worsted weight yarn, size 9 needles, no finishing. It was a dream project!

What are your "must haves" when knitting or crocheting for it to be a dream project? Please share them with us!

An abundance of love

2012-04-18T15:13:00.000-04:00

I have so much wonderful news to share with you in this update of the Knit-a-Squillion Challenge!

I have been overwhelmed by your generosity and I have gotten a little behind!

Two new lovely ladies have joined us, Anusha from South Africa and Deborah from Florida.

Welcome!!

Stephanie, a high school student from Georgia asked me if knitting squares could count for community service for their Global Connections Club. I said that it certainly could! Stephanie has a group of about 20 teens making squares. Many are just learning to knit! Yay! Thank you Stephanie!

Carol, also from Georgia, got together with 7 other lovely ladies to knit in a group. It's a fantastic idea. Don't they look like they are having fun?! And look at all those squares!

Lynette of Sweet Posy Dreams sent me 14 beautiful squares before Easter (see what I mean about being behind!). Look at the beautiful colors and textures!

Linda sent me these two beautiful sweaters and 4 squares. Aren't they lovely?

My friend Mary Anne sent this gorgeous flower garden of 6 squares!

Rachel sent 5 hats, 1 scarf and 22 squares and 6 pairs of socks.

This includes her 7 year old daughter's first hat! Isn't it beautiful?

Another amazing flower pattern!

Finally, for truly overwhelming, Cathy and her daughter Joan, with the help of Joan's Grandmother-in-law, who paid for postage, sent 1 sweater, 1 hat and 123 squares!! Can you imagine?!

Here is a sample of their beautiful work.

A beautiful and fast-knit sweater. Two rectangles sewn together.

This is my latest contribution along with 19 felted squares from an old wool sweater and three old wool scarves.

Are you ready?

Drum roll please...

324 squares !!!

Almost 10 blankets! All your beautiful work will be sewn into 10 blankets for 10 beautiful children to keep them warm through the coming winter. And, we are more than half-way to our goal of 500 squares by June 1st! We will also be sending 1 poncho, 6 pairs of socks, 1 scarf, 3 sweaters, 1 Kascuddle and 63 hats!

You are all extraordinary people!!

Thank you so very much!!

Knit-a-Square

Knit-a-Square on Facebook

Knitter's newsflash!

2012-04-16T13:30:00.000-04:00

This is one of those spontaneous, must write posts for all you knitters out there! I have just discovered the online magazine Twist Collective. It was begun in 2008, so I feel very embarrassed to not have known about it before. This, however, is probably a good thing since I just perused the spring/summer issue and have added at least 10 patterns to my wish/to-do list!

Source

What is not to love about this magazine?

- It's free!

- It is a showcase for independent designers.

- The photography is professional, the pictures and models are beautiful.

- There are short articles, tricks and tips.

- The patterns are for sale on the site.

- There is "click through" advertising to learn more and/or purchase yarns. No more fussing with post-its “so I can check back later.”

I don't know about you, but I love getting my patterns in PDF. They are easier to organize, better for the environment and, for middle-aged people like, me the combination PDF + IPad has changed my life! I can make the pattern as big as I need!

So, if you would like to see some beautiful designs, head over to Twist Collective!

Coming later this week:

- Knit-a-squillion update

- Sharing my wish list - come see what my fingers are dieing to make!

Handmade for Earth Day Auction

2012-04-15T11:41:00.001-04:00

In an earlier post I explained that the Team EcoEtsy is hosting an auction for Earth Day for the third year in a row. There is one week left in the auction and I would like to encourage you all to come and see the amazing handmade, green articles that are being offered.

One of my teammates, Mary of Herban Lifestyle wrote a wonderful and beautiful post about the American National Parks. I would love to have you pop over and read it!

Happy Sunday!

Happy Easter! Happy Spring!

2012-04-06T15:42:00.001-04:00

Just a short message today to wish you a wonderful weekend, be it Easter, spring or something else you celebrate! It's a four day holiday here in Canada. For us, a time for family, so I've promised to stay away from the computer!

I do want to share some wonderful news though. Sonya of the amazing Kanelstrand blog has asked me to join her team of contributing authors. I was honored to say yes! So, on the first Friday, of the month you will find me at Sonya's! Today is my first day. I've started with an Easter knitting DIY that anyone can do. Please stop by!

I tried to find a cute Easter video on Youtube to share with you. But nothing was the right one. I leave you instead with these pictures of our menagerie that my daughter Jackie took today!

Sapphire our oldest

Spot (Star Trek the Next Generation fans will understand the name!)

Ficelle (string, it's cuter in French!) She's our Ragdoll princess!


And, Rusty, our latest addition. He's only four months old, but his points will be red!

HAPPY

Goodness and mercy shall follow me...

2012-04-01T12:02:00.000-04:00

Googling and Amazon aside, I have been a "serious Internaut" for less than a year. As is my habit, I jump into new things enthusiastically knowing and expecting little. As my friend Sonya says, the less we know the braver we are. I agree totally, and would add, the fewer the expectations, the grater the joy. Both of these sayings apply to me and my Internet experiences. Over the last year, I have made friends, discovered shared passions and met extraordinary people who are selfless and tireless in their work to make the world a better place.

I am an optimist. I believe that if we do good things, "goodness will follow us." You can call me naive. I don't mind. This belief has only been strengthened by finding Knit-a-Square. How can you not be in awe of a family who chose to say "Yes, we can." When it would have been so much easier to say, "It's too big of a problem. There is nothing we can do." Look at all the goodness that has followed them. People all over the world have joined KAS, making it their own. We are making it our responsibility to keep these children warm. Whether you make one square or hundreds or simply "like" our page on Facebook, you are making a difference.

By launching my participation in the Knit-a-Squillion Challenge through the Internet, I have touched many more people than I could have hoped. And at the same time, I have received so much. The goodness and generosity of all of you involved in Knit-a-Square is humbling and heartwarming. No hate or violence or sadness or illness in the world can overshadow the joy I feel seeing the goodness of all you extraordinary people!

Look at what we have received this week:

Two continuing contributors

Sophie from Quebec City

Dayle from British Columbia who was the first person to send in squares. She also added a rain poncho, so needed!

And two new KAS friends

Suzie from Iowa, 50 gorgeous squares!!

And an amazing 50 hats from Sharon in Florida and 20 squares from her friend Ruth!

Add caption

Thank you all so much for being such, selfless, generous people!

This brings our total to 153 squares, 55 hats and 1 Kascuddle!!

One last thing to share on this first day of April. Each month KAS proposes a theme for the squares as a motivation to keep the creative juices flowing. This month the theme is flags of the world and everyone is thrilled with the idea. It is only the first day and yet hundred of flags have already been made. Follow this link to see the gorgeous photos and here for information on the challenge in the forum.

Handmade for Earth Day Auction

2012-03-28T10:29:00.000-04:00

I have just been admitted to an extraordinary team on Etsy...Team Eco Etsy!

To say that this is an active group would be an understatement! Only days after my acceptance, I learned of their (our now!) annual Handmade for Earth Day Auction. I was very happy to be able to participate in a significant way so quickly.

Now, let me tell you about the auction!

Gorgeous photo by my dear friend Sonya, of course!

“3rd Annual Handmade for Earth Day Auction”

To celebrate and raise awareness about Earth Day, Team Eco Etsy proudly sponsors “Handmade for Earth Day Auction” and the proceeds from the auction are donated to a non-profit organization. This year, the proceeds will be donated to National Park Foundation to support its on-going restoration and maintenance of national parks in America.

The auction will begin Monday, April 2, 2012 and will end on Sunday, April 22th, 2012.

Here is a list of all the wonderful team members who have contributed to the auction. While waiting for the auction to start, you can have a look at all the wonderful items they offer in their shops!
Enjoy!

1Shawfield
Anny May
Antique to Chic
Aquarian Bath
A Thread of Grace
BeJeweledNH
Bugbaby
Double Brush
Drinkstodesign

Earnest Efforts
Ecokaren
Fashiongreentbags
Fianaturals
Funkydevazvintage
Groovy Green Glass
Growing Up Wild
Happy Earth Tea
Herban Lifestyle
Herban Luxe
Herbfriend
Kanelstrand
KCsGlass
Knits for Life
Like My Hat
LindaEve
LynnMinneyDesigns
Lolailo
Manila Extract
molecularmuse
Monkeys On The Roof
My Posh Pads
Neena Creates
Pierogi Picnic
Planet Playground
Posh Pads
Pouch
Prairie Threads
remainewicked
remaker
sesameseeddesigns
Soul Role
The Art of Zen Crochet
The Chic Chickadee
The Familee Jewels
The Hedgerow
The Wooden Bee
Thorawish
Uncorked
Under The Root
Unraveled Revelry
Upcycled Unlimited
Whispering Willow Soap
Writesy
Yellow Finch Designs
zJayne

My first KASCUDDLE!

2012-03-23T10:55:00.000-04:00

The Knit-a-Squillion Challenge has gone viral! This is very exciting news for Knit-a-Square and it is all thanks to you!!

Don't worry, I needed Wikepedia to undertand too!

"A viral video (in our case topic) is one that becomes popular through the process of Internet sharing, typically through video sharing websites, social media and email."

The bottom line is that because you are reading and sharing the blogs about the Challenge, a significant number of people are learning about KAS, spreading the word and getting involved. This is simply wonderful news! So, again,

Thank you all so much!!

These won't be in bloom in Quebec for another 6 weeks!

I know many of you are busy knitting or crocheting squares, but I took a break last week and decided to try something new. I thought you might like to also. I have made my first KASCUDDLE. It is an ingenious idea and very fun and easy to make. It is basically a baby sleeping bag, which is much more practial for the tiny ones (0-12 months) than a blanket which falls off when they move in their sleep.

You can find the instuctions for both a knit and a crochet version here. I knit mine. We start at the top with chunky yarn and size 13 needles, knit a K2, P2 ribbing for 5 inches and then knit each round until we have a tube 35" long.

First step.

That's the basic version and the one I made, but the possibilities for color and texture are limitless! If you would like to try your hand at one of these, I will be more than happy to send it to SA along with our squares!

I still need to sew the bottom and weave in my ends!

KAS had a real video "go viral" this week too and I am so happy to be able to share it with you! This is what it's all about!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

The knit-a-squillion challenge is going strong!

2012-03-15T10:10:00.000-04:00

I can't tell you the incredible feeling I get when I receive a package in the mail and realize that it is for Knit-a-Square! To have the tangible proof that we are so many people in so many different places working for the same goal, is overwhelming! Whenever I'm feeling down, I think of you, your squares and these beautiful children and "then I don't feel so bad!"

I received two such packages this week!

From Laura, these beautiful squares, 7 of them and 2 skeins of wool for making more! Thank you so very much Laura for your generosity!

And an incredible family effort, a box of 20 squares!! Our blogging friends Melinda and her daughter Taylor, Melinda's Mom and her two other daughters, Riley and Jordan all worked together to make these beautiful squares! Thanks so much to all of you!!

We have a new person who has joined us this week, Deborah from Florida. Welcome Deborah and thanks so much for joining us!

Our total this week:

82 squares! That's 2 + blankets !!!

Some information to share:

Let me say first that for my part of the Knit-a-Squillion Challenge, there are no rules, no requirements. You send me items. I ship them to South Africa. You receive coupons from Hands with Hearts. If you live closer to SA than Canada (or for any other reason) and would rather send the squares directly there, please do. My ONLY goal in promoting Knit-a-Square is to get as many warm items as possible to the children of South Africa!

Every year KAS takes an inventory of what they have and and what they need and compiles a Wish List.
This is the official Wish List for 2012 from Kalai Mcdonald.

SQUARES SQUARES SQUARES!
Squares as always are what we need the most.

To make our lives easier, please only leave a tail 50 cms long. We bundle the squares into 50's and they can get into a terrible mess with very long tails. We would appreciate it if these tails could be neatly butterflied and laid on top of the square and all other ends stitched in.

Photo by Rachel A., KAS website

Send the squares flat with the tails neatly wound on top of the square. Folded squares or rolled squares with the tails bound take a long time to flatten and sort.

Neaten the ends. Some squares arrive with the end just snipped off and this may lead to a blanket unravelling.

Be creative - it is lovely to include one creative square in each blanket among the plain jane squares, so if your mood is creative do send us embroidered or other creative squares if you feel like it. They add yet another dimension to our beautiful blankets. And please send brightest colours, even luminous, where possible. However, all squares will be used no matter what the colour. We totally understand that using up old yarn is a common situation. Here is a link to the challenges to help with your creative sparkle, please join in! http://forum.knit-a-square.com/forum/categories/challenges-1/listFo...
Please include a note with your name, address, email address and a list of the contents of the package.

Don't you love Hello Kitty? Square and photo by Karen Ann Evans

GARMENTS
Yarn - please use yarn (either wool, acrylic, bamboo or cotton) which is soft or softish to touch.
Square vests – please do not use the pattern from the website. The pattern will soon be removed and replaced with a Slip-Over pattern or a simple vest /tank top pattern, longer in body length.
Newborn items – We most definitely DO want newborn items, but our current stock is unbalanced in favour of small items at the moment so before the coming winter it would be enormously helpful for us to receive items in the pre-school/creche (2-8 yr) age group bearing in mind that this is the age-group to which we have greatest access.
Slip-Overs - these garments should definitely be made in soft, yielding yarn as they are either warn directly against the skin or are stretched over other items for added warmth. They can be made thicker (with two strands of yarn) but perhaps then they should be knitted or crocheted on bigger needles. There are very specific instructions under the SLIP-OVER category on the forum.

Photo from KAS FB page

Hats – at this point we need these items for children two years and older, again in line with our stock requirements going into winter. Please make sure that some of the hats are large enough to fit a two year old (proportionally a two year olds head is almost the size of an adult, so please keep that in mind when you are knitting/crocheting away!) – sizes medium and large preferred for the next few months.
Jerseys, cardigans, jumpers and baby clothes – Please keep sending these. We need them. Cardigans are perfectly acceptable in fact Ronda says “we love and adore these items”. As she explained, the very tiny sweaters as per the website pattern tend to have a high neckline which is not comfortable for very small babies. But “own” pattern items, specifically designed for infants are most welcome – plus bootees and mittens. We have a large collection of teeny beanies at this point.

DUTY
Please ensure that NO VALUE, NOT FOR COMMERCIAL USE and FOR CHARITY ONLY is placed on your custom labels and parcels. We have to pay a small mandatory handling fee on any box, so if your squares will fit, please send them in a package rather than a box.

Isn't it extraordinary to be a part of this? photo from KAS FB page

OTHER ITEMS
Plastic rain ponchos - these are the most desired of all the 'slip-ins'. We will use every rain poncho sent for the children in the informal shack settlements. The rain comes in deluges and everyone in a shack would be saturated during a rain storm. The ponchos will be used during summer and winter to stay dry inside and outside.
Stationery - pencils, erasers, sharpeners and ball point pens are most welcome.


Distributing to the children - photo from KAS FB page

Toys – the toys go down an absolute treat as you would have seen from the photos on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Knitasquare .

DONATIONS
As always KAS needs your donations, even just a small amount of money per month makes a big difference. Here is the link to our donations page. Every cent is used in South Africa to allow Ronda and our amazing volunteers to do the work that they are doing: http://www.knit-a-square.com/knit-a-square-donate.html

So, there you have it! Another week of giving, receiving and being part of something extraordinary! Thank you all so much!!