Good morning,
I have been thinking recently about refreshing my knitting/crocheting skills (which are definitely at the beginner level!) in order to do some sort of charity work. Several friends and I have been challenged by a book we read to do more to make a difference in the lives of others. I happened upon the KAS site and was immediately drawn to it. I love how well organized you are and also love the idea that contributing even just a square can make a difference. It seems like crocheting one square is a good goal with which to start. :)
The other reason I was drawn to this project is that our 17 year old just returned from a mission trip to South Africa (Cape Town and Worcester). I know she will love the idea of me sending squares to SA.
I am REALLY a beginner. I don't believe I have ever before followed a pattern. I am going to start out with crochet, I think. Any advice anyone wants to offer will be most welcome! :)
Thank you to those of you who had the vision to get this wonderful project going and to all those who have worked so hard to continue it.
DeLynn
Replies
Welcome DeLynn, yes it is amazing that one square can make a difference between being cold and warm.
Here is a great crochet pattern that you might like to try. It is by Mark Lokken.
http://allfororphans.com/featured-member-pattern
Granny squares also make nice squares...and easy to make 8".
How lovely that your daughter was able to help in Cape Town. Will she go back again ?
If you have any questions, don't hesitate to ask, there is always someone willing to help.
Thank you for the kind welcome, Linda!
I would love to try that pattern! Thank you for pointing it out to me. I remember my wonderful grandmother (for whom I am named) making granny squares!
I practiced last night trying to just refresh my skills. It was fun. I had a little trouble turning the chain and making the second row--I think I must have been doing something wrong. I thought I remembered what to do, but apparently not. I also decided that I wasn't thrilled with the yarn---I am not crazy about acrylics and it was a little fuzzy and not as soft as I would like. Good to practice on, I suppose. :) What is your favorite yarn to use?
Our daughter LOVED South Africa. She and her team spent some time in a school tutoring, cleaned/painted a couple 'houses' (very humbling), helped with passing out food to children a couple days, etc. She loved her time there and would love to go back. A teacher from her school leads this trip every year and she was invited to go this summer (he only takes 10 or so kids). Here are a couple cute pictures. :)
This was in a town where our kids spent time handing out food.
The children loved playing with our kids' hair! :)
Thanks again for the welcome!
DeLynn
Thank you for the sweet photos. It is wonderful that your daughter had this opportunity. With all we hear about the youth of today it is nice to see the other side of the coin. We have so much here in North America it is lovely to see young people showing care and compassion for others. And you are setting a good example by making squares.
I agree with Pam, she does have a super smile !!!
Was it your grandmother who taught you to crochet ? I think it is great when skills are passed on. I have pleasant memories of my aunt teaching me to crochet.
Thank you, Linda.
My grandmother actually taught me to knit. I recall sitting next to her on the couch. She must have started it for me and I think I mostly picked up what to do by watching her. I can picture the little square I knitted! I can't remember who taught me to crochet, though.
Have you stuck with crocheting since your aunt taught you? My sister has done a fair bit of both knitting and crocheting over the years, but I haven't as much. Lots of cross-stitch, basket-making, jewelry making, card making---but I am looking forward to reviving my yarn skills! I need something I can do while sitting around when I can't be reading or doing other crafts. :)
Hi DeLynn, yes I have continued to crochet. In fact, I have progressed from Barbie doll clothes to baby clothes and now to KAS ! I have also taught my nieces to crochet, thus continuing the tradition.
You certainly have lots of experience with different crafts. I didn't have the patience for cross-stitch. My mother-in-law made some beautiful pictures in cross-stitch which I admired. Making squares while watching TV makes me feel that I am productive and not just watching the boobtube :-) I must say my reading has gone downhill since I started making squares for the children. When I have the option I would rather make a square than read !!!
I love it that you taught your nieces! Have you got them doing squares? How many have you crocheted? I can't believe you crocheted Barbie clothes (or baby clothes)! Wow! That takes skill and patience. My grandmother sewed Barbie clothes for me--they were so lovely.
I love to read and have to balance doing crafts with reading. I love that I will be able to sit and make a square while still being sociable. :)
I take my crocheting with me wherever I go. A square is quite portable and it also gives me a chance to talk about KAS while chatting :-) I used to a lot of "heavy" reading but now I find I like to sit down with a good murder mystery ( not too gory mind you ) and let my brain try and sort out the clues.
I have been crocheting for KAS for over 2 years. It is a lovely way to spend my extra time. If you go to my page you can see some of the things I have made for the children. The knitted items are made by my husband. He got tired of seeing me making things to keep the children warm so he decided to knit squares to help and has progressed to hats and Cuddles.
Regretably the nieces haven't started making squares.....always something else to make for friends or themselves.
Recently, I find I make more baby blankets for friends' new grandchildren and only occasionally make a baby sweater. I might start making Cuddles for new babies, they seem so perfect to keep a baby warm.
You are so talented, Linda. I just looked at your photos. Amazing! I love that your husband is helping as well.
I think I may be coming to you with questions when I can't understand things. You are obviously a pro. (Like right now when I am getting used to this again, I can't figure out a good way to hold my yarn in my left hand....it isn't working out well yet! I keep changing trying to find what works.)
I think it is great that your nieces are making things for others--even if it isn't squares for the orphans! You have obviously inspired them.
Thanks DeLynn, I have been crocheting for a l-o-o-ng time :-)
I am happy to help with any questions you have. Just PM me and we can discuss it. Finding a way to hold your yarn is a personal preference. You just have to keep trying. When one feels fairly comfortable, use that way until it becomes "natural".
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