Hi Lynda-Jayne, Bev has asked me to try and answer your query regarding the number of squares and hats that would fit into a parcel,
The limit of weight that can be sent in one package under International Economy Rate is 2kg. With knitted items you would be able to send quite a lot for that but unfortunately there is also a size restriction - a packet must not be more than 90cm total dimensions (width+length+depth) and that does need taking into account.
Everyone's squares are different and of varying weights but as a rule of thumb I expect to be able to send approx. 35/40 squares in a polythene postal bag, weighing about 1kg, for about £8. It is worth weighing your packages because the price goes up in 250 gram increments and so it costs as much to send 755 grams as 995 (another 4 or 5 squares.) I suppose a hat weighs about the same as two or three squares so you could send about 20 maybe if you could fit them into the package.
If you can wrap your packages to comply with the size requirements it's unlikely that they will exceed the weight limit. (The medium sized postal box available from post offices will give you an idea of the permissible size but they are quite expensive to buy and all boxes attract a duty charge in South Africa.)
It is a bit tricky and time consuming but it is a good feeling to know that your goods are on their way. I hope this is some help but I'm afraid it isn't possible to do more than estimate.
I have just read the UK postage instructions and they seem to be much more precise than ours (from OZ) so I have forwarded your question on to another member from the UK and hopefully Christine might be able to give me an answer or perhaps send one to you directly. I haven't sent hats for a couple of years now and I always send other things besides just squares, so I'm not sure of their weight...I'm not good at the weighing thing either. :)) Bev.xo
Here is a link that will give you all the info you will need to post your hats, including the postal addy and inventory form. Thanks so much for knitting the hats. :))
Hello Lynda-Jayne, so glad you have joined us. Keeping the children in South Africa warm has brought together a world-wide group of caring knitters and crocheters.
If you haven’t already, please read through the welcome message on the forum main page for helpful hints and things that might interest you. The FAQ category should answer any general questions you may have. If not, please ask. http://forum.knit-a-square.com
Looking for patterns? Check the KAS Pattern Book for garments and squares for the children. We are focusing on children aged 3-9 years old.
You might like the Monthly challenge. This is a fun way to try new ideas or patterns. Every month, a theme is chosen, and if you wish, you may create something new and different.
February’s challenge is Transportation. Have a look at the discussion for ideas on what you can make.
Many people are using 'Ecofelt' to make the cars/trucks/spaceships and then sewing them onto the plain squares. This is an easy way to give added interest to a square. Plus the children will be delighted !
If you would prefer to work with Plain Janes then have fun with colours that remind you of transportation. Since it takes 35 squares to make one blanket, squares, especially Plain Janes are needed all the time.
If you are interested in joining any of our challenges, please note: Your parcel does not need to arrive in South Africa before the end of the month. Those of us who use sea-mail find parcels take between 8-10 weeks to arrive. Whenever your parcel arrives, know it will be appreciated and that you are keeping children warm.
We would love to see photos of your work. . Click on the photo option at the top of the page and follow the prompts.
Comments
Hi Lynda-Jayne, Bev has asked me to try and answer your query regarding the number of squares and hats that would fit into a parcel,
The limit of weight that can be sent in one package under International Economy Rate is 2kg. With knitted items you would be able to send quite a lot for that but unfortunately there is also a size restriction - a packet must not be more than 90cm total dimensions (width+length+depth) and that does need taking into account.
Everyone's squares are different and of varying weights but as a rule of thumb I expect to be able to send approx. 35/40 squares in a polythene postal bag, weighing about 1kg, for about £8. It is worth weighing your packages because the price goes up in 250 gram increments and so it costs as much to send 755 grams as 995 (another 4 or 5 squares.) I suppose a hat weighs about the same as two or three squares so you could send about 20 maybe if you could fit them into the package.
If you can wrap your packages to comply with the size requirements it's unlikely that they will exceed the weight limit. (The medium sized postal box available from post offices will give you an idea of the permissible size but they are quite expensive to buy and all boxes attract a duty charge in South Africa.)
It is a bit tricky and time consuming but it is a good feeling to know that your goods are on their way. I hope this is some help but I'm afraid it isn't possible to do more than estimate.
Hi Lynda.
I have just read the UK postage instructions and they seem to be much more precise than ours (from OZ) so I have forwarded your question on to another member from the UK and hopefully Christine might be able to give me an answer or perhaps send one to you directly. I haven't sent hats for a couple of years now and I always send other things besides just squares, so I'm not sure of their weight...I'm not good at the weighing thing either. :)) Bev.xo
Hi Lynda-Jane.
Here is a link that will give you all the info you will need to post your hats, including the postal addy and inventory form. Thanks so much for knitting the hats. :))
http://forum.knit-a-square.com/forum/categories/postage-information...
Hi Lynda-Jane.
Best wishes for a Happy Birthday. :))
Welcome, Lynda-Jayne. So glad you've joined us!
Hello Lynda-Jayne, so glad you have joined us. Keeping the children in South Africa warm has brought together a world-wide group of caring knitters and crocheters.
If you haven’t already, please read through the welcome message on the forum main page for helpful hints and things that might interest you. The FAQ category should answer any general questions you may have. If not, please ask. http://forum.knit-a-square.com
Wondering what is needed besides squares ? Here is a link to Ronda’s wish list for 2013 : http://forum.knit-a-square.com/forum/topics/kas-wish-list-guideline...
Looking for patterns? Check the KAS Pattern Book for garments and squares for the children. We are focusing on children aged 3-9 years old.
You might like the Monthly challenge. This is a fun way to try new ideas or patterns. Every month, a theme is chosen, and if you wish, you may create something new and different.
February’s challenge is Transportation. Have a look at the discussion for ideas on what you can make.
Many people are using 'Ecofelt' to make the cars/trucks/spaceships and then sewing them onto the plain squares. This is an easy way to give added interest to a square. Plus the children will be delighted !
If you would prefer to work with Plain Janes then have fun with colours that remind you of transportation. Since it takes 35 squares to make one blanket, squares, especially Plain Janes are needed all the time.
If you are interested in joining any of our challenges, please note: Your parcel does not need to arrive in South Africa before the end of the month. Those of us who use sea-mail find parcels take between 8-10 weeks to arrive. Whenever your parcel arrives, know it will be appreciated and that you are keeping children warm.
We would love to see photos of your work. . Click on the photo option at the top of the page and follow the prompts.
Enjoy !