Welcome to Knit A Square Maggie from up in Canada above MN and honestly you've had a way worse winter than us so far. Hope you're dug out by now! I find KAS such a rewarding cause to be involved in and I hope you enjoy it too. Do check out the New Member Guide which is found by clicking "Main Page" in the header above. To reach the Discussions just click Forum above and if you click on Photos above, you will see items that are heading to Africa, in all colors and shapes, plus those that have arrived there. If you click on Groups, above, you can join the lively USA group or any groups you wish, to chat with. Any questions just PM me. :)
We have an increased need for cardigans, sweaters, Go-Overs and Slip-Overs in sizes 3 and up (to early teen), but if you have baby items made or donated to you, they will be delivered to those charities in Johannesburg which can distribute them. Hats that fit toddlers and will grow with them need to be made in small adult head sizes. As I have a large melon, I make my hats an inch or two smaller in circumference, but always stretchy, so they fit and then grow with the orphan.
We always need 8” (or close enough) squares, knitted, crocheted or felted from old sweaters. The G4 prison alone can handle sewing up 100,000 squares per month. Daunting until you realize over 80 countries are contributing now, 300+ schools, and each of us is doing our own small part which adds to the whole. Thank you so much for anything you can do for the orphans, there are literally millions of them.
So, welcome to Knit A Square! Blankets and hats and sweaters direct from our hands to their hearts, a win-win. And now we’re helping out in Zimbabwe too and they need everything there too. I just love making a real difference in a child’s life. So welcome aboard!
Maggie, I usually pack sweaters, hats, squares, etc. in those tough plastic bags that LL Bean uses to send merchandise or the Tyvek type mailers that are made of plastic lined with bubble wrap. You can get those at Staples or Walgreens or stores like that. I find the mailers to be light weight and strong. Be sure to follow the mailing instructions on the KAS website and write "No commercial value" on the package. This helps KAS avoid paying duty on the items you send. Postage is expensive from the US to SA so be ready for it. I usually spend $20-30 to send 20 squares, a few hats and assorted soft toys. You should be spending less for 2 sets of hats and sweaters. (I love the "jumpers" name for them! Wonder how that originated?)
Welcome, Maggie. I do charity knitting, too and this is really a great group to knit for. All of the work is done by volunteers and the children benefit from the blankets and hats. I'm from suburban Philadelphia and the members here are from all around the globe. So glad you joined us!
Comments
Welcome to Knit A Square Maggie from up in Canada above MN and honestly you've had a way worse winter than us so far. Hope you're dug out by now! I find KAS such a rewarding cause to be involved in and I hope you enjoy it too. Do check out the New Member Guide which is found by clicking "Main Page" in the header above. To reach the Discussions just click Forum above and if you click on Photos above, you will see items that are heading to Africa, in all colors and shapes, plus those that have arrived there. If you click on Groups, above, you can join the lively USA group or any groups you wish, to chat with. Any questions just PM me. :)
We have an increased need for cardigans, sweaters, Go-Overs and Slip-Overs in sizes 3 and up (to early teen), but if you have baby items made or donated to you, they will be delivered to those charities in Johannesburg which can distribute them. Hats that fit toddlers and will grow with them need to be made in small adult head sizes. As I have a large melon, I make my hats an inch or two smaller in circumference, but always stretchy, so they fit and then grow with the orphan.
We always need 8” (or close enough) squares, knitted, crocheted or felted from old sweaters. The G4 prison alone can handle sewing up 100,000 squares per month. Daunting until you realize over 80 countries are contributing now, 300+ schools, and each of us is doing our own small part which adds to the whole. Thank you so much for anything you can do for the orphans, there are literally millions of them.
So, welcome to Knit A Square! Blankets and hats and sweaters direct from our hands to their hearts, a win-win. And now we’re helping out in Zimbabwe too and they need everything there too. I just love making a real difference in a child’s life. So welcome aboard!
Maggie, I usually pack sweaters, hats, squares, etc. in those tough plastic bags that LL Bean uses to send merchandise or the Tyvek type mailers that are made of plastic lined with bubble wrap. You can get those at Staples or Walgreens or stores like that. I find the mailers to be light weight and strong. Be sure to follow the mailing instructions on the KAS website and write "No commercial value" on the package. This helps KAS avoid paying duty on the items you send. Postage is expensive from the US to SA so be ready for it. I usually spend $20-30 to send 20 squares, a few hats and assorted soft toys. You should be spending less for 2 sets of hats and sweaters. (I love the "jumpers" name for them! Wonder how that originated?)
Anytime, Maggie...just ask!
Welcome, Maggie. I do charity knitting, too and this is really a great group to knit for. All of the work is done by volunteers and the children benefit from the blankets and hats. I'm from suburban Philadelphia and the members here are from all around the globe. So glad you joined us!