I am so sorry everyone that it is November 2nd and no challenge has been put forward. I need your help please!
Firstly we were SO hoping that we could organise a very specific challenge for November. Briefly, we contacted the Soweto Gospel Choir, who are touring the States in the new year and asked if we could organise a PR event with them. They support an orphanage in Soweto called Nkosi Haven. They agreed in principle to 25 children from the US walking on stage and presenting 25 blankets to the choristers, with one of the children asking them to take the blankets back to the orphans they support in SA. Since then emails have been flying backwards and forwards. Debbie Posmontier very kindly agreed to organise children from her school to be on stage at the Annenberg Centre in Philadelphia and to receive and store the blankets until we could ship them back. (The choir can't do it as they are touring afterwards).
Well as with all good ideas there are a few hiccups. We are still waiting to hear back from the Annenberg Centre for final permission (the SCG management have given theirs). Do we have time to get 25 blankets knitted, sewn and sent for this event which is on January 30? We thought it would be wonderful publicity for KAS apart from all the audience and their friends who they would doubtless talk too.
I have written to Debbie and believe that if we can't get all our ducks lined up with in two weeks from now we will have to let this one go. Would be interested in your response.
In the meantime what about the November Challenge? Could we make it the new lightweight vest? I am still to put a pattern up on the site, but Zanny has knitted a version, picture attached and Anne has as well I think. Ronda is very keen on these, she says they are perfect for the children in the cooler evenings to keep their little chests warm. They should be soft and lighter and longer than the square vest and if you agree then we will put up details tomorrow.
Perhaps we could have a goal of 100 or so? They will make for happy distributions in the summer months of January and February. Do let me know what you think? Sandy
Hi everyone, I know this thread isn't really current, but I thought I would share this. I found a short clip of the Soweto Gospel Choir singing in Melbourne. I think the link should work for non Aussies, but of course I have no way to check myself. It's lovely to listen to. As soon as I found it I had to come on here to share! http://www.abc.net.au/iview/#/view/9995468
There are DVD's available of their various concerts from Amazon.com.. I got one for Christmas, and later was able to see some of the same people wearing our blankets at the concert.
I agree, I'm very excited to hear of this now going ahead. It's not a huge hairy deal of logistics now, just a caring meeting between our folks and the choir. And having an info display in the foyer is a great deal too. Perhaps a couple of bundles of squares, ready to go to SA for sewing into blankets would be a good display there and a small jar for postage money donations sitting nearby? That way if there's just not enough time and hands available to sew them up they are still there, "blankets in embryo", for people to see what we usually do, ship them unassembled. And if someone has a reasonable computer printer and can just print off some info sheets or the rulers or square templates...I think the cost wouldn't be prohibitive. Bless all of you for anything you can do on this but DO take care of yourselves first and don't get exhausted, this is a caring gesture, don't freight it with too much weight and wear yourselves out, okay?--that's the morning soapbox from Aunty Jeanne ;)
Aw, I always wanted an Aunty Jeanne... are you volunteering to fill the position? I always feel a little selfish when I'm crocheting because I get a lot of relaxation out of it. Plus I love experimenting with different patterns and using up the yarn my grandmother has given me, the yarn I bought 2 years ago and didn't know what to do with, the yarn I bought on clearance 5 years ago, the yarn remnants of various blankets, sweaters, mittens, scarves I've made as gifts...
Who knew we could all benefit from something so simple? :o)
I hear you Andrea, it's wonderful to have a place to use up lovely yarns I wasn't sure what to do with. And we definitely get back as much as we give, or more, I think. I get relaxation plus the satisfaction of making something of value plus that tickly happy feeling of giving to somebody...yep I get alot out of this. I hear you both. :)
Aunty Jeanne ;)
Harrison's mom > Andrea PalmatierDecember 3, 2009 at 5:21am
I agree, it's just as well the children benefit too or we might all become a selfish, self indulgent bunch. I love to sit and crochet. Definatly chill out time.
Jeni
Replies
But there is a short video on the SGC website.
www.sowetogospelchoir.com
Enjoy it Aussies on our behalf.
Jeni
the show is on
we got the go!!!!
how exciting is this
woo hoo
Who knew we could all benefit from something so simple? :o)
Aunty Jeanne ;)
Jeni
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