Hi Wilda, I havent been on the forum so much lately and just noticed your comment in the Loom knitting group. The chunky merino hats were 1 single strand of lovely soft unbleached chunky merino. I am busy working on some more at present and will post pics. Christine

Hi Wilda,

I answered your query about the Cuddle in the US group but thought I would post here as well in case you miss it.  The Cuddle did arrive safely along with the hat.  Ronda had mentioned it but because our tally only includes Tops, Beanies and Squares, I couldn't list it.   Very few things have gone missing in the 4 years that KAS has been receiving parcels in South Africa so please continue to send squares and other items.  The children really need warm blankets to keep them warm as the winter months are just starting.  Linda

Greetings Wilda from up in Canada above MN! Welcome to a worldwide network of loving happy people helping African Aids orphans. Glad to have you with us.  It's so heartening to know that in this global, often so impersonal world, we're actually making a difference, a REAL difference, in the lives of these children. Check out the Forum, above, for the various discussion threads, and Photos for all the lovely photos of members' work and Groups where you can join groups from countries around the world.

The Featured Discussions grouping (in the Forum section) show the most important subjects at the moment, latest challenges, latest news etc. I also recommend the Anyone Want to Chat Discussion section, which contains the Our Furry Companions and Yarnaholics threads. I am so much a Yarnaholic!  Thanks again for helping the AIDS orphans in Africa! 

I found my grandmothers knitting bag and button bag fascinating as a child Wilda.  My preference is needlework, however, I joined KAS because I like the concept of 'direct action' - we are truly helping to improve the quality of the children's lives!  Kind hearted knitters/crocheters from around the world are team-working to show the children that they are cared about and valued. It is so simple and through KAS you actually see the children wearing the blankets & garments. Hope you enjoy our knitting community!

Welcome, Wilda, from suburban Philadelphia. So glad you've joined us!

Welcome to KAS Wilda and warm greetings from South Africa :)

Hello Wilda, 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.

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.

January’s challenge is Ronda's Winter Drive-Celebrating the Year of the Older Child.  It is so important that the children have warm clothing when the South African winter starts arriving in March/April. (Winter officially starts in June.)  We are focusing on children aged 4-9 years old. Using patterns from the KasPattern Book  which are designed for the older child, will ensure you send exactly what the children need to keep them the warmest.

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. Thus if you mail a parcel by the end of January it will reach Ronda and the volunteers at the beginning of their fall/winter. But, whenever your parcel arrives, know that you are keeping children warm.

As always, making the basic square is a wonderful way to relax and still help the children.  Plain Janes, as they are affectionately called, are the backbone of KAS.  Since it takes 35 squares to make one blanket, squares are needed all the time.

Whatever you decide, we would love to see photos of your work.

Enjoy !