HI Janie, if you post your question about needles and yarn in 'Questions, Answers and Help' more people will see your question and offer suggestions.  I'm a crocheter in Canada so I'm afraid I'm not much help :-(

http://forum.knit-a-square.com/forum/categories/questions-answers-help/listForCategory 

Hi Janie.

Happy Birthday wishes coming your way from over here in WA. Hope its a goodie for you. :))

Thanks Janie. I guess living on the river in Hobart just lends itself to a boat doesn't it. I think Bev looks amazing sailing along with the two girls from cardboard template in my little book. She looks so proud. 

Hi Janie, making Plain Janes is wonderful.  Most of the blankets are made up of PJs so you are in good company :-)

When it's time to post please check out http://forum.knit-a-square.com/forum/categories/postage-2013/listForCategory

for instructions.

Looking forward to photos of your squares !

Hi  Janie and a very warm welcome to KAS from Norfolk UK. We are a very friendly bunch so please feel free to ask any questions, there is always somebody with an answer, as I have found out!

Do take a look around the site using the tabs at the top of the page.

The pattern tab will take you to some wonderful knit and crochet patterns of items that are desperately needed by the children.

The photo section has some wonderful pics of peoples work and when you feel ready it would be great to see some of your work but it isn’t a necessity to do this. It’s a great place for ideas and inspiration to keep the children warm.

So glad you have joined us.  Happy knitting/crocheting.

Hi Janie

Welcome to KAS from Western Australia. :)

Where abouts in this great country is Port Sorell, please?

Hello Janie, 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

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 !