Sue, thank you, so much, for taking the time to do this for me. I truly appreciate it. I did a Google search and believe I've found a Canadian supplier. Thanks, again. :-)

Thanks, Sue. That would be great! Don't stress about it, though. I see it often enough on the board. I'll ask whenever I see it. Someone is sure to have an answer. :-)

HI Sue, I'm so glad the pattern worked for you !   Looking forward to photos :-)

Hi Sue, thanks for your comment about the green squares.  These squares were made by my neighbour Debbie and I haven't had a chance to speak with her about how she manages to have such neat squares. I'm a crocheter but I'm with you on the diagonals....so much easier to get the proper size !  Have you tried the patterns in the KAS Pattern Book ?  They should give you the right size :-)

Hi Sue, sorry for not replying sooner, but I've been on my jolly holidays in the not so sunny Outer Hebrides. We stuck it out for a week and then scooted south to Filey bay. A whole lot warmer and of course, the best scenery in the world! (You would know!) I have just about managed to finish two squares, as I'm having trouble with gauge and tension etc, and always seem to end up with 9" squares, so there's been a lot of unraveling! Anyway, practice makes perfect they say.

My son went to uni at Hull, and we have some very nice memories of his days there. We have got a very soft spot for Hunmanby, and go camping there as often as we can, which is never often enough! Well, better go and unpack the needles.

Greetings Susan from across The Pond in the middle of Canada where it snowed this morning! Welcome to a worldwide network of loving happy people helping African HIV/Aids orphans and the poorest of the poor. 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, in the header 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, not to mention Patterns where you can get inspired with easy level patterns of things the children really need, the right sizes and shapes.

When you click on Discussions, the Featured Discussions grouping (in the Forum section above) shows the most important subjects at the moment, latest challenges, latest news etc. I also recommend the Café KAS Discussion section, which contains the Furry, Feathered and Fishy Companions and Share A Yarn threads. I am so much a Yarnaholic!  Thanks again for helping the AIDS orphans in Africa! 

Hello Susan.  Welcome to Knit-a-Square. My name is Gloria and I’m on the Atlantic Coast of Canada … beautiful Nova Scotia, to be exact. A desire to share and to help keep the children in South Africa warm has brought together a wonderful group of caring individuals from all over the world. We are delighted that you have joined us.

This is where we receive information from Ronda and the volunteers in South Africa (South Africa Reports), have our questions answered (Helpful Hints), find patterns (Kas Pattern Book) share photos (Photo tab), conversation, and an occasional good laugh (Share a Yarn) with other Forum members. There are many ongoing discussions (DiscussionsCategories) for you to follow and/or join, and other specific groups (Groups) that may interest you. Just browse through the tabs at the top of the page, and I’m sure you’ll find whatever information you need.

The KAS Pattern Book includes patterns for garments that have been designed by KAS with the specific needs of the children in mind. We are focusing on children aged 3-9 years, as this age group is in need of warm garments and blankets.

Our main focus is 8” x 8” (20 cm x 20 cm) squares for blankets. It doesn’t matter if they are simple knitted or crocheted squares (Plain Janes, we love to call them) or fancy squares. What does matter is that they measure 8” x 8” (20 cm x 20 cm) and that they are warm. Plain Janes are the backbone of KAS. They provide the framework for a few fancy squares to create individuality in a blanket. Since it takes 35 squares to make one blanket, squares are always needed.

Every square you send will be received in South Africa, stitched into a blanket by the wonderful volunteers there, and lovingly wrapped around the shoulders of a vulnerable or needy child, giving him or her warmth and the assurance that someone cares.

Each month we have a different theme/challenge. These are for fun and inspiration, and you are welcome to join in any or all of them. You will find information regarding all of these (including the current ones) under the DiscussionsCategories tab at the top.

Regarding postage, many of us use sea-mail and find that parcels take between 6-10 weeks to arrive in South Africa. Since parcels are arriving all the time, this is perfectly okay and we encourage you to use the least expensive way to send. Also, it is extremely important that it is clearly marked on our packages “Knitted Squares for Charity Only – No Commercial Value”.

So please sit back, relax, put your feet up, grab your yarn and hook/needles and enjoy. You are among friends.