Packing time in the basement

The deadline for the current campaign has just passed, which means that our corner of the AFSC basement was looking like this when packing volunteers arrived on two recent shifts. Packages needed to be opened, knit items needed to be sorted, then counted and finally repacked into boxes labeled for the long trip abroad.

Tiny or large, every package or envelope is exciting to us. Here's Carol taking that first step.

Since this drive focused on such a wide age-group, socks needed to be measured and sorted into two categories. Admiring your beautiful sock-knitting techniques is one of our perks, as Ardis demonstrates.

For more sock-gorgeousness, check out this two-tone beauty held by Sue.

Hats are not to be outdone by socks, mind you.

We all fell in love with this one, modeled by Rachel. It reminded of us of cheerful thrummed mittens.

Laura, Sue and Ardis take a (very short!) break from counting hats to pose with just a few of our favorites.

Someone didn't only knit this lovely hat and mittens set; they also embroidered it beautifully.

More handknitted goodness shown off by Rachel and Keiko, right before the socks get packed for Afghanistan.

Now, even though it is not nearly as colorful, this is the sight we volunteers love most of all: columns of sealed and addressed boxes, ready for shipping!

On Their Way...

Thanks to Elizabeth and Sandra for the yarn.  I had fun with these; they just sort of "happened," depending on whim.


When tying the mittens together, I like to crochet a long chain with the same yarn and use it to make a big bow.  That way, if the mitten ever needs darning, the recipient can unravel the chain for that purpose.  Or a little girl can use the chain as a colorful hair tie.  Fun!

Contributon to Current Campaign

Hi, everyone. Here is a picture of the hat, mittens, and socks I made for the current campaign.

The brown yarn is Lion Brand fisherman's wool in natural brown, and the red and orange yarns are leftovers I had lying around. I lost the ball bands long ago, so I have no idea what brand they are, although I suspect that the red is Patons wool. Anyway, I'll get these in the mail tomorrow.

Mailed a parcel yesterday

Hi all,

It's been a really long time since I checked in here, but I figured I'd just make a quick note that I popped a parcel in the mail yesterday.  Hopefully, it'll make it in time!  Not as much as I would've like this time (a hat, two pairs of mitts and two pairs of socks),  but every bit helps, I guess.

I'm looking forward to finding out what the next campaign will be, and enjoying seeing the pictures from The Basement.  Thanks to all the volunteers who put in so much hard work!
--Amber

Going for Gold in the AFSC Basement This Week

Susan, Carol (in Norwegian ski hat ... this isn't the Winter Games?), Jill, and Ellen beaming on the podium after a winning team relay race to open the pile of envelopes and packages that arrived from talented and generous knitting and crochet volunteers across North America and even a few bubble bags from Europe. We had a thrilling afternoon together! We all left pooped out and happy.

Did you know that yesterday was Swiss National Day? Ellen proudly waves the national food and (sort of) the colors of her ancestors' flag. Thank you to the volunteer who tucked the fancy chocolate bars in with their wool gifts! The AFSC Basement volunteers send their love!

Another volunteer tucked silver cranes in with her wool gifts. The birds enjoyed alighting briefly on Jill's top-quality mittens before we packed them into their cartons destined for winter use in Afghanistan. The pretty cranes stay in San Francisco.

Big thanks to all who have sent in packages for this Aschiana campaign. The quality has been terrific. The mounds of wool socks, mittens, and hats are building. We don't seem to have too much of a single garment vs. the others, so if you are still knitting and crocheting for the August 15 due date, please make whatever gives you the most pleasure. We haven't counted yet, but let's hope we are able to add some warmth to the lives of a few thousand Afghans this winter. Enshallah.

Afghanistan is competing in the Olympics!