Kay's Thorpe on Jill at the AFSC Basement

We sorted incoming packages on Friday at the AFSC Basement. Slow, but we expect that will change since firming up and announcing our new campaign for NGO Trust in Education for next winter.

I set aside Kay's Thorpe hat until one of our volunteers willingly modeled for all to see. The tale of Kay's hat and parent Icelandic sweater were chronicled on her Mason-Dixon blog in January.

Jill looks so cute and happy in the Icelandic hat and terrific mittens (knitter unknown) with Northern European roots, too. Next winter, these garments are going to be fabulous insulators for their Afghan recipients. Thanks, Kay!

Hurray! A new campaign!!

This one is all for girls, ages 7 to 16. Imagine, a school is being built for girls, by the community -- not too many years ago no one would have believed it.

First on the list -- a sweater for every one of the 500 students expected to enroll. Think about it -- you have a few months. It doesn't have to be fancy, but it does have to be well made, and it must follow these guidelines:

• long sleeves -- no 3/4, no vests; sleeves must come to the wrists. 
• hem well below the waist
• no low necklines -- they don't have to be turtlenecks, but modesty is crucial

Don't like these restrictions? Think of it this way -- if A4A were to send a garment that didn't meet those standards (and they won't, so we don't need to worry) you could literally be putting that girl's life in danger.

Also, sweaters going to Afghanistan should be shaped just like sweaters for kids here at home. You would not believe some of the odd things I have seen in my many years of community knitting!

Here is the link for all the guidelines and more information on the school:

http://www.afghansforafghans.org/currentcampaign.html

Afraid of sweaters, or know you won't finish in time? There is still a need for socks and mittens. Some hats, too, but concentrate on the other things if you can.

Mittens from Trader Joe's!

I was looking through some old photos -- our a4A family album -- and came across this photo of Ann Russell sorting knitted fish in the AFSC Basement. Cracked me up, so I am reposting here.
-- the other AMR (we have the same initials)