One More on the Way

This pullover is packed and ready to mail, along with a hat from the last project. It is a good pattern  for using up stash, called Back-to-School Pullover. Right now I am finishing the second sleeve of the next sweater, so it should be ready soon.

Meanwhile, back in the basement

Ann, Sue, Rachel and I got to spend a sunny Friday afternoon in the shade of the AFSC basement, where packages of all sizes were waiting to be opened up. Here is a small peek at what we found:

Fabulous pullovers for the 500-girl-sweater drive, and

stunning mittens who will keep two young persons warm in style. Not that there is anything wrong with plain warm, cushy, comfy mittens (and socks) in all styles and colors.
I always emerge from our packing sessions with renewed knitting zeal and energy; more than ever, I am determined to finish my current sweater for this drive (one sleeve and a collar left) and to cast on for a second one. April is practically over already and we simply must meet our ambitious goal for this campaign. If you haven't joined me already, will you consider casting on?

Sweater just about ready to send

This is a size 10-12 neck down sweater made from blue grey Eco+ and purple Cascade 220 that is current drying and about ready to go into a box with a couple of pair of mittens and a hat.

Trust in Education's Budd is in Afghanistan this week

We're currently knitting for Trust in Education's new girls school. I happened to email their founder Budd MacKenzie today to find out about his next trip to Afghanistan, and -- surprise! -- he emailed me back from Afghanistan, where he's checking on their projects, delivering supplies, and making friends. I thought Budd was still in the East Bay, on the other side of the bridge from me in San Francisco. He's on the Other Side of the World this week.

Budd sent a few photos from the refugee camp where they're serving some of the residents. I am sharing his photos here. The kids are beautiful, and so is Budd.






Please don't download/take these photos from this webpage. They are just for you to see here.

Every schoolgirl everywhere should have a new, cheerful, cozy sweater for their winter semester. TIE's working hard to see that the girls in Afghanistan have an opportunity to catch up on their schooling. We've signed on to make 500 warm wool sweaters for the girls. Have you casted-on yet?

With friends and art at Afghan Friends Network event

Last night, we had a good time at the Afghan Friends Network fundraising event at the Incline Gallery in the Mission District of San Francisco.

Earlier this year, Afghan Friends Network arranged for the distribution of our knit wool hats, socks, and mittens to their students in Ghazni in the middle of winter.

On the left is Humaira Ghilzai (the organization's co-founder), Ardis (a4A volunteer packer and booster extraordinaire), me in the back, Deborah (Tamim's wife), Tamim Ansary (with his new book "Games Without Rules: The Often Interrupted History of Afghanistan"), and Rahima Haya (Afghan-American women's community leader and activist). The paintings are by Feroza Unvala, a San Francico artist and president of the board of Afghan Friends Network.

I loved Tamim's "West of Kabul, East of New York." Be sure to look for his books when you get the chance.



Ardis points the way to this striking traditional Afghan dress with embroidery and mirrors on display. A party dress!

Socks

What is everyone working on now?  I don't think I'm going to be able to do a sweater this time, but I have mailed the finished socks in the photo, and finished the 2nd pair.  They are being blocked right now.

I'd love to see some pictures of other people's work.  Cheerio!  Sherri