afghans for Afghansknit- and crochet-along

blue sweater and mittens to go

2012-02-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

These will be in the mail this weekend:

For the sweater, I used the Children's Bulky Top-Down Pullover pattern from Knitting Pure and Simple. I had 5 skeins of this beautiful Lopi (a deep blue, with an overlying red haze, and occasional flecks of turquoise and green) in my stash, and the yardage on the pattern said that would be enough. I was skeptical -- but they were right! I had enough left over that I didn't have to be nervous near the end, but not enough to think I could have made a larger size. I made the biggest size, which measures 34 inches at the chest. My friend's 11-year-old son - a normal, healthy kid - has a chest measurement of 29 inches, so I know this size is right on target. I added a couple of inches to body and sleeves to provide room to grow. I also used a nice trick for the bindoff on the roll neck, to keep it stretchy. Instead of using the "normal" technique, do this:

*Knit 2 stitches together. Return the 1 stitch now on the righthand needle to the left needle.* Repeat until you're done. You no longer have that overly tight edge that so often results from a neck edge bindoff.

The mittens are also Lopi, also from stash. They use the stitch and row count from the smallest size of the pattern on the A4A web site, but with needles appropriate to Lopi, and come out as an adult medium (I'm guessing there -- my hands are L/XL, and these are too small for me, but bigger than kid size). You can see a ridge where the needle was left in place while they were put aside for quite a long time -- I may try washing them again to see if I can get rid of that.

I'm sure beautiful things will start flooding in now that we know our deadline -- I can't wait to see!

February 29

2012-01-31T22:02:00.000-08:00

Mark that date! It's the brand new, just announced, deadline for everything to be in San Francisco to be packed for this campaign. In celebration, I dug out a recently rediscovered pair of mittens that needed just half of one mitten and both thumbs. Now this pair needs only one thumb to be finished. . . I think there's time. (Edited to add -- they're done!)

I made those mittens following my mitten pattern, using Lopi yarn (that's bulky) and appropriate size needles (US 8 [5 mm] for me, bigger for most knitters). Using the stitch and row numbers for the smallest size, the mittens come out as a medium adult size, so will fit lots of the older kids.

I hope the fact that there's a whole month left doesn't inspire me to cast on a ridciculous number of projects! Must stay focused. . .

Judith and Ann at the 2012 Jefferson Awards

2012-01-22T17:10:00.000-08:00

in 2007, we received the Jefferson Award for Public Service. Ever since, we get invited to the annual awards ceremony at the beautiful Herbst Theater -- inspiring presentations about fellow citizens working on a wide range of issues. Brings tears to the eyes every year. K-CBS Anchor Kate Kelly does a terrific job as hostess. Then we go upstairs to the Green Room for a lovely reception with all the awardees and their friends and family. With a great view out the balcony of our illuminated City Hall.

Here's Judith and me (in Turkmen coat). We've got 10 fingers up because we've been at this project for 10 tears. I think Judith and I met at the knitting group at the New Main Library. Thank you, Judith, for all your dedication! No one inspects socks like Judith.

You can get a sense of how grand the Green Room is when you realize that we're standing in front of the pedestal of a Classical column.

2012-01-22T16:53:00.000-08:00

This one's going in tomorrow's mail along with the other one (further down, posted to this blog earlier this month).

It's a size 10, all wool and mohair (Brown Sheep Lambs Pride and Patons Classic Wool). The pattern is from cottage Creations--Rialey's Sweater.

There were 2 ends to weave in for every color change. I thought I would never finish!

First Packing Session of 2012

2012-01-22T16:31:00.000-08:00

We packed about 10 days ago. We would have packed this past week, but I was on call for jury duty so could not plan anything with volunteers. (I have never been on a jury in my life, but I would make a good juror!)

Emily, Antje, and Amy are showing off the sweaters made by one Bridget in New Mexico. Bridget has knitted exquisite sweaters for us for years. I do not know how she manages to knit so many intricate garments on small needles. Her box contained 17 sweaters. Mind-blowing.

Emily opened a big box of mittens. A lot of hands are going to be warmer next year in Afghanistan.

Louise in Southern California knit this cheery log cabin that is sure to be appreciated by the recipient. Louise also sent us a copy of Suraya's book for us to share -- so we're passing the book around to our local packing volunteers. Antje is first in line. Thank you, Louise, for thinking of our hand-working packing volunteers at the AFSC Basement.

Well, this photo is of Marcy and me. Why the 10 fingers? Because Marcy and I have been at this for 10 years. Marcy is our original, founding volunteer web maven -- from the inception. Marcy works a couple blocks away from the AFSC building. We rarely get a chance to see each other, but we're email buddies. Thank you, Marcy, for sharing your time and commitment to the cause -- for a decade! -- and I am very glad we're still in this together. Who knew when we started this ... where does the time go ...

Inga in Germany (near Munich) is also on our web team. I am going to have to ask her for a new photo for us to post -- Inga has been volunteering for several years at this point. We're lucky to have Inga's help. I don't even think about English being a second language for her -- we're not relying on my high school German.

(I am holding a miter blanket made with all different colors of sock yarn. Fantastic!)

Everyone can be pleased that the packages arriving include such high-quality blankets and garments. Very impressive! Thank you so much to all the volunteers of afghans for Afghans. Have a good week, everyone!

those pesky thumbs

2012-01-19T06:20:00.000-08:00

Here is a great tutorial on closing up those nasty holes that often show up around the base of the thumb when you make a mitten. Please note -- the technique is demonstrated on a fingerless mitten. Those are NOT appropriate for A4A! I'm referring you to this site for the information, but don't leap to conclusions -- A4A wants only mittens that cover the fingers and thumb and are closed at the top.

P.S. I am sorry that I seem to spend so much time saying "no" -- it's just that it's so important to send the kids what they really need. . .

Destash sweater on the way

2012-01-17T14:30:00.000-08:00

Just blocking is left on my destash. I used up 6 varieties of stash, which was great. That meant lots of weaving in, slowly but surely. Be careful when starting the round after casting on 172 stitches. It is tricky as I learned the hard way. A friend told me to knit 2 rows back and forth, then it is easier to see and create the round on the circular needles. It worked for me. I'm going to try to start and finish one more simple pattern. Hope I can make it!!

2012-01-16T23:26:00.000-08:00

My kids stash busting sweater is just about done.
It is for a 10-12 year old. I still have some ends left to sew in and blocking to do. I used Elizabeth's trick for the neckband - making it twice as long and then connecting the live stitches to the base stitches.

Colorido from Colorado

2012-01-13T13:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a sweater for the campaign:

The design is my own bottom-up variation of "colorido" by Christiane Burkhard (you'll find it on Ravelry). I'm from Colorado, hence the title.

On Its Merry Way

2012-01-08T06:57:00.000-08:00

I finished this sweater in Patons Classic Wool and will be mailing it out this coming week.

Pattern is a variation on a sweater in a Rich Designs booklet. (Details were posted previously.)

I hope to finish another before the deadline.

Sweater and Hat

2012-01-07T05:20:00.000-08:00

Just sent in this sweater and hat. The sweater pattern is Knitting Pure & Simple Children's Bulky Top Down Pullover which I came across in ElizabethD's 11/08 post. It's a very easy quick knit. I made it in the largest size and added two inches to the length of the body and the sleeves. I substituted ribbing at the cuffs and neckband and used the wonderful neckband trick that Elizabeth recommended in that post. It made a very neat stretchy neckband - thanks Elizabeth! The yarn is Lion Brand Alpine Wool in Olive. I had a little left over yarn so I also made the Easy Peasy Hat from KnitPicks.

2011-12-31T09:37:00.000-08:00

Here's a finished sweater, started winter of 2010 but WAY too heavy and warm in my lap to complete over the summer, so out it came this fall. It's mostly yarn that my daughter bought in Scotland (after making sure that it came from the sheep she could see in front of her) and a bit of alpaca boucle around the neck to make it softer for pulling over your head. Probably will fit an 8-10 year old.

Now about the socks. After I finished the blue ones, my first try at short row heels, I decided that I needed to really practice. I've knitted dozens of heel flap socks, but short rows have me stymied. So, I decided to knit lots of socks up to the heel, and then I'll be able to do short row heels over and over until I get the hang of them. Anyone have a favorite pattern, book or online tutorial to recommend?

possibility for donated yarn

2011-12-30T11:08:00.000-08:00

On Dec. 28 the Knitting Daily editor Kathleen Cubley mentioned some yarn that might be available for charity use and asked for suggestions. I just went to their Facebook site and suggested a4As as a possible recipient. Maybe others could add to that, "like it," or whatever, so that Knitting Daily might be willing. The editor is located in Washington state.

working on socks

2011-12-27T21:30:00.000-08:00

I've been enjoying reading the blog posts. I'm not as experienced a knitter as most of you, but I'm getting fairly good at socks, since I make a lot for myself, and now my daughter-in-law likes hand-knitted socks. After finishing two pair for her (she likes knee-highs) for Christmas, I'm back to knitting for a4A. This is a picture of the first sock for a pair that I started Christmas Eve. I used two strands of the yarn, one from each ball. I discovered that each ball is wound backwards from the other. I started with green on each ball, but one winds next into lime, while the other winds into blue (does that make sense?). So the colors flow counterpoint to each other. They look a lot brighter than they do in this picture, though.

AFSC Basement Elves Last Week* Good Wishes for the New Year *

2011-12-27T20:17:00.000-08:00

We opened packages, sorted, and packed up boxes last week. A small group of volunteers, and we had a good time together while getting as much done as possible, as always.

Here's long-timer Candace with new-comer Lynn, who is holding Anne's De-Stash Sweater (see 12/18 pattern link below) --

Christy from Seattle came by with a friend to personally drop off her colorful, cheery blankets. Christy was visiting San Francisco with her husband. She surprised us with a gift of Frango fudge -- that we're saving to motivate and sustain our local packing volunteers in January when we hope for an uptick in wool donations after the holidays. Thank you, Christy!

Carol, along with her knitting group friend Lynn, traveled by car, ferry, and street car to get to the AFSC Basement to help out for the afternoon. Moreover, she brought this beautiful vest that she designed herself. Carol is very creative, and her stitching is so beautiful, on top of being a super energetic packer.

A big thanks to all who have sent in wool gifts for the kids in Afghanistan for the current campaign. And, thank you to all with projects on the needles or hooks. We're very appreciative for your caring and generosity.

Let's hope that 2012 brings more peace to Afghanistan and the world. Lots of best New Year's wishes to you -- our devoted knitting and crochet volunteers -- from all of us down in the AFSC Basement. We hope that 2012 is a good year for you. Cheers to 2012! Clink-clink, friends!

I Didn't Think I Would

2011-12-20T14:39:00.000-08:00

If we hadn't decided on a completely laid back holiday season, I would not have dared to start this sweater right now.

The yarn is three colors of well-aged Patons Classic Wool. The pattern is from Kids to Grown-Ups Seamless Sweaters. I'm making the smallest adult size: 35". The yoke is finished and I have started the first sleeve.

This is mindless knitting at its best. I will post glamor shot when it's finished.

Happy holidays to one and all!

Anne Barach's a4A De-Stash Sweater Pattern to Share

2011-12-18T14:03:00.000-08:00

Meet Anne Barch and her De-Stash Sweater for afghans for Afghans ...her free knitting pattern is kindly posted here on her blog.

Anne asked me to post with her photo and link, and she'll pop in when she gets a chance. Thank you, Anne! We especially value an attractive, well-fitting pattern that uses up the oddballs. Great fun with color! Your sweater is going to look wonderful on an Afghan girl or boy.

And, if you don't have oddballs (reveal your madness!), I think it would be fun to collect remnants from a dozen or so knitting friends just to involve more people ... who will also be happy to see their basket of odds and ends being used for a good cause.

Eggplant and orange

2011-12-14T15:32:00.000-08:00

I have two new FO's to show for the current drive, both done in rich colors of wool that make me think of farmers' market colors.

The eggplant-color yoke pullover was knitted with Cascade Greenland, a dense worsted-weight wool with very good stitch definition. I have loved this pattern ever since I saw it in Knitter's magazine a full eleven years ago (!) and I am glad I finally had a chance to try it out. I'll definitely use it again. Other collectors of past issues of the magazine will find it in issue #60 under the name "Ribbing Is No Yoke".

While the pullover was blocking, I made another pair of worsted-weight socks with an odd skein of Cascade 220: Cast on 40 stitches on a #4 circular, knit in 2/2 ribbing. This should fit a small-ish adult foot. And now I know what to do with my next odd skein of Cascade 220.

deadline extended

2011-12-11T21:08:00.000-08:00

For those of you who have not subscribed to receive A4A updates via Yahoo Groups (why not? send an email to afghansforAfghans-subscribe at yahoogroups dot com to subscribe), here is good news! The deadline has been extended to sometime in February (specific date not yet established). Ann writes "We just received permission to extend the due date for our campaign for the kids in the schools of Help the Afghan Children. We're now looking at a mid-to-late February due date. Our timing depends on the scheduling of the overseas container and the number of packed boxes that we have ready to go."

I don't know about you, but this extension is great news at my house! The pressure is off, and now I know the projects have a much better chance of getting done. Time to relax and finish those hats for my cousins. . .

While driving downtown today with the radio blasting ...

2011-12-05T21:34:00.001-08:00

"In the Basement" played! I haven't heard this song in some time ... I love it ... don't you?

This is the theme song for our local volunteer packers at the AFSC Basement.

Everyone, put the needles and hooks down for a moment ... outta that chair!

Here we are in the AFSC Basement when we started this project 10 years ago. That's me in the pink tank top. AFSC's Stephen is in the red track suit spinning at the end. Laura, can you point yourself out for us? We're a bit slower these days, but still going strong!

We're sorting and packing on Wednesday and can't wait to see what has arrived!

Project in process and others on the way

2011-12-04T14:21:00.000-08:00

2 photos to share...one, my almost completed sweater. I have a sleeve in progress and then I will sew it together and send it off. (I knit the body with circulars...I am not fond of finishing, so I thought I would get done faster if I limited my seams. ) This is a bulky 100% wool called Ironstone. It is a pretty purple with burnt orange ribbing. It looks like a size 10, but I don't have a handy child to try it on. This is the sweater I asked advice on a few weeks ago...I am doing a pullover pattern from Lion Brand.

The other photo is a hat from the last campaign that I didn't get mailed...and a pair of mittens. Both are made with Lion Brand Wool...from my stash purchased at a local discount store...for $2 a skein! Such a deal, and it is so soothing to be able to decompress from my very stressful job to create these items for children. My knitting is plain, but warm. It is such a privilege to be able to do this.

A Sweater by my Daughter

2011-12-03T23:05:00.000-08:00

My daughter knit this sweater and gave it to me to donate. I still consider myself an amateur/beginning knitter and have never yet made a sweater. I am hoping to take that on some day. First I'll learn how to make mittens and socks. So far for A4A I've only managed a couple of hats. So I'm glad I have this nice sweater to contribute this time around. --Carol E.

Introduction

2011-12-01T10:56:00.000-08:00

Hi, my name is Sherri and I live in Seattle. I've been knitting for afA for a couple of years, and I am joining the blog now. What beautiful work you all do! I realized that I didn't have anything done yet for this campaign so I whipped up a hat and mittens in super bulky wool. I just got a request from my son for hand-knit knee-hi socks for his wife for Christmas, so I guess I'd better get them done in a hurry! I'm glad the current afA campaign goes beyond Christmas! I have a couple of questions. First of all, do any of you have any good remedies for sore hands when you have been knitting rather a lot at one time? I've tried that therapeutic fingerless glove thing but it made my fingers bloat where they stick out of the holes. I probably got the wrong size, only I don't remember what size I got, so I haven't bought another one. I'm not sure I would like it. However, if there is someone out there who has one and likes it, I may try again. The other question, is there anyone in Seattle who knits for afA? I'd love to get together to knit sometime. Thanks!

Warming up for a sweater

2011-11-23T16:28:00.000-08:00

While I was debating what kind of a sweater to cast on for for the current Youth drive, I was inspired by Jody's beautiful worsted-weight socks to knit my own out of some Cascade Quattro that has lived in my stash for many years. It is my first pair of socks knitted in this weight, and they feel positively toasty. I may have enough wool left over for a smaller pair. They take so little time to knit that the experience is as close to immediate gratification as knitting can be.

I also whipped up a small-ish pair of mittens, trying to brighten up the brown with some bright orange and fluo pink. Now that I have a sweater on the needles (finally!), the smaller projects have been set aside but I hope to go back to them later in December.

coming up: three Fridays near Philadelphia

2011-11-23T10:12:00.000-08:00

My friend Sharlene has a yoga studio. We were e-mailing back and forth about knitting last summer, and we considered the idea of doing some knitting for A4A during the next campaign. And it's happening! Starting next Friday, December 2, and continuing on the 9th and 16th, we'll be meeting from noon until 2 to knit 8-inch squares and make a blanket for the current campaign. It's a good way to de-stress for a little while as December progresses. People who can't come during those hours are still invited to drop off squares at the studio.

If you're near Philadelphia and would like to join us, we're on the western side, very close to the city. Join us at Cerca Trova yoga studio, 2124 Darby Road, Havertown, PA 19010. (Bring worsted weight wool and your needles.)

I am so looking forward to this!

Edited to add -- find a place and time near you and do the same! It doesn't have to be a great big affair, and it's going to be fun.

Happy Thanksgiving!

2011-11-23T09:30:00.001-08:00

I am so grateful to see the inspiring generosity of Afghan for Afghans knitters. May you all enjoy the holiday in gratitude and plenty with loved ones -- with lots of time for knitting!

Warmly, Kathy

Sweater ready to send

2011-11-20T14:32:00.000-08:00

I just finished the green sweater -- gave
it a couple of stripes for interest. I
followed the size 12 but used ribbing
for waist, cuffs and neck - which made
it a little longer. I will get it packed and
sent this week.

Almost mittens and a question

2011-11-16T17:49:00.000-08:00

I finished one of a pair of mittens -- I expect to do the other this weekend. I have a hat I didn't get mailed the last time. Both are Lions Brand wool I got for an incredible $2 a skein. But here's my question....I have 600 yards each of 2 colors of bulky wool...can you point me to a pattern (not top down) that I could use this yarn for? Thanks in advance....

Almost sweater

2011-11-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

Here is my "almost sweater" for the latest A4A campaign. My six-year-old model thought it was pretty silly to be putting on a sweater connected to knitting needles!

I think I started this project in spring of 2010 or was it 2009? I'm hoping I can finish it by the deadline in January 2012. You can't really tell by this photo, but the sweater is nice and long. This is the Huckleburry Sweater by Morehouse Farm. I purchased it as a kit. It is knit with bulky 100% merino wool. The completed sweater will be incredibly soft and warm for the recipient.

One sweater ready to mail

2011-11-08T11:48:00.000-08:00

This sweater has watched several A4A campaigns pass by. I am no longer entirely sure when I started it -- I am pretty sure it was in the fall of 2009, but it might have been a year earlier than that. I should write these things down.

All of the yarn was yarn I already owned -- the brown yarn is Alafoss Lopi (two different dyelots, but I can't see the difference), and the red and gold are both Lamb's Pride Bulky. I knit a lot of socks on teeny yarn, so knitting with bulky is a pleasant change. I used a pattern by Design from Louise, the Child's Fairisle Pullover. (I was not entirely happy with this pattern; henceforth I will be using the Knitting Pure and Simple Children's Bulky Top Down Pullover).

I made the sleeves and body 2 inches longer than specified, and I started the sleeves with 4 stitches more than called for, because I'd read a review that said the sleeves on this one were too tight. I also did the increases on the sleeves every 3, not 4, rows, so they would get wider earlier.

I used my favorite trick for the neckband, to avoid making one that won't stretch over a kid's head.

Pay attention! This is a great trick! If your sweater calls for a crewneck, like this one, here's what you do. If the instructions say to rib for 1 inch and then bind off, do this: rib for 2 inches. Now, rather than binding off, you are going to do something so clever and simple. . . (This works better if your neckband is on a circular needle, but can be done with double-pointed needles if necessary). Leaving your neck stitches on the needle, cut your yarn, leaving a very, very long tail. Thread it onto a sewing-up needle. Thread the yarn through the first stitch on the needle, as if to knit. Remove that stitch from the knitting needle. Follow the line of that stitch all the way down to the first stitch you knit on your neckband. With the sewing-up needle, pull your yarn through one leg of that one, too. Pull the yarn all the way through. Go back to the stitches on the knitting needle, and do the same again. Continue -- one stitch from the needle, corresponding stitch at the beginning of the neckband -- until you've sewn all of the "live" stitches from the knitting needle, one by one, to the corresponding stitch at the very beginning of the neckband. Voila! A stretchy neckband (and no need to try to disguise the jog between last and first stitches that often occurs when you bind off in the round).

Here is what I am working on now

2011-11-07T22:54:00.000-08:00

This will be a top down pullover, size 12, when complete. I am using Diane Soucy's Knitting Pure and Simple pattern but plan to use ribbed rather than rolled collar and cuffs etc.

Judy

This time a blanket

2011-11-07T18:22:00.000-08:00

After making a sweater for the last couple campaigns, I think this year's project will be a blanket - knit-on block construction like the Moderne Log Cabin (Mason-Dixon). I searched the stash for extra bits and bobs and now have a bag of full and partial stray skeins. I'm going to put the dense (scratchy) yarns in the middle where you can imagine the blanket will be covering the user's core and use the cashmerino in seed stitch for the outer blocks where you might imagine hands and arms will feel the softness. I've made this style of afghan with hand-spun so I know I can tailor the size by adjusting the width of the blocks to make sure the blanket is rectangular to meet the size standards.

I'll post a picture when there is more to this project than my thoughts and dreams.

DHall

progress report

2011-11-07T06:18:00.000-08:00

Currently drying is a sweater I started for A4A at least two years ago (I don't think it was three). Pictures tomorrow or the next day, depending on how fast it dries.

What does everyone else have underway?

Also, someone asked in the comments how my yarn giveaway went a few weeks ago. Well -- it didn't. No takers!! I'm glad that everyone is so well supplied with wool this year.

Knit-In at the Islamic Cultural Center, Oakland, CA, Oct. 29

2011-10-30T11:56:00.001-07:00

Yesterday, we met at the Islamic Cultural Center in Oakland, CA, to knit for Afghanistan. This was part of the program offerings by the American Friends Service Committee for their Windows & Mirrors art exhibit on Afghanistan. We sat in the cafe where kids and parents and other visitors were hanging out in between their weekend activities. We met a few Afghan-Americans who were quite intrigued by our samples of authentic Afghan knitting and the patterns we wrote to document these designs for knitting here. Many have fond memories of knitting in their own families. We showed our slides of images from our distributions in Afghanistan over the years and many volunteer photos.

Local packing volunteer Laura helped hostess the afternoon. We were joined by long-time volunteers Gail, Keiko, and Jun, who are part of our East Bay gang. We met long-time volunteer Jody -- who drove all the way from Davis to deliver a box filled with wool socks and vests for the current campaign. The color combos were fantastic. And, Jody definitely improved our In-VEST for Peace pattern that has problems in the neck decrease area. (I discourage most people from using the pattern. Other patterns exist -- even if they take a little more skill ... better to have a well-functioning garment.) Big thanks to Jody for coming all the way to join us -- we're so glad we've met now, and we'll have to arrange a packing day around a future day trip to SF so Jody can have the Basement Experience.

first sweater of this season mailed on Oct. 20, 2011

2011-10-26T19:24:00.000-07:00

I mailed my first sweater of this season last week. It is a great pattern, fast with a nice cable down the front. It is a Bernat Chunky kid's pullover, although I have used Lamb's Pride Bulky yarn for one last season and this one is Nashua Creative Focus Chunky. Linda S.

First pair of mittens

2011-10-26T17:03:00.000-07:00

Is this the first post for this campaign? Mittens are quick. I'm packing these up this evening. One pair of mittens fits in a small priority mail flat rate box very nicely.

Gwyneth

With Help the Afghan Children'sSuraya Sadeed on Saturday NightAt the Islamic Cultural Center in Oakland

2011-10-23T22:56:00.000-07:00

Local packing volunteer Emily and her husband John visiting with Suraya and getting a book autograph --

Suraya was joined by local professor Mustafa Popal and AFSC's Peter Lems to talk about "Afghan Responses to War." She emphasized the important of building civil society and discussed her plans for a peace-education curriculum --

Notice the red scarf on Suraya? The alpaca scarf was made by one of our devoted local volunteers. We wanted Suraya to know how much we appreciate her ... that required a hand-knit gift, naturally!

Suraya flew back to Washington, DC, today. How lucky we were to have this opportunity to meet and visit together with this courageous woman who keeps on persevering after all these years. What an inspiration! Suraya departs for Afghanistan in a few weeks. She travels to her homeland a few times a year for her work.

The art banners are part of AFSC's Windows & Mirrors: Reflections on the War in Afghanistan, an exhibit that has been traveling around the country. The Islamic Cultural Center in Oakland is a fantastic old building that was once a Masonic temple.

Are you intrigued by the exhibit? Want to check out this unusual interior? Want to get together in real life? If you're near Oakland, California ... please Join us on October 29, next Saturday, from noon to 4 pm, to knit and crochet for Afghanistan.

With Suraya last night! Join us on Sat pm!

2011-10-21T11:26:00.001-07:00

Here's our group last night at Suraya's first Bay Area appearance ... at USF (part of American Friends Service Committee exhibit program called Windows and Mirrors) ... we had such a good time visiting. Please join us on Saturday night in Oakland at 7 pm at the Islamic Center. Let your friends know, too. The event is free.

We were moved by Suraya's talk about serving the people of her homeland, and she was moved by seeing examples of such top-quality knits made especially for the kids in her schools. Then ... we had a small earthquake, and we all moved together!

Photo from L to R: Eric (from Emergency USA, Jo, Carol, Suraya's niece Zari, Suraya, and Ann. Jo and Carol are long-time Basement packing volunteers, as you probably recognize from past photos.

Suraya recently published her book -- “Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse” -- about her experiences in building schools and saving lives in her homeland. Please join us in welcoming Suraya to the Bay Area! Suraya would love to meet the volunteers knitting and crocheting for her kids. Suraya will be selling and signing copies of her book. Such a rare opportunity to meet the person -- Afghan-American Suraya Sadeed -- who is going to actually be distributing some of our wool gifts this winter.

Read more about Suraya and her book on her website.

Suraya autographing her book for Carol --

Books purchased through our website (via the Amazon affiliates program links) generate a small percentage of cash support for the afghans for Afghans program. Suraya's book is at the top of our list of course --

afghans for Afghans' bookstore

some yarn

2011-10-20T20:15:00.000-07:00

When I went on vacation in July, I knew there would be a picnic table on the back porch that would be just right for my swift and ballwinder, so I took a large plastic bin of yarn, mostly Bartlett's Maine wool. All set and ready to go:

This pile of yarn was designated for A4A and other such ventures, and the goal is to have the box empty by the end of the winter. I am making progress, but I don't have to knit it all up myself, so I am going to share with two people. Each set of 3 balls will make 2 adult-sized pairs of socks or 3 pairs of mittens -- or various assortments of mittens and socks. Send your name and mailing address (I am good with the computer, but have not yet figured out how to email yarn) to me at this address: yarnystuff@gmail.com. It is Thursday night where I live; on Monday morning, I will pick two people and send the yarn on its way (not limited to people in the U.S.). It's OK to state a preference for the left or right grouping, but you may not get the one you asked for. All of the yarn is prettier in person, and the stack on the right does, indeed, include 2 balls of the same color, a very interesting heathery purply bluish grayish mix.

I only ask that you post a picture, if possible, of what you've made when you send it in. If you don't have a camera, please email me when your socks or mittens are on the way.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

10 years!

2011-10-14T20:53:00.000-07:00

Sometime between now and the end of the year, afghans for Afghans will hit its 10th birthday. I can't believe I've been doing this so long. I really can't believe Ann's been doing it this long -- with the same level of energy and commitment as when she started. Thank you, Ann, for making it possible for all of us to use our knitting and crocheting skills to help keep some of the people of Afghanistan warm in these hard times.

I'd like to say I'd do something spectacular in honor of the occasion -- like knit 10 things for this campaign. But that would be a promise that I would almost certainly fail to keep. Instead, I'm going to just make sure that I finish things on time (or ahead of time) and send them on in as they're ready. I may even have something to show by this time next week. I just started a sweater that says my 5 skeins of Lopi are enough for the size 10-12. I am skeptical. We'll see! A last-minute "design element"may be required -- fortunately, it's a top-down pattern, so I can add a seemingly intentional broad band of a contrasting color at the bottom of the body and sleeves if 5 skeins doesn't quite do it.

What's everybody else working on?

And -- we're back!

2011-10-06T12:52:00.000-07:00

Ann just announced the new campaign this afternoon. Link in the sidebar. Please, please, if at all possible, make a sweater -- but if not possible, mittens, socks, vests, and blankets are all needed too. Again, kids 7-16; due date sometime in January. Go over to the A4A site to refresh your memory on requirements, sizing, etc.

I have a sweater that was soooooo close to going last time, but I messed up one of the raglan seams and put it aside for too long. It's coming out and getting finished, for real this time, next week.

Perfect timing for those of us who live where it gets cold in the winter -- just as the weather gets cool and reminds us how miserable life would be without warm clothes.

Afghan Women's Writing ProjectNYT article 9-7-11

2011-09-10T10:16:00.000-07:00

Earlier this week, the NYT ran an article about the Afghan Women's Writing Project. Last year, we sent a couple boxes of wool socks and gloves to their Kabul coordinator Tina to deliver to the women writers to show our support and to help keep them warm.

Here's the link to the article --
An Outlet for Afghan Women Online

We don't have photos of the women's faces because of security and privacy concerns, but here's a photo of some of the women in Kabul sorting their gift of wool items from us --

Suraya Sadeed's book is out!Founder of NGO Help the Afghan Children

2011-09-04T10:16:00.000-07:00

Hope summer has been treating you all well! I hear that most of the U.S. has been too hot for knitting. Here on planet San Francisco, we don't even own shorts. No new campaign yet, but we'll post an update to our email list as soon as we have some news. Thanks for stashing the wool yarn until needed.

Our last 2 campaigns were for the children in the schools operated by NGO Help the Afghan Children. Our wool blankets and garments are to arrive in time for the winter cold. Suraya Sadeed founded this organization, and now she has written about her life and experience in a book: "Forbidden Lessons in a Kabul Guesthouse."

Suraya has her own website, and I want to point our her page of photos -- where you can see images of the school kids and a supply truck (arranged by the Mennonite Central Committee) making its way to the recipients. MMC has handled the container shipping for years for Help the Afghan Children and is arranging the transit of our knits. We're fortunate to be partnering with Suraya and these reliable and very experienced organizations. We wish them well as they continue to serve the Afghan people during wartime.

Suraya's photos.

after the fact

2011-06-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

Here are the mittens I sent in, just under the wire, for the recently completed campaign:

Left to right: Brown Sheep Lamb's Pride worsted (not the superwash, the one with the mohair); the late lamented Mission Falls 1824; Paton's Classic Wool, and Paton's Classic Wool with mystery mulberry color trim at the wrist. The 2 pairs on the right fit me, making them suitable for the biggest kids.

Mittens are quick and portable, and don't sit on your lap, so they're good for summer knitting. I plan to toss 3 balls of yarn in my bag each time we head out and see what I come up with. The mittens will be happy in a box until the next call comes in.

Sweater knitted for recent Youth Campaign

2011-06-04T09:49:00.000-07:00

I brought this yarn back to Texas from Black Sheep, Ltd, a wonderful yarn shop in Aylsham, UK. Nice to think it is now keeping an Afghan child warmer.

A peek of the basement

2011-05-20T18:03:00.000-07:00

Another Spring, another Spring campaign winding down. Here is a peek of two very packing sessions that took place a few days ago in the AFSC basement. Packages were opened, knitwear was admired and sorted, and finally, boxes were filled to the brim, taped shut and stacked up, ready for shipment. All in all, Ann estimates that about 40 big cartons will be sent to Afghanistan this time around.

Volunteers are happier when there are lots of knits to fill those boxes! From left to right, Ann, Amy, Teresa and Emily.

Measurements and guidelines matter! When Amy is not volunteering in the basement, she works for the costume department of the San Francisco Opera.

Among other duties, Annette is in charge of sending notes to those who write with questions.

Laura and Antje take a break from packing to admire two pretty items, a raglan pullover and a ripple afghan both in gorgeous shades of green.

The end result: neat towers of cartons, each holding enough to keep quite a few children and teens warmer next winter. Thank you to all who contribute!

sweaters on their way to the basement

2011-05-10T17:08:00.001-07:00

One mistake, two successes

2011-05-08T18:22:00.001-07:00

Here are two mittens out of variegated yarn. They make a nice, colorful effect without actually changing yarns.

However, another skein took me by surprise and turned out to make a camouflage effect! Not appropriate for this purpose (in fact, prohibited by the guidelines). I'm not sure if it will end up as a cat toy or finished for some other purpose.

Headed your way

2011-05-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

Hi, basement buddies! Here are my mittens and socks...nice and warm, with 100% Lion Brand Wool. I am still going to try to get my hat done...and I'll ship it fast next week. These go in the mail tomorrow.

It continues to be so nutritious to my heart and soul to do this work...thank you for your work, which allows me do do mine. Best.

Gorgeous Faces/Gorgeous Sweaters

2011-04-30T20:08:00.001-07:00

Daisy, Judith, Susan, Candace, and I had a good time together opening packages and packing up on Thursday. We've known each other for years now. A fairly mellow afternoon for us (until I made the crazy, nervous dash for my car before the 4 pm tow-truck attack on Mission Street). Not that many packages have arrived yet, but the email notices have been increasing. So, we're expecting more knit gifts as we approach the May 13 due date for NGO Help the Afghan Children. As you can see, these pullovers are spectacular! Thank you so much! The Afghan children are going to be thoroughly delighted and much warmer wearing these garments when winter arrives.

One sweater on its way

2011-04-28T17:53:00.001-07:00

I took a week off in February - pretty random timing in my schedule - and my main objective was to knit a sweater for A4a. I have missed a couple campaigns by not planning ahead. My supply of this yarn is finally depleted (Patons Classic Wool Merino, Bonne Terre). I tried to cut the psychedelic effect when I found this very nicely matched blue (Lamb's Pride) in my stash. I like the trim on the wrists and neck. I hope its (edit:) Afghan recipient wears it in good health!

a4A in GreenStitch podcast

2011-04-11T19:14:00.000-07:00

How cool is this? a4A contributer Anne Kenlon also does a podcast, GreenStitch, from her sewing room in Corning, New York, on all things related to eco-friendly sewing and crafting. A recent episode focuses on crafting projects that help other people, and the first such project she mentions is afghans for Afghans! You can listen to that episode here -- the discussion on a4A is in the first few minutes. (Click the little icon that says "POD") Thanks, Anne!

A spring-y sweater

2011-04-06T14:29:00.000-07:00

I haven't posted here in awhile and I'm glad to have another item to show now. This will go in the mail once I get it blocked. It's bulky weight, knit top down starting with the collar. I added the kelly green to a yellow/green/brown stripe Wisdom Skye yarn I'd gotten way on sale. On it's own, the Wisdom Skye seem a bit too camo for an A for A campaign, but I think the addition of the bright green really changes the whole look. It's a wonderful lofty, smooshy yarn that will keep someone very warm. The sweater is relatively longer than it looks in the picture

And they're off

2011-04-04T08:28:00.000-07:00

I managed to finish two more items for this campaign. Yay for all of us! I knitted with double strands and did the size "4" of the Berroco Polly sweater, without the puzzle pieces. I also knitted with 10.5s so, it's much bigger than a 4. I'm 5'6", and it hit my waist, with the sleeves ending like 3/4 length sleeves on me. It should fit a young someone.

I initially thought I was going to make a sweater, but decided a vest will have to do. I wanted to send it off before we left on a trip. I used the "What's in My pocket vest" pattern and made a size 10, also using double strands.

I sent these both on Saturday so they should be in by Monday/Tuesday the latest. Keep it up!

Sweater ready to send

2011-04-01T16:37:00.000-07:00

Here is the sweater I have just completed. I used a wool/alpaca yarn and a top down pattern I have used often for my nine year old granddaughter with a little extra added to length.

Sweater mailed

2011-03-24T05:14:00.000-07:00

Thought I'd pop in for a minute to say I mailed off a sweater yesterday. It's a size 12 (34" finished chest), with the ribbing doubled in length on the sleeves to provide a little extra growing room. Here it is, modelled on my (petite) 17-year-old.

--Amber

Vest Ready for Shipment!

2011-03-20T13:02:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I cast this vest on in January. It was a pleasure to knit with the Outback Wool and the pattern is so easy. The pattern is "Great Beginnings Vest" by Anne Russell. You finish it as you knit and only need to sew the shoulder seams. Anyhow, I will knit a few more of these. I did add several inches to the bottom of the vest, making it longer.

Textile Museum Gathering, February 26Washington, DC, near Embassy Row and Dupont Circle

2011-03-18T21:19:00.000-07:00

This feels like a family photo album to me!

First off, Elizabeth -- our moderator! of mitten and sock tutorial fame! -- took the train from PA to meet me for a morning tour of the Capitol ... why didn't we try to open this tantalizing door when we had the chance?

Tom Goehner, curator of education, arranged for us to hang-out in the ancestors' drawing room (or is this the salon?). As I mentioned in an email -- small world! Tom was the archivist at the Red Cross Museum when we contacted him in late 2001 for historical information about knitting during wartime for content on our website. This was meant to be. Tom gave us a personal tour of the exquisite ikat coats. He also showed us a 20th-C. patchwork quilt (with 9-patch, flying geese, etc) that came from Afghanistan, and we scratched our heads trying to figure out how that happened. Thanks, Tom and the Textile Museum!

(Turkmen cloat on Ann)

Attention, DC-area friends! If you would like to help Tom lead a regular knitting group at the Textile Museum, please email me, and I will put you in touch. Wouldn't you love to knit here once a month! Who wants to take on this honor?

Like Elizabeth, Nell's (on left) been a supporter since 2002, when we first met at Stitches East in PA. Eileen (in pink) came all the way from NY! Linda (top, in her chic orange knit sweater) traveled from Philadelphia! Just for the day to be with us!

Our friends included Andrea and Julia and her mom Su. Here is where I have to ask for help for names of our 3 friends on the right ... so sorry, my one big mistake was not bringing a guest book (which my mom would have remembered) ...

Say cheese: Barbara, Elizabeth, Nell, Eileen, Linda, Cynthia ...

Andrea and Su modeled Afghan embroidery and tribal jewelry -- lapis and silver -- that Nell brought to show us ...

After last call in the gift shop, we say farewell ... until we meet again ... here's to opening more doors!

(Not sure how I got in so many photos. This was my camera! I am usually better at avoiding the spotlight. Please forgive. Won't happen again.)

Doing what we can and what is needed

2011-03-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

Seeing all these photos of sweaters being sent to the AFSC basement for the current campaign has been very inspiring to me. Next week I should be able to add two photos here, as I have two pullovers almost done. At least something good is coming out of my compulsive knitting-while- TV News-watching, especially over the last, upsetting few days...

If I may add a comment, speaking as an occasional basement volunteer, I would like to urge everyone to follow the guidelines for this campaign precisely. It is so disappointing to open a package and find garments or blankets in a size that cannot possibly fit the requirements of a4A's partner NGO, or items that are felted, or with too short a body or short sleeves. These items simply cannot be sent to Afghanistan.The guidelines are there for a reason and a4A cannot tweak them. The easiest way for each of us to help is to provide the children of Afghanistan with exactly what we have been asked to provide for them.

Basement Family Album: Packing for Help the Afghan Children

2011-03-12T15:50:00.000-08:00

Recognize our faces by now? This is the great gang that sorted and packed the recent collection for Help the Afghan Children. A few of our basement friends were camera shy -- that's OK -- and are not pictured here.
Say hello to ... Emily ...

Kate, Edie (visiting from Massachusetts!), and Jill ...

Annette and Ann B (with her crocheted afghan) ...

Amy in action ... from the SF Opera costume department!

Daisy ...

Annette with her crocheted blanket ...

Chris ...

Jo, connecting pairs of mittens and socks (please remember to tie together next time) ...

Annette (bless you!) brought her son, Ryan, to help us tape the boxes and move the whole collection from the Basement to the street level for pick up. And, Ryan wanted to make sure his mother was hanging with a decent crowd ...

Ryan getting props from Steve, the AFSC building manager ...

Pam and Ann (me) sending off our wool gifts ... our message to the people of Afghanistan loud and clear ...

One more look at the expertly packed boxes before they start their long journey to the other side of the world ...

Thank you, knitters and crocheters for Afghanistan, for taking action when we have the opportunity. You are very generous. I will post numbers to our email list soon.

Ikat Show at Textile Museum in DC

2011-03-08T22:00:00.000-08:00

I stayed several days in DC after our get-together at the Textile Museum and am back in SF now and catching up. Haven't had a chance yet to post photos, but will so do soon. We had a terrific afternoon in the paneled drawing room, with tea, our yarn, and the best company, including our beloved blog moderator Elizabeth Durand and curator of education Tom Goehner, who also gave us a personal tour of the ikat and recycle exhibits.

I want to alert those who were not able to attend that the exquisite ikat exhibit closes on March 13. And, be sure to check out the surprising textile (no reproduction postcard available) from Afghanistan in the recycle exhibit.

Textile Museum, Washington, DC Feb. 26, 2011

2011-02-28T08:51:00.001-08:00

Dear Friends,

Ann said she wanted photos!! Here are 4 from our get together. It was wonderful to meet and get to know other knitters for the cause. The ikat exhibit was also extraordinary. Hopefully others will post their photos.

Linda S.

My first posting

2011-02-24T10:42:00.000-08:00

Hello fellow knitters! I just wanted to make my first post on this blog. First off, you all ROCK! What a great group of crafters we have here all working together for a great cause.

Anyhoo, I've knitted for A4A in the past, but only recently happened upon this blog through the ravelry group. Here is a sweater I made for the earlier youth campaign, although I'm not sure it made it to its destination in time for the deadline. If not, it goes for the second campaign.

I'm wearing the sweater (faceless, I know)...I'm about 5'6 so it should fit some one in the youth range. I wish I made the neck hole a bit smaller, but I was running out of time.

I'm currently working on another sweater and hope to complete that by the next deadline. I'm trying to find time to knit between working and having a one year old. :)

Keep it up everyone!

DC Meet-Up, Feb. 26, 2-4 pmTextile Museum!

2011-02-20T18:05:00.000-08:00

I posted this to our email list and also posting here for others who may catch the message ...

Let's Meet!

Knitting, Tea, and Conversation with afghans for Afghans

February 26, 2 to 4 pm

Textile Museum, Washington, DC

The exhibits on ikat and recycling will interest you, so leave extra time before or after our group -- exhibit info here.

Location and transit information here.

I will bring my laptop to show slides from many of the distributions of our wool gifts to the people of Afghanistan. This is a casual program.

Please share this message with your fiber friends in the DC area. The more, the merrier.

Thanks to the Textile Museum, and especially to Tom, for welcoming us at their beautiful museum.

Hope you can join us! Real people and faces -- I am so excited!

See you soon,
Ann

http://www.afghansforAfghans.org

See Jackie's sweater and pets!

2011-02-19T14:22:00.001-08:00

Jackie sent us a letter (with her knit gift package) to check out her blog, Woolyadventure, and I just got around to it ... see her cardigan for the kids and be sure to look at her fiber animals when you get a moment. Hi Jackie!

a few sweater patterns

2011-02-17T09:57:00.000-08:00

Now that the call has gone out, again, for sweaters, with time enough to finish one up, here are a few free patterns I'd filed away for the next opportunity.

This one has a shawl collar, a feature that virtually eliminates the possibility of a neck that's too tight. And it uses bulky yarn, so it's fast. Remember -- you can stretch your yarn using stripes and color blocking. I would make the larger size; the smaller size will only fit the very youngest kids. (knitted)

This one is crocheted, and looks quite nice. You do have to join the site to access it, but there's no fee and they do not send you mail. Again, I'd make at least the medium size of this one. Edited to add a comment from a crocheter who couldn't convince her computer to post to the blog: "The crochet sweater pattern that you gave a link to is a very nice one. May I suggest that you advise people to buy some extra yarn and make it longer than the pattern calls for? It is one I have made in the past, and the sweater barely has tummy coverage. It needs at least another two inches to be warm and modest enough."

Here is a worsted weight turtleneck, easily converted to a crew neck, which is probably more useful. (knitted)

The men's sweater on this page uses heavy worsted and has an easy stitch pattern (knitted)

Hope these help you come up with some good ideas. . .

first message

2011-02-16T10:59:00.000-08:00

Hi! I'm glad to be a blog member. Two pictures of knitted items I have sent. There are others and more to come. Linda S.

New Campaign

2011-02-14T09:49:00.000-08:00

I was so pleased to learn that A4A will continue the youth campaign, for another year.
I'll start a sweater, too, in maroon. I like the all-one-piece-from-the-top-down type.
I'll put in a couple of cable stitches.

Sweater start

2011-02-13T14:04:00.000-08:00

I found some nice green wool worsted on sale a while ago and think I will start a sweater with it .
I have a pattern I have used several times for my 9 year old granddaughter that should do nicely as it has good coverage and is interesting enough to keep me going. I also have worsted weight socks that I started a while ago that I didn't finish in time for this campaign. They use up odds and ends -- some worsted and some sock yarn used double - and should be warm and colorful. I was happy to learn that they won't go to waste.

24

2011-02-11T06:02:00.000-08:00

Last fall I published a photo of the yarns I'd chosen for a Peace Fleece blanket for the current A4A campaign. I finished it this morning at 1:30; it was in the mail at 8 a.m. Eastern time, and I have high hopes it will squeak in under the wire on Monday.

I call this blanket 24 (apologies in advance, metric folks -- this conceit is only supported if I speak in terms of inches). It was made in 4 sections, each measuring 24 inches by 24 inches, and each based on an equation that equals 24. The first section was 4 stripes, each 6 inches wide (4 x 6); the second was 6 4-inch stripes (6 x 4); the third was 8 3-inch stripes (8 x 3); and the last was 12 2-inch stripes (12 x 2). I got into the second skein of each color, so it used a lot of yarn -- but all of it was already here in my house.

The challenge was not the knitting -- garter stitch rectangles are well within my ability -- but the colors. I tend strongly toward jewel tones and brights; these muted, tweedy, fall and winter landscape colors are unusual for me. I had them in my stash because I've sampled all of the Peace Fleece colors at one time or another.

I wish you could see how all of them glow in the sun; there is extraordinary depth to all of them, and the blanket is many times more attractive than these photos show. The bright orange is actually a rich pumpkin color with golden overtones; the gray is full of flecks of rose, gold, and blue; the very dark color is a deep deep green with blue highlights, etc.

I'd have liked to add a border, but it was easy to decide between artistic fulfillment and keeping some kid warm. And, based on the way it felt on my lap while I was sewing it up, this blanket is WARM.

I'm hoping for a cascade of pictures from all of my fellow last-minute mailers. . . can't wait to see all your good things!

Success!

2011-02-04T08:11:00.001-08:00

Hello! Thanks for the encouragement regarding my socks struggles. I made a New Year's resolution to master socks, and I have done so! Here are two pairs -- a mama bear size (for a teenager) and a baby bear size (for a 7 year old with skinny feet.) I followed Ann Budd's Knitter's Book of Patterns. They are going in the mail today. WooHoo! More socks to come for the next campaign.

Join the a4A email list ...

2011-02-01T22:10:00.000-08:00

Most members of this blog are probably signed on to our email list, but for readers who may not be ... if you would like email notifications about our campaign details and due dates, program updates, announcements and reports -- including precious photos from time to time -- about distributions of our wool gifts in Afghanistan, and other intriguing news from the afghans for Afghans project, please sign up for our email list. The sign-up box is at the top of our homepage. We send 2-3 emails per month on average. Hope everyone enjoyed the news treat from Church World Service last week about their distribution of our blankets and garments! We're so fortunate to have partnered with an organization of that caliber, and I hope we have the opportunity to do so again in the future, enshallah.

tick tick tick

2011-01-31T17:32:00.000-08:00

That's the sound of a deadline getting closer and closer. . . I have just one fourth of the last quadrant of my blanket to finish. Then weave in ends (millions!), wash, sew up, and maybe wash again. And a new camera will make pictures happen, fianlly. Soon, very soon -- this week, I hope. And once I've done that, I have two pairs of mittens to finish. Quick -- I need a long ride in the car (with somebody else driving).

How about all of you? Are we going to amaze and astonish Ann and The Basement?

Mittens on their way

2011-01-24T18:17:00.000-08:00

I just packed up 5 pairs of mittens, all 100% wool. I enjoyed working with the varigated yarn - no extra ends to work in! I've started another pair - pretty sure I can get those done by the deadline.

Gwyneth

soccer ball buttons?

2011-01-24T09:57:00.001-08:00

Hi--Does anyone know whether or not soccer balls on sweater buttons would be offensive to the Afghans? Thanks.

Oddball Blankets from Wool-Aid

2011-01-23T16:50:00.000-08:00

Here's a couple of blankets knit for this campaign by the Ravelry group, Wool-Aid. We have been really enjoying working together on these and several other group projects:

2011-01-23T16:49:00.000-08:00

Packing This Week for "Help the Afghan Children" Schools at AFSC Basement

2011-01-23T11:26:00.000-08:00

Volunteer packers Amy, Daisy, and Karen are holding their own creations in this photo --

We had 2 packing sessions this week for the youth campaign. Thanks to all who have sent in packages and those working on completing their gifts by February 14. Based on the experience of past campaigns, we're counting on the inflow increasing as we head to the due date. We may still be a little low on sweaters considering the stage of the campaign -- we have about 200 sweaters packed up right now.

Works of modern art! That's Teresa and Ann (not Afghan Ann) doing the honors.

Here are some of the gorgeous sweaters in the hands of Teresa, Ann (me with exquisite cables), Jill, and Jo. The lavender sweater looks a little short in the torso, but hard to be sure in the photo. I'll make a point of re-measuring on our next packing day. Can you imagine the kids wearing these first-class sweaters?

If you're new to this blog or haven't posted lately, please jump in with your introduction or 2011 greetings. Tell us where you're from, or something about your interests and what's new with you, or why you are knitting and crocheting for the people of Afghanistan, or as you wish -- something to humanize this computer screen in front of our faces. We love to see faces, too! From time to time I send the blog link to our relief agency partners in Afghanistan to get them excited about the winter wear that will be heading their way and so they can see the people behind the cartons of wool -- to bring us a little closer to those on the other side of the world.

On Its Merry Way

2011-01-23T05:58:00.000-08:00

I'll be mailing this one early in the week.

Its pedigree: Patons Classic Wool, Lily Sugar 'n Cream 100% Wool, Panda Woolbale. Ann Budd's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns, raglan pullover, size 30" chest (though I made the body about 2" longer than the pattern suggests). Size 7 needles throughout.

a vest pattern

2011-01-20T05:32:00.000-08:00

If you are already working on a sweater, just ignore this post. . . the most needed item right now is sweaters, so keep going!!

If, though, you're looking for one more thing to make in time for the February 14 due date, and know there's no chance of finishing a whole sweater, here's a vest pattern. It is long enough (Afghan kids tend to be tall and slim), and the neckline is completely in line with the requirements for modesty for girls and boys. Gauge is 4 stitches per inch (16 sts/10 cm), so it will be fast to knit. This gauge is perfect for the heftier worsteds I love, such as Peace Fleece, Maine wool, Beaverslide, Cascade's Ecological Wool, or various yarns categorized as heavy worsted or chunky. (If in doubt, knit a swatch. Really. It will save you time in the long run.) I don't have any variegated or patterned yarn in that gauge, so I plan to insert several wide stripes at the bottom, just to keep it a little more interesting. And I'm giving some thought to working neck and armhole bands in a contrasting color.

The smallest size in this pattern comes to 39 inches around. I recommend sticking with that size rather than one of the bigger sizes -- in fact, I'm thinking of taking out 4 stitches from the front and 4 stitches from the back to get a 37-inch chest measurement. I will keep the neck shaping exactly as written, though -- it's important to make sure the kid can get it on!

I wish I had a long car trip -- with somebody else driving -- coming up. . .

Free Yarn!

2011-01-19T11:54:00.000-08:00

12 - 50g skeins of white worsted wool. Anyone interested in dyeing and making a sweater for the current campaign contact me at atan34@gmail.com

Quick Check In

2011-01-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

Just a short post to show the beginnings of an odd ball sweater I am rushing to finish for the current campaign.

I used Ann Budd's Handy Book of Sweater Patterns as a guide and the Patons Classic Wool and other wool odd balls I have in my odd ball bin. I'm almost to the point of stopping to make the sleeves, so I should finish with time to spare for the February 14 deadline.

Wool blanket

2011-01-17T10:54:00.001-08:00

Here is a basket weave wool blanket in a light beige. The color in the picture is much lighter than it really is. It will ship with the sweater.

Stripes for a boy.

2011-01-17T10:09:00.000-08:00

Here is the stripey sweater - about a child's size 12. It will go out tomorrow.

Apologies, But it's Hats

2011-01-16T13:00:00.000-08:00

I know you don't want lots of hats, but as a beginning knitter, it's the best I can produce for now. I am in the process of making a vest. I hope I get it done in time for the Feb 14 deadline, but I can't promise. So for now I'm sending in these two hats, my first official donation to A4A!
Carol E.

red wool, warm hands

2011-01-13T18:15:00.000-08:00

On January 1st, I cast on for a pair of mittens with the red wool left over from the yoke sweater I had knitted for the ongoing youth drive. Since the yarn was only dk weight, I coupled it with some ancient mohair from my stash in a very close shade of red.

Elizabeth D, your pattern could just as well be tattooed on my brain by now! I enjoyed my experiment in stranding two different yarns so much that I immediately cast on for more mittens in that same red wool, this time stranded with an orange fingering-weight wool for a tweedy effect.

In both cases the addition of the new yarn made the wool feel softer as well as warmer. I have to keep this stranding trick in mind as it is perfect for those orphan skeins of lightweight yarn. One skein of fingering weight wool (this was Brown Sheep Naturespun) was more than enough for two pairs.

Campaign end date is February 14

2011-01-10T11:00:00.000-08:00

Ann just posted that the current campaign will be ending on February 14. That means there's still time to make something, or finish something -- or both!! To inspire you, I am offering 7 skeins of Lamb's Pride Worsted in the color Red Baron, a beautiful, vivid scarlet red. I wanted to use it myself, but it's been sitting here staring at me reproachfully for several years now, and it is time to give it a chance to reach its full sweatery potential. Seven skeins comes to 1330 yards (1216 meters), enough for a pullover to fit a 34- to 38-inch chest (86 to 96 cm), which falls at the larger end of this campaign's size range.

If you would like to have this yarn, and are pretty sure you can finish the sweater and mail it in time to arrive at The Basement by February 14, please send me a note -- including your mailing address -- at yarnystuff@gmail.com. I will review replies Wednesday morning, pick a winner, and mail yarn out on Thursday. U.S. and Canada only, this time, because time is short.

2011-01-08T16:10:00.001-08:00

Here is the vest I recently finished out of the Blue Sky Bulky Alpaca/Wool that had been donated to A for A. It was a challenge to work with. I knit it on a 17 needle and used the vest guidelines from Ann Budd's "The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns". For those of you unfamiliar with this book, it is great to use for A for A patterns. She has information for designing your own garments with multiple gauges and sizes. Her heaviest yarn was 3 stitches to the inch though, and this yarn was 2 stitches to the inch, so I had to make a few adjustments!

On their way tomorrow

2011-01-03T12:28:00.000-08:00

These things go in the mail tomorrow:

Mittens, from left to right: Peace Fleece, made by my sister; Lamb's Pride, by me (they are gray, not white -- late afternoon sun); Lamb's Pride, by Pat, Knitpicks Shamrock, by me. And blue socks from Pat.

Three of the four panels of my blanket are knitted; can I do 576 more square inches of garter stitch this week?

Let me introduce myself . . .

2011-01-02T12:31:00.000-08:00

I'm Holly, I live in Palo Alto CA, and I've been knitting for a4A for several years - even packed boxes in the basement once. I started out as a novice knitter but have "perfected" the basic top down sock by sending off at least a dozen pairs to warm Afghani feet. I've been lurking on this blog for a long time, but joined so I could post this sweater I dropped off last week (yep, that's me) which is from a super easy pattern I highly recommend. (It's the Torino Bulky Circular Pullover - free at www.tahkistacycharles.com.) It's bulky yarn on #10s, too warm for California! Now, what to start on next . . .

Happy New Year

Almost finished in 2010

2011-01-02T07:41:00.000-08:00

I finished the socks except for running in the ends. They are a basic toe-up (from tiajudy.com, my favourite) pattern in Red Heart's Heart and Sole, worked double. They work out to about a child's size 3-4 to adult 6, and have long legs because I just kept working until the yarn ran out. The leg is ribbed the whole way to help it stay up and fit all different widths of legs.

The vest is a UFO I found while unpacking some old boxes. It's an alpaca blend, very soft and warm. I love the colours but I remember the yarn was remaindered and so I wasn't sure there is enough to make me a vest that won't be skintight. So I'll finish and send it off for a child.

Socks with Mosaic border

2011-01-01T16:25:00.000-08:00

Didn't the slip-stitch pattern brighten up this pair of simple navy socks? It was a pattern of necessity as I knew I was running low on the blue, and wanted to knit something a bit more interesting that basic stripes. These are about 9 inches.

2011-01-01T16:19:00.001-08:00

Here's a blanket in process. This is my knit-while-watching-a-movie project, and it looks like it'll be big enough for the Afghans for Afghans winter youth campaign:

The yarn is a single-ply fair trade from Nepal bought on sale through the group SERRV. It's a bit rough but the swatch softened and fluffed up nicely.

2010-12-30T08:57:00.003-08:00

Here is a vest I finished for the current campaign. Someone gave me a ball of the burgundy yarn to use for A for A. The rest is leftover stash that I put with it. I'm currently working on another vest out of the chunky alpaca that was donated to A for A a while back. Its a little tricky to work with because its so thick.

Happy Holidays to A4A friends

2010-12-26T16:12:00.001-08:00

Last of 2010

2010-12-26T15:32:00.000-08:00

Happy holidays everyone!

I have 2 new FO's to wrap up my holiday knitting:

A basic, ribbed pair of socks, and

a classic yoke pullover to fit an 8-10 year-old child. I still have a skein and a half of that red wool left, just enough for a pair of mittens, I should think.

Projects coming!

2010-12-24T07:29:00.000-08:00

Hello all: My Christmas knitting has also kept me from finishing a sweater and a vest I have to send...but I did manage to get these mittens done. They are made from Lion Brand Wool -- on sale for $2/skein at my local Ocean State Job Lot. I have more yarn from the same source...and I am still loving mittens. If I could only master socks...

And if I could only get to the post office...but watch for these coming soon.

Merry Christmas! and I will be spending my Christmas vacation making more stuff to warm our friends in Afghanistan.

Here are those mittens that are ready to go

2010-12-22T17:01:00.000-08:00

Here is the pair of mittens I just finished for this campaign. They are knit from some yarn that I dyed with Kool-Aid. The yarn was given to me by a friend at church who can no longer knit. It was good white wool yarn - nice yarn but the color wouldn't work for this purpose so I dyed it. It is from the same batch as the socks I sent for the last campaign. I hope to get another pair done to send with these. Most of my time has gone to Christmas preparations lately.

From the Afghan Embassy to a4A Volunteers!

2010-12-22T11:35:00.000-08:00

Our Packing Last Week for Afghan Youth

2010-12-21T15:07:00.000-08:00

We took a few photos for you. Four of us enjoyed our afternoon opening packages and packing up boxes for the students in the schools run by Help the Afghan Children. We were not expecting a huge pile because we know most volunteers are busy with their own families and friends during the holiday season. Yet, the 4 of us kept a busy pace for 3.5 hours. Thank you so much for your wool gifts this month.

We're trying to hit 40 cartons before we ship off the collection. I estimate that we're at about 20 cartons and that we can reach 40 by end of Jan. Jan. and Feb. usually pick up, based on past years. I'll know more after the end of the year and keep everyone posted via our email list and website.

Diane (holding the box) came up from down south -- the Peninsula -- to help pack last week. We were so happy to see the real her! Mostly, Diane and I are in touch via email. Diane helps me answer the incoming emails to our project. We do have standard replies to most questions, and our website explains most everything, but we get one-off questions, and some people need extra explanations. Diane's assistance has been a life-saver this year. I LOVE being able to count on her.

Lydia (brown hair) came up from down south, too -- Santa Cruz. That's a trek. Both Lydia and her mom in Minnesota have been knitting a long time for a4A. Karen (in the middle) joined us from back east -- Berkeley/Oakland -- a BART ride over to SF. Karen is a frequent packer for a long time now. Aren't these volunteers and the sweaters gorgeous?

Lydia and Diane are holding up Diane's production of 3 sweaters, 13 vests, and 9 hats. I don't know how she did it, but must involve NetFlix. What's also very cool -- the yarn was a donation from someone in her area. The person had a stash, but no longer able to knit. She got in touch with Diane, who agreed to use all the wool to knit for kids in Afghanistan. The donor had a hard time letting go of her stash (who wouldn't?), but grateful when Diane showed up to make good use of the supply. I mention this in the hopes that others needing wool can match up with folks that want to see their excess wool put to good use.

So nice of these loyal volunteers to take time from their busy schedules -- especially December -- to pitch in and keep us rolling along. The time always goes fast in the Basement with such good company. Our own special time warp.

If you're reading this post and subscribed to this a4A blog (go take the cookies out of the oven), pop-in for a quickie last 2010 post to say hello. Short and sweet OK with us. Happy holidays to all!

afghans for Afghansknit- and crochet-along

blue sweater and mittens to go

February 29

Judith and Ann at the 2012 Jefferson Awards

First Packing Session of 2012

those pesky thumbs

Destash sweater on the way

Colorido from Colorado

On Its Merry Way

Sweater and Hat

possibility for donated yarn

working on socks

AFSC Basement Elves Last Week*** Good Wishes for the New Year ***

I Didn't Think I Would

Anne Barach's a4A De-Stash Sweater Pattern to Share

Eggplant and orange

deadline extended

While driving downtown today with the radio blasting ...

Project in process and others on the way

A Sweater by my Daughter

Introduction

Warming up for a sweater

coming up: three Fridays near Philadelphia

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sweater ready to send

Almost mittens and a question

Almost sweater

One sweater ready to mail

Here is what I am working on now

This time a blanket

progress report

Knit-In at the Islamic Cultural Center, Oakland, CA, Oct. 29

first sweater of this season mailed on Oct. 20, 2011

First pair of mittens

With Help the Afghan Children'sSuraya Sadeed on Saturday NightAt the Islamic Cultural Center in Oakland

With Suraya last night! Join us on Sat pm!

some yarn

10 years!

And -- we're back!

Afghan Women's Writing ProjectNYT article 9-7-11

Suraya Sadeed's book is out!Founder of NGO Help the Afghan Children

after the fact

Sweater knitted for recent Youth Campaign

A peek of the basement

sweaters on their way to the basement

One mistake, two successes

Headed your way

Gorgeous Faces/Gorgeous Sweaters

One sweater on its way

a4A in GreenStitch podcast

A spring-y sweater

And they're off

Sweater ready to send

Sweater mailed

Vest Ready for Shipment!

Textile Museum Gathering, February 26Washington, DC, near Embassy Row and Dupont Circle

Doing what we can and what is needed

Basement Family Album: Packing for Help the Afghan Children

Ikat Show at Textile Museum in DC

Textile Museum, Washington, DC Feb. 26, 2011

My first posting

DC Meet-Up, Feb. 26, 2-4 pmTextile Museum!

See Jackie's sweater and pets!

a few sweater patterns

first message

New Campaign

Sweater start

24

Success!

Join the a4A email list ...

tick tick tick

Mittens on their way

soccer ball buttons?

Oddball Blankets from Wool-Aid

Packing This Week for "Help the Afghan Children" Schools at AFSC Basement

On Its Merry Way

a vest pattern

Free Yarn!

Quick Check In

Wool blanket

AFSC Basement Elves Last Week* Good Wishes for the New Year *