27 January 2012

Knit a Square, Send Some Love

Have you ever thought that by simply knitting a square you might help a child, orphaned by AIDS? Yes, you can! You can make a big difference to an African  child's everyday with just as little as some stash yarn and a hook or needle.

Photo: Aaron Phelps

There are an estimated 1.9 million AIDS orphans in Sub-Saharan Africa. 500 children a day are made orphans by the combined ravages of AIDS and poverty. Most of them are left to fend for themselves in shanty towns. Governments and charity organizations do what they can, but it is not enough.



My lovely friend Laurie over at Kitty's Fiber Journey brought this to my attention. She is on a mission to knit 500 squares by June 1, 2012 but she needs our help! Let's join forces for a good cause!






Why squares?
Because they can be easily connected to each other and turned into blankets. That is how your love and craftiness will help warm an African AIDS orphan's heart.

How you can help
Knit/crochet a 8” (20 cm) square and send it to Laurie. She is so into this project that she will reward you with a coupon to her brand new online yarn shop Hands with Hearts. So by giving a bit of your yarn away you will be getting some back. Isn't she generous!

Also, don't forget to grab her button and post it on your blog to help spread the word!

All you need to do is knit. 
Turn your passion into warmth and care for someone on the other side of the world.

Visit Kitty's Fiber Journey to learn more and get Laurie's address, so you know where to send your squares.

Me? I'm already crocheting mine. How about you?

28 comments:

  1. Love it. I'll forward this to my knitting daughter.

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    1. Thanks, Ruth! Your help is greatly appreciated!

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  2. I just learned to knit, so I am in...love it:)

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  3. You are the generous one Sonya! Thank you so much for writing about my challenge!

    Thank you to all of you read this post, stop by my blog or the Kascare site, join us in making squares like Amithigirl or spread the word like Ruth! This is so important to me. We can make a difference!

    This is the KasCare mantra "more hands, more squares, more warm children!"

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    1. Laurie, aren't we a generous combination! You are an inspiration!

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  4. This is great! I have been knitting squares for months! I just haven't sent them! My daughter told me about this project awhile ago...I have probably 50 squares...it is really medatative to do the knitting too...

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    1. Really? you already have 50 squares? If I had so many already I would totally send them over to Laurie and get a coupon for the lovely yarn in Hands with Hearts!

      Let's see how many I will be able to come up with! Laurie, we may get you bankrupted if we are all as productive as Julia!

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    2. I'm still laughing at your comment Sonya! Not to worry, the deal is good. You guys knit/crochet and I will pay! :)

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  5. Thanks for sharing! I will definitely be taking part in this. I also shared on facebook with my fellow crochet hookers!

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    1. Thank you for spreading the word! Your efforts are priceless!

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  6. Julia, what an inspriration! I only have four done so far, but that is the great part of having a challenge, we can help motivate each other!

    Crochet-hooker, thanks so much for joining and sharing! The more the merrier, us and the children!

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  7. What an easy way to make a difference! Perhaps tonight I'll whip one up and get the girls to join me! :)

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  8. What a great idea Melinda! My two girls and my youngest boy are all helping even though they never wanted to knit before!
    Thanks so much for your support!

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  9. Yay, what a fabulous idea!! I'll definitely knit a square or two, and I'll spread the word, too. Thanks for sharing this, Sonya!! <3

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  10. I know, isn't Sonya the best?! Thank you Taylor Lynn!!

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  11. We have a "fiber arts" class at my school in which we learn to knit and crochet. I have forwarded this to many of my friends in the class and also intend to bring it to the attention of the teacher.

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    1. Thank you so much! We are looking forward to everyone who would like to join!

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  12. You have my thanks too! It's a wonderful idea to tell your friends and teacher. The more people become aware, the more squares we will have!

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  13. I'm very excited to find this, I'm starting a little crochet/knitting class next month and we are all going to make a square:) In the mean time, I wish I'd found thing earlier, I've been making squares for months, just as wash clothes, I have 20, but none of them are perfect 8x8. Close, but not quiet. I will be making them 8x8 now tho:) It is ok to use cotton?

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    1. Wow, so you have been preparing without even knowing :)) It doesn't matter that your squares aren't exactly 8x8, they can be put to use too, so don't worry! And you can use any kind of yarn.

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  14. thanks so much! starting our class today!

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  15. Oh wow!! I just now found this and wondering if you're still wanting squares?! I am fairly new to knitting but I am in love with this and it would be great practice too! If you are still accepting squares I also know quite a few knitters that would participate as well. :)

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    1. Yes, we are still in need of more squares and all knitting hands are dearly appreciated! In fact, Laurie has written more about the new knitting goal here: http://yarnsforabetterworld.com/2012/06/18/welcome/

      We are looking forward to you and your friends joining!

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  16. Is this still going on? I want to help!

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  17. Yes, Hanna, it is still going on, you can take part! Please visit Kitty's Fiber Journey through the link I've provided in the post an find out more information on how you can help. Thank you!

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