Wednesday, June 27, 2007

afghans for Afghans TO and Ottawa Collection Details

afghans for Afghans TO and Ottawa

Thank you!!


A big thank you to the wonderful people who dropped off their knitting to the Bank St. location of Yarn Forward! I am in a great cafe in Halifax, the Wired Monk, enjoying a cafe au lait and pastries with an old friend. Anita sent an email with the good news, so I had to figure out a way to get online. I had a lovely evening at a sidewalk patio over some pasta and locally brewed Garrison beer with Rudy and his wife Alex. She is already at work now while we are still getting the day started. I haven't seen them in four years, so it was a treat to have a last minute trip to Halifax for a meeting. I am hoping to have time to look for The Loop Craft and Cafe later. I will try not to add to my stash, but judging from their website, it might be hard!

It's great to have such quick and generous responses to our request. Keep knitting, everyone!

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Knitomatic is a new collection point in TO

We received a great message from Haley over at Knitomatic (1378 Bathurst, TO). She is a new collection point for Toronto (in addition to the Knit Cafe) - thanks, Haley!

Knitomatic's website is at www.knitomatic.com/
The Knit Cafe is at www.theknitcafetoronto.com/

Thursday, June 21, 2007

afghans for Afghans TO and Ottawa Collection Details

I'm excited! It's been about a week, and we are getting some great response! We're even mentioned on another website, for the Toronto campaign:
http://www.downtownknitcollective.ca/dkc_projects.html#Afghan

Here is our flyer for Ottawa and Toronto:

YOU KNIT, WE SHIP

Calling all Ottawa and Toronto knitters! How about dedicating some of your stash to an outstanding summer project? Yarn Forward (Ottawa and area knitters) and the Knit Cafe and Knitomatic (Toronto area) are teaming up for this worthy cause.

afghans for Afghans is a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that sends hand-knit and crocheted blankets and sweaters, vests, hats, mittens, and socks to the children of Afghanistan.

Helpful hints
· Wool and animal fibres offer the most warmth and perform best in rugged conditions. Please avoid synthetic yarns – they cannot be shipped.
· Knit or crochet your favorite patterns or try something new. For sample patterns see the AFA website, below.
· Please do not use representational images (e.g. faces or animal designs) or religious or national symbols.
· Avoid white or very light colors. Feel free to mix a bright and cheery palate from your yarn collection!
· Please assume standard garment sizes. You are knitting for a Canadian climate. Hats need to cover ears, sleeves need to go the wrist and torsos need to be long.
· No used items or scarves please.

Drop off and Deadlines
You can drop off your projects at the following locations:

Yarn Forward 581 Bank Street, Ottawa
Yarn Forward 474 Hazeldean, Kanata
Knit Cafe 1050 Queen Street West, Toronto
Knitomatic 1378 Bathurst, Toronto

The dead-line for the next shipment is September 30th, 2007.

Web-site
For more information, check out the web-site:

http://www.afghansforafghans.org/

A hat that you knit will be well-loved and passed down through several families of Afghan children. Make this your summer project!

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

First Post

Well, we're on our way. We are two old friends, both turning 40 this year. Our challenge was to find something to do to mark this year. The turn of the millenium was lost in more significant events, like pregnancies and babies. Turning forty, well, this is something to remark on. And, so, a blog. To remark on the remarking, really.

But, what are we really up to? Shamelessly asking for fellow knitters to help us fill a shipment of knit garments to send to Afghanistan. A small thing to help people in a country at a terrible time. No political commentary here, though.

We started in the neighbourhood. Yarn Forward here in Ottawa, just down the road, has agreed to act as a depot for knitting. You can drop off finished garments to either of their stores. A great store with a big heart. If you need yarn to knit or crochet something to send to Afghanistan, they have even set aside some yarn for us!

More later... on soccer season, knitting, friendship, and more details about helping us out.