Skein Lane – IN THE LOOP

Whoops…..fell down into several holes again with the “family history research hole” being the primary one….can hardly believe my fingers have not been tapping, or is that typing, on this Skein Lane blog.! I have been knitting (of course)…writing on two of my other blogs.. namely Fred and Alta: Memoirs by Their Grandchildren….and What Are We Doing Now.

As always much to share….tonight it is an invitation to join PJ and Terry B….and many others who knit for Afghans for Afghans.

Here is the invitation from PJ…. afghans for Afghans is a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that sends hand-knit and crocheted wool blankets and garments to the beleaguered people of Afghanistan. Join us!

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Dear Knitters and Crocheters for Afghanistan,

We are starting a new campaign and invite you to join us!

We are supplying Aschiana with wool SOCK, MITTENS, and HATS for sizes 5 years to adult.

Aschiana is a long-time, well-respected non-governmental organization in Afghanistan. Our wool gifts will be transported through their
American support group here. Aschiana is known for their service to street children. In fact, in the past, some of our hand-made items have been distributed to Aschiana programs by our former partner Church World Service.

We are in need of wool socks (knit only/no slippers), mittens, and hats ONLY. (We will NOT be collecting sweaters, vests, or blankets.)

Aschiana serves those with the most hardship, those with the least opportunity — with centers for street children, vocational training
and education, and a medical clinic. Aschiana distributes humanitarian supplies to internally-displaced people in the large camps (refugees
in their own homeland) — where the least assistance gets through. Our wool socks, mittens, and hats will be most useful to the children and
adults without permanent homes.

Aschiana representatives have reviewed samples of our wool socks, mittens, and hats and are pleased with the high-quality durable wool,
the cheerful colors, and the individuality of each item. Most relief organization want only cash donations to buy bulk goods closer to the
need. We’re honored that Ashiana would like to take our handmade gifts directly to Afghan children, women, and men.

You can read more about the organization and transport methods on the Afghans for Afghans website.

Some notes for your review:

• Hats
  • Be sure that hats cover ears.
  • Hats need some stretch for comfort over forehead.

• Socks
  • Basic socks with proper heels and coverage for the lower leg (no booties or slippers or tube socks).
  • Any foot length (measuring from back of heel to tip of toe) from about 5.5″ – 10″ will be useful.– Socks for knitters only (crochet   does not work well for socks).

• Mittens
  •   No fingerless styles.
  •   Make sure wrist-ribbing is long enough for warmth.
  •   Careful to avoid holes at the thumb increases.

Use wool (or other animal fiber) to provide maximum utility in harsh weather. Please review our memo on wool and fiber content —
http://www.afghansforafghans.org/aboutfibers.html

Please avoid white and very light colors that soil more easily. Afghans like all colors — bright and cheery palettes! No camoflage/military-looking yarn. Use up those wool oddballs.

Knit or crochet your favorite pattern or try something new. Classic patterns are best.

Avoid lacy or airy patterns. Items must be very warm and durable for the harshest winter weather. Most of the recipients will have few or no possessions.

Test your garment on your own children or a neighbor’s child or yourself … to double-check proper fit.

Please remember, send only what is specifically requested in our guidelines. Cargo space is precious, and we can only send what is specifically requested and needed.

At this time, we are aiming for a July due date to receive your gifts
here in San Francisco. We will likely need to have our cartons sorted
and repacked and at the domestic departure location in August, when
they will await their September airlift.

You may send in your packages whenever ready. We sort and pack as the packages arrive to monitor our progress.

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In partnership with the San Francisco office of the American Friends Service Committee, we’ve been at this together for more than 10 years
— reaching out to the Afghan people on the other side of the world with our handmade, practical wool gifts to express friendship and caring during wartime. We’re determined to continue our tradition.

Our deepest gratitude to the volunteers who have been contributing for many years, and welcome to the new volunteers who keep our momentum
going.

For your summer-time knitting, these small items should be appealing! We hope you will join us.

Thank you for your generosity and support and for taking action with your needles and hooks and your hearts and hands.

We’ll write again soon with a new link on our website with campaign details. In the meantime, we didn’t want to wait any longer to get this campaign going!

Tashakor,
Ann and colleagues

http://www.afghansforafghans.org/