I used the Baby/Toddler Vest pattern by Plymouth Yarn Company and Cascade 220 Tweed yarn. My sticking point was sewing on the buttons. In a later post, I'll elaborate on just how much I hate to sew--especially buttons onto a vest or cardigan, seeing as I always obsess over making sure they are sewn on evenly and right where the corresponding buttonholes are on the other side.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the organization, Afghans for Afghans is humanitarian project that sends hand-knit and crocheted vests, sweaters, socks, hats, mittens, and blankets to the people of Afghanistan to help them survive the winter months. I am, of course, paraphrasing from their website, which is at:
http://www.afghansforafghans.org/
You can go to the site to review all the criteria for sending an item. The most important thing is that it be a natural fiber like wool or alpaca--something that will keep people warm--they don't want acrylic. I've made socks and sweaters for them in the past. You can send items right to the address on the website. It's usually best to find out specifically what they need. This summer, their campaign was for socks. At other times, they are looking for children's clothing. A while back, they were looking for women's shawls, and they had to be certain dimensions, so that the women could wrap them as head coverings. It's always important to read the guidelines carefully to make sure you understand exactly what they are looking for--there are certain restrictions when it comes to clothing for Muslims.
Right now, our LYS, Creative Fibers in Windsor, CT (http://www.creativefibersonline.com/), is collecting children's vests to send to Afghans for Afghans. The store's deadline is September 12, 2010. They have the Baby/Toddler Vest pattern by Plymouth Yarn Company available, which last I checked was free ($1 donation suggested to help with their shipping costs). Their number is 860-687-9931 if you want more information.
Whether you are for or against our involvement in Afghanistan, I think we can all agree that innocent people are suffering and need our assistance--especially the children. I find that, all too often, I get so caught up in my everyday life and drama that I forget about others who need help. This is one small way for me to give back...
Nice work, and a good reminder to create for others!
ReplyDeleteOh, thank you so much!
ReplyDeleteLovely post, WildKnitter—I just hope folks aren't too disappointed if the vests aren't needed right away by a4A (shorthand for Afghans for Afghans, for those who don't know). Right now, a4A is asking that no one send anything other than socks, because that's all they know for sure they can ship to Afghanistan.
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you placed such emphasis on reading the guidelines and seeing what was needed before people ship things off. There's very little room at the a4A facility in San Fransisco (I cannot spell that word!!!), so it's important to wait till they say they need the vests. It would be surprising if the vests weren't requested at some point.
Please thank your LYS for making a4A the recipient of their kindness. I know that the a4A people will greatly appreciate the effort.
Oh, and the vest is really cute, too! the buttons look fine to me. ^_^