Sunday, August 22, 2010

Let's get started on those squares!

As we begin this challenge, I learn so much about how these blankets will help the children.  Then of course, I learn about the individuals that make the squares.

Here's some squares that have been completed by those before us.


Find more photos like this on Square Circle Forum

Friday, August 20, 2010

KASCare - Knit & Crochet Challenge

Today, I launched my committment to KasCare to get the word out about this most important work that is being done by them for the children orphaned by poverty and HIV/AIDS in South Africa.  Thanks for Sandy McDonald and her Aunt Ronda who have brought this mostly hidden tragedy to light.  They started only two years ago and already have had squares delivered to SA from 35 countries.

You can join in and help the children by knitting or crocheting a square.  See  my page on KasCare.org - Squares for Children for more information.

If you get here via my recent email, welcome!  Leave a note for me, email me at  KasCareNow-CT@yahoo.com.

Thank you for your Support!  You can make this difference.

Sunday, August 15, 2010

JoAnn's Craft for a Cause

Just heard about this contest through my KasCare/ Knit-a-Square group.  It begins today, August 15th and runs through October 30th.

Simply you enter the contest on-line - see link above, and five individuals are selected as winners - you recieve a $1500 gift card.

Then the real actions begins. 

Several Charities will be selected and everyone will be asked to vote.  The site says three charities will be chosen and JoAnn's will donate $$big bucks to them.  Though I don't find the "math" working (lol).

This is a chance for yourself, but a great chance for your charity to really win some money.  In these times, when raising money for charities is always a challenge, this is a great opportunity

So, are you working on a project?  See the rules and regulations - simple stuff, one thing you must do -  scan and submit a copy of the receipt from JoAnn's showing the materials used to make your project and three pictures of your project.

Let's get organized and Let's get crafting!

Thursday, August 12, 2010

Demonstration Time

Just a reminder to NELG members - get your hours in! 

Next month will be the BIG E.  It will begin on September 17th and go through October 2nd. 

There is so much to do and by demonstrating your lace making skills, you will receive 2 tickets for the day and parking at the back gate!  We need as many folks as possible.  It is a great place to attract new members to our organization  and for referrals for students and teachers.

See the current year's brochure for highlights.  The following days honor each of the New England States.

Special Days are:
Rhode Island Day - Sept 21
Connecticut Day - Sept 22
Massachusettes Day - Sept 23
Vermont Day - Sept 25
New Hampshire Day - Sept 24
and Maine Day - Oct 2nd

Hope to see you there!  It is just a great time for everyone.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010

Meeting Jean Leader

Sunday night some of our lacemakers met at the Rainbow Garden on the Milford Green for a very pleasant evening of lace conversation and all else that is important to us.  They had just finished lace classes with Jean Leader sponsored by NELG.

Thanks to Jill for making these arrangements.  Since I was unable to take Jean's class,  (everyone raved about it), having the opportunity to meet Jean in person was a real treat.

Some of the classmates were already beginning a sample of lace that they learned in class, some took the balance of Sunday off to just relax from the 2-1/2 days of classes.

If you'd like to see some more of this great teacher, visit Jean Leader Lacemaker.  She still has two weeks of classes, one the end of August and one in October if you'd like to hop across the pond to attend.

Monday, August 2, 2010

Jean Leader Arriving

NELG will be hosting a Jean Leader Workshop this coming weekend.  If you haven't signed up - oh well - get in line behind me.

The classes sold out in a flash - though you still have a chance to meet and talk lace at the evening dinners that are planned for Friday, Saturday, & Sunday evenings.

If you want  more information email NELGinfo@gmail.com

Sunday, August 1, 2010

Warm up orphaned children

Yesterday I watched a film named "Yesterday".  It is about a woman, of the same name, living in a remote village in South Africa's Zululand.  It is a tremendously powerful movie and I highly recommend watching it.  It's a foreign film, plenty of English subtitles.  It was a best nominee for a foreign film in 2004.

So what has this to do with being creative?  Lots - in the film I noticed that there was lots of brightly colored crocheted pieces of clothing.  In no time I did a search to find out if there was anything about it.  There is lots!  Most importantly, is KasCare.  This is an organization that is about Aid for AIDS orphans in South Africa.  Founded in Australia, this family, has made it their mission in life to bring awareness to the 1.4million orphaned children in South Africa.

What you can do? It is really simple - make a 8" x 8" knitted or crochet square - send it to them or send it to me and I'll forward it on to them.  That's it.  Dig into your stash bag, grab a hook or needles and in less than an hour you'll have a square.

Check back later, I'll have more news.