I've been in touch with a non-profit organization that works in Taraz, Kazakhstan called Interlink Resources (see previous post). They work with the baby houses there but don't really work with Alina's baby house that much. But, that doesn't matter to me. I haven't mentioned this before (because I'm such a bad blogger) but last summer, I started crocheting hats for the baby houses in Taraz. I've made over 125 so far. I sent my first box of about 30 hats to Interlink one week before Christmas '08 and they just received them last week!!! The wonderful people at Interlink sent me photos of the kids they gave them to (see pics below).
Aren't these pics the greatest! I just want to take everyone of these kids home with me!
While in Kaz, I am going to volunteer at Interlink. After my morning visit with Alina, I will go with the Interlink people to the other orphanages and just "hang out" with the kids. I've already started making plans on what I would like to do with the older girls. I thought I would teach them how to crochet their own hats. I want to send some yarn and crochet needles in my next package of hats (which I need to get in the mail!). I would also LOVE to teach them how to sew. I've tried every way in the world to think how to get a sewing maching over there. I could do it. There are small enough sewing machines that would fit into a suitcase quite easily. The problem is, if it tears up when I'm not there, I know there's noone in Taraz that could fix it. So, what I may do is teach them how to hand sew. I could send some fabric/needles/thread in the next hat box and it could be waiting for me when I get there. I haven't mentioned this to Interlink yet but after all my paperwork is finished, I'm going to. I need to concentrate on that right now. But, I think the girls would love it and it may be a skill the older girls could use once they are out of the orphanage.
4 comments:
I think hand sewing would work! You could take over all kinds of fabrics for them instead of a machine you know?
How awesome to get this kind of feedback from them and the photos - how rewarding...great ideas...
HOW NEAT...
Love the photos and the kids LOVE those hats.. looks like you have been busy..
Have a great week..
Hugs..
GREAT ideas! Hand sewing is a must, but you might be able to find a sewing machine over there for a good price. Wouldn't the voltage and outlets be different anyway if you brought one from the U.S.?
Another option is a treadle machine. They have more modern models available now.
Along with your crochet needles and yarn, I'd also recommend a dictionary of stitches with a lot of pictures to follow. If there is a computer with internet that they can use, show them the youtube crochet tutorial sites.
There are some kind of roundy things you can knit hats with, too. These might be good for the younger kids. You've probably seen them, a round doughnut-shaped thingy with nubs where the yarn hooks on.
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