Update on the baby project

Hi everyone!
I heard from the new US soldier who is taking over the baby project for me in Afghanistan. His name is Steve and he seems really excited about helping deliver anything we can send to help warm the people over there.

If you want to read his letter you can find it on the baby project page:

http://www.bevscountrycottage.com/baby-project.html

He mentioned they take items mostly to the 150 families in a refuge camp near their base there, and they need all kinds of warm things... hats, mittens, gloves, scarves, warm socks, gently used clothing and boots, and warm quilts and blankets would be so very welcome I am sure!
There is also an orphanage housing 300 kids from newborns to teens, who do receive items from other groups, but they take things there too! Sounds like they need LOTS of warm stuff.

I hope some of you will be able to send a box over there. It actually will only cost US postage costs as the address is a military APO one so not too bad. Maybe you and your friends could get together and put together a box or 2, and share in the costs of mailing them.

One thing I wanted to point out is that you cannot expect the soldiers to write when they get your package. They might and that's great but most don't have access or time to email. Please send the boxes off with a prayer. =) You could include things for the soldiers too if you want and I have a list on my site of items some of them like. And bags of individually wrapped hard candies are great for padding the boxes!
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Here is an easy knitted hat pattern that can be made in all sizes:

Bev's Really Basic Stretchy Hat

copyright Bev Qualheim 2001 - 2004

Toddler sized 1-3 years old; (Child sized 4-9 years) (10-13) (teen-adult)
Size 8 knitting needles 3 oz of bright colored worsted weight 4 ply yarn (TLC yarn -above works really well)

Cast on 68 sts (76)(80)(88)
Row 1: K2, P2, K2 across line, ending with P2.
Repeat Row 1 until hat is 8 1/2" (9") (10") (11") from start, ending on a knit row.
On the knit row- K2 together. purl 2, k2 tog. across row.
Next row: Knit
Next row: K2 together. purl 2, k2 tog. across row.
Last row: Knit across. Cut a 24" tail of yarn, thread a yarn needle with it. Carefully pull the last row of knitting from the needle and thread the needle through every stitch. Pull tightly then whip stitch the side seam shut. Roll up Brim to wear.

Add a Pom Pom to the top for kids or if desired.

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And a crocheted one- that would be great using 2 yarns or some 100% wool!

Bev's Scrap-Hat (adult sized)
Size G Hook
2 oz of 4 ply worsted weight yarn
Ch 72
ROW 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. Ch 1 and turn
ROW 2: sc in BLO of 2nd ch from hook and in each st across. Ch 1 and turn
(Keep crocheting in back loops only throughout pattern.)
ROW 3 until hat fits around head, continue in pattern, adding new colors wherever you please. You can even add them in the middle of a row for a neat variety.

When hat is wide enough, whip stitch the sides together, then weave around the top of hat and pull tightly to form top. You can add a pompom if you wish. Fold up the brim.

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Let's get lots of warm items to Steve as soon as we can and help warm and save some of those brothers and sisters of ours over in Afghanistan.


Let us remember who has asked us to help care for our fellow man (and woman and child!). Our soldiers need us, the people they are serving over there need us.



Bev Q

PS. and for those of you who want to help people closer to home, you will likely find a project on this page.