Tuesday, April 17, 2012

pockets for africa


dear friends,
there were questions about my plains shawl, the one i posted about last week, so i thought it best to 
answer them here, if it helps anyone, that would be great.
1. 'how did you find a needle long enough?'  i used a 38" circular needle, which held the one thousand
one hundred and fifty two stitches, just. if i made one again, a larger length would probably be a good 
investment for the hands. that many stitches bunched together can hurt.
2. 'did you make a mistake? and have to go back?'  no, luckily. and here's why. for all the rows up to
the lace portion, one stitch marker (to mark the beginning of the row) was all that was needed. and you only  have to pay attention on the increase and faux increase rows then, when the gull pattern began, i placed a marker every third repeat. the gull stitch is a seven stitch repeat, so every twenty one stitches a marker went on the needle. it quickly became clear that i wouldn't have enough markers. i only have about a dozen. so i went to a craft store and bought a few packages of jump rings. i needed fifty five total. the not so good thing  about this was, the fifty five markers were like adding fifty five more stitches and i really did wish for a longer needle then! 
3. 'are you crazy?' hee hee, i hope not. 




we have confirmed we will be visiting a himba village, while on our safari to namibia next month. it's necessary to have a guide take you, for language, cultural reasons, to bridge the gap. i'm so thrilled, it's been a long time dream. so i've begun making something to bring, to give. i started with the necklaces i showed a couple posts ago, but tired of working with itty bitty string and size zero needles. i need something a little quicker. so these pockets were born.



the himba of namibia



 i have a plan to add something small to each, a trinket, buttons, sea glass...


animals. african ones would be good.


i truly feel one the best parts of visiting other countries, is bringing gifts to share. because of the wonder of blogging, in 2009, we met african blog friends and the orphans of kazungula in botswana. i knit thirty five little hats (it can get very cold there), for these babies.  you can read about this here



now while i knit, i'm picturing more smiling faces i can't wait to meet.
~

if you would like to make a pocket i would love to bring it with me to deliver to the lovely himba.
there is still time (if you hurry). one pocket only takes about an hour. depending on what weight yarn
you use. there really is no pattern, but for those that would like to follow what i've made here are
my notes:

using worsted weight yarn and size 8 double point needles
cast on 26 stitches
divide on three needles, 8, 8, 9
join to knit in the round
knit 3"
knit 2 together all the way around
knit one row
using tail pull through 13 stitches.
crochet approx. 34" chain, attach to each side and single crochet
around edge.

if you'd rather knit this on two needles as a sort of rectangle and stitch it up, that would be great too.
no need to leave out the non dpn folk.

we're leaving in nineteen days. just to let you know (hee hee, i've been counting down
reminding everyone around me, sorry)  email me at:  lorix5@hotmail.com for my address, if you'd like to send one. i know it's a small thing, these pockets, but in many ways, it's a large thing indeed.

joining with ginny a bit early this week, happy yarn along!

88 comments:

  1. Lori you can count on me for a few pockets! Beautiful post as always. I know you have been planning this trip for a long time now. 19 days notice really :) Maybe a little more warning next trip for help out in making gifts. hee hee

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    1. i know so sorry!, we weren't sure if we'd be visiting a village, that just happened. thank you andee!

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    2. My boys are going to do some treasure hunting for gifts to put in the pockets. They are very excited. I am so excited you are doing this and I hope you get lots of pockets collected. You are such an amazing person!

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  2. You are the most remarkable person.

    That's all I want to say for now.

    Xoxo

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  3. Lori, your thoughtfulness is incredible! I`ll use your pattern to make some for my little pupils here, but I`m too slow and if I`d send you some from Germany, I`d be too late I guess. But these little pockets, especially with something inside, will make so many of these Namibian children smile, I can hardly wait! Please take pictures again, yes, those hats last time, I`m sure they will be treasured for ever, too!
    And thank you for your words on my blog, yes, we should not be afraid to be kind to others!

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  4. Oh how lovely, Lori. How quickly the weeks have flown since you mentioned your trip. I don't think I could get a pocket to you in time, sadly - I will knit one up and see anyway. Xxx

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  5. That is a really lovely gift. And they are so cute. I'm sure they will love them. Xxx

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  6. the pockets are lovely!!!
    xxx Alessandra

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  7. I will be casting on today Lori and with rain expected all weekend I should have plenty of time to knit a few pockets and then get them in the mail next week. Such a beautiful idea and one I would love to be a part of, thank you for including us! :)

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  8. I just can't get over 'one thousand one hundred and fifty two stitches'!
    Sadly, even with only twenty six stitches, I'd still be too slow to get a little pocket to you on time!

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  9. You are such a generous person and I love how you embrace life! The pockets are a great idea for gift giving!!

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  10. I love your pockets! I wish I could knit, but alas, I can't. I am so excited for you! I might never get to Africa, so you be sure to enjoy it extra for me (and I am sure that you will enjoy it plenty!). You have such a big heart, Lori. :)) xox

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  12. Blogger ate my last comment! Lori, this is not a small thing, it is a very very giant thing. I don't knit, but do you think they would like a pendant? I could send you some, let me know.xoxo
    P.S. beautiful pockets!

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    1. yes annie! any small thing, it could be tucked in a pocket. thank you so very much!

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    2. I will pack some up tonight. xoxo

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  13. wow, have a great time! I know you will. I love the picture of the children in their cozy hats, gorgeous. The pockets are lovely too. The grey shawl im making is inspired by your grey shawl on ravelry, once I saw it I knew I needed one. Its a different patern though but will be cozy and warm like yours looks

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  14. I sent you an email - I'm working on pockets right now. Mine seems a bit big, though. Can you give me a rough estimate on size? I know they're three-ish inches long, but when pressed flat - how wide are they?

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    1. thank you! got it! i'll reply here too, in case the answer should help someone else. the pockets i've made so far are approximately 3" tall and 2 1/2" wide, the strap is approx. 34", long enough to go around the neck, if desired. the size isn't important, i only chose to make them small so i could fit more in my carry on!

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  15. love those bright pockets! and yes, i remember traveling in africa and india and being warned to bring things...so glad i did! i will happily make a pocket or two or three depending on time and get them in the mail to you...off to email you!

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    1. thank you so much amanda! another thing we're bringing is pens, a curious, buy asked for item.

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    2. 'but asked for'. good grief. :)

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  16. You make me smile :)

    I'm so excited for you!

    xo

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  17. That sounds like a dream Lori...I wish you the best of times on your travels- what an experience!
    (Any chance I can fit in one of your lovely pocket necklaces and come along)
    ...that baby smiling....melt.
    x

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  18. oh lori! these are absolutely darling! really! i'm no knitter, but can we gather up some little treasures to send you to put inside? my kids would love this!

    http://www.durangomom.com/

    such a great idea!

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  19. yes! thank you ivey! it will be so appreciated, it's really amazing! your so kind!

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  20. Oh but of course! Now I know what that ridiculously beautiful yellow cotton yarn was for :) Will contact you soon!
    Emma

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  21. Oh Lori (do I actually start every comment to you like this?), those pockets are so pretty, almost like little stockings ;-) And the colors... I am really sorry I will not be able to knit and send some in time :-(
    But I will use the pattern and make some when we will go to Uganda (possibly next year) to visit Aarons grandmum. I am sure they will be appreciated there too. I just can't wait! Love, Gesche

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  22. Hi Lori! Great idea and so beautiful pockets! Unfortunately I don't think that the postman could bring them to you from here in time. So when I return, you leave! Thank you for sharing these lovely photos and your memories! Also your last photo post is fantastic! xxx Teje

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  23. I am going to go stash diving. If I can find some yarn that will work for the pockets, I'll try and knit some for you.

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  24. The pockets look great, I'm sure they'll really be appreciated! I love the colours you've chosen and the little animals are too cute :)

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  25. What a fabulous idea! Not sure I could knit and send any to you in time, but, if its OK with you, I'll hang on to your pattern until I can do something similar. Who knows what will turn up!

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  26. A pocket full of love. Awww, someone should write a song about you! They will be treasured. All those happy happy faces are irresistible. And those hats! Sooooooooooooo adorable! :D

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  27. What a post... this really made me smile tonight. I hope your trip is blessed beyond belief!

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  28. I think I can make a couple of pockets....this reminds me of my life in Italy and my teaching job; a friend and colleague, Bruna, visits Burkina Faso twice a year and I knitted hats and small stuff. So lovely although it was a very little thing for me....

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    1. Sorry, I can't access your email from here, i'll try Ravelry....

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  29. What a wonderful idea!
    As you know, I don't knit,,but I'm in awe of all the responses you're
    getting of those helping out.
    And I adore the little hats you made to take previously.
    A very generous person you are!

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    1. i am too babs. the generosity of everyone has me as excited as the trip. thank you. xxx

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  30. What a sweet idea, I'll get my knit on and try to make some pockets. Good luck with packing and all the preparation for your trip!

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  31. What a lovely post Lori. I so enjoyed reading about the hats too and the wonderful video...those children are full of love...it must have been amazing to see their little faces light up when you shared your gifts with them...

    ...I would love to make some pockets and will try to get them to you before you leave...

    what an exciting time for you...you must really be counting the days now...

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  32. How beautiful. Enjoy Africa. I have only been back in Europe since 4 months and I miss home and the people, there is no other place like it!

    x

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  33. Hi Lori,

    I nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award. (You can find more info on my Blog).

    Thank you for being such an inspiration, and for your kind words.

    x

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  34. Oh Lori this is such a delightful post! You are very inspiring and I loved the story of those little hats and little children, so touching. I would love to make some of those little pockets for you, but knowing how slow the mail can be from here across the pond, I don't think they would arrive in time for your trip. It's a lovely idea, and so is putting a little surprise in each one.
    Have a happy day!
    Helen x

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  35. Lori - what a fantastic idea, and gift. They are all the more special because they are handmade with love and good intent. Did I tell you how excited I am for your trip??? Now I want to learn how to knit. xxoo

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  36. Lori,
    Thanks for visiting my blog. I bought the bamboo double sided needles. I am looking forward to trying them. I learned to cable last night! I was thrilled showing all my kids.:)I love your little pockets and think you are doing such a wonderful thing. The shawl is so beautiful.

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  37. ♥ So the countdown is on...less than a month away, will you be able to blog from Africa? Those pickets are darling. I crocheted one for my 8 year old daughter and it's perfect for gathering maple seeds (which we call helicopters), which are in abundance here in Ohio right now.

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    1. i'm not sure marfa, i'll have my ipad, no laptop on this trip, but service may be unavailable in many places (we'll be traveling a lot), i will try for a post or two.

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  38. P.S. I meant pockets....not pickets. {smile}

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  39. i can't thank you all for the generous lovely response. when i asked if anyone would like to contribute, it was my intention to include, so no one would feel left out. i could have made the pockets myself. now i realize how MUCH more special this is, because i'll be carrying the work (love) of friends with me, i'll be taking you along. i can't tell you what that means to me. thank you for helping to spread joy.

    p.s. i am sorry for leaving out crochet! of course it is welcome!

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    1. oh dear, i meant to say, i can't thank you all enough...

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  40. I'm sure you have a gazillion followers, but I couldn't help but nominate you and your blog for an award. Check out the latest post: http://arrowacresfarm.blogspot.com/

    Thank you for inspiring me! -Leanne

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  41. i just read about your pockets on ginny's blog. i would LOVE to help. knitting in the round is something i can do fairly quickly. i will get to work ASAP and send you off an email so i know where to mail them.
    such a wonderful idea. :)

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    1. also for some reason your email link will not actually give me your email without trying to get me to make another email address. is there a way i can get that address from you. thank you so much. off to knit pockets

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  42. Lori I love this idea. I'm emailing you too...xxx

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  43. The lovely colourful pockets are a great idea and is certain to touch a child's heart. The children will also love something sweet. If you have time on hands (I hope you have) do read the book by Robyn Scott "Twenty chickens for a saddle", the story of an African childhood.

    "When Robyn Scott was six years old her parents abruptly exchanged the tranquil pastures of New Zealand for a converted cowshed in the wilds of Botswana, where their three small children grew up ..." Find more info at this link http://www.twentychickensforasaddle.com/book

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    1. thank you christina! yes, i have robyns book, i love it. and yes, sweets!

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  44. Hello! I'm interested in knitting up some of these pockets to send to you but your e-mail link won't work for me...

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  45. I love these little pockets filled with special trinkets ♥
    Such a beautiful idea.

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  46. Lori,
    What a special thing you are doing! Just amazing.
    wishing you a safe, peaceful, and enjoyable visit.
    warm wishes,
    Tonya

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  47. Oh Lori, count me in!

    I started working on pockets yesterday morning shortly after Chase left for school and had six done by the time he came home. He's been helping me pick out the colors for the rest (we'll be sending 10 in all) and has been working on the crochet chains.

    xoxo

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  48. Lori dear sf, do you think it would be fiiting for a writer to send you pens?

    ♥x100

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    1. pens would be very much appreciated kj! they are an item that is requested. a perfect gift for aspiring writers. :)

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  49. Just came across this post now. What a beautiful idea and an amazing response. xx

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  50. Wow. I love what you are doing. That has also been a lifelong dream for me. I will be stitching up a pocket quick as can be and getting it to you. I will also be following your journey. Thank you.

    Kimberley
    First in Maine

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  51. Lori, you are a wonderful, kind soul. These are so beautiful! I had never before thought of bringing something to give while traveling, but I will surely think of it now. Thank you for sharing your idea and your pattern. Since time is short before you leave for Africa, I will make some and give them here, in my own neighborhood. :)

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  52. SO excited for you Lori. I know you're (very!) busy, but there's a little message for you over at mine!
    fee x

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  53. your knitting is beautiful. if only i could understand your knitting speak!
    i did not realise you were off to africa again soon. how exciting. my 'sister' grew up in ghana and hopes one day they will go back!

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  54. I have a few pockets ready to mail to you on Monday, if you'll just get me your mailing address. I pray that God will be with you on your travels...

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  55. I'm so excited for you! All the souls you touch there will be all the better for meeting you.

    Bless your generous heart and spirit Lori.

    xoxo
    Lo♥

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  56. So happy that you get this opportunity! Can't wait to hear about all the smiling faces you're about to meet.

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  57. Lori, I would love to make some of these and send them to you. What a heartwarming project. Love, Susan

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  58. I would have loved to knit some but don't think I'll have time to do that and post them from the UK. Look forward to seeing the photos of happy recipitants.

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  59. You might be mistaken for a real live angel....

    Come to think of it...........

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  60. Hi Lori, Just got back from a week away (no internet access) so I have only just seen this post. Even if I made a few in the next couple of days I don't think they would get to you in time!! It's a wonderful idea, and you must be getting so excited about your trip.

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  61. What a lovely idea, I'm already excited with you about your trip.
    Unfortunately pockets wouldn't make it in time for over here to you, but I'm hoping you get lots to share.

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  62. I am so amazed that the bloggy world has lead me here, to you - to your craft on needles, to your story. I am in awe. I have been reading and reading posts of yours, and I'm just smitten. I can't wait to hear of your journey and the stories you tell in the days to come. Happy travels, happy knitting...

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  63. wow lori - such a fabulous idea and what a great response from everyone!! you will have such fun in Namibia! xx

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  64. Lori, oh that pudgy baby....!! Lovely idea, how sweet of you as always xoxo

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  65. You are incredible, and I know that's not what this is about, but really, you are. Spreading magic the world over. Wonderful.

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  66. I think this is an incredible thing you are doing! Is it too late to send some pockets?

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  67. Lori! I'd love to send you a couple pockets!! I'll ship them priority by the end of the week. What a beautiful idea, such a loving heart!! :-)

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  68. what a wonderful idea! Maybe I can squeeze in a pocket or two!

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  69. Lori, I'm so sorry that I missed this post, I didn't see it, and now it's really too late.. Shipping from here takes around 10 days.. I'm sending to you my best wishes for this travel.. Do you think you will be able to post on the blog when you'll be there?

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xoxo lori