I think this might be my first non-swap completed project! My great friend is pregnant and has a forest theme going... She asked for a fox baby outfit for her baby's photos- so cute, right? Anyway, I couldn't find a pattern that I loved and so made up my own

I didn't write out instructions as I worked, but will try to update with a pattern later if I make another set.

Thanks for looking!

Hi everyone!

I'm starting up a crochet for charity club for students in the ESL department at the university where I work.  I meet a lot of really friendly but quiet students who want to get involved and practice chatting in English while volunteering, but are too shy to sign-up for the more common charities or events that are available on campus.  It's an idea I've been wanting to put in to practice for years, but have been too busy.  It's time!!!  We're going to be making little toy animals and dolls to send to kids in Namibia. Our international department sends a group of volunteers to Namibia each year to do builds and help out where needed, and this group will take the toys along with them to give to kids in the schools & villages that they visit.

Our first meeting is next Tuesday and I have no idea what to expect!!  There are 500 students in our program and I'm a little terrified that I'll either get way too many people, or no one at all!  I'm planning to have the coordinator of the Namibia trip come and do a short presentation to the group and show them some photos of the kids she has met over the years, and then to hand out 'how to crochet' instructions to the group and show them some of the toys I've made for the cause.  I plan to teach everyone how to crochet using a combo of you tube videos, handouts & personal guidance and have my fingers crossed that at least one or two other experienced crocheters will join me... 

So far I've received 3 yarn donations and one offer for financial support, so we're on our way.  I'm just terrified of the unknown of the initial meeting...  I'm desperately seeking advice &/or suggestions!

We've been trying to decide whether to buy hooks for everyone to use while they are at the club meetings, or if we should have each person buy their own...  What do you think?  I'd like to know how other charity club organizers have approached the start-up of their clubs - What have people brought with them, what have they expected from you, etc.

If you have any patterns that you'd like to offer the group to use for free, please let me know~ I will be sure to share them with our students and send you photos of completed projects once I have some!

Thanks in advance,

Koreen 

So I've become "the cake maker" of the family even though I didn't necessarily ask for the job...  Requests generally come in about 2 weeks before any(&every)ones' birthday...

The most recent request was from my lovely niece who turned 11 last Friday~ She drew a picture of the video game screen for Ms. Pac-Man and texted it to me with the question "Can you do this for me Auntie Queen"?

Here are the results:


Despite popular belief, it does actually say "Happy Bday" - Not "Happy Boat" 
Yes, I completely forgot to leave room to write on the cake, and yes, there were some issues with the covering & transport




(this smile made every bit of effort worth it!)






(she haaaaad to have Ms. Pac-Man!)

For my cakes I usually do a centre filling of butter cream layered with slices of fresh strawberries (or blueberries, depending on the recipient)...  I like to think that adding fresh fruit makes the cake a little healthier...  or something 

Thanks for looking!
 K>