Wool-Aid partnered with F.I.R.E.’s Dulaan Project to send warm, handcrafted woolen clothing and blankets to the children of Mongolia. The shipment included more than 130 pounds of sweaters, vests, hats, mittens, socks, neckwarmers, and blankets — 230 items in all — enough to warm many, many children!

A heartfelt thank-you to all of the wonderful knitters and crocheters who gave so generously to help warm the children of Mongolia. It is exceptionally difficult to provide aid to children in such remote places, but you did!

Our Wool-Aid community joined together to create some beautiful blankets for afghans for Afghans — Oddball Blankets, Odd-Block Oddball Blankets, and a few by individuals — 13 blankets in all! They were delivered to the afghans for Afghans HQ in February and went out in the February shipment. The campaign has been extended by afghans for Afghans into May 2011, so we continue our campaign, too. See the Wool-Aid a4A Blanket Campaign announcement for more information.

Thanks to all who made it possible to send such beautiful, warm woolen blankets to the children in Afghanistan!

We have begun a group project to create blankets for distribution through afghans for Afghans. Many Ravelry members are working on Oddball Blankets that are knit collectively. You can knit or crochet … get your local knitting group involved … create a blanket as a family project … complete a blanket on your own or with a friend … be part of our Wool-Aid team in whatever way works best for you! Please follow the guidelines below:

• Minimum dimensions of 40” × 45”.
• Larger afghans should not exceed 50” × 50”.
• Knit or crochet your favorite pattern or try something new. Classic patterns are best.
• Use wool (or other animal fiber) to provide maximum utility in harsh weather.
• Please avoid white and very light colors that soil more easily. Afghans like all colors—bright and cheery palettes! No camo yarn. Use up those wool oddballs.
• Avoid lacy or airy patterns.
• Use textured or geometric designs. Do not incorporate representational images such as faces and animals in your design—Islam prohibits depicting such likenesses.
• Do not incorporate religious or national symbols.

See Wool-Aid’s Guidelines for general information. The end date for this campaign is January May 2011.

Please send all blankets to

Wool-Aid
1381 Rocky Creek Court
Belleville, IL 62220

We will send all blankets as a collective contribution from our Wool-Aid community. This campaign has been extended into May 2011 by afghans for Afghans, so we continue our campaign, too.

If you are able, a contribution to help share the cost of shipping expenses would be appreciated. See How to Donate to Wool-Aid for details.