When and how to mail your donation

Step 1

Due Date for Newborn Campaign:
May 19, 2008.

PLEASE CLICK HERE for details on our newborn campaign!.

PLEASE CLICK HERE for details on our rectangle shawl campaign! (July due date).

Please use 100% wool or mostly wool (or other durable, warm animal fiber) to provide maximum utility in harsh weather. More notes on wool here.

U.S. mailing address:

afghans for Afghans
c/o AFSC Collection Center
65 Ninth Street
San Francisco, CA 94103

Thanks to the good work of afghans for Afghans' local sorting and packing volunteers, the American Friends Service Committee in San Francisco, and other experienced agency partners, your handmade blankets and garments will be securely packaged and transported via land and sea and distributed to those in need.

For Canadians only! To reduce postage costs, online yarn store elann.com will collect your handmade donations and then forward to us. Please send your items by May 19 to:

afghans for Afghans
c/o elann.com
PO Box 18125
1215C-56th Street
Delta, BC V4L 2M4
Canada

Please tie mittens and socks together with a safety pin or piece of yarn so that pairs stay intact.

NO used items, please! We cannot send used items because of customs and complications that can arise with cross-border transport. We DO NOT accept acrylics, scarves, unassembled afghan squares, ear-warmers, ponchos, felted items, quilts, fleece items, store-bought merchandise, knitting-loomed items, or toys. We can only send what is on our specific list of needed items. Thanks for understanding.

Step 2

When you mail your blanket or garment, please email us with your name, city, and state -- we'd like to keep track of the generosity. You will be acknowledged by email.

If you need confirmation that we have received your package, please use the signature request services of USPS, UPS, or other delivery agents. Or, enclose a self-addressed stamped postcard or envelope that we will mail back to you.

Step 3 Optional

Need stash? Enter to win a $50 gift certificate from online yarn store YarnMarket.com!

Send us your handmade blankets and garments by May 19 to enter our latest drawing for three $50 gift certificates from YarnMarket.com. Please include your email address, name, and mail address inside your package. You must have an email address to qualify. Visit YarnMarket.com to see all their first-class yarns and supplies.

Congratulations to J'nai Closz, Mary Jane Lord, and Susan Dignam, winners of our February 29 YarnMarket.com drawing!

Step 4 Optional

Add yourself to our map of volunteer knitters and crocheters for Afghanistan!

Questions? Email us at afghans4Afghans at aol dot com.

Get involved. Your knitted or crocheted creation will directly help an Afghan woman, man, or child who greatly needs the caring, warm embrace of your personal, handmade gift.

Tips for knitting or crocheting your blanket and garments

Size

A variety of sizes are needed. Baby blankets should be no smaller than 40" x 30". Adult or large afghans should generally be in the range of 48"-50" x 54"-60". (Only send complete blankets. Do not send squares.)

Color

Feel free to use the colors that inspire you. The gift of a bright, cheerful afghan or garment will have a tremendous impact on those who have little if any possessions. Consider using some shade of the color green -- . green is the beloved color of Islam. Avoid white or light yarn colors since they are difficult to keep clean.

Fiber type

Please use wool and other animal fibers (such as mohair and alpaca) and wool blends that offer the most warmth and durability in harsh conditions. Acrylic items will not be sent to Afghanistan. Avoid delicate fibers such as some silks and novelty yarns. More notes on fiber here.

Sourcing yarn

Yarn and craft stores have plenty of yarns to choose from. Take a look through the sale bins. Let your favorite yarn shop know that you are knitting and crocheting for an Afghan family, and consider asking for a donation of wool yarn or a good discount. They may be happy to help.

Before you hit the stores ... this is that long-awaited opportunity to put your huge yarn stash to superb use. Raid your own yarn supply and use up those odds and ends. Don't be shy about searching for yarn -- ask friends to give you their extra wool yarn that's just sitting around; they'll no doubt be delighted to share for such a worthy purpose. Resourceful yarn hunters have also been known to discover inexpensive yarn at thrift stores (check for moths and eggs of course!) and online.

	Knit our Afghan Tulip Socks, Afghan Mittens, Afghan Socks, Friday Mosque at Herat Sweater, and Afghan Vest for your own family.
Your purchase supports afghans for Afghans and women's literacy classes in Kabul. How to purchase patterns

Support afghans for Afghans by purchasing books via our Amazon links

Pattern and design

Knit or crochet your favorite pattern or try something new -- you have plenty of latitude to select the design. A few restrictions are:

1) Do not incorporate representational images such as faces and animals in your design -- Islam prohibits depicting such likenesses.

2) Do not incorporate religious or national symbols.

3) Avoid lacy stitches that do not insulate sufficiently.

Here are selected links to free online patterns suggested by volunteers. Or, use your own favorite patterns.

Mittens, socks, hats, sweaters, vests

Knitting patterns