Our chosen project for October/November 2007 is the Uthando Project, making knitted, crocheted, (or sewn) dolls for children affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic in South Africa. This is an exciting project, based in Australia, and their website is here: www.uthandoproject.org

Uthando is the isiZulu word for Love, and these dolls will be an important gift of love and comfort.

Currently there are 1.5 million children under the age of 6 in KwZuluNatal (KZN), and one third of them live in poverty.  One in five children have already lost one or both parents to AIDS.  These dolls will form an important part of the healing process, as play is such an essential part of grieving and recovery for young children.

The simple aim of this KAL is to make just one doll each, - any further dolls will be a lovely bonus! It's a wonderful chance to create something personal, individual and playful:-)

Simple, quick patterns for dolls are available on the Uthando Project website, here: www.uthandoproject.org/how-to-participate/

Or you're more than welcome to use your own personal favourite doll pattern. The main points to remember are:

• It must be skin-tone brown
• It must be sturdy and safe (embroidered eyes rather than bought eyes, very well attached hair, etc)
• While there are good, quick patterns for dolls knitted in the round, a doll with proper arms and legs will provide much more scope for imaginative play, and so is preferred if possible.

Some ideas to encourage your creativity:

• Little "babies" in slings to go with the dolls are a great addition for imaginative play
• A change of clothing can be packed in a little knitted/sewn shoulder bag to send with the doll
• A beaded necklace or beaded hair is a fun addition
• Don't forget about boy dolls too!

For some good ideas, have a look at the range of dolls in the photographs on the Uthando website.

Could you make a doll for a child who has never had one?

One idea that seems to work really well is to invite your friends and family over for a Dollmaking Day.

Jess, one of our members, is having one on October 6th here in Tassie (near Huonville).  A morning or afternoon spent knitting, crocheting and sewing together for a good cause with people of a like mind is a great thing! And a shared afternoon tea is always welcome too!

So feel free to get your friends together and get creative! Anyone is welcome to join us in our KAL as well of course, so spread the word!

Thanks so much for your interest, and I hope many hearts and hands join in!

"Play begins with the making of the dolls. Love is embedded in these handmade dolls, which carry with them the warm intention of the best possible outcomes for the child."

Please send your completed dolls to:

Georgia Efford
2 Healey Place
GOOSEBERRY HILL WA 6076