African Violets

A Magpie Tale

Tender scions,

severed from diseased roots,

struggling to survive

in barren soil

bright eyes staring

from soft, dark faces

receiving gratefully

what heaven sends their way

clustering together

in minimal defence against the storms

imagining the sun's warmth

until it shines again

     My friend, Lisa, is on the board of directors of the Eternal Hope Children's Home in Nairobi, Kenya.  Her love for these children is awe-inspiring.  Recently she requested donations of small stuffed animals.  It seemed like a great opportunity to use some of the amigurumi patterns I have been collecting, so I sat down and started to crochet.  By the time I had finished a few, Lisa's suitcase was already full of other contributions.  I would still like to use the toys to benefit the orphans, so I will auction them off.  All proceeds will be used for the welfare of the orphans.  Please see my Amigurumi for Africa posts!

Amigurumi for Africa: The Rules

The auction is open from now until midnight (PDT) on April 2, 2011.  To bid on an item, leave a comment below it with the amount you offer in US Dollars.  Anonymous comments are allowed, but please include a name in the text so I can identify you if you win.  I will post a list of winners by April 4, 2011, with instructions for payment.  All proceeds will be used to improve the physical, mental, and spiritual health of the children in the Eternal Hope Orphanage.

Thank you for taking the time to look and bid!

Amigurumi for Africa: Froggie

This Froggie is about 5 inches/13 cm tall.  Crocheted with acrylic yarn and stuffed with poylester fiberfill, it is machine washable and dryable.

The pattern is free!  You can download from Joann's or Coats & Clark.  I used a smaller hook this time, so the Froggie came out kind of short.  I also crocheted the eyes in the interest of child safety.

Amigurumi for Africa: Hen and Chick

The Hen is about 7 inches/17 cm from beak to tail, and the Chick is 5 inches/12.5 cm.  Both were crocheted with acrylic yarn and stuffed with poylester fiberfill.  The plastic safety eyes are securely fastened.  They are machine washable and dryable.

The patterns are free! You can download them from Lion Brand. Register, if you haven't yet, and search for patterns #80103AD and #80104AD.

Amigurumi for Africa: Elephant

This Elephant is about 4 inches/10 cm tall, and 8 inches/21 cm from trunk to tail.  It was crocheted with acrylic yarn and stuffed with poylester fiberfill.  The plastic safety eyes are securely attached.  It is machine washable and dryable.

The pattern is free! You can download it from Lion Brand. Register, if you haven't yet, and search for pattern #70582AD.

Amigurumi for Africa: Monkey

I gave this particular Monkey away last year, but I will crochet another like it.  It will be made of acrylic yarn, polyester fiberfill, and plastic safety eyes. 

I used this pattern, and revisions, from the Planet M Files.  I also added a tail.  It's a monkey, after all, not an ape.  To make a tail, join yarn at the bum.  Chain to a length that you like, then sc back along the chains.  Fasten off when you get back to the body.  It's easy, and curls nicely on its own.

Amigurumi for Africa: Turtle

This is a Turtle I crocheted previously, but I will make another like it for you.  It will be about 6.5 inches/16.5 cm from head to tail, and will be made of acrylic yarn and polyester fiberfill.  Unlike the turtle in the picture, the new Turtle will have plastic safety eyes.  It will be machine washable and dryable.

The pattern is free!  You can download it from Lion Brand.  Register, if you haven't yet, and search for pattern #70591AD.

Garlic

A Magpie Tale

dull dry bare brown bulbs

snug genetic packages

buried like the dead

burst forth when it's nearly spring

promising an autumn zing