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Knit-a-Square

How to stay sane during a pandemic

Season 1, Ep. 15

Today's podcast guest is Liz Geldenhuis, a local volunteer whose passion is sorting squares and sewing them up into blankets.

Liz shares how she came to be involved in charity work and then a member of Knit-a-Square. We hear how she keeps herself busy during lockdown and the role that Knit-a-Square plays in keeping her busy and sane in spite of social isolation.


Please remember, if you are a new listener and want to know more about how to contribute to Knit-a-Square, you can find details about knitting, volunteering and donating on the website, www.knit-a-square.com.


Show host: Leanne Hunt.

Email address: leanne@knit-a-square.com

Theme music: "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. [Youtube Audio Library] © Creative Commons Licence.

Production and editing: Natali Williams, LIME Virtual Business Support.

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  • 6. Becoming a volunteer

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    We are blessed to have so many big-hearted people volunteering at the barn. In this episode, Norma shares with Leanne what first drew her to Knit-a-Square and what it was like to become a regular on opening days. We hear, too, how it felt for Norma when she got to go on her first distribution at the Lion Park informal settlement. This is the final episode of this short season, but look out for a bonus episode to follow. If you have not yet listened to earlier seasons of the podcast, be sure to look them up on the Acast platform where they are hosted under the name Knit-a-Square. To everyone who has shared the podcast with friends and family, thank you! Show host: Leanne Hunt. Email address: leanne@knit-a-square.com Theme music: "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. [YouTube Audio Library] © Creative Commons License. Production and editing: Natali Williams, LIME Virtual Business Support.
  • 5. Rising to the occasion

    40:19
    Long-standing KAS members Pam Johnson and Elaine Jones share with Leanne the process they followed in setting up a Shropshire-based charity called “Knit for Life”. The charity makes it possible for them to send large quantities of squares to South Africa on behalf of dozens of local knitters. Recorded in October last year, this interview is jam-packed with great ideas and lots of laughter, a real tonic in an otherwise difficult period in world affairs. If you have similar inspirational stories to share with the Knit-a-Square family, please get in touch with Leanne to let her know. Show host: Leanne Hunt. Email address: leanne@knit-a-square.com Theme music: "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. [YouTube Audio Library] © Creative Commons License. Production and editing: Natali Williams, LIME Virtual Business Support.
  • 4. Dancing children

    32:07
    The sounds and feel of Athelé’s visit to Perfuri near the northern tip of the Kruger National Park are captured in this episode as she chats to Leanne from her spot under a tree. We hear the excitement of the children who receive toys, and feel with Athelé her wish that more could be done to reach all the young ones in the community. The tiny toys that were distributed were specially selected from the hundreds that come into the barn because space in the car was so limited. Generally, the toys that KAS hands out are of a size that a child can cuddle. Thanks to all our contributors who generously send soft toys, handmade and shop-bought, because the joy they bring to those who receive them is beyond words. Show host: Leanne Hunt. Email address: leanne@knit-a-square.com Theme music: "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. [YouTube Audio Library] © Creative Commons License. Production and editing: Natali Williams, LIME Virtual Business Support.
  • 3. Led by curiosity

    33:49
    In this episode, Leanne chats to Valerie Zalewski in France. Valerie has been a member of KAS since 2012 and is a keen crocheter, using her large stash of yarn to make squares and toys for the children. Of special interest is Valerie’s story of how she came to learn about Knit-a-Square in the first place. It is a reminder to us all that curiosity, nurtured and acted upon, can lead to life’s most rewarding discoveries. Show host: Leanne Hunt. Email address: leanne@knit-a-square.com Theme music: "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. [YouTube Audio Library] © Creative Commons License. Production and editing: Natali Williams, LIME Virtual Business Support.
  • 2. Doing what feels meaningful

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  • 1. Back for another season

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  • 16. Therapeutic benefits of knitting

    30:02
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  • 15. The backbone of any blanket

    33:49
    Joy Evans is a keen knitter of PJ’s and is glad to know they are welcomed as the backdrop to beautiful picture squares contributed by other members. Speaking to Leanne from her home in Arkansas, she shares her passion for Knit-a-Square and the chance to let the children know that someone cares. In this episode you will also find details on the measurements of squares and how to prepare them for posting. Sometimes puzzling problems arise, such as when a square turns out much too large or a blanket edging looks more like a frill. Leanne has some solutions to offer from her own experience which may prove helpful to listeners. Show host: Leanne Hunt.Email address: leanne@knit-a-square.comTheme music: "Mr. Sunny Face" by Wayne Jones. [YouTube Audio Library] © Creative Commons License.Production and editing: Natali Williams, LIME Virtual Business Support.
  • 14. Dangerous conditions

    29:32
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