From a tumbled down shack to a real building, the building project is now really taking shape. The walls are built the rooms are made just plastering, painting and finishing touches to be done.

Huge, huge thanks to all of those who contributed to get Abdul Kader a wheelchair. I am astonished just how generous people have been as in just four days the target of £200 has been reached! The amount has been achieved through individual donations and the takings from our fundraising stall at the RSG Eid Bazaar which took place in Ilford on Saturday.

 I’ll update again once Abdul Kader has his wheels!

This is just a small selection of donations that have been received but, huge thanks and appreciated are owed to all who have sent things in. Thank you all for your support!

For the flowers pictured I used dk (worsted weight) yarn.  I have successfully made them with other types of yarn but find that this type allows the flower to hold its shape better.

I used 4 mm (US 6) needles.

Pattern

Abbreviations- k = knit     p= purl

Cast on 50 stitches

row 1)  k

row 2) k

row 3) k

row 4) p

Repeat rows 3 and 4 twice

row 9) k2, yo continue to last two stitches, k2 (73 stitches)

row 10) p

row 11) k

Repeat rows 10 and 11 twice

row 15) k

row 16) k

cast off

weave in ends.

To make up

1)Fold in half lengthways and stitch the two long sides together.

2)One end should naturally form a point, with the last few eyelets off centre. stitch the two sides of the end together.

3)Take top corner of point down to the bottom edge to form a triangle shape. Stitch it into place.

4) Fold the edge in to meet the start of the triangle, secure it in place with a stitch or two.

5)Gradually wrap the length around the centre to form a flower shape.  You can make the flower petals as open as you want, just shape and stitch in place as you wrap.

6) Ensure that the petals are secured in place with a few extra stitches at the back.

7) Secure a pin on the back.

Decorate with beads and ribbon as desired.

It’s difficult to explain the making up process but, it will all fall into place when you do it!

For the regular followers and supporters you must remember the posts about the family in need and the campaign to raise funds to help build them a clean, safe and dry home. Thanks to your extreme generosity the target was met and work was due to begin in late May. However, the builder who originally gave the quote and agreed to do the work decided that he was in fact unable to take the job on. So, the search started to find a competent worker willing to take on the task, many were apparently not really interested as to some the project was not big enough, others would not commit to completing it and others were not skilled in this particular type of work.  But now, after many months a suitable builder has been found and the work has begun!

I have seen where the family live myself and the shack is situated in front of a very steep slope. To make the home larger the slope must be cut into and the clay earth removed.  With the shack being one in a row and houses at the back this can only be done by hand as even if a machine was available it would be impossible to get it into the space. Not an easy job by anyone’s standards!

  Once finished it is hoped that in addition to the current one room there will be a bedroom, a toilet and shower and a proper kitchen for the family.

Everything in Algeria takes time and an abundance of patience is needed at all times. Now that work has actually started just maybe this family, after several years of living in terrible conditions will get to experience a Winter at home without the wind howling through a fabric ‘wall’ and rain pouring from a leaking roof.

Sincere thanks to all of those who contributed.

I have, over the years had a stall at many events. In the past selling my own hand-made creations and now fundraising for Algerian Action.  As with all things some turn out better than others, Well Saturday turned out really well!

It was such a lovely afternoon, lots of friendly people and a real buzz in the air. Delicious cakes and stalls laden with gorgeous things to buy. Samina with the help of her friend Aisha did a fabulous job of organizing and hosting the event so special thanks go to them for not only  allowing Algerian Action to participate but for the very generous donation too.

On the day we raised a total of £250 which is just fantastic!