Portable Projects with a Cause!

It's been so hot and humid here that it feels like we are in mid August and not June.  We've had temps in the high 90's and triple digits, with humidity percentages climbing right up there too! That means we are miserable.  Hot, sweaty, miserable. Ugh.   Helloooo Mother Nature!?  Did someone forget to set their clock?  Summer has just started and already it's icky and drippy!   It's even been too hot to knit.
Yeah. You heard me right.  It's been too hot to work on my current project, stupid big wad of yarn  the Wallaby sweater for Boy Wonder.  I'm still working on it, but I can't take it outside, I can't take it anywhere!  It's too hot!
I've been racking my brain since I posted  'Trip Knitting' way back in May and I think I've finally came up with something that not only will keep me interested, BUT it should help my friends and I do a project together! How about a portable project?  A portable project for a cause? Sounds like fun right?   I needed something small, not feltable (for poolside of course) and just enough of a challenge to keep even me interested? AND something that would be useful to someone at the end. Yeah.. that's a tough order to fill I know, but I think I found it!
I found a pattern on the  Knit and Crochet Now website.  *it was a public television program that doesn't seem to be on anymore*.  It's an afghan made up of  12 squares, 2 different patterns (2 of each pattern)that is approximately 30x40" when it's completed. Perfect for a baby.   Each square is knit individually *where my friends come in* and then seamed together and finished with an I-cord border! Peaking your interest yet?  Don't worry crochet friends..... you can make some 10inch squares in your favorite worsted weight yarn too!
It's made with #4 yarn (worsted weight) *thanks to my friend V  I've even got some extra worsted weight yarn if you're interested...........
This little afghan could of course be made by one person but what's the fun in that? I've got a group of friends in mind who I'm hoping can be convinced to make one little square (c'mon it's 10 inches!) and together we can knit it up and give it to a local charity. How about one of the many local crisis pregnancy centers? We'll see.... for now... let's get moving!
I'm totally assuming you are interested......... The afghan was part of a square of the week program.  Each week a different pattern would be demonstrated all the way up until it was time for the I-cord edging.  It looks pretty simple, but also has some patterns that require just a bit of extra effort... cables, some color work and a lace.
How about it folks?  Anyone up for a challenge?  A small, easily portable project that we can all pitch in and work together?  I've got a particular charity in mind, but am open to taking suggestions!
Like I said before... I've even got some yarn you can use....
Here is the first pattern..........
Size 8 needles
Worsted Weight (4) yarn
Gauge 16 1/2 sts =4inches/10cm over patterns
*each square may vary slightly but that's okay!
BIG BAMBOO
multiple of 12 sts + 4
Cast on 40 sts
Row 1 (right side) : K2, *P2, K4; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2
Row 2: K2, *P4, K2; rep from * to last 2 sts, K2
Rows 3 & 4: Repeat Rows 1 and 2
Row 5:  K2, *K8, P4; repeat from *to last 2 sts, K2
Row 6: K2, *P4, K8; repeat from * to last 2 sts, K2
Row 7-10: Repeat Rows 1-4
Row 11: K2, P2, K4, *P8, k4; repeat from * to last 8 sts, P6, K2
Row 12: K8, P4, *K8, P4, repeat from last 4 sts, K4.
Repeat Rows 1-12 until piece measures 10inches (25.5 cm) from beginning, bind off

If you ARE interested, I have the whole pattern and will copy it for you! You can go to the website link above and check it all out too!  I also have that extra yarn I'm willing to share!  Once you make one (or two, or several) squares you can send them to me!
Look out Fort Belvoir Knitting and Crochet Club because I'm hitting you all up next!