Head Knit Wit

What is Happeming To Me???

2012-02-07T08:09:00.000-08:00

"Give sorrow words; the grief that does not speak knits up the o'er-wrought heart and bids it break."

-- William Shakespeare (MacBeth)

My overwrought heart is all knit up so tight I am struggling to breathe. Last night as I took the trash from the house to the can outside, I left the front door ajar. Cotton, my beautiful cat and loving companion for the last difficult year of my life, must have dashed outside.

I was so exhausted by participating in divorce court yesterday (totally tawdry) that I did not notice. I sat on the couch to watch mindless TV and fell into a deep sleep. I awoke and Cotton was not curled up next to me. It was 1 am and I knew in my heart she was gone. I could not sleep. I awaited daybreak, dressed warmly, picked up Evan's rifle and began to walk the back acre.

It did not take long for me to find the evidence of her attack and destruction. I could see she had been attacked by two coyote, as is their habit. She fled and fought to get to the pepper tree and would have been saved if she had. I found her fur and one ear. I am devastated. My children will be devastated. Another loss to pile on the mountain of crap and just plain bad luck. Job ain't got nothing on me. I am asking for some peace. I need a break. I need respite. There is not enough red wine or Ambien for this.

The short sale is done. Escrow looms. March 30th is the move out date. It behooves me to get out of here asap due to the court ruling that my living expenses here are no longer covered and I will owe them back retroactively to Oct 1, 2011. There is no protection for me right now beyond falling in a heap at the foot of my maker and ask for peace. I am inconsolable...

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=305355256181209&set=t.1514539895&type=1

2012-01-24T18:56:00.000-08:00

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2012-01-24T18:55:00.000-08:00

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My Office Once a Week

2012-01-15T15:27:00.000-08:00

Every Wednesday that I can manage to make it mine- I pledge to make the effort.

Hello Out There

2012-01-14T15:00:00.000-08:00

Is there anyone there anymore? I have been out of the blogger-sphere for so long I do not know if anyone is still willing to ride my knit-ship with me. The life related issues that have kept me silent have not ceased. The New Year dawning has not inspired a renewed sense of creativity. I have continued to create in my silence. No resolutions are driving me to write a daily post. I did not stop consciously, and I am resuming timidly. My voice did not go away. My opinions and my thoughts have been shared to death verbally. Putting them down via keyboard felt redundant and exhausting. So.

I will start with today. I just watched "Forks Over Knives" with my son. It has inspired some of our friends to the vegan lifestyle. We did not feel that we learned much that we did not already know. It is a fact that food is fuel and what you eat is very important to the health of your body. The real message and the most difficult tenet of good health is deciding to make it your lifestyle. To chose it and to live it. So today I am thinking about how to chose wisely. How to eat, to live, by choice. How to be happy and productive, to live well, by choice. Control the things you can. Avoid the things out of my control that may harm me. That includes people and places and food.

I have so many changes occurring in my life that are beyond my control. My knitting continues to provide me with purpose, peace, creativity and friendship. It has been the nourishment that feeds my soul. I have produced and sold 100's of pieces this past year. I have also knit many gifts and pieces for personal use. I believe that any thing worth celebrating deserves a hand knit. I also firmly believe that the receipt of a hand knit can provide comfort. I continue to knit. I have written many blog entries in my head during my absence from the web. I am back. Sometimes to rant and sometimes to rave. Stay tuned and blessings in the year 2012...

What Not To Wear

2011-08-20T08:15:00.000-07:00

Recycled plastic run amok.
Enough said.

Thinking Ahead

2011-08-18T12:02:00.000-07:00

I am keeping this in mind for Halloween- or if our Government would admit that our recession is really a depression- I could trot this out for some bank robbing?! It reminds me of a friend of mine in LA- Paul I am talking about you... I can see the headlines now- "hand knit hat burglar strikes again!"

Two Knit Ladies I Love

2011-08-15T08:41:00.000-07:00

At TNNA this summer, Heather launched her new yarn line Ewe Ewe. knitty.com editor and innovator Amy Singer stopped by to say hello.

What would have made this picture perfect? If I had taken it and could have been there. We have another chance to get together at VKL the end of September.

So, what is your excuse. Knitters are fun peeps. We love to laugh and drink. It is always a party whenever two or more gather. Get your butts to Vogue Knitting Live in LA. Take a class from Amy- she is doing a cool toe up sock class and more.

Buy some washable wooly Ewe Ewe Yarn at NobleKnits.com or your local yarn shop... Like The Grove in San Diego, another one of my favorites!

Beauty Is In The Eye Of The Beholder

2011-08-13T08:24:00.000-07:00

A little Gothic and ghoulish for me to wear, perhaps. However, what would really stop me from rocking this look is my need to wear a bra! Applying eyeliner with out "readers" results in the make up look. Maybe they make Spanx for this...

In Honor of Sock Summit

2011-08-12T08:00:00.000-07:00

Over 6000 knitters gathered in Portland, Oregon for Sock Summit and I was not there.

I will be at Vogue Knitting Live (VKL)
in LA this September and I have reserved space with Franklin Habit for his lecture on Saturday. I also have a fiber class session with Clara Parkes reserved Sunday morning. The Panopticon Blog and Knitter's Review reamin 2 of my favorite online reads.
See my side bar for the links and please visit them!

Amy Singer from Knitty,com will be there teaching her socks off and I hope we get to share some laughs and a drink or two. I knit socks sometimes. It is not a passion for me- but I do not fear them. I only wear them on the coldest winter nights to bed. I live in San Diego. Cut me some slack...

U-Needa This!

2011-08-10T10:46:00.000-07:00

Polly want a biscuit? I just love this pillow. Someday, I want to live in a cool contemporary place with white furniture upholstered in linen. I think this pillow will have to be there. Really, I do...

Happy Birthday Brian Brown!

2011-08-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

This is my baby brother in Michigan shucking corn last year on his birthday.

He is back on that same porch at Aunt Lois Ann's house and I am not.

I long for Michigan every summer. Since moving to California in 1993, I have missed only two summers and this is one of them.

Brian- jump in Lake Charlevoix, have a glass of wine, eat some white fish from the Great Lakes and remember me. I wish I were there! I love you. Happy Birthday...

No Original Ideas!

2011-08-08T08:23:00.000-07:00

I have used a fork to make little pom poms since I was a kid. I thought of it when I was making clothes for my Barbie dolls. I thought it was an original idea and I did not covet it- but since making pom poms did not come up that often- I never really claimed it or taught it very often over the years.

In June I demonstrated this technique to my Knitwits and they loved it. Two weeks later I saw this on line and almost dropped my jaw on the ground.

My fork pom poms!! WTH- and all those years I was married to a Patent Attorney and did not protect or trademark this technique. Which speaks to my theory that as knitters we should all just agree to get along. I do not belief that there are very many new and completely original knitting ideas. Revised, new to you, original to you and all brand new as each piece knit by hand is one of a kind. So- when you need to make some sweet consistent pom poms to embellish your project- use a fork! And go ahead and take the credit for doing it- I just want everyone to know the joy of creating with 2 sticks and string...

Too Hot To Knit? NEVER!

2011-08-06T08:08:00.000-07:00

As our country grapples with a heat wave that is no joke- many people put down the needles. Not me. I love to switch to small easy projects that do not add heat to your lap.

These felted bracelets are an example of quick and easy- plus they make a great gift for your friends and you can keep a supply ready to wrap and go!

Every Wednesday I preside over a group of knitters known as the Knitwits. In the month of June and August we meet at a local BBQ joint(that serves beer and wine) and is next door to the local Dairy Queen. After closing down Brett's BBQ we saunter next door and cap off the evening with some soft serve.

The cool down is needed, the calories are not. I am not a big sweets eater and I ask for a kids cone with a little bit of ice cream. To the DQ credit - they have sugar free and fat free versions for sale.

If you cannot cool off with ice cream- maybe this ice cream inspired art will do the trick!

Keep cool and keep knitting...

Color Inspires Me

2011-08-05T09:46:00.000-07:00

There is nothing like a box of fresh new crayons, markers, pencils, or pastels in COLORS!

For the longest time I was in knitting neutral. My yarn palettes were muted and nature based. Classic is still my favorite color wheel and includes every shade of cream, grey. black, brown,white and greige. That is beige with a hint of grey. In other words, the way fleece comes of the backs of the animal donor.

This season has me thinking and feeling in color. Inspired by the bright colors of a washable wool line of yarn just launched, I cannot get enough color!

Check out the yarn designed by Heather Walpole called Ewe-ewe Washable Wool. There is a full line of patterns to go with the yarn and they are all available at Noble Knits Yarn shop. Noble knits has free shipping and easy online ordering. Try it you will like it!

I am of the age where many of my friends have children getting married and reproducing. All of the new Mommies of the world seem to really appreciate a hand knit- and that is a good thing. I have found that the new breed of Mommies also want the hand knit to be machine washable. Ewe Ewe is the perfect choice. It is unbelievably soft, and it washes and dries beautifully by machine! There is nothing worse than spending countless hours of love and devotion, knitting a little love into every stitch- to find out that garment lived it's life in a dark drawer because the recipient was afraid to wash it! The sad fate of many hand knits.

So- KNIT. Knit in COLOR. Finally, WEAR those hand knits.

Trending Fashion

2011-08-04T09:19:00.000-07:00

I have been buying knitting magazines throughout my knitting lifetime. I have some from the seventies and my latest Vogue arrived in last weeks post box.

I have noticed a big trend in vest patterns popping up again. I went through a phase in the early eighties when I knit big needle, bulky vests, for everyone I knew.

Cindy was an Autumn and she wore hers belted with turtleneck and jeans. My Mother wore her lighter weight cotton slub vest so often that I was convinced she liked that vest better than me. I still have that vest and was going to unravel it and re-knit it for me in her memory. It has been in a drawer since her death in 1984.

Now, it fits me and I look more like her everyday. I think I will just keep it as is and wear it one day as she did. With a silk blouse underneath and khaki wool trousers. Oh wait- I live in San Diego. A t-shirt and khaki capris.

Knitting a vest is excellent practice for knitting sweaters. It prepares and familiarizes you with the process minus the sleeves. It feels so quick because the sleeves are absent and the seaming is minimal. Fashion has moved forward with all kinds of affordable accessories to make a simple vest the perfect wardrobe enhancer. The vest is also perfect for the climate I live in. It cools off every evening and a vest is the perfect solution to keeping your back and shoulders warm under the stars with a glass of wine in the beautiful backyard.... I digress.

Well, I recommend you cast on a vest for a quick and rewarding knit for yourself. Please go to this site for plenty of inspiration: knittingpatterncentral.com

Go to the directory page and search vests to be amazed!

Knit Wit Shop In Portland

2011-07-13T11:02:00.000-07:00

I Signed Up To Fit My Knits!

2011-07-02T10:11:00.000-07:00

I am taking this on line course at my own pace-join me and we will make something beautiful!

Special Deal On Craftsy's New Advanced Knitting Class

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Tired of knitting sweaters that don't fit well? Wish you could customize any sweater pattern to fit perfectly? With Stefanie Japel's new online course Knit Lab: Fit Your Knits, you'll learn all the skills you need to modify and adjust any sweater pattern for a flawless fit.

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Knit Lab: Fit your Knits is an 11 lesson, professionally produced, online video class that will teach you how to:

Analyze any pattern to determine if it will fit and flatter your body
Adjust the bust, waist, hip, length, and sleeve for your measurements
Add bust darts and create shaping that flatters your waistline
Adjust depth and fit of the armhole and length and taper of your sleeves
Take proper figure measurements for yourself or anyone you know

So don't wait, sign up for Fit Your Knits today to get a 50% discount

Once you sign-up, you have unlimited access to the course. Watch it on your own schedule, at your own pace, and as many times as you like... your access never expires.

Debunk the myth of the average-sized person and learn to Fit Your Knits today. With Stefanie's guidance, you'll be creating sweaters that not only look good, but also feel good.

Fit Your Knits comes with a 100% money-back guarantee!

" Since I started this class, I don't want to do anything else! I've got to get some laundry and dusting done, but I'm having such a good time! "- KnittyJo

In the Blink of An Eye

2011-06-17T13:52:00.000-07:00

Dear Friends-

I am doing much better now. I have been blessed with extra padding that saved me from more serious damage.
Tuesday morning on the way to work for my dear LOM, I decided to stop by the store and find a track suit for Andy.

I was waiting at the light to turn left into the shopping center when I thought I saw the arrow turn green.The other lanes began to move so I entered the turn and BAM!
I spun around and around and ended with my shoes off, my glasses gone and the feeling that the seat belt was burning into my body. It was my fault. The green was not for my lane.
The police did not ticket me, they said it happens all the time?? Everyone be careful out there. The guy that hit me was sure angry- and I do not blame him.

I spent the day in the ER to make sure I did not hurt the head or the torso internally. All is well. Kidney is a little bruised- but I will totally heal with rest and muscle relaxers.
Doctor even ordered massages for the future-post bruising. I was asleep for 3 days and now I am up and will begin to knit again. I am car less for now and that is okay. I can drive on
Monday and hope to have a loaner by then.

Moral of the story- pay closer attention on the road and fat is not all bad.Thanks for all your prayers and well wishes. xoxo Headknitwit

KIP Knitting in Public

2011-06-05T08:37:00.000-07:00

I do this all of the time. I knit in Church, at the movies, the beach, coffee shops, every doctors office ever, in the dental chair, restaurants, friends houses, classes, cars, nail and hair salons, etc. Not at weddings or funerals. That is about my limit.

So join the Knitwits Wednesday June 8th at Brett's BBQ from 5:30 until closing time, and knit in Public! KIP is fun and fat free. BBQ is fun and fattening. But mostly, we have fun.

Use It Before You Lose It

2011-05-23T07:58:00.000-07:00

Party. Hard work done. Garage sale was a success. Reward for sore muscles and a job well done. The house is open to party until they come to evict me... open invitation.

In Honor of The Royal Wedding

2011-05-22T07:54:00.000-07:00

Randy-honoring royalty. Fetching. Enough said.

John Sews!

2011-05-21T07:34:00.000-07:00

I am blessed with the family I married. that was not a mistake. John and Roxanne are my BIL and SIL from Michigan. Their daughter Kim recently transferred to my neighborhood with her job at Trader Joe's.

So, BIL and SIL drove out to see her and spent a month at my house. That was a jam packed, hard working, whirlwind of fun- month. The best room mates I have ever had. Easy to wake up to every day. I miss them.

This is John sewing the placket along the electric pool cover that ripped last summer and remained torn until BIL tackled the big, back breaking job. This saved approximately 2k that Poolsafe would have charged me to repair it.

This is one job on a long list of deferred maintenance that John addressed, with the help of Roxanne and I. The list grew long, while one thing lead to another, as we discovered more neglected chores.

There are not enough thank yous in the world to express my gratitude. Shout out to the best in laws on earth. Bar none. THANK YOU!

Seeking Balance

2011-05-20T10:10:00.000-07:00

I am a known knitter. I pursue it passionately enough that I suffer knitting related injuries to my upper body. I sleep in rigid wrist braces, I do warm up exercises with my hands and arms, and I knit through the pain, most days. Knitlete, as opposed to athlete.

It is a sedentary activity by definition. That is debatable based on my injuries and the heart-rate increase that surges through me as I experience the creative process of knitting. Most would argue that it is definitely not aerobic!

I have been turning to food and wine the past couple of years as a comfort and the pounds are creeping up. I have contemplated an exercise program many times while I nosh and watch episodes of the Biggest Loser. I would love to be on that show if they never revealed how much you weigh?! Is that too much to ask?

I used to go to the gym and have a trainer and do pool aerobics. I have always been big, but fit. Now, age and menopause have been factored into the equation. I decided to try to put fitness back on the to-do list. A 5k has been on my bucket list. So is a 10k. The future bucket list.

I saw a banner for the 20th run of the Encinitas 5k and mentioned it to my Breakfast Club (do you sense an eating theme here?) They got behind me in a big way and we all registered and Saturday it happened. We each ran/walked an individual race. I had a goal to finish ahead of the handicapped and set a baseline time to beat in the future. Karen wanted to make it through the course w/o falling and beat the man with a cane. Kathy wanted to run it. Ellen and Kathleen set a good pace and powered through.

Now, I am on line looking for the next one. 3-4 times a year is the pace I want to set, with a better time each race. I am trying to beat my self each time. Better than letting life beat me. I will knit on and walk toward the finish line. I am not able to do both unfortunately. I know some can- good for them. I should put that on my bucket list!

Easter Feaster

2011-05-19T11:01:00.000-07:00

My soon to be ex thinks I party all of the time. I do love to set the table and put out a spread. This is a handful of the faithful friends and family that gather around my table every now and then. This happened to be the Easter Feast. It is always a collaborative effort when it comes to the feast. Heike is taking the photo- so I am actually in there. Rare shot. These are 15 very precious people. Thank you my fellow party animals. You make my world a better place and I am grateful.

When I Need An Escape

2011-05-13T10:07:00.000-07:00

When I need to escape the voices in my head that contemplate despair, murder, suicide, love, loss and life in general; I read a book. I like to hold a book in my hand. I do not like to listen to a book. I do not have an electronic reader- so I cannot truly chime in on that debate. But, I can say- I love to read and I encourage you all to remember the thrill of escaping into a story in your head that is all yours. Your interpretation. It is second only to knitting for me. Books and Knitting= Peace....

Princess Promotes Handknits

2011-05-12T09:47:00.000-07:00

I know there are shawl skeptics out there. Amongst my own knitting group of Knitwits, there are ladies that think they are unfashionable and difficult to wear. Well, take a look at Kate. I also need to point out that this is a variation on the Jane Eyre shawl featured on this very blog. I loved it when I saw it in the movie and I love it on Kate. Soon- I will love wearing my very own version. I will not look this hot. But I will wear it the same way. Long sleeved white T and jeans. Flats and a wig! She is gorgeous and she is promoting the knitting world by wearing this wrap. Carry on, Kate.

When I Need An Escape

2011-05-11T10:08:00.000-07:00

Princess Promotes Handknits

2011-05-11T09:48:00.000-07:00

Garage Sale Inspires Art

2011-05-11T09:18:00.000-07:00

After a stunning garage sale last week- I saw this and thought about all of those old suitcases I sold! Keep your eyes open and think outside of the box (literally). Carry on seating?? Have a great day my friends.

Vogue Knitting Live!

2011-05-10T09:34:00.000-07:00

Vogue Knitting Live!

Please click on this link and learn about Vogue knitting Live!
It is too close to us for the local knitters of San Diego to ignore.
This is the opportunity you have been waiting for. The Rock Stars of knitting will be in SoCal.
Let's get a team of Knitwits and GO!!!
Please think about it- I am going to make it happen for myself and will welcome some roommates.

A Trick We Knitters "Needle" To Know

2011-05-03T16:37:00.000-07:00

Tutorial: Magic Loop

If you're looking for an alternate way to work small-circumference projects without having to turn to awkward double-points, then this tutorial is for you! This method of working in the round uses one long circular needle, ideally, one with a very flexible cable. It is very similar to working with two circular needles. However, many knitters prefer it to working with two needles because it eliminates the distracting loose ends of the second circular needle. Once you master this technique, it's a great solution when working on small-circumference projects.

Cast on or pick up the required number of stitches onto a 29-inch, or longer, circular needle. Slide the stitches to the cable portion of the needle. Pinch the cable in half as shown below; then pull to create a large loop. Arrange half the stitches on one needle tip and half on the other.

Step 1

Follow these three easy steps.

Step 1: The photo below shows how your stitches should look after you have distributed them on the two parts of the needle. The points of the needle and the "tail" from the cast-on row face to the right, and the cables are on your left.

Step 2

Step 2: The next step, as shown below, illustrates how to begin working your first round. Hold the needle in your left hand, and pull out the needle that holds the "tail" end; the stitches that were on the needle point are now resting on the cable. Begin working the stitches that are still on the opposite needle point as if you were working them on straight needles.

Step 3

Step 3: At the end of the row, simply turn the work around and reposition the stitches as shown. Once again, the needles are pointing to the right, and the cable loop is to the left.

Step 4

Continue to work in this manner until desired length is reached.

The example below shows how the work will appear on the needle as it gets longer.

Here is a Pattern to Delight the Kiddos

2011-05-02T04:24:00.000-07:00

Kristen Cap & Sockies

This delightful duo features accent picot edging and contrasting yarns, creating eye-catching results.

Designs by Patti Pierce Stone

Sizes

Hat and socks instructions fit infant/toddler's sizes 0-3 (3-6, 6-9, 9-12, 12-18) months to fit infant's shoe size 1 (3, 4, 5, 8) Instructions are given for smallest size, with larger sizes in parentheses. When only 1 number is given, it applies to all sizes.

Finished Measurement

Hat circumference: 13 1/2 (14 1/4, 15, 15 3/4, 16 1/2) inches

Materials

Tahki • Stacy Charles Cotton Classic (DK weight; 100% mercerized cotton; 108 yds/50g per skein): 1 (2, 2, 2, 3) skeins lavender #3936 (MC) and 1 skein white #3001 (CC)
Size 3 (3.25mm) 24-inch circular needle and spare needle (of any sort) or size needed to obtain gauge [socks]
Size 4 (3.5mm) 29-inch (or longer) circular needle and spare needle (of any sort) [hat and socks]
Size 6 (4mm) 29-inch (or longer) circular needle or size needed to obtain gauge [hat]
Size E/4 (3.5mm) crochet hook
Stitch markers, 1 in CC for beg of rnd

Gauge

Hat: 22 sts and 28 rnds = 4 inches/10cm in St st using size 6 needle.

Socks: 23 sts and 29 rnds = 4 inches/10cm in St st using size 3 needle.

To save time, take time to check gauge.

Special Technique

Provisional Cast-On: With crochet hook and waste yarn, make a chain several sts longer than desired cast on. With knitting needle and project yarn, pick up indicated number of sts in the "bumps" on back of chain. When indicated in pattern, "unzip" the crochet chain to free live sts.

Pattern Notes

The patterns for both the hat and the socks are written so that the project is knit on one circular needle using the magic-loop method. You can opt to work on double-pointed or 2 circular needles.

The socks are worked from the top down with a picot hem, semi-wrapped short-row heel and wedge toe.

When working the semi-wrapped short-row heel, slip first stitch of each row purlwise with yarn in back.

Hat

Picot Hem

Using Provisional Cast-On method, smaller hat needle and MC, cast on 72 (76, 80, 84, 88) sts; distribute sts as for magic-loop method; place marker for beg of rnd and join, being careful not to twist sts.

Knit 6 rnds.

Turning rnd: K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, end yo, knit last st on rnd tog with first st on next rnd.

Knit 6 rnds.

Join hem: **Unzip waste yarn from approx 25 percent of Provisional Cast-On sts; slip live sts to spare needle the same size as main needle; holding the 2 needles parallel with RS of fabric facing and using larger needle and CC, *knit tog 1 st from each needle, yo; rep from * to last st on spare needle, then rep from ** until all cast-on sts are used up. Slip first st of next rnd to RH needle so that next rnd beg with yo -- 144 (152, 160, 168, 176) sts.

Next rnd: P2tog around, cut CC -- 72 (76, 80, 84, 88) sts.

Body

With MC and larger needle, knit every rnd until hat measures 2 (3, 3 1/4, 3 3/4, 3 3/4) inches from picot edge, or 2 (2 1/4, 2 1/2, 2 1/2, 2 3/4) inches short of desired length.

Crown

Note: On following rnd place markers following each dec.

Rnd 1 (0-3 months): [K12, k3tog, k12, k2tog] twice, k12, k2tog -- 65 sts.

Rnd 1 (3-6 months): K13, k3tog, [k13, k2tog] 4 times -- 70 sts.

Rnd 1 (6-9 months): [K14, k2tog] 5 times -- 75 sts.

Rnd 1 (9-12 months): [K14, k3tog] 4 times, k14, k2tog -- 75 sts.

Rnd 1 (12-18 months): [K15, k2tog, k15, k3tog] twice, k15, k3tog -- 80 sts.

Rnd 2: Knit.

Dec rnd: Slipping markers, *knit to 2 sts before marker, p2tog; rep from * around -- 60 (65, 70, 70, 75) sts.

Rep Dec rnd [every other rnd] 8 times, then every rnd until 20 sts rem.

Last rnd: K2tog around -- 10 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Using tapestry needle, thread tail through rem sts, and pull tight. Secure on WS.

Earflaps

Earflaps are worked flat over 12 sts on opposite sides of the hat.

With RS facing and using larger needle, count 12 (13, 14, 15, 16) sts to the left from center back of hat (at cast on tail). Place marker or piece of waste yarn, so the placement can be seen from the inside of the hat. Rep, working to the right from the center back marker. This notes the placement of the ear flaps.

Turn hat inside out.

With larger hat needle, beg at the left marker, pick up 12 sts in the back side of sts in the picot joining row, working toward the front of the hat. Attach MC.

Rows 1, 3, 5 (WS): K2, purl to last 2 sts, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 2 (RS): Knit to last 2 sts, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 4: K3, [yo, ssk, p1] twice, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 6: K3, [k2tog, yo, p1] twice, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif.

Row 7: Rep Row 1.

Rows 8-13: Rep Rows 4-7, then Rows 4 and 5.

Row 14: K3, [k2tog, p1] twice, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif -- 10 sts.

Row 15: Rep Row 1.

Row 16: K3, ssk, k2tog, k1, sl 2 pwise wyif -- 8 sts.

Row 17: K2, p2tog, p2tog-tbl, sl 2 pwise wyif -- 6 sts.

Row 18: K1, k2tog, k2tog, k1 -- 4 sts.

Cut yarn, leaving a 6-inch tail.

With RS facing and using tapestry needle, thread tail through rem sts from right to left; secure to WS of edge.

Weave in all ends.

Make another earflap, beg at the marker on the opposite side of the hat.

Twisted Cord

Make 2

Cut 2 strands 3 yds long (or approx 6 times desired length). Fold in half, tie ends tog with a loose overhand knot and secure folded end to a stationary object.

Twist yarn until it begins to double back on itself. Fold in half again with both ends tog and allow to twist up on itself.

Cut to desired length (if necessary) and knot the ends to secure.

Sew 1 end to each earflap.

Crocheted Flower

Make 3

Rnd 1: With CC, ch 2. Work 9 sc in 2nd ch from hook; sl st in top of first sc to join. Cut CC.

Rnd 2: Attach MC in the top of any st, [ch 4, skip next st, sl st in the top of the next st] 4 times, ch 4, sl st in top of the first sl st to join.

Rnd 3: *3 hdc in next ch-4 sp, sl st in top of next sl st; rep from * around.

Cut MC. Weave in all ends. Sew 1 flower to top of hat and other 2 flowers to ends of cord.

Sockies

Picot Border

Using Provisional Cast-On method, smaller sock needle and MC, cast on 24 (26, 28, 32, 34) sts, distribute sts evenly as for magic-loop method (heel sts on first needle tip, instep sts on 2nd needle tip); place marker for beg of rnd and join, being careful not to twist sts.

Knit 4 rnds.

Turning rnd: K1, *yo, k2tog; rep from * to last st, end yo, knit last st on rnd tog with first st on next rnd.

Knit 4 rnds.

Join hem: **Unzip waste yarn from approx 25 percent of Provisional Cast-On sts; slip live sts to spare needle the same size as main needle; holding the 2 needles parallel with RS of fabric facing and using larger needle and CC, *knit tog 1 st from each needle, yo; rep from * to last st on dpn, then rep from ** until all cast on sts are used up. Slip first st of next rnd to RH needle so that next rnd beg with yo.

Next rnd: P2tog around, cut CC -- 24 (26, 28, 32, 34) sts.

Leg

With MC and larger needle, work in St st until piece measures 2 (2 1/4, 2 1/2, 2 3/4, 3) inches from picot edge or to desired length to top of heel. Cut MC.

Semi-Wrapped Short-Row Heel

Note: Short rows are worked back and forth on heel sts only.

Row 1: Join CC and knit across heel sts, turn.

Row 2: Sl 1, purl to last st, k1, turn.

Row 3: Sl 1, k10 (11, 12, 14, 15), turn.

Row 4: Sl 1, p8 (9, 10, 12, 13), k1, turn.

Row 5: Sl 1, k8 (9, 10, 12, 13), turn.

Row 6: Sl 1, p6 (7, 8, 10, 11), k1, turn.

Row 7: Sl 1, k6 (7, 8, 10, 11), turn.

Row 8: Sl 1, p4 (5, 6, 8, 9), k1, turn.

Continue with Heel Turn.

Sizes 9-12 & 12-18 months only

Row 9: Sl 1, k8 (9), turn.

Row 10: Sl 1, p6 (7), k1, turn.

Continue with Heel Turn.

Heel Turn

Row 1: Sl 1, k5 (6, 7, 7, 8); insert the tip of the LH needle into the purl bump at the edge of the RH previous row and k2tog-tbl with next st, turn.

Row 2: Sl 1, p6 (7, 8, 8, 9); insert the tip of the LH needle into the purl bump at the edge of the RH previous row and p2tog with next st, turn.

Row 3: Sl 1, k7 (8, 9, 9, 10); pick up the purl bump as before (this one, and all the rest, will be 2 rows down) and k2tog-tbl with next st, turn.

Row 4: Sl 1, p8 (9, 10, 10, 11); pick up the purl bump and p2tog, turn.

Row 5: Sl 1, k9 (10, 11, 11, 12); pick up the purl bump and k2tog-tbl; turn.

Continue in this manner until all heel sts have been worked.

Last heel row: Sl 1, knit across heel sts; pick up running thread between very first heel st and first instep st and place on LH needle; pick up the purl bump from the last st on the heel rnd (now 2 rows below) and place on LH needle; knit running thread and the purl bump tog tbl. Cut CC.

Joining rnd: With MC, knit across instep sts; with RH needle, pick up running thread between last instep st and first heel st; pick up the purl bump from the first heel st on the rnd (now 2 rows below) and place on RH needle; work running thread and the purl bump tog as ssk; knit across heel sts -- 26 (28, 30, 34, 36) sts distributed as follows: 12 (13, 14, 16, 17) instep sts; 14 (15, 16, 18, 19) heel/sole sts.

Foot

Work in St st until foot measures 4 (4 1/2, 5, 5 1/2, 6) inches from back of heel or 3/4 (3/4, 1, 1, 1, 1, 1 1/4) inches short of desired length. Cut MC.

Toe

Rnd 1: With CC, work both instep and sole sts as follows: K1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 -- 22 (24 26, 30, 32) sts.

Rnd 2: Knit around.

Rep Rnds 1 and 2 until 6 (7, 8, 8, 9) instep sts and 8 (9, 10, 10, 11) sole sts rem.

Last rnd: Instep sts: knit across; sole sts: k1, ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 -- 12 (14, 16, 16, 18) sts.

Weave toe sts tog using Kitchener st (see inset below).

Finishing

Weave in all ends. Block as desired.

Kitchener Stitch

This method of grafting with two needles is used for the toes of socks and flat seams. To graft the edges together and form an unbroken line of stockinette stitch, divide all stitches evenly onto two knitting needles -- one behind the other. Thread yarn into tapestry needle. Hold needles with wrong sides of fabric together and work from right to left as follows:

Step 1: Insert tapestry needle into first stitch on front needle as if to purl. Draw yarn through stitch, leaving stitch on knitting needle.

Step 2: Insert tapestry needle into the first stitch on the back needle as if to purl. Draw yarn through stitch and slip stitch off knitting needle.

Step 3: Insert tapestry needle into the next stitch on same (back) needle as if to knit, leaving stitch on knitting needle.

Step 4: Insert tapestry needle into the first stitch on the front needle as if to knit. Draw yarn through stitch and slip stitch off knitting needle.

Step 5: Insert tapestry needle into the next stitch on same (front) needle as if to purl. Draw yarn through stitch, leaving stitch on knitting needle.

Repeat Steps 2 through 5 until one stitch is left on each needle. Then, repeat Steps 2 and 4. Fasten off. Grafted stitches should be the same size as the adjacent knitted stitches.

My Baby is 19 Today

2011-05-01T04:26:00.000-07:00

My son is having a birthday! Love to you dude.

Knit Outta The Box is Brilliant

2011-04-30T16:20:00.000-07:00

Knit Outta the Box

The idea for Knit Outta the Box was born after Laurie Gonyea, founder and co-owner, became stranded at the airport by a delayed flight without any knitting in hand. Laurie scoured the airport looking for some sort of knitting project and came up empty-handed. All she could find were Sudoku and crossword puzzles and lots of coffee shops ... hence, the birth of Knit Outta the Box -- totally transportable knitting kits that contain everything needed to complete a simple, stylish project. The initial idea was to market the kits as a product for "desperate" knitters, and sell them to hospital and airport gift shops -- places where desperation could set in if knitters didn't have their knitting.

Just in time for Mother's Day, Knit Outta the Box is launching the following knitting kits. Silver Cotton Slippers are a super easy, double-knit slipper; Silver Cotton Mary Jane Slippers are a slipper version of the traditional Mary Jane shoe with a bonus pattern for a ballet slipper; and Silver Cotton Bath Set is a simple soap-sock and washcloth. All these kits feature Sifa (Turkish for "healing") Silver Cotton. Silver has been known since the time of Hippocrates to contain beneficial healing properties, making Sifa Silver Cotton the perfect material for slippers and bath accessories.


Silver Cotton Slippers	Silver Cotton Mary Jane Slippers	Silver Cotton Bath Set

For more information about these kits and other products like these, please visit Knit Outta the Box.

Simple Weave Washcloth

2011-04-28T13:38:00.000-07:00

Simple Weave Washcloth

Make these today. Your face, this cloth and your favorite facial cleanser will create a glow on your face to equal...
whatever makes you glow! When you want a small project in cool cotton to carry in the heat of summer knitting-
this will do perfectly. I know people think all cotton knit squares belong in the kitchen-
but make these in white and use them in the bath. 3 tied with a beautiful bar of fine french-milled soap is a gift I am proud to give.

I Cannot Make This Stuff UP!!!!

2011-04-26T21:18:00.000-07:00

Unique Tampon Angel

By: Ada Barber, Guest Contributor

Our guest contributor has a very unique craft. This is her story: Some people think this is great, others think it is gross and ridiculous… but I am a big fan of the tampon angel. A few years ago when I had my first Christmas tree, I had a trim-the-tree party and invited my friends over to make crafts to decorate the tree with. A lot of them were scared of being crafty, so I had some pretty easy ideas for them. My favorite was the tampon angel. Certain brands work better – I think ended up deciding Playtex worked best because it doesn’t just expand into a big rectangle.

Materials:

Playtex Tampons
Bowl of Water
Starch
Wooden Bead
Hot Glue
Fine-Tipped Markers
Metallic Pipe Cleaners
Wired Ribbon
Bows
Glitter

Steps:

You start by taking the tampon out of the applicator and wetting it. I usually use a bowl of water with a little starch mixed in.
Then you can shape the angel “dress.”
I use a wooden bead for the head and thread the string through. You can use a little hot glue to keep the head facing the right direction.
We used fine-tipped markers to draw the face in and metallic pipe cleaners to make halos.
You can add yarn hair but most of my friends didn’t get that far.
For wings, we tied pieces of wired ribbon in the middle to make a knot or used bows and hot glued them to the back of the angel. You can cut the ribbon to make it wing-shaped or leave it in a bow.
Some people glittered theirs, others left them pretty plain.
But overall, it is a very easy craft and I still hang them on my Christmas tree.

Knitter's Review - Review of Knitting Books

2011-04-23T11:49:00.000-07:00

Knitter's Review - Review of Knitting Books

Please click on this link to get a look at a book of knitting that you have never seen anywhere before.
It would be a good coffee table book for a knitter! I am doing so many deferred maintenance projects
around the house I have not knit, blogged, read a book or watched TV for over a week.

My BIL and SIL drove to California from Michigan.
They are a force of nature to be reckoned with.
We are working all day, dinner at dusk, a nightcap and then off to sleep with sore muscles.
Then my dear Diane from Portland, OR- called to see if she could drop down- so we have a house full.
Happy Easter to all. Or Happy Feaster- as we will have 15 for potluck dinner here. I am thankful
for the loving help and being surrounded with such wonderful people!

I Want Jane Eyre's Shawl

2011-04-11T10:42:00.000-07:00

indigirl: stylish knits, modern life- how to: substitute yarn

Dear Knitters-

I went to see the newest version of "Jane Eyre" in theaters now. Early in the film Jane is shown wearing a shawl that caught my eye. I instantly thought to myself- that is a side to side garter stitch shawl with short row ruffles. I want to knit it. I got home after ten pm and logged on to the internet to see if the pattern was up yet. I can always count on other intrepid knitters to do the heavy lifting. I was so happy to see the pattern posted for free. You can find it by Googling Jane Eyre shawl and enjoying the search- or you can click here for a direct link via 'Exchanging Fire"

This morning I found the yarn in my stash that I want to use. It is a nice silk and wool blend. However it is a worsted weight and the pattern calls for the use of fingering weight. I am going to start swatching and hope to have a good piece to show the girls at Knitwits Wednesday night. The link to indigirl has an excellent tutorial on yarn substituting that you should read. I never like to reinvent the wheel. Credit goes to those who go before me and make this community of knitting such a pleasure to be part of...

Sincerely,

Your Headknitwit

Have You Ever Been To A Glass Ranch??

2011-04-08T09:51:00.000-07:00

Be sure to put this local event on your calenders.

Glass Ranch Studio 16th Semi-Annual Pre-Mother's Day Weekend Sale & Glass Blowing Demonstrations
Saturday, April 30th & Sunday, May 1st 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
20307 Beech Lane Escondido, CA 92029 by Lake Hodges in Del Dios
Blown Art Glass ~ Fused Glass Sculpture and Jewelry ~ Garden Sculpture
by Artist Couple Garry Cohen & Cherrie La Porte (760) 745-7020 cherrielaporte@cox.net
Visit Glass Ranch Studio on Facebook

You are invited to a FREE EVENT at Glass Ranch which is like no other event in San Diego County!! The studio is owned by professional glass artist couple, Garry Cohen and Cherrie LaPorte and semi-annually we offer an open invitation to come, bring your friends and family for a memorable time, watch live glass blowing demonstrations by Garry Cohen and guest glass blowers at our private studio. Listen to live music in our eclectic sculpture garden by Swift Pony on Saturday and the Hilltop Ramblers on Sunday & purchase our new local handcrafted blown art glass, sculpture and unique glass jewelry for yourself and Mother's Day gifts at great prices.

Also visit two other Art Studios and Gardens by Lake Hodges, the same weekend April 30th and May 1st. Look for yellow art show signs, Glass ~ Fiber ~ Paint, in the Lake Hodges / Del Dios area all within a 5 minute distance. Here are the details:

* Lake Hodges Artists' Spring Show & Sale *
9814 Carson Place, Escondido, 92029 by Lake Hodges in Del Dios
(760) 740-9700 jean@jeanshandwovens.com www.jeanshandwovens.com
Enjoy the green of spring in Del Dios at our new Spring Artists' Show and Sale. Artist's work includes pottery, hand painted silk, jewelry, wood, paper and paintings with hand woven clothing from the studio of Jean Degenfelder.

* Cathy Carey’s Free Art Studio and Garden Tour *
2048 Ridgecrest Place, Escondido, CA 92029
(760) 489-9109 cathy@artstudiosandiego.com www.artstudiosandiego.com
Artwork includes: Spain, Tuscany, Maui and southwest paintings, Paintings of many local scenes. Hand painted jewelry. View the one acre gardens of succulents to tropicals overlooking Lake Hodges as seen in San Diego Home and Garden magazine.

Rest in Fleece: Woolen Coffins Offer Green Goodbye

2011-04-07T09:05:00.000-07:00

Rest in Fleece: Woolen Coffins Offer Green Goodbye

This is a brilliant idea. I think our country needs to get in on this trend and we knitter's can be proactive and begin to knit our own! Please click on the blue print to see the article that is no joke and very interesting!

Remodel Completed

2011-04-01T07:11:00.000-07:00

You know my roof has been leaking, the bees have been swarming, and I have lots of deferred maintenance at my house. I called on my fellow knitters to pitch in and this is the result. Now I have a house patched together with love and yarn. That is support in the most creative way. My good friend, Kim Rado-Kornbluth owns the quilting shop- Starry Night Hollow. She got her quilters to come over and artistically cover the house. Check out her shop for incredible quilt inspiration. That is the only real thing in this post- Happy April Fool's Day- with love....

Weirdest Family Matching Outfits. EVER. (Possibly NSFW)

2011-03-31T12:11:00.000-07:00

Weirdest Family Matching Outfits. EVER. (Possibly NSFW)

If you dare to be freaked out check this out!

Knitting Legacy

2011-03-31T08:00:00.000-07:00

A call to all knitters- teach the children in the way they should go. Like riding a bike, it will imprint within their brains and never leave them. Then when they need it the most- knitting will emerge. They will become a part of the great continuum. That of the art of the craft. No one forgets the person that taught them to knit. That is a legacy my friends.

Beware of Bee Swarms

2011-03-30T10:27:00.000-07:00

Well, who knew? I wonder every morning, what might the day hold today?? Yesterday was eventful. DDS appointments for Evan and I at 8 am. Evan has a broken car and I picked him up early to head to our appointment. Evan showed me his broken phone on the way and I decided to buy him a new one after the DDS. No cavities reward! Off to the phone store we went. There I was talked into bundling all of our services together for a $70 a month net savings. After the new phone was pocketed I asked him to buy me a Starbucks as a Thank you.

We walked next door. There in line in front of us were my 2 dear friends M and K. They had just been at my house, where I forgot to meet them. Yes, it was on my calender. But, when Evan's car broke down and he needed a ride, my Mother brain kicked in and off I went. Then the broken phone beckoned. I hugged them and asked forgiveness- which they graciously gave. Thank God!

Now I was running late to meet my niece for lunch at my house before work. Called her and she met us at Evan's apartment so we could see his new abode for the first time. Killed 2 birds with one stone there. She and I did a quick salad lunch and I headed to work while she went to my house to pick up some patio furniture I wanted to donate to her. Whew- all before noon.

I rarely will answer the phone while working with my clients. I picked up because my niece had just left me and it was weird to have her call me. The house was full of bees and they were thick in the air over the house. BEE SWARM! I called an exterminator and he gave me advice which we are following. Kim built a big smoky fire and we have kept it going all day and night. This will only work if the swarm has not had 24 hrs to start a nest. I left the house at 7:15 am and Kim found them at 12:30. So, we are trying to smoke them into a new location.

I have stoked the fire all night and plan to continue all day to cover the 24 hours, plus. Last night as daylight began to wane, they attempted another chimney takeover. Kim and I redoubled the efforts and made the biggest fire I have ever had here. I am so grateful for the cord of wood that Tori and Bill gave us at Christmas. Who knew it had a divine appointment?
So, the fire rages and the smoke billows. I hope the bees find a happy hollow tree in the neighborhood. The irony- it is supposed to be 80 degrees here today! Life...

Knitting In The Fine Arts

2011-03-21T09:02:00.000-07:00

Jean-Francois Millet, the famous French painter, is well known for his paintings of peasant life. "The Gleaners is one of his most familiar paintings. I have a modern interpretation in my living room.

Millet could not escape this image. Women had little time to sit with idle hands. She is bundled up, out with a walking stick, exposing herself to the sun for warmth.

There are probably a few children running in the surrounding fields. Knitting allows multi-tasking. You must try it while out for your next walk...

Backed Against The Wall

2011-03-20T10:49:00.000-07:00

Sometimes life just backs you up against the wall. No blindfold and the guns are aimed right at you. You may get some bad news. You may have a demanding deadline looming. You might feel the pressure of any one of the million little minutia that makes your world run. I knit. I look my challenge in the eye, and I knit.

Yarn is Always Appropriate!

2011-03-19T11:20:00.000-07:00

Is there a doctor or nurse in your life? This will help to identify their stethoscope in a crowd!

Do you have wood floors that need to be protected? Contrast or match for scratch-free safety and utility.

Knitting Fine Art

2011-03-18T10:48:00.000-07:00

Pensive, poetic, summer knitting. Can't wait to do some barefoot knitting on my patio or at the beach.

Knit Green

2011-03-17T11:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Saint Patrick's Day to all my knit sisters and brothers.
The crochet "knit bomb" of the statue is hilarious!
Here are some fine examples of "knittin' for the green"- in case you are
feeling the Irish in you. I am drinking Green tea today for a sore throat.
I never developed a taste for beer- except for that one time in Munich at the Oktoberfest...

Love My Neighborhood

2011-03-16T11:29:00.000-07:00

I am blessed to live in a gorgeous location. Just under 2 acres in horse country a few miles east of the ocean. Before the trees grew so big I could see the ocean off in the distance. One of my favorite parts of living at the end of the road in the country is the way my mind decompresses as I drive home. I leave behind the city and people and follow the horse trails home. I am often surprised by my views along the way.

Lately, with the longer days and warmer weather- my eyes have seen a walking zoo. Magical to me to drive and pass a mother and daughter walking their Alpaca. Sometimes, I see a Llama on a leash. Mini Horses out for a walk are commonplace. This morning a Mr and Mrs out for a walk with a big white Cockatoo on the man's shoulder. Then I park my car in my driveway and the neighbors 3 little pigs run to the fence to greet me. Bliss!

Van Gogh Knitter Sketches

2011-03-15T10:58:00.000-07:00

Vincent Van Gogh is well known for his heavy paint application and saturated colors. These pencil sketches of everyday life and the knitting presence make me love him even more than I ever did. Document what you see. Everything is art. Express yourself...

Good Idea Today

2011-03-14T10:52:00.000-07:00

I have lost my Gingher scissors. I had three different small pairs. I love those little sharp scissors. They may be floating around in project bags somewhere? But, the point (get it?), is that as of this moment, I cannot find one single pair.

All I can find is my pair of snub nose children scissors that I use when traveling by airplane. Perfectly adequate to snip yarn, but not ideal for fine work. I still have my large shears, but they are so sharp, you should need a license to carry them around, let alone use them!

Knitter's love them some Ginghers. Once a fellow Knitwit lost her Gingher point protector and the entire session ground to a halt while we all crawled around and searched every where for the missing sheath. Protecting the point is important. I have my point protector- but no scissor. So sad :(

So- my solution is to join Michael's Craft Store online where I can download a 40% off coupon. With that coupon in hand, I am off to buy a new pair.

Cat In Training

2011-03-14T10:42:00.000-07:00

My cat Cotton is in training to sit around my neck so she is not on my lap and in my knitting. She is fond of the cable on circular needles and attacks them on sight. The yarn running through my fingers is irresistible. So, I gained a faithful friend that I love, but, my knitting hours are shortened by her presence on my lap.

This is my plan- wrap her around my shoulders and plant a treat up there as a reward. She does not shed much at all and I am pleased to say the only time she impacts the knitting is when she sits on my lap. So lap time becomes a special treat and I can continue to knit fur-free and paw free! She thinks my Ott lights are obnoxious.

Now I Have Seen Everything!

2011-03-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

Free Pattern: Toilet Paper

This is a free and easy pattern for everyone to enjoy. Please check out the Mochimochi Land Shop for more patterns that you’ll love!

Who doesn’t need a roll of knitted toilet paper? Great as a bathroom gag, an unconventional scarf, or the perfect Halloween costume: a toilet-papered tree!

This pattern is super-simple and can be made with a variety of yarn and gauges. I used a 4-ply wool yarn for the paper so that it would be relatively thin and paper-like, and I used a light worsted yarn for the cardboard core so that it would have a little structure.

You’ll need:
4 ply wool yarn in white (I used Pear Tree Australia 100% merino, one skein of which made 7 toilet paper squares)
Light worsted weight yarn in brown (I used Elann.com Peruvian Highland Wool)
Small amount of black yarn for embroidered features
Size 4 straight needles and size 5 double-pointed needles, or sized to your yarn
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle

Gauge: Doesn’t matter!

Abbreviations:
k= knit
k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
yo = yarn over

Pattern starts here!

With white yarn, cast on 33 stitches onto straight needles
Work 34 rows stockinette stitch (knit on right side, purl on wrong side)
Next row: [k2tog, yo] to last stitch, k1
Purl one row

You have just knitted one toilet paper square.

To continue to make squares, work 32 rows stockinette stitch (instead of 34), then work the row of [k2tog, yo] and the purl row, then repeat, beginning with 32 rows. For the last square, work 34 rows again, and cast off.

Make as many squares as you like!

To embroider on faces with your black yarn, make two small horizontal stitches for each eye, and embroider on a mouth with backstitch.

Cardboard Core

With brown yarn, cast on 22 stitches onto 3 double-pointed needles, place marker, and join in a round.
Knit 36 rounds, or as many rounds as you need to match the width of your toilet paper, and cast off.

Sew the end of your toilet paper to the “cardboard” with backstitch.

Enjoy your newfound friend!

Please do not copy or distribute any part of this pattern without permission.
Please do not sell items made from this pattern without permission.

Update 10/8/07: Thank you, Natalie, for mentioning Mr. Toilet Paper on the Craft blog!

Sheep on the Brain

2011-03-12T11:07:00.000-08:00

Wensleydale Sheep- I just want to start knitting straight off their backs! It is Spring time.
The clocks have sprung forward and the freesia are in bloom all around my yard. Yesterday I lay by the pool in 80 degrees and dried up the last of my bronchitis. Everyone is out doing yard work. It is the season of Hope. The lambs symbolize my hope!

Harness the Wind

2011-03-12T00:21:00.000-08:00

Vintage Knitting Machine Creates Weather Data Sculptures

March 9, 2011

Here at PSFK, we’ve noticed that knitting seems to be a craft which is quite amenable to technological mash ups. The latest knitting contraption is the Wind Knitting Factory, created by Marel Karhof. A vintage sock knitting machine creates a scarf for as long as there is wind gusting through the bespoke wind turbine. Each scarf has its own label which tells you how long it took to knit and on which date it was knitted providing a pragmatic mapping of weather data.

Merel Karhof: Wind Knitting Factory

[via Another Mag]

By Stephen Fortune

in Arts & Culture, Electronics & Gadgets, Fashion, Stephen Fortune's Articles

Knit What?

2011-03-11T09:22:00.000-08:00

PHAT KNITS is a series of giant threads used to create, knitted or not, interior products.

Wallpaper* by Nick Knight

I Got the Flu Shot??

2011-03-10T21:26:00.000-08:00

I am sick. Man down. Sore throat, ears, swollen glands,hacking out my lungs and I cannot talk.
Ummmm. I need to go to bed now. Nurse!!

Knitting in The Knews

2011-03-10T09:08:00.000-08:00

The graffiti knitting epidemic

A bunch of 'graffiti knitters' are on the loose in the UK – hellbent on liberating us from the forces of drabness. Maddy Costa hits the streets with a woman called Deadly Knits

guardian.co.uk, Sunday 10 October 2010 22.00 BST
Article history

Purls allowed … Knit the City take the Thames. Photograph: Frantzesco Kangaris for the Guardian

It's a blustery Sunday afternoon on London Bridge and I'm exercising my right – or at least, the right of freemen in 11th-century London – to herd sheep across the Thames. They're not real sheep, thankfully. They're tiny knitted creatures, with spindly legs and multicoloured bodies, and snapping at their heels is a gnarly-looking wolf in sheep's clothing.

Confused? Welcome to the world of graffiti knitting, or yarn bombing as it's generally known. If you haven't encountered it before, you might just over the next few days, as knitters across Britain celebrate wool week by "tagging" lamp-posts with knitted doilies, wrapping public statues in scarves and sending knitted animals scurrying about city streets. I can't say exactly where, though, as it's all hush hush.

My introduction to yarn bombing came courtesy of Knit the City, a tight-knit (sorry) London-based crew with fanciful names: my accomplices today are Deadly Knitshade, the Fastener and Shorn-a the Dead. For their Knitmare Before Christmas project, they attacked the statue of a ballerina outside the Royal Opera House with figures inspired by The Nutcracker, while Web of Woe found them installing a 13ft spider's web, replete with trapped insects and fairies, in the "graffiti tunnel" beneath Waterloo station.

Knit the City was established in April 2009 by Lauren O'Farrell, whose first act was to rechristen her group's activities yarn storming. "In London, you can't go throwing the word bombing around," she says. "Yarn storming sounds more creative than bombing, which is destructive. It's a bit more kooky and eccentric." You might say the same of O'Farrell, who started knitting five years ago to distract herself from the treatment she was undergoing for cancer and, in March 2007, celebrated getting the all-clear by tying a 550ft scarf around the lions in Trafalgar Square.

"Kooky and eccentric" is also a good description of Magda Sayeg, the Texas woman credited with starting the yarn bombing movement. Sayeg was managing a clothes shop in 2005 when she was struck by the ugliness of its steel-and-concrete surroundings. Overwhelmed by "a selfish desire to add colour to my world", she knitted her shop a door handle. Then she knitted a sheath for the stop-sign pole across the road. "People got out of their cars and took photos in front of it," she recalls. Seduced by these positive reactions, she began splattering bits of knitting across the world: over parking meters in Brooklyn, over a bus in Mexico, most recently over the gun carried by an 8m-high statue of a soldier in Bali, neutering its violence.

"In this world of technology, over-development, fewer trees and more concrete," says Sayeg, "it is empowering to be able to beautify your environment." It's a quiet political message, but a potent one – and knitters around the world have followed her lead. The results range from the comic (woolly hats and looped moustaches on statues) to the soppy (Swansea's Yarnarchists attaching knitted hearts to street railings on Valentine's Day this year).

There is another reason, Sayeg thinks, for yarn bombing's appeal among knitters: "It has inspired them to do something beyond the functional." O'Farrell agrees: "We're changing the face of craft. Now I feel that I'm an artist instead of just a knitter." Both admit they haven't the patience for conventional knitting. "What I love about yarn bombing," says Sayeg, "is that you can knit something in 30 minutes. You can finish a stop-sign pole by the time you finish watching a movie." O'Farrell has knitted just one jumper in her life – and that was for a one-week-old piglet. "I'd sit in front of a pattern and think, 'Look how much knitting I'm going to have to do to make something that other people have made before.' Eventually, I decided I didn't want to knit anything normal."

It was the potential for marrying art and knitting that appealed to Rachael Elwell, a fine artist based in Salford. Since discovering Sayeg in 2008 – and doing a bit of yarn bombing herself, notably a cosy for a garden shed – her work has taken a turn for the woolly. This month, she's running a project called Crocheting Accy: once a week, she sits in the indoor market in Accrington, teaching passers-by how to crochet, then transforming their creations into a floral installation. Like Sayeg, she has been amazed by people's reactions. "I've come to realise that knitting has a strong community vibe to it," she says. "Everyone's got a social connection to it."

This might explain the increasing desire of councils and art institutions to commission yarn bombers to create official works of art. In August, Belfast was comprehensively yarn bombed at the instigation of Craft Northern Ireland, a government-backed organisation supporting the craft industry. Sayeg has been invited by cities across the US to liven up their public spaces, and O'Farrell is finding it increasingly difficult to separate her guerilla activities from the teaching and charity events she is engaged in as part of her day job, managing the knitting community, Stitch London.

The nostalgic appeal and cosy image of knitting also accounts for the yarn bomber's ability to evade the authorities. "There is a side to it that is unsanctioned," says Sayeg, "but you'd have to be the most bored police officer to want to arrest me." Knit the City have been questioned by the police only once, while tackling a phone box opposite Big Ben. "The minute we said it was a craft project, it was fine," says O'Farrell. "They gave us a stop-and-search notice that said, 'Seen decorating a telephone box on Parliament Square.' Then one of the policemen took pictures of us on his phone for his wife."

• More details: stitchldn.com, knitthecity.com, artyarn.blogspot.com, magdasayeg.com

Workroom Needed

2011-03-08T11:19:00.000-08:00

This is the dining room table when I am trying to complete projects. No matter what I am working on- I have no dedicated work space. So I take out my beading, sewing, knitting, painting, gluing, writing, computing, whatever, and it takes over the house and every room has some stuff. It is creative dandruff that dusts every room in the house. Having company and needing to clean becomes such a challenge that I mostly don't.

I need music and a TV in my project room. Good light and a door to shut. Tables all the way around the walls would also be great. Make that a flat screen mounted on the wall. A sewing table with my machine and the ironing board ever ready. A large cork board for my ideas and articles and inspiration. A great chair on wheels and hard wood floors to roll around on. Hey- it is my fantasy....

Ski Hat With Snowballs for Baby

2011-03-07T11:11:00.000-08:00

This little gem is knit in cotton for comfort and fun. I hope to see a picture of the little boy that was gifted with this hat! Fun to knit, fun to wear. The pattern is by Jil Eaton in her book- "Minnies-quick knits for babies and toddlers" page 76

Schaefer Is Shagilicious

2011-03-06T10:55:00.000-08:00

This is a small scale shawl knit out of Schaefer Hand Dyed Heather Yarn. This yarn is so soft and has such amazing body. There is a touch of nylon in it so it has flexibility. It is also machine washable.

The photo does not do it justice. The pattern is free on Ravelry, or you can Google the Lacy Baktus Knit Pattern.

The colorway is a cool collection of the red spectrum. The blue undertones are evident. You cast on at one of the ends and increase to the middle- then you decrease in a mirror image to the other end.

It is versatile as a scarf, head wrap, shawl, or even a hip wrap- if you have saucy little hips you want to highlight!

Resolution Inspiration

2011-03-05T11:02:00.000-08:00

This is a sweater commissioned by my cousin for her expectant friend.

I knew about it for months. I had the yarn, but I designed the pattern to incorporate cables and seed stitch. The 100% cotton is washable and the buttons are leather. So hand wash is best. It turned out nicely.

The problem was- I was not in love with this project. It felt like pulling teeth to bring it out and work on it. I finished after the little man was born and he received it at the age of 2 weeks. It is sized as a one year old's jacket.

I was paid to do it. My new year resolution- knit what I love and sell it. No more special orders unless I have complete creative control. I learned a valuable lesson about myself.

Lesson learned- best resolution ever.

Baby Balls and Booties

2011-03-04T10:55:00.000-08:00

Now, now. A fun simple gift!

Vintage Fabric Creations

2011-03-03T10:42:00.000-08:00

One day I went to scavenger hunt in the Amvets of Escondido with Becky- the best shopper ever.

She found a set of fabric samples from the 50's with the tag from the manufacturer still attached. She is a real predator in a resale shop and always finds wonderful things!

I begged Becky to let me have them and she did. I made pillows for Christmas gifts. The back was soft corduroy and made for lovely versatile reversibility.

These 2 went to the home of Heather and Thomas, where they lived happily ever after.

Knitted the Grove Wrap

2011-03-02T10:30:00.000-08:00

This is a simple wrap that looks like a vest when worn. It is one big rectangle knit on small needles. Lots of brainless knitting!

Cast on 60 sts to a size 5 circular needle. Knit every row for 72-80 inches depending on your height and weight!

Fasten with a shawl pin and enjoy!! I used this yarn- a DK 100% Alpaca from the Grove. Go there now!!

I made it for Tori and she got it for her birthday. Now I am working on mine.

Running As Fast As I Can

2011-03-01T10:16:00.000-08:00

What a week. Evan got his stitches out Monday morning. He has found an apartment with his Fathers help and plans to move out today??? My darling LOM (little old men) are in physical crisis. Both are ill with severe bacterial infections and we are trying to keep them out of the Rehab/Nursing Home circuit. I am fearful that I may have caught the bug. I found the 92 year old Friday after a fall. He has had a rough weekend. Now his 90 year old brother is sick. I think of these gentlemen like a Father/Uncle set. They keep their sense of humor- commenting on my choice of knitting a fair isle headband with a skull and crossbones motif! Both have had pink eye and I fear it like the plague. I am planning a much anticipated get away and find this tenuous world just a little disarming at the moment. The treadmill needs to be dialed back!!! Keep on laughing and loving...

A Good Listen

2011-02-28T09:12:00.000-08:00

Years ago, on a lake in Northern Michigan, while napping from too much sun and water, I heard an angel singing. This was the voice. If you love a good sweet ballad- check out Eva. She died young and every track she ever laid down is being published because it is delicious. That was a magical summer at the cottage with Deb and the families. This was the magical soundtrack...those memories are with me always and they are a gift.
Happy Birthday Deb.

Knitting Love Letters

2011-02-27T08:58:00.000-08:00

When I was in Michigan this summer I spent the night with my friend Kay. I gave her a crash course in knitting. Then I referred her to the local knit shop for ongoing support.

She is one of the girls you know for many years but only get to see on the rare occasion. We are separated by 2000 miles. Kay tried Facebook and hated it. She does not love to email. The phone is not the communication of choice. For Kay, it is the letter. Pen to paper, in an envelope, stamped and posted.

I was the proud recipient of this letter where she told me about her knitting escapades since that first awkward attempt. Now, she is sketching designs and sending me patterns. Quite nicely, as you can see. I just could not be happier to know that she has fallen for the fellowship of the needles. Welcome my sister. One more bond we share...

Back in the Book Groove

2011-02-26T08:43:00.000-08:00

Here is a stack of the books I have read in the past six weeks. I am trying to get my reading mojo back so I can get back to school and study. The last six months I was not able to read at all. I could not concentrate. The words and the lines on the page moved up and down. It was a result of learning the truth about my marriage. Funny how time really does heal. The words have calmed down and gotten back into place, one page at a time. Just as I have, one day at a time...

My Funny Valentine Neck Wrap

2011-02-25T08:36:00.000-08:00

The skein of yarn was too short for a scarf. I made a simple lace pattern and used up some buttons. One stacked on top of the other and none matching. It is soft and simple and a good use of short bits of yarn.

The Blue Kitty Throw or Siamese Seed Stitch Throw

2011-02-24T08:16:00.000-08:00

This is where my cat likes to spend her day. She matches my bedroom.

On my giant size 19 needles, with 3 strands of yarn held together, I k1,p1,k1 across and then the next row p1, k1, p1 to the end. That is seed the seed stitch. Knit the purls and purl the knits.

Soon it will reach across the end of the bed and be a nice throw for Cotton to sleep on in the sunshine. I would finish it if she would let me knit at night.

She spends all day in bed and all evening on my lap- if I let her- mostly I do...

BABY BOY GIFT

2011-02-23T07:39:00.000-08:00

I knit a hat with a ball of yarn handed out at TNNA as a sample. It is a soft cotton with a touch of nylon for wash-ability. The colorway was a perfect match with the little T-shirt that I found at Nordstrom's. I made the pattern up as I went, adding removable ear-flaps that tie under baby's chin. You can roll up the brim when the baby is small and roll the brim down for a beanie as the baby matures. I love the waves of color created.

Cast on 72 sts to a 16" circular needles, size 9. Knit in the round for 5 inches. Begin decrease- knit 16, K2tog for one round; K15, K2tog for next round; K14, K2tog for next round and continue until the crown of the cap is shaped. When 8 sts remain, K2tog across and then thread yarn onto a needle and draw through the 4 sts and close the top of the hat.

Using 2 double point needles, I picked up 14 sts on each side of the hat. Place the flaps remembering that the forehead is bigger than the nape of the neck. I eyeball it.Knit 14 sts in stockinette for 4 rows. Next row: Knit 1, k2tog, k 8, k2tog, k1. Purl one row. Decrease again the same as the last row until 6 sts remain. K 2 tog- now 3 sts remain. Make an i-cord that is 10 inches long with the 3 sts. Final row- k2tog, k1. cut yarn and thread through 2 remaining stitches. You are done!

Valentines Flowers #1

2011-02-22T07:29:00.000-08:00

My favorite color of Roses.

No Knitting Kitty!

2011-02-21T12:22:00.000-08:00

This is Cotton and it turns out that she wants to eat my knitting!
Curses! Cotton, wool, silk-even blends!

Man Down (again) Graphic photo warning

2011-02-20T18:45:00.000-08:00

Is this getting old for you too? I must say that the time we spend together going to and fro to doctors, CT scans, x-ray consults, surgery consults, preoperative exams culminating in surgery, has drawn us closer. I am thinking we should just sit and talk once a week and quit meeting this way. That is the inside of Evan's elbow and the cursor is between pieces of floating broken bones.

On February 7th, Evan hit a wall in the bowl of the Carmel Valley Skate Park. He broke his elbow again. Yes, the same as the motorcycle crash last July. The break has a name- the terrible triad. That is 2 bones plus one torn ligament. The radial head and the ulna and the collateral ligament. Two screws and many sutures later, my baby boy is now a veteran of the operating room. UCSD Hospital and Dr. Abrams put him back together with kindness and skill on Friday the 18th.

The night of the accident Evan could not reach his parents until late at night. I was at home reading a good book and my phone was off. Guilty Mom syndrome was thick in the air. I wanted to thank Dr. Eric Lovell, our friend and the head of the ER at Scripps for taking care of my boy and being his family in the ER. He referred us to the same ortho doc that helped set his last elbow break. After the CT scan- he sent us to the experts at UCSD.

Recovering at home has been exhausting. He has a catheter in his chest to deliver a nerve block medication from the shoulder down every 15 minutes. The tube is 10 cm into a vein in his chest and the pump is taped down and sits in a fanny pack strapped to his waist.It freaks him out! Still, he needs Percocet every couple of hours. He is tired and crabby. Momma the nurse is tired. The first night I slept(?) with the cell phone in my pillowcase and ran to deliver meds and reposition him every 2 hours. He is able to take his own pill now, if I leave one with the bottle of water open.

I have aged these past two years. Motherhood- not for the wimpy. He has no plans to give up skateboards or motorcycles. Just in case you thought about asking...

Summit American Yak Wrap by Kristin Omdahl - FREE Knitting Pattern - Planet Purl

2011-02-15T09:38:00.000-08:00

Summit American Yak Wrap by Kristin Omdahl - FREE Knitting Pattern - Planet Purl

Cooking Up Some Comfort Food

2011-01-31T11:13:00.000-08:00

Today was my get organized at home day. I do laundry, hit the laptop, and cook for my family.
I also cook for my clients and special occasions. I like to cook in batches.

Tomorrow is my monthly book club meeting. We discuss the book and then have a potluck lunch. One of our members brought a large shopping bag full of butternut squash from her garden. I volunteered to make soup for all of us to go along with our pot luck salad. I wanted to show you what I made before I went to the grocery store to get the ingredients for the special meals I need to make.

The soup recipe is as follows:

BUTTERNUT SQUASH SOUP

2 1/2 lb butternut squash
2 T olive oil
1 1/2 C chopped onions
2 T dry sherry
1 3/4 C chicken or veg broth
1/2 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp salt
1/4 fresh ground pepper
Pinch of cayenne powder
1 C whole milk or half and half
2 T minced chives

1 butternut squash (2 1/2 lb) bake whole with the skin on for 1 1/2 hrs at 400 degrees
Cool and then peel and de-seed. Set aside clean squash.

Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over med heat for 30 seconds. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender- approx 4 mins. Add the sherry and then the squash. Mash the squash.

Increase the heat to high and add the broth, thyme, salt, pepper and cayenne to the pot. Bring to a boil. lower to medium and stir well. Turn heat off and allow to cool slightly.

Transfer the squash mixture to the blender in small batches and blend until very smooth, about one minute, adding milk if necessary to aide in pureeing. return soup to the pot stir in milk or cream over low heat- do not boil. Season to taste. Serve with minced chives.

This is hearty and delicious served with garlic bread and salad for a meal!

TNNA The Trade Show for Our Industry

2011-01-29T13:53:00.000-08:00

Knitting Bracelets

2011-01-28T06:44:00.000-08:00

This is one of many styles of cuffs, bracelets, and adornments knitted up and on display at TNNA this year. I had a blast, as usual, attending with Nancy Queen and her sister Heather Walpole. We are a fearsome threesome on the trade show floor. No yarn is safe from our inquiring hands, eyes and noses. Yes, Heather sniffs yarn to determine many things. This year the show was smaller and lightly attended compared to other years. I did see many of my favorite knit "Rock stars" as well as friends from the knitting guild. I will share more and figure out how to make up some of my own fancies with my collection of yarn scraps and antique buttons. Stay tuned, sharing will occur...

KNITWITS!

2011-01-27T11:11:00.000-08:00

Up Close and Personal Social Knitworking

2011-01-26T10:22:00.000-08:00

Breaking News. Rancho Santa Fe, CA
Reported by Marsha Wenskay AKA- Headknitwit

KNITWITS OF RSF TURN EIGHT: Happy Birthday Knitwits!

Eight years ago, local knit instructor Marsha Wenskay, decided she wanted to spread the knit love by starting a knitting group open to all that wanted to learn.

The no cost lessons and the love of the craft were what motivated her. She wanted to spread the love of a craft that she believes is an art-form in the right hands. Her motto of "no mistakes, just a little design detail" have comforted more than one distraught knitter. Her style of teaching combined with her ongoing support weekly, helps to keep the mistakes to a minimum.

The first evening eight years ago she opened the doors of her classroom and expected a handful of new knitters to seek out some lessons. Fourteen women showed up and Marsha started her aerobic knitting lessons. With giant sized 35 needles in hand and her back to the room she lead the ladies into the magical world of knit. As a conductor of an orchestra leads his musicians, Marsha was able to transform the never-knitters into accomplished makers of knit music.

She incorporated the yarn, needles, friendships,wine and snacks into a regular Wednesday night sit and stitch. Your secrets are safe and no topic is off limits.

The group has a roster of 40+ women from all over the community. They meet in a lovely room with excellent light at the Village Presbyterian Church. Average attendance is about 20 knitters each week. Everyone works at their own pace on the project of their choosing. The "Knitwits" participate in knit-a-longs as the spirit moves them. Currently, the group is working on Christmas Stockings for next year. February will find them learning fair isle knitting on a two-stranded
hat.

The Knitwits have contributed to many charitable knitting projects. Blanket squares for Project Linus, preemie caps, chemo caps, helmet liners for our troops, pink scarves for breast cancer survivors and the Heartscarves Project for survivors of heart disease.

Marsha has pet names for her diverse group of knitters. The "never-knitters" are on the roster because they want to attend the group and have no intention of learning the craft- yet. The "knitter-quitters" came and tried and have switched to another craft for the time being. The "incogknitos" do not want to be affiliated with any group, however are unable to stay away from the party. We protect their identity. The rest are affectionately known as Knitwits. All are welcome.

Every month or so, a brave new-knitter ventures in and finds that she will receive personal attention and group support in her quest for becoming part of a knitting sisterhood. This sorority unites every age, border, network, financial level or any status that can separate women. The act of knitting has been found to have the same medical benefits of yoga on the body and brain. The meditative and psychological joy is harder to measure. The internet has groups with knitting memberships that top one million.

Join us and join a party that you want to never leave. Happy Birthday Knitwits.

Math in the Family

2011-01-26T10:10:00.000-08:00

Soon to be divorced. That is minus one husband. Five take away one, is four.
Adopted one lovely eight year old female cat named Cotton. That is plus one.
Four plus one and we are back to five. That is my bottom line total that feels complete to me.

Cotton is a fiber I love to knit with. Especially, cotton blends. Cotton the cat is beautiful. She is a blend. Part Siamese, part Tabby lynx. She is tall and sleek with blue eyes and the coat of a wild lynx. Shades of gray and cream. She looks great draped all around the house. The Siamese part keeps the shedding to a minimum. She came declawed, so she can scratch w/o consequences. So far she watches me knit and her curiosity is confined to a gentle swipe at the feeder yarn and an occasional taste. Cool and aloof, just the way I want her to be. I stay on one couch cushion and she watches from the other.

When I put the knitting down, or put the laptop on the coffee table, that is her cue to hop on my lap for some loving. She also likes to perch on the back of the sofa and watch my mechanics with yarn.

She is very shy and quiet. She likes to hide and startles easily. Ryan should freak her out. We have had her here since Saturday and that is a whole week for her to settle before the storm of her eldest brother enters the scene. She and Evan have bonded completely. I can see the joy a pet brings all over Evan. I know it was the right thing to do. There is love in the house.

She will have many new experiences ahead of her. Cotton has never been outside. She was an apartment dweller and the spaciousness of this house overwhelmed her initially. She is now looking out of the windows of this "glass castle" and I envision her joining me on the patio one day. We are both entering new phases of our lives. Math figures beyond addition will be involved. I am expecting exponential changes. It is good.

Local Social Knitworking

2011-01-25T10:19:00.000-08:00

Vista group is bringing back "The Social Knit-work"

Clever Knits, a store in downtown Vista, hosts a popular social knitting night on Tuesdays

By Aaron Burgin

Sunday, January 23, 2011 at 6 a.m.

Charlie Neuman / The Union-Tribune

A group of women come together every Tuesday night in Vista to share their love of knitting. They meet at Clever Knits, a store in downtown Vista, which has three "social knitting" sessions a week.

Long before this decade’s social networks of Facebook and MySpace, many women would weave lasting relationships with a couple of knitting needles, yarn and good conversation.

It’s happening again, and a group in Vista is part of a nationwide revival of a movement spearheaded by women who prefer the connections made over cross stitch to those over the Internet.

It’s called social knitting, where women of all ages in the Vista group bond over the centuries-old craft, exchanging projects, patterns or just friendly chat in a shop full of brightly colored yarns and knitting needles.

Tuesday nights at Vista’s Clever Knits isn’t your grandmother’s knitting club, though. Conversations can get a bit naughty, which is why children aren’t allowed. And crocheters are welcome (apparently, they aren’t in some knitting circles).

Clever Knits, which by day sells knitting accessories and tools, opened in a downtown storefront in July 2009. Owner Helena Bristow said it was always her “wild fantasy” to run a store where women could gather and bond over yarn.

She’s been crocheting since she was 4 and picked up knitting in college.

“It’s a really welcoming and open environment,” said Bristow, who has twice dropped out of graduate school programs because, admittedly, she’d rather be knitting. Bristow moonlights as a UCSD employee.

“We have since the beginning wanted to make it really open, and this group of women has made lifelong friendships as a result of the Tuesday night knitting group.”

The Tuesday night group, which meets from 6 to 10 p.m., comprises 20 to 30 women ranging from age 20 to 70, some of whom drive from Poway and Rancho Peñasquitos for good times and a break from their everyday routines — and their significant others.

“It’s good for me, I really enjoy the company ... and it is worth the commute to be with all these people whom I share so much in common with,” said Jimelle Beavers, who lives in Poway. “There are some Tuesdays where my husband will look around and say, “Hey aren’t you going knitting?”

The ladies sit around and work on their projects, chatting about everything from politics to their significant others.

The regulars nickname one another. Melissa Silva-Torcedo is “Malabrigo,” named after the high-end yarn, after people couldn’t remember her name when she started attending.

“They would look at me and say mmmmmm, trying to remember my name,” Silva-Torcedo said.

“And then finally someone said, Mmmmmmalabrigo, which is this awesome yarn,” Bristow interjected. “It’s so delicious.”

“Like me, so it’s a perfect nickname,” Silva-Torcedo fires back, prompting laughter at the table.

Knitting has been around for centuries, but is making a comeback during the 21st century as many women are turning to the pastime as a way to meet friends and enjoy the camaraderie that comes with the shared interest.

Websites and social networking sites such as Ravelry.com have helped launch hundreds of knitting groups across the country.

“There has been a resurgence and interest in slowing down,” said Kerry Wills, a New York Daily News reporter who wrote the 2007 book “The Close-Knit Circle: The American Knitter Today.”

“Our lives have become overwhelmed by technology and the demands of work, and knitting, along with other crafts, is enjoying a revival because it gives you an alternative to that pace.”

There’s also a sense of pride in watching the strands of yarns become a creation — sometimes over a period of decades — Bristow said.

“A lot of my friends play video games or go to the movies, but when you’re done with a video game or a movie, what do you have to show for it?” Bristow said. “It’s unlike any craft because your fingers touch every strand of that yarn, which is kind of amazing and special.”

Clever Knits is at 214 S. Indiana Ave., Vista.

aaron.burgin@uniontrib.com

Social Knitworking

2011-01-24T10:05:00.000-08:00

In the middle of her recent book tour, Debbie Stoller got down on the floor of her Seattle hotel room and blocked out a shawl she had just cast off her knitting needles.

She’d made the shawl using her own bamboo-wool yarn and said she was happy with it. But you could tell from her tone that she would have been happier if she was still working on it.

“I am a process knitter,” she says. “I have more interest in doing it than in the results.”

If you aren’t a knitter, you might not know Stoller’s name, but you’d be hard-pressed to find a woman in North America who hasn’t heard of her stitch’n bitch groups — small home- and shop-based knitting groups that have swept the continent, bringing a new enthusiasm (or should we say obsession?) to knitting.

There was a time not too long ago, when knitting was just about the most uncool thing a young woman could do. Well, except maybe crocheting.

The second wave of feminists rejected needlework along with many other domestic arts in an effort to free themselves from societal limits, Stoller says. Very few knitted and purled during the 1970s, ’80s and even the ’90s.

But then along came Stoller, a self-proclaimed third wave or “girlie” feminist with a PhD in women’s psychology.

Stoller rediscovered knitting as a young woman in 1998 and set out to “Take back the knit,” a play on the women’s movement chant “Take back the night.”

“I understand why they rejected it,”Stoller said from her Seattle hotel room. “But it also got devalued and these skills are a big part of women’s history.

“The third wave in the late ’90s had a different strategy. They had a strategy of reclaiming, which gave it value in a new context.”

For Stoller, that value was in the delicious pleasure knitting gave her. She became a knitting evangelist and invited all comers to meet in a New York café and knit, talk and share expertise. She called it a stitch ’n bitch group. She wasn’t calling herself a capital B who stitches. She uses the B-word as a verb for what women do when they get together.

The name grabbed people’s attention and gave knitting an edginess it hadn’t had in years, at least not in North America. Twelve years later, stitch ’n bitch groups are almost as popular as book clubs.

“I don’t think anyone has done more for getting people back to knitting than Debbie Stoller,” says Anina Hansen, co-owner of Urban Yarns, who recently brought Stoller to Vancouver as part of her tour promote her fifth book, Stitch ’n Bitch Superstar Knitting.

Up until now, all her books have been for beginners. They offer clear step-by-step instructions, techniques and patterns so that anybody can learn.

Her first knitting book, Stitch ’n Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook, was published in 2003. It became a New York Times bestseller and has sold more than one million copies. She has since written Stitch ’n Bitch: The Happy Hooker for crochet and Son of Stitch ’n Bitch for male knitters. She has also developed her own yarns.

“Women in their 20, 30s, 40s would look at her book and say ‘Okay, I can learn now,’ knitter Kathleen Seeley said. “I don’t have my mother or grandmother beside me teaching me, but I can learn from [Stoller] because she has very detailed descriptions. It’s kind of the pop culture of knitting.”

Hansen says Stoller can be credited with bringing the cool back into knitting, giving it a buzz that our grandmothers couldn’t offer.

But Stoller takes umbrage when her books are described as being unlike anything your grandmother might do.

“It always feels like a poke at grandmothers,” she says. “And I think it is your grandmother’s knitting. It is exactly your grandmother’s knitting. It is part of a centuries-old tradition that we engage in, and I think that is what is wonderful about it.”

Stoller can take a bit of credit for adding the communal dimension to today’s knitting culture.

It has become a way to stay connected with friends in this busy world, or to meet kindred spirits when you relocate.

“I really think the communal aspect of knitting has really been central to this trend of the past decade in a way that it never was before,” Stoller said, “first with so many stitch ’n bitch groups forming where people meet in person, and also on the Internet where people share patterns and information. I think that is interesting.”

In her new book, Stoller introduces knitters to the next level of knitting techniques. She has easy-to-follow instructions for colour and stitching techniques such as aran, intarsia, lace, cable and steeks. As with all her earlier books, she includes patterns as well. But this time, she also explains how to make your own. It’s very mathematical.

“There is an immense amount of information,” she said. “I wanted to put a warning on the cover: Caution, very explicit instructions inside. I get very explicit about how to design a sweater.”

kgram@vancouversun.com

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Fireplace Comfort

2011-01-16T22:30:00.000-08:00

Our good friends offered free, split, aged firewood to us just before Christmas. My son drove over and loaded the El Camino with wood and Momma taught him to stack a half cord, like her Daddy taught her.

Since then we have enjoyed the mystery and hypnotic power of the fire. The man I lived with for 30 years was allergic to smoke. Asthma, post nasal drip and noises ensued following exposure. Not worth it. Not even in a house with 3 fireplaces. Now- a little woodsmoke in the air smells like freedom. It smells good and it feels good.

I taught my son to make a fire the way my Daddy taught me. We use the tee-pee technique. As the fire mellows it falls in on itself and it rarely fails to make a hot and entrancing fire. We have had the longest cold snap in our recent history and I have fire and I am using it!

Thanks Heather

2011-01-15T10:51:00.000-08:00

For everything...

Sticks and Strings

2011-01-14T12:05:00.000-08:00

This is an article that appeared in the Yarnmarket newsletter. I wanted to share it with my knitting friends. I think knitting goes as far back as fiber and fabrics. Historically, there is some disagreement to the origin of knitting.

A Brief History of The Knitting Needle

The knitting needle that we use today is a remarkably modern invention. This is the version you'll find in your own supply closet in a myriad of sizes and materials. Whether it is crafted of bamboo, ebony, aluminum or the carbon fiber composite used for Stealth jet airplanes, the modern needle has a long, tapered shaft that's pointed at one end and has a knob at the other to prevent stitches from dropping off. It's hard to believe that this exquisitely simple and practical tool was invented almost yesterday- in the 19th century- although knitting has been popular for over 1000 years.

Archeologists, historians and fiber fanatics alike marvel at the intricate detailing and remarkbly fine gauge of out earliest known examples of the craft- a pair of cotton socks dating back to Medieval times. These "Coptic socks" from Egypt were knitted using sticks to create a stockinette stitch. Purling and other stitches had not been developed yet so multiple needles were used, knitting in the round. Sometimes these round tubes of fabric were cut open ( a process called "steeking") to create a flat piece of fabric.

Some archeologists suggest that the earliest needles may have been fabricated of metal, probably brass, in order to achieve the fine gauge used on the Coptic socks. Can you imagine painstaking effort and incredible patience that must have gone into knitting 10 to 12 stitches and 10 rows per inch??

Because the needles would have resembled very thin rods and sticks, it's possible that archeologists may never find examples of the tools. We may just have to depend upon their conclusions after examining the fabrics.

If we fast forward 400 years to the 1400's we begin to see knitting needles presented in works of art like the various "knitting Madonnas" that depict the Virgin Mary. In these priceless paintings we have positive proof that knitters were using double-points. The craft continued to evolve with the introduction of purling and other new stitches, and examples of items that were created in those days are masterpieces of color, fiber and intricacy. Needles evolved to become unimaginably fine: some knitted items that remain have as many as 25 stitches and 32 stitches to the inch!

As knitting became more widely practiced by the common man, a myriad of styles and tool preferences emerged. Today we have a mind-boggling array from which to select- straight, circulars or space-aged double points. Whatever you choose to knit, and however you choose to knit it, you can be certain that amongst the hundreds of needles available there is going to be one that is absolutely perfect for the task.

And to think it probably got started over a thousand years ago with a couple of sticks and some thread.

Baby Its Cold Outside

2011-01-13T10:07:00.000-08:00

Sunny southern California on a January morning. The temperature dips to 38 degrees.
My breath made clouds around my head while I dressed to fend off the freeze.
I bundle up in hat and gloves and fumble with my keys.
A pot of coffee at the Pancake house with my girlfriends will answer and appease.
Warmed within we walk outside to see the sun has melted the frosted muting of our greens.

Another day in Paradise. It is not tropical, just beautiful.

Knitting In The News

2011-01-12T09:54:00.000-08:00

Op-Ed Contributor

Crafting a Recovery

By ANN HOOD

Published: January 8, 2011

Providence, R.I.

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Harrison Haynes

The United States economy added 103,000 jobs in December, the Labor Department said Friday — proving that the recovery still can’t make up for all the jobs lost during the recession. Four writers share what the economy looks like in cities around the country.

I HAVE been knitting a lot lately — as I do whenever the New England weather turns colder. Baby hats and fingerless gloves. Blankets and dishrags. I’ve returned to a scarf I once grew bored with, a sweater I never finished.

I learned to knit in 2002, six months after my 5-year-old daughter, Grace, died suddenly from a virulent form of strep. I was unable to read or write, and friends suggested I take up knitting; almost immediately I fell under its spell. The clicking of the wooden needles, the soft yarn spilling onto my lap, the rhythm of repeating stitches helped to soothe my broken heart. Time passed, as it will, and eventually I was back to books — reading them and writing them.

It had been a few years since I’d gone to a knitting circle, but on a recent Friday, I headed to Fresh Purls, a three-and-a-half-year-old knitting store on Hope Street here in Providence. The owner, Karen Holmes, was a casualty of the economic downturn when she was laid off from her product manager job at a local technology company.

“Why don’t you open that knitting store you’ve always dreamed of?” her husband suggested. In March 2007, Fresh Purls opened its doors.

As the Rhode Island economy continues to struggle, business at Fresh Purls is, in Karen’s word, “awesome.” Crafts like sewing and quilting are also on the rise. “People aren’t taking as many vacations or going out as often,” Karen noted. “So they’re looking for things to do at home.”

At noon, women began to arrive, taking out patterns, yarn and needles. We cabled and purled, knit in stockinette and garter stitches. The store manager, Helen, helped me turn some gorgeous blue and pink and green stitches I had started as a sweater for my daughter Annabelle into a vest. I wasn’t the only one there salvaging discarded knitting: more aware than ever how much that skein of alpaca costs, how many expensive skeins it would take to make a shawl, many knitters had been searching through their stashes for abandoned projects.

Within an hour, the store was full, and the clacking of needles filled the air. Helen and Karen checked gauges and corrected mistakes, scurried to find measuring tapes and stitch holders. I got lost in the simple task of knit one, purl one, adding a row of turquoise to the borders of the vest. Eventually, the crowd thinned as women left to pick up kids at school or return to work. All of us, I knew, felt calmer and lighter. Whatever weighed on us — our personal sorrows, our financial woes, our uncertain futures — had temporarily vanished as we knitted. “It’s cheaper to buy a sweater at Target,” Karen pointed out. “People don’t knit to save money.”

As I leave the store, Helen tells me that Fresh Purls is running a food drive for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank: “If you bring in a can of food, you can pick a tag from the basket and get a discount on yarn.”

It gets dark early these winter days. The sky is most often pewter and the wind is sharp. We bundle up here, wrapping ourselves in scarves and hats and mittens. I already have a pattern ready for a baby blanket, the brightly colored yarn waiting to be cast on to bamboo needles, that will take many evenings in front of my fireplace to finish. In my neighborhood, across my state and beyond, more and more people will be taking up their own winter knitting projects, keeping hard times at bay, if even just for a little while.

Ann Hood is the author, most recently, of “The Red Thread.”

A version of this op-ed appeared in print on January 9, 2011, on page WK11 of the New York edition.

1-11-11 Ones

2011-01-11T20:53:00.000-08:00

One day I will start to blog again. This seemed like the day.
One is the loneliest number you will ever find... sing with me!
One Day at a time I will open up again and begin to allow the creativity within me flow out.
One entry at a time I will share and find acceptance without fear.

Knitting related and life relating is the tag line of this blog.
I quit when life began relating to me with sucker punches.
I did not want to drag you readers down. I may have underestimated you.
If anyone is still out there- I thank you. Let's try one today and see about tomorrow.

All of the ones that mark this day has me contemplating the idea of firsts.
So this is my first blog entry of 2011. This is my first attempt at getting my mojo back.
I never quit knitting and I have all of my pictures to prove it.
I did quit relating. This is my first attempt to get back to cyberspace and express myself.
One must try, mustn't one.

I still love red wine and want to have fun. Yarn is still my passion.
I have just attended TNNA- the trade show for all of the needle art world. I still have lots to share with photos and words. One reader, one comment, one another. We can take the crap and turn it into wonderful. One to won. That is the plan.

Objects of My Affections

2010-09-16T11:01:00.000-07:00

When you think of all the ways your course could have been altered, and the changes that would have resulted from those alterations, the wise woman must know that the path she followed was meant to be. It produced the three people you see here. That is good. Looking upward and onward.

Moonlight Beach, Encinitas CA

2010-09-15T10:34:00.000-07:00

I live in a beautiful part of the country. This is Moonlight Beach. It is a ten minute drive from my house. I like to take a cup of coffee, sit and sip, think, pray, cry, talk on my cell, watch the surfers and swimmers. I observe life and contemplate here.

Even on an overcast day the beach has visitors. I can park my car in the free lot, then walk a mile north and back a mile south for a perfect workout on the sand. Sometimes I pass another walker, sometimes I do not. I am active here.

Last week I watched a lifeguard push out a sand wheelchair to the beach break, knee deep. The man in the chair let a wave carry him away. Off he swam using the upper portion of his body to swim and be free. I felt a little voyeuristic watching this man undergo a transformation from handicapped to whole. It was intimate and a privilege to see.

At any given moment we use so little of the amazing resources we have at hand.

I want to call upon my hidden strength. I want to use the deeper resources. I want to live life with an appreciation and a purpose that leaves no time for fear or regrets. Tenderhearted, fearless and grateful. Carve that on my tombstone- it would be a fine tribute to the woman I hope to be.

Ryan and Steezy

2010-09-14T10:41:00.000-07:00

This past weekend was a "Ryan Weekend" which usually means we are isolated at home together. He guards his time with his Momma jealously.

This weekend, that was not the case. We had friends come for dinner. Tori cooked Skinny Italian in my kitchen. Ellen made a caprese salad with the sweetest homegrown tomato I have ever tasted. Karen brought ice cream and we had a delightful meal together. Ryan enjoyed the food and the company. He stretched more than his stomach by allowing me to entertain on his time.

Sunday morning Ryan was reminiscing about our beloved dog, Steezy. We miss her very much. I picked up her remains and a paw print from the Veterinarian this past week and shed a tear or two for my faithful companion. Ryan asked me to find another dog like Steezy. One that will sit in his "pouch" and lick his toes. They spent many a Sunday afternoon cuddled on the couch just like this photo. An Autistic boy and his faithful friend to the end.

A "pouch" is the space formed by your bent legs when you curl up on the couch. It was the seat of honor for the kids when they were little and I was reclining with a book or the TV. It is a warm and comfy place to be. I swore I would never have a dog again. Ryan and the empty pouch, may change my mind someday...

Flowerpot Hat Free Pattern

2010-09-13T01:56:00.000-07:00

Here is the free pattern as promised. I strung you along for over a week. That was fun!

FLOWERPOT HAT
Notions needed:
Size 10 or 11 circular needles 16" length
Size 8-10 double point needles
One stitch marker
Worsted to chunky weight yarn 150 yds
Your goal is 5 sts to the inch, chunkier the yarn, bigger the needles.

Directions:

Cast on 48 sts and knit in the round 6 rows. (I usually knit to the end of the row and place a marker and then join being careful not to twist the row when I join.)
Purl 6 rows slipping your marker at the beginning of each round.
Knit 6 rows.
Purl 6 rows.
Knit 6 rows.
Purl 6 rows.
Knit 1 row.
K4, K2tog, repeat to the end of the row. Slip marker.Knit a row.
K3, K2tog, repeat to end of round. Slip marker. Knit a row.
Switch to the double points and K2. K2tog, repeat to end of row distributing sts on to the dpn.
Knit one row.
K1, K2tog, to end of round.
Knit one row.
Cut the yarn 8 inches long. Thread onto a tapestry needle. Run the yarn back through each stitch removing from the dpn's. Draw the yarn up to form the top of the hat. Secure and close the hole by weaving into the circle. Weave in the ends and wear it well.

Hat of the Day #9

2010-09-12T01:19:00.000-07:00

This is the hat that started the series. I sit in the family room often. Across from the couch sits an old glazed piece of pottery I picked up many years ago at a garage sale. I like the color and the finish. Then in passing through some of my single skeins in the stash, there was a single ball of this wool tweed that was imported from the UK about 25 years ago. I had two balls in different shades of green. Somehow I saw a hat in my mind, knit to resemble the flower pot. Viola' - the Flowerpot Hat. Free pattern tomorrow!

Hat of the Day #8

2010-09-11T01:14:00.000-07:00

Jo Sharp Silkroad Yarn is a luxury Aran tweed. I finished the top with a second color of green for the fun of it.
Sometimes a little subtle change is all you need to keep things interesting. You can read a lot into that statement!

Hat of the Day #7

2010-09-10T00:46:00.000-07:00

Mohair, silk hand dyed delicious yarn in the flattering flower pot design. This hat looks good on. Any size head, worn low, worn high, big hair, no hair. You have to try it. I will soon post the pattern and the inspiration for the pattern.

Hat of the Day #6

2010-09-09T08:07:00.000-07:00

Noro Silk Garden Yarn from Japan makes the Flowerpot Hat soft and flattering for all figure types.
Simple to knit and so happy to wear.

Head Knit Wit

What is Happeming To Me???

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Kristen Cap & Sockies

Sizes

Finished Measurement

Materials

Gauge

Special Technique

Pattern Notes

Hat

Picot Hem

Body

Crown

Earflaps

Twisted Cord

Crocheted Flower

Sockies

Picot Border

Leg

Semi-Wrapped Short-Row Heel

Heel Turn

Foot

Toe

Finishing

Kitchener Stitch

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Knit Outta the Box

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Unique Tampon Angel

My Notes

My Notes

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