The Knitting Lanai

Spring-y Scarf Pattern

2009-01-16T16:05:00.000-08:00

Here's an interesting little scarf to knit Cruise Dreaming of Spring Scarf

H/T to Whip Up

Patron Saints of Knitting

2009-01-11T16:35:00.000-08:00

St. John Vianney

I know I am not alone when it came to finding out who the patron saints of knitting were. One Catholic knitter/blogger told me it was St. Dymphna. For those of you who would like to learn more about saints and knitting, there is a good post up at the Pious Sodality of Church Ladies. Knitting With the Saints

One of my favorite saints is reported to have been a knitter...and he was a man! His picture is above.

Happy New Year!

2009-01-03T19:43:00.001-08:00

Well, the last year ended sadly for us. We lost our cat Honey, a little tabby that looks like the kitten in the above graphic. It's been a week today that she got lost. Well, we are still hoping and praying that she will be found. I hope your year ended better for you.

One blogging resolution I made is that I hope to post more regularly on this often forgotten blog.

I thought I would kick of the year by sharing the following with you:

Plans for a Rosary Shawl is coming soon.

Project Linus

2008-11-13T18:43:00.000-08:00

Project Linus

Providing security blankets to a deserving child. You can knit, crochet or quilt a blanket. Check out the link above for a Chapter near you or consider starting a chapter.

Knitting for a Good Cause

2008-10-19T11:44:00.001-07:00

The following site was shared by a mom in one of my e-groups, Jeni.

Care Wear

Care Wear is a nationwide group of volunteers who knit, crochet, and/or sew, providing handmade baby items to hospitals. All Care Wear items are given free to infants, children and their parents.

Contact Info:
Care Wear Volunteers, Inc.
Bonnie Hagerman
c/o Hood College
401 Rosemont Avenue
Frederick, MD 21701

Phone: 301-696-3550
Fax: 301-696-3952
hagerman@hood.edu

You can find a place near you who will accept these baby items. Some of them are used to bury some sweet innocents.

The next one I found on Lion Brand

Knit One, Save One

Oh No! It Happened Again!

2008-09-30T18:46:00.000-07:00

First of all, I am not working on Square 11. I am in fact working on Square 10 :-(

Anyway, I had to restart this square because of our little cat (as I mentioned the other day). Well, this morning my husband confessed to me that he my knitting and the vacuum had a little run in last night. It seemed that my husband decided to vacuum the living room after I went to bed. He apparently didn't see my knitting that I had tucked away behind a table. But the vacuum did and now the whole thing is unraveled. Not only that but the vacuum also sucked up my bamboo knitting needle and broke it.

My husband felt so badly about this that he mended the needle as best he could. But as for the square...it is back to drawing board.

Purple Shawl

2008-09-28T16:37:00.001-07:00

This project has kept me quite busy. I used pure wool for this one. I made it for my friend's upcoming birthday. Although, the pattern was a simple one and a free one at that, I am quite pleased with the results.

Triangle Shawl

2008-09-28T16:34:00.000-07:00

This is a shawl I made for myself. I used Highland & Islands Balmoral silk yarn in a lovely green shade.

WIP - Men's Scarf

2008-09-28T15:05:00.000-07:00

I decided to make my BIL a scarf for his upcoming birthday. Since he is an executive, I wanted to make a quality scarf. At my LYS I found a beautiful Italian wool. The color I chose will go perfectly with any color coat. It took two balls of yarn to make this scarf. It is garter stitched only. I believe I casted on 20. I am wondering if I should make fringes to finish it up. My DH says I should.

Updating My Blog

2008-09-28T15:00:00.001-07:00

I have been really bad about keeping up with the Learn to Knit Afghan squares. As you can see from the above photo, I am only in the beginning of Square 11. Then today when I went to pick up my needles again, I noticed that our cat had been playing with my knitting.

Oh sure, she may look innocent but she is a naughty kitty. My DH even warned me to put away the knitting last night but I failed to listen to him. But I am looking at the bright side, I will start over and will not make the couple of mistakes I made with this one.

New Blanket Pattern

2008-06-09T08:05:00.000-07:00

Lana shared a free pattern link on her blog which I think is a wonderful way to use leftover yarn of different colors.

Chevron Stitch Baby Blanket

Has it Been That Long?

2008-06-09T06:51:00.000-07:00

If Teresa hadn't posted a comment on my other blog, I would not have realized that I haven't posted here in over a month! I have been knitting though.

I hope to post more but problem is that I am a slow knitter.

Finished With Square 9

2008-06-09T06:46:00.000-07:00

I finally completed square #9. I don't know why the bottom and top curled so much. It was a much easier pattern than I had initially thought. I knitted this one using plastic needles because my mom couldn't find her metal or bamboo ones. I did not like using plastic needles at all.

Dishcloth and Soap Gifts

2008-05-01T17:13:00.000-07:00

The gift bags have been filled and our new kitty seems to be inspecting them.
The four finished dishcloth and the soap which compliments the color of the dishcloth
Close up of the blue one
One of the projects I have been busy with is making dishcloths to match the soaps I bought from Kamauoha Farms They are natural soaps with a loofah in the middle.

Humor Break

2008-04-11T16:47:00.001-07:00

Shared by Teresa.

You know you knit too much when....

when your husband mentions pearls and you accuse him of not being able
to spell.

Warm Woolies - Charity

2008-04-11T12:22:00.001-07:00

If you want to knit for someone in need, check out The Warm Woolies Knitting for Orphans Project

Another Blanket Competed

2008-04-09T16:55:00.001-07:00

Well, it took me roughly 45 days but I finally finished. I had to go on hiatus from the afghan KAL so I could complete it though. Now I have that and other projects lined up to do.

My husband was very pleased with new blanket. It is too small for our bed but just the right size when he takes a nap.

This one was one with the alphabet letters found Here.

Tinking

2008-03-19T18:27:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Teresa for sharing this video.

Well, Square 6 is FINALLY Completed

2008-03-14T12:43:00.001-07:00

This particular one took me two weeks to complete. The reason for the long time was because I had to learn to knit and purl from the back. With the help of two helpful ladies in the KAL group and a video from Knitting Help I figured it out by trial and error. I had to frog for the first time since starting this project, a total of 6 or 7 times before I finally understood the rhythm.

I still made errors but once I was familiar with the stitch, the errors were easy to correct.

Warm Woolies 2008 Contest

2008-03-12T17:43:00.000-07:00

I got this through one of my Catholic knitting groups:

Warm Woolies 2008 Contest

OT - JPII Crossstitch Kit

2008-03-04T12:28:00.001-08:00

I subscribed to Herrschners

and I found this lovely crossstitch in their clearance sale. I don't do needlepoint nor have I ever ordered from them. Just letting you know...

Humor Break - Knitting Ramen Noodles

2008-03-03T16:43:00.001-08:00

with chopsticks. But seriously, I learned a couple of new techniques here.

HOW TO: Bind Off

2008-03-03T16:38:00.000-08:00

Here's a good video to show you how to bind off.

Binding Off

Afghan KAL - Square 5 is Done!

2008-03-03T16:30:00.001-08:00

This square was the diagonal ribbing. It was easy once I got the hang of it. I took my time though so as to avoid any mistakes. And, I do think I managed to complete it without any mistakes.

I also did the BO the way the instructions suggested. Knitting the knitted ones and purling the purled ones. The finished edge looks quite nice. Glad I didn't cheat by knitting and BO all the stitches.

Square #4

2008-02-28T16:33:00.000-08:00

I guess I forgot to post this one. Sorry for not blocking it off before taking the photo. It did come out quite nicely. But you will have to take my word for it :-)

Square #3 - Basketweave

2008-02-21T13:48:00.000-08:00

The third square of the KAL afghan took me a few days to complete. After finishing one group of stitches, I wanted to avoid any mistakes so I left it at that. After a while I realized it was a fairly easy pattern to follow. I look forward to starting #4 today.

Square 2 Photos

2008-02-16T14:07:00.001-08:00

In the middle, I got distracted so I had to redo a row. Oh well...

New Project - Afghan

2008-02-14T16:12:00.001-08:00

I was finally able to join in the KAL I joined a few weeks ago. It is one that uses Barbara G. Walker's Learn to Knit Afghan book. The book recommends using wool for this project. I am using acrylic for three reasons. 1) I am not that a knitter and didn't want to practice on expensive wool. 2)We live in Hawaii and it would be too hot to use. 3)It is easier to pop into our local Walmart when I need more yarn.

If this project turns out well, then I will do the next one in wool.

Joining a New Ball of Yarn

2008-02-13T16:00:00.000-08:00

H/T to Teresa, our afghan KAL group mom who shared this video with us.

Finally Finished - Dishcloth Blanket

2008-02-10T17:40:00.001-08:00

On Friday, I finally finished my son's blanket. As you can see, it fits his twin bed perfectly. I am pleased with the way it turned out although, I can see a lot of places where I should have been more careful.

Now, I can finally join in the Learn to Knit Afghan KAL as well as starting my DH's dishcloth blanket. And, to think my New Year's resolutions were to try knitting socks and sweaters. For now, those projects are on the back burner.

When Knitting Becomes an Obsession

2008-02-05T13:36:00.000-08:00

H/T to Teresa of To Love and to Pray

Knitted Companion Cube Pattern

2008-01-26T18:42:00.000-08:00

My son is currently playing a game named Portal (from the Orange Box). One of the "characters" is a companion cube. He liked that cube so much he actually found a knitting pattern for it.

Knitted Companion Cube

New Look

2008-01-26T18:19:00.000-08:00

I thought I would feature our pet cat in the new header. Mahalo to her for posing for me this afternoon.

PBS Knitting Show

2008-01-24T20:36:00.001-08:00

Someone from the Novice Knitters e-group shared the following information:

Knit and Crochet Today
There is a form to request this show if your local PBS doesn't carry it.

I've Joined a New KAL

2008-01-21T12:44:00.000-08:00

My new friend Teresa of To Love and to Pray started an afghan KAL which should be a lot of fun! The last KAL I did was a cable one. I learned how to knit using the cable hook in that one.

The following link is being added to the side bar.

Learn to Knit Afghan KAL

Blanket Project is Advancing

2008-01-19T16:50:00.001-08:00

I finished sewing together the third row of my son's blanket. I was going to wait until I finished knitting all the squares before sewing but I was having a hard time keeping the color combinations straight! The next row will be the squares with my son's name.

The photo makes it appear that the squares are not even with each other but they are.

Sailboat Dishcloth Blanket Progress

2008-01-10T14:11:00.001-08:00

Knitting and Hollywood

2008-01-10T13:59:00.000-08:00

Actually, I was looking for the patron saint of knitters and came across this photo of Cary Grant knitting in the movie Mr. Lucky

Would a weaver's patron saint be the same for a knitter's patron saint?

A Fun Little Knitting Video

2008-01-08T15:18:00.001-08:00

Knitting: A Worldwind Tour

Ravelry

2008-01-07T18:13:00.000-08:00

Today I received my invitation to join Ravelry!

My Notebook can be found here.

So far, I've added one work in progress. There is so much to explore! Wish there was more time in the day.

Lego Knitting Machine

2008-01-06T14:25:00.001-08:00

Double Cast On

2008-01-04T15:53:00.000-08:00

Here is a video from Knitting Help which demonstrates the double cast on method I mentioned in a previous post.

Blanket Project Preliminary Photos

2008-01-03T10:41:00.001-08:00

As you can see, I already have three squares finished. I think I will make it 5 squares in width. It is for my son's twin sized bed.

The lovely Lana of Knit and Pray found me the two patterns I was hoping to find!

1. The turtle pattern

2. The Alphabet pattern

Now I hope to make the first row sailboats, the second row turtles, the third row I will spell out my son's name and the continue the pattern in reverse order.

Thanks so much Lana!!

One of the Projects I Finally Finished

2008-01-03T10:35:00.000-08:00

My son gave me a hank of baby blue alpaca wool for my birthday last year. I did not want to use it right away, hoping to finish off knitting all the acrylic yarn first. But exactly one year later, I finally gave in and knitted a scarf which the owner of our LYS suggested I do.

Here you have my dog modeling it for you. If you click the picture, you can enlarge it to see it better.

Alpaca is so soft. I am from Peru and so I was familiar with alpaca. However, I was only familiar with the browns, black and white alpaca. So nice to know it now comes in so many different and beautiful colors!

Knitting Supplies

2007-12-30T12:10:00.000-08:00

We went to Walmart after Mass last evening. I didn't have any high expectations of finding anything other than acrylic yarn there but I went with an open mind. I wanted to go to our LYS but I had a feeling it was closed for the New Year's weekend. Well, I came home with the following to add to my knitting trunk. I have a small rattan/bamboo trunk were I keep my yarn, needles, etc.

Well, I found and bought the following:

1. Bamboo knitting needles size 9

2. Double-pointed needles (4)

3. A bunch of Peaches -n- Cream cotton yarn

4. Caron's Simply Soft in mint and steel blue

There were stitch markers and row counters also. But I think I will wait until next time.

Might As Well Start From the Basics

2007-12-30T11:54:00.000-08:00

When I was home this past summer, my mom and I started knitting a sweater together (each taking a separate part). But my mom wasn't at all pleased with my method of casting on. My method of using one needles to wrap around the yarn left large loops. This was not at all pleasing to my experienced knitting mother. She then taught me the method of knitting the stitches onto the other needle. Although this method did not leave the large loopy ends, it wasn't as tight or finished as I would like it.

I went back to the Stitch -n- B... book and at midnight while reading in bed, I taught myself Debbie Stoller's double cast-on method. She was right, it is easy once you get the hang of it and more importantly, the edge is so nicely finished and tight!

Gift I Received

2007-12-29T15:49:00.000-08:00

My friend Helen gave me a wonderful little present for my recent birthday. It is a 2008 Knitting Calendar by Desiree Scales. It is loaded with instructions, patterns, tips, techniques, etc. Can't wait until Tuesday :-)

BTW, I'm also rereading my S-n-B book from cover to cover. Told you I'm serious about knitting again.

Ravelry

2007-12-29T15:47:00.000-08:00

Have you joined Ravelry yet? I'm still waiting....should be any day now...

New Site Added to the Sidebar

2007-12-29T15:23:00.000-08:00

I came across a new site today loaded with patterns and info.

Free, Knit Patterns

I'm Back

2007-12-29T15:08:00.000-08:00

Well, after a long hiatus, I am back. I got a little discouraged when my attempts to knit a dog sweater didn't turn out the way I wanted it to. But the other day I picked up my needles and decided to start from scratch. For me, that means with a dishcloth.

Oh, I know that is the easiest and most basic knitting a beginner can do. But my goal is to make my son a new blanket. The quilt I made for him 11 years ago is literally falling apart. I plan on using different dishcloth patterns in complimentary or contrasting colors and then putting all the squares together to make a blanket. It will look more or less like an afghan.

One pattern I found is a sailboat dishcloth which can be found HERE What I really want to find is a turtle pattern or large letters of the individual alphabet to knit my son's name on each block.

Well, back to my searching...

Knit for Kids Sweater Pattern

2007-11-14T10:35:00.000-08:00

From the Daily Guide Posts. It is a good way to help a needy child get a nice sweater.

New Knitting Button

2007-10-04T17:35:00.000-07:00

I found this cute little button on Knitting is Fun Blog

Knitting Etiquette

2007-09-22T16:03:00.000-07:00

Wendy Knits - Knitting Etiquette

I would not think of knitting in Church but I did see a women crocheting while waiting her turn for Confession.

5 Hour Baby Sweater Projects

2007-09-22T15:59:00.000-07:00

5 Hour Baby Sweater Pattern

Baby Boy 5-Hour Sweater Pattern

Friendship Chain

2007-09-20T14:50:00.000-07:00

I was happily surprised with this cute little gift from fellow Catholic knitter and blogger Pame

Todos nosotros / All of us...
Viejos y jóvenes / Old and young...
Cerca y lejos / Near and far...
Guardamos recuerdos especiales de los buenos momentos que hemos compartido / Hold special memories of good times we've shared.
Hemos tenido nuestra cuota de tiempos malos donde nuestros amigos estuvieron ahí para hacernos sentir mejor / We've had our share of hard times when our friends were there to make us feel better.
Hemos compartido / We've shared...
Nuestros corazones / Our hearts
Nuestro tiempo / Our time
Nuestros secretos / Our secrets
Nuestros temores / Our fears
Nuestras esperanzas / Our hopes
Y nuestos sueños / And our dreams.
¡Que nunca rompamos la cadena de amigos! / Let us never break the chain of friends!

Saluda con este mensaje a todos aquellos que te hacen feliz con su amistad virtual/ Pass this on to all of those that you are happy to have as friends on the net.

I would also like to return the little gift to Pame and to the following ladies:

Lana

and Amy

A Gift for Catholic Knitters and Crocheters

2007-09-15T14:52:00.000-07:00

When my friend Heather requested a button for Catholic crocheters I was only too happy to comply. I was never too happy with the way my original Catholic knitters button looked so I updated that one too. Please help yourselves to either or both of them.

Update on Knitting Projects

2007-07-02T11:54:00.001-07:00

Although, I haven't posted in a while, that doesn't mean I haven't been knitting.

I finally finished the pink and white diamond baby blanket for my sister and brother in law.

Now, my mom and I are knitting a sweater together. We are each doing one side of the sweater. It is being done in microfiber yarn that I found on sale at AC Moore. The color is a lovely mauve.

I also bought my first pair of bamboo knitting needles. My mom is actually using those while I use her plastic ones.

Update - Knit to Pray Series

2007-05-03T15:22:00.000-07:00

Suzanne of Trinity Shawls posted the following comment:

Thank you, Esther, for finding and sharing about TrinityShawls.com!

The next Celebration is the Visitation on May 31st for Mary's visit to Elizabeth @ www.trinityshawls.com

Also, please know that the second in the Knit-to-Pray series is on the website and is called Knit-to-Pray with Martha and Mary in simplicity.

Knitting Meme

2007-03-24T17:23:00.000-07:00

I found the following knitting meme at So Much Yarn, So Little Time

What is your all time favourite yarn to knit with?
Alpaca or alpaca blend.

Your favourite needles?
Right now it's my circular needles which I use a lot.

The worst thing you've ever knit?
The ugliest dog sweater you've ever seen. I combined two colored yarns dark blue and bright yellow and it just didn't work.

Your most favourite knit pattern? (maybe you don't like wearing it...but it was the most fun to knit)
I use the diagnonal baby blanket pattern from Lions Brand a lot.

Most valuable knitting technique?
Learning how to purl.

Best knit book or magazine?
Stitch -n- Bitch

Your favourite knit-a-long?
Fisherman cable knit scarf

Your favourite knitblogs?
The ones on my side bar

Your favourite knitwear designer?
my mom.

The knit item you wear the most? (how about a picture of it!)
I still haven't knitted anything for myself. I give everything I knit away.

I am not sure who reads this blog regularly. If you do, you are tagged :-)

What Kind of Yarn Are You?

2007-03-22T17:57:00.000-07:00

H/T to Amy

What kind of yarn are you?

You are Dishcloth Cotton.You are a very hard worker, most at home when you're at home. You are thrifty and seemingly born to clean. You are considered to be a Plain Jane, but you are too practical to notice.
Take this quiz!

Quizilla |
Join

| Make A Quiz | More Quizzes | Grab Code

Arrrgh! Knit Like a Pirate Mateys!

2007-03-21T13:07:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of Pirates of the Caribbean
H/T to Alabama Improper

KNIT LIKE A PIRATE

"Aye, mates, when our Jezebel ain't swabbin' the decks o' this site, her weapons o' choice be pointy sticks an' string. She recently designed this fine booty bag, and is offerin' it free fer the downloadin' to all fans o' Talk Like A Pirate Day."

If You Are a Catholic Knitter With a Blog

2007-03-19T19:14:00.000-07:00

Please help yourself to this logo.

Knit to Pray

2007-03-18T23:00:00.000-07:00

I stumbled across an article on knitting in a Catholic newspaper Catholic Herald

Through knitting, “God is blessing us in silence and love,” Harker wrote in the Knit-to-Pray Prayer Guide. “It is our time to be present in loving silence to God who nurtures our minds, bodies, hearts and souls.”

Here’s how it works. Knit-to-Pray offers three different shawls: The Annunciation (feast day March 25), The Visit (May 31) and The Nativity (Dec. 25). Each piece offers a choice between two color palettes — fall to winter or winter to spring. For example, The Annunciation winter to spring pattern crosses “Mary’s blue and God’s purest white” to invoke “the brightness and light of spring.” Each shawl is accompanied by a Gospel reading, a Gospel reflection and reflection questions, and the kit comes with Aussie wool, bamboo knitting needles, an instructional guide to knitting and praying, and a sizing chart.

“Knitting becomes prayer when we let the rhythm of knitting, a repeat pattern, move our mind and heart into a place of quiet recollection in the presence of God,” Harker wrote. “By reading the Scripture slowly before beginning our Knit-to-Pray shawl experience, we will focus ourselves on God and move into prayerful reflection.”

For more information on Knit-to-Pray go to Trinity Shawls.

What's New?

2007-03-18T15:43:00.000-07:00

I know I haven't posted in a while. I have been knitting though. I attempted to make a sweater for my dog. Although I followed the pattern instructions, it just didn't turn out well. I may end up frogging it after all. That will put me behind in my goal to use up all my yarn.

Currently, I am knitting with baby yarn in pink and white, together and making a diagonal baby blanket for one of my sisters. She and her husband are in the process of adopting a baby.

If I don't finish up my yarn, I won't be able to knit with the alpaca yarn I received as a gift from my dear son. But I am trying to discipline myself to follow through on resolutions.

Spirituality of Knitting

2007-02-20T21:40:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of A Good Yarn

Here's another good one from Monastic Musings A reflection of knitting and the Book of Genesis. Click above to read. What I also enjoyed was the connection to Lectio Divina which I recently posted about in my main blog.

"A Benedictine Approach. Benedictines apply the pattern of lectio divina (much blogged here in recent days) to many things in life. This ancient method of sacred reading is prayerful - not studying a text, but ruminating on it, opening oneself to hear God's voice. Some practice a lectio on life, using the events of the day or the week as the subject for lectio. The four steps are easy to adapt to knitting in a quiet environment"

Faith Lessons From Knitting

2007-02-20T21:29:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of A Good Yarn

Thanks to this week's Catholic Carnival, I visited a new blog: Monastic Musings and found the following:

1. Everything is done one stitch at a time. No amount of wishing will get a cable sweater done faster. It is all done stitch by stitch. And that is a good thing.

2. Little mistakes can sometimes be covered up.

3. And sometimes not.

4. Big mistakes always require ripping back and starting over. Faithful people call this confession and forgiveness. Knitters call this frustrating.

5. Trust the pattern. Sometimes the Pattern Maker asks you to do things that seem silly, or unnecessary, or just impossible. Do it anyway.

6. Question the pattern. Sometimes the pattern isnt right for you. So you need the courage and intelligence to change it - make the sleeves longer, the body wider, the stitch easier. The pattern needs to change, sometimes. That's fine, just don't lose sight of the finished product - something beautiful.

7. Failure happens to everyone. Sometimes you just blow it. The yarn is wrong, the pattern is wrong, the gauge is wrong, or it's just wrong for you. So you put it away for a while, until you have the courage to look at it, rip it out, and try again, only this time the big fluffy sweater will be a big fluffy afghan. It is important to move on and re-imagine what you might do with what you have.

8. While finished products are nice - and sometimes very nice - it's realy the process that's the most important. After all, if all you wanted was a sweater, you could have bought one cheaper and a lot faster than knitting one. Living is all about process too, about the working at it, day in and day out. The finished product - the life well lived - is celebrated when we aren't there anymore, at our funeral. Until then, we just keep working at it, one stitch at a time.

Video - Knitting the Continental Way

2007-01-21T17:15:00.000-08:00

H/T to Aloha Knitters

2007 World Wide Knit in Public Day - Sign Up

2007-01-17T16:38:00.000-08:00

"This year World Wide KIP day will be held on Saturday, June
9th. Right now there aren’t any gatherings listed for 2007; sign up’s will open
on January 1st, and close on May 1st. "

For more information visit the WWKIP Day website.

Alphabet Knitting

2007-01-09T20:38:00.000-08:00

With this site, you can knit squares of the alphabet letters and numbers.

Click title to go to the site

Tips for Teaching Children to Knit

2007-01-09T11:49:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of Government Art Collection

The following is from The Craft Yarn Council of America

TEACH A CHILD TO CROCHET AND KNIT

The wide smile on a child's face.
The excitement in a young voice.
The pride and enthusiasm seen in small eyes.
What a delight this is for both the young and the "young at heart"!

Sharing your love for crochet and knitting will bring these joys to all who invest their time and talents to teach a child!

Children who are taught to crochet and knit learn so much more than just "stitches". They learn problem solving and math skills. Their reading skills, motor skills, and eye-hand coordination are enhanced. They find an outlet for their creativity which builds self-confidence and self-esteem.

The following suggestions are "time tested" and we hope that you will find them useful as you prepare to share your talents and skill with young people. If you are teaching in a group session or one-on-one, these "quick reference tips" will prove to be useful.

TEN TIPS FROM THE PROS

1. KEEP IT FUN. Your young students must enjoy what they are doing. Let them see that you are having fun.

2. Have a model to display of a project so your students can see what they will be making.

3. Select simple projects that will interest your young students;
projects that can be completed quickly,
use brightly colored yarns, and
have extra supplies on hand.
4. Keep the lessons short to accommodate the short attention span of children.

5. Don't expect perfection. They are trying. That is what is important. Praise them! Find something to compliment;

"I like that yarn color!"
"You have been a good listener today!"
"Your stitches are looking so good!"
"I like the way you are holding your crochet hook!"
REMEMBER KEEP IT FUN!!!!

6. Showing is better than telling. Demonstrate the skill that you want them to do.

7. Put something in their hands as soon as possible. Many teachers have found it easier to begin by giving students a hook or needles with a few rows of crochet or knitting completed. Students learn the basics more easily and then go back and learn foundation chain or cast on, which can be tricky for beginners because of their tension.

8. Children need to have a sense of accomplishment. Provide them with frequent progress reports.

9. When a child is having difficulty with a skill, show them an alternative, if possible.

10. When teaching teenagers:
do not "dumb down" your instructions, but recognize their interests are different,
treat them as adults not like "large children," choose projects that match their interests, consider current fashion trends.

Highlighting a Site

2007-01-08T20:25:00.000-08:00

Here's one I forgot all about. This site will come in handy especially if you are a novice knitter:

The Knitting Fool

Recent Finished Project

2006-12-24T13:36:00.000-08:00

I found an easy hat to knit in the Stitch 'n Bitch book. Since I didn't have the yarn and want to use up yarn I already have, I modified it a bit. It turned out to be big enough for Joey's joey. And, to finish it up, I made him a matching scarf.

A Knitter's Christmas Eve

2006-12-23T20:24:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of A Good Yarn

H/T to Kim

'Twas the night before Christmas and all around me
Was unfinished knitting not under the tree.
The stockings weren't hung by the chimney
with care'
Cause the heels and toes had not a stitch there.
The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
But I had not finished the caps for
their heads.
Dad was asleep; he was no help at all,
And the sweater for him was six inches too small,
When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter
I put down my needles to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tripped over my yarn and fell down with a crash.
The tangle of yarn that lay deep as the snow
Reminded me how much I still had to go.
Out on my lawn I heard such a noise,
I thought it would wake both Dad and the boys.
And though I was tired, my brain a bit thick,
I knew in a moment it must be St Nick.
But what I heard then left me perplexed,
For not a name I heard was what I expected,"Move, Ashford!
Move, Lopi! Move, Addi and Clover!Move, Reynolds! Move Starmore! Move
Froelich --move overPaton, don't circle 'round; stand in the line.
Come now, you sheep will work out just fine!
I know this is hard; it's just your first year,I'd hate to go back to eight tiny reindeer."
I peered over the sill; what I saw was amazing,
Eight wooly sheep on my lawn all a-grazing.
And then, in a twinkle, I heard at the door
Santa's feet coming across the porch floor.
I rose from my knees and got back on my feet,
And as I turned 'round St Nick I did meet.
He was dressed all in wool from his head to his toe,
And his clothes were hand knit from above to below.
A bright Fairisle sweater he wore on his back,
And his toys were all stuffed in an Aran knit sack.
His cap was a wonder of bobbles and lace
A beautiful frame for his rosy red face.
The scarf 'round his neck could have stretched for a mile,
And the socks peeking over his boots were Argyle.
The back of his mittens bore an intricate cable.
And suddenly on one I espied a small label,"S.C." was duplicate stitched on the cuff,
And I asked, "Hey, Nick, did you knit all this stuff?"He proudly replied,
"Ho, ho, ho, yes I did.
I learned how to knit when I was a kid."
He was chubby and plump, a quite well-dressed old man,
And I laughed to myself, for I'd thought up a plan.
I flashed him a grin and jumped up in the air,
And the next thing he knew, he was tied to a chair,
He spoke not a word, but looked in his lap
Where I'd laid my needles and yarn for a cap.
He quickly began knitting, first one cap then two,
For the first time I thought I might really get through.
He put heels in the stockings and toes in some socks.
While I sat back drinking scotch on the rocks.
So quickly like magic his needles they flew
That he was all finished by quarter to two.
He sprang for his sleigh when I let him go free,
And over his shoulder he looked back at me,
And I heard him exclaim as he sailed past the moon,
"Next year start your knitting sometime around June!"

Author Unknown

Knit From Your Stash 2007

2006-12-23T16:16:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of A Good Yarn

Lana of Knit and Pray posted about this the other day. Since I have a wicker trunk full of yarn that I haven't work on yet, I thought this was a project/resolution, I could probably do/keep.

The following is from Wendy's website:

Knit From Your Stash 2007: Guidelines for L-B and Wendy

1. The Knit-From-Your-Stash-a-Thon will start January 1, 2007 and run through September 30, 2007 -- a period of nine months.

2. We will not buy any yarn during that period, with the following exceptions:

2.a. Sock yarn does not count. What? You think we are made of stone?

2.b. If someone asks for a specific knitted gift that we really and truly do not have the yarn for, we may buy yarn to knit that gift.

2.c. If we are knitting something and run out of yarn, we may purchase enough to complete the project.

2.d. We each get one "Get Out of Jail Free" card -- we are each allowed to fall off the wagon one time.

3. We are allowed to receive gifts of yarn.

4. Spinning fiber of any sort is exempt.

Anyone else who would like to join us in this is welcome to do so! Feel free to link to this page or to post the guidelines on your own blog. You may also alter the guidelines to suit your own situation.

Knitting Videos

2006-12-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

H/T to Susie

This is a wonderful site with knitting videos.

Lets Knit2gether-A Video Podcast about Knitting

Christmas Knitting Songs

2006-12-08T14:36:00.000-08:00

Picture courtesy of A Good Yarn

H/T to Sandy of Knitting Novices for sharing this cute site.

Click Here

The following is one of the songs you will find there:

To the tune of "Up On the Housetop"
written by Connie

Down at the yarn store reindeer pause, Out jumps good old Santa Claus He goes on a yarn skein shopping spree
Brings all the knitters on his list
glee...

Help With Cables

2006-12-05T11:35:00.000-08:00

Picture Courtesy of Chantal's Stained Glass

If you need help with knitting cables (which looks harder than it really is to do), check out Knitting for Dummies: Knitting Cables

What Kind of Knitter Are you?

2006-12-02T12:59:00.000-08:00

H/T to Flavio

What Kind of Knitter Are You?

You appear to be a Knitting Adventurer. You are through those knitting growing pains and feeling more adventurous. You can follow a standard pattern if it's not too complicated and know where to go to get help. Maybe you've started to experiment with different fibers and you might be eyeing a book with a cool technique you've never tried. Perhaps you prefer to stick to other people's patterns but you are trying to challenge yourself more. Regardless of your preference, you are continually trying to grow as a knitter, and as well you should since your non-knitting friends are probably dropping some serious hints, these days.http://marniemaclean.com
Take this quiz!

Quizilla
Join

Make A Quiz More Quizzes Grab Code

Christmas Table Runner

2006-12-02T10:33:00.000-08:00

Yesterday I finished the table runner I was working on. It looks like a big scarf but it will be going on our table, over a moss green tablecloth. I am currently working on Christmas placemats that I hope to finish before Christmas.

Real Men Knit

2006-12-01T16:32:00.001-08:00

Moving My Knitting Blog to Beta

2006-12-01T15:38:00.000-08:00

I haven't posted much on my knitting blog because I seem to have trouble with the url. Thought it would be a good time to move it to the new beta blogger.

My First KAL Project Finished!

2006-08-16T16:17:00.000-07:00

Here's my completed triangular shawl completed the other day. I plan on giving this one to my sister Rosa for her birthday.

I had a lot of fun joining in a Knit-a-Long.

Prayer Shawls

2006-08-16T16:16:00.000-07:00

Check out: Prayer Shawl Ministry

When I first joined an online knitting group, the term prayer shawl came up a lot. The term caught my eye because I feel prayer is very important and here it was attached to knitting.

Basically, you are knitting a shawl for someone and as you knit, you pray for that person. I thought that was a very novel and spiritual way of knitting.

I made my first prayer shawl not too long ago. However, I had a hard time praying when I knitted because I would easily lose count of whether I was supposed to knit or purl. I think I unraveled my attempt a good five times before one of the members suggested that pray prior to starting to knit. That little tip really helped me finish the shawl. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough skeins of that particular yarn and ended up with a prayer chair cover instead.

But right after I finish a shawl I started a few weeks ago, I will try again. This time I will make sure I have enough yarn.

Knitting the Classics

2006-06-29T21:47:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of A Good Yarn

Graphic Courtesy of The Good Yarn

I found this blog recently and it looks like something I would like to try soon.

For now, I will share their link here.

Source: Knit the Classics

THE STORY:
Back on May 14, 2005 Amanda, after having recently joined another reading and knitting group, decided that she wanted to see if anyone else wanted to read classics and knit themed projects with her. She did not think that people actually read classics anymore (at least not for fun) and was pleasantly surprised when so many people wanted to join.

The reason Amanda choose to have projects themed to the novel we were reading was for a cohesive effect. Crafters of all specialties are always welcome to KTC so she did not want to limit the projects for the novels by having the same project for all. The idea was to see how different people could pick something to craft from the same novel we were all discussing. Click here for complete article:

Full Story

Knitting for Dummies

2006-06-29T21:40:00.000-07:00

How do you like my new book? Actually, I created it with Dummies Book Cover Generator

The Lego Knitting Machine

2006-06-12T16:56:00.000-07:00

H/T to Knitting Novices

As a novice knitter, it will be a long time before I attempt to use a knitting machine. But I thought this knitting machine made out of Legos was so clever because it actually works!

Lego Knitting Machine

Are You Hooked - A Knitter's Quiz

2006-06-12T16:04:00.000-07:00

Source: Knitters Anonymous

Have you ever:

decided to kick the habit only to "fall off the yarn wagon"?

knit alone or first thing in the morning?

gone on a knitting binge?

had a craving for just a little yarn fix?

been a pusher, turning others on, even minors, to this habit?

experienced blackouts..finding yarn in your stash you swear you never bought?

Are you:

an adult child of a knitter?

a compulsive overknitter?

living in denial...

telling yourself you actually save money by knitting clothes and gifts?

believing you can save on therapy bills by knitting?

certain that you can quit any time you want?

calling yourself a social or recreational knitter?

Has your cat ever gotten "messed up" after getting into your stash again?

Is your definition of a "needle exchange" different than that of non-knitters?

Is too much yarn never enough for you?

If you can answer yes to...

10 or more questions - you may be a knitaholic

8-9 questions - you may be a compulsive overknitter

6-7 questions - you may be a yarn junkie

4-5 questions - you may be a chronic social knitter

0-3 questions - you are living in denial or you're at the wrong web site!

Now there is help...Now there is Knitters Anonymous...You are not alone!

Book Recommendation

2006-06-05T13:56:00.000-07:00

My friend Alexandrina recommended the following book to me. I am looking forward to buying it.

Thought of you when I read this cause I thought you would find it entertaining to read. +AJ

At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much

Bibliographic Data: Trade Paperback, 320 Pages, Storey Publishing, LLC, March 2005

Author: Pearl-McPhee, Stephanie

List Price: $9.95
In-store prices may vary. See your local store for the most up-to-date pricing.

Status: In Print

BINC: 7838190

ISBN: 1580175899

Shelf Location: Crafts & Collectibles > Crafts > Knitting

About the Author: Stephanie Pearl-McPhee entertains knitters with her unique blend of humor and knitting highwire acts via her popular online blog, articles, and essays. She lives in Toronto, Canada with her husband and three daughters.
Description: Knitting finally takes its rightful place on the spectrum of personal obsessions, alongside golfing, fishing, and gardening. The tangled life of the knitter is the subject of inspired nuttiness in these 300 tongue-in-cheek meditations from the self-proclaimed yarn harlot, Stephanie Pearl-McPhee.

As any knitter can attest to, this is an activity fraught with guilt, frustration, over-optimism, sly deception, and compulsion, along with passionate moments of creative enlightenment. To soothe the unraveled knitter's soul, Pearl-McPhee has selected some of her favorite quotes to cast off from, and then, like the standup comic of the knitting world, she rants, raves, and reflects on common experiences that are sure to leave avid knitters in stitches.

At Knit's End captures the wicked -- and wickedly funny -- musings of someone who doesn't really believe it's possible to knit too much, and who willingly sacrifices sleep, family, work, and her sanity on a regular basis in order to keep doing it. Stephanie Pearl-McPhee has seen it all -- from the deadly "second sock syndrome," to a house so full of yarn she can't find her washing machine, to desperate all-nighters spent feverishly finishing gifts.

This hilarious collection of short, pithy readings offers plenty of reassurance for anyone who has ever wondered, "Am I alone in my mania?"

St. Dymphna - Patron Saint of Knitters?

2006-05-30T22:33:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of AingelKiss

Guess what I found out today?

Well, thanks to Another Catholic Mom I found out that St. Dymphna was also a knitter.

"In another odd moment of internet searching, I thought I would try to find out who the patron saint was for people who do crafts. Well, it is St. Dymphna. When I clicked on her link, I am familiar with her but had no idea that she was the patron for crafts people, I saw this “She is the patron of those suffering from nervous and mental afflictions.”

Is God trying to tell me something?"

Minx our Cat - Hat and Scarf Set

2006-05-19T15:45:00.000-07:00

This is a hat and scarf I made when I went through my crocheting phase. The model is our cat Minx.

My First Sweater Set

2006-05-09T10:56:00.000-07:00

Knitting a sweater is difficult for a novice like me. I have taken apart a baby sweater I started because I couldn't figure out the pattern. Well, I found another pattern for a one-piece toddler sweater. With the help of the folks at a knitting e-group I belong too, I was able to understand the more difficult parts. Although, not perfect by any means, I have finished a sweater! I look forward to making a bigger sweater next time.

Margaret Hubert Originals

Georgie's Baby Blanket

2006-05-09T10:53:00.001-07:00

I have a new nephew and my brother requested a baby blanket made out of bright colored yarn for him. Here is the first one I made for my cute little nephew Georgie.

Georgie's 2nd Baby Blanket

2006-05-09T10:53:00.000-07:00

After the first baby blanket, I decided to try following a pattern.
Lion Brand Yarn Diagnonal Baby Blanket
Again, as per my brother's request, I used two vibrant colors.

Teddy's Scarf and Hat Set

2006-05-09T10:48:00.000-07:00

After the blanket, my husband wanted a scarf and hat set for his old teddy bear Teddy. He has now requested a sweater for Teddy. But that will have to wait.

My First Project

2006-05-09T10:44:00.000-07:00

My mom tried to teach me how to knit when I was a young girl. Of course, I wasn't very patient and eventually, I just gave up.

During my last visit home, I again picked up the knitting needles and attempted to knit a scarf. I had been making scarves by crocheting but I found that knitting them made the finished work much neater.

I was hooked. I couldn't wait to go to the Rag Shop and buy yarn.

After a while, I wanted to attempt something a little more challenging than a scarf. My son requested a blanket. Okay, what's a blanket but big scarves sewn together, right? Well, that is what I did. I bought a whole lot of Red Heart's Camoflauge and knitted away. I ended up knitting three long rows using up all but one skein for the border. I then sewed the long "scarves" together and crocketed a border.

Okay, not the neatest work but I was very happy with it. And more importantly, my big 15 year old son loves sleeping with this blanket.

My next projects were Christmas presents. Only thing I really knew what to knit were scarves so why fix it if it "ain't" broke. Because they were to be presents, I went out and bought nicer yarn than just plain ol' acrylic. I actually found some very nice yarn at Walmart. I also found a super soft alpaca blend at a neighborhood yarn shop. It was an oatmeal color and very pretty.

Everyone in my family on the mainland got scarves for Christmas.

Well now, one can only knit for so long before you start itching to learn something knew.

I had always heard the phrase "Knit one, Purl two". Weren't they the same thing? Apparently, no, they weren't. Purl was a totally new technique. Well, the internet really wasn't much help until I went back to my local yarn shop and the lady helped me learn it. By the time I got home, I had all but forgotten the steps. I then went to a wonderful knitting site The Knitting Help and with the help of their video...yes...Videoes! I learned to purl.

E Komo Mai

2006-05-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

Picture courtesy of A Good Yarn

to my knitting blog. I thought I'd better start one so I could share my finished work as well as other knitting information.