A KNITTERLY APPROACH TO THE NEW YEAR

I had great intentions about posting an article before Christmas...had a book picked out, projects selected, supplies purchased, notes written out...then I misplaced the whole shebang.  It was on my desk, I had visitors, it was gone.  Sometimes tiding up before company is NOT a good thing no matter how organized you think you are.

For once in my life I decided not to go too crazy and went with the flow.  I switched gears, slowed down, put the blog aside, and focused on the gifts I wanted to make for friends and family...most of which involved my beloved knitting.   I have to tell you, it was nice to approach the holiday in the relaxed state of mind that knitting puts me in.  Not to mention the fact that, for the first time in maaaannnnnnyyyyy years, the gifts that I was hand-making were actually ready and giftable!!!!!

Among other projects, I knit two pairs of socks (one for my dad and one for my sister) using Plymouth Yarns Encore which is a really soft and pleasant worsted weight yarn.  It was very calming to sit and knit these gifts, like a little gift to myself.

My sister's sock in progress. 
In the photo above I have just turned the heel - a process that sounds intimidating but is actually quite simple.  Just trust the pattern and do what it says. 
 It is always magically rewarding to me when I have completed the turn!

Funny thing - when I finished knitting those two pairs of socks and was cleaning up my patterns and supplies guess what I found folded into the pattern notebook I was using...all the copies of the projects I was going to make for my Christmas crafts blog along with all my hand written notes!!  Right under my nose the whole time!!  Lordy. 

Well, it all worked out and I really did enjoy slowing down and just knitting for a while.  I guess I needed that.  A frame of mind to remember in the new year.


*********

F.Y.I.  Socks are a quick and fairly easy project to make.  To those who have not made them ever, they seem like a daunting project to tackle but that just makes knitting them for someone even more fun!

In a nutshell you begin by knitting a tube with what ever stitch pattern you choose.  I used a Knit 3, Purl 1 rib pattern for my sister's sock.  When the tube is the length you prefer you knit a "Heel Flap" back and forth on 2 needles (that part of the sock that sits behind your heel approximately from your ankle down).

 Here is a picture of my sister's sock with the leg tube and heel flap completed.

Next you "turn the heel" which, as I said before, sounds terrifying but is simple and somewhat exciting to execute.  Still using only 2 needles and working back and forth in "short rows" which means simply working only part of the way across...turning...and working back.  If you follow the pattern instructions you will be in awe of yourself when you are done! 

Here is a picture of my sister's sock after I turned her heel. 

 See the turn where her heel will nestle?

Once the heel is complete you work with 3 needles again to create a "gusset" by picking up stitches along the heel flap and knitting all around the sock.  This creates the part of the sock that fills in from the side of your heel flap to your foot section and looks like a triangle when completed.  Before I made my first sock I always wondered how that mysterious section was accomplished only to find out it is a simple pattern of knitting with specifically placed decreases.  Again, just follow your pattern and trust it!

Here is my sister's sock after I have completed the Gusset.

Once the Gusset is complete your pattern will tell your to knit, in the round, to create the foot section...more tube, this time usually in simple knit unless you have chosen a pattern that carries the design down the top of your foot...not me!

 Here are the stitches for my sister's sock all set to go round and round.

When your foot section reaches about 1-1/2" shy (or whatever length your pattern tells you) of your total foot length (from the back of the heel) it is time to decrease for the toe. 

In the picture of my sister's sock above, the marker shows where I stopped knitting the foot and began decreasing for the toe.

CRAFTY LIBRARIAN TIP:  Run a "lifeline" (a thin thread or piece of yarn run through the stitches on your needles) BEFORE you begin your toe decreases.  This allows you to easily rip out your knitting back to this start point if you are not satisfied with the length of the decrease section (if it is too long and pointy or too short and stubby)!!

CRAFTY LIBRARIAN TIP #2:  As you work your first sock write down everything you do (number of rows, etc) so your second will come out the same!

The final step joins the two sides of the toe stitches together in a such a way that there is no seam using what is called "the kitchener's graft. It is a way to "mock" knit stitches using a tapestry needle.  I didn't take a picture of this step because my hands were full but a good tutorial can be found by clicking here.


*******

If you want to learn how to knit socks there are a number of books and websites that offer good instructions.  One of the best books I found when I taught myself is one published by Knitter's Magazine and titled "Socks Socks Socks," edited by Elaine Rowley.

This book includes an overview of a basic sock, in a section called "Six Steps to Sock Success."  Here the six steps involved in knitting a sock are clearly diagramed and explained.  The diagrams are great in that they showed me exactly what I should have on all my needles at any given time.

A website that also helped me understand the anatomy of a sock, provides tips as well as additional links can be reached by clicking here..


Happy knitting in the new year everyone!!!

SUMMER - KEEP IT SIMPLE

I am aghast at how long it has been since my last entry - time got away from me - oops!!  Problem is the seasons changed and with that change, the shifting of the day to day chores.  Spring and Summer have come along and with them came OUTSIDE WORK:  gardens had to be uncovered, deck furniture had to be brought up (and, in some cases fixed or painted); new plants put in - old plants divided and moved - new gardens dug to put them in...; weeds pulled - more weeds pulled - where do they keep coming from?!?  Don't get me wrong, I am not complaining.  I love gardening and being outside...but it is time consuming.  More to the point, the gardening leaves me with filthy fingernails and aching hands, neither of which leaves me desirous of picking up knitting needles or any needlework that typically shows every microscopic bit of oil or dirt that might cling to your hands.  But now, the outside dirty work has settled down and the weather is too hot to be out there much, so I am ready to redeem myself from my negligence both in the crafting world and the writing world.

First, a crafty fix for my dirty hands - a simple recipe for  GARDENER'S HAND SCRUB:

• Crush a small (about 5"x1") pumice stone in a heavy-duty zip style bag, using a hammer to smash it into a fine powder.  It should yield approximately 1/4 cup of pumice powder.  (I used pumice stone that was already crushed.  It can be found in paint stores and comes in a cardboard box. It is used in furniture refinishing for gentle sanding.) 
• Combine that with 1 cup grated bar soap ( I used Dove because it has moisturizer) and 1/2 cup borax (available in detergent section of grocery stores). 
• Mix well. 
• Pour into a container with a tight fitting lid. 
• To use, pour a small amount of hand scrub into hand, and mix with warm water to form a lather; rinse hands with warm water.

Since this scrub is for my own use, I am going to keep it in a recycled vitamin flip-top container so I can easily access it when my hands are filthy. I will have to improve the looks of the container at a later date so I don't confuse it with my real vitamins!!

I might consider adding an essential oil (available at craft stores) for some soothing aroma therapy while I'm at it, maybe lavender, bergamot or eucalyptus... 

This summer-themed "recipe" was a gift-giving idea that I originally came across last winter when I was researching ideas for quick gifts to make for the holidays in  Christmas with Southern Living- 2010.  You never know where you might find ideas and I was glad I made note of it when I did since I certainly would not have thought to look for it there now!!  (Note:  I don't have a link to this title because our holiday books are currently inaccessible in storage due to the renovations at our facility, you can however call to place a hold on a copy from another library).

Okay, I am cleaned up and ready to rock! 

Summer has arrived in full force. It is an active season involving outside chores, activities, and vacations, and many of us can not dedicate our time to (nor do we want to) big craft projects.  During the summer I like "to-go/packable" projects: something that is small; can be quickly packed up (requires few supplies) to work on anywhere; can be easily picked up from where I left off, and conversely, simple enough to be able to stop at any time due to frequent interruptions/diversions (in other words, a no-thinker).

Some craft genres lend themselves more easily than others to "pack-ability".  Obviously if you are on a driving or flying vacation you won't be doing any machine sewing on the way! Some craft genres that lend themselves to "to-go projects" are: knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, applique, hand-sewing, crewelwork, needlepoint, and macrame.

• Knitting and crochet projects, particularly the simpler patterns, require very few materials (your needles, scissors, yarn and, maybe a pattern) and can be packed up in almost any small tote.

This is one of my current packable projects that I work on intermittently.  It is one half of a very simple cap-sleeved tee shirt that I am in no great hurry to finish.  Very few supplies and I don't really need to refer to the pattern much at this point of the project.

I like to use my circular needles, knitting back and forth on them as I would with straight needles, because it seems to make the piece easier to pick up and put down.  The whole thing just kind of rolls up.  Also, when I am seated right next to other people, such as at the DMV or on a train, there is less likelihood of me sticking the person next to me with my needle.

I keep it in the paper tote and just grab it and go when I know that I am going to be knitting with friends or travelling in the car for any great distance.

• Small Cross-Stitch projects are highly portable as well and can be packed into small bags.

Here is one of the kits I bought to work on sometime this summer.  As you can see, not too much in the way of supplies: pattern, floss (which I have not yet sorted), fabric, scissors, needle, and the color picture of the finished piece for reference.

There are a variety of kits available or you can work on a design of your own.  Many cross-stitch motif books are available with all types of designs to mix and match.

• Needlepoint also requires few supplies and is a great "to-go" project.  The needlepoint project in the picture below came in a kit which included a chart for reference, however, since the design is painted on the canvas you usually don't even need a chart or picture of the finished piece, just your canvas, yarn, needle and scissors.

• Applique and hand sewing require only some fabric, thread or floss, needle (of course), and scissors. 

• Felt applique just requires some design elements, thread, needle and scissors and has the added benefit of no hemming...simple, simple!

Needlework projects pack up nicely in one of my all-time favorite product: ziploc bags.  These bags keep your needlework clean and come in a number of sizes so you can match it to the size of your project (although the giant ones are not easy to find so I snatch up a couple of boxes when I see them.)

One thing to remember is that small doesn't  necessarily mean that the ultimate finished piece needs to be small.  Think of working on sections of what will later become larger pieces, such as appliqued quilt blocks or knitted or crocheted squares that will be assembled at a later date into quilts, afghans, pillows, and the like.  The individual segments are quite portable and the variety of each keeps the project entertaining.

Also, consider working small sections of a larger piece when you are going to be away from your supplies.  Just pack the colors of yarn or floss that you will need to work the smaller portion while traveling and therefore take few supplies. Working design sections bit by bit creates a small sense of accomplishment that might hold your interest until the whole piece is done.  Some designs are easier to do this with than other.  These two cross-stitch pieces are good examples of designs that can easily be broken down into small areas to be worked when time occurs:

Some projects that you might consider include (but are not limited in any way) to the following:

• The usual small things such as hats, mittens, scarves, socks - don't just think winter materials here and turn away!  Summer weight materials such as cotton, tencel, bamboo, linen can each be used to make some of these projects in a summer-perfect pattern. 

My talented friend, Kathy, has made several Sun Hats that are quick, easy to work up, and beautiful as well.  Here is a picture of one of them:

It looks really beautiful on her and the colors of the yarn remind me of the sea.  The brim is held stiff by a length of thin wire that is attached at the end.  The pattern comes from a book called Knitting in the Sun: 32 Projects for Warm Weather by Kristi Porter  (click here to go to our catalogue record)

The Starfish embellishment was not part of the original pattern.  The pattern for that came from a different book called 150 Knit and Crochet Motifs by Heather Lodinsky.  Unfortunately it was her own personal book and none of the libraries in our consortium currently own this title. 

Fortunately, however, our library has a different book that includes a knitted starfish pattern in it if you really want to knit one.  It is different but just as nice.  In fact it has a bunch of really cute designs in it (some of which you can see in the cover art).  The book is titled 75 Birds, Butterflies & Little Beasts to Knit and Crochet by Lesley Stanfield. (click here to go to our catalogue record)

Continuing the list of small project ideas...

• Jewelry, such as Bracelets and Necklaces - don't just think beaded here, I think beads would be a tad roly-poly on a car or plane trip!  Think macrame, knit, crochet, fabric, ribbon.  Friendship bracelets are a simple example.
• Bookmarks
• Headbands
• Dish cloths
• Kitchen scrubbers
• Sachet bags
• Needle cases
• Placemats
• Napkins
• Coasters
• Small pieces that you might frame
• Pillows
• Toys
• Embellishments (like the Starfish pictured above) or Embroidered details to add as a finishing touch for other projects -  such as handbags, barrettes, clothing, (or any of the projects above really)

This is a great time to get ahead with your holiday gift making and all of these smaller projects work well as gifts.  Hmmm,  I don't know about you but I think that I am properly motivated to get myself back into crafting action.  I certainly do not want to go pull more weeds!!! 



Some additional books that might be of interest are:

Doodle Stitching: the motif collection: 400+ easy embroidery designs
by Aimee Ray

Pretty Little Felts
by Julie Collings

Embroidery Companion
by Alicia Paulson

Knitting Block by Block
by Nicky Epstein

Knitting 24/7 - 30 Projects
by Verokik Avery

Crocheted Gifts
by Kim Werker

DON'T OVERLOOK COMPENDIUM-TYPE BOOKS!!

Books that include a number of crafts (often prefaced in the title by "Encyclopedia of...", "Guide to...", "Compendium of...") are often overlooked when information about a specific craft is sought. I am here to say, "Don't" !!

Frequently, when people search for information about a particular craft they look for books that are specifically about that craft and miss books that include a variety of crafts.  Generally I would agree with this tendency since, in most cases, books that attempt to cover a number of different types of crafts manage to only scratch the surface of each topic - providing only the basic beginning techniques for each.  But sometimes it is too bad because some of them are quite extensive and provide a lot of information, projects, tips and patterns that you might not find somewhere else.

Point in case:  research for my last post led to a nostalgic desire to explore embroidery for a little while.  As I looked through our library shelves, I found some books specifically about Embroidery but I had a hard time finding as much information as I wanted.   But I recently came upon one of our new books that covers a number of needlecraft techniques, including Embroidery arts, and I am impressed by the caliber and presentation of the information it provides for each technique it addresses.  

The book that has caught my current attention is  The Needlecraft Book (click here to go to our catalogue record.) 

This book is a comprehensive step-by-step guide that covers knitting, crocheting, embroidery, needlepoint, quilting, applique' and patchwork.  It contemporizes these traditional needlecrafts and related materials and would be a great reference for anyone who would like to learn a new needlecraft as well as those who would like to improve on the skills they already possess.

I shouldn't be too surprised by the thoroughness of the information provided since the book is published by DK.  I have always loved the books DK publishes, no matter the subject, because they are well researched, comprehensive, and always include excellent photography.  The close-up photographs in this particular book present the subject matter against a white background, mostly without the distraction of hands (meaning the close-up focuses on the stitch), which makes it very clear to the needlecrafter as to what they need to do to form each stitch.

DK has assembled three authors for this book - each with expertise in the needlecraft they write about:  Sally Harding (knitting and crochet sections); Maggi Gordon (embroidery, patchwork, quilting, and applique' sections); and, Ellie Vance (needlepoint section).    The information is presented knowledgeably, clearly, and in a logical fashion.  Each author takes the reader through the skills necessary to master the technique. 

The information provided for each of the needlecrafts addressed in this book includes the necessary tools and materials, technique and design recommendations, and an ample Stitch Gallery (or Block Gallery in the case of quilting and patchwork).  Helpful tips, advice and information are sprinkled throughout each section as well and each stitch pattern or quilt block is accompanied by information as to how, or where, it is best put to use.  All three authors cover the basic techniques that will get any beginner up and running, and then they go above and beyond by adding a surprising amount of the more complex/advanced techniques that will enable one to advance the skills they already possess.  A final chapter regarding general finishing techniques guides the needlecrafter through the steps required to hem, bind, embellish and care for their projects.

I have to say "wow!" as I flip through the pages and examine the information, the presentation of that information, the clear photographs that support the step-by-step instructions (we know I am a big fan of good photographs), and the number of techniques and tips each section covers.  This is not just for beginners! It is a great all-around go-to guide.

To test the depth of the information, and its "follow-ability," I first turned to the section on knitting (what else?!).   I have looked at a number of books on knitting for beginners and I have to say that I am impressed. This book covers a lot more territory, and will take a knitter farther, than most of them, by putting an extensive amount of instruction in one handy reference.    

I even discovered a new technique to use when I wind my yarn into a ball.  I always like to to wind my yarn into a ball before I begin to knit because it allows me to discover any flaws or knots in the yarns that I can deal with BEFORE I meet them mid-project or mid-row.  Also, when I knit from a ball of yarn I plop it into a bowl (to keep it from rolling all over) which allows me to keep my stitch "tension" even.  In the "Beginner's Tips" section, the author describes a technique for winding a hank of yarn into a ball  in such a fashion that allows the yarn to be fed from the center of the ball, thereby alleviating the tendency balls of yarn have for rolling all over the place (and would mean I could use my bowls for cereal rather than yarn which would delight my husband who wonders where all the bowls have gone...). As fate would have it, a friend recently gave me a pattern for felted slippers and some yarn that needed to be wound before I could begin, so I decided to give this method a try. 

Starting with yarn from one end of the hank, I am instructed to create a yarn "butterfly."  The instruction provides a cross-reference page number leading to instructions to create a yarn butterfly...and the page number is correct!  (Good editing!  I hate when page numbers are provided but the information is actually on another page!).  Anyway, a butterfly is achieved by wrapping the yarn around your index finger and thumb in a figure-eight fashion.

I then pinch the yarn "butterfly" at its center and slip it off my fingers.

Securing the tail in my palm with the rest of my fingers, I proceed to Step Two which instructs me to continue by wrapping the yarn around the butterfly and my thumb to create a hole in the center of the ball.

I continue wrapping, and turning until I reach the other end of the yarn.  I secure the tail under some of the outer strands.

Isn't it a thing of beauty?  See the tail sprouting from the center hole waiting for me to get started on my slippers?  (So much for my piqued interest in embroidery....)

When I prepare to knit I am instructed to pull the butterfly out of the center and begin knitting with that end.  My cat is fascinated (she was never all that interested when the ball was in a bowl! hmmm.)

Lo and Behold!  It works!  My yarn ball stayed in place, the yarn played smoothly from the center, and I was able to maintain an even tension through my stitches.

I have never seen this technique in any other book.  I asked my friend about it and she was not familiar with it either.  I guess my husband can have the bowls back - our dish set is once again complete!

Oh, I finished the slippers.  Here they are before I felted them:

They look very silly and I am unsure how these saggy-baggy pieces of knitwear are going to end up being wearable slippers.  After I ran them through the felting process, however, I was delighted to discover they turned out exactly as they were supposed to.

I have momentarily been distracted from re-entering my pursuits of embroidering.  When I am ready to revisit embroidery or needlepoint, or learn how to applique', quilt (my friend would be so excited if I started to sew), create patchwork pieces or  crochet I definitely plan to check this book out.  I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested in learning more about needlecrafting.

OTHER NEEDLECRAFT COMPENDIUMS YOU MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN (some older but containing lots of good needlecraft techniques that aren't always addressed anymore):

Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts,
by Martha Stewart, Published in 2010
(click here to go to our catalogue record)

Covers basic techniques for sewing, applique', embroidery, quilting, dyeing, and printing.  It was the focus of one of my first posts: A Pattern is Like a Recipe, Oct. 2010.  Lots of techniques, lots of patterns and instructions.  And, of course, pure Martha.

Donna Kooler's Encyclopedia of Needlework,
by Donna Kooler, Published in 2000
(click here to go to our catalogue record)

 Covering Needlepoint, Embroidery and Counted Thread arts, it includes an extensive stitch guide for each needlecraft (over 400 stitches!) and each stitch is accompanied by a clear photograph and color diagram.  A brief history of the origins for each of the techniques is also provided, which is kind of interesting.

Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Needlework,
edited by Virgina Colton, Published in 1979
(click here to go to our catalogue record)
This is definitely an older book and the projects are somewhat dated, but stitches, instructions and most techniques don't change that much and Reader's Digest has always been good at compiling information such as this.  Furthermore, it provides instruction for a number of crafts, many of which are hard to find new information about:  including macrame', rug-making, and lacework.

KNITTING FOR CHARITY - PART 2: PRAYER SHAWLS

I pick up my needles and I prepare to knit.  The yarn is soft, the color is soothing, the pattern is easy to work.  Knitting quietly, alone or among my friends, I let the peace, the quiet, the calm settle into my stitches.  I think about the comfort the recipient will feel as they wrap themselves in the hug I am knitting.  Maybe I'll know them, probably I won't.  It is not about the who, it is about the unconditional gift of comfort and care to someone who is probably facing hard times.  And the process of making it is a gift of peace I give to myself.  Stitch by stitch, thought by thought, row by row, a Prayer Shawl is created.

In my last Post I discussed the idea of knitting for charity, any charity, and presented two books that described a wide variety of opportunities for those in need of some comfort such as soldiers, refugees, premature babies, adults and children who have become sick or who have been traumatized in some way...even organizations that collect items for animals in shelters.  Listed in both books was a charity that is dear to me - The Prayer Shawl Ministry .  The Ministry was formed in 1998 by two Connecticut women who took a class together in women's spirituality at the Hartford Seminary's Women's Leadership Institute: Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo.  They developed the idea of knitting shawls as a way to provide a little peace and comfort to others who might be suffering a hardship--no specifics--just someone who could use some uplifting and comfort and the knowledge that they are not alone. Prayerful thoughts and blessings knit into each make it a Prayer Shawl. The desire to bring comfort and peace to others must be pretty strong because what started as a grass-roots movement with one shawl here in Connecticut has grown by leaps and bounds with groups working on them internationally by the thousands.

Prayer Shawls (as known as "Peace" or "Comfort" Shawls) are what drew my interest back to knitting after many years of exploring other crafts.  It happened when one of my colleagues was busy working on Prayer Shawls for her church.  She was not able to put the fringe on and would bring them in to work for another colleague to attach the fringe pieces she had cut and ready for attaching.  These shawls were so pretty and so soft - I would eyeball them every time she brought one in.  My life at the time was in upheaval and the thought of quietly knitting (knitters always look so content!), combined with the fact that I might be able to craft something that would bring joy and comfort to another when I was having difficulty finding it for myself was appealing.  I told my colleague that I might be interested in making one but that I hadn't knitted in years (...years).  Lo and behold and never a fool, the next day she brought me a pair of needles and a skein of beautifully colored, incredibly soft, yarn.  "Here," she said "cast on 60 stitches and knit three, purl three.  It is easy."  Uh oh, I thought, but inside I was excited.  The rest is history. I haven't stopped knitting since!

The shawls I usually knit use a simple "knit 3, purl 3" repeat over 57 stitches which creates a modified seed stitch pattern. I like the rippled effect.

 

This shawl is still being worked on, but here is how the pattern looks bigger.

The pattern that the group my friend knits for uses the same "knit 3, purl 3" repeat, but over 60 stitches which creates a ribbed pattern.

 

My sister used that pattern to make this shawl when I taught her to knit.

Most of the shawls I have seen are made with Lion Brand's Homespun Yarn which is very soft and comes in lovely colors (although I have found that it has a tendency to split which makes it a little tricky for beginners to use.)  But any yarn and any pattern can be used and most community groups will gratefully accept any shawl contributed to their Prayer Shawl collection.  There is never a shortage of those who could benefit from receiving one.

Having only seen the shawl patterns described above, I was amazed by the number of different patterns and project styles available in the books I discovered while researching for this blog.  One book that I came across that I particularly liked was compiled by the The Prayer Shawl Ministry co-founders:

THE PRAYER SHAWL COMPANION

by Janet Bristow & Victoria A. Cole-Galo

The authors preface their book with the story of how the Ministry came to be and the creation of the first Prayer Shawl.  The book is offered as a piece of inspiration for those interested in knitting Prayer Shawls.  As such, a number of stories from those who have created shawls, as well as some from those who have received them, are sprinkled throughout as are a number of blessings and reflective prayers for those who would like to work them into their knitting.  Helpful guidelines are provided for interested community groups as to the proper way to craft, bless, package and deliver Prayer Shawls and an appendix addresses how to start a Prayer Shawl Ministry group in your community.

The information in one of the Appendices came as a bit of a surprise for me - a Color and Symbology chart.  I can't remember seeing this in any other knitting book. This neat little chart was included to help the knitter make their own design choices based on the meaning of a color, a number, or the addition of certain shapes or symbols.  For example, by choosing to use the color Aqua, according to the chart you are sending messages of courage, balance, harmony and stability.  I have always thought of Black as a foreboding color, but according to this chart it symbolizes self-confidence, strength, mature wisdom, harmony, and absorbs negativity.  Huh!  The symbolism can be through the choice of yarn colors, or any embellishments that might be added, such as the color or number of beads or tassels used.

The Prayer Shawl Companion provides 38  patterns from the contributions of a number of different designers, including some who are well known to knitters such as Kaffe Fassett and Nicky Epstein.  All the patterns are clearly written and accompanied by good photographs of the finished piece.  Each designer introduces their pattern with a brief description of what it means to them and why they chose that particular stitch or design.  What surprised me was the variety of patterns and styles.  Most are shawls but there are also patterns for neck-warmers, baptism blankets, lap blankets, a tallis, even a wedding capelet.  What unifies the projects is the joy and comfort they are meant to bring to the recipient. 

I have several acquaintances who have undergone a mastectomy so I was particularly surprised by and drawn to a pattern in the book called the "Heart Warmer," by designer Wren Ross.  This is a shrug-type piece that wraps the shoulders and upper body of the person wearing it in a comforting knit embrace.  I didn't have the yarn used by the designer but I did have some pink Homespun so I gave it a try.  After casting on and knitting a few rows, the pattern calls for increases at the beginning and end of each row and working in a seed stitch until a certain length is reached.  A few rows of garter stitch completes the top edge.  This creates an elongated triangle.

Once the triangle is complete, the ends are folded over and tacked in place.  The addition of a button under the v-neck is a finishing touch that completes the piece.

The authors have also published a similar book for those who are interested in making prayer shawls but prefer to crochet:

THE CROCHETED PRAYER SHAWL COMPANION

by Janet Bristow & Victoria A. Cole-Galo

According to the Shawl Ministy website, the authors are currently working on collecting designs for their next book.  Their website has further shawl information and stories, clicking here will link you to their site.

The act of knitting has been found to be a great stress reliever - if you knit or crochet (or think you might like to learn) why not give a Prayer Shawl a try?  You and the recipient will both benefit!   

KNITTING FOR CHARITY - PART 1

Before I start I would like to qualify this entire article by including crafters of many types - while I am discussing "knitting" or "knitters" specifically, I do not mean to exclude those who crochet, sew or quilt as I have seen similar charitable efforts from them.  Much of what I claim about knitters is equaled by crafters with those areas of expertise.  I hope one day to be able to address some of their contributions as well.

When I decided to address knitting for charitable purposes I thought it would be a simple article.  It has not been simple at all - hence the great delay between my posts, for which I apologize.  I started out thinking that I would describe a few projects or charities but I kept discovering more charities, more projects, more aspects, attitudes, and craft types than I could ever hope to address adequately in one article.  I have stopped and started this posting more times than I can say.  But I realized that if I wanted to say anything  I just needed to forge ahead...so here I am, forging!

Knitting for charitable purposes:  ie. knitting an item for a recipient, known or unknown, that will bring them comfort, maybe some peace, and the knowledge that someone out there cares about them and that they are not alone.

In addition to knitting items for themselves most of the knitters I know like to knit items for other people and will have at least one project designated for a charity.  Some are drawn into knitting for a particular charity because someone they know, or a community group they belong to, is already involved with it;  some are drawn by a cause that is near and dear to them for personal reasons; some just want to knit for the love of knitting and will search out a cause to knit for.  Most of the local yarn stores support a cause - they provide patterns and collect items from their patrons throughout the year which they deliver en masse.

There are so many charities that you could contribute your skills to that it would be difficult to list them all adequately. But I don't have to! 

In my research for this blog I came across two books on the subject that I found to be good compilations of charity opportunities:  Knitting for Peace by Betty Christiansen, and Knit Along with Debbie Macomber - A Charity Guide for Knitters by Debbie Macomber.  Both address a diverse cross-section of organizations with concerns for soldiers, refugees, adults and children (from preemie to 18) who are sick or have been traumatized, even organizations whose concerns are animals in shelters. The organizations in both books cover local, national and international needs and include websites and contact information for each of the organizations listed.

KNITTING FOR PEACE - Make the World a Better Place One Stitch at a Time

 by Betty Christiansen 

Betty Christiansen has put an awful lot of research into a wide variety of charity organizations and her passion for the topic shines throughout her book which I found to be highly inspirational.  As is obvious from the title and subtitle of her book, the emphasis is on the organizations, the people that created them, and how a person can help them.  The book also includes 15 patterns that would be appropriate for some of the charities she describes.  A final section provides information and websites that enable the reader to get started by finding concerns within their own community.



KNIT ALONG WITH DEBBIE MACOMBER - A CHARITY GUIDE FOR KNITTERS

by Debbie Macomber

Debbie Macomber is a beloved author who is well known in the knitting community...which has its benefits and ability to attract readers.  She is a big supporter of knitting for charity.  Ms. Macomber's book features 14 charities and 18 projects as well as a section regarding techniques and sources similar to the other books in her Knit Along series.   The patterns are well written, easy to follow, and are accompanied by good photographs of the finished piece.  It presents slightly differently than Knitting for Peace in that it reads more like a book of patterns which, by the way, would be appropriate for these charities but it is just as full of heart and inspiration.

I think that if a person were browsing the shelves, Debbie Macomber's book would initially appeal to different people than Betty Christiansen's book.  I am a fan of both books because their different approaches/appeal means they might reach a wider number of knitters thereby inspiring a greater number of people who might end up making a difference in our world.  Pretty cool.  Both authors have culled the wide world of possible opportunities cutting through the process of endless online searching to present a manageable list of causes.  This provides the knitter who might be looking for a charity with a quick and easy way to find a way to make a difference.

Unfortunately, our library doesn't currently own either title but you can call our Reference Desk at 860-673-9712 or go to our online catalogue to place a hold (click on library link on left of page). We can borrow it from another library in our consortium and have it here for you shortly.

I am no different than my fellow knitters in that I like to have a project designated for charity on my needles at any given time.  I am currently working on scarves for a friend's community group (Prince Thomas of Savoy Women's Auxiliary) who are creating scarves for the Connecticut Breast Health Initiative Race taking place this Spring.  Each year her group votes on the pattern(s) they will create.  This year they chose two patterns: a Spiral Scarf and a Scarf with Bobble Ribbon.  My friend provided me with the patterns and two skeins of their chosen yarn...but no pictures.  I started with the Spiral Scarf because it seemed interesting and was different from anything I have made in the past.  I must admit though, after a few rows I was a little concerned about whether I was producing much of anything:

Doesn't look like much does it?  After a little ways I began to recognize the "spiral" and felt better. 

Sometimes you just need a little faith.  Here is how it looks completed.

On to their second pattern, the Scarf with Bobble Ribbon. Again, without a picture I was a little confused by what I was going to produce and I must have been a little dopey as well because I wasn't understanding the "ribbon" of bobbles until I confessed to my friend my problem with interpreting the pattern.  I experienced one of those forehead hitting "duh" moments as she drew out the breast cancer ribbon that the bobbles would form once it was knit.  I have gotten this far with this second pattern so far:

Need more reasons to knit for a charity?

Did you know that knitting has been found to be a great reliever of stress?  Many knitters will tell you that knitting is like therapy - while their hands are busy in one direction, their minds are freed up to think about other things.  When I knit I think about the person or the cause that I am creating the piece for.  Sometimes I just reflect on what is going on in my own life - it is my quiet, reflective escape time.  I have heard this is true for other knitters as well.

Knitting projects for a charity can be even more therapeutic.  The action of knitting is good for the knitter and the finished piece might make a difference to a someone in need, bringing them a little comfort.

Additionally, patterns that are designated for charity projects are often more simple and easy to follow because knitters of all skill levels need to be able to follow them.  This makes them excellent starter projects for beginners - whether they knit them for charity or themselves!  Also, because they tend to be small, these projects are an excellent way to use up materials left over from other projects.  Kind of a good deal all around don't you agree? 

If you have never knit for a charity, I invite you to explore the possibilities and give it a try.  Obviously, one or both of these books would be a good start.  I have also added a Charity Links section on the left side of this page that will connect you to lists of charities compiled by other groups. To surf the web on your own is as simple as entering something such as "knitting for charity," or "charity knitting" into your preferred Internet search engine.  You could also make inquiries at your local yarn store, your religious organization if you are affiliated with one, hospitals, shelters, or nursing homes.

Very shortly (I promise!) I will publish KNITTING FOR CHARITY - PART 2 which will address the charity that got me back into knitting after a long departure: Prayer Shawls.  Check back soon!

Any comments on knitting for charity?  I would love to hear them, please feel free to click below on "Comments - Enter Yours Here"  to enter one.