*K1, P1; rep from * across
August 10, 2009
My first knitted piece of clothing!
This is a 9 month-old cardigan made with Lion Brand Thick ‘n Quick yarn. It only takes two balls to make this and a matching hat (which is still on my needles!). If you’re a knitter or would like to become one, check out the website for the free pattern. It really is your basic beginner pattern. Basic garter stitch, rib stitch and increase and decrease.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/81083AD.html?noImages=0
I’ve signed up for another craft fair this fall and hope my crocheted and knitted items sell well. I’ve recently had some success on etsy.com with my crocheted kufi hats. Check out my etsy shop.
www.TangledKnots.etsy.com
Oh, now I’m addicted to scrapbooking, crocheting AND knitting. Pretty soon my sister will get me addicted to quilting, I’m afraid. Until next time, have a great day!
My Latest Obsession
November 21, 2008
This is my Granny, Laura Walker
Maybe it’s because I’m getting all sentimental since my Granny passed away this year, but I’ve been obsessing a little with my crocheting and knitting talents (or lack thereof). Granny babysat me during the summer of 1987 when I was just six (turning seven that June), and taught me how to knit and crochet. I must have made fifty random squares and circles using different stitches she had taught me. Those squares were mostly used as coasters by my mother and step-father, if I remember correctly. In the word of my mother, I “piddled” with the craft for numerous years, not making much of anything. And for all of you who know me pretty well, you know that one thing that I do best is not finishing projects. It wasn’t until I was pregnant with W that I made and completed my first crochet projects, two baby blankets. I’ve continued to “piddle” with it over the last four years, but just recently got myself reaquainted with the craft.
When Jeff & I took a trip to Vegas in April this year and was stranded in the Chicago airport for half of our vacation (That’s a long, frustrating story in itself!), I bought and read The Friday Night Knitting Club by Kate Jacobs. It got me remembering how fun it can be to create something out of a cheap ball of yarn. So I knitted a scarf. Then I started another. Then I searched the internet looking for charity groups that donate handmade items like scarves, hats and gloves to the homeless. I found more deserving charities than I’d ever be able to help. But a few in particular pulled at my heartstrings and I’ve now been obsessed.
One group I have joined is called “Ameican Angels”. groups.yahoo.com/group/American_Angels_Heroghans/ It’s made up of 56 women from all walks of life across the country. We crochet or knit 12″x12″ squares in red, white and blue then attach a note of condolance for the family of a US troop that had died in the line of duty. These are called “Heroghans”. We then send them to a few assembler volunteers in the group. They attach fifteen squares together to make one afghan and get it to a family who has lost a loved one. Seeing copies of some of the thank you notes received from the families is enough to make you cry. I guess I’d like to think that a random act from strangers would give a little bit of comfort to a greiving family. I was both proud and sad when I mailed my first two squares this week, as you can see why.
A sample of a completed heroghan
Yet another group I’ve become interested in is Save the Children’s Knit One, Save One campaign. They distribute simple handmade caps to babies in third world countries that would otherwise go without. And that can mean death for some. The caps are sometimes partnered with basic baby supplies and given to new mothers in impoverished areas.
If any of you have a skein or two of yarn taking up space in the back of your closet and want to find a good use for it, please let me know. I’d be glad to use them for the Warm up America! projects.
