We're almost up to Christmas. Hopefully your tree doesn't have any bare spots, but just in case there are a couple of branches to fill in or maybe a hand-crocheted ornament would be the very thing for your friend or neighbor's present, here are a few ideas.
Crocheted finial ornaments by Lion Brand Yarn: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20301.html?noImages=
Little tiny knitted mittens and stockings. How cute! http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20304.html?noImages=
This knitted dreidel is just a shade late for this year's Chanukah. http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/BK4K-0612002.html?noImages=
May your holiday season be the best you've ever had, and may you have some time to relax with your yarny projects.
Happy crafting,
Kathi
Monday, December 17, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Mitered Squares
I believe when most yarn artists hear the term "mitered squares", they think of knitting. I remember seeing patterns for knitted mitered afghans before I saw anything like it for crocheting.
The knitted ones start with the long edge and decrease into the center point at the other end of the square. Squares build off of previous squares so you do not need to sew anything together at the end.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20018.html?noImages=0
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10627.html?noImages=0
Lion Brand Yarn patterns have the crocheted mitering work from the long edge to the middle point just like it is in the knitted version. However, these squares are made separately and then sewn together when they are finished.
In other places such as Ravelry, I've found crocheted mitered squares made from the small point and using increases to work out to the longer edge. These also must be sewn together at the end of the project.
Tunisian crochet, being a craft that combines knit and crochet, works the stitches in much the same way as knitted mitered squares. Each block is built on the previous row, the long edge is done first, and the rows decrease until they come to the opposite point. They can be done row by row or from the center out. I don't have the permissions I need to post a picture of this type , but they can easily be found in Google images as mentioned in previous posts.
If you prefer loom knitting, I found this website with a tutorial on mitering squares on a knitting loom: http://www.knitchat.com/tutorials/mitered-square-magic/
Happy crafting,
Kathi
The knitted ones start with the long edge and decrease into the center point at the other end of the square. Squares build off of previous squares so you do not need to sew anything together at the end.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20018.html?noImages=0
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10627.html?noImages=0
Lion Brand Yarn patterns have the crocheted mitering work from the long edge to the middle point just like it is in the knitted version. However, these squares are made separately and then sewn together when they are finished.
In other places such as Ravelry, I've found crocheted mitered squares made from the small point and using increases to work out to the longer edge. These also must be sewn together at the end of the project.
Tunisian crochet, being a craft that combines knit and crochet, works the stitches in much the same way as knitted mitered squares. Each block is built on the previous row, the long edge is done first, and the rows decrease until they come to the opposite point. They can be done row by row or from the center out. I don't have the permissions I need to post a picture of this type , but they can easily be found in Google images as mentioned in previous posts.
If you prefer loom knitting, I found this website with a tutorial on mitering squares on a knitting loom: http://www.knitchat.com/tutorials/mitered-square-magic/
Happy crafting,
Kathi
Sunday, December 9, 2012
Warm Feet for the Holidays
We've had a few cold snaps this fall - nothing that's been long-lasting - but you can tell winter is lurking in the wings. I don't mind being cool, except when it comes to my feet. I like warm feet.
I've found some slipper patterns that can be made by yarn workers of each type and for many sizes.
This one is crocheted for babies.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20323.html?noImages=
This one is crocheted for adults.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20006B.html?noImages=
Here are two knitted booty patterns.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10256.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10011.html?noImages=
And knitted for adults.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10468.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90080AD.html?noImages=
Loom knitting makes warm slippers too.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kbChunkyFooties.html?noImages=
Men's slippers
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kb-cabinSlippers.html?noImages=
These patterns are all from Lion Brand Yarn. For more ideas, patterns, and designs, remember to check out www.ravelry.com, www.knittingpatterncentral.com, www.crochetpatterncentral.com, and other yarn craft websites and blogs. One way to find exactly what you are looking for is to go to Google Images and type in knit slippers, or crochet slippers, or loom knit slippers. Pictures will come up on the page and you can choose which you like best. Click on the one you like and you will be taken to the website or blog where you will (not always) most likely find the pattern you are looking for.
Happy crafting - and keep those feet warm,
Kathi
I've found some slipper patterns that can be made by yarn workers of each type and for many sizes.
This one is crocheted for babies.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20323.html?noImages=
This one is crocheted for adults.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20006B.html?noImages=
Here are two knitted booty patterns.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10256.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10011.html?noImages=
And knitted for adults.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10468.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90080AD.html?noImages=
Loom knitting makes warm slippers too.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kbChunkyFooties.html?noImages=
Men's slippers
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kb-cabinSlippers.html?noImages=
These patterns are all from Lion Brand Yarn. For more ideas, patterns, and designs, remember to check out www.ravelry.com, www.knittingpatterncentral.com, www.crochetpatterncentral.com, and other yarn craft websites and blogs. One way to find exactly what you are looking for is to go to Google Images and type in knit slippers, or crochet slippers, or loom knit slippers. Pictures will come up on the page and you can choose which you like best. Click on the one you like and you will be taken to the website or blog where you will (not always) most likely find the pattern you are looking for.
Happy crafting - and keep those feet warm,
Kathi
Labels:
baby booties,
crochet slippers,
knit slippers,
Lion Brand Yarn,
loom knit slippers,
slippers
Monday, November 26, 2012
Two New Knitting Books
The library recently got two new knitting books.
The Sock Knitter's Handbook: Expert Advice, Tips, & Tricks by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott and Knit Step by Step: More Than 150 Techniques and Stitch Patterns with 10 Easy Projects by Vikki Haffenden and Frederica Patmore.
If you are handy with a pair or needles, these might be something you want to explore.
Kathi
The Sock Knitter's Handbook: Expert Advice, Tips, & Tricks by Charlene Schurch and Beth Parrott and Knit Step by Step: More Than 150 Techniques and Stitch Patterns with 10 Easy Projects by Vikki Haffenden and Frederica Patmore.
If you are handy with a pair or needles, these might be something you want to explore.
Kathi
Christmas Ornament Ideas
Happy Holiday Season!
Knitters first this time. You seem to get more patterns for little stockings. There are a few examples:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20297.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20295.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20296.html?noImages=
(I'll look for more ideas in the next blog post.)
Crocheters, here are a couple for you.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20293.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20292.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20294.html?noImages=
Here are a couple of patterns for those who neither knit nor crochet. These balls are woven - wrapped with yarn and then woven with a needle across the strands.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20079.html?noImages=
This one is good to try with little ones. They can personalize the family tree with something they were able to help make.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20080.html?noImages=
As always, you will find more patterns in www.knittingpatterncentral.com, www.crochetpatterncentral.com, www.ravelry.com, and any number of other craft websites and blogs.
One good way to find exactly what you have in mind is to go to Google Images, type in the project you want to work on and look at the pictures that come up. If you click on one of the pictures, it will link you to the website or blog which will hopefully have the pattern for you to use.
I hope these ideas get you in the mood for the uncoming holidays.
Happy crafting.
Kathi
Knitters first this time. You seem to get more patterns for little stockings. There are a few examples:
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20297.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20295.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20296.html?noImages=
(I'll look for more ideas in the next blog post.)
Crocheters, here are a couple for you.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20293.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20292.html?noImages=
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20294.html?noImages=
Here are a couple of patterns for those who neither knit nor crochet. These balls are woven - wrapped with yarn and then woven with a needle across the strands.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20079.html?noImages=
This one is good to try with little ones. They can personalize the family tree with something they were able to help make.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20080.html?noImages=
As always, you will find more patterns in www.knittingpatterncentral.com, www.crochetpatterncentral.com, www.ravelry.com, and any number of other craft websites and blogs.
One good way to find exactly what you have in mind is to go to Google Images, type in the project you want to work on and look at the pictures that come up. If you click on one of the pictures, it will link you to the website or blog which will hopefully have the pattern for you to use.
I hope these ideas get you in the mood for the uncoming holidays.
Happy crafting.
Kathi
Labels:
Christmas ornaments,
Crochet ornaments,
knit ornaments,
Lion Brand Yarn,
ornament,
ornaments,
woven,
wrapped yarn ornaments
Monday, November 19, 2012
Getting Ahead for Christmas
I'll be posting small ornament and gift ideas after Thanksgiving, but I found this pretty crocheted afghan that might take a bit longer to work up.
Home for the Holidays Afghan by Lion Brand Yarn
In case you need the pattern for this granny square afghan, it is http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90010AD.html?noImages=
This struck me as being very festive.
Or maybe you would like to deck Santa helpers in Christmas cheer.
Santa Claus hat
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kctq-santaHat.html?noImages=
Santa Claus mittens
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kctq-santaMittens.html?noImages=
Santa Claus scarf
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kctq-santaScarf.html
Happy crafting.
Kathi
Home for the Holidays Afghan by Lion Brand Yarn
In case you need the pattern for this granny square afghan, it is http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/90010AD.html?noImages=
This struck me as being very festive.
Or maybe you would like to deck Santa helpers in Christmas cheer.
Santa Claus hat
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kctq-santaHat.html?noImages=
Santa Claus mittens
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kctq-santaMittens.html?noImages=
Santa Claus scarf
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kctq-santaScarf.html
Happy crafting.
Kathi
Sunday, November 18, 2012
Something A Little Different
The library recently acquired three new books on weaving. While this blog is basically for knitting and crocheting, I thought maybe there were those of you who branch out on occasion to some of the other yarn arts.
If you have a table (or larger) loom, you might want to check out these two books:
Pattern Weaving: Basics for the Handloom by Rabbit Goody
and Simple Weaves: Over 30 Classic Patterns and Fresh New Styles by Birgitta Bengtsson Bjork and Tina Ignell
If you have an interest in inkle weaving - making bands and sashes - you might want to see this book, The Weaver's Inkle Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon. This book goes beyond the basic patterns and shows how to do pick up weaving for fancier patterns.
Happy crafting,
Kathi
If you have a table (or larger) loom, you might want to check out these two books:
Pattern Weaving: Basics for the Handloom by Rabbit Goody
and Simple Weaves: Over 30 Classic Patterns and Fresh New Styles by Birgitta Bengtsson Bjork and Tina Ignell
If you have an interest in inkle weaving - making bands and sashes - you might want to see this book, The Weaver's Inkle Pattern Directory by Anne Dixon. This book goes beyond the basic patterns and shows how to do pick up weaving for fancier patterns.
Happy crafting,
Kathi
Thursday, November 15, 2012
More Recent Projects
Lap robe for hospice
Doll blanket
Round doll blanket
Baby blanket
Prayer shawl for hospice
Lap robe for hospice - knitted
Rose trellis pattern prayer shawl
Lap robe for hospice
Please remember to share something with those who need comfort or support this holiday season.
Happy crafting.
Kathi
Labels:
baby blankets,
crochet,
doll blankets,
hospice,
knit,
lap robes,
Prayer shawls
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Cool Ideas for Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving is a much-loved, but often overlooked holiday. We don't shop for Thanksgiving gifts or sing Thanksgiving carols. But we can decorate for the season. Here are a few ideas.
If you have guests who will be setting their drinks down in common areas, here is a way to help them recognize their glass when they come back to it. You can make little individual decoration to tie to each glass. All your guests have to do is remeber which design or color was on their stem or handle.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0625.html?noImages=
This pattern is from Lion Brand Yarns, but there are many color options and designs to choose from even if you only knit or crochet small shapes in different colors.
Okay, so I might not wear one of these, but there are those who would find this to be the perfect accessory for the holiday. http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0628.html?noImages=
If you have a little more time and want to knit a lovely centerpiece for your festive table, this might tickle your fancy.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0109AD.html?noImages=
Or the crocheters among you might prefer something like this.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0106AD.html?noImages=
If you would like to knit or crochet a turkey or other Thanksgiving decorations, may I suggest www.ravelry.com for some fun patterns for the season.
Happy crafting,
Kathi
If you have guests who will be setting their drinks down in common areas, here is a way to help them recognize their glass when they come back to it. You can make little individual decoration to tie to each glass. All your guests have to do is remeber which design or color was on their stem or handle.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0625.html?noImages=
This pattern is from Lion Brand Yarns, but there are many color options and designs to choose from even if you only knit or crochet small shapes in different colors.
Okay, so I might not wear one of these, but there are those who would find this to be the perfect accessory for the holiday. http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0628.html?noImages=
If you have a little more time and want to knit a lovely centerpiece for your festive table, this might tickle your fancy.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0109AD.html?noImages=
Or the crocheters among you might prefer something like this.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L0106AD.html?noImages=
If you would like to knit or crochet a turkey or other Thanksgiving decorations, may I suggest www.ravelry.com for some fun patterns for the season.
Happy crafting,
Kathi
Heading into Winter
Now that there's a bit of a bite to the air, doesn't this look cozy? I love making useful things out of scrap yarn, and this looks like a perfect way to use it.
This one is for the crocheters (from Lion Brand Yarn).
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10566.html?noImages=
A very fast one for knitters done on size 50 needles.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20110.html?noImages=
Personally, as a crocheter, I would use size 50 needles to make broomstick lace.
This is easier than it looks. You can find tutorials on various websites and blogs or on Youtube. If you have an interest in learning to do this particular technique, please bring yarn, a J or K crochet hook, and a size 50 knitting needle - you only need one needle - to the Knit and Crochet Night meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30. I will be happy to show you.
Happy crafting.
Kathi
This one is for the crocheters (from Lion Brand Yarn).
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L10566.html?noImages=
A very fast one for knitters done on size 50 needles.
http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/L20110.html?noImages=
Personally, as a crocheter, I would use size 50 needles to make broomstick lace.
This is easier than it looks. You can find tutorials on various websites and blogs or on Youtube. If you have an interest in learning to do this particular technique, please bring yarn, a J or K crochet hook, and a size 50 knitting needle - you only need one needle - to the Knit and Crochet Night meetings on the second and fourth Thursday of the month at 6:30. I will be happy to show you.
Happy crafting.
Kathi
Labels:
broomstick lace,
crocheted,
knitted scarf,
Ripple crochet,
scarf,
size 50 kinitting needles.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Crochet Bangles
Maybe you know a girl who likes to wear bangles. I found this idea on the internet. While I don't have permission to repost the picture, you could see it and find the pattern by putting "Sprite bangles" in the search bar. http://www.crochetdynamite.com/2012/07/sprite-bangles.html
The way they described making the bangles is to take a 2-liter plastic bottle and cut rings 3/4 inch wide. Make sure the edges are smooth so as not to snag the yarn or you.
Crochet narrow strips of single crochet in any color to the same size as the rings. You make a strip for the outside and one for the inside and then whipstitch or single crochet them together.
That's it! I believe my grand-niece would like a couple for Christmas.
Happy crafting.
Kathi
The way they described making the bangles is to take a 2-liter plastic bottle and cut rings 3/4 inch wide. Make sure the edges are smooth so as not to snag the yarn or you.
Crochet narrow strips of single crochet in any color to the same size as the rings. You make a strip for the outside and one for the inside and then whipstitch or single crochet them together.
That's it! I believe my grand-niece would like a couple for Christmas.
Happy crafting.
Kathi
Labels:
2-liter bottle,
bangles,
crochet,
recycle,
repurposing,
scrap yarn
Knitting Class for Prisoners
We know how relaxing and theraputic knitting and crocheting can be on a tough day. There's something soothing about turning yarn into something beautiful and useful.
One lady decided to try teaching men prisoners how to knit. Here's the story about how that experiment turned out:
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/2012/0921/Lynn-Zwerling-s-knitting-group-for-male-prisoners-opens-up-their-world
Makes you think there are more possibilities than we've considered before, doesn't it?
Happy crafting,
Kathi
One lady decided to try teaching men prisoners how to knit. Here's the story about how that experiment turned out:
http://www.csmonitor.com/World/Making-a-difference/2012/0921/Lynn-Zwerling-s-knitting-group-for-male-prisoners-opens-up-their-world
Makes you think there are more possibilities than we've considered before, doesn't it?
Happy crafting,
Kathi
Labels:
Christian Science Monitor,
Knitting,
knitting behind bars,
Lynn Zwerling,
prisoners knitting
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Some Recent Crochet Projects
Here are a few shawls and laprobes that will be donated to hospice around Valentine's Day.
I hope this inspires you to make something comforting for your favorite cause.
Happy crafting,
Kathi
I hope this inspires you to make something comforting for your favorite cause.
Happy crafting,
Kathi
Labels:
crochet,
crochet for charity,
hospice,
lap robes,
lapghans,
Prayer shawls,
Shawls
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