knitnight

Long Time, No See, No Blog!

2009-06-29T20:00:00.001-07:00

But we have been knitting, every 2nd and 4th Thursday! Our dates for July will be the 9th and 23rd. Special thanks to Linda, who helped us learn about toe-up socks; I haven't tackled them yet, but am anxious to try while on vacation.

From now on, this will also serve as the blog for Crochet Night (held on the third Thursday of the month), as well, and Becky, Linda and Kathi will all be posting here from time to time. (Hopefully, more times than I have lately!)

Peace,
Georgiann

Thursday, January 22

2009-01-25T17:17:00.000-08:00

We had a nice evening with 14 knitters -- 3 newbies -- welcome to Camille, Sam and Julie!
Lots of good stuff being worked on, lots of good talk. Melissa showed many of the Christmas gifts she had knit for her family -- the woman is prolific!

I didn't give a pattern out this week -- I was working on one, but couldn't make it come out right. I'll give it another try for February 12.

Take care, stay warm and see you in February.

Peace.

Oops - It's A New Year Already!

2009-01-08T12:11:00.000-08:00

When I opened today's paper and read the Knit Night notice, I saw that Becky had printed the address for the blog and I wondered, "Just when was the last time I posted at the Knit Night blog?"

Sort of embarrassing to realize it was over 3 months ago. Sorry.

But here we are in a new year, and tonight is the first of another great year of Knit Nights! This begins our 4th year of this fun group.

I am expecting new knitters tonight, so nothing spectacular planned -- just introductions, show and tell and lots of time to talk and teach the newbies.

Dates for the first half of 2009 Knit Nights:
January 8 and 22
February 12 and 26
March March 12 and 26
April 9 and 23 (I probably won't be there on the 9th -- Holy Thursday)
May 14 and 28
June 11 and 25

Peace.
Georgiann

September 11 - Scarves, Redux

2008-09-12T13:56:00.000-07:00

Since scarves are such a popular item to knit, I gave out a few patterns last night. We had 14, if we count the babies. We were glad to see Sue again; she asked me if I had been canning. Ha! How can you knit and can at the same time? Mrs. M was with us again, too, (but I caught her and Kathy crocheting) and we were glad to welcome Nancy. And I musn't forget Amber, who joined us last time (but I didn't post then, did I?) -- sorry, Amber!

So here are the patterns I talked about; I have, or am going to try to knit up each one, and will post pictures as I do.

Easiest Garter Stitch Scarf
Any yarn, any needles. Cast on as many stitches as you desire, knit until it is as long as you like. Easy!
(This is nice with a highly textured yarn, like the Homespun)

Ribbed Scarf
Any yarn, any needles
Cast on a multiple of 4.
Row 1: *k4, p4* repeat
Row 2: Same as above -- knit the knits, purl the purls

Feather & Fan Scarf
Pattern here

Irish Hiking Scarf
Pattern here from http://www.helloyarn.com/

Yarn Harlot One Row Scarf
Pattern here from (http://www.yarnharlot.ca/)

Drop Stitch Scarf
Pattern here

Multi directional Diagonal Scarf
Pattern here
(Especially beautiful in Noro)

I am working with Ashley on cables next Wednesday afternoon at 2:00 at Starbucks, if anyone is interested (and, if Starbucks is still open!)

Peace.
Georgiann

Log Cabin

2008-09-11T14:26:00.000-07:00

Of course, I forgot to post after our last meeting (and we meet again tonight!) And, I have not worked up the log cabin washcloth as I said I would. Can you forgive me? But here is a picture, and I promise that soon I will post some directions. In the meantime, if you are curious about the log cabin technique, please look in Mason-Dixon Knitting, which is available at our library.

(There is exciting news for MDKnitting lovers -- their new book, Mason-Dixon Knitting Outside the Lines is available on 9/16.)

Peace.

Mitered Squares

2008-08-27T16:05:00.000-07:00

We met on August 14, and we were so glad to have Sharon with us again! A couple of newbies (welcome!) and some old regulars like me!

Here is the pattern I gave out:

Mitered Squares

The mitered square is a handy pattern not only for dishcloths, but for small blankets and afghan squares, as well.
The square on the right was worked from the long side toward the point, casting on 72 stitches, and decreasing; this pattern can be found on page 108 of Mason-Dixon Knitting, which is available at our library. (There are also several free patterns for this type square on the internet, but I really love the way the decreases are planned in the MD square, so try that one first.)

The square on the left is worked from the short side up, increasing as you go. The best thing about this is that you don’t have to worry about how much yarn you have – you can just finish your square any size you want – this square could go on forever, into a blanket, if you use circular needles to holdall your stitches.

Here is the simple plan for the mitered square:

Any yarn, any size needles.
Cast on 3.
Row 1: k1, yo, k1, yo, k1
Row 2 and all even rows: knit (or, you could purl back, giving the square a stockinette look as opposed to the garter look you will get from all knits)
Row 3: k2, yo, k1, yo, k2
Row 5: k3, yo, k1, yo, k3
Row 7: k4, yo, k1, yo, k4
Row 9: k5 yo, k1, yo, k5
Row 11: k6, yo, k1, yo, k6
Row 13: k7, yo, k1, yo, k7
Continue in this same manner, binding off when you are happy with the square size. (for the cloth I have pictured here, I finished with a knit 24, yo, k1, yo, k24 row.)

We will meet again on Thursday, August 28 at 6:30 -- hope to see you there!

July - Easy Triangle Shawl

2008-07-19T05:26:00.000-07:00

First off, let me remind you that we will not meet on July 24 because of the fair, but we will meet on August 14 and 28.

We had 8 knitters on July 10 -- two new knitters! Several of our knitters are considering taking things to the fair, so be sure to check in the Family Arts building for our friends' work.

Our pattern this week is the simple triangle shawl. I did mine in Alp Premier yarn held together with a pale green mohair; I bought both at Two Be Weavers in Salem, one of my favorite shops. The Alp was an impulse buy -- lots of novelty yarns tied together. I had made a vow, after countless fun fur scarves, ponchos, etc., never to buy novelty yarns again. But Julie convinced me that this would make a quick and easy shawl, and I thought my friend, Ruby, deserved a dazzling piece like that. I will post a picture when I get it back from the fair. I'm pretty sure it won't win anything, as it is a simple garter stitch shawl, but it looks pretty fancy with the Alp.
I also took my bright pinwheel baby blanket. I took it in to Knit Night last time and showed how it curled on the edges. I had used an applied I-cord edging -- it looked nice and neat, but curled. So I ripped that all off and knit around 5 rows of garter stitch. Which wanted to curl as well. I have a poor history of scorching things with my iron, but I used a pressing cloth and tried to steam the curl out. It worked OK, I guess. Really, the baby won't care, will he?

Here is the pattern for the easy triangle shawl I passed out last week -- it's a pretty basic pattern you can find all over the Internet, but I tried to clear it up a bit for you.

Easiest Triangle Shawl

Make this lovely little shawl for yourself, or as a great gift for someone. You are making a triangle from the point upward, and going as far as you like. Basically, you start each right side row with a knit and a yo, then proceed to the middle of the shawl – there you will have a yo, a knit and a yo to mark the center. Then, you knit to the end of the row, where you add a yarn over before the last knit stitch. (So, you are adding 4 stitches on each right side row.) On each wrong side row, you knit the first and last stitches of the row, and purl between them. See? Easy!

Abbreviations: yo – yarn over; pm – place marker

Materials: Any fiber, any size needles you like
Pattern: Cast on 3 stitches
Row 1: (right side): k1, yo, k1, yo, k1 (5 stitches)
Row 2 : k1, p 3, k1
Row 3: k1, yo, k1, yo, pm, k1, pm, yo, k1, yo, k1 (9 stitches)
Row 4: k1, p7, k1
Row 5: k1, yo, k3, yo, pm, k1, pm, yo, k3, yo, k1 (13 stitches)
Row 6: k1, p11, k1
Row 7: k1, yo, k5, yo, pm, k1, pm, yo, k5, yo, k1 (17 stitches)

Continue in this same manner always beginning your right-side rows with k1 and YO, knitting to the first marker and working a YO before slipping the marker, knitting the central stitch, slipping the second marker, working a YO, knitting across and working a YO before the final stitch. (Remember that the markers should always have only one stitch between them, and that this center stitch can be traced in a visual line all the way back to your very first row.)
Bind off, using the flexible bind off: *k2, pass the first stitch worked (that is, the farthest from your right needle tip) over the most recent stitch worked (that is, the one closest to your right needle tip) and off the right needle, and slip the remaining stitch back onto the left needle. Repeat from * across until last stitch, pull tail through that stitch and weave in ends.

Now you can rinse and block your shawl into a nice triangle shape. You could add a border if you like, or a fringe.
Most of all, have fun with this easy little project.

Peace.

June 12 - Butterfly Washcloth

2008-06-16T20:29:00.000-07:00

It was good to be back at Knit Night after my gram's death. I hadn't knit a stitch for almost a month, but preparing for class made me get out the needles and go search out a pattern. I chose this cloth, from the Coats and Clarks site.

I thought the pattern was just a little hard to understand, so I tried to write it out a little better for you:

Butterfly Cloth

Special instructions:
Sl5pwyf – slip the next five stitches as if to purl with the yarn in front (this forms a yarn strand on the right side of the fabric). Then, before knitting, take yarn to the back again.

(When using the purl stitch to make the butterfly as described below in the pattern, bring the needle under all five strands of yarn from the bottom up, and then purl them together along with the next stitch on the left needle. Trust me, it works, but it took me many, many tries to finally get it right!)
Materials:
US 7 needles, kitchen cotton
Directions:
Cast on 35
Seed stitch border, Rows 1-4: k1, *p1, k1* repeat from star across.
(Pattern rows begin below, and will include a seed stitch side border)
Row 1 (RS): k1, p1, k3, [Sl5pwyf, k5] twice, Sl5pwyf, k3, p1, k1
Row 2: K1, p1, k1, p29, k1, p1, k1
Rows 3-8: repeat rows 1 and 2 three more times
Row 9: k1, p1, k3, [Sl5pwyf, k5] twice, Sl5pwyf, k3, p1, k1
Row 10: k1, p1, k1, p4 [make butterfly: insert tip of needle (from the bottom to the top) under all 5 loose strands and purl the 5 strands and the next stitch together as one – butterfly made; p9] twice, make butterfly, p4,k1,p1,k1
Row 11: k1,p1, k8, [Sl5pwyf, k5] twice, k3, p1, k1
Row 12: Repeat pattern row 2
Rows 13-18: Repeat rows 11 and 12 three more times
Row 19: Repeat row 11
Row 20: k1, p1, k1, p9, [make butterfly, p9] twice, k1, p1, k1
Repeat pattern rows 1-20 once more, then pattern rows 1-10 once.
Repeat seed stitch border rows 1-3. Bind off, weave in ends.

Our next session is on Thursday, June 26 at 6:30. I don't know if we will be back in our regular room or in the children's department again, so just look around for other chicks with sticks (and Josh!)

Peace,

Georgiann

PS - We had 13 knitters -- one newbie!

May 8 - Knitting Terminology and The Charlie Brown Dishcloth

2008-05-09T17:35:00.000-07:00

Veronica had asked for a glossary of terms, so that's what I thought I would teach. We had another great night; 13 knitters -- 14 if we count baby Gwyn and 15 if we count Ashley, who was late because of school. We do miss her when she's not there!

So, here's the lesson for the evening, plus a pattern for a Zig-Zag cloth that uses some of the terms:

K – knit
P – purl
CO – cast on (unless a certain cast on is specified in the pattern, use your favorite, or what seems to work best with the pattern)
BO - bind off
Dec – decrease (again, this can be done several ways, and may be specified in the pattern)
Inc – increase
YO – yarn over; to take the yarn around the right hand needle before working the next stitch (when doing a yo on a purl side row, or before a purl stitch, pass the yarn to the back over the right needle, and then back to the front, then purl the next stitch.)
K2tog – a decrease, in which you knit the next two stitches together as one (Leans toward the right)
P2tog – a decrease, in which you purl the next two stitches together as one
Ktbl – knit through the back of the loop you will pass your right needle through the back side of the next stitch from right to left. You will then complete the knit stitch as usual.Ptbl – purl through the back of the loop. You will pass your right needle through the back side of the next stitch from left to right, then to the front. You will then complete the purl stitch as usual.Kfb - knit into the front and back of stitch. This is an increase; knit into the front, as usual, then before removing stitch from the left needle, knit again into the back loop, then remove both stitches to the right needle. 1 stitch increased
M1 – make one. This is another increase. Insert left needle, from front to back, under strand of yarn which runs between last stitch on left needle and first stitch on right needle; knit this stitch through back loop. 1 stitch increased.
Sl – slip a stitch from left to right without knitting or purling it (you may be asked to “sl as if to knit” or “sl as if to purl”, meaning you would insert your needle as if to do those)
Psso – pass the slipped stitch over
Ssk - slip two stitches as if to knit, then knit those two together (Leans toward the left)
Ssp – slip two stitches as if to purl, then purl those two together
Yf – yarn forward (bring working yarn to the front)
YB – yarn back (bring working yarn to the back)
( ) - work instructions between parentheses, in the place directed

* * - repeat instructions between asterisks, as directed
“ – inches
oz. – ounces
mm - millimeter

Others:
Dpn – double-pointed needle
Cab – cable
Cont - continue
Beg – beginning
RH – right hand
LH – left hand
Pat – pattern
PM – place marker
Prev – previous
Rep – repeat
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
St (sts) – stitch or stitches
Yd – yard
Yn - yarn

The Charlie Brown Dishcloth

Materials: 2 balls of kitchen cotton in coordinating colors
Needles: Size 7 or 8 (your preference)

Cast on 44 stitches with first color.
Rows 1-5: K
Row 6: * k2tog, k2, kfb into each of the next 2 sts, k3, ssk; rep from *.

Row 7 and all odd rows: P
Row 8 and all even rows: Rep. Row 6
Change colors as you wish, bringing unused yarn up the side of your work and taking working yarn under unused yarn to avoid a loop at the edges.When cloth is almost the length you want (approximately as long as it is wide), knit 5 rows to match the top.Bind off. Weave in ends.
Note: You could make a baby blanket or afghan from this same stitch pattern; just cast on any multiple of 11.

April 10 and 24 -- Pinwheel

2008-05-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

Yes, I know it's May. Yes, I know I have failed you miserably in posting here. But April was a crazy month, and May isn't shaping up much better, either. I didn't have a pattern for you on the 24th -- we just talked and shared (full house, as usual lately -- I think we had 18).On the 10th, I gave out the pattern for the Pinwheel Blanket; the same idea can be used for a washcloth, place mat, table cover, circle shawl, etc.

Pinwheel Blanket

Materials

Yarn: any you choose

Needles: Size compatible with your yarn, both double points and a circular.

Pattern: Using dpns, cast on 5 stitches, (2 stitches on 1 dpn, 2 on the next and 1 on the third). Place a marker to show the the beginning of the round.

Next round: Knit into front and back of each stitch (10 stitches)

(Alternate beginning: With a crochet hook, chain 6, join chain. You will have one loop to place on your dpn. In next chain, pull up a stitch with crochet hook, place on knitting needle. In the next 4 chains, pull up 2 stitches, for a total of 10 stitches on the dpns. Distribute evenly on the dpns) Place marker.

Next round: Knit around. (10 stitches)

Round 3: *k1, yo* around to marker. (20 stitches).

Round 4: knit

Round 5: *k2, yo* around to marker.

Round 6: knit

Round 7: *k3, yo* around to marker.

Round 8 : knit

Continue in this pattern of adding a stitch in each section- there are 10 sections, and you will begin to see the wedge of each section appear as you continue to knit around.When needed (when you get so many stitches on the dpns that you are in danger of dropping them off), switch from using the double points to a circular needle. (Depending on how large you want the blanket to be, you may need another circular with a longer cable.)When the blanket has reached the desired diameter, bind off.Now your blanket is complete, and you can add a decorative edging if you choose. I crocheted an edging around mine (I found the pattern on the Internet, and can find it for you, if you need. Let me know)

Our next session is Thursday, May 8, at 6:30. We will probably be in the Children’s Program room. See you soon.

Peace,
Georgiann

Thursday, March 27

2008-03-31T16:08:00.000-07:00

We had such a good group this week; 20 attended and we had two new knitters, Julie and Carla. We also had a little friendly debate about the merits of knitting versus those of crocheting. (I took the knitting side, but I like crochet, just not quite as much!)
I gave out handouts about Afghans for Afghans. The web address and all kinds of good information and patterns can be found here. I am going to try to make a blanket and a hat before the May deadline. I think I will use this hat pattern.

All kinds of knitting going on in the group: sweaters, scarves, afghans, socks, a baby blanket or two and Kathy's gorgeous shawl, which gets a little closer to complete every time we see it!

Our next session is April 10 at 6:30. Hope to see you there!

Peace,
Georgiann

The Best Show and Tell Ever

2008-03-24T09:53:00.001-07:00

Josh, Gwyn and Marissa

I've fallen behind on posting, once again. But we meet this Thursday, 3/27. Hope to see you there.

Peace,

Georgiann

Thursday, 2/14

2008-02-17T04:13:00.000-08:00

We had 17 knitters and a lovely time. Plus an interesting story about a trip to Nepal from Deb, who I am really hoping will be back.

Peace

A Valentine Dish Cloth

2008-02-14T10:16:00.000-08:00

with love, from me to you.

Based on the basic diagonal dishcloth, with a loving insert!

Materials: Kitchen cotton and #7 or #8 needles

Directions: Cast on 4 stitches; Knit two rows.
Increase rows: k2, yo, knit to end of row
Repeat increase row until there are 12 stitches on the needle.

Continue in pattern:
Pattern row 1: k2, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, k5 (13 stitches)
Row 2 and every even row: k2, yo, knit to end (14 stitches)
Row 3: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k2tog, yo, k6 (15 stitches)
Row 5: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2tog,k5 (17 stitches)
Row 7: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, k2tog, k5 (19)
Row 9: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k7, yo, k2tog, k5 (21)
Row 11: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k9, yo, k2tog, k5 (23)
Row 13: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k11, yo, k2tog, k5 (25)
Row 15: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k13, yo, k2tog, k5 (27)
Row 17: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k15, yo, k2tog, k5 (29)
Row 19: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k17, yo, k2tog, k5 (31)
Row 21: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k19, yo, k2tog, k5 (33)
Row 23: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k21, yo, k2tog, k5 (35)
Row 25: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k23, yo, k2tog, k5 (37)
Row 27: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k25, yo, k2tog, k5 (39)
Row 29: k2, yo, k2, k2tog, yo, k27, yo, k2tog, k5 (41)
Row 30: K2, yo, knit to end (42)

Decreases: Row 1: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k27, yo, k2tog, k5 (41)
Row 2 and every even row: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end
Row 3: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k25, yo, k2tog, k5 (39)
Row 5: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k23, yo, k2tog, k5 (37)
Row 7: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k10, k2tog, yo, k9, yo, k2tog, k5 (35)
Row 9: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k7, k2tog,yo, k1, yo, k2tog, k7, yo, k2tog, k5 (33)
Row 11: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k5, k2tog, yo, k3, yo, k2tog, k5, yo, k2tog, k5 (31)
Row 9: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, k2tog, yo, k3, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, k2tog, k3, yo, k2tog, k5 (29)
Row 11: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k1, (k2tog,yo) x3, k5, (yo, k2tog)x3, k5 (27)
Row 12: k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end of row
Repeat row 12 until there are 4 stitches left on the needle. Knit one more row, then bind off. Weave in ends. Give dishcloth to your sweetheart.

Peace.

Asian Influences in Knitting

2008-01-25T04:59:00.000-08:00

Because the library is sponsoring "The Big Read" of Amy Tan's The Joy Luck Club in January and February, it was suggested that we do an Asian-inspired theme for Knit Night.
I started researching Chinese knitting, and found some of the same information we discussed at our last evening: much of the knitting fiber available in retail stores is manufactured in China, and China has led the way in development of newer fibers, such as hemp, soy, bamboo and milk.

Also, more clothing manufacturers are looking to Chinese knitting mills for their fabrics.
But hand knitting? Chinese knitting patterns? Not so much.

I am going to continue to read up on this, but my guess (from studying China in college and hearing my husband's stories of his adventures there) is that knitting is not yet popular in China because it is a Western art, and therefore was probably discouraged by the government and their closed-door policy to all things Western.

There are many Chinese-inspired patterns in the folk-style knitting books that have become popular in the past few years, however, and Chinese motifs can be added to knitted garments or accessories. Since Chinese characters are so popular, especially at this time of year as Chinese New Year approaches, I thought I would be smart and chart up the character for good luck (as close to "joy luck" as I could come). Since so many in our group are fond of dishcloths, I knit up the pattern into a cloth:

Unfortunately, you can't make out the characters, which should look like this:

A little disappointing, but remember WTWTCH? I have a new orange dishcloth! I'm going to try again, this time on a scarf or bag, and using two colors so the characters will actually show!

(If, for any crazy reason, you would be interested in the chart for these characters, I would be glad to send it to you, but I'm not going to post the pattern here -- I passed the pattern out in class, and will have some copies next time).

If you google "Chinese knitting pattern," you may get a hit on Maggie's Rags Chinese Waves Dishcloth pattern.

I'm not too sure what is Chinese about this pattern, but it is a nice stitch, and makes a very sturdy cloth. There wasn't a picture to go with the pattern, so I knit one up:
Here is the pattern a little closer up:

From the Maggie's Rags site: Chinese Waves is based on garter stitch, so there's no purling and it doesn't curl up. Use any worsted weight 100% cotton yarn, such as Sugar 'n Cream and #7 needles.
Cast on 45 stitches (Any odd number of stitches will do.)
Row 1: Knit across (this is the right side)

Row 2: *K1, Slip 1* repeat between * across, ending K1.

Row 3: Knit across

Row 4: K2, *Slip 1, K1* repeat between * across, ending K1.

Keep working these 4 rows in pattern until piece is square, finishing with a wrong side row. Bind off in knitting on the right side.
I usually slip the slipped stitches as if to purl. But you can also slip as if to knit, which twists the stitch when you knit it on the next row, making a slightly tighter fabric. I like both ways equally well.
The yarn carried across the back of all the slipped stitches makes little curves across the dishcloth, which look like rows of little waves, hence the name "Chinese Waves."
Me again -- I had a little trouble remembering where I was in this pattern: was I ready for a row 4 or a row 2? So I wrote a "1" on one side of an index card and a "2" on the other, and flipped the card over after each odd (all knit) row. That way , I would know whether to knit 1 and then begin the slips or knit 2 and begin the slips.

As for a report from the group, we had another wonderful evening. 21 knitters. We welcomed several new knitters and were glad to see some familiar faces back.
Have I told you how much I love this group? It's a different dynamic every time, but it is always a great time.
peace
Georgiann

Beyond the Basic Washcloth

2008-01-14T09:34:00.000-08:00

(One of the questions I didn't get answered last week was from Julie. She wanted to use the diagonal washcloth pattern for an afghan. The following is from a session we had on April 26, 2007 -- hope this helps!)

You can use the basic diagonal washcloth pattern to create a beautiful baby blanket, a warm afghan or a lovely triangular shawl.

Determine what you would like to make, choose yarn and needles of an appropriate size, and start in.

Basic Directions:

Cast on 4 stitches.

Knit 2 rows.

Increase rows, K2, yo, knit to end.

Repeat increase row until the project is the width you desire, then begin decrease rows:

Decrease rows: K1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k to end.

Repeat decrease rows until you have 4 stitches left on the needles.

Knit two rows.

Bind off, weave in ends.

For a square baby blanket, choose a soft comfy yarn; I would suggest an acrylic for a baby, but many have had good results with a superwash wool or cotton, such as Bernat Cottontots. (Try not to burden new parents with "hand wash only" gifts!) Knit increase rows until the blanket is the width you desire -- probably somewhere around 3' -- then begin decrease rows and complete. To make it extra special, cut 4 lengths of satin ribbon about 6" longer than the sides of your blanket -- weave the ribbon through the holes around the edges of the blanket and tie into bows on the 4 corners. These ribbons can be removed for laundering.

For an afghan for an adult, choose your yarn and needle size. Again, because of the large amount of yarn needed for an afghan, I would suggest an acrylic, but that is completely up to you. You could make 4 large squares as above, and stitch them together. Or, you could modify the basic pattern to make a rectangle:

(Because this is a larger project and will become heavy, I would use a circular needle, where the weight could be distributed on the cable. Straights would be fine, however; there will just be a lot of stitches to deal with before you are done.)

Cast on 4 stitches.

Knit 2 rows. Increase rows: K2, yo, knit to end.

Repeat increase rows until the project is the width you desire (probably between 3' and 4').

Place a marker (like a safety pin) on one side of the triangle. This will now be your increase side.

Next row: Knit one increase row.

Next row: Knit one decrease row (k1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, knit to end)

This will begin to shape your rectangle. The marker will help you to know which side is your increase side, and which is the decrease.

Repeat one increase row, one decrease row until you are happy with the length.

When the rectangle is the length you desire, begin decreasing every row. This will square up the end of your afghan.

Complete the rows as in the basic washcloth: continue decreasing until there are 4 stitches remaining.

Knit 2 rows.

Bind off and weave in ends.

For an easy triangular shawl, choose yarn and needles you enjoy working with. Begin the basic pattern and knit the increase rows until you reach the width desired. Usually, a triangle shawl is the same width as the wearer's arm span (which is the same as the wearer's height!) Bind off. It is that easy. Really!

peace

Knitting "Green"

2008-01-13T05:42:00.000-08:00

Our first session of the year was well-attended -- 22 knitters. So glad to see familiar faces, and to welcome new knitters to our group. The two hours just goes by far too fast; I feel like we didn't get everyone's questions answered, but I think most of the newbies are off to a good start.

I talked bit about "green" knitting -- knit organic, knit alternative, knit recycled, knit local. I ordered a few unusual yarns from Earth-Friendly Yarns last week, and brought in some others from my collection:

Center: Mango Moon's Viscose (a fiber made from tree or plant cellulose) in the Earth colorway. I had read that some viscose yarns are soft and pliable, but this one is not -- I think this might be the yarn for the guitar strap I have been thinking about.

To the right of that, the yellow "cake" of yarn is from Judy's farm (knit local!)

Next, clockwise, is a little purple skein of Vickie Howell's Craft, which is 65% cotton and 35% milk fiber. Having grown up on a dairy farm, I was interested in how milk was transformed into fiber. Through miracles of bio-engineering, the protein casein is removed from the milk and spun into fiber which is environmentally friendly and of the same pH as human skin, making it an ideal fiber for clothing. The US had begun producing milk fiber in the 1940's, but production was expensive and curtailed by World War II. Now, China has perfected the production of milk fiber (along with soy and hemp) and is providing the fiber to manufacturers around the world. Very interesting.

To the left of the Craft is Maizy, made by Crystal Palace. It is 82% corn fiber and 18% elastic -- it would probably be great for socks (if I were a sock knitter, which I hope to be soon!)

Below that is a skein of pakucho, an organic cotton from Peru. The color is natural -- no dyes are used in their processing; no pesticides, herbicides or other chemicals were used in the growing of this cotton, either.

Clockwise next is Hempathy by Elsebeth Lavold, a knitting designer from Sweden. This yarn is 34% hemp, 41% cotton and 24% modal.

Then comes the recycled sari silk from Nepal. I purchased this skein from Earth Friendly, but I think I prefer the sari silk from Mango Moon. The MM silk is soft and pliable, but I just wound this skein into a ball, and it feels like twine in my hands -- I think it is destined for a tote bag. The important thing about these sari silks is that they are recycled, and the profits go toward empowering the women of Nepal.

Finally, the large skein at the top of the picture is Manos del Uruguay ("hands of Uruguay"). I love this 100% wool, which funds "economic and social opportunities for rural women of Uruguay". It is hand spun and hand-dyed, and no two skeins are the same.

We also talked a bit about buying sweaters and other knitwear at thrift shops, unraveling them and re-knitting. This is a group that hates to rip out knitting, and that idea was met with groans and skepticism. I doubt anyone rushed out to the Goodwill looking for the perfect sweater to frog!

Along the "green" theme, I "designed" this pattern for a Green Grocery Sack:

I designed this in the same shape as a plastic grocery sack. My first attempt, which was the same size as the plastic, stretched to the floor when I put a few groceries in it! So here is a re-vamped version, using 3 less drop stitch pattern repeats and with shortened handles.
(Note: You will first knit a rectangle, then pick up stitches on three sides of the rectangle -- the 4th side is the last row of 16 stitches of the rectangle. Then you will join and knit in a circle. The handles are divided in two and joined at the top.)

Materials: kitchen cotton, probably 3 skeins (I used different colors from my washcloth leftovers)
10 ½ needles, both circular and DPN

Glossary: K=Knit; yo=Yarn over; BO = bind off

Instructions: Using circular needle, cast on 16 for rectangle.

Knit 40 rows (20 garter ridges on each side)
Pick up 20 stitches on one long side of rectangle, between garter ridges.
Pick up 16 stitches on short side
Pick up 20 stitches on other long side of rectangle
Place marker.
Knit around for 12 rounds.
(You could continue knitting, without adding the following pattern; just knit until the sack measures 9” from the base rectangle)

Drop stitch pattern: Row 1: *k1, YO* to end of round
Row 2: * K1, drop yo*
Rows 3-7: Knit
Repeat this pattern 3 more times.

Next row: K16, BO 20 stitches, k16, BO 20 stitches.

Handles:
First side: Switching to dpns, on one set of 16, knit 4 rows in stockinette.
Row 5: K7, BO 2, K7.
Divide these stitches with 7 stitches on each dpn.
Using another dpn, knit 16 rows; leave stitches on dpn.
Repeat with stitches on second needle.

Use 3-needle bind-off to join both halves of the handle
(3-needle bind-off: Hold the 2 dpn’s with the wrong sides of the handles together. Using a 3rd dpn, knit the first stitch on both needles together. Knit the second stitch in the same manner. Lift the first stitch over the second. Repeat to the end of the row.)
Weave in ends

Repeat with second handle.

Weave all ends in securely and you are ready to hit the market.

Our next session is Thursday, January 24 at 6:30, when our topic will be Asian Influences in Knitting, to go along with our library's Big Read.

peace

A New Year!

2008-01-03T09:45:00.000-08:00

Here are the dates for the first six months of Library Knit Night, 2008:

January 10 and January 24

February 14 and February 28

March 13 and March 27

April 10 and April 24

May 8

June 12 and June 26

We can discuss a session on May 22, but I will be out of town.

Here is the plan for the next few weeks:
1/10: Knitting "Green"
1/24: Asian Influences in Knitting
2/14: I'd Love to Knit a Sweater!
2/28: I'd Love to Knit a Sweater, part 2!
3/13: Sock it to me, Baby
3/27: More sock techniques

I am not much one for resolutions, but one of my goals is to keep up this blog a bit better. Thanks for your patience!
Georgiann

And just because it was so beautiful, here are some pictures of the library Christmas tree, and the origami ornaments.

Thursday, October 25 - Pattern problems

2007-11-02T05:47:00.000-07:00

We had 14 knitters -- such a good crowd.

I didn't have a lesson or handout this week (for the first time -- I am sorry!)

But we had a great time, as usual, talking about our projects and helping each other with problems.

Sometimes the trouble is something we have done, sometimes it is a problem with the fiber, and sometimes is is the pattern, as we saw this week.

Sue Ann has been using a "vintage" pattern to make a beautiful cabled hat from red wool and mohair. I didn't look at the copyright, but I am guessing it is from the '60's. The pattern isn't written as clearly as modern patterns, and makes a lot of assumptions about the knitter's general knowledge. But we worked our way through some of the foggy bits, and she is almost finished; I am looking forward to seeing the hat complete at our next session.

Phyllis is working on a pair of socks using a free pattern -- one that hangs on a pad on the yarn shelves. She followed the pattern as written correctly, knitting the leg of the sock flat. Unfortunately, as she got to the foot, it was clear that she was to knit in the round. Mistakes like this in the pattern are frustrating. I think designers and publishers work very hard to make sure patterns are correct before printing them, but of course, mistakes happen.

If I choose pattern from a book or magazine, I check around the Internet (such as the site here) to see if there have been any mistakes noted; many publishers will post an errata page, which I think is a great service.

Patterns on the Internet are often corrected right on the page, and many designers will make a note as to the corrections. Knitty.com is especially good at this. If you printed out a pattern a while ago and decide to knit it up now, I would go back to the original Internet site and check it again to see if any mistakes have been found.

As for a pattern like Phyllis', which are usually printed by the yarn companies as an incentive to purchase their yarn, you could check with the company's website -- most of the free patterns offered at the stores are also on their sites.

And if you find what you think is a mistake in the pattern, don't hesitate to inform the publisher -- you will surely be helping out your fellow knitters.

And here is a picture of one of the hats I was working on for my grandsons' Halloween costumes.

Just because it is so cute.

Our next session is Thursday, November 8 at 6:30. See you there!

Georgiann

Patterns

2007-10-22T07:30:00.000-07:00

Here are some of the more popular patterns from Knit Night, starting with the easiest:

Easiest Garter Stitch Scarf

Using any needles and any yarn, cast on as many stitches as you want, depending on how wide you want your scarf.
Knit every row, until your scarf is as long as you want. See, wasn’t that the easiest?

I make a lot of these:

Diagonal Dishcloth

Materials: Kitchen cotton and #7 or 8 needles

k=knit; yo=yarn over (bring the yarn to the front and over the needle and to the back, without actually making a stitch)

Directions:
Cast on on 4 stitches.
Rows 1 and 2: Knit
Increase rows - Row 3: K2, yo, k to end.
Repeat row 3 until there are 42 stitches on your needle.
Decrease rows - Next row: K1, k2tog, yo, k2tog, k to end.
Repeat the decrease row until 4 stitches remain.
K 4 rows.
Bind off.

Some dishcloth hints:
1) When you knit the next row after you have made a yarn over, the yarn over will not look like a regular knit stitch; knit it as if it is.
2) This cloth pattern can be made to any size. For a smaller cloth, repeat the increase row fewer times; for a larger cloth, repeat the increase more times.
3) You may have enough yarn to make a second cloth. Measure out the remaining yarn (I wrap the yarn around a yardstick), and place a mark (like a slip knot) at the middle. Work increase rows until a little before the mark, then work decrease rows.
3) Always weave in the tails of the yarn. This can be done by threading the yarn through a tapestry needle and weaving it through stitches, or by using a crochet hook and weaving in and out.

Now that you know the yo, you can make a drop stitch, and a drop stitch scarf:

Drop Stitch Scarf

Materials: Any yarn you love, and needles compatible (This pattern is great for “showy” yarns)
Cast on any number of stitches, but for clarity, let's say 15

Rows 1-3: Knit (garter stitch)
Row 4: K1*yo twice, K1* repeat across (You will have 40 "stitches" on your needle, if you count the yo's as stitches)
Row 5: Knit across, dropping the yo’s off your needles as you go (not knitting them). At the end of row 5, you should once again have 15 stitches.
Rows 6-8: Knit
Repeat rows 4-8 until desired length.

Finish with 4 rows of garter stitch, to match the beginning end of the scarf.
Bind off.

More patterns soon!

Peace.

Thursday, October 11

2007-10-20T09:59:00.000-07:00

There were 17 knitters at Knit Night -- 3 new knitters!

Our lesson was on Christmas stockings. This was my example:

I knit the stocking using this pattern. Instead of bulky-weight yarn, I held two strands of worsted weight together. Also, I didn't have size 10 1/2 dpns; they don't carry dpn's at Wal-Mart, so I bought a dowel rod the same diameter as a 10 1/2, cut it into 4 pieces, sharpened the ends in the pencil sharpener, sanded them smooth and rubbed them down with wax paper. Because this stocking is for my Irish-loving son-in-law, Adam, I added the Saxon braid to this one; any cable or stitch pattern can be used in the leg of the stocking.

I am looking for a pattern for a stocking knit flat for those who don't want to tackle the dpn's -- I will try to have that next time.

Julie brought in a baby blanket, knit in squares and sewn together. Sue Ann's red cabled hat it almost complete; I am really looking forward to seeing that next time. Mel finished her baby blanket, and is starting another.

Our next session is Thursday, October 25 at 6:30.

Thursday, September 27

2007-09-28T09:35:00.000-07:00

Show and Tell:

Judy, our favorite sheep farmer, and her felted mittens. They just didn't felt down quite as far as she had hoped! They were made from her own wool, and she felted them 4 times, both in the machine and by hand. They are thick and toasty warm, though. Someone suggested using them as oven mitts, and Judy said her husband, Carl, thought she should embroider a blue horseshoe on them and wear them to a Colts game (so much classier than a foam finger!) Sue Ann, partially hidden by Judy's mitten, is working on a vintage hat pattern, knit from side-to-side with a cable brim.

Josh came to the last session to learn to knit for the baby he and his wife are expecting; this week, he came back with a blanket! With pom-poms! He also turned out the feathery scarf displayed on his shoulder. He has discovered the quick gratification of the big needle, and tried to convince all of us we need to invest in a pair of #50's.

Our lesson this evening was on mittens. The mitten on the left is knit flat, from a free Internet pattern by Kate Gilbert called Gifted. The mitten on the right was knit on double-pointed needles, using the mitten pattern from Ann Budd's The Knitter's Handy Book of Patterns. Both were knit using a double strand of Lion Brand Wool Ease in pink heather and grey heather.

Next session: Thursday, October 11, 6:30 PM

Peace.

The Beginnings of Library Knit Night

2007-09-27T22:50:00.000-07:00

About two years ago, a friend who works at the library asked me if I would be interested in teaching a knitting class. As I had taught some classes before (scrapbooking and quilting), love to knit and am a great library fan, I was glad to.

I don't have any special training which qualifies me to teach this class; in fact, I have never taken a knitting class myself. (I always mean to, but just have never gotten around to it.) When I was about 12, I learned to knit from my mom, who taught me all the good things. About 8 years ago, my dad was diagnosed with Alzheimer's. In the course of trying to understand his disease, I found many references to knitting; those combating Alzheimer's (and those hoping to stave it off) are encouraged to use their brain in a "new way," which often means learning a new skill, like playing an instrument or taking up a craft. I began to see knitting not only as a way to create garments, but as a challenge to my brain, a stress relief and a way toward peace of mind and spirit.

We had the first class in January, 2006. The session was packed; I think we had about 20-25 knitters. There was so much to teach and talk about, and the two hours flew by.

The class was so successful that we decided to continue, and now we meet twice a month, on the second and fourth Thursdays.

At each session, we start out with a little "Show and Tell": introductions first, and then each knitter shows what they are working on. Then I have a little lesson on a technique, stitch or something interesting in the knitting world (charity knitting, Internet sites, new books, podcasts, etc.). If there are new knitters, I give them an introductory lesson, then try to help the other knitters with whatever questions or problems they might have. As our sessions have developed, however, the knitters all help each other, which is a beautiful thing.

Usually, around 10 knitters attend each session; sometimes we have many more, and once there were just 3 of us (we did a lot more talking than knitting that night). Some have come since the very first session, some come once, some come once then come back months later. We have had young knitters and mature knitters. Most of the knitters are women, but men have joined us from time to time. Some of the knitters are quite experienced, and bring socks or lace projects. Some of the knitters are quite content to concentrate on scarves or washcloths. Basically, all are welcome to our Knit Night group; we knit, exchange ideas and patterns, but mostly we laugh and have a good time together, and we're happy to share the joy we have received from knitting.

Hopefully, this blog will be updated after each session. I will post our topic, some pictures and maybe even some newsy bits. Please comment or ask questions -- I will try to get back to you quickly. And if you have a knitting story to share, send it to me and I will post it here.

Peace and love to you all,
Georgiann