Tia Juana Knits

Knitting on BART: Speaking the Universal Language of Knitting

2008-08-27T06:43:00.000-07:00

When Mama died the only comfort I had, the only way to escape for a few moments from deep, deep sorrow was knitting. I knit like a fiend. Even now, I use it to escape moments of quiet when I can think about my loss. My loss is so overwhelming, I cannot allow myself much quiet time.

Times of quiet include my rides on BART (Bay Area Regional Transit). I can't sit and do nothing or I'll just cry. And I'm not comfortable crying in public, so I carry projects in my backpack. And I sit and knit.

Because BART is a public arena, I am frequently watched by non-knitters, those curious to see what I am making or how I can manipulate 4 double-points. Sometimes, people, former knitters and non-knitters, want to talk and share experiences. Sometimes, we don't have a common oral language. And that's where knitting comes in, something shared across cultures. And so, I am recording the following event that describes how knitting is a tool of communication.

One day, while on BART. I was knitting a striped scarf. Two older Chinese women got on, loaded down with fresh vegetables for the evening meal. One sat with me and the other across the way. In seconds, it was obvious they spoke very little English. They both kept watching me knit and both kept saying, "Good, good." All the time, they kept smiling; occassionally they exchanged comments with each other.

Suddenly, the one sitting with me grabbed my needles. She began knitting, in the same basic pattern, only she held her needles in a different way. She smiled and held up her hands. The woman demonstrated how she knit. Signing to me, she suggested this was another good way to knit.

I thought for a moment this woman used to knit when she was younger. Probably when she was still living at home. a student. When she had time to do this craft. Looking at her, I knew it had been years, that work and family now occupied so much of her time, she no longer had time to sit and knit, sit in silence and escape.

We had another couple of stops to go before getting off. So the woman kept the needles and continued to knit. She had obviously been watching to see when I changed colors and what the pattern was (a basic garter stitch). We sat quietly as she knit a few rows.

Our stop came up. The woman gave me back my knitting and I quickly stashed it back into my backpack. The ride shared with this older woman kept my sorrow at bay and demonstrated to me the camaraderie of being women, knitting quietly. Words did not need to be exchanged. We sat, sisters together regardless of culture or race, like so many people, men and women alike, and shared, silently the unity crafting and constructing can bring. The joy of creation and being together.

Once on the station platform, we said our good byes, knowing we would likely never see each other again. And now, two years later, I remember this event, this sharing and this moment I could escape from my sorrow. And even now, I wonder if I'll ever see the two women again.

Three Yarns Felted: Results

2007-04-19T09:56:00.000-07:00

Today I knit up three 100% wool yarns:
Cascade Taos
Reyolds Lopi (Bulky)
Cascade 220

Here are the results:

4" x 2.5" swatch
Size 10.5 circular needle

Taos: 10.5 rows and 8 stitches per 2"
Lopi: 5 rows and 7 stitches per 2"
220: 11 rows and 8 stitches per 2"

Taos felted the fastest, beginning to show tightening at 6 minutes. Lopi felted the slowest.

Felting Process:
I hand felted the swatches using boiling to hot water.

At 16 minutes, Taos had felted tightly and showed no stitching.
At 15 minutes, 220 was felting nicely but still showed the stitches. At 18 minutes, stitches were no longer viewable.
At 18 minutes, Lopi was starting to felt but the weave was still open.

Shrinkage:
In 18 minutes, Taos went from a 4" swatch to between 2.75" - 3".
220 shrank from 4" to 3.5".
Lopi shrank the least in width, but shrank the most in height, but not by a significant amount.

Note: I forgot to measure the height, but I've worked with Lopi before and the shrinkage, after 25 minutes was pretty equal in height and width.

The 220 was a red color and bled a little. The Lopi is black and also bled a bit (brownish shade).

I was hoping to be able to work with two yarns in one project. I think the Lopi would be nice on the bottom of a bag, causing a wider bottom if working with Taos.

Things I'll Do When I Have Time

2007-01-29T06:42:00.000-08:00

A girl can dream...

Scarves for my nephews:
http://www.morehousefarm.com/KnittingKits/Scarves/

Teddy Bears & Dolls:
http://www.viv.dk/Patterns/Patterns.htm

I love bookmarkers - fast, easy projects. Here's a link for a couple of patterns with a religious theme: http://wicketstich.blogspot.com/

What a great idea this is. A little something to go with a knit washcloth - a bath mit!
http://www.knitwits-heaven.com/bath_mitt.htm

This would be cute for my niece, Patricia:
http://magknits.com/Feb07/patterns/vcth.htm

Snowflake Illusion Scarf: http://www.lilocstudio.com/snowflake_illusion/

Origami crane: http://knitnotwar.com/crane_pattern.pdf

Knit Tips: On-line Instruction

2007-01-24T13:39:00.000-08:00

There are so many wonderful knitters and loomers out there who want all of us to know how to knit and loom that they've set up on-line instruction. Here are some of the sites:

I'm lovin' this site for all kinds of info and free patterns, labeled beginning, etc.:
http://www.knittinghelp.com/

"How to Knit Small Circumferences with Two Circulars" is great for learning how to knit socks on circular needles (The site also has general knitting tips, too.):
http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/twocirculars.html

What about Magic Loop knitting? The above site also provides information on Magic Loop:
http://www.az.com/~andrade/knit/mloop.html

Speaking of circular needles, do you need instruction on how to get started? Check this site for online instruction: http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/advanced_techniques/

Here's a site discussing knitting two, yes, two socks at once on circular needles. http://www.socknitters.com/2circs/

How about felting tips? Check out:
http://pickupsticksonline.com/felting/index.php

Want to explore knitting socks? This site was recommended several times by members of FirstTimeSocknittersKAL (a Yahoo group):
http://www.cometosilver.com/socks/SockClass_Beginning.htm

What about casting on? While I am really only familiar with the long tail version, I've read patterns that asked for a different type of cast-on. Here some good videos:
http://knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/index.php

Knit Tips: Knitted Hat Patterns

2007-01-16T15:05:00.000-08:00

Hat patterns I'd like to knit some day...When I have time.

Kitty Hat: http://www.kittyville.com/knit/kitty_hat.html

Braided Hat: http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/forum/viewtopic.php?t=143

Coronet Braided Hat: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTcoronet.html

Baby Tart: http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter03/PATTbabytart.html

Knit Tips: Sock Info: Yarn, Sizing, etc.

2007-01-16T14:27:00.000-08:00

Tips from my Yahoo Sock KAL group. (I know there will be more - great group!)

Sock Yarn Opinions:

Per Felicia:You could probably make socks from just about any yarn out there. The problem comes in with wearability- - too thick of a sock wouldn't be comfortable in a shoe, and too thin of a sock would take forever to knit.

Hot Sox, Bernet: an acrylic/nylon sock yarn that's cheap, and it makes great socks. You can find it at Hobby Lobby, Michaels, JoAnn's-- and probably most any other yarn outlet. I made socks from this yarn over two years ago-- and they are still wearing strong!
Magic Stripes, Lion Brand: you can get a quality wool blend yarn for less than $10. The problem is--it's difficult to find.
Wool-Ease, Lion Brand: makes a great pair of socks as well. You'll have to use a larger needle, but you will get a thick pair of warm socks.
Essential and Bare Superwash, Knit Picks: They have a decent array of sock yarn-- some machine washable, most hand-wash only-- that you can feel comfortable knitting with.

Yarn stores are full of sock yarns. Some have reasonably priced yarns, others carry yarns that I feel like I need to consult with a loan officer as well as a budget counselor to see if I can afford them:

Mountain Colors' Bearfoot yarn is about the only yarn I feel is worth the $20 price tag for a 100 gram hank.
Cherry Tree Hill has some nice sock yarn-- at $45 for a 100 gram hank-- I keep thinking that's two tanks of gas to get me back and forth to work for two weeks!

All the other stuff-- I have to say no thanks to, or get someone else to buy it for me! It all lies in your priorities. You can find decent sock yarn for about any price.What blends work best-- I like a wool/nylon blend. The Bearfoot is a wool/mohair/ nylon blend-- and though it says it's machine washable, I still only handwash my socks made out of this yarn. Wool blends wear for a long time, keep your feet dry, and I don't have a problem wearing through the heels.

My advice-- grab some lighter-colored yarn you like, your needles, and jump in! You can always get more yarn, and as you get better at knitting socks, you'll be able to find the type of sock yarn you like to wear the best!
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Per Julie: i used lion brand wool ease for my first pair. the yarn was thicker, and didn't seperate at all. i used a size 3 dpn's though, but i guess you could use whatever you like, my feet are a size 7 and these are cozily tight, so you could use a larger needle size.

Sock Lengths:

I like about 6-7 inches for my cuffs.-- Denise
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It is an individual thing. Whatever length you prefer is how long you knit. I was going to do mine 6", but even that seemed kind of long, so I did them 5". Becky
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When measuring for the length of the foot you measure from the heel right up to the needle but not including the needle.

Also for the foot length - most instructions say to stop knitting the foot 2 inches shorter than your foot. I usually stop at 2 1/4 inches. So my foot measures 9 inches so I knit 6 3/4 and then start my toe. Beth

Creating a Tighter Fitting Sock:
If you only want the foot part tighter you could try using smaller needles. Does it feel loose about the heel too? Maybe you could decrease in the leg as you get closer to the ankle before doing the heel. If you need the space in the heel area you could try decreasing more in the gusset but remember that will mean you have fewer stitches on the bottom of the foot but not the top. I find that using a slip stitch pattern for the heel flap also makes that part of the foot fit better. Carrying a ribbing pattern down the top of the foot to the toe shaping can also make the foot fit tighter.-- Denise

When to Start the Toe:
On the toe, I try it on ~ when it's close to the end of my little toe, that's where I start my decreases. - Deb
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I measured my foot to be 9 inches and I always start my toe at about 6 3/4 inches (this makes it a little shorter than my foot). That way it gives just a little stretch when I put it on. - Beth

Decreasing: Top Down Sock:
I usually decrease down to 8 or 10stitches on each needle. - Denise
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Instead of the flat toe, you can always start the toe earlier, and doround decreases, until you have about 10 stitches on the needle. Drawthose up tight, and weave in ends-- and you won't have the flat toe. The toe will look like the top of a hat. - Felicia

Casting On:
I personally use a long-tail cast-on but here is another knitter's suggestion:

I avoid the long-tail cast on, cabled cast on, or twisted German cast on for socks-- they are all simply too firm. I use the backward loop cast on, over two needles, which gives plenty of stretch when wearing the sock. It will look a bit "ruffled" around the top while you're knitting it, but you can't tell once you have it on your leg. - FELICIA

Knit Tips: Free On-line Bag Patterns

2007-01-16T12:39:00.000-08:00

Here are some links to bags I would love to sit down and knit (I'll be adding more as I go along):

Elann's Highland Wool Felted Fancy Bag:
http://www.elann.com/ShowFreePattern.asp?Id=196024

The Coco Bag:
http://feltedhandbagworkshop.blogspot.com/2006/02/free-pattern-coco-bag.html

The Quinn Bag: http://www.cogknition.org/patterns/quinn/

The Brea Bag: http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/brea/brea.html

The Red Hat Bag: http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/bags/redhat1-felt.html

A Slip of a Thing Bag: http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall06/PATTlittleslip.html

The Pink Lady ($5.00 for the pattern): http://store.nobleknits.com/pilafeha.html

The Booga Bag: http://www.blacksheepbags.com/booga_bag.html

The Sweetheart Bag: http://jan-knitfreepatterns.blogspot.com/2007_01_01_archive.html

The Round Plastic Bag Tote: http://www.marloscrochetcorner.com/round%20plastic%20bag%20tote.html

The Jane's AP Bag: http://seejayneknit.blogspot.com/2007/01/free-pattern-jaynes-ap-bag.html

The Ball Band Bag: http://worksforyarn.blogspot.com/2006/09/ballband-bag-recipe.html

Two great resources for all kinds of purse and bag patterns:
http://www.dailyknitter.com/patternsdetail.php?type=PU
http://www.knittychick.com/freebiepatterns.htm

Doing Multiple Dish Clothes At Once

2007-01-12T08:09:00.001-08:00

Here are a couple of thoughts on doing to dish clothes at once. These tips come from member of the Yahoo Group: Monthly KAL.

There are a few ways to do two at a time. 1. Using circulars and more than one skein of yarn.2. Using more than one pair of short needles, and morethan one yarn.3. Using 14" needles and more than one yarn. I have had several cloths going. If I see I like the pattern it's nothing to grab more yarn in other colors and needles, even in differing sizes, cast on and catch up to the current dayslines and then the next day you have 2, 5, or how ever many cloths to do the lines on. The skys the limit. You can use the same skein or ball of yarn if you are careful. You can do one cloth using the center pull andone cloth using the outside unwind line. Just take time to unwind from the outside and not tangle into your pulled line from the middle. Rebecca
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To knit 2 cloths at a time, I use cirs & 2 different yarns. The trick is tomake sure you complete your rows before putting your work down. For ex.; knit row 1 of color A, then knit row 1 of color B, etc. Otherwise, you maylose track which cloth or color to start with when you pick up your workagain. Deb

Helpful Hints: Cable Needles

2007-01-05T08:34:00.000-08:00

I like to organize suggestions made by others. Here's some on cable needles.

With big needles I usethe same size "big" needle. I slip the sts onto it...knit the following sts & then pull the needle out & turn it & re-insert it into
the sts.

Shawn
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Try cabling WITHOUT a cable needle. you won't be sorry...So much faster than fiddling with a cable needle....

http://www.diynetwo

http://www.wolfandt

http://wendyjohnson

http://bagateller.

Debbie
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Wooden cuticle (finger nail) sticks work well with larger needles. Mary
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I've generally used the back end of a crochet hook as a cable needle. Cheryl
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Knit Tips: Links to Free & Fun Dishcloth Patterns

2006-12-31T06:35:00.000-08:00

Elvis, etc. dishcloths (very cute patterns): http://marilynsknittingheavenonearth.blogspot.com/

Snowbird: http://www.geocities.com/schaefer_design_studio/snowbird.pdf

Christmas Ornament: http://www.geocities.com/schaefer_design_studio/newornament.pdf

Bee Stitch Dishcloth: http://www.knittingknonsense.com/beestitchcloth.html

Several Dishcloth Patterns by Melissa: http://home.earthlink.net/~oscarsdotter/id2.html

Snowflake Star: http://tiajudy.com/SnowStar.htm

Dreidel, plus other patterns: http://fiberneed.blogspot.com/2006/10/more-dishcloths.html

Baby Feet Cloth: http://www.knittingknonsense.com/babyfeet.html

Potholders: http://www.magknits.com/Dec06/patterns/easygoing.htm

Snowflake dishcloth: http://dishclothcorner.blogspot.com/

Lots of nice dishcloth patterns: http://www.rainyk.com/Dishcloths.html

Animal dishcloth patterns: http://www.knittingknonsense.com/animals.html

Loopy the Apaloosa: http://www.knittingknonsense.com/loopyapaloosacloth.html

Dragonfly dishcloth: http://www.purpleduckie.com/dragonflypatternpage.htm

Halloween Bat: http://www.blackrayne.com/pages/batty.html

Basket Weave dishcloth: http://www.anniesattic.com/knitting/content.html?content_id=518

Breast Cancer Awareness dishcloth: http://www.knittingknonsense.com/pinkribboncloth.html

Knitting Tips: Felted Bags and Pockets

2006-12-31T06:07:00.000-08:00

I belong to several yahoo groups. There are always great tips being offered by members of the groups but I tend to lose track of them, so I thought I'd add them to my blog. So here I go.

On adding pockets to a felted bag:

From Bag-A-Holic, a Yahoo Group:

I would definitely sew the pocket inside the bag after felting. If you did it before, it might just felt itself to the inside of your purse (my words: in other words, the pockets would stick to the purse and you'd have a super-thick area and no pocket)...I'm making a laptop case... I'm going to felt the pockets seperately, and then sew them inside after the felting process. Cynthia
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Someone recently mentioned (maybe on another list) that they hand stitch cotton fabric between the pocket and the bag then remove it when they're done. It was also mentioned that this could be used on flat bags to keep them from felting to themselves. Shelly
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One way to hide the stitching of an inside pocket is to put a larger pocketon the outside after you have stitched the inside pocket in. Tracey
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I would make sure to keep checking the pocket. Run you hand inside the pocket during the felting process.. Another suggestion would be to make the pocket a weee bit larger than the intended area... If you planned to make the pocket say 24 stitches by 40 rows, just add a few extra stitch so the pocket won't lay flat against the body of the bag. Don't know anyone that only puts flat items in a pocket anyway??? Debbie
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For those wanting to add pockets to the inside or outside, you can take some heavy non felting cord, like cotton or plasitc twine and just pick to stitches where you want the pocket to be. Felt the bag and the added cord should keep the loops free, to be used after felting for stitching on the pocket. That way the stitches won't show on the outside if it's an inside pocket.Or do a pocket on both the outside and inside in the same place, one hides the other..???Or.... make a pocket to be hung from the rim of the inside of the bag. I have several Coach bags that have pockets attached like this... Debbie

I Am Done - Well, With Knitting Christmas Gifts

2006-12-22T09:21:00.000-08:00

But I still need to sew up some gifts and create a couple of yoga shirts for my honey.

I just finished a hat and gave it to my friend, Randy T. He said people make fun of him for having a small head so I made a hat to fit him specifically. He was a bit shy about trying it on but it really fit him well.

I love the hat pattern. After I rest my hands a bit, I'll start knitting one for myself.

In the meantime, one of the knitters on the Monthly Knit-Along had a cute link on her site. It was "What Tarot Card Are You." Here's what I got in response to taking the test:

You are The Empress

Beauty, happiness, pleasure, success, luxury, dissipation.

The Empress is associated with Venus, the feminine planet, so it represents, beauty, charm, pleasure, luxury, and delight. You may be good at home decorating, art or anything to do with making things beautiful.

The Empress is a creator, be it creation of life, of romance, of art or business. While the Magician is the primal spark, the idea made real, and the High Priestess is the one who gives the idea a form, the Empress is the womb where it gestates and grows till it is ready to be born. This is why her symbol is Venus, goddess of beautiful things as well as love. Even so, the Empress is more Demeter, goddess of abundance, then sensual Venus. She is the giver of Earthly gifts, yet at the same time, she can, in anger withhold, as Demeter did when her daughter, Persephone, was kidnapped. In fury and grief, she kept the Earth barren till her child was returned to her.

What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.

Formula for a Basic Knit Hat Using Circular Needles

2006-12-20T15:08:00.000-08:00

I took a class this month at Imagiknit. The instructions for knitting hats was wonderful. It's like this:

Use 10.5 circular needles - 16 inches. Have a second set 24" or greater set aside.

Knit a swatch in stockinette to determine the gauge. This is very important.

Now measure your head (or that of your victim). To measure, follow the line around the head where a stretch headband would go - right above the ears and around to a point on the forehead about 1 inch below the hairline.

Take that number and subtract 2.5 from it. Multiple the sum by your one-inch gauge. That will be the number of stitches to cast on.

An example:

Gauge is 3.5. Head measurement is 22. Then subtract 2.5 from 22. Multiple the sum (19.5) by 3.5. Your total is 68.25. You can either go up or down one stitch, so you will cast on 68 or 69 stitches.

You'll be knitting in the round, so make sure you don't twist your stitches when you join. (Working yarn should be in your right hand when you start your first row; also make sure to mark where you start).

Using just plain stockinette knitting, you'll get a really cute rolled up rim. You can also do a 1k, 1p for about one or two inches for a flatter look. Make sure you have an even number cast on. For a 2k, 2p rib, make sure you have enough stitches cast on that can be divided by 4.

For a small hat, knit for about 5-5 1/2 inches before starting the decrease. For a medium size, do 5 1/2 to 6 inches before decreasing and 6-6 1/2 for a large.

For the decrease, divide the number of stitches in this way:

6-8 for worsted or lighter yarns
4-6 for bulky yarn
3-4 for super-bulky yarn

Knit the first set of stitches and add a marker. Using the example above, using 68 (for the number cast on), divide by 6. You end up with 4 markers placed after 11 stitches, 22, 33, 44. Then you'll place two more markers after 56 stitches and 68 stitches. (You may not be able to have even numbers of stitches betwen markers. Whatever number allows you to have pretty much even amounts, go with that.)

Having completed a full row of 68 stitches with markers, you will begin your first decrease row. When you get to the last two stitches before a marker, knit them together. Continue using one circular needle until the stitches get to few to be comfortable.

Now get out your second circular needle and evenly divide the remaining stitches between the two needles. Here's the tricky part. Tuck into the center the non-working needle (the one on right). Using the same needle, knit and decrease the stitches on that needle. Once you are done, take the second needle and work the stitches on that needle.

NOTE: it's really easy to knit off one of the needles if you end up picking up the resting needle to knit with. Just redivide the remaining stitches and continue.

When you get down to 2 stitches between markers, remove a marker and continue to the decrease on the 2 stitches before the next marker.

Once you are down to just 5-8 stitches between both circulars, snip off a tail of yarn about 8 inches long. Using your darning needle, thread the remaining stitches onto the tail. Pull stitches tight (be careful not to pull so tight you break the yarn). Weave in your ends and voila! You have a one of kind knit hat!

Email me if any of the instructions are unclear.

Is It Almost Christmas???

2006-12-20T09:46:00.000-08:00

My goodness. Next year I begin all my projects on January 2nd!

I made a second pair of bedsocks for my mother-in-law - okay so one turned out larger than the other. That explains why there is no picture.

I sewed up a second sock monkey. That one is for Shandra.

I made my first hate - for Randy. And now I've made a second hat, with matching scarf, for Carol, my work buddy. I knitted and felted a scarf for Felicity, my sister. I also made her a cool bedside organizer - it was going to be for Mom when she moved out here...Forgot to take a pic...

Still in progress: 1 pair jammie pants for Randy, 1 photo album for my sister, 1 more bedsock for a friend of mine's partner and Judith's gift (I can't say what it is in case she visits my site). Not started: 2 bars of soap, 2 iron-on transfers for Randy (yoga t-shirts), and, if time allows, 2 more hats and one more dishtowel.

I've really had a nice time making all of these things. I just wish Mama were here to help me out and to enjoy crafting with me. I really miss her.

Aprons Completed!

2006-12-12T14:59:00.000-08:00

Oh MY GOODNESS! I am so exhausted. I just finished gifts for my husband's brother, his wife and his 3 year old daughter. I made a b-b-q apron for Mark and matching mother daughter aprons for Arme and Shannon.

I can rest for a moment. Then off to knit! I am making matching dishtowels for Arme and Shannon. Then I just have a sock monkey to make for Shandra and one more bed sock for Randy's mom! Woohoo!

My First Sock Monkey

2006-12-11T11:02:00.000-08:00

Well, I've done it. I've made my first sock monkey for Randy's niece. I even knitted an i-cord scarf. One project completed! Now to finish the rest of the projects for Randy's family.

Igloo Cake

2006-12-07T07:31:00.000-08:00

She's done it again! Judith is an amazing baker! Her latest cake is a Martha Stewart cake, but honestly, Judith's is so much nicer!

Loomed Bed Socks

2006-12-06T07:17:00.000-08:00

I am so excited. I just created a pair of socks using my Knifty Knitter loom - the small blue one. I wasn't being very adverturous with my looms but I remembered that my mother-in-law puts on thick socks when she sits to watch TV. So I thought I should create some thick socks for her for Christmas. Here's a picture of the finished project (I plan to make more and send some to my cousin - she can distribute them to other older nuns at her convent!).

These are for an adult with small feet. I used Lion Brand Wool Ease in the worsted gauge. The socks are then double-stranded. They are very soft. So soft, I'm thinkin' I should have a pair. Oh, yeah, holiday gifts...Must stay focused.

The pattern can be found at http://yarngear.com/looms/projects1.htm

Oh, and to keep them from being slippery, it's been recommended by loomers to use puff paint on the bottoms. I haven't tried it yet, but will post if it doesn't work...

Not Just a Knitter Anymore

2006-12-04T07:10:00.000-08:00

Well, it was bound to happen. One craft leads to another, doesn't it? And the more crafting I do, the less I think about Mama's death. Plus as my niece's visit approach, the more Randy really wanted to take her and Sylvia, her mom, to a Renaissance Faire. So I made Randy a costume, one that would double as a Halloween costume, as well. While he didn't win First Prize this year, he won Most Original. Here's the evil Renaissance man I live with!

I made the cape and the doublet. Randy found the shirt at the Faire we went to and Linda donated the hat, that I enhanced with braid and a few feathers.

It was fun to make as it challenged my mind and kept me busy, burying thoughts of my mom's death. This coming year, I will make my outfit and then off to the Renaissance Faire again...

Adult Bib Comments and a Great Idea!

2006-11-13T06:58:00.000-08:00

I really appreciate hearing from people about my little projects. To think there people out there who will take a moment to say hello to a stranger and to send along encouraging remarks. So nice...

Also one knitter wrote and gave me a great idea for making bibs for seniors. What a wonderful community knitting idea!

The comments:

that is a really cute bib. I bet you all had laughs about that

blessings
emm
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Juana, what a great idea, now to gather all my dishcloth patterns together and see what I can come up with. I do happen to miss my mouth some, grin.

Barb in WNC
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That was too funny!!! I like the buttons on it too!!! haha too cute!!!
happy knitting!!!!
angela
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Adult Bib

2006-10-30T17:26:00.000-08:00

My friend jokingly tried on a baby bid I knit for Baby Brooke. It made me think that was a great idea. Like my friend said, "I don't spill, but I don't want to take that chance." So she always tucks a paper napkin in her collar. But why not have a nice bib you don't have to worry about slipping off? And why not make it a bright color, so you don't forget you have something protecting your clothes.

So I thought, "Why not make Brigget an adult bib!" I knew she played a musical instrument (don't remember which), so I found a great musical notes pattern designed by Rhonda White. I added some stitches to make it just wide enough and the strap long enough. Here's the pattern and pic.

Knitted Music Notes Adult Bib
based on a dishtowel pattern by Rhonda K. White, http://www.knittingknonsense.com/musicnotes.html

Materials: 100% cotton yarn and size 7 knitting needles

Cast on 50 stitches
1-4: Knit across
5: k3, p44, k3
6: and all remaining even numbered rows; knit across
7: k3, p12, k6, p26, k3
9: k3, p11, k9, p24, k3
11: k3, p11, k10, p23, k3
13: k3, p11, k10, p23, k3
15: k3, p11, k10, p4, k6, p13, k3
17: k3, p12, k9, p3, k9, p11, k3
19: k3, p14, k3, p1, k3, p3, k10, p16, k3
21: k3, p18, k3, p3, k10, p10, k3
23: k3, p18, k3, p3, k10, p10, k3
25: k3, p18, k3, p4, k9, p10, k3
27: k3, p18, k3, p6, k3, p1, k3, p10, k3
29, 31, 33, 35, 37, and 39: k3, p18, k3, p10, k3, p10, k3
41: k3, p18, k5, p8, k3, p10, k3
43: k3, p18, k7, p6, k3, p10, k3
45: k3, p21, k6, p4, k3, p10, k3
47: k3, p23, k6, p2, k3, p10, k3
49: k3, p26, k8, p10, k3
51: k3, p29, k5, p10, k3
53: k3, p31, k3, p10, k3
55: k3, p44, k3
57-59: knit across
Bind off 40 stitches
Knit until strap is 5 inches long
Knit 4 stitches, BO 2 stitches, knit 4 stitches
Knit 4 stitches, increase 2 stitches any method you like, knit 4 stitches. Continue to knit until strap is 6 inches.
Bind off.

Sew button on opposite side of bib.

Judith: Cake Master Extraordinaire!

2006-10-09T08:03:00.000-07:00

Some people may call it talent. I call it insanely talented. A true baker!

Distance Running and Knitting: Similar Activities

2006-09-29T08:29:00.000-07:00

I can't help myself. I am so obsessed with knitting that I visit other knitters' blogs! I read one that turned me onto a goofy quiz. As I suspected, I am still a knitting apprentice. Learning to knit can be equaled to learning to run distance. When you learn to run distance, it can take years. While it's considered you are a beginning runner for the first two years, it still takes doing a number of 1/2 and full marathons to understand what you must do to prepare, to learn the techniques.

Like running, knitting seems require doing numerous projects to learn the techniques, over a period of years. Both distance running and knitting require patience with both yourself and what you are doing. Both require practice. Both bring about a meditative state of mind.

Funny, I've been knitting like mad since Mom died, but I've pretty much stopped running. Mostly because Mama was a runner - even up until she died at age 75. Running reminds me too much of her. Yet she used to knit and craft. And I haven't given that up. In fact, I do more knitting than ever before. I'll have to think about what's going on here.

In the meantime, here is the result of the quiz I took:

You appear to be a Knitting Apprentice. You've got the basics down pat and you might just be falling in love with this hobby. Big needles, funky yarns and simple shapes are the name of the game, but it doesn't mean you don't experiment a bit, here and there. As an apprentice, you probably fall back on other people to get you through those rough spots, and if you don't know anyone who knits, you probably have a few books or online sources to tap.

Baby Bib Pattern

2006-09-23T07:26:00.000-07:00

I was asked to publish my baby bib pattern - the textured lavendar one. It's my pleasure. Here you go:

Baby Bib is worked in a Triangle Stocking Stitch (works in multiples of 5, in case you need to make a wider bib) - I got the stitch pattern from 450 Knitting Stitches, V. 2 (Harmony Guide): p. 18. The entire bib pattern is based on the Mason Dixon Knitting pattern found on page 133. My pattern makes a slightly narrower bib, even with a change in the needle size.

Supplies: Size 7 (4.5 mm); 100% cotton yarn (I used Sugar & Cream), any color. Gauge - depends on baby you are knitting for.

Cast on 40 stitches

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Begin pattern: *K1, p4; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *K3, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 4: *K3, p2; rep from * to end.
Row 5: *K1, p4; rep from * to end.
Row 6: Knit.

Continue to repeat the pattern 9 more times or until desired length.

Next row: Start the straps. K 10; bind off 20 sts; K last 10 sts.

You now have 20 stitches on your needle. Work one neck strap at a time, leaving 10 stitches on the needle to be worked later.

Turn bib; repeat Triangle Stocking Stitch beginning with Row 2. Repeat pattern until the strap is about 5 inches long.

Bind off the 10 stitches. You now still have 10 stitches remaining.

Begin working on remaining stitches: repeat the Triangle Stocking Stitch until the bib is about 4 inches long.

Row 1: Knit.
Row 2: Begin pattern: *K1, p4; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *K3, p1; BO 2; k2, p2.
Row 4: *K3, p1; CO 2 (any method you are comfortable with); K2; p2.
Row 5: *K1, p4; rep from * to end.
Row 6: Knit or bind off, depending on length of strap - if knitting, BO on 7th row.

Sew on a pretty button - for the lavendar one, I found an angel button; she was dressed in lavendar.

Let me know if you have any questions or suggestions.

My Latest Project: A Dish Cloth

2006-09-22T08:29:00.000-07:00

I've been having a very bad week. I'm reliving the first month after Mama died. Thank goodness for finding a new knitting Yahoo group, MonthlyDishclothes. The group is dedicated to two knit-a-longs (KAL) a month. My first project offered was challenging and kept me occupied during those extreme moments of deep, deep pain and darkness. The results of this first project is to get me thinking about other projects I can use the pattern on - say a curtain. Here is a picture of the September Mid-Month project. I used Sugar 'N Cream Yarn.

New Book, New Ideas

2006-09-13T07:26:00.000-07:00

I bought the book, Mason-Dixon Knitting, and was immediately inspired. Not one to make baby blankets at this point, the book had a basic pattern for knitting up a baby bib. Since May 12th, I'd knit Randy a heart-filled (and tear-filled) face cloth, the two two towels for Felicity (patterns from the same book), and the towels for Dorothea and Elaine. Towels are fun to make, but a bib? It hadn't crossed my mind! Until I opened my book to that project.

I immediately went on line and ordered a bunch of cotton yarn. As soon as I got it, I made a bib for Baby Brooke and a burp-up towel for her mom. I had so much fun making it that I planned on making more. And because of a special request, I am considering one for an adult friend of mine who tends to spill food on herself.

At the same time I was knitting those two items, I knit a scarf for Patty. Patty started in my department shortly after I returned from bereavement time-off. She saw my pain and brought me a beautifully written and illustrated book, Tear Soup. This book led me to the sight, www.griefwatch.com.

In return for Patty's kindness, I knit her one of my tearfully constructed scarves. She said she'd never owned one like it before. My only wish for my knitting right now is that my scarf should receive any sadness/anxiety/pain she (or others) might experience and give her back a smile.

2 Scarves and a Bib

2006-09-11T07:07:00.000-07:00

As I mentioned previously, I knit as one obsessed. I finished 3 projects in the last few days (I'm so excited, I haven't even mentioned the other projects I made before this batch!). I finished a scarf for Connie, who is waiting to here the results of medical tests. I made it with her and, hopefully knit into it some good news/good luck.

The scarf is made of four different yarns. And while that seems excessive, I felt that the yarns complimented each other and brought out different qualities to each other. And then I did a basic garter stitch.

I finished the scarf for Vivian. She is my four-year old neighbor. I made the scarf with double strands to give it some substance. Again, like Connie's scarf, I used the good old garter stitch.

I then finished up a bib that I gave to Janice for her granddaughter.

I'm so goofy, I should have thought of doing that already. But I didn't until I came into work and showed it to her.

I followed the cast-on from the bib pattern in the Mason-Dixon knitting book, but I added a pattern from one of my books. I thought it might be a great way to check out textured stitches. I must say, it came out really nicely. The yarn I used was Sugar N' Cream. I finished it off with a little angel button.

Knitting Through Sorrow: My First Four Projects

2006-09-10T08:20:00.000-07:00

When Mama died, I turned to knitting for solice. I knit as one obsessed.

I understand Mom even more now. I understand why, after Rick died, she obsessively quilted. She quilted through her pain, through her sorrow. I knit through my pain, my deep loss.

Before Mama died, I visited her three weeks earlier, during Easter. She saw me begin a project. A yoga mat carrier for her son-in-law, my husband. Mama commented on how quickly it was coming along. She died before she saw it completed.

During that horrible week that followed her death, my every spare moment went into knitting this carrier. Randy would be the recipient of my first completed project after Mom died.

The yoga mat carrier is made out of Lamb's Pride yarn. The pattern is from the book, Last Minute Knitted Gifts. I enjoy felting and this seemed like an ideal project. I really looked forward to showing the finished product to Mom...

After I made Randy's carrier, I started a couple of towels for my sister. I used the patterns for the dish towel and burp-up towel from the Mason-Dixon Knitting book. I used bright colors. The knitting project was my companion as I took my first plane trip since Mama died.

Felicity told me she carries my little towels with her in her bag. I hope they comfort her the same way knitting them comforted me.

I then knit a black towel, a frustration towel for my co-worker, friend, Dorothea. She has been going through a very rough time and I felt it might help to have something to throw, to twist up, to cry into. It was delivered to her on her birthday. Dorothea and her friends tested the towel that day.

I then knit a worry towel for Elaine. Elaine would be taking a trip that she had planned four years previously with her husband. He died before they could take the trip.

The towel was knit using Sugar N' Cream yarn. Yellow. I selected the pattern because it reminded me of the story Mama told me about the star that fell at her feet when she was a girl.

The pattern can be found at http://www.knittingonthenet.com/patterns/clothflower.htm
and looks like the star that Mama described to me.

The Beginning: Christmas 2003

2006-08-25T16:12:00.000-07:00

I began knitting while I was visiting my Mom in Athens, GA. I'd been thinking that I was such a jock that I had no creative outlet or mental exercise other than watching an occasional foreign film where I had to read the subtitles.

To start, I figured I needed some sort of instructional book, so we drove over to the nearest bookstore and I bought my first knitting book, Stitch and Bitch. Not only did I laugh at the title but of all the beginners books, this one seemed the most easy to read.

Then Mom drove me to the local Super-sized Walmart where I bought my first pair of knitting needles, a size 10.5 blue aluminum set.

I didn't have any yarn, because I wasn't sure what I would need and because I was very content with a book and a pair of needles.

Not to worry long though. Mom showed me the remains of her stash. She had always crocheted and dabbled in knitting in the mid to late seventies. Mom had given up crocheting because of a wrist injury but still had her hooks and yarn. I happily took those hooks (perhaps I'd take up crocheting, too) and yarn she'd kept.

That evening, as we quietly sat together, she on her lounger, me in mine, I began to read my new book. The television was on and provided me with occasional breaks as I tried to figure out how to cast on. Mom's energy gave me the warmth of home and quiet activity. It was a great way to get started.

Mom died on May 12, 2006. I keep the memory of that day I learned to knit fresh in my thoughts. A mother's love filled my day, as I tried to learn a new craft. A craft that would help me through the days, and now months, of pain and mourning over her loss.