tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23860395072207877552011-11-27T20:15:12.005-05:00A blog dedicated to the knitters world. This blog is continually constructed and updated in order to gather and re-disperse information about the history, and evolution of the craft of knitting. My goal is to help beginners, advance the intermediate and keep experienced knitters interested in the craft.Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.comBlogger421100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-56347784831160265712010-02-22T14:55:00.005-05:002010-02-22T15:52:32.577-05:00Here is the lace pattern I used for my River of Wine (seen in post below). It's called the <b>Horseshoe Lace</b>;<div><br /></div><div>Cast on multiples of 11</div><div><br /></div><div>Row 1: K1,* yo, k3, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k3, k1; rep from * to end</div><div>Row 2: Purl all</div><div>Row 3: P1, * k1, yo, k2, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k2, yo, k1, p1; rep from * to end</div><div>Row 4: K1, * p9, k1; rep from * to end</div><div>Row 5: P1, k2, yo, k1, sl 1, k2tog, psso, k1, yo, k2, p1; rep from * to end</div><div>Row 6: K1,* p9, k1; rep from * to end</div><div>Row 7: P1, * k3, yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, k3, p1; rep from * to end</div><div>Row 8: Purl</div><div><br /></div><div>Repeat rows 1-8 until desired length is reached</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-5634778483116026571?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-25903029138315735112010-02-15T22:43:00.006-05:002010-02-15T22:54:53.897-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWf8_gR8I/AAAAAAAAA0g/vfr0NBHGa9g/s1600-h/P1000695.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWf8_gR8I/AAAAAAAAA0g/vfr0NBHGa9g/s400/P1000695.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438684238207535042" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWfkcxDOI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/e5gWSWMecwg/s1600-h/P1000705.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWfkcxDOI/AAAAAAAAA0Y/e5gWSWMecwg/s400/P1000705.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438684231619382498" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWfMbuxDI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/ByEXACQd5Tk/s1600-h/P1000709.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 226px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWfMbuxDI/AAAAAAAAA0Q/ByEXACQd5Tk/s400/P1000709.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438684225172587570" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWe0QUZDI/AAAAAAAAA0I/cp7Ek2LAHmw/s1600-h/P1000707.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S3oWe0QUZDI/AAAAAAAAA0I/cp7Ek2LAHmw/s400/P1000707.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5438684218682270770" /></a></div><br /> So I had a lot of Caron Deep Plum Heather yarn ( 4 skeins to be exact) and just started knitting up a particular pattern I came across and liked a lot. It turned out to be a 70 inch scarf. Took me three weeks to finish (I didn't work on it everyday, though). So, anyway. Here is the finished product. Any opinions?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-2590302913831573511?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-46183084554090630392010-01-11T14:54:00.004-05:002010-01-11T15:02:02.562-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S0uCy9_PGOI/AAAAAAAAAxA/5A05lcuPlZw/s1600-h/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S0uCy9_PGOI/AAAAAAAAAxA/5A05lcuPlZw/s400/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425573988242757858" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S0uCyZshEJI/AAAAAAAAAw4/SJppib4Yrxk/s1600-h/IMG_0011.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S0uCyZshEJI/AAAAAAAAAw4/SJppib4Yrxk/s400/IMG_0011.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425573978500567186" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S0uCx2WYBmI/AAAAAAAAAww/WauH7FvEcPo/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/S0uCx2WYBmI/AAAAAAAAAww/WauH7FvEcPo/s400/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5425573969012459106" /></a><br />Here is my newest hand knit creation. I made it with a whole skein of 100% Merino wool yarn my fiance bought me for Christmas. I love the yarn it's so soft. Expensive but soooooo worth it. If you have very sensitive skin like I do, Merino Wool is the way to go people! Please comment. And yes, it is on <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/Thumbelyna">etsy</a>.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-4618308455409063039?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-28247510839386093852010-01-09T02:29:00.006-05:002010-01-09T02:56:24.736-05:00I am sure I have established just how much of a fanatic I am about the website known as Knitty.com. But I feel the urge to continue showing my affection and loyalty! Buen provecho!<div><br /></div><div><div><img src="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/images/steggieBEAUTY.jpg" alt="asdf" width="425" height="746" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="1" align="left" class="bodytext" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTsteggie.php">Steggie</a> ( Issue Spring 09')</div><div><img src="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/images/aeolianFLAMEbeauty.jpg" alt="asdf" width="425" height="550" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="1" align="left" class="bodytext" style="text-align: right;" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/KSPATTaeolian.php">Aeolian shawl</a> ( Issue Spring 09')</div><div><img src="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/images/morninggloryBEAUTY.jpg" alt="asdf" width="425" height="319" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="1" align="left" class="bodytext" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/PATTmorningglory.php">Morning Glory</a> ( Issue Summer 09')</div><div><img src="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/images/diamondBEAUTY.jpg" alt="asdf" width="425" height="566" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="1" align="left" class="bodytext" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer09/PATTdiamond.php">Diamond Halter</a> (Issue Summer 09')</div><div><img src="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/images/colonnadeBEAUTY.jpg" alt="beauty shot" width="425" height="539" hspace="0" vspace="0" border="1" align="left" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall09/PATTcolonnade.php">Colonnade</a> (Issue Fall 09')</div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-2824751083938609385?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-33621273649323839712009-08-12T19:48:00.003-04:002009-08-12T20:27:23.885-04:00Went through the entire Berroco website free patterns ( literately) and listed all my favorite ones below. Enjoy!<div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/lacdre.html">Legume Scarf ( Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/tarte/tarte.html">Tarte Tanktop (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/juliana/juliana.html">Juliana Wrap Cardigan ( Intermediate)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/celia/celia.html">Celia Camisole and Shawl ( Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/jubilee/jubilee.html">Jubilee Wrap ( Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/shiroshakar/shiroshakar.html">Shiroshakar Skirt ( Intermediate)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/lurema/lurema.html">Lurema Headwrap/Band (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/tracy/tracy.html">Tracy Sweater ( Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/luanna/luanna.html">Luanna Sweater (Experienced) </a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/lys/lys.html">Lys Sweater ( Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/wisteria/wisteria.html">Wisteria Sweater Poncho (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/tawny/tawny.html">Tawny Sweater ( Easy)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/188/188_tatania.html">Tatiana Sweater ( Experienced)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/valpuri/valpuri.html">Valpuri Top (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/jenni/jenni.html">Jenni Top (Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/maple/maple.html">Maple Vest (Intermediate)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/wren/wren.html">Wren Top (Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/viena/viena.html">Viena Cardigan (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/granite/granite.html">Granite Short Shawl (Intermediate)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/cedar/cedar.html">Cedar Top (Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/laurel/laurel.html">Laurel Wrap (Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/babette/babette.html">Babette Top (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/lippitt/lippitt.html">Lippitt ( Easy)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/coral/coral.html">Coral Scarf (Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/toshiko/toshiko.html">Tochiko Scarf (Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/albem/albem.html">Albem Bag(Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/lambe/lambe.html">Lambe Bag ( Intermediate)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/brea/brea.html">Brea Bag (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/felicity/felicity.html">Felicity ( Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/damask/damask.html">Damask Bag (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/tempest/tempest.html">Tempest Shawl (Easy)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/194/194_zeta.html">Zeta Shawl ( Experienced)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/rena_venus/venus.html">Venus Shrug (Easy)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/186/186_anna.html">Anna Dress (Intermediate)</a> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/tina_skirt/tina_skirt.html">Tina's Skirt (Intermediate)</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-3362127364932383971?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-59275169657091889372009-08-11T23:06:00.009-04:002009-08-12T00:08:35.656-04:00If you love vintage knits and/or knitting here are a hand full of patterns for you. As alway, the more I find, the more I post. <div><br /></div><div>~Note: Some of the patterns are in PDF so you'll need <a href="http://get.adobe.com/reader/otherversions/">Adobe Reader</a> to open them up~<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/Spin-1962-weskit.jpg" width="225" height="263" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Spin-1962-weskit.pdf">Double Breasted Vest ( 1962)</a> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/Spin-1962-poncho.jpg" width="225" height="270" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Spin-1962-poncho.pdf">Hooded Poncho (1962)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/Spin-1962-shrug.jpg" width="210" height="273" border="0" /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Spin-1962-shrug.pdf">Shrug (196</a>2) </div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/Spin-1962-blouse.jpg" width="225" height="299" border="0" /></div><div> <a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Spin-1962-blouse.pdf">Cocktail Blouse ( 1962)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/Bernat-1956-611.jpg" width="225" height="259" border="0" /> </div><div><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Bernat-1956-611.pdf">Bernat Cardigan (1956)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/Bernat-1956-619.jpg" width="225" height="283" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Bernat-1956-611.pdf"></a> <a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Bernat-1956-619.pdf">Bernat Cape ( 1956)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/Spin-1963-jacket.jpg" width="225" height="336" border="0" /> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Spin-1963-jacket.pdf">Jacket with Leopard Trim ( 1963)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/1961hats.jpg" width="216" height="360" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/Spin-1963-jacket.pdf"></a> <a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/1961hats.pdf">Strange and Cute hats ( 1961)</a></div><div><br /></div><div> <img src="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/thumbs/GH-1959-soakers.jpg" width="225" height="268" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.glamarama.net/knitting/patterns/GH-1959-soakers.pdf">Knit and Crochet Baby Soakers ( 1959)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img height="149" width="236" src="http://www.geocities.com/vintageconnection/Knitladymitt.jpg" border="0" /></div><div><a href="http://www.geocities.com/vintageconnection/VintageConnection--KNITladysmitts.html">Lady's Victorian Mitts ( 1860s)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/counterpanes/graphics/knitted_counterpane_july_18.jpg" width="284" height="291" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/counterpanes/shell.htm">Shell Counterpane ( 1860s)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/mittens/graphics/lynnegloves.jpg" alt="Ladies' Gloves" height="223" width="174" align="ABSBOTTOM" /></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/mittens/lynne.htm">Ladies' gloves with Scalloped Ribs ( 1950s)</a></div><div><br /></div><div><img src="http://www.knitting-crochet.com/images/knisweofangpic1-1.jpg" width="184" height="301" border="0" align="right" style="text-align: center;" /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"> </div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.knitting-crochet.com/knisweofang.html">Sweater of Angorina ( 1917)</a></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><img src="http://www.knitting-crochet.com/images/lonslecabpulovepic1-1.jpg" width="171" height="234" align="right" style="text-align: right;" /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;"><a href="http://www.knitting-crochet.com/lonslecabpulove.html">Long Sleeve Cable Pullover (1958)</a></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-5927516965709188937?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-5705603434750354232009-08-11T12:28:00.005-04:002009-08-11T14:23:50.552-04:00I've decided to continually collect and post up free knitting patterns I find over my internet surfing travels. Who knows, maybe they will be some use to someone. <div><br /></div><div><b>Afghans/Throws</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.islandofmisfitpatterns.com/2007/11/26/serenity/">Serenity</a> (Intermediate) <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/alexi_throw/alexi_throw.html">Alexi Throw</a> ( Experienced) </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><b>Baby Blankets</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/projects/baby.html">Heirloom Knit Baby Blanket</a> ( Experience)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Baby Clothes</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/baby_poonan/baby_poonan.html">Baby Poonam</a> ( Intermediate) <a href="http://fpea.blogspot.com/2007/07/free-pattern-fridays-super-natural.html">Baby Cardigan </a>( Easy) <a href="http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/baby-child/puffin-hoodie.html">Baby Hoodie</a> ( Intermediate) </div><div><a href="http://exercisebeforeknitting.files.wordpress.com/2009/02/baby_hoodie2.pdf">Baby Seed Stitch Jacket</a> ( Easy) <a href="http://library.ravelry.com/lookingglass/1374/Peach_Blossom_Baby_Jacket_Pattern.pdf?AWSAccessKeyId=1YZR91QYB6WCG3PM78G2&amp;Expires=1250011930&amp;Signature=BHSEQ0sllWvuMSKEl1HBBRFx2Hc%3D">Peach Blossom Baby Jacket</a> ( Easy) <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/baby_athos/baby_athos.html">Baby Athos </a>( Intermediate)</div><div><a href="http://www.babycenter.com/0_bunny-beanie-pattern_1445260.bc">Bunny beanie</a> ( Intermediate) <a href="http://www.pickles.no/cute-summer-top/">Summer Top</a> ( Experienced) <a href="http://lookingglassknits.blogspot.com/2007/06/eyelet-baby-cardigan-pattern.html">Eyelet Baby Cardigan</a> ( Experienced)</div><div><a href="http://ymymmytm.blogspot.com/2008/03/kanoko-pants.html">Kanoko Pants </a>( Intermediate) <a href="http://malinkan.blogspot.com/2007/10/rudyard-baby-sweater.html">Rudyard Baby Sweater </a>( Easy)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Cardigans</b>: </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/05_2005/index.html">Carmella</a> ( Intermediate) <a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/10_2006/index.html">Carina </a>(Intermediate) <a href="http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/knitting/knit_a_chunky_cabled_cardigan.php">Chunky Cable Cardigan</a> ( Experienced)</div><div><a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/01_2007/index.html">Linea Rossa</a> ( Experienced) <a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/04_2006/index.html">Gala</a> (Intermediate) <a href="http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/luanna/luanna.html">Luanna</a> (Experienced) <a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/09_2007/index.html">Mood</a> ( Intermediate)</div><div><a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/10_2008/index.html">Necktie</a> ( Intermediate) <a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/02_2009/index.html">Organico</a> ( Intermediate) <a href="http://www.randomhouse.com/crown/pottercraftnews/april07/pattern.pdf">Springtime in Paris</a> ( Intermediate)</div><div><a href="http://naturallycaron.com/projects/turpan/turpan_1.html">Turpan</a> ( Intermediate) <a href="http://www.lincraft.com.au/view_project.php?id=19">Victorian</a> (Experienced) <a href="http://www.lanagrossa.com/service/mdm/03_2006/index.html">Wrap-around </a>(Intermediate)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Child's Clothing</b>:</div><div><br /></div><div> <a href="http://www.berroco.com/184/184_lee.html">Lee and Purse</a>( Intermediate) <a href="http://www.caron.com/projects/q/toddler_poncho.html">Poncho</a> (Easy) <a href="http://www.berroco.com/186/186_patrice.html">Jumper </a>( Easy)</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Jacket's</b> (Men's): </div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.helloyarn.com/cyclingaran.htm">Cycling Aran</a> ( Experienced)</div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-570560343475035423?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-36102438823085400922009-08-09T11:21:00.003-04:002009-08-10T21:30:33.294-04:00Circular knitting needles and their Use.<div><br /></div><div> It may look tough to do, but it actually isn't very hard at all. In reality they are not circular, most are simply two short needles attached at the ends by a single nylon cord. These nylon cords themselves vary in length: anywhere for 6-60 inches long. </div><div><br /></div><div>Pros:</div><div><ul><li>No ends after the completion of the very first row. </li><li>No turning after completing each and every row ( You are essentially going around and around and around until you reach your desired length for the piece). </li><li>Stockinette can be produced without having to alternate between knit and purl per row ( you can stitch either purl or knit all the time). </li><li>(I like circular knitting needles for the simple fact that the majority of the stitches ( and their weight) fall on the nylon cord, reducing the stress on my hands and wrists.)</li></ul></div><div><br /></div><div>Cons:</div><div><ul><li> make sure your project will fit correctly...(i.e. use shorter lengths for children's clothing and longer cords for adult clothing.)</li><li>markers are a must (having no edge makes it hard to take spot where to start or stop)</li><li>After casting on make sure stitches are not twisted on the cable.</li><li>Never turn back!</li></ul></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-3610243882308540092?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-13683542007953142982009-08-06T13:22:00.005-04:002009-08-06T13:30:15.421-04:00<div style="text-align: left;">Yet another of my latest work. This is a short (19 inch) scarf I made with a really colorful wool blend my fiance bought for me some time ago. He bought just 1 skein for $12 and tax so the yarn instantly became a treasure to me. As a treasure I irked to find something special to make with the special yarn. Ergo...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SnsSSx_waOI/AAAAAAAAAto/GLdx5ZUU4S8/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366903494809774306" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SnsSSflJ8LI/AAAAAAAAAtg/fNE1_sWLzSo/s320/IMG_0006.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366903489866363058" /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SnsSR9YExDI/AAAAAAAAAtY/XBXluc9EeWg/s320/IMG_0004.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366903480684692530" /><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-1368354200795314298?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-5228200987566125702009-08-04T18:28:00.003-04:002009-08-04T18:49:06.535-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Alright. So you're not exactly a knitting novice. But you're not exactly an expert either. The perks to being an intermediate knitter is that you are at the point where you know you can knit, the hardest part ( learning) is over, and you still maintain an appreciation for harder patterns.One problem the intermediate knitter also commonly comes across is learning yarn and its abilities/attributes/expectations. I myself fall in this intermediate knitter category. I still have major problems with gauge and yarn types. Perhaps it's all because of all the "yarn boom" we've experienced since the 90's. There's just way too many different yarn types to choose from, which can honestly cause some frustration as well as confusion.<div>So on my quest to find the ultimate yarn book I </div><div>have finally, finally, finally found the book of yarn life. It is an absolute must must must. Meet ( and buy at Amazon.com) <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Knitters-Book-Yarn-Ultimate-Choosing/dp/0307352161/ref=sr_1_25?ie=UTF8&amp;s=books&amp;qid=1249424901&amp;sr=1-25">The Knitters Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using and Enjoying Yarn (Hardcover)</a>.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sni6lapL52I/AAAAAAAAAs4/emX-Lj-9Veg/s320/51hJT5ITa2L._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-sticker-arrow-click,TopRight,35,-76_AA240_SH20_OU01_.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366244107981940578" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-522820098756612570?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-57500216453960470072009-08-04T17:50:00.004-04:002009-08-04T17:59:44.289-04:00<div style="text-align: left;">My latest handiwork...</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Blood Red ( Cowl)</div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SniuM-VieAI/AAAAAAAAAso/LsxkGHIfGbk/s1600-h/IMG_0002.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 217px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SniuM-VieAI/AAAAAAAAAso/LsxkGHIfGbk/s320/IMG_0002.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366230493926946818" /><br /></a><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SniuMQQt-yI/AAAAAAAAAsg/WMt62n_bLtg/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG"></a></div></div><div><div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SniuMQQt-yI/AAAAAAAAAsg/WMt62n_bLtg/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG" style="text-decoration: none;"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SniuMQQt-yI/AAAAAAAAAsg/WMt62n_bLtg/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366230481558698786" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Blood and Bone(scarf/headband)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SniuMIVOLsI/AAAAAAAAAsY/laVeXA6vcc4/s1600-h/IMG_0010.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SniuMIVOLsI/AAAAAAAAAsY/laVeXA6vcc4/s320/IMG_0010.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366230479430102722" /><br /></a></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color:#0000EE;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span></span></div><br /></div><br /></div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-5750021645396047007?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-30495731715423021832009-06-11T22:41:00.006-04:002009-06-11T22:51:31.085-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SjHA4m3JglI/AAAAAAAAAow/K87hGw2WLBc/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SjHA4m3JglI/AAAAAAAAAow/K87hGw2WLBc/s320/IMG_0014.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5346266311402553938" /></a><div>                      As promised...</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-3049573171542302183?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-80840578872855075722009-06-06T13:05:00.003-04:002009-06-16T15:05:03.990-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sjfsz4159tI/AAAAAAAAApo/Ig8plkqOqWY/s1600-h/IMG_0016.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 308px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sjfsz4159tI/AAAAAAAAApo/Ig8plkqOqWY/s320/IMG_0016.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348003458701719250" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SjfszkFtIhI/AAAAAAAAApg/pObeXXYMICY/s1600-h/IMG_0015.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SjfszkFtIhI/AAAAAAAAApg/pObeXXYMICY/s320/IMG_0015.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5348003453130842642" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br /><div><br /></div><div>The most recent of my work. It's made from a purple mohair yarn my cousin gave me as a gift. I had been wanting to make a cowl for some time now, and not wanting too simple a pattern I decided to design it in lace instead. </div><div><br /></div><div>Up next: Another cowl! But in what color??</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-8084057887285507572?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-66206818110966856772009-05-01T23:10:00.002-04:002009-05-01T23:13:27.375-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sfu6MTJWRYI/AAAAAAAAAmo/URTSXUg4aA8/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 344px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sfu6MTJWRYI/AAAAAAAAAmo/URTSXUg4aA8/s400/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331059304383792514" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sfu6MLoACSI/AAAAAAAAAmg/X5-TxXMNIdM/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 368px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sfu6MLoACSI/AAAAAAAAAmg/X5-TxXMNIdM/s400/IMG_0005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5331059302364875042" /></a><br />Here's a knitted reversible head wrap I just finished two minutes ago. I made it with Lion Brand Glitterspun Sparkling midnight blue yarn...Any thoughts?<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-6620681811096685677?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-21075769680217702452009-04-30T17:42:00.003-04:002009-05-06T19:24:19.596-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SgIb_l8TizI/AAAAAAAAAmw/OfNCLdCjYpQ/s1600-h/IMG_0022.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SgIb_l8TizI/AAAAAAAAAmw/OfNCLdCjYpQ/s320/IMG_0022.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332855688090848050" /></a><div>Request Version<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sfob9Dq0ZKI/AAAAAAAAAmA/6NIMSV2g6hc/s1600-h/get_convo_image.php.jpeg"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sfob9Dq0ZKI/AAAAAAAAAmA/6NIMSV2g6hc/s400/get_convo_image.php.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5330603844717274274" /></a></div><div>Original version</div><div><br /></div><div><br />This is the clothing line I am making for one of my Etsy Alchemy request. The colors are going to be different but the general look and feel will be the same. Pictures of my version coming up soon. </div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-2107576968021770245?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-91084458778312475082009-03-27T10:44:00.006-04:002009-04-27T21:21:56.538-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SeAVLLHJoXI/AAAAAAAAAkY/1sD8Yc1PxVA/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SeAVLLHJoXI/AAAAAAAAAkY/1sD8Yc1PxVA/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5323278041257451890" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznTbBacrI/AAAAAAAAAhc/pcxoDqi5vng/s1600-h/IMG_0007.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznTbBacrI/AAAAAAAAAhc/pcxoDqi5vng/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317879580874928818" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznTAEnmZI/AAAAAAAAAhU/mLcAvAlr8as/s1600-h/IMG_0001.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznTAEnmZI/AAAAAAAAAhU/mLcAvAlr8as/s320/IMG_0001.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317879573640616338" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznTIpU9UI/AAAAAAAAAhM/8KPAwy4qrzI/s1600-h/IMG_0009.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznTIpU9UI/AAAAAAAAAhM/8KPAwy4qrzI/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317879575942067522" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SfZZcHCaCQI/AAAAAAAAAl4/iLbfdlxRSzs/s320/IMG_0089.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5329545548499912962" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznSsiqQ7I/AAAAAAAAAhE/5Pj1o9_ayEU/s1600-h/IMG_0005.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/ScznSsiqQ7I/AAAAAAAAAhE/5Pj1o9_ayEU/s320/IMG_0005.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5317879568397910962" /></a><br /></div>I am so glad that the customer who ordered all these hats did not place a time limit. Otherwise I would have been screwed. I have good time management, but what I don't have is TIME! Anyway, here are some that have been finally finished. I still need to photograph a few others that have also been completed.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-9108445877831247508?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-26153207914884644372009-03-12T11:30:00.003-04:002009-03-12T11:38:27.579-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SbksbQKTTeI/AAAAAAAAAgU/UZ4y9ERScgQ/s1600-h/get_convo_image.php.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 290px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SbksbQKTTeI/AAAAAAAAAgU/UZ4y9ERScgQ/s320/get_convo_image.php.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312326082166476258" /></a><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-2615320791488464437?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-44825633458569826452009-03-11T23:03:00.002-04:002009-03-11T23:08:52.355-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sbh8j4h6DQI/AAAAAAAAAgE/E3sRwI2svTM/s1600-h/DissectRat.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Sbh8j4h6DQI/AAAAAAAAAgE/E3sRwI2svTM/s320/DissectRat.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5312132716395367682" /></a><br /><br />Because...I...I just had to. Again, no free pattern. You'll have to buy it off of Etsy.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-4482563345856982645?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-81173077737185682692009-02-28T11:33:00.002-05:002009-02-28T11:35:42.504-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Salnl5PpoiI/AAAAAAAAAfk/n-r3yV3Mmwo/s1600-h/get_convo_image-1.php.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 356px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/Salnl5PpoiI/AAAAAAAAAfk/n-r3yV3Mmwo/s400/get_convo_image-1.php.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5307887536552124962" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Adorable...<br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-8117307773718568269?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-38480001170231644582009-02-23T22:59:00.006-05:002009-02-23T23:24:59.585-05:00<div style="text-align: left;">So I've found another client. She is a wonderful woman from California, with 6 kids, nieces and nephews. She made an Alchemy request for 15 different children's hats: 9 knitted baby bonnets, and  6 crocheted visor hats with detachable flowers of different colors. (She also asked for a crocheted clothing line of which I will post here soon. It's really neat). It's been a bit tough trying to find the colors close to what she wants, but so far it's been a good experience...I'll be posting pictures up as I make them so get ready for more posts! :)<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: right;">Flour Sac Hat <img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SaN12r6oF9I/AAAAAAAAAe4/chej2_CkRd0/s320/IMG_0009.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306214368334583762" /><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SaN12H9oekI/AAAAAAAAAew/HFzqhM18FCk/s320/IMG_0007.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5306214358683515458" /> Pixie Hat<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-3848000117023164458?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-89151034232333536602009-02-07T03:40:00.003-05:002009-02-07T03:51:42.733-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SY1JVXiRa3I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/w2UUWOoaUcM/s1600-h/il_fullxfull.17311198.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 400px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SY1JVXiRa3I/AAAAAAAAAdQ/w2UUWOoaUcM/s400/il_fullxfull.17311198.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299972967928785778" /></a><br />Wow...just...wow... I wish I had this kind of talent for knitting. I really, truly do. It is simply sick. (Sorry guys, no pattern. The designer clearly wants to keep it a secret :( )<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-8915103423233353660?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-75746535794563150002009-02-07T03:06:00.005-05:002009-02-07T03:36:06.913-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SY1HTYvZjMI/AAAAAAAAAdI/LvVXWpNEZlQ/s1600-h/knit-dnaright1.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 192px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SY1HTYvZjMI/AAAAAAAAAdI/LvVXWpNEZlQ/s400/knit-dnaright1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5299970734869286082" /></a><br />I had the funny mind to make this knitted DNA Helix and give it to my genetics professor, Steve Denison. He's a bit of a stale looking fellow, however, underneath the leather exterior hides some pretty humorously soggy interior that just takes some probing to discover. I'm still thinking about making it for him. If not I could always amuse myself with it instead...me thinks. I'm guessing the designer made the thing for his or her child since the pattern holds the title of  <a href="http://kimberlychapman.com/crafts/knit-patterns-dna.html">Baby's First DNA Model</a> (Yes, the link is connected to the pattern).<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-7574653579456315000?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-49594404758164045152009-02-05T23:03:00.007-05:002009-02-05T23:16:31.239-05:00I found this on a blog on which the author was actually dissing crocheting. The post was entitled "13 things not to crochet". The <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Hellboy</span> toy, however, is not crocheted, but knitted. The blogger apparently does not, or can not, tell the difference. Whatever...Who cares, right? Knitting and crocheting are both awesome! The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">misinformed</span> blogger can bite me! <div><br /></div><div>Who agrees with me???<div><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="http://bp3.blogger.com/_-iN-28VxLQ4/RuAEOMWprTI/AAAAAAAABBA/O37lfqjUfyE/s400/hellboy-crochet.jpg" /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-4959440475816404515?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-63367538451711398212009-02-05T22:20:00.003-05:002009-02-05T23:16:02.749-05:00I have found yet another awesome website containing both knitting and crocheting patterns that are worth so much of your time! It's called Drops Design by Garn Studio, and it has a plethora of FREE patterns. I couldn't believe it at first but all of the patterns are free. Plus the patterns are nicely designed, not at all like the crappy ones you find when googling for free patterns ( well, most of them anyways). It's an incredible sites for women's, men's, children's, and miscellaneous patterns. I'm so excited about it I've already bookmarked over 2 dozen patterns. Yeah! There are just so many patterns! :::swoons:::  The site also sells other knitting and crocheting products as well, such as crochet hooks, knitting needles, yarn, etc, etc. This site is sick...<div><br /></div><div>Here's the link: <a href="http://www.garnstudio.com/lang/en/kategori_oversikt.php">Drops Design</a>  (Click on "Patterns")</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-6336753845171139821?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-21809723026173361252009-01-29T14:38:00.005-05:002009-01-29T14:55:23.350-05:00<div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGkoDPSfI/AAAAAAAAAcY/0LSnrpYh_qY/s1600-h/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGkoDPSfI/AAAAAAAAAcY/0LSnrpYh_qY/s320/IMG_0135.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296803338037185010" /></a><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGjxR9Y-I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/_TkgK6tmKGY/s1600-h/IMG_0134.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGjxR9Y-I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/_TkgK6tmKGY/s320/IMG_0134.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296803323334976482" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGjxR9Y-I/AAAAAAAAAcQ/_TkgK6tmKGY/s1600-h/IMG_0134.JPG"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGjc3u-4I/AAAAAAAAAcI/eSta_QGHCd0/s1600-h/IMG_0133.JPG"><img style="cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGjc3u-4I/AAAAAAAAAcI/eSta_QGHCd0/s320/IMG_0133.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5296803317856271234" /></a><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SYIGjc3u-4I/AAAAAAAAAcI/eSta_QGHCd0/s1600-h/IMG_0133.JPG"><br /></a></div><div style="text-align: left;">I had some Lion Brand Wool-Ease Chunky yarn that I never did anything with and so I decided I'd make something for my room mate. She loved it and said it was really warm. Even though we're living in Fl at the moment, we still got some cold weather during this winter's freeze effect.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I made it with a size 8 straight needle and rib stitch pattern.</div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(85, 26, 139); text-decoration: underline;"><br /></span><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-2180972302617336125?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-36357096694733304142009-01-18T02:20:00.004-05:002009-01-18T02:27:27.406-05:00I just found this great website that has lots great video clips of knitting walkthroughs techniques and tips for all knitting levels. Which reminds me that I myself had planned on recording and posting similar video clips for my readers. Well. I think they've done a much better job than I could ever do. So here is the link. Enjoy!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.knittinghelp.com/">Knitting Help</a></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-3635709669473330414?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-34763193184829716732009-01-01T22:09:00.002-05:002009-01-01T22:24:28.150-05:00I had a lot of difficulty figuring out the right needle size for a ball of yarn that had lost its band label. So I started looking for ways to make it easier before actually beginning a project and having to break it up or have trouble with the needle an yarn altogether ( if the needle was too small it would puncture the yarn and if it was too large the stitches would come out really nasty). And I think I've found at least one way to do this...<div><br /></div><div><ul><li>Take the yarn and double it,</li><li>Thread it through the needle gauge</li><li>Find the one hole in which the yarn  fits right</li><li><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>Not to tight but not to loose<br /></li></ul></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-3476319318482971673?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-43531518272143319482008-12-25T15:49:00.005-05:002009-01-02T09:37:28.676-05:00Well, it's the Holidays again. Unfortunately I didn't have enough money this year to buy presents so I made them instead. Most of them were crocheted and so they wont be posted up on this blog, but on my crochet blog instead. The knitted gift I did make was the womb. I'm giving it to my cousin who has three kids and a fourth one on its way. I changed the pattern to make it almost like a keep sake since I wanted to be able to put things inside of it. I thought about crocheting four little babies but didn't have the time so I just made four little hearts to represent the kids. Here's a picture of it. It's the third one I've made so far. Everyone who sees it is taken by surprise. It's a great pattern. Again. Happy Holidays!<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SVP1N6j-ZCI/AAAAAAAAAIY/ckBzZLsqoZk/s400/IMG_0019.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5283836407242974242" /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-4353151827214331948?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-11791278649089632762008-11-05T11:26:00.006-05:002009-01-02T09:27:25.131-05:00<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.patrickmoberg.com/november-4-2008.jpg">November-4-2008 by Patrick Moberg</a></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c_FMeJbJ7s0/SRHNNW8NvtI/AAAAAAAAACo/G0-xLGqUPn0/s1600-h/november-4-2008.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 235px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_c_FMeJbJ7s0/SRHNNW8NvtI/AAAAAAAAACo/G0-xLGqUPn0/s400/november-4-2008.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5265215068752953042" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Because I just had to...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-1179127864908963276?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-53420869796283238092008-09-19T22:43:00.005-04:002008-10-04T12:39:30.004-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SNRkWBghb2I/AAAAAAAAAFs/XPyQHOkA_3o/s1600-h/lolitaBEAUTY.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SNRkWBghb2I/AAAAAAAAAFs/XPyQHOkA_3o/s200/lolitaBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5247929795318214498" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SNRkDCle11I/AAAAAAAAAFk/dtJ2yVDdwIE/s1600-h/lolitaBEAUTY.jpg"><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SNRjo-myM5I/AAAAAAAAAFc/p2suofFOR48/s1600-h/lolitaBEAUTY.jpg"></a><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEsummer04/PATTlolita.html">Lolita Legs</a><br /><br /><br /><div><div><br /><br /></div><div>...from where else but Knitty.com!<br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-5342086979628323809?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-89673219767567080632008-09-11T22:02:00.005-04:002008-09-11T22:06:55.386-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMnONSrhirI/AAAAAAAAAFM/RXazksm6sFc/s1600-h/images.jpeg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMnONSrhirI/AAAAAAAAAFM/RXazksm6sFc/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244949968797665970" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMnONR5K9-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/FmKconwQs9M/s1600-h/WTC_finished3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMnONR5K9-I/AAAAAAAAAFU/FmKconwQs9M/s200/WTC_finished3.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244949968586471394" /></a><br /><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">R. I. P.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Isaias Rivera</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">"Asta Luego"</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-8967321976756708063?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-50838622980984899912008-09-08T13:21:00.000-04:002008-09-08T14:17:38.151-04:00(At first I thought this post should come after a post about binding off. Chronologically speaking, it is only too obvious that binding off comes before sewing the pieces of a project together. I realized, though, that in order for the method to work it has to take place before binding off. Guess which thought won?)<br /><br />Two things I vividly remember hearing from my knitting instructor were on how hard it was for beginners to sew their project pieces together and on how hard it was for some to evenly sew their knitted pieces together.<br /><br />She then gave me a method to get rid of these problems. It was so simple I couldn't believe more knitters did not practice it.<br /><br />The secret, regardless of the pattern in use, is simply to add two extra stitches to the pattern and begin and end every row with a <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">knit</span> stitch. So, let's say for instance, you are following the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Stockinet Stitch</span> for a specific length. Just cast on two extra loops and when making the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">purl </span>rows just make sure to make<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> knit</span> stitches both in the first and last stitches.<br /><br />When both of your pieces are finished, ready to be sewn together, and held in an upright position, you will see that their edges will have visibly outstanding <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">horizontal lines</span>. The lines stand out from the rest of the pattern on the piece and are thus easier to pick up with your needle. This essentially eliminates the guess work. Not only are the stitches easier to find and pick up but also easier to line up so that the pieces are evenly sewn together.<br /><br />The rest is done in the usual way but when you pull the string you will notice something different. This method not only facilitates a faster sew up but also...what...where did the hem go? You will see virtually no hem at all but a clean, whole piece. The project will look as if it had been made on a circular needle instead of on straights. ( More on circular needles later). <br /><br />Try it and see.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-5083862298098489991?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-27622975541460365262008-09-07T14:36:00.000-04:002008-09-07T21:10:46.147-04:00Ok, I have to admit it. I love Knitty.com and will most likely post up a lot of patterns from the site. But can you really blame me?? I mean, look at these things. It makes me almost jealous to see so many people come up with so many different things to knit up. The talent these people have is simply amazing. The best part is that it's all free and You yourself can submit a pattern to be published in upcoming seasonal editions.<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div>So here are the rest for today (links included):</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> Stockings:</span></span></div><div><br /></div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMQgTuvB3PI/AAAAAAAAADk/_Q5qi3w2U80/s200/vtsBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243351389500988658" /><br /><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTverytallsocks.html"></a><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTverytallsocks.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Very Tall Socks</a></span><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMQhLNIZ6DI/AAAAAAAAADs/d0r0N1_uG7o/s200/penguinBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243352342553290802" /></div><div>                                        <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: right;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Penguin</span></span>: <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTpasha.html">Pasha</a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMQivqEb3GI/AAAAAAAAAD8/vOlxReeoWuY/s200/mancalamiaALT.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243354068308188258" /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"></span></span></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Mancala: <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTmancalamia.html">Mancala Mia</a></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-2762297554146036526?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-65284929230611116152008-09-07T14:22:00.000-04:002008-09-07T14:56:13.635-04:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMQjpcPB21I/AAAAAAAAAEM/EvVZ9Fiy2rs/s1600-h/wombBEAUTY.jpg"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMQjpcPB21I/AAAAAAAAAEM/EvVZ9Fiy2rs/s200/wombBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243355061026937682" /></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">Yet another little item I found on Knitty. This site is absolutely amazing. This one is on how to knit a womb.::chuckle chuckle::How creative can people get? Anyway. Here's the link: <a href="http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTwomb.html">Womb</a>. Enjoy! <br /></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-6528492923061111615?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-4824055526047096522008-09-07T13:26:00.000-04:002008-09-07T14:07:07.898-04:00I found this pro<img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMQUAW5lkTI/AAAAAAAAADU/i1lduoptdXg/s200/marleyBEAUTY.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243337862545772850" /><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">ject</span> on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Knitty</span>.com. I had had an idea very similar to this but never tried to figure out a pattern. This makes me wish I had. It's really so simple. I made one but I didn't felt it. Here is the link to the pattern on <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Knitty</span>: <a href="http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEwinter05/PATTmarleysghost.html">Marley's Ghost.</a> I absolutely love it. You can make it as long or as short as you like and is simply great for <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Halloween</span>. To the right is what mine looks like.<div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-482405552604709652?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-79970604642220945152008-09-02T14:30:00.000-04:002008-09-08T14:31:56.591-04:00After you've mastered the <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Stockinet</span> and Garter Stitch patterns the next best step will probably be learning the Seed stitch.<div><br /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Seed Stitch.</span></span></div><div><div> </div><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer;" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMMKnL5VUMI/AAAAAAAAADE/cLdZLJzT9Ns/s200/IMG_0129.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243046059513827522" border="0" /><div>The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Seed St<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">itch</span></span> is just as easy to do as the Garter Stitch in that, obviously, you are still using the basic purl and knit stitches. For this stitch you simply alternate between </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">both purl and knit stitches. Ergo, after casting on, your pattern will be </span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">P, K, P, K, P etc, etc for the first row. The trick is not only in <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">rememberin</span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;">g to switch from purl to knit ( or vice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">versa</span>) but also in remembering to begin the next row with the opposite stitch of the previous one. When you look at your swatch you should see a knit stitch( \/) above a purl stitch ( - ) and so on. So, instead of having only purl or knit stitches on separate rows you will</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal;"> have a patterned mix of both. To the left is a photo of what Seed Stitch should look like. </span></span></span></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Rib </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Stitch</span></span>.<br /><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMVqKgfO60I/AAAAAAAAAEs/UxuHd9IG-3I/s1600-h/IMG_0135.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 145px;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMVqKgfO60I/AAAAAAAAAEs/UxuHd9IG-3I/s200/IMG_0135.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243714069894982466" border="0" /></a></div><div>Next is called the<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"> Rib Stitch </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">or simply "<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">ribbin</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">g". It is very similar to the Seed Stitch but with a slight difference. Instead of keeping the P, K, P, K, P pattern for every row, you instead switch between P, K, P</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">, K, P for one row and K, P, K, P, K for the second row. This alternation results in having every<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"> knit</span> stitch above the next </span></span><span style="font-style: italic;" class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><span style="font-weight: bold;">knit</span> stitch, and every <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">purl</span> stitch above the next <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">purl</span> </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">stitch. You continue this alternation to create the rib patter</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">n until you reach your desired length. To the left is a photo of what <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rib Stitch</span> should look like.<br />(There are also other types of ribbing such as the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Two to One ribbing </span><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;">in which there are two stitches of one type to one stitch of the other type. For example : knit two, purl one, and vice <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">versa</span>.)</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><br /></span></span></div><div><br /><br />I thought about a way to illustrate the visible differences between all of the stitching patterns I have so far covered in this blog. Ergo, I made a 16x20 swatch showing each of these patterns. Here it is...<br /><br /><br /></div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMSaTyJUtbI/AAAAAAAAAEk/9oQaRciYGiM/s1600-h/IMG_0011.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; float: right; cursor: pointer;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMSaTyJUtbI/AAAAAAAAAEk/9oQaRciYGiM/s200/IMG_0011.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243485530835170738" border="0" /></a>On the upper left hand side is what the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Seed Stitch</span> should look like.<br />On the lower left hand side is what that <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">KNIT ONLY</span> side of the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Stockinet</span> Stitch</span> should look like.<br />The upper right hand side is what the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Rib Stitch</span> should look like.<br />The lower right hand side is what the <span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Garter Stitch</span> should look like ( fro both sides).<br /><br /><br /><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMRj1Cq7tyI/AAAAAAAAAEc/HEXzzif6imQ/s1600-h/IMG_0014.JPG"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 166px;" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMRj1Cq7tyI/AAAAAAAAAEc/HEXzzif6imQ/s200/IMG_0014.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243425629067261730" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: left;">On the upper left hand side is what the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Rib Stitch</span> should look like.<br /></div>On the lower left hand side it what the<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"> Garter Stitch</span> should look like (from both sides).<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">On the upper right hand side is what the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Seed Stitch</span> should look like.<br />On the lower right hand side is what the <span style="font-weight: bold;">PURL ONLY</span> side of the <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Stockinet</span> Stitch</span> should look like<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /><br /></div>Good Luck!<br /><br /><br /><div style="text-align: left;">(And for those of you who saw it: Yes, it's the same swatch just reversed. ::wink wink::)<br /><br /></div><br /></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-7997060464222094515?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-27016163859493357742008-09-01T23:28:00.001-04:002008-09-18T23:40:46.431-04:00For those of you wanting, needing, or thinking about buying, selling or gathering inspirations for projects here's a great website to pull it off. There are people with some great talent in here. You can find various types of materials for various forms of arts and crafts as well, not just the handiwork. I've an account with them but haven't sold  and/or bought anything yet. You can look me up and drop me a line, my Username is " Thumbelyna". Enjoy!<div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://etsy.com/index.php">Etsy.com</a></div><div><br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-2701616385949335774?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-3424611041276348192008-08-31T16:21:00.005-04:002008-10-27T12:03:57.824-04:00Here is a short list of the major yarn types:<div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Alpaca.</span></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLyP70FKDII/AAAAAAAAACo/XfmI08fkn4E/s200/100f.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5241222324107742338" /><div><br /></div><div>Alpaca fleece is harvested from two types of <a href="http://chimneyhillinn.com/images/alpaca-buddies.jpg">Alpacas:</a> the Huacaya and the Suri. The Huacaya alpacas produce soft, crimpy, dense fibers while the Suri produce silky fibers that resemble un-matted dread-locks. Its fiber is light-weight, silky, and full of luster. The Suri breed is favored over the Huacaya due to its longer length and silkier locks.</div><div><br /></div><div>As a natural fiber it is similar to sheep's wool, however, it is much warmer, not as prickly, and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lanolin">lanolin </a>free making it hypoallergenic but not water resistant.. Its physical structure greatly resembles that of hair, very glossy, but its softness and fineness allows spinners to easily produce satisfactory yarn. Alpaca fiber ranging from 18- 25 microns is considered the best quality.<br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Colors vary  from true blue black all the way down to rose-greys. White is predominant color because of selective breeding and is generally dyed many other colors.</div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Angora.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><br /><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLr_tGEoBqI/AAAAAAAAACg/6tqhw-rGalg/s200/images.jpeg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240782266588202658" />Angora wool, also known as angora fiber</div><div>, is produced by the <a href="http://curiousanimals.net/wp-content/uploads/2007/09/guess-20who-20i-20am-small.jpg">Angora Rabbit</a>. Angora wool and mohair are often mistaken, however, mohair is produced by the Angora goat( see below) instead of the rabbit. Angora is prized for its soft, silky, and "halo" (fluffy) textures. It has a noted low <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micron_(wool)">micron</a> count, meaning it consists of considerably thin/finer fibers. Angora between 12-16 microns in diameter are considered the best quality. These are taken from the back and upper regions of the rabbit and are usually the cleanest (vegetable and hay free) and longest fibers. "Second class" fibers are sheered from the neck and lower regions which may contain some vegetable matter. The "third class" fibers are shorter and removed from the buttocks, legs, and/or any other areas that are seen to easily felt. Finally, the "fourth class" fibers are essentially anything else left on the rabbit's body that is badly stained and/or felted and thus deemed un-salvageable. Breeders practice daily brushing so as to lessen the matting of the wool and increase the portions of usable wool. <div>Because the fibers felt so well on their own they provide an excellent source of felting material.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are four main types of recognized rabbit breeds that produce angora fibers from their bodies:  French, Satin, English, and Giant. Many other breeds do exist, but the most common is the German. Perhaps the neatest thing about angora rabbits and goats is that, according to the breed, they have the ability to naturally produce wool coats of various black and white color shades.</div><div><br /></div><div>Furs are produced in Chile, the United States, Europe, and China. They are harvested up to four times a year by process of "plucking", "shearing" or collecting the molten fur.  Plucking essentially pulls out the molten fur,  minimizing the presence of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Guard_hair">guard hair,</a>  and effectively conserving its quality. This method is time consuming and some producers prefer shearing instead. Although faster, the process of shearing reduces the quality of the fur since all guard hair is included. In order for plucking to be possible the rabbit has to be a breed that will molt. An example of an angora rabbit breed that does not molt is the German.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Mohair.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMh1zJmCl2I/AAAAAAAAAE0/usNUg4eF5kE/s200/mohair_toscana_lrg_300x300(1).jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5244571287682193250" /></span></div><div>Mohair is the silk-like yarn that's made from the hair of the <a href="http://www.manorfarmanimalcentre.co.uk/db/gallery/Goats/Grace%206.jpg">Angora goat</a>. It has adiameter of about 25-45 microns and is one of the oldest textile fibers  today. This diameter increases with the age of the goat meaning that finer fibers will be harvested from younger goats and less finer fibers harvested from older goats. For example, fibers coming from young goats are used for clothing, while fibers from older goats are used for carpets, rugs, etc, etc. Shearing is done twice a year and a single goat can produce up to 17 lbs of fiber each year. </div><div><br /></div><div>It's durable, resilient, stretch, flame, and crease resistant, and takes dyes very well. It's mostly noted, however, for it luster and sheen.</div><div><br /></div><div>It is mostly composed of keratin, and has scales like wool that, although not fully developed, and merely illustrated. This is why it will not felt as wool does.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-342461104127634819?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-87909063458981128502008-08-30T03:01:00.000-04:002008-09-07T17:33:25.279-04:00<div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">First and Foremost.</span></span></div><div><br /></div>I think the best thing for beginners to do is to use light weight, sizes 7-10 needles and medium to thick yarn when starting up their first lessons. Thicker yarn promotes faster results and larger needles are less hard on the fingers and also help pick up speed. The trick is finding a needle size that has a diameter closer to that of a pencil or pen.  Most people  are very familiar with the girth and weight of such a utensil and holding a needle of similar size will make learning a bit easier. Another thing is buying metal needles over plastics for smoother surfaces that will allow the yarn to slip off more easily. Beginners have a tendency to knit very tightly making it difficult to move the yarn from one needle tip to the other. In essence, the more comfortable you start out the better. Becoming frustrated can turn the craft sour, undesirable and more likely to be dropped.<div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Next. </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>BE PATIENT. Two thing this craft will do is teach you some much needed patience if you are lacking in such virtue or make you hate it with all your heart.</div><div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Knitty-Gritty.</span></span> </div><div>Of course, the very first thing to learn is <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Casting on. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">Without it there can be no knitting. I have come to understand that there are a number of various ways to Cast on. I, however, have only learned two methods; the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Knit-on Cast-on</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> , and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Single Cast-on.</span></span></span></span><div>I personally prefer the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Single Cast-o</span></span>n method since it makes for a much faster casting on and creates a "cleaner", neater, and more even looking edge for the project. The down side to this method is that it will slow you down come time to knit the first row since the cast on falls on the needle so tightly and does not make for easy "picking".</div><div>The<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> Knit-on Cast-on</span></span>, on the other hand, will at first take a bit more time and will not look as nice. The perks to this method is that it is actually the very first row of the pattern itself and allows you to continue knitting a lot more easily and faster since the first stitches are already there and falling looser on the needle.</div><div><br /></div><div>Try both and see which one fits your fancy.</div><div><br /></div><div>There are two main stitches to live by in knitting: the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Purl</span></span> and the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">Knit</span></span>. For clarity sake I've recorded two videos showing how to make both the purl and knit stitches and posted them up here: How to make a Purl stitch, How to make a Knit stitch. In most patterns they are usually abbreviated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">P</span></span> for purl and <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">K</span></span> for Knit.</div><div><br /></div><div>Knit stitches will take on the shape of multiple V's (\/), while purl stitches generally look like horizontal dashes (----).</div><div>                                          </div><div>                      </div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLodU0XobNI/AAAAAAAAAB4/92oNsmyIpFo/s200/IMG_0049.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240533359891344594" /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div> To the left is a photo of a 30x30 row purl stitch swatch... </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLokO8pIGoI/AAAAAAAAACA/v1HRQCvQMWU/s200/IMG_0044.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240540955614386818" /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>To the right is a photo of a 30x30 row knit stitch swatch..</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Stockinet stitch.</span></span></div><div> </div><div>The pattern needed to get the two opposite sides shown in the above photos is called the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Stockinet</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"> Stitch</span></span>. It is one of the simplest of knitting patterns and can be done by knitting only knit stitches for one entire row, purl stitches in the next, and then continuing the alternation until the desired length is reached. This pattern creates two distinguishing sides. Meaning that there will be two visible and textural differences between opposite sides as seen again in the photos.</div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">The Garter Stitch.</span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SMQAr9zLGwI/AAAAAAAAADM/mAVH4hWOuLI/s200/IMG_0052.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5243316621489675010" /></div><div>The <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Garter St<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">itch</span></span> is the next pattern and by far the easiest of all. It can be done simply by knitting with only knit stitches or purl stitches for every row till you reach your desired length. It looks very similar to the all purl side of the Stockinet Stitches and can be very hard to tell apart. If you look hard enough in between the stitches, though, the Garter Stitch will have purls stitches further away from its preceding purl stitches below it. To the left is a photo of what Garter Stitch should look like.</span></span></span></div></div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-8790906345898112850?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-58948125540220198102008-08-29T22:15:00.002-04:002010-04-15T16:52:38.543-04:00<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Elizabethan Period</span></span>.<div><div><br /> </div><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLkD3djPxjI/AAAAAAAAABQ/zsmgD8Yz6uA/s200/eliz1-ermine.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240223892782433842" /><div style="text-align: left;">Stockings were very important during this era and due to the current fashion, <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">mens</span> short fitted trunks, stockings were also in high demand in Britain. They were made primarily out of fine wool and were a major export to other countries such as the Netherlands, Spain, Germany, and perhaps more.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;">Queen Elizabeth I is said to have preferred knitted stocking made<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">from fine silk since they were much more finer, softer, aesthetic, and of course, a lot more expensive. These stockings still exist, standing to illustrate just how high quality stockings were made fit for a queen.<br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">Oddly enough, during this era men were also the first to be employed for commercial knitting.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Scotland. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div>In Scotland knitting was not only commercial but vastly domestic as well. Whole 17<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">th</span></span> and 18<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">th</span> century </span>families were said to been involved in knitting in order to make the majority of the family clothing; sweaters, socks, stockings, and various other accessories. </div><div><a href="http://www.fairisle.org.uk/images/jumpers.jpg"></a></div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.fairisle.org.uk/images/jumpers.jpg">The Fair Isle</a> style was, and still is, used to create beautifully detailed and colorful patterns. These woolen sweaters were essential to native Isles fishermen as the sweaters were coated with natural oils, providing crucial protection against the frigid and harsh weather.</div><div><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.celticattic.com/treasures/images/clothing/adult_aran.jpg"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Aran</span></span> sweaters</a> are a product of early 20<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">th</span></span> century Ireland. This particular design is greatly distinguished from others on account of its incredible use of the <a href="http://img.alibaba.com/photo/50441336/Cable_Knit_Throw.jpg">Cable Stitch</a>. Cable stitching can be made with various forms of <a href="http://usdirectweb.com/images/PICT0136.JPG">Cable Needles</a>. </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Industrial Revolution.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Devices for the most basic of knitting techniques were invented before this era, however, most never stood up to the tests of time. With the Industrial Revolution came the art of wool-spinning and clothing manufacturing products in large city line factories. The revolution thus pulled women out of the comfort of their homes, where they would make home spun yarn and knit by hand, and placed them inside these factories to operate spinning and knitting machines. Factory spun yarn became widely popular since it looked much more uniform and, as a result, its weight more easily gauged. One particular district called Lace Market in the city of Nottingham dominated machine-knitting lace production during and decades after the Industrial Revolution.</div><div> </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">World War I. </span></span></div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLkBWDwVugI/AAAAAAAAABA/CgkPayyRr8U/s200/makedoandmend.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240221119899089410" /><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;">The British wartime government department, the <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Ministry of Information</span>, published a booklet entitled "Make do and mend". At the time almost everything was in short supply, not just wool. The booklet aimed to encourage women to unravel and reuse the yarn from any old, tattered, unwearable woolen clothing items. Patterns were issued to the public to make clothing such as <a href="http://static.tramdock.com/images/items/medium/SIR0026/BABLK.jpg">balaclavas</a> and gloves for the Army and Navy to wear during the grueling winter months. Not only did this movement produce the much needed clothing goods but also a great deal of morale boosting amongst those active in the "home front". </div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Post War <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_5">Haute</span></span> Couture(1950-1960). </span></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> After WWI</div><img style="text-align: justify;float: left; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 10px; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: 0px; cursor: pointer; " src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLj_sjLA3kI/AAAAAAAAAAw/Zf-LQKSYObY/s200/FFS00546.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240219307266334274" /><div style="text-align: justify;"> knitting hit an all time high, setting in motion a plethora of styles and colors that introduced an entire fashion genre. The famous <a href="http://www.yarnheaven.com/images/knitting_inspirations/Safran_Twin_Set_Drops_77.JPG">Twinset</a>, consisting of a cropped sleeved top and a cardigan of the same color both worn together, became an extremely popular project to the home knitter. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"> Schools began teaching girls how to knit more as a function of useful skill than a function of hobby. In the UK magazine called <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Pins and needles, </span>difficult patterns for non-clothing projects such as toys, blankets, bags, curtains, lace etc, etc were issued. </div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;">The Fall (1980s). </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>A sharp decline in knitting popularity stamped this period within the Western culture. Pattern and yarns sales saw a steady fall as the craft took on a more old fashioned, "granny- in- a-rocking- chair" statement. The availability of low cost machine knitted items caused store bought clothing sales to sky rocketed and home made knitted items to plummet. People stopped bothering to take the time to knit and as a result even schools dropped knitting courses from their curriculum. It was cheaper and less time consuming to simply buy instead of create, driving the appreciation for the "home made" label to the ground.</div><div><br /></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Knitting </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;">Renaissance.</span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>The 21st century essentially resuscitated the art of knitting back into the Western world, effectively performing "one of the largest resurgence of the craft in history" (<span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_6">Wikipedia</span></span>: History of Knitting, "21st century: The Revival."). A cornucopia of yarn was given birth, bringing forth synthetic yarns, and natural animal fibers such as alpaca, angora, and merino, exotic yarns such as silk, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Qiviut"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_7">qiviut</span></span></a>, and even bamboo. The ever famous plant fiber, cotton, was also successfully implemented. While wool has still remained in the market in yarn form, all of the above mentioned yarn types have been more readily accessible to the average buyer due to their relatively easy and low cost collection processes. </div><div><br /></div><div>Various books and magazines have been introduced to the public, seeking to re-peak their interests in the ancient craft, with remarkably successful results. </div><div><br /></div><div>Those with little time on their hands for recreational pastimes have been tactfully reached, providing many with a potent <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_8">destressor most of us</span></span> were probably completely unaware could exist and help our hectic lifestyles. The most impatient person can now find patterns listed in books, and/or magazines for fast and easily completed projects. Designers have made this possible with the introduction of patterns created specifically for the use of large needles which speeds up the knitting process by a wide margin.</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><img style="float:right; margin:0 0 10px 10px;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_yIGhhY85SF8/SLkA8E_RBcI/AAAAAAAAAA4/RgBTKS0zDYE/s200/knit1.jpg" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5240220673553532354" /></div><div><br /></div><div>The new century has even managed to bring back the knitting enthusiast. One can't help but smile...</div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Television has also greatly assisted the movement, proving that knitting could be just as interesting and productive as cooking, quilting, sewing, needle point so on and so forth.</div><div><br /></div><div>Even Pop culture has not been able to hide from its reaches, as celebrities have recently become active in its revival and <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_9">re-popularization</span>.</div><div><br /></div><div>And let us not forget the best creation of the millennium; the Internet. What else has been able to yank books, articles, magazines, videos, encyclopedias, newspapers...simply all sorts of literature right off the shelves and place them right into our hands without us even having to move from our seat?</div><div> </div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-5894812554022019810?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-17595689957622927182008-08-29T15:53:00.000-04:002008-08-30T03:48:58.357-04:00The origin(s) of knitting is greatly disputed even today. It is widely believed to have developed in Pre-Christian time, the oldest artifact appearing to be a type of sock.  Socks and stockings were the first pieces created through similar knitting techniques used today. <div><br /></div><div>The <span class="blsp-spelling-corrected" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">preceding</span> technique is known as <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: italic;"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Nalebinding</span>.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> Through this process, fabrics were created by the assembly of multiple knots or loops with the use of a single needle (rather than two) and thread. Here's a photo from a website I found having fairly good illustrations of the technique: <a href="http://www.ars-replika.de/1__Jahrhundert/1__Jh__Handwerk/Textilhandwerk/Nailbinding/Nalebinding_1_komplett_klein.jpg"><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Nalebinding</span></a>. Here's a photo of what a <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">nalebinding</span> piece looks like:<a href="http://images.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1013/1427011557_f3fc39d342.jpg%3Fv%3D0&amp;imgrefurl=http://flickr.com/photos/18014036%40N00/1427011557/&amp;h=261&amp;w=500&amp;sz=99&amp;hl=en&amp;start=13&amp;um=1&amp;usg=__6cX_Eo1u4xTVvSv-YJqHveVXHE4=&amp;tbnid=VGUfioO_ZMqtiM:&amp;tbnh=68&amp;tbnw=130&amp;prev=/images%3Fq%3Dnalebinding%26ndsp%3D18%26um%3D1%26hl%3Den%26client%3Dsafari%26rls%3Den%26sa%3DN"> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Nalebinding</span> piece.</a> </span></span></div><div><br /></div><div>Initial references to true knitting stemmed from Europe and dated from early 14th century. The first knitted socks, however, were from Egypt and were a bit older (11th century). The purl stitch had not yet been formatted and in order for the stockinette pattern to be produced the crafter had to knit in a circle and then cut the piece open. This process was known as <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Steek">"Steeking"</a>.</div><div><br /></div><div>Reference to the purl stitch is said to have not appeared until late in the 16th century but may have still been developed a little earlier.</div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-1759568995762292718?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2386039507220787755.post-86294292222226861552008-08-28T17:13:00.000-04:002008-08-31T01:45:29.283-04:00This is my first time at an all Arts and Crafts blog. I am hoping it will help as many as possible and so feedback will be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all!<div><br /></div><div>Honestly, I started crocheting way before knitting even came to mind. I learned at the age of 13 in the oddest place you could possibly think of: the Library. Yes, the library. Every saturday from 10 to 12 I sat with a group of older women who all came together to share ideas or just hang out. Well, I'm 24 now, finishing college, engaged and still just as crazy about crafting as ever. I have to admit that my college years sucked a lot out of my creativity but I hope to bring it all back.I enjoy both knitting and crocheting equally but this particular blog will be specifically for the knitters paradise. </div><div><div><br /></div><div>I think the best way to learn how to knit is by having someone who knows the ropes show you the basics. Books, even those aimed for beginners, can be frustrating to follow especially when illustrations aren't that great and/or limited. If you do go ahead and buy books try to first master the very basics beforehand.</div><div><br /></div><div>Being if you can' t find one -on- one help from someone, I've done some research on a few books produced for those who have never picked up a single knitting needle before. I'll be posting them up along with some reviews.</div></div><div class="blogger-post-footer"><img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/2386039507220787755-8629429222222686155?l=theavidknitter.blogspot.com' alt='' /></div>Thumbelynahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01717888426329817755noreply@blogger.com1