Zen Knitting

Grandmother’s Love Passes On to Another Generation

This story is about a woman who learned how to knit thanks to the love of her grandmother. She took the knowledge with her and when each of her children were born, she knitted things for them with feeling and telling them, it is more personal to sew than buy.

When I was little, my grandmother educated me how to crochet. The moment my chubby digits could hold the needle, she was showing me how to knit. At six years of age and when her eyes were no longer well, she handed me the sewing needles to filament for her.

When I was eight years old, my mother knitted for me an entire wardrobe for springtime.
I remember in detail what she made for me right down to the trimmed red kerchief. She spent all of her off work time making me my wardrobe. Still I can remember colors and patterns that my grandmother used for nightgowns, she sewed for me.

I know there is magic in the handmade clothing. It goes past all the colors, styles and the quality of handiwork. No doubt that with every stitch and every knot she done, it was done out of love for my brothers and me. So when I was pregnant with my first child, it seemed only fitting to pick a crochet hook and thread. I started making the clothes that my child would wear home from the hospital.

But once I got going, I didn’t stop. Sewing clothes for babies was just more than a way to save money or create some distinctive baby clothing styles… it is a way that we can envelop them with love. It is a way to sew your wishes into the fabric as you shape each piece.

As years passed, I have sewn, knit and crocheted sweaters, sunsuits, dresses, short sets, blankets, quilts, hats and even pants for each of my five children. From day one, the kids all had special clothing that I made myself just for them. It was my wish that my love for knitting and dressing my children would pick up on and pass along except:

When I recently went to visit my 22-year-old daughter, I saw the sweater I made for her placed onto her teddy bear. This teddy bear is sitting on her dresser. On her table on one room, she had a blanket I created for her covering it.

My 19-year old son is fully grown and out on his own. He still owns the knitted baby blanket that he was wrapped him from his hospital trip to home. He does create and make his own clothing. Some are imaginative and unusual and in patches for his jeans and jackets. I have found shirt, sweater and short bits made into other clothing as patches.

The 15 year old hid away her first party dress I made when she was six months old. Though she never said a word, I found it in her little treasure box.

For my 10 and 12-year-old boys, I knitted them blankets that I brought them home in and each both boys still have them. Those are their favorite blankets.

You owe it to yourself to learn how to knit…not just for yourself though but for your children. It’s a way to save money but in actuality, it’s the best feeling in the world to create your child’s clothes or blankets instead of buying them. Remember…it is a gratifying feeling when those kids grow up and still have those precious items.

Manhattan, New York – October 30, 2007 – The Lion Brand Yarn Company today released the results of an in-depth survey they recently conducted of online, knitting and crochet enthusiasts. The results were released through the Lion Brand podcast which can be heard via their new “Yarncraft” Web site at: yarncraft.lionbrand.com . The survey results describe a vibrant and growing community of tech savvy, hobbyists who are using the Internet to build and enrich their passion for yarn crafts.

The results of the Lion Brand survey are inline with a recent Pew Internet report of hobbyists online, which found that 83% of On-line Americans have used the Internet to pursue their hobbies. One in three responders to the Lion Brand survey said they turn to blogs for information about knitting and crochet while one in four sourced information from knitting podcasts.

The Lion Brand survey also found that 52.7% of survey responders read blogs while 50.4% listen to podcasts. This exceeds the most recent Pew Internet and American Life Project figures that show that 39% of Americans read blogs and only 12% download podcasts.

The survey also found that On-line yarn crafters are an extremely social group, with 35.6% of responders saying they were members of Myspace, with members of Facebook and Flickr coming in second and third. A very surprising result from the survey was that 1 in 4 responders had already joined Ravelry.com. Ravelry is a new social knitting network that launched in May of 2007 and is still in Beta testing. The site already boasts 21,000 current members with an additional 15,000 on their waiting list.

“The Internet has allowed knitters to come out of the closet.” said Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, author and editor of the ‘Yarn Harlot’ blog. “We’ve become socialized as knitting has become a public social activity instead of a private one. The Internet has created a knitting community – and while you might walk away from projects, you don’t walk away from people, so the community continues to grow.”

Blogs were also a big part of the survey results. “Yarn Harlot” was listed as the most popular blog by Lion Brand customers, with “Crazy Aunt Purl” and “Mason Dixon Knitting”, coming in second and third. Lion Brand customers also selected “Lime and Violet”, “Cast On” and “Stash and Burn” among their favorite podcasts.

“It is exciting times when this ancient craft of knitting and crocheting is having such a resurgence due to 21st century technology.” said David Blumenthal CEO of Lion Brand Yarn. “We’re working with the knitting and crochet community online, giving them the latest information from Lion Brand, while hearing from them through their blogs, podcasts and emails. It’s very exciting to know that they can hear us and we can hear them – we’re looking forward to hearing from the consumers.”

For more details on the Lion Brand survey and to download the latest podcast, visit yarncraft.lionbrand.com . Accredited media interested in discussing the topic of this release in more detail are encouraged to contact Ilana Rabinowitz at Ilana@lionbrand.com to schedule an interview.

About The Lion Brand Yarn Company

Lion Brand Yarn Company is a 129-year-old entity and is America’s oldest hand knitting yarn brand. Founded in 1878, the company began operation in New York and has been a leading supplier of quality hand knitting and crochet yarns ever since. Throughout its history, Lion Brand Yarn has been at the forefront of yarn trends while consistently providing its customers with the highest quality product, service and inspiration.

Knitting and embroidery are the basic types of the craft. Thought these are the basic type many of the women don’t know how to knit and stitch. If in our home grandmother is there then she would be able to teach us but if there is no such person then the best way to learn knitting and stitching is to join the classes for it. If you search it around then you may get number of classes for it with different schedules.

If you are interested to join these classes then you have look the different schedules according to your convenience and the contents about they are ought to teach. According to this prefer those classes from which you will get the maximum output and they must be efficient too.

You will find different classes which will teach you as well as to your kids from basics to many types of knitting and embroidery. You will find some classes which are convenient for you to utilize your lunch break. These classes are for beginners, for high level and for those who know knitting and embroidery but for different patterns and design they ought to join. You will be able to learn different types of knitting and embroidery.

The general timing for these classes are from around 10 A.M till 5 P.M for weekdays that are from Monday to Saturday and on Sunday it will be closed. If your kid is interested in joining these knitting classes then it is schedule for each week on a particular day. These classes start in around month of September and the timing is of about two hours. These are for beginner kids as well as they will be for experienced kids even.

For adults these classes are available in each week on a particular day so you can join them in any week and you will be able to learn from basic things like how to knit, which yarn should select and how to test it. In these classes you will learn socks making, lace knitting for beginners and many classes are for experienced so as they can join the classes according to previous knowledge.

In these classes you will learn about felted bowls, Nordic hats, cable hats as well as Fair Isle baby booties. These all patterns you will learn in the knitting classes. The same will be for the embroidery. These classes are also for the beginners as well as peoples who are more expert than them.

Like the knitting classes you will find these classes also near by your place or if you are not able to go outside than your home then there are many teachers who will teach you all the basic as well as advanced types at your home. You will learn black work, canvas painting and etui boxes. Other types are gold work; which are schedule for one day, two days up to four days according to your choice.

These classes will cover topics about hasp burg lace, Modern Jacobean for one and two days, Mountmellic. These classes will cover topics about needle painting for beginners as well as for all level learners along with pulled work, shadow work and traditional Jacobean.

Using all this information you will be able to join classes according to your level, choice and most important – time.

Knitting socks is easy and good for the knitters who have just begun to learn knitting. It is very cheap also. Knitting socks needs only up to 5 balls of yarn, and more varieties can be made. Knitting socks is quite enjoyable because once the basic skill is learned, it gets really easy, and it is less time consuming.

Knitting socks can be completed in two ways. The socks made with heels will be more comfortable than socks created with heel-less. The size of the sock depends on the circumference of the ankle. First the measurement of the foot and ankle should be taken and 1 inch should be subtracted for adults, and half an inch has to be subtracted for kids for the best fitting. Usually, the ankle circumference will be 8 inches for women, and 10 inches for men.

For the best fitting, sock yarn should be used. If the yarn is thicker, the same measurement of ankle should be taken for knitting. The calculation of the stitches is the first step for the pattern of the socks. Let us keep the cast on the stitches. It should be divided equally, across three double pointed needles. First a stitch marked should be put on the beginning of the round. Then ribbing should be done. The needles used for ribbing must be smaller than the needles used for the remaining part of the socks. After ribbing, larger needles should be used for knitting. Stockinette stitch should be used after a ribbed cuff and plain leg. Stockinette stitch gives a good pattern work and a better fitting.

Next step is to divide for the heel. Half the stitches should be put on one needle that should be from the beginning of the round. Remaining stitches should be put on the spare needle. Now the heel can be knitted front and back on the single needle. Stockinette stitch should be done for 2/3 to 3/4 rows in the heel. Now the stitches on the heel should be reduced and heel should be turned. After this the gusset should be formed. There should two selvedge edges between the heels. The stitches should be picked up along the edges and the gusset is formed. Knit the stitches on the rest of the heel. The stitches on the gusset should be decreased.

The foot of the sock is the next step after gusset. The measurement of the foot of the sock should be less than 2inches of the length of the foot. Now start from the center and make 1/4 stitches on the first needle and 1/2 on the second needle and 1/4 on the third needle. There should be alternate decrease rounds and even rounds. A sock can be finished in many ways. The stitches on the toe can be reduced and two needles are bind-off or cast off the both sides and sew it together.

Wool is best for knitting socks. It is very comfortable and gives perfect fitting. Synthetic yarn can also be used but it becomes sweaty and it is not flexible.

When you are following ready made patterns ,then pay attention to the instructions given, like check the gauge of wires or needle. Choose patterns as you like depending on your choice and skill level. Once you have tools and yarns, know about basic stitches and then build some pattern and start knitting!

Not even the teapot can escape the Halloween festivities if you make this Halloween Skull tea cosy. The Skull tea cosy is made from double thickness yarn for extra insulation.

This tea cosy was designed by TeaCosyFolk.co.uk

To make the (White) Skull tea cosy you will need…

5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles,

50g White Double knitting wool,

25g Black Double knitting wool,

And the Skulls face pattern which can be printed off at the link below

Divide the Black and White balls of wool into two balls so that the yarn can be used as double thickness but knitted up as a single strand.

The Back

Using size 5.5mm knitting needles and double thickness white yarn cast on 28 stitches and work 4 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row)

Then work 22 rows of Stocking Stitch (one row knit, one row purl)

Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later.

The Front

Using size 5.5mm knitting needles and double thickness white yarn cast on 28 stitches and work 4 rows in straight garter stitch

Then work 20 rows from the pattern to create the skulls face.

Row 21: K

Row 22: P

Shaping the top…

Using Red wool as a double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as Follows…

Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.

Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew about 9.5cm from the finishing off point down the side seam towards the cast on edge.

At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.

Finish off all the ends inside the tea cosy left over from knitting the face.

With cold weather upon us, it’s time to update your wardrobe with a new gorgeous knit scarf. They are a hot item for the season and what a great looking accessory item to keep you warm. Look for them in so many different yarns, colors and styles. This is the year for the knit scarves so put away the old plain Jane’s back in storage. The question is, do you buy one or make your own.

Personally, I like the hand made one’s made by yours truly, myself. I enjoy having that one of a kind accessory item that looks great. With the huge selection of beautiful yarns out there I just had to pick up my knitting needles and dust them off. They’ve been non-stop ever since. You can find yarn at all the local craft store’s; AC Moore, Jo-Anne Fabrics, Michael’s to name a few as well as their websites. Some of them will offer classes, or will have representative’s near the yarn aisle to help you get started and answer any questions. All the top yarn companies have very informative website’s to help you get started also. They have an amazing selection of free, yes free patterns that you can print off and use at your disposal. Lion Brand, http://www.lionbrand.com even has a how to section. I forgot how to “cast off” and it has step by step instructions that set me on my way. All the patterns have very clear instructions on how to knit or crochet and what supplies to purchase. I have made several myself and found them all very easy to follow. They even have the famous Martha Stewart Poncho pattern available online. I wanted one and don’t crochet so I forwarded the pattern to my mother. She so graciously made some for me. I get endless compliments whenever I wear it. I have now ventured off making my own patterns. What can I say, I’ve got the knitting bug or should I say yarn bug! It’s the yarns that pull you in to buying so much. There really is an amazing selection out there. You can find; cashmere, wool, fun fur, metallics, sequence, curly, fuzzy, you name it they have it. So pick up those knitting needles and get making those scarves. You’ll get the bug too and will end up making them for everyone you know!

For those of you who have no interest in making a scarf or just don’t have the knack for it, there is still hope. Many stores offer a decent selection of knit scarves but you will find a limited selection in the yarn styles. I recommend attending one of the many craft fairs being offered in your area. To look for top quality vendors, look for the juried shows or ones that are very selective in choosing their vendors. You will definitely get a higher quality of vendors and therefore a higher quality of products. There are some very artistic and talented knitters out there selling their wares. Artistic people not only like to make great products but really like selling them to others to enjoy. I get excited when someone buy’s one of my scarves and can’t wait to wear it. They always come back for more to buy as gifts to share their great find. Another place to shop for knit scarves is at your local art galleries. They consign artist work and stock plenty of gift items as well as artwork. They will have a high quality of vendors. But do hurry, the stores currently are clearing out their winter merchandise for Spring clothing.

Get a gorgeous knit scarf while you can or get those knitting needles going and enjoy getting the knitting bug!

Manhattan, New York – October 6, 2007 – With all of the tension and gadgets that come with being a teenager in a high tech society, many teens are turning to low tech knitting and crochet as an outlet for entertainment, socializing and stress relief. According to Mark Penn’s bestselling book, Microtrends, “Teen knitters aren’t some reclusive, anti-technology faction. Thousands of members of MySpace, the wildly popular social networking site, affiliate with knitting subgroups, suggesting that today’s teens are comfortable with having their high tech and low tech sides — well, meshed together.”

Mr. Penn believes there are several factors involved in the growing popularity of teen knitting. The first is the social aspect of actually gathering together with other people that also knit. In Microtrends, he says, “Knitting is like MySpace, with groups gathering to do it communally”. He also believes that part of the appeal is that knitting is skill-oriented and, like video games, it also offers the chance to take on increasingly harder challenges. Last but not least on his list, “Teens are increasingly looking for a break from 24/7 connectedness and from the college prep intensity that can begin in pre-K.” Mr. Penn notes that the repetitive nature of knitting is very relaxing and offers teens calming relief from the stress of the day. The acceptance of knitting and crochet by teens as well as the reputed health benefits has even prompted teaching institutions such as the independent Waldorf Schools to include knitting and crochet in their curriculum.

“It’s very exciting for us to see teens embracing knitting,” said Ilana Rabinowitz of Lion Brand Yarn. “In addition to more traditional knitters and crocheters, we are seeing everyone from skateboarders to techies express an interest in crafting with yarn. This tech-savvy generation has embraced blogs, podcasts and other online resources as a way to share their interest in knitting and crochet, as well as learn more about these hobbies. ”

About Lion Brand Yarn Company

Lion Brand Yarn Company is a 129-year-old entity and is America’s oldest hand knitting yarn brand. Founded in 1878, the company began operation in New York and has been a leading supplier of quality hand knitting and crochet yarns ever since. Throughout its history, Lion Brand Yarn has been at the forefront of yarn trends while consistently providing its customers with the highest quality product, service and inspiration.

The present article has been read by many of our visitors and greatly appreciated. Hopefully you will enjoy it likewise. Knit work is no longer only for grandmothers or just any mothers. Now it’s a fun, creative hobby for anyone. Just get some basic data before you start knitting. All you need to start knitting are knitting needles, yarn and good patterns or instructions.

Let’s start with some basic patterns. Before you start with a pattern as a beginner, you should know the basic stitches including the knit stitch and purl stitch. For the first, pass the right needle through the first stitch of your left hand needle. Now wind your thread over cross of two needles, over the right hand needle. Just softly pull through the loop. After that just slip over first original stitch from left needle to right hand needle. Repeat the whole process till you take all stitches from left needle to right needle.

Purl stitch when viewed from purl side of pattern. First you have to take the thread in front of the needle, then enter right hand needle in first stitch on left hand needle. Wind yarn about back of right hand needle from right to left, then just draw loop backwards which will allow sew to slip off left needle to right hand needle. The main thing to remember about this sew is that you have to take the yarn in front of needle. Continue till all stitches are transferred from left needle to right needle.

There is a particular way to read the patterns. First the skill level; it can be easy, medium, hard or beginner, average or advance, each pattern has particular skill level, you can start with novice and then go for building complex advanced patterns.

For an easy or novice level there are normally easy patterns, like unlike types of scarf or shawls or even some sweaters with easy knit patterns. You can even make some easy handbags, mats to begin knitting. For medium or intermediate levels you can have patterns like stocking caps, sweaters and knitted scarves; normally patterns with adapted stitches and patterns for advanced levels, you can have patterns which are complicated and which require deal of shaping.

If you are novice then start with a no pattern, this way just start by knitting with a combination of just two basic stitches, knit and purl. To begin you can knit a decent pashmina manner stole, just with three hundred stitches, if garter stitch means only knit stitches no purl stitches. To start you can even make some simple combination of stitches.

If you are knitting with circular needles, you can start devising tubular scarf for this cast approximately Three hundred stitches, and connect them together in a circle. You can try stockinette stitch it produces gracious curls at the end which gives the scarf a very different look.

I’am glad you have found this article and I hope you found the information somewhat useful.

A capelet is most often needed for fashion purposes. Plus know that a capelet is also referred to as a cape or collar. If you want to knit capelet then you can design your own type of capelet using your favorite yarn, color. There are different patterns for making caplets. And you can vary the length of the capelet or you can add a collar to any capelet and you will get a different type or style.

Pattern for a Capelet

Here is a simple pattern for a hand knit capelet. Note for this project, you will have to knit from neck to hem down. For this purpose you will need a circular needle. If you want a collar caplet, then you can attach roll collar of about 1.5″. To design this capelet, you have to measure basically three lengths which are neck opening, shoulder width and front length.

This caplet needs approximately 20 gram balls of mohair yarn in which each ball has about 90 meters of yarn. For knitting you should have minimum: one circular needle which must be sufficiently long so as to hold all the stitches at the hem of the cape and for this purpose you need 16″ near the neck and around 24″ near the hem.

The main steps of this caplet project are as follows:

While knitting, you have to knit from neck to hem in down word direction with the help of a circular needle. For this cape collar that’s optional, attach one near about 15″ around the top. Now close it tightly with cord. Stitch the ending of edge, front and border. Level front and back by short shaping near the border. The back of the neck must be raised with the same shaping method, according to your body or fitting (you have to take proper measurements.)

To give the pattern or shape to your caplet enter your stitch as well as row gauge. When you are well worth with the knitting the try for these patterns but yet this is the simplest pattern among the all.

This pattern has around 8 increased rays and about 2 shoulder darts. On back side also you have to knit around 4 decreased rays. Place around 10 stitch markers to locate the rays. For further reference label them as 1f, 2f, 3f for front side and same for back side as 2b, 1b, etc. while knitting down you have to increase about one stitch on both the sides for each stitch marker for every 6 rows.

For this just go on stitching across the unit, the stitch left before the marker. Skipping this marker again go on stitching and continue it. For this task, learn to stitch odd numbers – now increase knitting from both the sides as well as purl side of the fabric. For purl, the same procedure is what you have to repeat as mentioned above.

When your cape becomes sufficiently long to cover up your shoulders, then stop lengthening it further. Continue knitting for the border side. But just before you hem it, you have to knit short rows so as to level or even up the back and front properly. In this pattern the back is longer than front.

After completing this short row you will complete the knitting for your capelet and your new pattern caplet is ready to use.

Knitting is no longer only for grandmothers or just any mothers. Now it’s a fun, creative hobby for anyone. Just get some basic information before you start knitting. All you need to start knitting are knitting needles, yarn and good patterns or instructions.

Let’s start with some basic patterns. Before you start with a pattern as a beginner, you should know the basic stitches including the knit stitch and purl stitch. For the first, pass the right needle through the first stitch of your left hand needle. Now wind your yarn over cross of two needles, over the right hand needle. Just gently pull through the loop. After that just slip over first original stitch from left needle to right hand needle. Repeat the whole procedure till you transfer all stitches from left needle to right needle.

Purl stitch when viewed from purl side of pattern. First you have to take the yarn in front of the needle, then insert right hand needle in first stitch on left hand needle. Wind yarn around back of right hand needle from right to left, then just draw loop backward which will allow stitch to slip off left needle to right hand needle. The main thing to remember about this stitch is that you have to take the yarn in front of needle. Continue till all stitches are transferred from left needle to right needle.

There is a specific way to read the patterns. First the skill level; it can be easy, medium, hard or beginner, intermediate or advance, each pattern has specific skill level, you can start with beginner and then go for complex advanced patterns.

For an easy or beginner level there are usually easy patterns, like different types of scarf or shawls or even some sweaters with easy knitting patterns. You can even make some easy handbags, mats to begin knitting. For medium or intermediate levels you can have patterns like stocking caps, sweaters and knitted scarves; usually patterns with altered stitches and patterns for advanced levels, you can have patterns which are complicated and which require lot of shaping.

If you are beginner then start with a no pattern, this means just start by knitting with a combination of just two basic stitches, knit and purl. To begin you can knit a nice pashmina style stole, just with three hundred stitches, if garter stitch means only knit stitches no purl stitches. To start you can even make some simple combination of stitches.

If you are knitting with circular needles, you can start making tubular scarf for this cast around 300 stitches, and join them together in a circle. You can try stockinette stitch it produces nice curls at the end which gives the scarf a very different look.