Cast-On Day!

Today I will be casting on to participate in a KAL for the Cold Mountain stole pattern.  I'm excited for a number of reasons, among them:

1) My daughter picked out the pattern because she wanted to tackle a "big lace something."
2) When I suggested she might want to make it a KAL (peer pressure done right), she did.
3) Do I need to mention that I like knitting with this kid?
4) Some of you may remember the Lace Prom Shrug Fiasco of '12. It's nice to have a fresh start.
5) Starting a shiny new project is fun. Period!
6) Starting a Knit-A-Long is even more fun!

So, if you're game, join us.  More details can be found here. Also, here are some tips on reading knitting charts.  By the time we are through knitting this lovely shawl, we should be expert chart readers!

Knitting Guild--Coming in 2013

I am forever on the lookout for ways to get knitters together.  Let's face it: knitting can be a lonely craft.  You could knit alone, shop for yarn, needles and patterns alone, and end up a lonely, yarn-covered, sad little person.  Trust me, you don't want this!


Instead, wouldn't it be nice to belong to a group of knitters which is connected to the largest knitting association in America?  An environment where we can further our knowledge of knitting, join forces to knit for charity, and encourage other knitters in their craft?

If this sounds as good to you as it does to me, please join us for our initial organizational meeting of the North Charleston/Summerville chapter of the The Knitting Guild Association of America.

Meeting details:

Sunday, January 13, 2013

2-3pm

Panera Bread, 1311 Main Street, Summerville, SC

Come be a founding member.  

Bring your ideas (and your knitting!)

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Charity Knitting Update, or Hope you're almost finished with your Red Scarf!!

Red Scarf Project red scarves.  Yes, I like to say that :)

There are SO many charities for which to knit.  It really is hard to pick just one or two and still not feel as though you are neglecting some great cause or need.  This year, the KnitOasis knitting group (aka, anyone who wants to contribute!) has been knitting for 3 charities:

1. The Red Scarf Project--Red Scarves for college students who have been in foster care
2. Warm Up America -- Afghan blocks which will be sewn together to make a blanket, then donated (ideally to the Ronald McDonald House in Charleston)
3. TriCounty Family Ministries -- Hats and scarves for the less fortunate

 I put The Red Scarf Project first because the time to mail them off is fast approaching. Last year we sent 6 beautiful scarves to Foster Care to Success and received this lovely note of thanks in reply:
Good Afternoon Tamara - Thank you so much for your generous scarf donations.  We are delighted that so many talented knitters and crocheters chose to participate in the program.  Each year we continue to be amazed at the generosity and creativity of the needle arts community.

If you do not mind, I will keep your email address and definitely keep you updated on the Red Scarf Project.  Please email me if you have any questions.

Please know that the scarves really mean a lot to the students that receive them.  For many it will be the first item they have ever received that is handmade just for them!

I also left a comment on your blog.  If you have any questions feel free to email me - Thanks again!

Lynn Davis

Director, Community Partnerships

Foster Care to Success

(formerly Orphan Foundation of America)

America's College Fund for Foster Youth

So if you've been thinking about knitting (or crocheting) a Red Scarf this year, do it NOW!
I'll be sending this year's box on November 30. 

Donations to TriCounty Family Ministries is ongoing, and the cooler morning temps here in Charleston remind us that it will get chilly this winter and there are those without adequate heat or shelter who could use a warm scarf or hat or mittens this winter.

Warm Up America blanket blocks are also coming in weekly.  We need 49 blocks, 7" x 9", to sew together for a full afghan.  These can be knitted or crocheted, in any pattern or design or color, preferably in an easy care acrylic yarn.  I'm offering two more classes this year featuring patterns for blanket blocks, on November 29 and December 13.  Check KnitOasis Classes & Events  for details!

Thank you to all my knitting (and crocheting) friends who have contributed to our charity knitting projects this year!  Keep 'em coming!!

Knitting Group a Go-Go!

After taking a long winter's nap of sorts, the knitting group formerly known as Monday Morning Knitters will meet again tomorrow, January 16, from 10:00 am till 11:30 am. Now there's a new name and a new location: First and Third Monday Knitters meet at the Panera Bread near the Tanger Outlet Mall. See the sidebar of this blog for the full 2012 schedule.

It's going to be a great year of knitting! I have lots of ideas for ways we can knit for charity and I'll be bringing that information with me, along with an unfinished project of two to work on--the hard part is just narrowing it down to one or two!

I look forward to seeing old knitting friends and meeting new ones. This group means so much to me and I've missed it over the holidays. Hope to see you there!

Happy Knit Year!

Every late December I make goals for the upcoming year, and somehow the majority of these tend to center on knitting. I guess I figure if the Knitting gets done everything else will surely fall into place. So, for 2012, here's what I hope will happen:

1) Monthly knitting workshops and/or events at The Charleston Museum.

2) Increased enrollment in my classes at Michael's.

3) A daily interactive record of knitting, starting January 1, over on Facebook.

4) My son's Christmas gift will NOT be on the needles next year at Christmas!

5) Complete my Knitting Instructors Certification course by the end of April.

6) Pick a charity for our knitting group to contribute knitted items to. Red Scarf Project again?? Warm Up America?? Something else??

7) Host World Wide Knit in Public Day activities in June.

8) Attend the SC Knitting Guild's Knit Inn in February.

Happy New Year and Happy Knitting!!

Ch-ch-changes...

As we approach the end of 2011, I look back and all I can say is, "What a year it has been!!" I have had the amazing privilege of teaching many classes and workshops this year, with still more being planned for 2012. I am grateful for the opportunities of the last 11 months and SO excited for what's in store in the future!

Highlights from this year...

* Hosted World Wide Knit in Public Day and two knitting workshops at The Charleston Museum.

* Began the Craft Yarn Council's Certified Knitting Instructor Program.

* Attended the SC Knitting Guild's Knit Inn.

* Taught a Sock Knitting Workshop.

* Began teaching Discover Knitting classes at Michael's.

* Hosted weekly Monday Morning Knit group.

* Sent 6 scarves to the Orphan Foundation of America's Red Scarf Project.

* Helped coordinate Two Huge Yarn Sales!

Coming up next year...

* Even more classes at Michael's.

* More workshops (and events!) at The Charleston Museum.

* Summer Sock Workshop.

* SC Knitting Guild's Knit Inn: Feb 3, 4, & 5.

* World Wide Knit in Public Day, June 9.

* Completion of Certified Knitting Instructor Program.

So what are these changes I mentioned? I'm glad you asked! Because of the steady increase in the number of classes and workshops, I will be making a change to Monday Morning Knitters.

Starting in 2012, Monday Morning Knitters will be held on First and Third Mondays. The location will also change to the Panera Bread near the Tanger Outlet Mall, 5070 International Blvd, Charleston, SC.

My hope is that our Monday group can continue despite my heavy schedule, so I'm counting on you all to continue to make it a success in the coming year! Come be a part of the exciting knit happenings as we carry on our quest to take over the world, one knitter at a time!

Monday Morning Knitters Holiday Schedule!

It's that time of year, Knitters, and as the holidays heat up, Monday Morning Knitters will be taking a few well-deserved breaks to celebrate with loved ones (and of course knit, wherever you are!).

HOLIDAY SCHEDULE

We will meet on the following Mondays from 10-11:30 at the Atlanta Bread near CSU:

Nov. 28

Dec. 5

Dec. 12

After Dec. 12, we will be taking a break till Jan. 16. Check back here for more info on some exciting changes coming up soon!!

Also, SAVE THE DATE! Fair Isle knitted hat workshop at The Charleston Museum--Saturday, January 28!

Happy Holidays!!

Overflowing with Thankfulness: Red Scarf Project

In January of this year (OK, wow that was officially a long time ago!), I announced to my Monday Morning Knitters that I very much wanted to send a scarf to the Orphan Foundation of America for their Red Scarf Project. I explained what it was, handed out the guidelines from the website to any interested parties and that was that.

Today, I packed up SIX red scarves to take to the post office! I am overflowing with gratitude for the effort and hours of knitting that my generous knitting friends donated for this project.

For many years, I have wanted to participate in knitting for this, and my Monday Morning Knitters helped make it happen! Thank you all!

I LOVE Yarn (but then you knew that, right?)

1492-2011: 510 years of knitting

Thank you, Christopher Columbus, for "discovering" America, so I can get together with other knitters on Monday morning, October 10...Columbus Day...and knit. You rock! And if you're ever in town, we'd love to see you at the Atlanta Bread near CSU at 10 am :) lol

Knit-Along!

Many knitters already know the benefits of participating in a Knit-Along (KAL), and, knitting as long as I have, you would think I would have this down pat. Last year I did cast on for a sweater on a shared birthday with a knitting friend who lives in Colorado, but we were knitting different patterns, and her sweater turned out wonderful and mine is finished but hanging in neglected shame in my closet.

This year, however, I have another knitting friend in Atlanta who came up with an idea to have a KAL with me and my 14yo knits-better-than-me daughter. I was charmed by the idea of knitting a bag with a buddy in the next state, despite it being a project destined for felting, something I've purposely avoided thus far. And then she GAVE us the yarn for the project and, well, how could I say no? It's been so fun, to do, too. Despite our starting a bag made of wool/mohair July 1st and knitting through the two warmest months in a summer of record high temps, that is. Some things you have to chalk up to Hazards of the Hobby.

Having a project that you share with a friend is one way to make knitting less isolated and thus more fun. Finally you have someone with whom you can complain about the pattern/yarn/stitches and they don't glaze over with incomprehension! You might, like I do, have the chance to attempt a technique you have been hesitant about, allowing the peer pressure of the KAL to stretch your ability. You have little built-in deadlines that keep the project from languishing when the initial excitement wears off a bit. And if you're competitive, it gives you a chance to knit to the next deadline first for bragging rights. Just don't brag too much, because these are your knitting friends, after all.

If you've never participated in a KAL, I highly recommend it. And if you're looking for a KAL with some history thrown in, I've got just the thing. I signed up for a

19th-Century Doll KAL, to be held Saturday, September 17 at the Charleston Museum. The project is based on a hand-written pattern in the museum archives, and includes a special showing of items from the Museum's knitted and crocheted collection. My daughter is so excited about this she intends to make two. I did mention that she knits better than I do, didn't I?

Yarn Sale Follow-Up

The One Day Only Huge Yarn Sale was a success! But success is a tricky thing, and for the sweet lady with all the yarn, true success will be won when she no longer has bags of yarn to pack up and take home.

I know we've all been to yard sales and estate sales and even yarn sales where the merchandise was just thrown about and pricing was confused or non-existent and the people working the sale were less than helpful. THIS was NOT one of those times! The yarn was organized and easy to look through (and there was a lot of it!), the prices were clearly marked, fair, and negotiable, and Linda and Amy are two of the nicest ladies you'll ever meet. We came, we shopped, we sat and knit, and it was a lovely experience, dampened only by my own lack of funds to buy MORE yarn! Well, that and the thought of where in the world would I put it all.

We got to talking at the yarn sale and agreed that July is a month for vacation for a lot of folks and maybe, just maybe, more yarnies would be available in another month or two to make it worth setting up the yarn sale for a second go-round. So, for those of you who missed it the first time, and for those of us who would like to set aside a little more $$ for the next time to get more Noro Kureyon (heh, heh), I just wanted to say....STAY TUNED!

The price of yarn is going up at our favorite retail and online sources, so in order to keep the hobby going full steam, whether it be knitting or crochet, we're going to have to get creative. Let's be honest, though, there's only so long that any of us can knit solely from stash.

So watch this blog, check the Facebook page, keep an eye on the South Carolina Knitter's group on Ravelry...and as soon as I know something concrete (like a date, time and place!), I will spread the word!

Rockin Sockin Knitting!

Sock Knitting Workshop #1 is now history! It was so much fun. I truly love teaching people to knit, and since socks are one of my favorite things to knit, it was extra special! I had a particularly talented class for my first foray into sock instruction....I think I am now spoiled. If they had half the fun I had, then they had a blast!

All this talk of sock knitting has me thinking about sock yarn and needles. Although there are many ways to knit socks, the class was for a cuff-down sock on double-pointed needles (aka "dpns"). After many years of trial and error in sock knitting, including knitting 2-at-a-time on one long circular needle and knitting one at a time on one very short (9") circular needle, I have decided that my favoritest way is with dpns. And my favoritest dpns are

Hiya Hiya bamboo, preferably at least 6" long. My only regret is that I didn't discover the Hiya Hiyas until after I'd already acquired several sets of Clover bamboo. Nothing wrong with Clover, but Hiya Hiya is my new bff.

There are a million and one sock yarns out there, too, especially when you consider that, technically, you can knit socks with ANY yarn. I have a strong fondness, however, for Regia and Berroco. The Patons Kroy Socks I got from (gasp) the **craft store** was surprisingly nice to work with for such an inexpensive yarn. I have yet to wash it, so I don't know anything about the longevity factor. Yet.

Now I will be knitting...other things....including an exciting knit-along with my daughter and a wonderful friend who supplied all the yarn (don't you love a friend who knits AND supplies you with yarn??), yet another Red Scarf Project scarf (red) and some odds and ends that are going to be Christmas gifts so I can't tell you about them!

And I will be counting down the days till Sock Workshop #2 begins...July 12-14. Details here. Are you in?

President's Day Knitting!

Looking for something to do on Monday, February 21, aka President's Day? Ever wanted to try your hand at knitting, but didn't want to pay the $$ it costs for lessons?

Come join us at Atlanta Bread near CSU on Monday from 10-11:30 for Monday Morning Knitters, a group that meets regularly for knitting instruction and support. We have knitters of all ages and skill levels.

If you're new to knitting, we have spare needles and yarn to get you started, or you can bring your own.

Knitting is a centuries-old art that is experiencing a resurgence in popularity. It can be whatever you need from a hobby: simple and inexpensive or complex and pricey (and anything in between!). It's portable, not that hard to learn, therapeutic and fun. I have taught knitting for 5 years to boys and girls as young as 8 (if you don't count a friend's 2 year old toddlers!) and adults so old they wouldn't tell me their age :)

For President's Day, we have a special bonus: The first 5 attendees who arrive wearing red,white and blue will get free yarn!

There's never been a better time to try it!

Hope to see you there!