Make A Difference Monday

Today Is Make a Difference Monday...

Today I'd like to introduce you to another great charity dedicated to helping the littlest victims of the tornadoes that ravaged parts of our nation this spring, especially Tuscaloosa, Alabama. We encourage you to read today's Featured Article for more information about this charity, called Anam Cara.

Anam Cara is collecting hats and booties to distribute to babies and children. In addition to distributing comforting and warming knitted and crocheted gifts, they also accept donations of yarn and pre-paid shipping boxes. Take a look at our Featured Article and consider how you might be able to help this great charity!

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Today's Featured Article:

Anam Cara Knits for the Smallest Tornado Victims

Make life a little better for infant tornado victims with Anam Cara knitting

http://www.knittingforcharity.org/anam_cara_knits_for_the_smallest_tornado_victims.html

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Most Popular KnittingforCharity.org Articles:

Calvin's Hats Transform Suffering

If you've ever lost a child, you'll understand the power of Calvin's Hats

http://www.knittingforcharity.org/calvins_hats_transform_suffering.html

Nettie & Friends Make Knitting for Kids a Reality

Help Nettie & Friends make learning a reality

http://www.knittingforcharity.org/nettie_friends_makes_knitting_for_kids_a_reality.html

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Today's Featured Website:

Bernat

Bernat Yarns is one of the nation's top sources for inexpensive, snuggly soft yarns. Their website, in turn, is a wonderful resource for knitters and crocheters of all skill levels. This website not only displays the full catalog of Bernat Yarns -- including their discontinued yarns, for which they invite you to click on a logo to find a suitable substitute -- but also a large collection of pattern books for sale and free patterns.

They have many resources available for all skill levels, from tutorials on learning to knit or crochet to finishing tutorials and a gallery of stitch patterns. Many Bernat Yarns are wonderful for baby knits for charity or gifts. Become a Bernat member and you can save favorites to your own personal profile and subscribe to their free e-newsletter as well!

http://www.bernat.com/index.php

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Today's Featured Product:

Baby Knits: 20 Handknit Designs for Babies 0--24 Months by Lois Daykin

This beautifully photographed book is filled with adorable designs for babies that make great gifts as well as great projects for charity knitting. Projects are available for all skill levels; beginners can start with the simplest patterns and work their way up. All of the patterns are so cute you'll want to knit every last one!

http://www.amazon.com/Baby-Knits-Handknit-Designs-Babies/dp/0312368828/ref=as_li_wdgt_js_ex?&camp=212361&linkCode=wsw&tag=kf1mima-20&creative=380801

Cheers,

Kyla

knittingnuggets@gmail.com

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Note: If a friend forwarded this email to you and you'd like to

subscribe (it's free), you can by visiting:

http://www.knittingforcharity.org/subscribe.html?tr=knn

You can read back issues of Knitting Nuggets newsletter here:

http://www.knittingforcharity.org/knitting_nuggets/

YOUR KNITTING CAN COMFORT TORNADOE VICTIMS

KNIT FOR JAPAN Knitting For Charity

Pick up your needles and give comfort
Knit for Japan was only a matter of time. After all, knitters are creative people who really understand the difference a hand knit item can make in a person's life, and they're generous people who are always looking to help -- especially those interested in knitting for charity. So with the recent disaster in Japan, it's hardly surprising that knitters have leaped to help.


What is Knit for Japan?

Knit for Japan is the brainchild of a German living in Tokyo who experienced the quake firsthand. Bernd Kestler (yes, that's a male name -- male knitters might be a rarity in the USA, but there are quite a few of them elsewhere!) decided to extend the world's sympathy through knitting.

A longtime knitter himself, Kestler has studied how to knit Japan style, and he also teaches knitting. He decided that by knitting a donation -- be it a pair of socks, a sweater, or a scarf -- people around the world can personally and clearly express their sympathies to the people of Japan.

And the charity has taken off like crazy. After just a few weeks, Kestler has received many donations and even had his charity featured in the news. It's just another way that knitters take the initiative, and you definitely don't want to miss out on this chance to help Japan.

How to Get Involved
Because the charity is so new, you won't find a ton of free knitting patterns or heart wrenching stories on the Knit for Japan website. You will find, though, a few fun ideas for new knitting styles, pictures of donations received, and, most importantly of all, an address where you can send your knitted items, yarn, and needles to help Japan.

You can also follow Knit for Japan on Twitter and Facebook -- this is a twenty first century charity for a twenty first century disaster. And no matter where you are in the world, you can pick up your needles and start knitting Japan a wooly hug.

So visit the Knit for Japan website today and check out what other people are up to. Then find your favorite pattern and get knitting. That's the only way a charity like Knit for Japan grows.

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Pillow Talk… Beautiful Round Crochet Pillow

Off White Ruffle Rose Pillow
By: Tracie Barrett for Red Heart Yarn

Compliments of All Free Crochet.com

Spruce up your home decor with an Off White Ruffle Rose Pillow. Red Heart Soft Yarn is used in an off white color but you can choose any color you wish. This is an intermediate skill level so grab your hook and this free crochet pillow pattern and get stitching.

Off White Ruffle Rose Pillow

This image courtesy of redheart.com

Crochet Hook: H/8 or 5 mm hook

Yarn Weight: (4) Medium Weight/Worsted Weight and Aran (16-20 stitches to 4 inches)

Pillow measures 16” diameter (not including ruffle) x 3” deep.
Materials:

• RED HEART® “Soft Yarn®”: 4 balls 4601 Off White.
• Crochet Hooks: 5mm [US H-8] and 5.5mm [US I-9].
• Yarn needle, stitch markers, 16” diameter round pillow form.

GAUGE: Rounds 1–5 = 4½” using smaller hook. CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size hook to obtain the gauge.
NOTE: Front is made first; then spiral ruffle is added. Back and sides are then made in one piece. The two pieces are joined, and pillow form inserted to finish pillow.

PILLOW
Front
With smaller hook, ch 4; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.
Round 1 (Right Side): Ch 2 (does not count as a st), 12 hdc in ring; do not join, work in continuous spiral with right side facing at all times—12 hdc.
Round 2: Working in back loops only, 2 hdc in each hdc around—24 hdc.
Round 3: Working in back loops only, [hdc in next hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—36 hdc.
Round 4: Working in back loops only, [hdc in next 2 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—48 hdc.
Note: Continue to work in back loops only in all following rounds.
Round 5: [Hdc in next 3 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—60 hdc.
Round 6: [Hdc in next 4 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—72 hdc.
Round 7: [Hdc in next 5 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—84 hdc.
Round 8: [Hdc in next 6 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—96 hdc.
Round 9: [Hdc in next 7 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—108 hdc.
Round 10: [Hdc in next 8 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—120 hdc.
Round 11: [Hdc in next 9 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—132 hdc.
Round 12: [Hdc in next 10 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—144 hdc.
Round 13: [Hdc in next 11 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—156 hdc.
Round 14: [Hdc in next 12 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—168 hdc.
Round 15: [Hdc in next 13 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—180 hdc.
Round 16: [Hdc in next 14 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—192 hdc.
Round 17: [Hdc in next 15 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—204 hdc.
Round 18: [Hdc in next 16 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—216 hdc.
Round 19: [Hdc in next 17 hdc, 2 hdc in next hdc] 12 times—228 hdc.
Round 20: Hdc in each hdc around. Place a marker in first st of this round.
Sc in back loop of marked stitch. Fasten off.
Ruffle
Row 1: With outside edge facing and smaller hook, join yarn with sc in unworked front loop of marked st, sc in each unworked front loop to center of pillow front, turn.
Row 2: Change to larger hook, ch 1, (sc, hdc) in first sc, *dc in next sc, 2 dc in next sc; repeat from * around spiral to last st, (hdc, sc) in last sc. Fasten off.
BACK
With smaller hook, ch 4; join with slip st in first ch to form a ring.
Rounds 1–19: Work Rounds 1–19 of front—228 hdc.
Sides
Rounds 20–24: Working in back loops only, hdc in each hdc around. Do not fasten off.
FINISHING
Weave in ends. Place front and back with wrong sides together, and match stitches. Working through both thicknesses and working in back loops only of both layers, join yarn with slip st in any st, slip st in each st around, inserting pillow form before seam is completely closed.
Fasten off and weave in ends.

Holiday Gift Ideas Free Knitting Patterns Today's Blog "The Handbag"

  If you are like many people still trying to make ends meet and as we all know time just seems to fly, today we are celebrating the Fourth of July, working on our tans and before you know it the holidays start rolling in and Christmas creeps up on us.  I always find some really great patterns and think what a great gift that would make. 
How to personalize each gift for your loved ones during the Holidays.
1. Start creating your Christmas list
2. Go online search free patterns for great gift ideas, scarves, hats, gloves, handbags, sweaters, shawls, jewelry, etc.
3. Stock up on yarn, see yarn guide on selected patterns and stock up early. Stock up on extra yarn,
4. Use up your yarn scraps and find miscellaneous patterns for those unexpected people that show up during the holiday and you start racking your brains on what you can give them.  Make some bracelets, makeup bags, handtowels, washcloths wrap them in a ribbon, bookmarkers are great for everyone kids included. Be creative and hand fun and if you are a newbie, practice makes perfect.
5. Give yourself a deadline, complete a gift a week or X amount of gifts per month and have your gifts wrapped up and ready and don't let the holidays creep up on you.  They get me everytime.  Let's see if I can walk the talk this year.

I have a pretty impressive collection of free patterns from those wonderful people who love the craft and are more about sharing than making money on it.  Which is why I don't sell the patterns listed, it wouldn't be right.  So I will hand select a variety of styles, chic and easy skill level patterns.  Continue to check in. 


I've started with Handbags, Berroco  has the most awesome bags, so here are a few to motivate you and get the wheels turning.  Just keep in mind that you are not knitting for yourself right now.  If you are looking for something in particular and need help, contact me and I will try to find you the pattern you are looking for. 

 




Berroco's Exclusive Bagette
 Berroco's Felicity Bag
Berroco's Pretty Ditty Bag
  Berroco's Exclusive Lali
 Berroco's Exclusive Crystal Bag
 Berroco's Pignoli
Berroco's Moette

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Super Chic Summer Patterns for Knitting and Crochet

 SUMMER HATS

Large Striped Floppy Summer Hat

TAKE A LOOK AT SOME REALLY CHIC PATTERNS I FOUND ONLINE.  I HAVEN’T REALLY HAD TIME TO POST ANYTHING LATELY, SO I AM QUICKLY SHOWING SOME PICTURES WITH THE LINK TO THEIR SITES.  HOPE YOU ENJOY, REMEMBER I LOVE TO HELP FIND UNIQUE PATTERNS FOR THE FASHIONISTA IN YOU.
 http://www.canadianliving.com/crafts/crochet/crocheted_halter_top_and_shawl.php

http://knittingpatterncentral.com/patterns/alluring_halter_top.php

http://www.allfreecrochet.com/Tops/Off-the-Shoulder-Short-Sleeve-Top


http://store.vogueknitting.com/p-599-evening-halter-top.aspx (This pattern can be purchased)

http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/daring_tank.aspx

http://www.vogueknitting.com/Default.aspx?TabId=563
http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/v-neck_resort_dress.aspx
http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/indian_summer_striped_sweater.aspx
http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/broadway_by_twinkle.aspx
http://www.vogueknitting.com/free_patterns/hair_pin_lace_shawl.aspx

THE CLOCHE HAT STILL IN STYLE...GREAT FOR BEGINNERS

CLOCHE HAT

Absolutely my favorite girly girl hat that is always fashionable to wear.  The "cloche hat" as defined by Wikipedia (Cloche hat) is a fitted, bell shaped invented in 1908. Cloche is the French word for "bell".  During the twentieth century it's popularity influenced the shaping of hairstyles like the Eton crop and was an ideal fashion showcase. They were initially made of felt, designed to be worn low on the forehead with the wearer's eyes only slightly below the brim, commonly worn with the brim turned up.  The hats were decorated with with ribbons, bows, brooches, feathers,etc. 

Often, different styles of ribbons affixed to the hats indicated different messages about the wearer. Several popular messages included: An arrow-like ribbon which indicated a girl was single but had already given her heart to someone, a firm knot which signaled marriage or a flamboyant bow which indicated the wearer was single and interested in mingling.  I've collected quite a number of cloche patterns for knitting as well as crocheting.  I am a bit short on time today, but have a look at the slide show above, these are some cool Cloche's.  Contact me if you are interested in the pattern.  I hope to add the patterns for them later on anyway, but for now I just wanted to share my favorite hat, cant seem to get enough of the many Cloche looks.

Japanese Crocheting

Image via Wikipedia

Japanese Double Crochet 3 Together Symbol

"The premise of the International Crochet Symbol is that if there is only one set of symbols for the whole world, then language does not matter, because the pattern reader need only know the symbols and then “read” the symbols in any language."

                                                        

Sample Picture of Japanese Chart in The Round

JAPANESE CROCHET

Just when I thought I had crocheting down pack, I come across "Japanese Crochet".  I am completely intrigued, and is for the more experienced if not adventurous crocheter.  Beginning with the obvious, patterns are written in Japanese with a chart of  symbols signifying the stitches.  They are clear and consistent to follow, so are not all that difficult once you get the hang of it.  How to Interpret Japanese Knitting and Smart Knitting Crochet both provide a good source of information to get you started on the basics.

How to read crochet patterns in charts
Smart Knitting Crochet

How to Interpret Japanese Knitting

Crochet patterns can be described either in written form or in charts. It is a matter of personal preference which method to use. Both methods have their advantages and disadvantages. We won't discuss them now. Everybody can benefit using them together. The majority of people understand things better when they can visualize them. This page is for them - visual learners.

Let's look at the pattern below. I used different colors for alternate rows to make better understanding in which row every stitch is worked. There are some general rules to follow while you are reading patterns in charts.

1. Each stitch in the crochet pattern is represented by its symbol. There are three of them which were used in this chart: chain, single crochet, and double crochet. Here are a few International Crochet Symbols for your reference.
   
2. Pattern for crocheting in rows is charted row by row. It starts from the foundation chain. Rows are usually numbered. The very first row is always the bottom one.
3. As you run the work, follow the odd rows from right to left. Follow the even rows from left to right. See the chart.
4. Very often a crochet pattern has a section which can be repeated as necessary for width. Repeats are indicated with a brackets below the section which needs to be repeated.
5. Stitches in pattern chart are placed over the stitches in which they have to be worked.

Keeping in mind these general rules, let's read our crochet pattern.

Work a foundation chain. Length of chain is equal to 50 + 3(turning chain) chains.

Row 1: Make 1 double crochet into the fourth chain from the hook, 2 chains, skip 2 chains,1 double crochet, 2 chains, 10 double crochets, 8 chains, 10 double crochets. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 2: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 3 chains, 1 single crochet into 1 double crochet of the first row, 3 chains, 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 4 double crochets into 4,5,6,and 7 double crochets of the first row, 5 chains, 2 single crochets into 4 and 5 chains of the 1 st row, 5 chains. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 3: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 7 chains, 1 double crochet into 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 1 double crochet, 5 chains, 6 single crochets into the 4, 5 chains, 2 single crochets, 1,2 chains of the 2 row, 8 chains. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 4: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 1 single crochet into 1 single crochet, 2 chains, 1 double crochet, 2 chains, 4 double crochets into 1,2,3 chains, 5 chains, 2 single crochets into 3 and 4 single crochets, 5 chains. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 5: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 3 chains, 1 single crochet into 1 single crochet, 3 chains, 10 double crochet, 8 chains, 10 double crochets. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Row 6: 3 turning chains, 1 double crochet, 8 chains, 1 double crochet into 1st double crochet, 2 chains, 4 double crochet into 4,5,6,7 double crochets, 5 chains, 2 single crochet into 4 and 5 chains, 5 chains. Follow the pattern to the end of the row. Finish with 2 double crochets.

Here is the result.

Now you have an idea about the rules crochet patterns can be described in charts. It will help you to save time while you are working on your projects. It doesn't really matter whether you are going to use written instructions or charts. The most important is your enjoyment from what you are doing. Be creative.

You do not necessarily need to have complex crochet patterns to make your project. In most cases a real masterpiece is made with simple techniques, good taste, and basic crochet pattern.

Web sites Resources for the Adventurous Knitter

www.tata-tatao.to/knit/e-home.html
ABC's of Knitting, is a Japanese website on knitting, with some sections in English. This is the most highly regarded source of information for English knitters wanting to learn about Japanese knitting techniques.

www.clearwaterknits.com/charting/lesson1.html
Clearwater Knits has a detailed description of reading Japanese knitting charts for machine knitters, and much of the information is also useful for hand knitters.

www.kanzawa.com
Hand knit & handcraft Kanazawa This web site is all in Japanese, and shows many of the Japanese yarns that are available.

 www.knitjapan.co.uk
Knit Japan features photos with written essays from the work of many Japanese knitters from 'Fushiginoiroito' who were at the Knitting & Stitching Show in the UK, as part of the Japan 2001 Festival. Also includes 2 essays on the History of Knitting in Japan.

www.knittingelegance.blogspot.com
Knitting Elegance Blog is a great resource for knitters who are working on patterns from the Japanese knitting book series "Let's Knit". Also has links to other resources.

www.groups.yahoo.com/group/knittinginjapan
Knitting in Japan is a Yahoo Group that discuss resources, current projects of Japanese knitting patterns, discussions on how to work different Japanese knitting symbols, plus knit-a-longs and so much more.

www.kinverknits.com
Maureen Mason-Jamieson is a knitting designer/teacher who has taught her popular workshop Japanese Knitting Techniques (plus several other topics) at Stitches events and several guilds. Visit her web site to check out her current teaching schedule, and for contact information if your guild or LYS would like to learn more about Japanese knitting techniques.

Also of great use is Google's translation tools – you can input a web site address too.

www.google.com/language_tools
Note that translations can be a bit difficult to read, but you can often learn quite a bit from them.

 

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TUTORIALS

LEARNING THE BASICS OF KNITTING & CROCHETING
Technocrat Tags: Tutorials,Videos,Beginners Knitting Videos,Beginners Crochet Videos,Knit,Crochet,how to

What should a beginner learn first? What hooks, needles and yarns should you use? Where do you start?

Knit Stitch American vs. Continental

To start you don't need many supplies,

• A hook if you are crocheting and 2 needles if you knitting, follow the patterns instructions what size to use.
  
• Yarn (Beginners should keep away from the darker colors can be difficult to follow)
  
• Scissors
  
• A tape measure or ruler is helpful for checking your gauge …..and you can begin

Whether you’re learning to knit or learning to crochet, the only difference are the needles used. There are many ways of learning, it's a matter of choice and what works for you.  Some might prefer reading instructions, others may require the traditional setting with an instructor to lead the way.  Though many learners have the ability to make a visual in their head, some do better actually watching or learning visually. I certainly needed visuals though at the time I really wished I could afford to take a class and learn I was elated to find the huge amount of free websites there are available.   Of course the down side is that you will come some videos that are difficult to follow,  the camera may not have been pointed at the correct  angle or the lighting may be too dark and you will be unclear as to what to do, but, don’t fret just find another video, there are many to choose from.  My initial search was “ how to Learn to cast on stitches and soon thereafter learned that  with Knitting there are two methods you can use to produce the basic “ Knit Stitch”,  the American way vs. the Continental.  See video above for demonstration of each and see which works for you.  You need to learn both since many patterns will alternate between both.  The Continental is actually referred to as the Purl stitch.    A year later I  still use videos more so for knitting than  for crocheting.  I find knitting to be a lot more challenging than I do crocheting.   Here is a list of websites providing visual guides that you might want to see and get you started. I’ll be adding more sites as I go along.  If you know of  any others worth mentioning I would love to hear from you.

All Free Crochet
Drops
Haas Design
Knit Picks
List of various learn to crochet websites 
Love to Know
Monkey See Knitting
Monkey See Crochet
Red Heart Crochet
Stitch Diva
You Tube How to Knit Basics
 

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PATTERNS

Image via Wikipedia

Adorable Ruffle Change Purse by Calista

SAVING SCRAPS FOR A RAINY DAY

I love hats and so I'm either online searching for a hat pattern or I'm working on one.  But, I have my days when I just want to work on small pieces so I can just kick it out.  Flowers & motifs are great to work on; I like keeping a variety of them on hand for that rainy day when you need to put that finishing touch on something you've finished and just not loving it, add a flower and kick it up a notch.  It works wonders.

Don't throw away scraps of yarn, practice pieces, etc., that would be such a waste....look at just a few of the darnedest *& prettiest things you can make instead.

 

Flower Garden Stitch Markers

Flower Pattern by Andrea Laca at Ravelry

Scrubby From Chopped Tomatoe

Urban Turban by Jem Knit

Creative Yarn

Creative Yarn

Puff elastic band by Pichoes

Crochet Buttons by Heldasland

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Crochet Envelope by Lion Brand

How to crochet the knit stitch & Knots Of Love

I crochet and knit, but, have completed more crochet projects because I find crocheting easier, and with  so many knit patterns I love, I've looked into  crocheting them instead.  My problem has been finding the equivalent knit stitch to crochet. Impossible?  NOT, thanks to  The Laughing Willow,  I believe she has invented it. There's a really clean look with stitches on the Surface Braid Hat she created. It's a really pretty beanie, or cloche hat as well as a chemo patient hat.  If you are up for the challenge, check out the Laughing Willow which includes a how to video.

Her blog mentions a wonderful charity, Knots of Love, where aside from money, crocheted and knitted caps for chemo patients and others facing life-threatening illnesses and injuries are donated.

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