Show #404 features finishing techniques from seaming and washing to underarm shaping and raglans.

Show #405 explores different yarns used in different patterns. Natural fibers, different breeds of sheep and the different patterns and locations traditional to each breed are discussed as is processing these natural fibers.

Show #406 introduces an age old knitting tool, the nostapin. I actually have one of these but had no idea what it was for, or why it would have even been. Winding yarns, using dpns instead of circs and knitting technology is presented.

Show #407 shows knitting with pencil roving. Clara Parkes explains different characteristics of different sheep and different ways of working with them.

Show #408 just gets better and better as cottons are explored. Different techniques to reduce sagging, and the Pittman Program is introduced.

Show #409 is about scarves, and choosing your stitches to match your project ideas. Making your own yarn from cast off clothing demonstrates a “green” way of knitting.

Show #410 demonstrates different techniques for cables in both knitting and crochetting.

Show #412 explores edgings and different cast on techniques, and last but definitely not least, this best series yet show  #413 ends up with tips and techniques from today’s top designers.

Leave me a comment telling me which technique or project is the most lucrative to you. This giveaway ends next Friday, March 19, 2010.

As always, if you’ve read this blog long enough, while my home is definitely smoke-free, it isn’t, nor will ever be pet-free.

Ready….Set….Go!

http://www.ooh.com/blog/general/
knitting-not-for-grannies-or-gorillas/

Members of the guild will be modeling their hand-knit garments and accessories. The event will also feature a raffle and door prizes.

Cost is $15 for guild members and $30 for non-members.

A portion of the proceeds wil go toward the guild’s philanthropic projects, include knitting lap robes and socks for local cancer patients at Eisenhower Lucy Curci Cancer Center; blankets, hats and mit tens for Shelter from the Storm and Coachella Valley Rescue Mission clients; helmet liners for U.S. military troops; and teddy bears for Toys for Tots.

Information: (760) 347-7301 or e-mail desert.tutu@yahoo.com

Technically I’ve had both of my tunnels “fixed” however, there are days….

To order this poster, or see others, check out Jessica Franks’ site, here: http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=41544702

For generations knitters & crocheters have shared their time, energy and skills in helping others. During wartime, women on the homefront made a significant contribution to the war effort by knitting for the troops. Today, making items for people less fortunate is a generous way to connect with our communities. Set aside some time in your knitting or crocheting schedule to share a little warmth and comfort with someone in need.

Go here for the home page….http://www.bernatcares.com/

Now that all can change! Introducing….

Knit A Neuron.
This is based in the UK but face it, since the invention of the inter-webs, it’s really just next door. Knit A Neuron is asking for knitters to knit these up and donate them to be sewn together for a display to raise money for head trauma….. well, they say it better than I can, here: http://www.ooh.com/uk/craft-creative/other/bristol/bristol/knit-a-neuron-3_1901.html

Jen!

Stay tuned….. and thanks to everyone for playing.

For this exhibition, Tsumura shows fabrics, reusing plugs and LAN cables, which were destined to be industrial waste. It is not just because he has been very good at using themes such as “recycling” and ”ecology”. But also classical working techniques with his hands, such as “knitting by hand” and “patchwork” are based on his pure sincerity as artist, who is a fashion designer on the other hand. Tsumura considers about the invisible added value, such as “time” and “techniques”, which is made in the background of handwork. He says, “I consider of the relieved mind by twisting strings each other, not to stop my own creativity by taking it for craft and design.”

More on this unique use of “stuff” here: http://www.artnet.com/Galleries/Exhibitions.asp?gid=425124038&cid=184329

Sarah makes these dolls, and she says “My mission is to make a difference in the lives of those less fortunate, especially orphaned children around the world ……. to provide them with a source of comfort …… to send them love, one dolly at a time! “

This little cutie is Victor, but with a little imagination he could easily become a Victoria. Go here for info on the Dolly Donations, and the free pattern for Victor! http://dollydonations.blogspot.com/2010/01/victor-victoria-dolly-free-pattern.html

Warm the hearts and fuel the spirit of the Special Olympics athletes competing in the 2010 Idaho State Winter Games!

In 2009, the Special Olympics World Winter Games invited knitters and crocheters from around the USA and the world to create a special gift for the athletes of the World Games. The response was overwhelming with more than 55,000 hand knit scarves, and in the end created an incredible sense of welcome and well-wishes for the Special Olympics athletes, where the response and generosity is still spoken about today.
With the 2010 Special Olympics Idaho Winter Games approaching in just five weeks, we are hoping to welcome the athletes here in our great state with a personal gift that inspires them to strive for their best in competition while sharing the spirit, kindness and respect of all communities.
Let’s bring the scarves back! Our goal is to provide the gift of a hand knit or crochet scarf to each of the 650 athletes competing in the Idaho Winter Games as they arrive during the Opening Ceremony on March 12, 2010.
Anyone is welcome to knit or crochet a scarf for the 2010 Special Olympics Idaho Winter Games, we just ask that you follow a few simple guidelines to help maintain consistency and uniformity across these gifts for the athletes.

Design:  Any design or pattern is welcome.
Colors:  Red Heart Super Saver Cherry Red and Red Heart Grey Heather
Length:  Approximately 55 inches long
Width:  Approximately 5 inches long

All scarves must arrive by Tuesday, March 9, 2010.

Please deliver or ship to:
Special Olympics Idaho
Attn: Scarf Project
199 East 52nd Street
Garden City, ID  83714

Questions? Please contact Heather Hill at HeatherHill33@mac.com or 208.860.5353.

Updates and details on the 2010 Special Olympics Idaho Scarf Project can also be found here:

Facebook – Scarves For Special Olympics
Twitter.com/OlympicScarves
http://scarvesforspecialolympics.wordpress.com/

In show #401 the Expert Knitting Daily Squad shows you that you can learn and practice new techniques easily and fearlessly on baby items.

Eunny shows us how to “unknit” or tink and reassures saying “It’s only yarn!” And in their “Fearless Knitting” segment they cover from the top down cardigans and pullovers and diagonal knitting.

Show #402 shows how to take simple knits and make them special with techniques such as embroidery and covering buttons. Shay is on location discussion “Fashion Forward” knitting using classic and timeless patterns, and Lily Chin discusses reversible cables.

Show #403 is entitled Knit and Purl Magic. This show blows out the stops with Eunny demonstrating differences betweeen Continental and English knitting (or picking and throwing).  She also shows how different combinations of these two different stitches (knit and purl) are used to create the beautiful textures in cables, ribbings and basketweave stitches. The “Fearless Knitting” segment discusses garter stitch in the round and mitering corners.

Stay tuned, yes, there will be a giveaway, but right now, I’m going back to watch more shows! If you don’t want to wait for the giveaway, this excellent series can be had right now, in the Interweave Store: http://www.interweavestore.com/Knitting/Video/Knitting-Daily-TV-Series-400.html

Bamboo Ewe is one of the 3 new 100% natural, 100% affordable yarns from Stitch Nation by Debbie Stoller.

The bamboo in this yarn makes it a dream to knit with, so soft that you want to keep knitting until the wrist warmer is the size of a sleeping bag. It’s 55% viscose from bamboo (sheen and awesome drape) and 45% wool (warm!) and available in 10 colors. Comes in 3.5 oz, 100 gm balls, and sells for under $5.00!

Wait! What? Premium yarn for under $5.00 a ball? Yes, sit down and breathe, that’s what I said. But check it out yourself, available from Red Heart, here: http://www.coatsandclark.com/Products/KnittingCrochet/Yarns/Medium/Stitch+Nation+Bamboo+Ewe.htm

Here is a picture of my latest pair, I picked up the yarn (BOKU from Plymouth) in a small shop in Breckenridge, CO. I loved it as the colors reminded me of the grays/browns/off whites of the wintry landscape back home, here in N. Michigan. I wanted a pair to go with my dressy coat and here they are. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this yarn, although I did have a “failure to plan” moment when I decided to go with my favorite wrist warmer pattern (Clara Parkes, Maine Morning Mitts) and didn’t take into consideration that the cotton and silk composition of the yarn didn’t allow a lot of shrinkage. That’s ok, they are still pretty, and I will wear them often.

This awesome, beautiful, gorgeous, soft, dreamy to knit with yarn is available from Noble Knits http://store.nobleknits.com/plkusestya.html and just fyi… 2 skeins will knit up 3 mitts very easily. Now what in the world will I do with 3 mitts?

Knitted prosthetic breasts for mastectomy patients. Sounds silly, doesn’t it? Yet, when placed in a bra, these knitted breasts take the shape and feel of a real breast. They are lighter and more comfortable than silicone prosthetic breasts. The knitted fabric breathes and prevents the heat rash experienced by many women wearing the silicone ones.

Did you know that just one silicone prosthetic breast costs between $300 and $500?! Without health insurance, they are out of the reach of most breast cancer survivors. Even those with insurance are limited to a new prosthetic breast every two years. If it springs a leak that is not covered by the warranty, you are out of luck.

With a knitted breast, you can have a different one for every day of the week. Perhaps add a little embroidery for that tattoo you always wanted!

It is our goal to get knitting knocker groups started in as many places as possible to  reach as many women as possible.

If you’ve started a group, let them know! We’ll post your information so that knitters and survivors can find each other. From The Knitting Experience Cafe.

I knit mine in green, and I realize that shocks you, but it’s what I had (also a perfect stashbuster project).

So, my point? Cool, easy (did I mention free?) pattern, nice looking results, and reversible! Go here:  http://www.helloyarn.com/irishhikingcarf.htm