Knitting

Free Patterns, Tutorials and Project Ideas

Craft-a-thon

by

Friday, February 8, 2007
8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
University of Iowa Hospitals & Clinics
Pappajohn Pavillion Lobby (near Elevator “I”)

Day Long Marathon Crafting for PreemiesJoin us in support of critically ill infants at the UIHC! Bring your favorite preemie project or purchase supplies at the event. See our exciting schedule of events below, including visits from former NICU families, NICU nurses and special guest Betty ChristiansenDrop-In Knitting LessonsVolunteers will be on hand to give knitting lessons throughout the day (Starter kits will be available for $5).Clothing and Diaper DriveWe will be accepting donations of newborn sized clothing and diapers for donation to the UIHC NICU social services program.Special Crafting Technique SessionsCrazy Girl Yarn Shop and other local craft stores will be teaching special classes during the day. Click here for session and registration information.

Crafting for Preemies ContestBe sure to enter the Crafting for Preemies Contest for a chance to win one of the wonderful prizes donated by our generous sponsors. Click here for contest guidelines and the official entry form.

Book Sale Sponsored by Wild Rose Books!Wild Rose Books will be selling craft books. Wild Rose Books has generously offered to donate 10% of all craft book sales on February 8th to The Preemie Project (TPP). This means that 10% of sales at the Craft-a-thon and 10% of all craft book sales in Wild Rose Books on Feb. 8th will be donated to TPP. Thank you Wild Rose Books!

Special Guest Betty ChristiansenWe are thrilled to announce that Betty Christiansen, author of Knitting for Peace, will be attending our event. We hope you will attend her trunk show, talk and book signing. Wild Rose Books will be providing copies of Knitting for Peace for sale! Again, 10% of the proceeds from the sales of Knitting for Peace will be donated to The Preemie Project.

Have you read?

Free Knitted Crown Pattern for Kids and Adults: A Sweet Handmade Dress-Up Idea

There’s something wonderfully charming about a knitted crown. It’s playful, useful for the dress-up basket, and just the sort of small project that gives a leftover ball of yarn a proper purpose. Much better than letting it roll around the cupboard for another three years.

This free knitted crown pattern for kids and adults combines a simple garter-stitch band with shaped triangular points. The mustard-gold colour gives it that storybook crown look, although pink, purple or woodland green would be equally lovely.

A Manageable Next Step for Beginner Knitters

The construction is the appealing part of this design. Everything is knitted flat, so you won’t need double-pointed needles or experience joining stitches in the round.

You knit the band first, then work each crown point separately over a group of 12 stitches. Paired decreases gradually narrow each triangle, giving you a small, repeatable section to concentrate on.

I’d describe this as a confident beginner knitting project. You’ll need to know how to knit, work two types of decreases, hold unused stitches and sew a simple seam. There are several yarn tails to weave in, so a little patience with finishing will help.

Three Sizes With Room to Personalise

The pattern includes three sizes, with seven, eight or nine crown points. Choose by the wearer’s head measurement rather than age, and check your gauge carefully. Yarn stretch will make a noticeable difference to the fit.

For birthdays, an embroidered initial would be a sweet finishing touch. Contrasting yarn diamonds could suggest little jewels without adding hard embellishments.

What to Know Before Casting On

This is a soft knitted crown, so expect gentle points rather than a rigid costume accessory. A springy wool or wool-blend yarn should give the shaping more support than a very drapey yarn.

The stitch calculations have been checked, but the design has not yet been sample-knitted. The accompanying image is an illustrative mockup, so the finished texture and proportions may vary with your yarn and tension.

For a small handmade birthday accessory or a cheerful addition to the dress-up box, this is an appealing idea. And if an adult needs a matching crown for supervising the royal household, the larger size has that covered too.