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Help Make it Better with Sandy Relief Craftalong

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make it betterIt wouldn’t surprise anyone to know there are a lot of crafting industry types (and home crafters as well, of course) who were affected by the superstorm they called Sandy. And as crafters, we often want to get in there and help in the best way we know how: by making something.

Stitch diva Brett Bara and her crafty pal Natalie Soud, who blogs at A Dose of the Delightful, decided they wanted to help and allow other to help through crafting. Of course a winter storm is now upon that region and the weather is getting colder all the time, so what people need most is those warm things that can bring such comfort — handmade socks, scarves, hats, wraps, mittens and more.

It’s a good thing most of these are really quick projects, because warmth is needed on the double. Crafters are asked to send what they have or to make (knit, crochet or sew) and send items as quickly as possible for delivery throughout the New York City area. Donations are being accepted immediately and for the near term, though you can check the websites listed above for more information on what’s needed and where to send it.

This crafty drive is being called a craftalong because a social aspect has been added to it through a Facebook page and hashtags that will let the world see the good you’ve done. Crafters are also encouraged to spread the word through their own blogs and in their crafty circles.

About this time next week — when my book is finally done! — I’ll be going through my cache of knit objects and finding some things to donate, and I hope you’ll consider giving if you are able as well.

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Stitch Some Seagulls on Your Sweater

It’s been well documented that I love a knitting pattern with a bit of whimsy, so when I saw the Mine! Pullover from Sarah L. Kelly recently I knew I had to share it with you.

I mean, who wouldn’t want to knit a sweater with a yoke full of seagulls? And another seagull at the waist? Chasing little crabs?

The story behind the sweater (and you knew there had to be one, right?) is that while Sarah was traveling around Europe there were a lot of cheeky seagulls about. They reminded her of the scene in Finding Nemo where the seagulls say “mine, mine, mine” and thus the Mine! series of patterns was born. 

Oh yes, there’s a whole set. It was the sweater I saw first but there’s also a pair of socks (and the pattern says there’s a cowl, too, but I couldn’t find it as of this writing. If you see it let me know and I’ll add the link here!) so you can totally deck yourself out in pesky seabirds if you want.

But back to the sweater for now. This is worked in DK weight yarn from the top down in the round. The yoke and a section at the bottom are worked in stranded colorwork, with stripes on the body, though you could make the body a single color if you wanted. Details like the beaks and eyes are added with duplicate stitch to make the knitting a little easier.

The colorwork sections are charted. The pattern comes in 10 sizes, with a finished chest circumference ranging from 32 to 68 inches, or 80 to 170 cm.

The socks are worked in sock yarn and come in three sizes. There worked from the cuff down and change needle sizes to accommodate the less stretchy nature of stranded colorwork. You can choose from a side profile or a seagull that’s looking out from the sock. Make a matching pair or mix it up.

Both patterns are available on Ravelry: sweater and socks. If you make them I’d love to hear about it!

[Photo: Sarah L. Kelly]