The Big Five O

No I am not talking about the old TV show if you remember that show or your age if you are at that point in time, but where we are with our squares. We are on Square 50 - 52. If anything comes up that isn't clear or a question write me a comment at the end of this post. Have fun learning.

(Square 50) Lacy Leaf Pattern

Co 26

K 3 rows

Row 1: k across row

Row 2: k3, p across row to last three sts, k3

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 twice more to equal 6 rows in stockenette stitch

Row 7: k7, k2tog, k2, yo, k1, yo, k5, slip 1, k1, psso, k7

Row 8 and all wrong side rows: k3, p to last three sts, k3

Row 10: k7, k2tog, k1, yo, k3, yo, k4, slip 1, k1, psso, k7

Row 12: k7, k2tog, yo, k5, yo, k3, slip 1, k1, psso, k7

Row 14: k7: k2tog, k5, yo, k1, yo, k2, slip 1, k1, psso, k7

Row 16: k7, k2tog, k4, yo, k3, yo, k1, slip 1, k1, psso, k7

Row 18: k7, k2tog, k3, yo, k5, yo, slip 1, k1, psso, k7

Repeat Rows 7 – 18 once more

Next row: k across row

Next row: k3, p across row to last three sts, k3

Repeat the last two rows once more

Next row: k across row putting the next row on the wrong side

K 3 rows

Bind off, weave in ends

(Square 51) Little Arrow Stitch

Co 27

K 3 rows

Row 1 (RS): k4, p2, k1, p2, k1, p2, k3, p2, k1, p2, k1, p2, k4

Row 2: k3, p1, k2, p2, k1, p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, k1, p2, k2, p1, k3

Row 3: k4, p1, k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1, k5, p1, k1, p1, k4

Row 4: k3, p1, k1, p1, k2, p3, k2, p1, k2, p3, k2, p1, k1, p1, k3

Repeat Rows 1 – 4 to 5 ½”

K 3 rows

Bind off, weave in ends

(Square 52) Staircase cables

Co 27

K 3 rows

Row 1: k3, p6, K4, p1, k1, p1, cable 2 right (slip 2 to cable needle and hold in back of work, k2, k2 from cable needle), p6, k3

Row 2 and all even numbered rows: k3, work rest of stitches as they appear to the last three sts, k3.

Row 3: k3, p6, cable 2 left (slip 2 to cable needle and hold in front of work, k2, k2 from cable needle – this gives you a left twist), p1, k1, p1, k4, p6, k3

Repeat rows 1 – 4 to 5 ½” (approx. 9 cable twists)

K 3 rows

Bind off, weave in ends

Plastic Bags - Another Usage

We all can play a part in recycling. I try to recycle newspaper, papers and cardboard, bottles and plastic bags. But wait! There is something else you can do with your plastic bags. Did you know that you can be even more creative and make a bag that is both durable and rain resistant. Yes, that was my contribution to the overwhelming usage of plastic bags.

It takes a lot of bags and I lost count as I got really into cutting up the strips. I will be making one for crochet so I will count the bags for that project and report back. I made the bag all in the round by using circular needles and it was fun to make. As I have mentioned in other posts, I like breaking up a task in smaller pieces so that I don't feel so overwhelmed. You can do the same with this project. As you come home with your plastic bags from shopping cut up the bags right away and you can start interlocking them together also. Before you know it you can be knitting creatively with your plastic and helping with the recycling at the same time.

You too can create one of these fabulous bags made out of plastic. Just do a search on the web for sites that show you how to cut the bags and put the strips together to make a ball of plastic yarn. It is that easy.

For me I wanted to put my own touches to the bag so I added a flower and made some I-cord straps alternating the two colors to make stripes and used buttons to attach them to the bag. Also, I crocheted the top edge which made it easier for me to make the loops for the straps to go through.

Try it you will like it. Have fun.

Up To Forty-Six Squares

We are more than half way to our 63 square blanket project - Yah! I am giving you Squares 47 - 49. If there are any questions or problems with the squares you can submit a comment at the end of this post. Enjoy.

(Square 47) Climbing Frame (another way to use cable twists)

Co 26

K3 rows

Row 1: k across row

Row 2: k7, p2, k8, p2, k7

Row 3: k6, C2B, C2F, k6, C2B, C2F, k6

Row 4: k3, p to last three sts, k3

Rep these four rows to 5 ½” (Do nine repeats of the pattern which is four rows for each repeat. On the ninth repeat only do Rows 1 – 3 so that you will knit on the wrong side across the row which will count as 1 row of knit

Finish off with K 2 more rows

Bind off, weave in ends

(Square 48) Staggered Eyelets (more practice with yarn over's to increase and knit two together for decreases)(note: variegated yarn can be used for this square)

Co 25

K 3 rows

Row 1: k across row

Row 2: k3, p across row to last three sts, k3

Row 3: k3, *k2, k2tog, yo, rep from * to last 6 sts, k6

Row 4: k 3, p across row to last three sts, k3

Row 5: k across row

Row 6: k3, p across row to last three sts, k3

Row 7: k3, *k2tog, yo, k2, rep from * to last 6 sts, k6

Row 8: k3, p across row to last three sts, k3

Repeat these 8 rows for three more repeats which should be approx. 5 ½” (RS) k across row to get to wrong side row

K 3 rows

Bind off and weave in ends

(Square 49 ) Long and Short Stitch (knowing how to keep on track as you go back and forth from knits to purls to create a different rib affect)(note: variegated yarn can be used for this square)

(Note: This is a ribbing so it will not be 6” across but less. We will stretch this square to bring out the ribbing.)

Co 27

K 3 rows

Row 1: k3, *k1, p1*. Continue from * to * to the last three sts, k3

Row 2: k3, *p1, k1*. Continue from * to * to the last three sts, k3

Rows 3 & 4: Repeat Rows 5 and 6

Row 5: k3, k1, p1, k1, *p3, k1, p1, k1*. Rep from * to * to last three sts, k3

Row 6: k3, p1, k1, p1, *k3, p1, k1, p1*. Rep from * to * to last three sts, k3

Row 7 & 8: Rep Rows 5 & 6

Row 9: k across row

Row 10: k3, p across row, k3

Row 11 & 12: Rep Rows 9 & 10

Repeat Rows 1 – 12 for pattern to 5 1/2 “

K 3 rows

Bind off and weave in ends

Next Three Squares

These next three squares will help you further to insert the seed stitch in between stockinette stitch to change what would be a plain background into a stripe affect, practice more yarn over's and alternating the knit and purl stitches to form a design of diamonds. Have fun.

If there are any questions or problems type it in the comment box at the end of this post.

(Square 44) Garter Stitch Rib

Co 27

K 3 rows

Row 1: k across row

Row 2: k3, p5, k1, p1, k1, p5, k1, p1, k1, p5, k3

Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for pattern for 5 ½” ending on a right side row

K 3 rows

Bind off and weave in ends

(Square 45) Oblique Openwork Stitch

Co 24

K 3 rows

Row 1: k3 *k1, yfwd., sl 1, k1, psso, k1, yfwd, sl 1, k1, psso*; rep from * to * to last three sts, k3

Row 2 and alt rows: k 3, p across row to last three sts, k3

Row 3: k3, *k2, yfwd, sl 1, k1, psso, k2*; rep from * to * to last three sts, k3

Row 5: k3, *k3, yfwd, sl 1, k1, psso, k1*; rep from * to * to last three sts, k3

Row 7: Rep from row 1

Repeat these 8 rows for 5 ½” (note: complete a repeat before doing the last 3 rows of knit)

K 3 rows

Bind off and weave in ends

(Square 46) Diamond Within a Diamond

(Note: This square tests your concentration. You are so use to knitting the rows that you will automatically go back to knitting the stitches and creating a garter border. So without thinking you will go back to knitting that border or knitting where you need to be purling. Most of the square is purled so be careful.)

Co 27

P 13 rows

Row 1 (RS): p9, k3, p3, k3, p9

Row 2 and all wrong side rows: p across row

Row 3: p8, k3, p2, k1, p2, k3, p8

Row 5: p7, k3, p2, k3, p2, k3, p7

Row 7: p6, k3, p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k3, p6

Row 9: p5, k3, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k3, p5

Row 11: p4, k3, p2, k2, p5, k2, p2, k3, p4

Row 13: p5, k3, p2, k2, p3, k2, p2, k3, p5

Row 15: p6, k3, p2, k2, p1, k2, p2, k3, p6

Row 17: P7, K3, P2, K3, P2, K3

Row 19: p8, k3, p2, k1, p2, k3, p8

Row 21: p9, k3, p3, k3, p9

P 13 rows

Bind off in pattern (this means that you have been purling the stitches and that is your pattern stitch that you are ending with so you would bind off in purling)

Weave in ends

Sixty-Three Square Blanket Project

It has really been fun gathering and tweaking these knit and purl stitches for our 63 square blanket. You have also expressed your enjoyment with this special project. Doing this project, as I have been going through the different stitch pattern books, really showed me again how many stitch patterns there are that haven't been used. A lot of creating can still be done - YAH.

I currently gave you 40 squares during these weeks to work on. As I stated in class, I will be giving you at least three squares per week on Friday. We will continue into July and then meet to put our masterpieces together. I can't wait to see the end results of all your hard work.

As always if there are any problems please bring them to my attention. There is a Post A Comment box at the bottom of this post and you can type it in and I will see it. Have fun.

(Square 41) Gathered Stitch

Co 20 (using two needles to make a loose cast on - this means holding both knitting needles together and casting on then removing one after casting on number needed)

Rows 1 – 6: k across row

Row 7: (RS) k3, inc 1 k in each st, k3

Rows 8, 10, 12: k3, p to last three sts, k3

Rows 9 and 11: k across row Row 13: k3, *k2tog, rep from* to last three sts, k3

Rep rows 2 – 13 for two more repeats and repeat rows 2 – 6 once more

Bind off very loose, weave in ends

(Square 42) Diagonal Rib

(Note: Notice that when you are doing the rows the stitches shift over one. You are still doing k2, p2 but with row three it starts with only a k1 so that it shifts the stitches over one to create the diagonal and the row ends with only a k1 and not a k2 so be careful.)

Co 26 K 3 rows Row 1 (RS): k3, *k2, p2, rep from * to last three sts, k3

Row 2: same as row 1

Row 3: k3, *k1, p2, k1, rep from * to last three sts, k3

Row 4: k3, *p1, k2, p1, rep from * to last three sts, k3

Row 5: k3, *p2, k2, rep from * to last three sts, k3

Row 6: same as row 5 Row 7: k3, *p1, k2, p1, rep from * to last three sts, k3 Row 8: k3, *k1, p2, k1, rep from * to last three sts, k3 Rep these 8 rows for pattern to 5 ½” K 3 rows Bind off, weave in ends

(Square 43) Feathery Lace Stitch

Co 27

K 3 rows

Row 1: k3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp(slip as if to knit, k1, pass slip stitch over knit stitch), k3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, k3, k2tog, yo, k1, yo, skp, k3

Row 2: k3, p5, k3, p5, k3, p5, k3 Repeat Rows 1 & 2 for 5 ½”

K 3 rows

Bind off, weave in ends

VogueKnitting Live - Second Time Around

Well another successful event has passed. Over 3,000 people came through the doors to shop at the Market Place, take classes, watch the fashion shows and take advantage of hob knobbing with other needle artists. The weather held up for us which was great. Saturday was better than Sunday. The wind was brutal on Sunday. The event was held at the Hilton Hotel and I walked from 42nd Street and 8th Avenue from the bus station to 52nd Street and 6th Avenue and my face was cold. But no snow and that was great.
There was a nice variety of vendors to choose from and a lot of anxious shoppers to see what they could buy for new projects or add to their stash of goodies. The fashion shows were fabulous. Trendsetters Yarns included designs with mitered squares and the colors and styles made you want to go get the yarn and start making one of them. I loved the details of the garments shown at the Vogue's fashion show. And guess what! Vogue is coming out with a Crochet Magazine this spring and they featured two items from the magazine. Look at the pictures below. The dress has great details.







With the other fashion shows that I got a chance to see, they had some beautiful items. I loved the sweaters, jackets and tops that the front was sort of plain but the back had the surprise of a beautiful inlay of design, so it made the garment pop. And the spring colors were great. There were other fashion shows that kept all eyes peered as to what was next.

As with any event they get better and better in time. This is only Vogue's second event and it went smoother than last year. In fact too smooth for me because last year as a volunteer I was running around here there and everywhere and I liked that. I had more time this year to walk around the Market Place and see the fashion shows which was nice also.




This year I helped pack things up from the Market Place at day end on Sunday. We were running around and I enjoyed that. Ok call me crazy but it was fun to me. It was also sad to see all of the vendors packing up since the Market Place was not open on Monday. Classes were held all day focused on learning hopefully something new or improving on what you have some knowledge about.
There were a couple of new additions to this event. One was a yarn tasting section. Yes, you could go from table to table and there were balls of yarn from the different vendors and you could try them out to see if you liked working with them. I know that was one feature I liked when I went to the Lion Brand store in New York. They had a section against the wall when you came in where you could try their different yarns to get a taste and feel of how it would be to work with them. I think it is great because there is nothing worse (well there might be a few worse things) to buy yarn and start a project and say I don't like working with this yarn. So that was a great feature. And the yarn balls were in pottery bowls that if you wanted to purchase any of them the business information was on the bottom of each bowl. There were some beautiful pottery bowls. The other addition was more fashion shows, 12 in fact for the two days. What an array of new patterns to choose from. The ones I got to see were packed with excited people that were anxious to see what the designers came out with this year. It was an inspiration to want to knit more, learn more and to be able to do some of those more intricate designs.
People always think that there is nothing for the novice knitter in the VogueKnitting magazine. Well Vogue does from time to time have easier patterns and they showed a couple on the runway. So don't scratch off the VogueKnittng magazine all together if you are a beginner knitter. Look at it as a future endeavor and something to work towards. Look at the magazine and pick out a couple of patterns that you would like to work towards making. Put them on your bucket list.
There was also a panel I enjoyed of ones that are in the business. This was to help those that are interested in starting a business in the knitting arena. For me it was a reality check as to the fantasy of what you would like to do and the reality of what it is in real life. It was the reality of commitment, dedication, money needed, and sacrifices to be made. Yes, these are things that most businesses require as a check-off list of realities. But we still live in our dream worlds and we sometimes rush into doing something without, as they continued to point out, doing our needed research so as not to have to go through the pitfalls that could be avoided. I know it got me thinking since that was something I wanted to do. And one brought out that there is nothing wrong with having a regular 9 to 5 job and doing a side business.
I had fun and of course I always enjoy meeting other volunteers as we talk about what we are making and what was purchased from the market. For us volunteers, a special added treat was receiving Kaffe Fassett & Brandon Mably's new book on color. What beautiful designs are featured in that book. I think I will put one of those designs on my bucket list.
If you got to attend then I hope you enjoyed yourself either taking a class, shopping at the market place, or just watching fashion all around you to inspire you to enjoy your needleart even more.

It's 2012

It is another new year and it is already the sixth of the month. I feel goals are so important to set for the year. They could be daily goals, weekly goals, monthly goals and/or yearly goals. But setting some realistic goals is a must.

If you don't grab the time as it is passing you by it will be 2013 and you will say I haven't been able to accomplish a thing. I've made my goals and I hope that I can get through most of them. There will always be those things that we continue to struggle with. For me it is cooking. That's the key ingredient to support my body with what it needs so that I can stay healthy and be able to continue doing my needlearts. But as I fall I get up brush myself off and try again. I know since I don't like to cook it will continue to be a struggle for me. I'd rather sit knit and crochet even though I love to eat I don't like to prepare the food. I always said if I had money that would be the first thing to welcome into my life - a chief. So I continue to fight with that in hopes that this year I can go longer with eating healthier.

I love to look at the TV shows Chopped, Cake Wars, Iron Chief and some of the other cooking competitions. It just shows that we really could never say we are bored with food, we just have to explore what is out there. On those shows they truly explore some really interesting and strange combinations of food that we would never think go together. I sit there and say that would be great to make and I would love to try that. Then reality sets in and a little voice reminds me that I don't like to cook. Those are the 'wouldn't it be nice' thoughts.

I have to say I did pretty good last year but when it came down to my schedule changing I fell down. That goes with the exercising part also. During last year (that sounds so strange since we are only in the first week of the New Year) I did really well going to the park at least three to four times a week to walk. Then I started school and that was it for the walks. So I fell with that but it is time to get back up, brush myself off, and continue working on my health regiment.

It is good to reflect on last year as to what went right and what went wrong. It is not good to dwell on it for too long because you have to go forward with this year. So what about you? What are some of your goals for this year? Do you have a game plan or do you still have to plan your game strategy? The year just started so you have time. But just remember that time is slipping by so grab hold and place your stake in making this a successful year of reaching your goals.

Be safe and continue to have fun.

Zone In

It is the end of another year and at times I said where did the time go. As my earlier post from November 3rd said I did get a lot that I wanted to accomplish this year. But now we are entering a new year. It is time to zone in on all of the choices we have to enjoy during the year. It is also a time to write down some life goals we would like to accomplish. If you haven't started a goal list get moving because the clock is ticking forward and it is not stopping for no one to catch up.

I really appreciate sites like Knitter's Review which has already posted the 2012 Calendar for most knitting and fiber festival events that happen during the year around the world. Great for travelers. You can plan your traveling around craft events. Now how fun is that.

My first event for next year is coming up quickly and that is VogueKnitting Live happening for three days from January 12 - 14, 2012. I volunteered last year for their very first event and this year I will be returning as a volunteer. I had a blast. Not only seeing all of the knitters and crochters coming through the doors but also the fashion show of the different garments that people made.

Even though I was volunteering I had fun. I worked with one vendor from Ireland. That was special to talk with someone from another country to see what is happening in the knitting world over there. And being able to enjoy the array of beautiful Aarn sweaters and new yarn she brought over. Seeing all of the different displays from the vendors was quite interesting also. I talked with the Crochet Dude from Knit and Ctochet Now and in that little bit of time I could tell that he is a very down to earth and nice guy. And I can't forget meeting and working with the other volunteers which made it interesting as to why they were there and what they like to make and do with their needle art.

So stay tone for the pictures and my spin on the event. Those that will be planning their trip to the city to go to the event I hope you have just as great of a time as I will.

Dying Yarn

Well it is at the end of another year. In the past I would take the time out to reflect back on the year and see what happened, what went wrong, what goals did I meet, and what goals still need to be worked on. Then there is looking at the new year ahead and I would ask myself what goals would I like to accomplish, what would I like to do within that year, and if there are any specific changes to be met within the next year.

Because of the craziness of loosing my job and life happening in general, I lost the momentum of seeing what I could do within the year that I've never did before. So I am starting that again. When I look back at this year to see what I got to do new I did accomplish some things. I got to enter into a couple of county fairs and festivals, I went to a couple of free sponsored festivals I've never been to before, I had the opportunity to teach more and especially at one of the festivals (North Jersey Fiber Festival), and as you can see below I got to try yarn dyeing for the first time.


I had a fun time at a workshop sponsored by the Shore Fiber Arts Guild. The workshop was on dyeing yarn. I had heard people talk about dyeing yarn but I never tried it myself. Well, it was time to try it and see what all the hype was about. After arriving at the home of one of the guild members that was hosting the event, I started getting excited about learning the process. Everything is a process. Everything was set up and ready for us to go.

I started with cotton yarn. I didn't know it had to be washed first. So I used something to wrap the yarn around to release it from a rolled up ball. The excitement started to rise. First, I had to wash it in some Woolite then rinse, rinse, and more rinse. If you've used Woolite you know even a drop can make a lot of suds. I put a little more than I should have because I was naturally thinking of regular detergent since I haven't used Woolite in a long while. After getting the soap out it was time to lay it out and see what I could do with it.

The guild member that was hosting the workshop was so kind as to mix the chemicals for us and get them ready for us to take a go at it. I had two balls of yarn and so I figured I would do a solid and that would mean to dump it in the color. The other I would paint different colors on so I could have a little variegated goin through it. That was a fun day. Not only because someone else did the work of mixing those strong chemicals so it freed us up to play, play, play but because we had a group of guild members that got together to do something we had not had a chance to do before.

How about yourself? If you did not have the opportunity to do something new then there is a chance in a couple of months to take a go at it. Of course you don't have to wait until then you can do it today. But have fun planning and expanding.

I'm Not Perfect

I was talking about making errors in a class I was teaching and one of the students was so surprised to know that I make mistakes also in my knitting and crochet. I wish I could say I don't, but not true I do. As I explained, no matter how long you do anything in life there will be that 'oh no' moment. There is no perfection.

As you work on more and more projects you will come across instructions that you think should go one way but then you find out they go another way and oops you have an error. Or you should have purled where you knitted. And there is always the decreases where you make an extra so that you have less stitches or you are doing increases and you have more stitches. And I could go on and on.

I tell my students to embrace their errors because if you don't make errors then you will never know how to work through them and you won't learn what could go wrong. You could also help someone else that is in a bind because they are stuck on an error.

There is such an excitement when a student learns how to fix their errors. That moment comes when after the basics are absorbed in the mind they got it. And when at that moment they are home and they can actually fix their error. They come back into class and they are so elated that they actually did it on their own. It's that WOW moment in learning. You feel like you can accomplish anything or almost anything.

So don't be scared to make errors. Be open to say, hey I made an error so what and fix it right there and feel proud that you can fix your errors with ease. And if you don't know how to fix errors then sit and play. Make a sample of knitting or crochet and include some errors and try to fix them. Practice makes improvement.

Enjoy the learning and growing process.

Knitting Events Defined

From time to time I hear something that is disturbing to me. Knitting and crochet are dying out. Say what? Where do people get these ideas from? Knitting and crochet are booming. As we go forward each year there are more and more events that include the needlearts. There are new and returned knitters and crocheters all the time. I meet them through my classes I teach, when I am out and about I get into conversations with the 'I wish I could do that' person or a person that is knitting or crocheting and loves to talk about what they are doing.

Our wonderful world of the Internet has opened wide the scope of what is going on in the needlearts with conversations live, Ravelry, free pattern sites, and much more. I think what happens is that people either are not into using the computer or they don't know how to do the right search on the Internet.

To open the conversation about events that I have been to (and I have posted a few on my blog with pictures) and other events going on just around my side of the world what do we have? What can they think of next to do with the needlearts. Have you ever heard of yarn bombing? Well, it is the latest that is going on by using knitting and crochet for more artistic expression.

Yarn Bombing (knit graffiti or street art) - This is done worldwide. No there is no bombs involved but pure fun. Have you ever saw something like a chair or statue that could use a spark of color or pizzazz? That is what happens at a yarn bombing. An item is chosen to knit or crochet a covering for so that it stands out more and so that people know knitting and crochet is still much alive and growing in interest and creativity. Check out this exmaple Yarn Bombing.

Yarn Crawl - Have you wanted to visit yarn shops just to get a feel of what they carry and if you have any questions about a certain type of fiber? Then going on a yarn crawl would be for you and for any other needleartist wanting to expand and explore. It is like a little adventure. So what happens is several yarn shops in different areas will open their doors for people just to come and browse, see what they have, test some of the yarns. Some yarn shops have give-a-ways, raffles, prizes and other specials going on.

And there is more going on.

What is...

Ravelry - Have you wanted to find a pattern for a particular project and can't find one? Have you made an item and wish you could see what other people did with that same pattern? Would you like to connect with more needleartists and don't know where to go? Would you like to post your projects somewhere to show them off or keep more organized? Then Ravelry would be the place. You can do these things and more. It is a free community site to connect with other needleartists. You sign up to join and the rest is history. You can join groups, connect with your friends that knit or crochet and meet new people and then meet up at a festival or event. It is fun but very addictive so I would suggest not spending all your time on this site because you need time to knit and crochet too.

World Wide Knit In Public (WWKIP) - This is just what the name implies knitting or crocheting in public. It's a way to make it known that knitting and crochet is not going anywhere but growing. And it shows how portable it can be. It is also a stress reliever for all those involved with it as you can see when going to one of these events how happy everyone is and troubles are put aside for that day. It is also a way to meet new needleartist and get with old friends. Read the history of this wonderful event WWKIP.

Knitting and Crochet Conventions - These feature great classes, wonderful choice of vendors, fashion shows and more. The two main ones that I have attended are Stitches Convention and Vogue Knitting Live Event. If you do a search on knitting conventions or crochet conventions you might just see one coming your way.

Knit and Crochet Outs - a day out with other knitters and crocheters is always fun and you get to learn from another fellow knitter and crocheters. And guess what? They have started back with the one in Manhattan as well as in Washington, DC -Yeah! But for the past four years (I can't believe it has been four years already) I've been going to the Harlem Crochet Out and Knit2 event in NY. I've been helping out with teaching those that come by and want to learn either how to knit or crochet. It has been fun every year. Supplies are donated from yarn companies so that the ones wanting to learn can get a kit of yarn and needles or hook to get them started and on their way to join the rest of us in the world of the needlearts. (see post September 23, 2010)

Knitting and Crochet Groups - You might remember the time when you didn't know who out there was knitting or crocheting so you stayed in your own house and did your crafts by yourself. No need to do that anymore because groups are forming all over. It is fun to meet other crafter's and see what they are doing, get ideas, tips, and enjoy not sitting home alone but enjoying a group setting. To start with you can either call your local library to see if there is a group that meets there, look under www.yahoogroups.com or www.meetup.com. And depending upon where you live you could find other sites that connect you with groups that have your same interests. You can also put in the search engine 'knitting groups' or 'crochet groups' and put in your town or state and see what comes up in your area.

Sheep and Wool Festivals - Have you been curious as to where yarn made of wool comes from or have you seen yarn spun into a hank of yarn? Well then a sheep and wool festival would be the place you would want to visit to get the answer to those questions and more. I have posted pictures from Maryland's Sheep and Wool Festival as well as NYS Sheep and Wool Festival held in Rhinebeck, New York State. But then this year I added a couple more that I went to. (see posts for pictures October 17, 2010; May 2 and 3, 2010; September 15, 2011)

Craft Cruises - Look up Craft Cruises to find one that suites your budget and the place you would like to go.

Those that have explored the world of knitting and crochet know and see how huge this arena is. You have to tap into the source. If you don't know then it is time to know so that you can also join us in more fun, creativity, and relaxation. I hope by posting this about the different events, if you are a person that did not know about these events, that stayed home to knit and crochet, that thought you were alone only because no one in your immediate area that you knew of is involved with it, that this will open the world of knitting and crochet more for you and you will be able to enjoy planning to get involved in some of the activities during the year.

But don't forget about taking a class here and there to expand your skills. Knitting and crochet groups are fun but people there want to work on their own projects or for charity and to be able to have time to socialize.

You can do a search on the Internet to find an event nearest you or again tap into sites listed above for the community of knitters and crocheters to find out more information. I've posted the Knitters Review before but this is a great site to get the list of events happening all around the world. You can also do a search on the Internet to find knit-out's, craft cruises and other events nearest you or add one or more to your vacation. It is all about tapping into the community of knitters and crocheters to find out more information.

Would you like to know what to do with all that stash of yarn you own? Look at this video clip below and get some ideas. Now please don't think I am by any means encouraging this.

Crochet it all.

Have fun planning for next year's events.

I Love The Theatre

I was at one of my knitting groups that I attend and a couple of the ladies started talking about Broadway plays. In my mind I started reminiscing about my years of going to the theatre either for a play or some other performance. As you might know by now, one of my favorite words is variety and that is what I seek out when I would go to different shows. Since the economical situation hit me I haven't been to a show in over two years. I tell people that I am on a sabbatical with travel and shows. But these are things that I enjoy besides my needlearts and I will return to them as my situation levels.

The theatre is such an exciting place to be. My aunt exposed me to the theatre as I was growing up. I love the theatre and I have seen many different performances locally as well as when I traveled. The top of the list is seeing a great performance on Broadway in NY City. But where did these actors and actresses start out? Small local theatres. I'm sure you might even remember seeing someone acting at a local theatre and then you find out that WOW they made it to Broadway in a show. Local theatres can put on some wonderful productions of some of your favorite plays and shows. And the local theatres have other shows that are not found on Broadway. Below is a picture of just a portion of shows I've seen.



My favorite place in NY is TKTS. To read about the TKTS organization click on link TKTS Discount Booth. If you have ever been walking around Time Square at Broadway and 47th Street and saw this long line of people that would be the half price ticket line. There are a couple of other locations and the link above can help you with finding out where they are.

Today we are trying to pinch those pennies, dimes and quarters - OK money itself as a whole. But I can't remember the last time I paid full price for a Broadway play. If it wasn't the half price ticket line it was standing room. Yes, some theaters have a section in the back where that you can stand through the performance and see it dirt cheap. Then when I was a student I would get student discounts and they were phenomenal prices. Some local theatres have discounts or days you pay more and other days you will pay less. And then there are the specials that have popped up more these days with the economy the way it is.

But going back to the half price ticket line, I've met so many people during the years of standing on that line from all over visiting New York City. We were all waiting until they put up the list for that day of plays you can get a discount on. Not all performances are 50% off but there is a discount. For me it had to be 50% off and that was easy since I would pick out at least three plays to make sure one of those choices would be on the board.

Why do I like the theatre so much? It's another world of creativity. The actors and actresses must recreate themselves while on stage. The character that they are portraying might call for a serious person and that might not be how they are out of character. They might have to laugh when they have a reason to cry. And I appreciate the array of talents especially of singing and dancing, creativity of the stage sets and the costumes which all bring the theatre and shows alive. Again, it is all about enjoying what you love and love what you enjoy. And if you could get paid for it how sweet is that.

So if you haven't seen a play or a show of some sort, I would recommend a trip to New York City to the half-price ticket line or visiting on-line your local theatre's website and look at the list of performances that are being presented. You will be surprised how hooked you could get as you see the different forms of talent through the theatre. Just save a seat for me because I will be returning.

Enjoy.

More Free Events - Yeah!

Well even though this year brought on its challenges, I was able to at least get to several events that were local. I attended and volunteered at the Annual Harlem Crochet Out and Knit 2 in Harlem, New York. It was really nice. No stopping them over there, even if it has to be on a street corner it worked. I've been going to the event for the last three years. I don't want to miss it. You can see every year it gets better and better. Hurray to the Crochet Out Lady, as she is known. I didn't take any pictures but you can keep up with their web blog by hitting the link above.


Another event that I enjoyed was at Bayonet Farms in Holmdel, NJ. It was my first time going to this event and I enjoyed myself - as usual. The focus there was on artist painting in Plain air (outside). So you could see all of the artists sitting in different spots trying to get different angles. Some of them entered the contest and others were there for pure fun and relaxation.

What I also loved about this festival is that there were a couple of local restaurants that supplied the food that you could buy. No festival truck vendors (not that we don't enjoy the funnel cake because we do but once in a while you need real food) and it was delicious. A place I want to go to for a meal in the future.


There was also the scenery that surrounded us like this beautiful tree. And of course I love my animals and there was a lake that had all of these cute frogs hopping around.

Onto the next festival on the same day was at the Historic Longstreet Farm. Here they dressed up in colonial times and also had demonstrations of a variety of things. They have farm animals there so you could milk a cow (which I did do in the past there), go on a hey ride and I even picked Green Mountain potatoes and you could keep them for free. Now that is a bargain and one I enjoyed. There was music at both festivals which is always nice. And I entered a couple of knit and crochet items in their competition. I won first place for my bracelet and won a couple other ribbons. All in fun.

And my friend entered one of her beautiful needle point pieces and won first place. Hurray!



There were also demonstrations on spinning, weaving, rug hooking, knitting and crochet. Such a variety to see and appreciate the array of talents and creativeness.








The summer is filled with wonderful events to attend. If you haven't had a chance as of yet to experience one, then think of next year as to what you would like to try and go to. It really is enjoyable. And if you did have a chance to go to some events this year, I hope you had as much fun as I did and you learned about something new.

On My Talent Corner

Today I am interviewing one of my friends from one of the craft groups I attend. She is multi-talented and has a lot of fun with her hobbies.

I'll let her talk:

I started to develop an interest in needlepoint when a group of my friends met every week to work on their crafts. Some were crocheting, some knitting and one woman was working on a needlepoint project. It looked interesting and decided to try doing it. I brought a small canvas and with her help made my first needlepoint. It was the beginning of years filled with making many different needlepoint's. I love doing them but have a special interest in making faces. There is something special about capturing their expressions. It's almost like bringing the canvas to life. Right now I am working on people from other countries. It's important to me to do their eyes right and their hands.

OK so let me ask you a few more questions about the crochet side.

Q: When did you first learn how to crochet?

A: It was around 1993.

Q: How did you learn? From a family member, friend, or organization?

A: It seems that I always knew how to make a square. I'm not sure how I learned.

Q: Why do you enjoy crocheting so much?

A: I always enjoyed making the lap blankets for the seniors. It's such a need you feel you are helping out. And because I have such a great teacher I have expanded more with my crochet.

Q: Well thank you for that comment. What are some future projects you would like to make?

A: Sweaters for my new great grandchild. Presently I am working on a baby blanket for the baby and a hat.

Q: What benefits do you get from crocheting?

A: Satisfaction of seeing the happy smiling faces of those I make items for.



Her new great grandchild has sparked her desire to pick up her crocheting again and she has not stopped. The lap blanket on the right is called the Jacobs Ladder and she had to make it because it is a reminder of her dear late husband Jacob.

She also has another special talent and that is writing. She writes such beautiful short stories and poems that really make you think. What did I tell you, she is multi-talented.