Love these Dolls

Four of our granddaughters received one of these 18" dolls for Christmas, and they are all interested in making clothes.  Knitting, crocheting and sewing.   Well, of course, I have to try out some of these patterns, that I have collected.  Here is the first full outfit, complete with a tam, scarf and mittens, as well as the lovely coat.  Pattern is from Annie's Attic.

Upside down and backwards

Well, I've done a fair bit of ripping out, but am quite pleased now with the way this is working out.  Two color stranded work is really quite simple with the Portuguese style of knitting.  Only problem is it's really warm here in Florida, and the yarn does not move very well when I get too hot.

How many variables???

While at home, I tend to mostly machine knit.  There’s always a hand-knitting project on the go, for knitting in front of the TV, and in the car, waiting in lines, at the doctor’s office, at YRKG meetings, etc. 

For our annual trip to Florida, I enjoy picking a hand-knitting project to knit along the way, and also during our stay, and the drive back.  That’s a fair amount of knitting time.  I pick multiple projects, so there is variety, and of course, so I don’t run out of anything to knit.

Well, this year, was a little more hectic than most, in December, and clearly, I did not read the materials very well.

Project #1.  Harvest Jewels, in Knitters Magazine K104.  I thought this was a top-down knit, with fair-isle at the yolk, knit in the round.  Great project to try the Portuguese style of knitting, for the colorwork.  Well!!! Not a top-down, but I can do this, knit it “upside down”.  Oh yes! And backwards, since the Portuguese style of knitting is easiest when doing the purl stitch.  This style of knitting really reminds me most of machine knitting, as I am looking at the purl side as I am working.  Well, it’s started.  I did decide ahead of time to use only one yarn for the fair-isle, so that should make it a bit easier?!?!?

I’ll keep you posted.

Teaching in 2012

I'm very excited about the coming year, and all the teaching opportunities that have come my way.  It's still hard to believe that 2012 is just around the corner.
Now, there is a new LYS minutes down the road, where I will be teaching quite a few classes in the new year.  The Quilt Store has posted the classes on their web site, so please check them out.  There are beginner knitting and crocheting classes for adults and kids, as well as a introduction to machine knitting, and ravelry.

Knitting for the Hospital

As a member of the York Region Knitting Guild, we knit for several charities in York Region. Personally, I like to knit for the hospital, as we have been asked for lap blankets for the oncology unit. After dropping this group of blankets off, I received a lovely card from a volunteer, who informed me that the paliative care unit received the lap blankets, and mentioned that full size, single bed blankets were needed. That's what I am working on now. Should have three of them ready before Christmas.
Happy Knitting!

Crochet Wise!

Here's another crochet class for those of you who know the stitches and want to move forward.

In this class you will learn how to:
*Read a pattern and follow a chart;
*Understand gauge and needle size;
*Work pattern stitches straight and in the round;
*Select a pattern and yarn;
*Finish your projects, and much more.

This is a technique class.
You will be working on samples. All yarns are included!
Please bring your crochet hooks.

Wednesday, October 5, 12, 19, and 26, 2011, 7:00pm to 9:00pm $80.00
Call now to book your spot!

At Needles & Knits, 15040 Yonge Street, Aurora, 905-713-2066

Sheep Strings Cafe

I will be hosting the Sheep Strings Cafe at the Heritage Centre in Richmond Hill this coming Thursday, September 15 and the following Thursday, September 22nd.
The information can be found on the Town of Richmond Hill Web Site, in the Leisure Guide on Page 13.
Hope to see you there! Happy Knitting and Crocheting!