The Daily Knitter Blog

Villager confined to rehab center continues to knit for charity

2007-08-30T06:19:00.002-07:00

Villager confined to rehab center continues to knit for charity
from The Villages Daily Sun

Susan Heck isn�t able to attend Busy Hands and Happy Hearts meetings, where members knit, sew and crochet items for patients in hospitals and residents of assisted-living facilities � yet she contributes just the same. She�s a homebound member. Heck, of the Village of Silver Lake, knits blankets, therapy balls and baby booties in her room at Lady Lake Specialty Care � just as she�s done for the last eight years she�s lived in The Villages. �I do enjoy this and I enjoy making new patterns,� said Heck, who loves working with brightly colored yarn. Knitting and crocheting, she�s found, take her mind off her health woes. �Just for a little while,� she said. And for Heck, there�s always a sense of satisfaction once a project is completed.

Read the Full Article

Stitching up a better life

2007-08-30T06:19:00.001-07:00

Stitching up a better life
from Berwick Gazette

A STITCH in time may save a life if knitters from across Casey-Cardinia continue their good work. Local residents have been busy knitting woollen outfits to keep underprivileged children in Mongolia warm during the winter months. Guardian Pharmacy in Beaconsfield is running the Guardian Angel program and is offering free knitting books for interested knitters. The patterns featured have been specifically chosen by Guardian Pharmacies and World Vision to assist needy families in Mongolia. Pharmacist Chris Warne said the program was a great way to help disadvantaged children get through a chilly winter.

Read the Full Article

On course for success

2007-08-30T06:18:00.001-07:00

On course for success
from Reading Eagle/Reading Times

Some entrepreneurs get an idea for a home-based business by looking toward the future and trying to predict what trends might lead to profitable niche markets. But Diane M. Gracely of Ontelaunee Township got the inspiration for her venture, Kewl Tubes, from the past. �A lot of the golfers actually call them old-school head covers,� said Gracely, describing her retro product. �A lot of women used to knit them for their husbands.� Gracely�s pompom head covers protect putters, drivers and other clubs from clanging together in golf bags. She said the pompom style probably was most popular with golfers in the 1950s and 1960s.

Read the Full Article

Senior ladies knit caps for preemies

2007-08-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

Senior ladies knit caps for preemies
from Montgomery Advertiser

They knit and crochet caps small enough to fit an orange. Some of the blankets they make aren't even big enough to fit across their laps. Though small in size, the caps and receiving blankets are a big help to those who receive them -- babies, most of whom are premature, born at area hospitals. Once a week, the women, who call themselves the Purl & Chain Gang, gather in a sitting room at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort to knit and crochet the baby caps and blankets. They also make lap blankets for adults at Westminster's nursing facility. They make blankets and caps in matching pastel colors that range in size from caps that can fit in the palm of your hand to ones big enough for a full-term infant.

Read the Full Article

Sharing a passion for crafts and charity

2007-08-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Sharing a passion for crafts and charity
from Asbury Park Press Online

It was a scene reminiscent of the sewing and quilting bees of Colonial times: a group of women gathered in a circle, knitting and sewing, chatting about their lives and sharing refreshments in the shade of an oak tree. But the 18 women at Cathy Peach's Berkeley home Aug. 6 were gathered around a large table in her air-conditioned kitchen, where they had a view of the lagoon out back, and were taking a break from their knitting and crocheting to have a slice of cake with cannoli cream filling and a cup of coffee or tea. The women, who have dubbed themselves the Happy Hookers for their penchant for doing needlework, spent the evening showing off their latest creations, the new stitches they've tried and deciding who would swap patterns with whom.

Read the Full Article

Get exposure for your blog or website

2007-04-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know the Daily Knitter accepts submissions of articles related to knitting and knitting patterns? It is a great way to get exposure for your blog or website. Check out the guidelines at:

http://www.dailyknitter.com/submissions.html

The mark of a knitter: cheap pants and selflessness

2007-04-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Make sure you take the time to read this great article. I am still giggling from the idea that we all wear an exquisitely beautiful sweater with pants from Goodwill. Why? Because we spend $200 on yarn and had no money to buy pants!

The mark of a knitter: cheap pants and selflessness
By Lu-Ann Farrar
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Funny thing about knitters: They will wear an exquisitely beautiful sweater with pants from Goodwill. Why? Because they spent $200 on yarn and had no money to buy pants.

http://www.kentucky.com/620/story/34688.html

American Needlearts Survey 2007

2007-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

The National NeedleArts Association is asking for input about needle art, including knitting and crochet, experiences.

In an effort to help needle arts shops, product makers, and associations The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) is conducting the American Needlearts Survey 2007. They say:

"Your survey responses will...

**** Help shops and product suppliers enhance your enjoyment of the needle
arts
**** Help The National NeedleArts Association promote the needle arts to
kids and adults
**** Raise money for cancer victim support and needle arts mentoring
**** Make good use of your thoughts and time

The survey asks about your experiences with whichever needle art you enjoy:
crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting or needlepoint. We'd like to
know what inspires you, your activities, the sorts of projects you like to
do, your early experiences, where you make needle arts purchases, and what
you'd like to see needle arts shops do better. We want to hear from
beginners and experts!"

TNNA will donate $1 for each of the first 800 online surveys to Living
Beyond Breast Cancer or the Helping Hands Foundation Needlearts Mentoring
Program.

Go to American Needlearts Survey 2007 and fill out the 10-minute survey there.

Great Big Hug from a Thankful Citizen

2007-04-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

"Great Big Hug from a Thankful Citizen"

Calling all who knit, crochet, work with fleece or can help by donating yarn and other materials.....

Recently, my son who serves in the Army and is stationed in Germany was home and I made him a scarf. A simple thing I thought. He was so grateful because he and his fellow soldiers do a lot of walking between the 8 bases in the area on their time off (only one base has the PX and other amenities). During the winter months, they can get quite cold as they have to wear civilian clothes so they fit in with their surroundings. I also found out that due to their mission, not many of the 60 or so soldiers are granted leave for Christmas, nor can most afford the airfare to come home. I wished I could give everyone in his unit a scarf if he was that thankful. This started me thinking that if I could get friends, family, and others to help we could put a scarf in all of their hands for next Christmas! Think of it as a "Great Big Hug from a Thankful Citizen".

My goal is to collect at least 200 scarves for my son's unit and for the soldiers recovering in the Army hospital in Germany by September 1, 2007.

So, if you or someone you know are interested in helping me with this project for our troops, please let me know, either by email at bjhfam@aol.com or by phone at 480-467-7002.

Thank you,
Judy Housley

ITEMS NEEDED

Skeins of yarn
Yards of solid color fleece
Pre-made scarves

The Handknitters Guild & The Daily Knitter Puzzles

2007-03-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Handknitters Guild of North Central Texas, that meets in Arlington, Texas, had their annual retreat at the Pecan Plantation in Granbury, Texas. The date of the retreat has varied each year, but it has always taken place in February. This year, the retreat was held on the 9th, 10th and 11th of February. Part of the group left Arlington mid-day Friday for the drive to one hour drive to Granbury and a day of antique shopping and lunch. The rest of the group joined them for dinner on Friday evening. There were a total of 21 members in attendance. After dinner the group went upstairs to the Open Lobby of the Inn and broke into teams of three to do the Crossword Puzzle from DailyKnitter.com. Prizes were given to the teams that had the most correct answers. Knitting projects were then pulled out and a weekend of knitting began.

Saturday was much the same with breakfast, knitting, lunch, knitting, dinner, knitting. The projects varied from socks to afghans, sweaters to scarves and on and on and on. Projects were started and projects were completed. Laughter was enjoyed by everyone. Saturday night a couple of the women who spin brought out their spinning wheels and had an evening session of spinning.

Sunday morning everyone rose fairly early and had a very nice brunch. This has been a special Treat each year because everyone gets custom made omelets and pecan waffles in the shape of Texas. The group then went back upstairs and knitted until check out time.

Each year has been special but for this year the stars were shining right and it was a GREAT knitting experience. Guild retreats are a great way to become better acquainted with your members and enhance your knitting experience.

Dixie Butler, President
Handknitters Guild of North Central Texas

Knitty Gritty Show Time Change

2007-03-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Write to HGTV and ask them to bring back to mid-morning hours the two shows Knitty Gritty and Uncommon Threads. They have moved them to 6 a.m. Central Time and 7 a.m. Eastern Time.

Send an email to the programming department of HGTV. Here is the link to the email comment page on HGTV's website:

Email HGTV

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Customer Services link to email the programming department. This link is printed in brown and is underlined. It is hidden --- hmmm, what does this suggest? -- in the very last paragraph titled "You Still Didn't Answer My Question."

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2007-01-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

A night at the museum with Art History 101

The latest exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design.

Over 30 new offerings in Free Knitting Patterns

The free patterns just keep on coming.

Color patterns galore with Knitting Book Reviews

New book reviews have been added.

Extra! Extra! with Knitting in the News

New knitting related articles from newspapers across the country.

You can search the Yarn Shop Directory

Many updates have been made. Help us keep the listing current.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

Updates with new knitting events, including 2007 listings.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

The most complete listing on the web. Is your club listed?

The Daily Knitter accepts Submissions

Your creation could be in the next newsletter.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

"Old Pueblo Knitters" Knitting Group

2006-12-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

From the Arizona Star...

"If you love knitting, consider this group.

Thoughts of knitted sweaters may fill the heads of gift givers and receivers this time of year, but there's more to the stitching technique than clothing.

"I'm personally into lace," says Elizabeth Wells, who organizes workshops for the Old Pueblo Knitters."

For the full article, click here.

Welcome to Men Who Knit - and the Women Who Love Them.

2006-12-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you to The Daily Knitter reader who directed us to an article in the Boston Herald titled, "Men, women share purls of wisdom". It begins...

“Should I move my thumb?” 25-year-old Andrea Lee Estrada of South Boston asked Mike Attisha yesterday, as he took her through the first steps of knitting.

“Yes, unless you want to knit your thumb into it,” Attisha replied. “But who knows, that could be your thing.”

Welcome to Men Who Knit - and the Women Who Love Them.

For the full article, click here.

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-12-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Daily Knitter is celebrating!

We have now received over 1.5 million visitors and are proud to be:

#1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Shop Directory"

#1 result in Google when searching for "Local Knitting Clubs"

#1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Companies"

#1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Knitting Articles"

#1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Events"

#1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Yarn Reviews"

#1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Exclusive Knitting Patterns"

Listed in the Google directory under Knitting Magazines

Over 20,000 web pages link to us via Yahoo statistics

Over 8,000 e-mail newsletter subscribers

All statistics as of Oct 4, 2006

Sparkle with Sophia

Our latest exclusive pattern is an evening wrap.

View the latest Book reviews

Northern lights and lace.

View the latest Product reviews

Knitting in the dark.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

Our database of free patterns continues to grow.

You can now search the Yarn Shop Directory

Many updates have been made. Help us keep the listing current.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

Updates with new knitting events, including 2007 listings.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

The most complete listing on the web. Is your club listed?

The Daily Knitter accepts Submissions

Your creation could be in the next newsletter.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

View reader's opinions on yarns -- many with photos.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Woman spins wool into fun, big bucks

2006-10-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you to The Daily Knitter reader who emailed us a link to the article "Woman spins wool into fun, big bucks" in the Noblesville Ledger. Click on the title below to read the full article.

Woman spins wool into fun, big bucks

Instructor receives scholarship for 'relaxing' trade she teaches at downtown Westfield shop.

The Daily Knitter is Celebrating!

2006-09-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

# The Daily Knitter is celebrating!
We have now received over 1.5 million visitors and are proud to be:

# #1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Shop Directory"
# #1 result in Google when searching for "Local Knitting Clubs"
# #1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Companies"
# #1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Knitting Articles"
# #1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Events"
# #1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Yarn Reviews"
# #1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Exclusive Knitting Patterns"
# Listed in the Google directory under Knitting Magazines
# Over 20,000 web pages link to us via Yahoo statistics

All statistics as of Sep 1, 2006

Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet Event

2006-09-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today was the Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet event. Several knitters have already emailed us, it was a huge success.

Needlesmith Are Asked to Help Make A Difference by Creating and Donating Handcrafted Items for Children in Need

The fifth annual Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet event will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia. This year, needlesmiths are asked to help make a difference for a child in need. Knitting (crocheting and weaving) communities together for increased civic good.

(PRWEB) August 12, 2006 -- The fifth annual Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet event will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia.

A celebration of the needle arts of knitting and crocheting, the event attracts hundreds of enthusiasts every year. The event will feature beginning knitting and crochet lessons, a fashion show promenade, lessons in a variety of knit and crochet techniques, door prizes and an opportunity to donate hand-made items to two charities.

This year, needlesmiths are asked to help make a difference for a child in need. They are asked to make and donate a small blanket or stuffed animal to District Attorney Lynne Abraham’s Urban Genesis program, whereby police distribute these items when they find small children in chaotic circumstances, as they investigate domestic cases.

In addition, hand-made hats, mittens and scarves are requested for City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s Warmth In Winter Holiday Drive. This annual program distributes hundreds of warm items to homeless children in need across the city during the winter.

“It’s exciting to offer our participants a way of really showcasing their skills and giving to two worthy charities,” said Gwen Agard, executive director of the Knit Out.

“We are asking that people bring their handcrafted donations with them to the Knit Out on Sunday, Sept. 10th,” said Pam Jones, core volunteer member of the Philadelphia Area Knit Out & Crochet event team. “A hat, scarf, or soft huggable can be started now and finished either before or at the Knit Out.” A drop-off location will be situated in the main hall.

For five years the Philadelphia Area Knit Out has provided needlework enthusiasts with the opportunity to work in community. Sharing information, techniques, skills and wisdom are highlights of the day. Men, women and children flock to the event where the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, caring and inspiring.

This fun filled needlearts celebration also provides opportunities for volunteering; everything from pre-event preparations to teaching, modeling fashions and helping at the registration desk and with door prize drawings.

“We need many hands from the community to make this happen,” said Agard. “We count on everyone, from corporate sponsors, local businesses, and individuals to make this work.”

That includes financial donations. “The Knit Out is free,” said Agard. “But it costs money to get it up and running. Donations are always needed and welcome.”

The Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet Event is free and open to all.

Rwandan Widows Earn Livelihood with American Knitting Machines

2006-07-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Rwandan Widows Earn Livelihood with American Knitting Machines

When “Rwanda” is mentioned in the U.S., images of genocide and deep sadness come to mind. But when “knitting” is mentioned in Rwanda, the only images are those of smiles, laughter and women working together. “This is the Rwanda I know –seeing the biggest smile imaginable from a new knitter after finishing her first scarf, knowing she will be now able to feed her children using her newly acquired skills,” says Cari Clement, founder of FACED, the Fiber and Craft Entrepreneurial Development Center.
After a year of grant writing, Clement’s dream of helping women through knitting has finally borne fruit. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Rwandans and Americans in Partnership, a Rwanda-based non-governmental agency, are pleased to announce the signing of a $99,000 grant to benefit Rwanda Knits, a program developed by Clement in 2003. With this grant, thirteen new, and ultimately self-sustaining, knitting cooperatives will be established throughout Rwanda, each group receiving 40 knitting machines, accessories, yarn and training. Some of the cooperatives will also receive training in and equipment for finishing knitted goods for export. This training will include embellishing (embroidery, crochet, etc.), labeling, inspecting, packing and preparation of export documents.

From the initial donation in 2003 of 90 hand-operated, American-made knitting machines and hands-on training for both refugees in Rwanda and Rwandan women widowed by the 1994 genocide and AIDS, a culture of knitting has been slowly developing in this small but extremely poor country in sub-Saharan Africa. What started out as a one-time donation to USA for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to benefit refugee women living in Rwanda, changed after donor Cari Clement saw and experienced the passion with which the new knitters took to the machines and to knitting in general. Not only were the women fast learners, but they were extremely persevering, determined to learn everything they could. Within a few short months they were producing sweaters, baby items and blankets and selling them in the local markets.
The obvious potential for so many women in Rwanda to earn a living above the less-than-a-dollar-per day levels was too great for Clement not to continue with the project. She felt there must be a way to get more machines sent there, so, after much grant-researching and the support of Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy’s office, Clement focused on getting a grant from USAID to benefit rural women in Rwanda.
Clement and her US-based non-profit entity, the Fiber and Craft Entrepreneurial Development Center (part of the Centers for Social Responsibility, a 501c3 organization) will provide the financial underpinnings of initial support. Other affiliated companies and organizations including Caron International, EDImports and the Business Council for Peace, will contribute to the program with yarn donations, business expertise, market expansion, export projects, business plan development and more to help in generating the additional $60,000 in cash and in-kind matching funds required by the USAID grant.
In January, 2002, Clement sold her company, Bond America, to Caron International, where she now serves as Director of Fashion and Design. “I would like to thank everyone at Caron International and National Spinning for their support in this project. They have not only donated machines and yarn, but have allowed me to continue with this project in my work at Caron.”
“As an entrepreneur, designer, store owner and magazine publisher in the creative industries, I have always known that making beautiful things lifts the spirit and offers hope,” notes Clement. “In Rwanda, I really saw it happen.”

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-06-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Pattern difficulty levels with Knitting Pattern Prescription

Just what the doctor ordered.

Prevent wine sweat with Angela

Our latest exclusive pattern is a wine bottle sweater.

View the latest Book reviews

Knitting with your remote control.

View the latest Product reviews

The shape of a foot.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

Included is a banana rattle, no kidding.

You can now search the Yarn Shop Directory

Curious how many shops have the word Sheep in their name?

Help us keep the Yarn Shop Directory up to date

A new form to submit updates is now available.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

The listing has just been updated with 50 new knitting events.

The Daily Knitter now accepts Submissions

Send us your knitting patterns and articles.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the new Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

Your opinion matters.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

Is your club listed? There are several new additions.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-05-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

Look what's new.

Spring into cotton with Jody

Our latest exclusive pattern is a lace bottom tank.

You can now search the Yarn Shop Directory

Curious how many shops have the word Ewe in their name?

Help us keep the Yarn Shop Directory up to date

A new form to submit updates is now available.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

Included is a reversible bag.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

The listing has just been updated with 50 new knitting events.

The Daily Knitter now accepts Submissions

Send us your knitting patterns and articles.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the new Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

Your opinion matters.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

Is your club listed? There are several new additions.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

The Daily Knitter Now Accepts Submissions

2006-05-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Daily Knitter now accepts Submissions

Send us your knitting patterns and articles.

We've received so many emails over the last year requesting that The Daily Knitter accept
submissions of knitting patterns and knitting related articles.

The requests have included:

Aspiring knitwear designers looking to increase exposure of their work

Artists who create hand dyed yarn looking to display the use of their creations in custom patterns

Expert knitters with great tips to share

Even a new knitter with a humorous article describing their first visit to a local yarn shop

We look forward to receiving your submissions. For more information and guidelines, please visit the
Submissions section of the site.

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-04-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Fiber hunting in You Knit With What?

Home improvement for knitters.

Who will win in Knit vs. Crochet

Cast your vote.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

It's a good thing.

See the new Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

Your opinion matters.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

Easy stripes with Samantha

Our latest exclusive pattern is a hat.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

You can now view all of the new entries on one page.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

Is your club listed? There are several new additions.

We're still busy updating our Yarn Shop Directory

Keep the emails coming.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Welcome to Knitting Tips

2006-04-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Knitting Tips, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Their ad can be found under Local Knitting Clubs. Check it out!

Abby

Welcome to y2Knit

2006-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to y2Knit, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Their ad can be found under Knitting Marketplace. Check it out!

Abby

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-04-14T06:50:00.000-07:00

Look what's new at DailyKnitter.com.

Fiber hunting in You Knit With What?
Home improvement for knitters.
http://www.dailyknitter.com/articles.html

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews
Your opinion matters.
http://www.dailyknitter.com/readerreviews.php

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop
Knit daily.
http://www.cafepress.com/dailyknitter

Easy stripes with Samantha
Our latest exclusive pattern is a hat.
http://www.dailyknitter.com/exclusive.html

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added
You can now view all of the new entries on one page.
http://www.dailyknitter.com/freepatterns.html

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs
Is your club listed?
http://www.dailyknitter.com/local.html

We've been very busy updating our Yarn Shop Directory
Thank you for all of the emails.
http://www.dailyknitter.com/shops.html

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter
We tell you how.
http://www.dailyknitter.com/support.html

Welcome to Knit & Purl

2006-04-08T08:14:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Knit & Purl, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Knit & Purl offers a huge selection of apparel, household and gift items featuring fun and unique knitting designs. Their ad can be found under Knitting Events. Check it out!

Abby

Stripes Without Changing Yarn

2006-03-20T08:16:00.000-08:00

I was grocery shopping at Meijer last week and decided to stop by the ever growing yarn aisle. I am continually amazed by their yarn selection. They used to just carry a small selection of inexpensive yarn. Now they have Moda Dea, NY Yarns, and more. I was drawn to a Moda Dea yarn called Sassy Stripes. I've seen these types of yarns before, but never bought them. The description says "Stripes & patterns appear as you knit or crochet" and I did like to color combination, so I took the plunge. I am in the process of knitting a hat with the yarn right now. It will be a future Exclusive Pattern. I haven't knit with a 100% acrylic yarn lately and I must admit I am partial to at least some natural fiber in a yarn. But we'll see how it turns out.

Corinne

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-03-14T06:48:00.000-08:00

- Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews
Submit a review prior to April 30, 2006, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a knitting book and three skeins of yarn. (Valid email address required with submission)

- Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop
Knit daily.

- Knitting statistics with You are part of the 31%
The latest research from the CYCA.

- Triangular texture with Iris
Our latest exclusive pattern is an afghan.

- Bare shoulders with Clara
A halter top.

- Check out the 50 new Free Patterns just added
You can now view all of the new entries on one page.

- View the latest Book reviews
That eyelash yarn tastes like coconut.

- View the latest Product reviews
Wrap it up.

- We've been very busy updating our Yarn Shop Directory
Thank you for all of the emails.

- You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter
We tell you how.

- Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards
Get and give knitting help.

Welcome to The Needlework Show

2006-03-13T08:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Needlework Show, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. The Needlework show invites you to participate in their April tradeshow, offering doorprizes, games, and freebies, plus products from a wide range of vendors, so don't miss the fun. Their ad can be found under What's New. Check it out!

Abby

Share Your Yarn Knowledge

2006-03-08T08:01:00.000-08:00

Have a favorite yarn? Know of a yarn that refuses to felt?

We've been busy creating a new section of The Daily Knitter to share your "Yarn Knowledge" with other knitters. Called Yarn Reviews, it is a place to share your unbiased opinions of yarns. You can enter reviews with pictures and view what others have written. We'd love to have your thoughts and suggestions on this new section of The Daily Knitter.

Plus, submit a review prior to April 30, 2006, and you'll be entered into a drawing for a knitting book and three skeins of yarn. (Valid email address required with submission.)

To view The Daily Knitter's new Yarn Reviews section, visit the site at http://www.dailyknitter.com/ and click on Yarn Reviews.

Welcome to KnittersAnonymous.com

2006-03-01T18:37:00.000-08:00

Welcome to KnittersAnonymous.com, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering unique merchanise for social knitters, binge knitters, and knitaholics. Their ads can be found under What's New and the Yarn Shop directory. Check it out!

Abby

Yarn Reviews on the Way

2006-03-01T18:28:00.000-08:00

Have a favorite yarn? Know of a yarn that refuses to felt? We are busy creating a new section of The Daily Knitter to share your "Yarn Knowledge" with other knitters. Called Yarn Reviews, it will be a place to share your unbiased opinions of yarns. You'll be able to enter reviews with pictures and view what others have written. Coming soon!

What's New at The Daily Knitter

2006-03-01T18:18:00.000-08:00

Cold hands, warm heart with Ice, Ice, Baby

Yoga for your hands.

Carry it all with Isabel

Our latest exclusive knitting pattern is a felted bag.

Green for St. Patricks Day with Jessica

A ribbed ponchette.

Check out the 40 new Free Patterns

You can now view all of the new entries on one page.

View the latest Book reviews

Odd ball out.

View the latest Product reviews

Much needed support.

We've been very busy updating our Yarn Shop Directory

Thank you for all of the emails.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Welcome to elann!

2006-02-23T13:46:00.000-08:00

Welcome to elann, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering quality brand name and mill direct yarns at amazing discounts, served up with great designs and winning customer service. Their ads can be found under Exclusive Patterns, Product Reviews, Yarn Companies, and on the Message Boards. Check it out!

Abby

Knitters turn craft hobby into $1 billion business

2006-02-22T19:40:00.000-08:00

More knitting in the news! Thanks to another Daily Knitter reader who forwarded this article to us that appeared in the Miami Herald on Feb 21st.

The article does mention that knitters are now known in some circles as "fiber artists." Maybe we should re-name the site The Daily Fiber Artisit? Here's the link below.

Click Here

Knitting, purling and the opposite sex

2006-02-22T19:32:00.000-08:00

Adult men knitting? t's true! And thanks to an article by Lloyd Garver in the Santa Monica Press, we now can confirm a knitting shop in New York’s Greenwich Village has a weekly Men’s Only night. Check out the article "Knitting, purling and the opposite sex" with the link below.

http://www.smdp.com/article/articles/327/1/MODERN-TIMES

And thank you to Dan who sent us an email on the article!

Thank You

2006-02-13T07:15:00.000-08:00

Thank you to everyone who has emailed us with updates to our Yarn Shop Directory. (We made a request in the last newsletter.) We have received over 200 emails in the past few weeks and are busy updating the listing. We appreciate the help and strive to keep the directory as accurate as possible. Keep the emails coming!

Sarah

It Felted Perfectly

2006-02-02T11:13:00.000-08:00

I was surprised when I opened up the washing machine and saw how quickly and nicely an upcoming Daily Knitter Exclusive Knitting Pattern felted. I used a combination of two Shilasdair wool yarns from the UK based Skye Yarn Company. This was the first time I had felted this yarn and I was so pleased! It's amazing, isn't it, how some wool yarns felt well and some don't. Keep an eye out for a new felted purse pattern and a new article where we test different yarns for felting.

Sarah

A First Sweater for a Daily Knitter Reader

2006-01-27T11:27:00.000-08:00

One of our readers emailed us a link to Mona's blog. She decided to take the plunge and knit her first sweater using our Kelly exclusive pattern. The sweater is a very easy knit in just 2 pieces. It turned out so nicely! She used Red Heart Bright and Lofty yarn in the color Beach. Here are 2 pics from her blog at http://knitting57039.tripod.com

Welcome to Knit-Inn

2006-01-27T11:21:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Knit-Inn, a coastal Maine B&B weekend March 10 -12, 2006, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Their ad can be found in the latest issue of the The Daily Knitter Newsletter. Check it out!

Abby

What's New at The Daily Knitter

2006-01-27T11:19:00.000-08:00

A new look for the The Daily Knitter
The site gets an extreme makeover.

Wrap it up with Grace
Our latest exclusive pattern is a wrap sweater.

Why brown bag it with Leah
A knit lunch bag.

Spanish dancing with Allison
A bolero sweater.

Check out the 60 new Free Patterns just added
You can now view all of the new entries on one page.

View the latest Book reviews
Thirsty for mitt-sicles.

View the latest Product reviews
Doggone cute.

We're always updating our Yarn Shop Directory
Is your favorite yarn shop listed?

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter
We tell you how.

A New Look

2006-01-21T09:00:00.000-08:00

We updated the look of The Daily Knitter as of yesterday. Let us know what you think! editor@DailyKnitter.com

Welcome to Nestucca Bay Textile Company

2006-01-19T19:06:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Nestucca Bay Textile Company, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering yarn, knitting, crochet supplies, books, and patterns. Their ad can be found on the Knitting Basics page of The Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

Knitting on the Stage

2006-01-06T09:57:00.000-08:00

One of our UK readers emailed us the details on this knitting play. It's called HAT and the details are below. You are welcome to knit throughout the performance and your ticket includes a free ball of wool, needles and hat pattern.

HAT is four new stories about wool and knitting written and performed by poet and BBC Radio 3 presenter Ian McMillan with music composed and performed by Billy Jenkins. Featuring Andy Diagram (ex James) on cornet, loops and samples and Angie Harrison (ex Hallé orchestra) on viola and knitting needles.

Conceived and produced by Simon Thackray.

http://www.theshed.co.uk/hat.html

Two New Knitting Events

2006-01-06T09:53:00.000-08:00

Two new knitting events have been added to the listing on the site at Knitting Events. Thanks to our readers who emailed us the details. One is in Seattle, WA, in April and the other in Scottsdale, AZ, in March.

Sarah

Welcome to Knit Inn

2005-12-27T17:00:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Knit Inn, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering a knitting weekend in Camden, Maine, March 10-12, 2006. Their ad can be found on the Knitting Events page of The Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2005-12-27T16:46:00.000-08:00

Sweet dreams with My Nightmare Before Christmas

Store bought mittens? Are you kidding?

Washable wool with Kelly

Our latest exclusive pattern is a 3/4 sleeve sweater.

Warm feet, warm heart with Marlena

Easy felted slippers.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions

Over 30 free knitting patterns have just been added.

View the latest Book reviews

Glove compartment knitting.

View the latest Product reviews

The art of yarn.

Check out our new listing of Knitting Events

Is your favorite fiber fair listed?

Enter the contest Knit One, Shop Too

Win a knitting bag, 3 skeins of yarn, and a knitting book.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

It's That Time of Year

2005-12-21T18:55:00.000-08:00

Totally unrelated to knitting, but have you ever noticed that certain products are only advertised on TV right before the holidays? Not sure what that means, but I feel like I have been inundated with commercials for Chia Pets, the Ove-Glove, and the Clapper. I swear I never see these commercials during the rest of the year!

Abby

A Welcome Postcard

2005-12-20T06:23:00.000-08:00

For those of you who live in Chicagoland, I received a postcard today from Wool and Company in Geneva, IL. They are having a sale Dec 27-31 where almost all yarn is 25% off with daily specials 40% off. Needles, books, and accessories are 10% off. Now you know where to find me on December 27th.

Amber

The Panic Sets In

2005-12-15T08:56:00.000-08:00

I do love the holidays, but I have so much knitting to finish! During the summer I begin to think of all the items I want to knit for friends and family. If I only had started knitting the items then. I have so much knitting to do and so little time!

Anne

Knitting Classes As Gifts

2005-12-03T20:28:00.000-08:00

Looking for a unique holiday gift for a friend? How about knitting lessons? We received an email from a reader on this and recommended a shop from our Yarn Shop Directory for him to contact near the recipient. What a great idea. Good for any level of knitter.

Welcome Figheadh Yarnworks

2005-12-03T20:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Figheadh Yarnworks, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering original designs for the hand knitter. Their ad can be found on the Knitting Basics page of The Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

Moda Dea Sale Continued

2005-11-27T08:50:00.000-08:00

I just read through the Michael's ad for Nov 27th through Dec 3rd and they are continuing a 50% off Moda Dea sale. Ticker Tape, Vixen, and Tutu yarns are listed.

Sarah

Happy Thanksgiving

2005-11-27T08:44:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving. My family's dinner included three turkeys, one baked in the oven, one on the crockpot, and one fried. All were delicious! A note to all who want to fry a turkey...the smaller the bird, the more oil you will need. And it is difficult to find peanut oil at 4 PM on Thanksgiving Day! But we mixed canola oil and it came out just fine. The crockpot turkey breast was cooked from frozen with orange marmelade, brown sugar, garlic powder, and fresh oranges. It took about 7 hours and was so tender. Mmmmm!

Welcome Luxuyarns!

2005-11-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Luxuryarns.com, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering yarns for every budget. Their ad can be found throughout the Daily Knitter site, including the What's New page. Check it out!

Abby

Knit 1, Gobble 2 from The Daily Knitter

2005-11-24T11:55:00.000-08:00

Happy Thanksgiving from The Daily Knitter! We hope these new knitting patterns will keep you busy over the holiday weekend. Just in case you don't have enough cooking, eating, or shopping to do.

Scotch on the rocks with Skye
Our latest exclusive pattern is a 100% Scottish wool cap.

Small commitment, big reward with Robin
A simple textured scarf.

A bit more work with Jane
A matching textured hat.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions
Over 50 free knitting patterns have just been added.

Moda Dea Sale

2005-11-21T06:24:00.000-08:00

We normally do not post info on yarn sales here, but this one was so appealing! Michaels - The Arts and Crafts Store, is having a 4 day sale through Nov 23rd. There are lots of yarns on sale, but the best offer is Moda Dea yarn at 50% off. The Daily Knitter staff took a field trip to the Geneva, IL, store yesterday. Our credit cards are still smoking! But what a great value.

Is that snow?

2005-11-16T06:33:00.000-08:00

I woke up this morning to a fierce wind and light snow in Chicagoland. Wasn't it just 70 degrees here yesterday? It's just like the midwest to skip from summer directly to winter. Plus, we are under a wind advisory, and I don't even want to think what the wind chill is. But on the bright side, the colder weather makes me want to start a fire and knit the day away. Welcome back all of you seasonal knitters!

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2005-11-15T13:29:00.000-08:00

Check out our new listing of Knitting Events

Is your favorite fiber fair listed?

Loop-d-loop with Nadia

Our latest exclusive pattern is a 3 color scarf.

Tie a bow with Gabrielle

A cropped jacket.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions

Over 60 free knitting patterns have just been added.

Enter the contest Knit One, Shop Too

Win a knitting bag, 3 skeins of yarn, and a knitting book.

View the latest Book reviews

Finding mittens in a blizzard.

View the latest Product reviews

Jewelry for your scissors.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

What were they thinking? The Daily Knitter Blog

The Daily Knitter editors share their knitting thoughts and much more.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Bag Your Old Sweaters

2005-11-03T17:19:00.000-08:00

I came across this great article in Woman's Day Magazine about turning your old wool sweaters into felted bags. The author describes the process for store bought sweaters, but it could of course be used for any sweater you knitted but no longer wear. Or how about all of those ponchos sitting in a drawer that are no longer stylish? It does make me regret some of the wool sweaters I tossed out years ago that my husband accidentally put in the washer. (Yes, I am thankful my husband does laundry -- but it was one of my favorite sweaters! And I will never forget the look on his face when he presented it to me with a sincere apology.) That green sweater would have made a really cute bag. Anyway, here's the link below. Enjoy!

http://www.womansday.com/article.asp?section_id=3&article_id=9818

Welcome The Oregon Wood Worker

2005-11-03T17:14:00.000-08:00

Welcome to The Oregon Wood Worker, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering handcrafted yarn swifts. Their ad can be found on the Exclusive Patterns page at the Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

Calling All Knitting Events

2005-11-02T17:04:00.000-08:00

The Daily Knitter editors are putting together a list of knitting events around the country and need your help. Do you have a favorite knitting event that you attend each year? Does your communiy hold a fiber fair? Please email us the details at editor@DailyKnitter.com so we can make our list as complete as possible. And check The Daily Knitter later this month for the listing.

Welcome LexieBarnes.com

2005-11-01T14:11:00.000-08:00

Welcome to LexieBarnes.com, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering contemporary knitting bags. Their ad can be found on the What's New page at the Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

Time to Think About Holiday Gifts

2005-10-28T08:26:00.000-07:00

Now that Halloween is almost here, it will be time for many of us to start thinking about holiday knitting projects. I love giving hand knit items to family and friends for gifts. Unless I started knitting on December 26th, I will never have time to knit sweaters for everyone on my list. So I am always on the look out for quick knit items to give as gifts. And something unique is always appreciated. I've already given the scarf, hat, mitten, etc. The hunt for ideas begins!

Corinne

How much yarn for this?

2005-10-26T08:22:00.000-07:00

One of The Daily Knitter readers emailed us the link below to a clever cartoon that appeared in the Washington Post last month. It's a comment on high energy costs where a woman has knit a sweater for her house. How much yarn would that take???

http://www.uclick.com/client/wpc/cl/2005/09/30/index.html

Soy Silk Yarn

2005-10-23T15:40:00.000-07:00

I noticed the post on the Daily Knitter message boards regarding Soy Silk. What is it?

Soy Silk yarn is an evironmentally friendly fiber made from the soybean residue obtained during tofu manufacturing. Soy protein is liquefied and then processed into long, continuous fibers to be cut and dyed just like other natural fibers such as cotton, linen and flax. The yarn is soft and shiny, plus takes dyes beautifully.

Ask your local knitting shop to carry the yarn, if they don't already.

Anne

Knitting and Blogging in the News

2005-10-17T16:59:00.000-07:00

Here's a link to a nice article about knitting blogs. The author says there are more than 900 out there.

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2005/10/07/tech/main925764.shtml

What's New at The Daily Knitter

2005-10-17T16:55:00.000-07:00

Enter the contest Knit One, Shop Too

Win a knitting bag, 3 skeins of yarn, and a knitting book.

Check out Adopt a Musk Ox

Where luxurious fibers come from.

Lots of texture with Sabrina

Our latest exclusive pattern is a belted sweater.

Purple haze with Camille

A easy to knit shrug.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions

Over 50 free knitting patterns have just been added.

View the latest Book reviews

Knitting is not a crime.

View the latest Product reviews

Twelve months of knitting.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Swatch Me

2005-10-11T18:07:00.000-07:00

I visited a new yarn shop while out of town this past week, a favorite past time of mine. This yarn shop had a small swatch knitted up for each and every yarn they have in stock. No exception. And a tag on the swatch indicated the gauge and needle size. Plus, for a few of the yarns they even had a felted swatch with the before and after measurements. How wonderful!

All yarn shops should do this. I think it would really help their sales. In my opinion, there are some yarns that are very ugly in a ball, but knit up beautifully.

Abby

An Elbow in the Side

2005-10-08T07:41:00.000-07:00

I went to see the new Wallace and Gromit movie last night and during the opening received a quick elbow in the side from my friend. (My friend is not a knitter) Gromit is an avid knitter and the opening is a series of photos which include Gromit knitting a vest for Wallace and him wearing it. How cute! And in the middle of the movie while they are searching for the Were-Rabbit, Gromit starts knitting in the car while waiting for Wallce. Another elbow...

And this morning she sent me a link to the figurine below. I have a feeling my birthday gift has already been ordered. : )

Where did the summer go?

2005-09-30T07:53:00.000-07:00

Is it just me, or do summers seem to get shorter and shorter the older you get? I swear it was just yesterday that I was picking my spring tulips and harvesting peas from the garden. But as the days get shorter and our night time temperatures drop into the 30s, I do have fond memories of knitting in front of the fireplace with a mug of hot cocoa.

Many of us still think of knitting as a winter hobby. It's hard not to with all the buly wool yarns out there. So dust off your knitting needles and hit your favorite yarn shop. With over 1000 free knitting patterns on The Daily Knitter, we have lots to keep you busy.

Anne

Under the Boardwalk @ Stitches East

2005-09-24T15:39:00.000-07:00

Thanks to all of the Daily Knitter readers who have emailed us upon their return from the Stitches East event being held this weekend in Atlantic City, New Jersey. And congratulations to the origanizers on their 15th year. We've heard about all of the new things you learned, the people you met, and a lot about the marketplace and vendors. It sounds like a knitter's nirvana! If you missed out on this event, make sure to check our your next local knitting extravanganza.

I've pasted the event organizer's summary below.

Corinne

Stitches East Summary

2005-09-24T10:14:00.000-07:00

It's All About Good Knitting

Stitches East, now in its 15th year, is being held September 22-25, 2005 at the Sheraton in Atlantic City, New Jersey.
Knitters come back to Stitches Events year after year, because of the enthusiasm, the camaraderie, the classes, and the teachers! The line-up for events this year is sure to please everyone from novice knitters to knitting luminaries alike.
Stitches is a place for fun and discovery as well as intensity and concentration. Learn more about your favorite technique or try something new. The festive, hands-on excitement created by colorful exhibits and live demonstrations encourages you to go from thinking, to trying, to buying, to doing.
See you at Stitches!

Before And After

2005-09-13T09:41:00.000-07:00

I still have butterflies when I place my knitting in washing machine to felt. Even after felting a swatch, you never really can be sure what you are going to get. There are so many variables...water temperature, type of soap, amount of soap, length of time, etc. But the first time I remove the item from the washing machine, I always smile. It still amazes me that the "before" knitted Emma bag shown below resulted in the "after" on DailyKnitter.com under Exclusive Patterns. Hurray for felting!

What's New at The Daily Knitter

2005-09-13T09:36:00.000-07:00

Check out Let Me Help You With That

The risks of KIP.

Carry it all with Emma

Our latest exclusive pattern is a felted bag.

Jump into autumn with Rina

A four button cardigan.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions

Over 45 free knitting patterns have just been added.

View the latest Book reviews

This book is not for you.

View the latest Product reviews

Rough yarn, soft hands.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

The Joke Is On You

2005-09-07T06:53:00.000-07:00

I was told this joke by a fellow knitter at a Stitch n Bitch last night. It still makes me smile!

A policeman sees a woman driving and knitting at the same time. Driving up beside her, he yells out the window... "PULL OVER!" "No," she shouts back, "a pair of SOCKS!"

Anne

Too Sick To Knit

2005-09-01T08:59:00.000-07:00

Ugh... I came down with some serious food poisoning last week after eating cereal with spoiled milk. I have a poor sense of smell and didn't realize the milk I brought back from a weekend camping trip had spoiled. I hate to waste anything, but the milk was obviously not kept cold enough in the cooler. Needless to say, I was too miserable to even knit. All I could do was sleep. Guess one of the new Exclusive Patterns will just have to wait.

Corinne

This corn tastes funny

2005-08-25T13:43:00.000-07:00

The first time I used some of these tomatoes in my homemade chili, my husband said, "What a great idea, you put corn in here." My response, "I did?" Turns out he was seeing some of the Yellow Pears I added in with the other varieties of tomatoes.

One of my favorite things about gardening is being able to plant varieties of vegetables you can't find in the grocery store. These Yellow Pear tomatoes are deliciously tangy and I like using them in salads or for a colorful addition to relish trays. I will also throw a few into my chili to add a bit of color. I had only recently only harvested a few of these in my garden due to the drought, but we have received some good rains the last 2 weeks and the tomatoes especially took off.

Corinne

Bobbles without bobbling

2005-08-18T17:28:00.000-07:00

I've never been a big fan of creating bobbles in my knitting. They take a lot of patience and concentration, something I seem to be in short supply of lately. A fellow knitter at my local knitting group recommended using a particular Joann Sensations yarn on smaller needles to get the look of bobbles. She produced a scarf she had made and I fell in love. Here's a picture of the yarn below. A new Daily Knitter exclusive pattern is in the works with this yarn, Sensations Bellissimo.

Jane

What's New at The Daily Knitter

2005-08-12T07:32:00.000-07:00

Check out Our Favorite Knitting Tips

Twisted sister and more.

Tee off with Michelle

Our latest exclusive pattern is a cotton golf vest.

Dazzle them with Geena

A ladder yarn scarf.

Matching earrings with Leena

A quick I-cord times two.

Yarn combining with Kayla

A chunky thin scarf.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions

Over 75 free knitting patterns have just been added.

View the latest Book reviews

Spin the color wheel.

View the latest Product reviews

Zip a dee doo dah.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

More and More Yarn

2005-08-10T19:08:00.000-07:00

I visited a large JoAnn store last night and was amazed at how large their yarn section has become. I believe the store is barely a year old and they have already tripled the number of aisles dedicated to yarn. They always had the "mass market" types of yarn in the lower to mid price range. A good selection, but not a lot of natural fibers. This has all changed. They now have a bunch of higher end yarns, including lots of 100% wools and wool mixes. I was really impressed. Actually, I was totally overwhelmed and it took me almost an hour to select two different kinds of yarn. Not a good place to be for someone who has trouble making decisions!

I had a similar experience at Meijer the week before. They have doubled their yarn section, now on both sides of one aisle. More of a lower end, all synthetic selection, but they do carry Lion Brand and even NY Yarns, which I am fond of.

It's makes me so happy that knitting has become popular and many stores now offer a full yarn selection. I still spend a lot of time (and money) in my local yarn shop, but sometimes I need something a little less expensive when I am making a gift or teaching. Choices are always good.

Corinne

Welcome to Wool2Dye4.com

2005-08-10T07:27:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Wool2Dye4.com, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter, offering natural undyed yarns. Their ad can be found in the Yarn Shop Directory pages at the Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

Knitting Does A Body Good

2005-08-07T14:38:00.000-07:00

My sister had some surgery this past week and is staying with me for her recovery. I introduced her to knitting a few days ago with some Lamb's Pride wool yarn and a set of size 9 circular needles. She is already 8 inches into her first scarf.

I had to laugh at her comment, "Is that all there is to it?" Yep, you can create a nice scarf with just the knit stitch. This does bring back memories of when I first picked up a set of knitting needles. What a thrill it is to realize that something so lovely can be created from a simple ball of yarn. All it takes is a bit of time and being confined to a recliner for 23 hours a day helps, too.

Muggle Knitting Patterns

2005-08-03T08:47:00.000-07:00

What's a Muggle? If you are a Harry Potter fan, no explanation is necessary. If not, Muggles are us non-magic folks. And while reading the new Harry Potter book yesterday I discovered the passage below from chapter 4 of the book.

'Oh, there you are, Albus,' he said. 'You've been a very long time. Upset stomach?''No, I was merely reading the Muggle magazines,' said Dumbledore. 'I do love knitting patterns.'

Looks like I'm not the only one who keeps knitting magazines in the loo.

There are plenty of references to knitting in the Harry Potter books. Mrs. Weasley knits sweaters for her entire family each year and I fondly remember when Harry received one his first Christmas at Hogwarts.

Anne

The Story Behind the Pattern

2005-07-29T05:48:00.000-07:00

The Shelby Cat Throne was named for a finicky cat who lives in central Illinois. For some reason she will not sit directly on your lap, only walk back and forth across your lap all the while purring. The cat pictured on the site under Exclusive Patterns is named Hershey and immediately claimed the throne as soon as it was completed. (Actually he claimed it several times while I was knitting it. I would set my knitting down and even if I would be gone just for a minute, he would be sitting on it when I returned.) So I had to knit a second one for Shelby herself. And I am happy to post irrefutable evidence that she loves it!

Harvest Time

2005-07-25T16:02:00.000-07:00

It's harvest time at my garden plot. After weeks of no rain at all, we have received about two inches in the last week and the vegetables really took off. I was especially worried about the corn which seemed to be stunted even thought I was watering it every other day. The other gardeners tell me there is just no substitute for rain; all vegetables suffer even if they are well watered by hand.

I have yet to cut open the cucumbers, but the corn was eaten almost immediately. It was so sweet and delicious even without butter. I simply placed the cobs in a glass baking dish, put a little water in the bottom, covered it with saran wrap, and microwaved for 7 minutes. Mmmm!

It's Fabulous

2005-07-23T14:20:00.000-07:00

I came across the Caron Fabulous yarn last weekend and knew I had to have it. It is a "ladder type" yarn and will not be easy to knit with, but I fell in love with the feel of it and especially the colors. Reminds me of the ocean. If anyone can share some tips for knitting with this type of yarn, it would be much appreciated!

Keep an eye out for an Exclusive Pattern on the Daily Knitter using the yarn. A shrug anyone?

Anne

It's Rained!

2005-07-20T16:43:00.000-07:00

I ran home from an errand this afternoon so anxious to check out my rain gauge. I never thought I would say that, but it has been so dry here this summer and we actually got rain. But how much? Almost an inch, my trusty rain gauge said. Next I'll be running out to my garden plot to see if the rain did much good out there. It fell so fast, in less than 20 minutes, that I wonder if it had enough time to sink in. The ground is so hard and cracked. I guess I shouldn't complain...

Corinne

My Knitting Chair

2005-07-17T14:39:00.000-07:00

When I booted my husband out of my favorite knitting chair last night, he asked me, "Why does it have to be this chair? It seems you won't knit anywhere else." I have been seriously contemplating his question ever since. The end of my leather sectional recliner with the arm on your left hand side when you sit down is the ONLY place I am entirely comfortable knitting. The height of the arm is perfect. I can set my knitting bag on the recliner's footrest at a ideal distance. My lap is at a terrific angle where I can work with my needles and have a cat on my lap. It is my perfect knitting chair! Somebody out there ought to design a knitting chair with adjustable arms, places for your yarn, storage for needles, etc. I would love it!

Anne

It's Edible

2005-07-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

I saw this yarn and immediately thought of cotton candy. But I next thought of all the pink I see in women's golf wear right now. Keep an eye out for a golf vest in the next set of Daily Knitter Exclusive patterns.

What's New at The Daily Knitter

2005-07-08T06:09:00.000-07:00

Check out The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly Yarn

Flea market knitting finds.

Try the new Daily Knitter Crossword Puzzle

Can you fill in all of the knitting terms?

Show off your shoulders with Peggy

Our latest exclusive pattern is a tube top with small sleeves.

Give a perfect gift with the April flower basket

The yarn's name inspired this "one size fits all" project.

Felt an evening bag with the Carrie clutch purse

Combining wool and eyelash yarn with fantastic results.

Search the Free Patterns for new additions

Over 75 free knitting patterns have just been added.

View the latest Book reviews

No "fru-fru" for Fido allowed

View the latest Product reviews

Are you a Wild Woman Knitting?

What were they thinking? The Daily Knitter Blog

The Daily Knitter editors share their knitting thoughts and much more.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Welcome to Knit One, Cruise Too!

2005-07-06T18:49:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Knit One, Cruise Too!, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Their ad can be found on the What's New, Exclusive Patterns, and Yarn Shop Directory pages at the Daily Knitter. Check it out!

Abby

Is that a blimp?

2005-07-05T15:58:00.000-07:00

While playing 18 holes on a local golf course Saturday afternoon, I heard a strange buzzing overhead. The course is adjacent to the local Dupage County airport, but the noise did not sound like an airplane. I never expected to see Snoopy in the sky! There was the Snoopy II blimp coming in for a landing. My guess is that the blimp was in town for the Western Open golf tournament, but what a treat to watch it come in for a landing.

Corinne

One for the Record Book

2005-07-01T13:42:00.000-07:00

June 2005 has officially been designated the 2nd hottest and 2nd driest month on record here in Chicagoland. This is in over 77 years of continuous observations! The farmers are desperate and our front lawn is brown, brown, brown. My husband is the official "waterer" of the house and has decided to just give up on the lawn. He is focusing on the trees, shrubs, and flowers.

Today the heat has broken and we are only supposed to reach 80 degrees. This is great, but there are still no major rains in the forecast. Ugh!

Anne

Knit Out a Success

2005-06-27T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Knit Out On the Courthouse Lawn as part of Swedish Days in Geneva, IL, was a huge success. Even though the weather was steamy, all of the knitters who attended enjoyed the festivities. We especially liked the fastest knitter, blind-folded knitter and two-headed knitter competitions. What's a two-headed knitter? It is two knitters, each with one hand tied behind their back, having to work together to knit a swatch.

For more details, you can read an article on the event at the Daily Herald linked below.

http://www.dailyherald.com/search/searchstory.asp?id=65939

Knit Out on the Courthouse Lawn

2005-06-21T17:21:00.000-07:00

Attention all Chicagoland knitters! Wool and Company, a yarn shop in Geneva, IL, is hosting "Knit Out on the Courthouse Lawn" this Wednesday as part of the annual Swedish Days festival. The announcement from their website is copied below.

This festival is a midsummer’s day and night dream for anyone who delights in good food and drink, music and live entertainment, and free activities that are fun for kids as well as adults! Originally a celebration of Geneva’s Swedish roots, the festival has transformed into a celebration of sun and summer! Join us downtown in Geneva for a rousing parade, nightly entertainment, including a Custom & Classic Motorcycle Show, Art Show & Craft Show, an old-fashioned carnival, and of course, great shopping in our historic business district. More information at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce web site.

At Wool and Company we have organized a Knit Out on the Courthouse Lawn. On Wednesday, June 22nd don't miss our first ever Knit Out on the Courthouse lawn. It runs from 11am 'til 3pm on the South Lawn of the Old Courthouse on 3rd street. We will have competitions at 12, 1pm and 2pm with drawings and prizes in between. Some of our vendors have been very generous and we have some lovely gifts to give out. Bring your knitting project and your lunch, or enjoy some of the delicious fare available at the many vendor booths on 3rd street. If you don't yet know how to knit, that's OK, we will teach you the basics. If you want to bring small children, the Creation Station on James Street, is offering Puppet shows and then a take and make puppet session. Toooo cooool!

Name That Herb

2005-06-21T15:37:00.000-07:00

Recognize the herb pictured below? I wouldn't have been able to identify it prior to this afternoon. It's fennel, which belongs to the Umbellifereae family and is closely related to parsley, carrots, dill and coriander. It is also an excellent source of vitamin C.

The entire fennel plant is edible, but the seeds are what is typically found in your spice rack. According to McCormick's website, fennel seeds are an important ingredient in seasoning blends of the Mediterranean, Italy, China, and Scandinavia. Fennel seeds may be roasted prior to incorporation into seasoning blends to intensify their flavor. Fennel is used in curry blends, Chinese five spice, mirepoix, and herbes de Provence. Fennel is also used to flavor fish, sausages, baked goods, and liquors.

A fellow gardener passed these plants on to me and suggested I use the bulb sliced in a salad. I'll give it a try and report back tomorrow.

Corinne

Knit Out DC

2005-06-15T17:58:00.000-07:00

If you live in the Washington, DC, area make sure to mark Sunday, October 23rd on your calendar. The fifth annual Washington, DC, Knit Out and Crochet 2005 will be held on the National Mall in front of the Natural History Museum on that day. I have not personally attended the event, but have heard from many knitters that it is not be missed. According to the event's website at http://www.knit-out.org the day will include:

Learn to knit and crochet — Free lessons, and we have kits to get you started

Fashion shows — See wearable art from knitters and crocheters, local shops, and yarn companies

Charity corner — Start, finish, or bring a project to work on; help assemble charity blankets

Exhibits — See and touch the latest yarns from local shops and the industry

Show & share — Bring your latest creations and tell about them

Doctor is in! — Get advice on new techniques and problem projects

Meet and join — Make new friends in the knit/crochet community, learn about local groups

I'd love to hear from anyone who has attended in the past.

Anne

It's a Baby Strawberry

2005-06-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

The first season strawberry plants are in the garden, you are supposed to pull all of the flowers. This allows the plant to put all of its energy into growing a strong plant with sturdy roots, not fruit. While I was away from the garden for a few days, this baby strawberry snuck in. It can't hurt to let just one grow, right? And that one strawberry will taste so sweet.

I took the photo about a week ago and unfortunately, I will be unable to provide a newer one. Or give a detailed description on how sweet and juicy it was at picking. At least I can't, but perhaps I can track down the bird who ate it and ask for his opinion.

Next year there will be netting to protect my precious berries, that's for sure.

Corinne