Knitting for charity

I have been following Kyla Quinlan's knitting nuggets, knitting for charity. Recently she posted the seven most requested items for charity knitters. There were a few surprises; not only of what was listed but also of what wasn't! Here is the list:

No.7: Pet items.
No.6: Socks.
No.5: Mittens.
No.4: Afghan squares.
No.3: Afghans and blankets.
No.2: Preemie and baby items.
No.1: Hats.

I was surprised that pet items were listed until someone reminded me that the Humane Society and animal shelters need them. I thought scarves would be listed in the top seven, my students love to make them and they are a wonderful first project. Now, however I will encourage them to make small blankets to donate to animal shelters and the Humane Society instead.

More on the Orenburg Shawl

The most difficult part of knitting an Orenburg shawl is understanding the pattern. Altho graphed and very carefully detailed, there are differences in the pattern that make it difficult. One of the problems is counting the squares of the graph; there may be six squares or stitches on one side of a decrease and only five on the other side. While this is understandable as a K2 tog may make up the difference, it is still difficult to read. The second problem I'm having is in the purl decreases which are not consistent. In most of the lace patterns I've knitted, either there are no decreases in the purl rows or there are decreases in all the purl rows. However in this pattern the purl decreases are not in every row. Fortunately, the graph is very clear and plainly shows the decreases so I know it's just that I am not used to it.

Mitering the corner was not a problem. The instructions were very clear. I find the pattern is really hard on my eyes. I did eight rows today and my eyes are very tired. Over all, however, the pattern fascinates me.

Orenburg Lace Shawl

I started an Orenburg lace shawl that has been a challenge. Orenburg lace is famous in Russia and is world reknown. Originally there were 10 basic elements to the shawl and each knitter would develop her pattern using these basic elements. The patterns were always followed precisely. The shawls are also known as gossamer web or "wedding ring shawls" as the original ones were often so fine they could pass through a wedding ring. The thread I am using is not that fine, in fact the original thread is not available in the United States as far as I know. So far, I have the bottom border almost completed and will post it here soon.

Free Gift!

I forgot to mention that we will be giving a 30-piece pack of variety-sized needles with each order! Later, we hope to have random drawings for some really neat free gifts.

Last year I read "Pillars of the Earth" by Ken Follett and loved every page of it. I just started the sequel "World Without End" and am loving it too! Everyone told me that the sequel wasn't as good as the first book, but I am loving it.

Just a little knitting, just a little chatting and a few books.: Accessory Kits

Just a little knitting, just a little chatting and a few books.: Accessory Kits

Accessory Kits

 

 

 

 

Here are the knitting-crochet accessory kit and the tatting kit! They are finally on facebook, e-bay and here. Judy and I are really pleased with the way they have turned out. We hope everyone will visit us on facebook and also our store in e-bay. We are looking for feedback (good and not-so-good) from all of you.

Brittney's Farewell Dinner

Brittney got married on January 8. We had a combination Christmas/farewell dinner for her at the Olive Garden.