Yarn Lover's News September 2010

Its September already wow that was fast. We’re all
thinking school; starting school, school fees,
school pictures and the much dreaded school shopping.
The start of school is the start of fall in most our
minds which is my favorite time of the year. The
flowers are dying off but the trees are so beautiful.
My husband and I live almost on the top of a very
large hill and I can see about 12 miles over a valley
and to 3 sides of us to the next high hill. It’s
beautiful this time of the year. It’s what sold this
house. I saw the colors of the trees throughout the
valley and said to my husband “Let’s buy this one!”
Never even went inside the house before we both thought
this house was to be our home. We’re coming around to
that time of the year again. My favorite!

Let’s see … things to do in the fall. You could travel a
tad sightseeing all those color. Make a scare crow for
your front door. Start looking for that perfect pumpkin
to carve. You can be sure of one thing September and
October is the time to think about knitting or crocheting
or any of the other hand craft arts. Isn’t that wonderful?
Is for me! It’s also the time you should start to be
thinking, gift giving, if you’re one of the many who still
make their Christmas/ Hanukkah gifts. I’ll
be sending out several e-mails with gift giving
ideas along with patterns to complete.

How about this … I’m going to start giving knitting and
crochet classes by way of e-mails coming right to
your “in-box”. The first one ….Is (Let’s hear the
drum roll) … a fall poncho. We’ll be making this
using all fall colors (oranges, tan, browns, rusts,
greens, reds, gold’s, etc. as many or as few as
you’d like). We’ll learn to change color, increase
stitches, use several crochet stitches, weave in the
ends of strands, and properly finish our poncho.
I have a feeling with what’s going on in the
government this year that we’ll be calling this year
“the good ole days” in the not too distant future.
You’ll have your very own poncho from the “golden days”
you made sitting on the fence waiting to find out if
our days will get better or…!. I’m sure this poncho will
become one of your favorite.
Don’t crochet??? Don’t worry I’ll teach you. Make this
poncho for yourself or for a special gift to give. I
didn’t know how to crochet either at one time, but then
I learned. I can now say I can both read a pattern and
follow the directions. Now it’s your turn to learn all
that too. I’m starting with ponchos because I think
they are now and have always been my #1 most asked
for pattern. Let’s make one together. I’ll be
sending more on this crochet lesson within the month.
I’m also looking for other knitting or crocheting
classes you’d like me to add. You’re input is needed.
Send any class requests to knit@knitting-crochet.com
with class request in the subject line.

Now on to more news … In the next month or two I’m
going to go though my email from long ago, clean it
all out, all the saved e-mail for one reason or the
other, go through it all and get it answered. This may
take some time as I have over 4,000 of them. Answer
what I can or send links about questions I can’t to you
all of by way of updates and newsletter. Yup clean
out and start anew. I love doing that.

Each time I ask a question of you all you all come back
with an answer, I’m doing it again. This question
went out several years ago but just in the last 3 or
4 months I’ve been getting lots of questions regarding
odor in your yarn.
So…… read on.
When I asked if anyone knew of a way to get
the smoke smell out of yarn? Once again you came
through for me. Sending dozens of great ways to remove
odor, of any kind, from your yarn or finished
knitted / crocheted items. Thank you to all of you.
Below you'll find a few tips crafters sent in to share
with you all while the rest can be seen at
www.knitting-crochet.com/odo.html. Sorry I can't
include them all here. These newsletters are already
long enough.

Dawn says; Try pouring approximately 1 cup of
un-perked coffee grounds in a plastic container
with holes poked in it then placing the container
and the yarn in a large plastic bag and sealing it
for 24 hours. The coffee grounds will absorb the
tobacco smell. Truck drivers use this in their
trailers after hauling onions, and the smell is gone
completely. And I know of smokers who place an open
container on their counter or table and their house
does not smell smoky.

Marcia lets us know; A few years back I purchased
several yards of upholstery fabric at a yard sale.
I learned, too late, that the fabric had the strong
and persistent odor of cat "spray." I washed it several
times but could not get the odor completely out. So
I hung it on the railing of my deck in the sunlight
for many days, removing it when it rained, and returning
it when the sun was out again. I continued this until
the odor was gone. I don't recall how long it took,
but several days at least. If Louise can tolerate the
smell of tobacco while she knits (not easy, I'll admit)
I'm sure the sunlight and fresh air would remove the
smell from the finished piece. To protect the piece from
fading, she could cover it with another lightweight
fabric. I hope this helps...

Janice said; I have found that a dryer sheet and the
fluff cycle are effective for getting rid of cigarette
smoke odor. However, it will depend on how deeply the
odor has penetrated the skein of yarn. Also, if the
knitter can stand the odor herself, she can knit the
article and then put it in the dryer with a sheet on
fluff. That will definitely eliminate the odor.

Mel sent in; Hello, for the tobacco smell,
I would make the project then wash it, if the
febreeze doesn't work.

Sandi says; In regard to the tobacco-scented yarn:
I'd try leaving it outside for a few days and if
that didn't work, perhaps placing it in ziploc baggies
with a dryer sheet or a cotton ball or two with a few
drops of true essential oil (my favorites are orange
or lavender). This always leaves my creations
smelling fresh and nicely scented. The other great
odor absorber, of course, is baking soda. In that
case, I'd again seal it in a baggie with the yarn
loosened somewhat and baking soda sprinkled into the
baggie, then let set for a while. Can't hurt to try...
I've used all methods. It just depends on how saturated
the yarn is, whether or not the smell will go away.
Hand-washing the yarn in cool water with a small amount
of detergent and then adding fabric softener might also
work! Gee, I'm just full of ideas! (I have a background in chemistry!) Hope one of these suggestions helps! Lisaizme idea is to; Place in a box with crumpled
up newspapers. Somehow the newspapers absorb the
offensive odor. Fabric softener sheets. Just plain air
(as in leave outside in garage) if the knitter/crocheter
isn't too allergic, they could try making the shawl
and THEN washing it. Most yarn I'd recommend washing
(placing it in a nylon stocking or knee-high first)
but with Homespun, it's so dense it might not dry quick
enough and then you'd have mildewed tobacco...
ewwwww Good luck.

Now on to some questions and answers. This is fast
becoming your favorite part of the newsletter
I'm told. Who would have thought?

Q. Hi: I am working on a baby afghan and the pattern
calls for a stitch I have never done before…it is P1 yo
P1 all in the same stitch. I think I am doing it right
but would love to verify that with someone more
experienced. Thanks, Patti

A. This is purl one, yarn over, purl one again all in
the same stitch. You're increasing your count by 2.

************

Q. Hi, Do you have any information on how to cut
fabric strips for knitting. Is there a way to do
it so they are continuous and not just bias strips
knotted together? Thank you in advance. Linda

A. I've done this. I cut in a circle. Here is how I did it.
Round off the 4 square edges taking off as little
as possible. Start at one of the corners and start
cutting in a circle. Going around and around as wide
(1/4 inch, or wider) as you’d like. When you're done
wrap all this in a ball. Your long string won't
lay smooth but will work up wonderfully. You could
also cut your strips from your fabric end to end.
Then sew them end to end into one long strip.
That would work too!

*****

Q. I have a question for you. I have not seen an
answer to this yet, but that doesn't mean it hasn't
been answered. Anyway, here goes …. When knitting or
crocheting clothes, how to you make the bottom larger
than the top. I have a friend I want to make a sweater
for, but it does not give directions to make the
bottom part of the sweater larger to accommodate her,
and I'm not real savvy and figuring out how many stitches
to add per inch or however this could be done. Have any s
uggestions? Thanks Jeanette G.

A. Yes Jeanette it's possible and here's how it can
be done. Take your gauge. How many sts per inch? How
many more inches would you like this sweater to be?
(Around her largest part you want to widen).
Now look at the patterns widest part of the sweater.
How wide in inches is it? How much more would you like
it? Let's say you want it 8 more inches wider, and you're
getting 5 sts to the inch. 8 inches times 5 sts each
are 40 more sts.
Add that to the number for the widest part of the
sweater for a grand total of …?
If you were making the bottom larger than the top
I'd forget the ribbing. Just cast on the number of
sts needed at the widest part plus your extra you'll
be adding. Knit about 4 or 5 rows (depending on the
yarn weight... you'll know by looking at it) for a
garter sts edge. This will keep your sweater from
rolling up or under.
Now you need to get back down to the real number of
stitches needed for the underarm. So...
Look to see how many stitches you need before the
pattern tells you to dec (if you do) for the underarm.
Subtract that number from the number you cast on. Let's
use the 40 extra sts. Your patterns directions will
tells you to work until your body is so many inches
long or to the underarm lengthen you'd like this.
Let's say 15 inch until you start the underarm. .
So you need to dec 40 sts in 15 inches. Let's say
you're getting 8 rows to the inch. 8 rows times 15
inches is 120 rows. Remember you want this larger in
the stomach area. So start your dec 2/3 way up the
sweater. Which in this case is after the 80 th row,
Because you want to dec 40 sts and you have 40 more
rows to go until you've reached the underarm, you'll
dec one sts every row. If you dec in the same spot it
will show. If I were doing this will making a pull over
I’d decrease in a different spot on each row. If making
a cartitgan you could decrease at the beginning of the rows.
There you have it.

*****

Q. I hope that this e-mail gets to the right person
who can help me … There is a Navajo afghan pattern
on your site that I would really love to make – my
only hang-up is it calls for so many skeins of 4-ply
yarn but there is no ounce or yardage to go with that.
Do you by change know the measurements?

A. I wish I could tell you how much yarn to get
but I can’t. It depends on if you’re knitting or
crocheting. You’re tension. But I can let you in on a
little rule of thumb to use and that is this …. To make
a baby or an afghan of about 36 inches square you'll
need about 1,000 yards or so of yarn. For an afghan of
about 60 by 60 you'll need around 2,600 yards or so.
Twice that for a large king size afghan or bedspread.

***********

Q. Hi...I want to learn how to knit but I don't
know how I start ..........thanks

A. There are tons of books on the subject,
videos to watch, lessons on the web and I'm sure
if you check out a craft shop or yarn shop they'll
have something planned in the way of teaching knitting.

*****

Q. Hi Shirley, I have a question about how to save on
my computer the free patterns that are on so many of
the links you provide in your newsletter.
I don't know how to do it with pictures. I save the
text ok, but would like the pic's too so I can
remember what the finished project is supposed to
look like. I've tried "right clicking" on the pic to
save it that way, but I can never bring it back up in
the text doc to save.
Thanks for a great publication, and all the advice
and links. Mary

A. Right click on the picture. "Save as". Name it what
ever you'd like. Don't forget to save it in the same format.
Jpg, gif or what ever.
The computer will want to save it in a default folder.
So either save the picture here or choose the downward
arrow and pick a different place to save it in.
On your word doc, put your mouse on the area of the
page you'd like to add your picture and click. Go up
to " insert" THE TOP OF YOUR WORD DOC. Then click on "picture" then "from file". Now go to the file you
saved your picture in and click on the name you gave it.
It should show up.
Note: I made a folder and named it "my pictures".
I put all my pictures in there. In that folder I have
them broken down as follows: family, web, and vacation.
Click on the picture you'd like to add to your pattern
and presto it's now on your word doc. Save again to keep
the picture with the patterns text.

*****

Q. Hi! I'm a little new to knitting and how to follow
the instructions. I am just about done with one of the
mittens using your 2-needle pattern. I have finished
all the decreasing instructions up to Row 13. I have
about 5 stitches left on the needle. Do I bind these
off? Also, you say to leave a tail for sewing the
side seam later. How long of a tail? Your help would
be most welcome. I look forward to hearing from you.
Margaret M.

A. No don't bind off. Cut your yarn about 12 inches
from your mitten top. Thread a weaving needle and
pull through all the loops of the 5 stitches.
Pull to tighten. This yarn will now be your tail to
weave with.
Weave up your side seams with this piece of yarn.
Or
Cut closer to your work (about 4 inches) Cut.
Thread weaving needed. Put through the 5 stitches.
Make slipknot and pull tight. Weave this into the
inside or back side of your mitten for a couple inches.
Use the yarn you left hanging from your cast on
Row in the beginning for a tail (again about 12
inches, depending on the length of your seam)
to weave up to the tip. .
Does that help?

*****

Q. I am having difficulty keeping my stocking
stitch cast on edge from curling. Do you have any
tricks or techniques to stop this from happening?
Eva C.

A. Yes Eva, either one of two ways. Start with 3
rows or so of garter stitch than work your pattern.
Or work this garter stitch row or two to later be
taken out using waste yarn. Or if this edge will be
weaved into … say the side seam… don’t worry about it,
the weaving will correct this.

************

Q. Shirley, I have a question. I keep reading here
and there about this idea of putting scraps in a
bag and then pulling them out without looking when
working the afghan. I want to try that, but need
a little clarification... 1) How many ounces of yarn are we talking about?
One big long piece or half a skein or a whole skein? 2) Can it be any colors or do you have to sort of
have some semblance of coordination to ensure they
go together? 3) How is this really going to look? Do I have
parts with a long segment of color and then parts
with just a small strip of color? Or will it look
like one big mess? 4) I need patterns that will work with this idea.
Can you give me two knit ones and two crochet ones?
Thanks for your help. Marlene C

A. # 1. I'd start with about 24 ounces or so.
You'll need more for a large afghan, less for a
baby one. # 2. Any color. Warm shades with cool shades.
Colors you normally wouldn't put together will
work up beautifully. # 3. It will look wonderful. And will probably become your favorite. A stand long to work up several rows, down to a strand that will only work up part of a row.
Weave in or lock your ends in as you go.
You'll be surprised at the beauty of this when
you're well into this. It's fun, fun FUN! No
two will ever be alike. # 4. For knitting
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/begkniafg.html
Or
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/viclac.html
Crochet
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/jewton.html
Don't follow patterns color.
Just use scrapes as you pick them out of the bag.
Or
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/easonetwothr.html

*****

Q Hi, Do you have any patterns for knit granny
squares? Thanks

A. You bet ya. Here you go Basket Weave St.
Knitting needle # 3
Cast 30 st.
Multiple of 10 sts R0w 1: Knit Rows 2, 4 & 6: K6, P4 Rows 3 & 5: K4, P6 Row 7: Knit Rows 8, 10 & 12: P4, K6 Rows 9 & 11: P6, K4 Repeat rows 1-12 for pattern. Repeat these two
rows till 7" long.

****************

Box Stitch
Knitting needle # 3
Cast 32 st.
Row 1: k2, p2, repeat across Row 2: k2, p2, repeat across. Row 3: p2, k2, repeat across. Row 4: p2, k2, repeat across. Repeat until 7' long.

***************

Moss Stitch
Knitting needle # 3
Cast 32 stitches Row 1 & 2: k1 p1 repeat across. Row 3 & 4: p1 k1 repeat across. Work until 7; long.

*********************

Rice Stitch
Knitting needle # 3
Cast 32 stitches Row 1: k1 p1 repeat across. Row 2: Knit across. Repeat until 7' long.

***************

Double Seed Stitch
Knitting needle # 3
Cast 32 Row 1; k2, p2, repeat across. Row 2; p2, k2, repeat across. Work until 7' long.

*********************

Scattered Oats (knit)
Worsted Weight Yarn, Size 6 needles
Cast on 33 sts.

Row 1 (right side): - K2, *(keeping yarn to back of work) sl 1 as to purl, K3; repeat from * 7 times
more, ending last rep by working K2 instead of K3.

Row 2: - P2, *(keeping yarn to front of work) sl 1
as to purl, P3; repeat from * 7 times more, ending
last rep by working P2 instead of P3.

Row 3: - *Sl next 2 stitches onto cable needle and
hold at Back of work; knit next st (sl st),
then K2 from cable needle, K1; repeat from
* 7 times more, ending last rep by working
K2 instead of K1.

Row 4; - Purl

Row 5: - Rep Row 1

Row 6: - Rep Row 2

Row 7: - K1, *K1, sl next st (sl st) onto cable needle
and hold at FRONT of work; knit next 2 sts, then K1
from cable needle; rep from * 7 times more.

Row 8: - Purl
Repeat Rows 1 through 8 for pattern.

**********************

Shell Pattern
4.5 (7 needles) Worsted Wt
Cast on 32. K 3 Rows

4 th Row; K3, * yfwd, k8, yfwd, k1, Rep from * to last 2 sts, k2.

5 th Row; k4 , * p8, k3, Rep from * to last st k1.

6 th Row; K4 , * yfwd, k8, yfwd, k3. Rep from * to last st, k1.

7 th Row; K5 , *P8, K5, Rep from * to last 5sts. K5.

8 th Row; K5 , * yfwd, k8, yfwd, k5. Rep
from * to last 5sts, K5.

9 th Row; K6 , * p8. K7, Rep from * to last 6sts. K6.

10 th Row; K6 ; * k4 tog tbl (though back
loops), k4 tog, k7, Rep from * to last 6sts, k6.

11 th Row; K. Rep Rows 4-11: 5 times more.
Do 2 Rows garter st. Cast off.

*****

Q. I HAVE A QUESTION, I HAVE A PATTERN THAT IS
USING TO COLORS THEN IT SAYS TO BREAK
WHAT DOES BREAK A MEAN IN KNITTING? THANKS, JEANETTE A. Break or cut off color A. Start knitting or crocheting with the next color.
(Pattern must have more than one color.
Color A, B, C and so on.)

*****

Q. Hi my name is Kerry, and I am slowly teaching
myself to knit, could you tell me what “Bind Off”
means and “Knit into bar that is between the first
and next stitch to increase by 1 sts” I am
attempting to make a Poncho. I would very
much appreciate it if you could help me out.
Thanks, Kerry

A. These are not from my site but I think
they are about the best I've seen.
For the binding off go to
http://www.knittinghelp.com/knitting/basic_techniques/bind-off.php
For increase using the bar
http://www.dnt-inc.com/barhtmls/knit/Minc.html

*****

Q. Hi can you send me the Martha Stewart welcome
home poncho please I would love to attempt
to make it.

A. Here you go
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/marpon.html

*****

A great stocking cap from LaVina who sends us this.
Here is a stocking cap pattern that I use and
find it quick. It is basically the same pattern
for whatever size, yarn, and needles you use,
and is quick to knit: I make knitted stocking caps, of all sizes, and weights of yarn by using 1 pattern: (they usually
recommend acrylic yarns): Needle size 10 for adult size and 4 ply yarn; size 6 or 7 for children's size. I use short
circular needles. However, one could use
double-pointed needles instead.
With sport or super sport weight yarn; size 3 or
4 for baby yarn: Cast on 100 stitches, knit 2, purl 2 around (be careful not to twist the cast on stitches when starting
the first round). Work this rib stitch for the length you need for the size: for adults and teenagers about 8 inches.
Then decrease by purling the purl 2 stitches together:
On the 8th Row after, decrease by knitting the
knit 2 stitches together for 4 rows. Last Row: knit 2 stitches together around; you should have 25 stitches left. Cut your yarn about 8 inches from the last stitch, thread it into a yarn needle, slip the next stitches off 1 or 2 at a time, so the slipped stitches are now on the yarn, cinch it up tight to form the top of the hat. Weave in all ends. Fold up about an inch at the beginning of the hat: finished.
I make this 'adult' size for my grandson who is 10 years old.

*****

Another great pattern for a special little
girl below that can be seen at
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/babinabla.html
Baby in a Blanket
Materials: 5 sk of 4 ply yarn as follows:
1 sk of main color
3 sk of variegated color
1 sk contrasting color
Crochet hook G for body
Crochet hook H for blanket
Baby face and hands
Poly fill for stuffing Body Make 2 pieces (1 from mc and 1 from vc) Row 1: CH 19, SC IN 2ND CH FROM HOOK AND IN EACH CH ACROSS ROW, CH 1 TO TURN FOR ALL ROWS. ROW 2: SC IN EACH ST ACROSS ROW, CH 1, TURN REPEAT ROW 2 UNTIL PIECE MEASURE 6" LONG. FASTEN OFF. LEGS MAKE 2 WITH MAIN COLOR. CH 21, JOIN CH ROW 1: CH 1, SC IN EACH ST AROUND. (DO NOT JOIN, BUT WORK AROUND AND AROUND. WORK IN SC FOR 16 ROWS. FEET: WITH CC, FOLD LEG IN HALF AND WORK 10 SC ACROSS, THROUGH BOTH THICKNESSES. CH 1, TURN, WORK IN SC BACK AND FORTH FOR 7 ROWS ALL
TOGETHER FASTEN OFF. FOLD 2 CORNERS OF FEET TO CENTER OF PIECE TO FORM TRIANGLE AND TACK IN PLACE. FINISH OFF BY ATTACHING POM POMS ON EACH FOOT TO REPRESENT BOOTIES, WHERE THE 2 CORNERS WERE TACKED TOGETHER.
NOTE: SEE INSTRUCTIONS FOR POM POMS*. STUFF LEGS. POM POMS: MAKE 3- 2 FOR BOOTIES AND ONE FOR END OF BONNET. WRAP CC AROUND CARDBOARD AND 1 1/2" WIDE ABOUT 100 TURNS FIRMLY. TAKE OFF THE BOARD AND TIE IN CENTER TIGHTLY. SLIP SCISSOR IN LOOPS ON EACH SIDE AND CUT. TRIM AROUND, HOLDING ON TO TIE STRANDS. (DO NOT CUT TIE STRANDS- WILL BE USE TO TIE ON BONNET AND FEET.) MAKE AS ROUND AS POSSIBLE. ARMS: MAKE 2 WITH MC. CH 16, JOIN. WORK IN SC FOR 15 ROUNDS OR UNTIL PIECE MEASURES 3 1/2" LONG. FASTEN OFF. ATTACH CC AND MAKE A RUFFLE CUFF AROUND EDGE AS FOLLOWS: *SC, CH 1, SK 1 ST, IN NEXT ST MAKE 5 DCS WITH A CH 1 BETWEEN EACH DC, CH 1,
SK 1 ST, REPEAT FROM * AROUND, JOIN AND FASTEN OFF. (4 SHELLS). INSERT HANDS INTO ARMS, TIE IN PLACE. STUFF ARMS. BONNET: WITH MC, CH 40, JOIN. WORK IN SC FOR 12 ROUNDS. FASTEN OFF. GATHER UP AND TRIM WITH POM POM. ATTACH MC, WORK 12 SC ACROSS BACK EDGE OF BONNET, FASTEN OFF. ATTACH CC AND AROUND REST OF BONNET MAKE A RUFFLE BRIM EDGING SAME AS ARM EDGING FOR TRIM. MAKE AN 8" CH ON BOTH SIDES FOR TIES BLANKET: WITH VC, SEW THE 2 PIECES OF BODY WRONG SIDES TOGETHER AROUND THREE SIDES. STUFF AND FINISH SEWING TOGETHER. WITH H HOOK AND VC SIDE FACING, ATTACH VC AT ANY CORNER AND WORK 1 SC AROUND EDGES HAVING 16 SC ALONG SIDES OF BODY, 3 SC IN EACH 4 CORNERS, 15 SC ACROSS TOP AND BOTTOM EDGES OF BODY.
FINISH OFF. ROUND 1: ATTACH VC IN THE CENTER ON THE SIDE EDGE OF THE BODY (CH 3, 1 DC, CH 2, 2 DC IN SAME STITCH, * SK 2 STS, 3 DC IN NEXT STITCH, REPEAT FROM * 5 MORE TIMES. SKIP 2 STS, (2 DC, CH 2, 2 DC) IN NEXT ST, * SKIP 2 STS, 3 DC IN NEXT ST, REPEAT FROM * 5 MORE TIMES. SK 2 STS (2 DC, CH 2, 2 DC) IN NEXT ST, * SK 2 STS, 3 DC IN NEXT ST, REPEAT FROM * 5 MORE TIMES. SK 2 STS, (2 DC, CH 2, 2 DC) IN NEXT ST, * SK 2 STS, 3 DC IN NEXT ST, REPEAT FROM * 5 MORE TIMES, END JOIN IN TOP OF CH 3. ROUND 2: SL ST TO CH 2 SP, (CH 3, DC, CH 2, DC IN SAME CH 2 SP, 3 DC IN NEXT SP BETWEEN 3 DC GROUPINGS. CONITNUE AROUND IN PATTERN ST MAKING SURE YOU HAVE (2 DC, CH 2, 2 DC) IN EACH CH 2 SP. REPEAT ROUND 2 UNTIL THERE ARE 19 ROUNDS. BLANKET EDGING. WITH CC, SC IN SAME SP, WORK 9 DC IN CH 2 CORNER, * SC IN NEXT SP, 7 DC IN NEXT SP, REPEAT FROM * UNTIL YOU REACH NEXT CORNER CH 2 SP, 9 DC IN CH 2 SP, REPEAT AROUND BLANKET IN PATTERN MAKING SURE THERE ARE 9 DC IN EACH
CORNER SPACE, END SL ST TO TOP OF CH 3. FINISHING: SEW ON ARMS AND LEGS TO MC SIDE OF BODY.
STUFF BONETT AND ATTACH HEAD TO BONNET.
ATTACH HEAD TO BODY
Thank you YOLANDA for sharing this with us.
From the mailbag we find these;

* Dear Shirley ~ you’re not going to believe this
but I just now had the chance to read your May
newsletter and enjoyed it sooo much. I didn't
want it to end. I hope another will come real
soon, although I know it takes a lot of time.
I also hope you are feeling much better and it
is great that your daughter is helping you.
Anxiously awaiting the next newsletter,
Wilda

* I have 6 wonderful e-mail pals that I have
met through the friendship room. Three of whom
I correspond with almost daily. We have become
great friends. It is so interesting to hear
about their families and where they live. We
exchange knitting and crocheting patterns
along with recipes, and jokes. GREAT FUN!
Thanks for all the information you pass along.
I love the question and answers section. Carole

* And this about the friendship room. I hear
from many of them on an almost daily basis,
whether they are writing or sending quip and
jokes or inspirational things, they keep me
in mind and that is so wonderful and thoughtful!
I have even become real friends with some of
them and that is priceless! Thank you so much!

* Hi, Shirley! Thank-you for the patterns! I'm
afraid they're a bit impractical for our
lifestyle, however. There used to be a time
when family sat down together and could enjoy
tablecloths or placemats and fine china. In this
day and age, it's not a very practical thing in
our household. With a 14 yr. old and 12 yr. old
twins, we're constantly on the "go" between sports,
band, and choir and after-school activities. There
isn't any need for tablecloths or doilies in
our house.... dust collectors. Tablecloths are e
asily soiled and in constant need of
being washed. They always look so nice in pictures
in the magazines, but they just
simply aren't very practical. Tea cozies are another
thing, too - a thing of the past. I can't think of
anyone that I know, even elderly friends, who use
one of those things, these days!
I'd like to suggest that perhaps you could post
some more practical, useful patterns once in awhile?
Today's generation - certainly different from ours!
My oldest wanted a cover for his I-pod, so I knitted
a simple one for him from my own design, since no
one provides such patterns. I just asked the way
he'd like it to function, and went from there. Just
a simple knit and purl design. He wanted it so it
would be protected while being carried in his
backpack to various places, and not get all scratched
up. Thank-you for your hard work providing the
patterns! Some of the old ones are almost obsolete
these days and hard to come by! Sincerely, Diana J. D.

* Hi Shirley, since I am a big pet lover, and am
currently doing some personal research into the
Fabreeze usage on materials that may come in contact
with pets. (Three of my furry loved ones went to
heaven last year). I would highly recommend using
bounce fabric softener sheets in the bag, and
closing it up for a week or two. This would prevent
the whole wetting down of the yarn, and preventing
possible mildew. It does a great job, and smells
oh so fresh. Kelly~

* After running from store to store this weekend,
looking for books and magazines with patterns to
knit, I just about gave up! What a difference
compared to when I was knitting 20 years ago.
That's about how long I have been away from the
craft due to a variety of reasons all involving time
constraints. Suddenly at the age of 60 I realized how
much I've missed creating beautiful hand knit designs.
So I started knitting some pretty scarves, which I
gave as gifts for Christmas and now I want to go on
to more detailed, work again. But was I surprised to
find how few really stylish patterns are available
today compared to when I was knitting years ago.
Fortunately, I have a friend who saves everything
and I was able to borrow some books and magazines
with wonderful patterns, many of them classics.
Then I came upon your website and what a thrill!
I found several patterns for wraps and shawls to
knit, some very pretty styles, not at all the
stereotype of what your grandmother might wear. So,
I wanted to e-mail and thank you for your website
and encourage you to please keep up the good work.
Peggy S. Glenmoore, PA

* Dear Shirley, I'm in Australia and enjoy
reading your newsletter very much. I'm not a
very active knitter as I'm a working mum. However,
I do take my time and try to make at least two or
three new clothes for my little girl every year.
Cheers Helena

* Thank you for the easy pattern for TV slippers.
I have looked for it for a long time. chicory56
For you all .. Here is the pattern.
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/tvsli.html

* Dear Shirley, I have been receiving your
newsletters for a while now and I wanted to
let you know how much I enjoy them. You sound such
a nice lady. I am always glad when I see I have
another email from you - brightens up my day no end. Thank you so much for your hard work.
I often print it out so I can read it on the
train going home, don't want to miss a thing.
Kind regards, Susan O'Neill

* Hi Shirley I love reading your newsletter. For me,
it's like a letter from a very dear friend and I look
forward to receiving it. Please, don't ever stop.
Thanks for all the time and effort you put forward
each month. Dorothy

Some Tips and Tricks for you all.

From Linda who
tells us, Knitting - When casting on, after the
second stitch place the needle between the previous
two stitches when making the next stitch, continue
in this manner until you have all the required
stitches. It makes the casting-on Row firmer.

From Cyndy C. who tells us. I have Rheumatoid &
Osteoarthritis and the crocheting helps to keep my
hands limber. I have a tip I wanted to pass on to
others that may have a problem with their hands also:
I use the foam rubber Pencil grips made by Bic.
I use the ribbed kind because they can fit on the
larger hooks and make them much easier to use.
They come in various colors per package so you can
color-code them to the hooks if you want. Bic also
has the smooth grips which fit on some of the
smaller hooks as well. Cyndy C

I'll end this newsletter with this e-mail from Pam S.
Who says It's frustrating when you know all the answers,
but nobody bothers to ask you the questions.

Until next month remember to give away smiles
like they're free. Shirley
Yarn Lover's Room
www.knitting-crochet.com