Yarn Lover's News - this months newsletter

Yarn Lover's News                             November 2008

Greetings!

I hope you voted today. It won't be long now we'll know who is going to lead us for the next four years. Going to stay up with me to find out?This election process is getting longer and longer and lonnnnnnnnnnnnnger, seems like it has taking over the airwaves on both radio and TV for months already. I have to admit, I'm a news junkie! I can watch the news channel or listen to “talk radio” for hours. Hearing the same thing over and over, but still have to be right there, if not, I may miss something. You do that? I'm very happy to have the voting stuff behind us. That is if tonight's count is over tonight and not go on and on like last time.
I've been crocheting like made this past month. I get started on one thing, can't wait to finish it so I can start something else. I'm surprising myself with all I'm getting done. Lucky for me I can watch TV or listen to the radio while counting stitches or chains. What a beautiful month this last October has been and now the first part of November. The weather, the fall leaves, the fall flowers. Most of the trees around our home have been turning orange, bronze, yellow and golden and now the leaves are pilling up. I scope them up and add them to my “Land Fill” out back. I'm making black gold you know. I love this time of the year. Don't you? I took my mother in law out to see the fall colors. Had a great time. Stopped for lunch, did some Shopping for a birthday or two and some kitchen stuff for me. Fun, Fun! Now I hear this coming end of the week we'll go into winter weather. Just like that. Boo Hoo!

The days are getting shorter, we've turned our clocksback. More time to knit or crochet don't you think so too. Yup! Just pull the curtains, turn on the lamps and pick up your needle work. Now that is the best part of winter in my opinion.

How would you like your hand in creating the perfect afghan? The one that I'm sure will become your favorite. Have you ever heard of a friendship afghan? Well if not, let me be the oneto show you what a friendship afghan looks like. Go to http://www.knitting-crochet.com/swapclub/pic.html

Want one for yourself? We've just added some new granny square swaps to our list. If you would like to join us please contact the person who is the swap leader for moreinformation or to join the list of people who will become part of your friendship afghan. You'll find a list of different swaps at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/swapclub/index.html You can find tons of granny square patterns at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/swapclub/swappatterns.html

Patterns you've asked for

bassinet purse

http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/baspur.html

snood http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/snood.html
http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/persno.html
baby sweater http://www.knitting-crochet.com/babafgk.html http://www.knitting-crochet.com/gramclara.html http://www.knitting-crochet.com/babyoutfit.html

http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/boutfit.html

crochet toys http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/toy.html

2 Needle Mittens http://www.knitting-crochet.com/2nee.html

3 Easy Scarf Patterns http://www.knitting-crochet.com/3easscapat.html

Baby Afghan for Beginners http://www.knitting-crochet.com/babafgforbeg.html

Knitted Bed Socks http://www.knitting-crochet.com/bedsoc.html

Braid Cabled Mittens w/Leather palms http://www.knitting-crochet.com/bracabmitwitlea.html

Candie Poncho http://www.knitting-crochet.com/canpon.html

Baby Cap and mitts/mittens http://www.knitting-crochet.com/capmitmit.html

Sweater Jacket http://www.knitting-crochet.com/swejac.html

Vest http://www.knitting-crochet.com/ves.html

Beret http://www.knitting-crochet.com/ber.html

Anyone having any patterns to share with us, e-mail me at knit@knitting-crochet.com

Below you'll find a great place to sign up for a FREE newsletter (or purchase a more intense course if you'd like) that teachers knitting, knitting secrets, or crochet.

Knitting Secrets https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/TSKO/SZ/

For advanced Knitting https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/KO/SZ/

The Smart Knitter Newsletter https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/TSKN/SZ/

Free crochet lessons. https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/CO/SZ/

OR sign up for their lesson here

Crochet Book https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/Crochet/SZ/

Knitting Advanced Book https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/Knitter/SZ/

The Smart Knitter Book https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/TSK/SZ/

The Smart Knitter Newsletter https://m408.infusionsoft.com/go/TSKN/SZ/

On to some learning pages

Abbreviations used in both Knitting and Crochet http://www.knitting-crochet.com/abb.html

Terms and Techniques for knitting and crochet http://www.knitting-crochet.com/terms.html

This pattern comes from http://www.shawlministry.com/ sent in for our sharing by BLKATERI@aol.com who says this about the pattern;

Hi Shirley, the shawl ministry is actually a very old custom. I receive the Catholic Courier from Diocese of Rochester, NY and there was an article about it. Shawl Instructions Knitting and Crochet Materials: Knitting: Knitting Needle size 11 or 13

-OR-

Crochet: Size 'M', 'N' or 'P' crochet hook
Suggested Yarn: Click on Brand Name to see yarns. Lion Brand Homespun - Stores: Wal-Mart, Michael's,
Jo-Ann's and A.C. Moore.

(Make sure all the skeins
have the same dye lot numbers) Warning: Be aware that the Lion Brand Homespun yarn tends to unravel when cut. Fringe will need to be knotted at its ends for a more presentable look.Caron's Fascination (no dye lot) - Stores: Michael's, A.C. MooreOther yarns: Bernat Bouclé Lion Brand Jiffy (5-6 skeins), Red Heart Light-n-Lofty and Baby Clouds (sz. 15 needles) Amount of yarn needed:(*For crochet see note mentioned below) 3 Skeins6-oz., 185 yards for 54 or 57 stitches 4 skeins6-0z. 185 yards for 60 stitches
Before You Begin: Because this is a spiritual practice, before one begins the knitting (crochet) process, a blessing, prayer (http://www.shawlministry.com/prayers.html) or wish can be said, dedicatingthe work of your hands and the intentions of the receiver. You may want to light a candle and play soft music to enhance your knitting time, remembering that this is a prayerful time. When working in a group, you may want to pass the work-in-progress around the circle, asking each person to add some stitches to the shawl, or to just hold it for a while to add their prayers, energy and good wishes.

'Prayer Shawl - Knitting Pattern' © 2003 All rights reserved. 1998 - Written & Developed By Victoria Galo and Janet Bristow http://www.shawlministry.com/emailus.html

It is important to us that the origins of this ministry are honored. The information on this site is provided freely for your personal use. If you would like to duplicate, distribute, or display any part of this material you must contact the Shawl Ministry first. All copied material should have the Shawl Ministry web address (www.shawlministry.com) and credit given to its authors. © 2003 All rights reserved.

Cast on stitches in multiples of three - 54, 57, or 60. For example, if you use size 11 needles and cast on 54 stitches, 3 skeins of yarn are enough.

Some yarns vary in pliability, which will affect your outcome, aswill your knitting tension. If the yarn you have chosen has a multicolored stripe, be careful when tying on a new skein. Make sure the color sequence is correct. Also, tie on the new skein in the body of the shawl, instead of an edge, as the ends tend to show.

First Row: k3, p3, to end

Second Row: Always start the next row with the opposite stitch of what you see. For instance, if the first stitch on the needle is a knit, then start with a purl.KNIT THE PURLS AND PURL THE KNITS!!! It should NOT look like ribbing.

Note: If you cast on 57 stitches you will always start with K3

Crochet Directions Chain 54 stitches or desired width of shawl.

Chain 1, turn, single crochet in each of the stitches to end. Chain 3 and turn.

Double crochet in top of each single crochet. Repeat this row 2 more times.Chain 1 and do 1 row of single crochet to end. Chain 3 and turn.

Do 3 rows of double crochet.

Repeat pattern to end (1 row single, 3 rows double)

End with 1 row of single.

Finish with fringe.

Developed by Rita Glod *Note: that crocheting typically uses more yarn than knitting, so you might have to adjust the width and size of hook or use another 1/2 skein.

It has been suggested that 7 skeins of the same dye lot be purchased and crochet two shawls each using 3 1/2 skeins. Another suggestion, if you are trying to obtain 3 skeins, is to integrate other yarn colors into the shawl.

To complete the shawl: Knit (crochet) until the piece measures from wrist to wrist, or approximately 57-58' long.

(Knitting: bind off with a knit row). Use what you have left to cut * fringe.

Suggestion for fringe: you can also do this before tying on the third skein, and then continue knitting to the end.

Divide the pile in half and slip knot them to the ends, evenly spaced. If the yarn is manufactured loosely wound, you might have to knot the ends of the fringe to keep it from unraveling.

For detailed tassel instructions click here. http://www.shawlministry.com/Instructions/tassel_instructions.htm

*Warning: Be aware that the Lion brand Homespun yarn tends to unravel when cut. Fringe will need to be knotted at its ends for a more presentable look. Now that the shawl is completed: You may want to add beads and/or charms to the fringe. They can be new or parts of old pieces of jewelry. They not only add beauty, but also can be used to inspire or aid meditation.

Before you give it away, say a blessing, prayer or wish (http://www.shawlministry.com/prayers.html ) over the shawl, keeping the receiver in mind.

Another nice touch is enclosing a potpourri sachet scented with lavender oil, a calming aroma or any essential oil that you like. It is also good to enclose an explanation and/or a blessing, prayer or wish for the receiver.

For instance, if you choose a certain symbolic color (http://www.shawlministry.com/symbolism.html) for the yarn, beads or charms it's interesting and helpful to explain your reason.

Now from our mailbag we find these.

*   Years ago my mother made the Snowflake Cape for my niece and my daughter.
My mother lost the pattern though. We have been trying to find it for the great grandchildren. I found it on your website and just needed to thank you for it!!!!You have made us all very happy!! Teddie
Teddie is talking about this pattern at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/crochet/snoflacap.html

* I love your book! I have been crocheting for over 30 years and after looking over your book I could see there is a wealth of information in it. It has become my new crochet reference bible. Thank you again and good luck with your e-book! Linda

Linda is referring to http://www.knitting-crochet.com/exchange/index.html

   * Hi Shirley, so glad that you are back on track, really missed you newsletter. Thanks for being there! Helen  * SO HAPPY TO SEE YOU AND KNOW ALL IS WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS. WELCOME BACK   LOL   YOU AND YOUR SITE MAKE MY DAY.LOVE REBECCA IN HOUSTON, TEXAS

* Welcome back sure missed you and all the good things you put on here...   I kept watch for the news letter and I was really worried that you stopped it... But I'm so glad you didn't... The summer went so fast... I'm working on an afghan with 42 squares. The squares are about 17 inch. The girl I'm making it for wants it for her California bed. For a bed spread... She bought enough for 3 afghans... And I'm making it for her.... I got to talk to her on here and became real good friends... Do you ever make any thing for needed families...? Or the hospitals.I also have some preemie hats... Well glad to have you back... If I can help you do any thing please write and let me know...Cookie
* Dear Shirley, Just a quick note to let you know how muchI enjoy your newsletter. I was especially interested in the plastic bag totes. I've been making these all winter long for sale at our local farmer's market thissummer. Thought I might share a few ways I makethese bags. I agree with the way the pages areprepared for cutting except I've found that I can make a stack of 5-6 bags and can easily cut them with electric scissors. My husband is my "production manager" - he then puts the strips together and rolls them into balls for me. As for patterns, I sort of make them up as I go along. I've used granny squares as well as using a variety of afghan stitches. I've found that I can make strong bags that will holdup under a lot of weight by making panels – 2 bigger ones for the front and back and 2 smaller one's for the sides. I then put them together as if I was putting an afghan together. I make a double bottom and sandwich a thin board, heavy cardboard, etc between the 2 bottom pieces. Because I've had so many requests for them, I sometimes add a pocket. People who have been testing my bags have asked for the pocket for their wallets, cell phones, etc. The great thing about these bags is that they have some give to them so you can reallyload them up with groceries and once emptied, they return to their original shape. Most of the bags that I get here are either brown or white so I add a little color by using different colored trash bags. As long as I cut those stripes a little wider and incorporate them in with the grocery bags, the strength is just fine. And you can get some nice color combinations by using the trash bags. I've been able to find pink, yellow, blue, mint green, etc. I made one bag by making a lot of smaller different colored squares and then put them together using the black trash bags - looks like an afghan and my husband says it's the best one yet! This has been a great winter project for both me and my husband. Debbie C.Orleans, IN
Dear Shirley,    I realize I am going to be short about 100 adult crocheted winter hats this year.
Could you please add my ministry to your list for help? Last year I handed out 300 hats and scarves with 500 bags of food and toiletries. You have helped me in the past with acquiring yarn donations but alas my fingers move too slowly. Thanking you in advance for your help,Carolyn HerrHERR Projects2353 NW 11th StOKC, OK 73107crochetingandpraying@cox.net
On to the questions and answers you all have come to love

Q. How do you work a yo at the start of a row?

A. Knit or purl? To YO over at the beginning of a purl row, hold the yarn in the back, insert the needle as if to purl, wrap the yarn around both needles, and purl the stitch, catching the yarn in two places.To knit a YO at the beginning of a knit row, hold the yarn in the front; insert the needle into the stitch as if to knit, wrap the yarn around the right needle, and knit the stitch.

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Q. I have your aran afghan pattern and Don't know what some abbreviations are can you Help me.

YFWD              YBK

A. yfwd = yarn forward (yarn in front of knitting) ybk = yarn back (yarn in back of knitting)

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Q.   Hi, I consider myself a seasoned crotchetier, but I am stumped. In the pattern for "One Piece Oval Tablecloth", size 60 x 80, the directions call for s d c stitch. Can you tell me what that means? Thanks,Gerry

A. Double Single Crochet Stitch (dsc)
This stitch is a variation of the Single crochet. It is thicker than the ordinary single crochet and would be best used in dishcloths, heavy afghans, sweaters, scarves and even preemie blankets. It can be used in any pattern that uses single crochet but it would make the item thicker.

To work this stitch:
Insert hook in back loop of next stitch, draw up a loop, insert hook through both loops of same stitch, draw up a loop and then draw through all 3 loops on hook. That's it.

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Q. I am fairly new to kitting but I have followed the pattern below for the mittens. I have the 14 stitches for the thumb on a stitch holder with no yarn attached (did I do that wrong?!?). I attached 2 pictures. Now it tells me to get those 14 stitched and cast on 2 and knit. How do I do that with no yarn attached? I am making (or trying to make these) for my granddaughter. I was pretty impressed I got this far and now I have NO clue what to do... Thank you so much I just LOVE them so far..... http://www.knitting-crochet.com/2nee.html Renee'

A. You'll start another strand of yarn. Cast on one stitch on your needle, use that yarn and knit across your 13 stitches, M1 (make one stitch) after your 13th stitch, now knit your last stitch. The 14th stitch. You now have 16 stitches on your needle. Finish as stated in the pattern.

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Q. Thanks for the directions. Where do you get your netting? My scrubbies don't seem to be abrasive enough.   Would it help to cut the netting wider? Dorothy

A. I get it at Wal-Mart. Wait for a sale and buy about 10 yards. The courser the netting the better the scrubbie but the harder it is to work with
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Q. H, I am trying to learn to knit left handed, any left hand instructions for beginners out there? Thanks TLB

A. Side in front of the right hanged knitter. Knee to knee, You do with your left hand what she's doing with her right.

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Q. I found a pattern for a book cover on your site. It has a stitch I don't know how to do, or what it is: fpdc Could that be front post double crochet? If it is could you tell me how to do it? Thank you, Carolyn

A. FPdc - Front Post Double Crochet - YO, insert hook from front to back to front around post of st indicated, draw up lp to height of working Row; {YO and draw through 2 lps on hook} twice.

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Q. Hi, Is there a way to print your letters and the info you send me in the letters in larger print and complete. When I try to print your letters they will only print in small, small print and not the entire letter will print, only the first couple paragraphs. I like to save your letters because of the hints, comments, the how to and the patterns that are in them. I don't remember having a problem before May. Would really appreciate your help. Thank You, Sandra Lee C

A. Copy and paste it to your word doc. Exchange the font to larger and be sure to check it out on print review.

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Q Hi, I'm amazed and appalled to see that you are offering copyrighted material on your site. I looked at the various Aran sweaters and I recognize them as Bernat patterns, all of which are under copyright. THIS IS ILLEGAL! As the owner of this site, you could be sued. I am copying this to Bernat/Spinrite, the holders of the copyright. Women's Pullover Fishermen's at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/wompulfiskni.html

A .Hello, I wish you had e-mailed me first before getting all upset. You sound so mad at me. I've had this website over 10 years. Before that I had a yarn shop and sold Bernat yarn and many other brands.I know how this works.. I wrote to Bernat about 5 or 6? years ago asking to post that pattern and 3 or 4 other aran sweaters. In fact I was even on the phone with the company. They e-mail back having gone over my site and told me yes to go ahead but that I could not sell it. Which of course I knew that having created several patterns of my own. I hope this calms you down a tad.

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Q. Hi Shirley, I'm knitting a triangle pattern that calls for dec. on each side. One side is k 2tog and the other side is psso. Why don't I do the same on each side--either? k 2tog or psso? Each side has a different look.   It does not make a difference, I just wonder. Thanks Janet

A. Janet, one way moves your dec in to the left (psso) and the other to the right (k 2tog )

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Q. Please Help!! How do you BACK TWIST??? Thank You, Bobbi

A. BT - Back Twist. Insert needle from front between l st and 2 nd stitches and knit the 2nd stitch in back loop; then knit the l st stitch in front loop and sl both sts from needle together.

BTT - Back Twist Two. Insert right-hand needle from back to front between first and second sts, k the second st, then k the first st and slip both sts from needle together.

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Q. How do you cast off when using circular needles?  I have just finished a beautiful leg warmer and I'm confused about casting off. Thanks so much for your help. Amy P

A. I use straight needle one or two sizes larger than the circular needle to do the casting off with and I cast off as if the circular needle was one long straight needle just as you normally would. Your first few stitches will seem strange but it works beautifully much easier than using both ends of the circular needle.

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Q. Hi Shirley, love your newsletter. I have a problem—I bought Red Heart, Baby Clouds yarn to make my first GREAT grandson a baby blanket. The yarn is soo soft and cuddly. When I started crocheting with it I can barely see the holes to go into as it is so fluffy. I tried with a H hook, then a K and with a N. It is so hard to work with. Do you have a simple baby pattern and any hints on making it easier to work with? I will be looking for your answer!!!! Again, HELP!!! Thank you so much! hugs, Joanne fuzzy yarn is wonderful to touch and soft for baby but all the soft fuzz is hard to knit or crochet through.

A. When I work with this type of yarn I always knit or crochet loose. Even If I have to go down a size or two in needle or hooks or even pattern size. Your right about it being hard to see though all that "hairy fuzz..

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Q. Hi there Shirley, I am sitting here wondering if I will be able to convert a Halloween illusion knitting scarf pattern to crochet. I am told that each row actually represents 4 rows on the chart, so can you give me a hint as to how I can convert this technique from knit to crochet? Nobody else knows where to begin. Thanks a lot, Barbara

A. I sure can. 2 rows of sc are the same as your 4 rows of on the chart.  Go to http://www.knitting-crochet.com/exchange/index.html for more on converting knitting to crochet or crochet to knitting.

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Q. Hi, I'm trying to follow a baby crochet hat pattern. The instructions say: single crochet until the last two chains. Single crochet last two chains together. Howdo you do that? Thanks. Bonnie

A. Bonnie, One of two ways. Either go through the first sc the usual way except for the last loop. Hold that loop on your hook and now go through the second sc. Now finish them both as one. Or, and this is by far easier, slip stitch the first ch and sc the second one. Either way you've made one decrease. Shirley

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Q. Hello, I just want to know if yarn forward is the same as yarn over? I thank you for your help. Thank you, zip

A. No. yf    Yarn forward is to bring your yarn to the front of your stitch instead of holding your yarn behind the needles. As if you're purling but you knit the stitch. This will give your stitch a slight twist. yo is to bring the yarn up and over to the back again then knit your next stitch. This will create a hole in your work.

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Q. I'm going to start teaching some women how to knit for the 1st time. Got some idea what they should do for their first project? I thought they could knit a scarf'. What basic skills should they have to do when they are learning knitting? Got any good basic knitting books that I should have them pick up before I start the classes.? I still have problems sewing my sweater together. So I have somebody else to do it for me. I know I should be doing it myself. I sure enjoy your newsletter. Right now I'm making Fiber Trends Felt Hat. Having problems understand this pattern . Beginning of Crown.

Round 1 *(K2tog.) 4 times,K1.* Repeat 4 times,K1.*Repeat around.50 stitches.)

What does this mean? Does this mean K2tog. K2tog. K2tog. K2tog. until last stitch is K1? or K2tog.K2tog.K2tog.K2tog.K1. all the way across the row. Diane

A. It means K2tog. K2tog. K2tog. K2tog. Until the last stitch is K1 repeat around the 50 stitches. Knitting for dummies is a great first book.

A scarf is wonderful for the first project. Practice knitting and purling. only "knit" 2 or 3 rows . (Just worked the garter stitch. ) Then purl only 2 or 3 rows (Just worked the garter stitch again. Then knit 2 rows, purl 2 rows and knit 1 row, purl 1 row. (Just worked the stockinette stitch.) Then ribbing of 2 x 2 or 1 x 1. Learning the knit and the purl stitches and feel comfortable doing them anyone can go on to knitting anything. As for weaving or sewing your edges together.. Knit up two small squares or any shape for that matter in 2 different colors. Now try weaving them together using still another color yarn.. You'll be able to see you're weaving and will be able to teach yourself the best way for you. There are many different "finishing" and most will finish your project just fine. By working several different ones you'll become as easy with one more than the rest and in finding that will be comfortable completing anything you make.

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I've been asked if I knew if the magazine Crochet World was still out there. You can see some craft magazines at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/magazine.html

Have you checked out the swap group?

Want to make a friendship afghan? Head over to http://www.knitting-crochet.com/swapclub/index.html we have 2 new swaps posted.1.) New baby swap 2.) Red, White and Blue. Want to make a new best friend? Remember in the olden days and in the back of magazines you could write to a pen pal? Well we have some too just waiting for your e-mail.

Or maybe you'd like to be added to the page. Just let me know.

Go to http://www.knitting-crochet.com/find/friend.html

Looking for a particular pattern or something long ago lost. Try posting your request on our Find and Seek Board at http://www.knitting-crochet.com/find/index.html descriptionpictures are able to be included.

Tip and Tricks sent in for you all from: kittyjo1@ who sends us this about Chaining Base chains!

Seems if I have a long base chain to start a project, that is just When something interrupts!  So I keep an "almost" count. Just be sure you have more than you need. You know, like add ten to what you thought you had.  Then when you crochet back across your chain and have the correct Number of stitches for your patterns you count out about three stitches and snip off the extra. Pull the stitch back through till you get to your pattern and weave the end in.  This sure beats having to unravel the first row because you did not have enough stitches.

You can also make a habit of leaving a tail when you start your chain, and pick it up to make a few chain stitches if you are short, but this shows on your work when you finish that row.

Like to end this newsletter with something from Suzanna B. who reminds us this ... Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arrivingsafely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid insideways, chocolate in one hand, martini in the other, body thoroughly usedup, totally worn out and screaming ~ WOO HOO what a ride!'

Have an amazing day!

Well there you have it. Some news, some tips, some patterns, some friendship, some fun!

Until next month give away smiles like they are free.

Shirley Yarn Lover's Room www.knitting-crochet.com