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Perhaps part of the fascination of knitting is that it comes as close to making something out of nothing as humans can get. A ball of yarn and two sticks and endless variations of a few stitches that are, in effect, loops of yarn worked over those two sticks. I had always thought of knitting as making a "something", a garment, a project, a goal-oriented finished object until I joined an Internet knitting list a few years ago where knitters were talking about making a fabric. That put a whole new twist on it.
While I learned to knit when I was in my teens, I had put it aside for decades. No time, no money and too many other things to do had crowded out this soothing pleasure from my life. In the last few years I have been knitting again. So this lens will be about knitting. I hope to give you links to some of my favorite knitting resources on the net. It will be growing, so check back often, please.
I have a number of designs for knitters on my cafepress site (cafepress.com/margueritemanor) so if you are looking for a great knitting gift try a tote, a tile box, an apron with pockets (nice for holding yarn as in the photo) or a large mug. Each would be useful long after the gift giving occasion and each will be a great receptacle for a gift certificate--the tote will actually hold quite a bit of yarn.
A friend took this photo of me wearing my Fred-is-Peace apron with the yarn in the pocket, so that it won't roll away. I will post a picture of this finished project--wrist warmers--and directions soon. The aprons are great for corralling yarn and for holding small tools, especially if you are knitting with an afghan wrapped around you on a cold winter night.
And I would appreciate it so much, if you will rank me and if you will drop a note about what knitting means to you, a favorite source for yarn, virtual or brick and mortar or a link to a favorite pattern in the guestbook below.
Contents of this lens are copyright 2006-2008 by Marguerite Manor.
On the Needles, January, 2009, shawlette
This is a simple garter stitch triangle shawl knit from one skein of Cloud 10 handpainted yarn from Over the Rainbow Yarns, one of my favorite Ebay sellers. It was knit on number 10 needles and was a a quick knit that will become a gift.
Knit in Peace the Banner
This is a small banner that I am now making that is available on Etsy at my shop. Just type margueritemanor into sellers in the drop down menu when you visit the Ersy site or go to my profile above and click on the link. Thank you!
Lovely blue hat
on the needles, November-December 2008
This hat is an adaptation of a pattern called, I believe, Ladybug Hat from countrywool.com. The owner is lovely, the kit for the hat made two hats and I have adapted the pattern to use as a striped hat pattern. I highly recommend this kit. (Not affiliated in any way, just a happy customer.)
Lorna's Laces One Skein Garter Stitch Narrow Scarf
This piece uses one skein of Lorna's Laces Flames Sock Yarn. It measures 4" x 55" when complete. It is either a long swatch (which I intend to use it for since I would like to make a sweater from this yarn) or a very long, narrow scarf, or belt. Hats with Matching Neck Rings are Quick Presents
Add a pair of wristers for a more complete set
The hats are watch caps and there are many patterns on the net. The neck rings are just that, knitted circles that are like the necks on turtleneck sweaters. Definitely a great invention to take the chill off in a drafty space, I highly recommend them. These sets were each made from Dazzleaire, which I believe is a Caron yarn and each set took one skein. If you are going to add the wristers consider buying two skeins. Or two skeins to make three full sets.
Home Made Luxuries
The other day I wrote in my blog about hand-knitted washcloths as the ultimate home made luxury. I don't know why it took me so long to make them and then even longer to use them. I was saving them for good or to give to others as presents. When my sister visited last year I pulled two out for her to use. Then I finally tried one for myself. I love them. There are many patterns on the net and you will love them for yourself. They are so easy and quick to make.They make lovely gifts, too of course. Housewarming or hostess presents can be made in the recipient's favorite colors. Small balls of cotton yarn will make one and one half washcloths or dish cloths (knit increase rows to about 44 or 45 stitches, then begin decreasing.) So buy two small balls to make three, or buy two each of two colors and vary the colors into a pattern. That will make a half dozen small cloths. This size may seem small when you first knit it up, but it will stretch when it is wet. A large ball of cotton yarn will make two cloths of this size.
Since these are made of cotton, they can be put through both the washer and the dryer. I like sugar and cream and Lion Cotton for these. Knitting can be like eating potato chips--bet you can't knit just one!
Marguerite Blogs
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byKnitting for Babies
PS As of Feb 26, 2008 this baby is now five months old. He is a chunk who has grown 6.5 inches since he was born and he has a beautiful smile. Needless to say, I am in love! He is so cute!
Knitting for Babies on Amazon
Itty-Bitty Hats: cute and cuddly caps to knit for babies and toddlers
Amazon Price: $12.21 (as of 12/19/2009) 
Simple Knits for Cherished Babies
Amazon Price: $14.36 (as of 12/19/2009)
Simply Baby: 20 Adorable Handknits for Baby's First Two Years
Amazon Price: $22.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Adorable Knits for Tots: 25 Stylish Designs for Babies and Toddlers
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 12/19/2009)
200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets: Knitted and Crocheted Designs, Blocks, and Trims for Crib Covers, Shawls, and Afghans
Amazon Price: $17.79 (as of 12/19/2009)
More Baby Knits on Amazon!
Knitting for Baby: 30 Heirloom Projects with Complete How-to-Knit Instructions
Amazon Price: $21.33 (as of 12/19/2009)
Nursery Knits: More Than 30 Designs for Clothes, Toys and Other Items for 0-3 Year Olds
Amazon Price: $17.90 (as of 12/19/2009)
Family Circle Easy Baby Knits: 50 Whimsical Projects for Babies & Toddlers (Family Circle Easy...)
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Knits, Knots, Buttons, And Bows: Projects for Babies
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitting for Two: 20 Simple Designs for Expectant and New Mommies and Babies
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitted Toys on Amazon
Knitted Toys: 25 Fresh and Fabulous Designs
Amazon Price: $13.59 (as of 12/19/2009)
World of Knitted Toys
Amazon Price: $10.19 (as of 12/19/2009)
Toy Knits: More Than 30 Irresistible and Easy-to-Knit Patterns
Amazon Price: $17.21 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Knitted Teddy Bear: Make Your Own Heirloom Toys with Dozens of Patterns for Unique Clothing and Accessories
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009)
Toys to Knit: Dozens of Patterns for Heirloom Dolls, Animals, Doll Clothes, and Accessories
Amazon Price: $15.56 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knit for Peace
I am writing this on St. Patrick's day, one of my most favorite holidays, which seems now to be subsumed in the weariness of war as we are about to mark the fourth anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq.I am saddened seeing protest marchers instead of St. Patrick's Day parades and more sad because some of the folks marching are gray now and spent their youth on peace marches. It was idealism that all hoped would make a better world, and the world is still war-torn and weary.
One small bright spot is the idea, started last year by one person in Sweden, of setting aside March 21 as a day to knit for peace. It is a call for a quieter action that everyone who knits can join in and it is not political. On this Wednesday, March 21, I will pick up my knitting and think of peace. I think I will start a skein of green yarn a friend gave me recently. Maybe it will be a place mat, so that when I eat, I can remember my hope for peace. Green is definitely the right color for St. Patrick's Day. In Catholic liturgy, green symbolizes hope as well so the place mat will remind me to keep hoping that next year, St. Patrick's Day can be more joyful--celebrated in a world at peace.
See the link below for more about Knit for Peace Day.
My peace place mat turned out well. I used Red Heart Classic in Kelly Green and cast on 39 stitches on a size 9 needle so that I had approximately 11" in width after knitting sufficient rows to measure. I kept knitting until I had 17" and bound off in the first row of the pattern. The pattern was triple seed stitch, the stitch used for the Ministry Shawl (See knitting into the Mystery in the Even More Knitting Books Amazon module below.). Knit three, purl three to the end of the row, turn, purl three, knit three, turn knit three, purl three. Then turn and reverse the order of the pattern to purl three, turn knit three, knit three, turn purl three, knit three. This is a beautiful stitch. I will make a second one.
I did not have the tv or radio on while I knitted and attempted to think about peace and pray as I worked on the little mat. This is a challenge but it makes knitting a spiritual practice.
In fact, I am thinking of making knit for peace a monthly practice.
Knit in Peace on a plain background from cafepress.com/margueritemanor
More Knitting Books on Amazon
A Treasury of Magical Knitting
On my "wish list", because it looks like so much fun.
Amazon Price: $26.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
A Gathering of Lace
This gorgeous book is to dream over as well as to knit from. One of my most favorite books.
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knit 2 Together: Patterns and Stories for Serious Knitting Fun
On my wish list. This witty book has lovely projects, clear-looking directions and schematics. Several "must things" are in this book.
Amazon Price: $14.68 (as of 12/19/2009)
Ponchos & Wraps: A Knitter's Dozen (A Knitter's Dozen series)
Pretty projects and they are ranked (as in most books now) by beginning, intermediate or expert.
Amazon Price: $12.44 (as of 12/19/2009)
Simple, Plain Wristers, or Wristwarmers for a Practical Small Present
Wristers or wrist-warmers can be just cuffs, which would help to keep the wrist--and carpal tunnel area--warm. Extend them to just below the thumb and they are short fingerless gloves--I still think of them as primarily wrist-warmers. Make them longer still and they become fingerless mitts. The ones in the picture are made from one ball of fingering weight yarn, 184 yards to the ball or skein, wool yarn. The yarn is Nature Spun from Brown Sheep yarn company. Finished Plain Brown Wristers
Here are the finished wristers just before I wrapped them up and shipped them forth. This is to knitting rather like what making soup is to cooking: use what you have and wing it. The yarn should be lightweight to allow for the use of the hands. You will need a few measurements unless you are making them for yourself in which case you can literally "knit to measure". You need the width of the person's wrist at it's widest point, the length of the person's wrist from what will be the top of the cuff to just below the thumb, which will give you the the length of the cuff, the length from top of cuff to base of thumb (so that you will be able to leave a thumb hole when you sew the wrister together, the length of the hand from base of thumb to first knuckle and the width of the hand taken right under the knuckles. Knit basic knit one, purl one ribbing for the cuff. When you have enough cuff, switch to working stockinette stitch and increase on the knit rows about three times one stitch after the first stitch and before the last stitch. You will need to eyeball it here on the basis of the hand you are knitting for. Continue to knit until you are above the thumb. At that point you may need to decrease several times to shape the palm to narrow down to the knuckles. Make the decreases at even intervals by knitting the first two stitches of row together and finishing the row by knitting the last two stitches together, two decreases on each row. Make notes as you proceed, that way you will be able to write up a more exact pattern for yourself when you make the next pair for that person and it won't be quite so much "trial and error". Remember "knitting is forgiving" and one of the neat things about it is that you can pull stitches out and do it over until you have a custom fit. That is part of what makes it so special. Doing a project by eyeball and trial and error also builds confidence, I think.When you finish knitting you will have a flat piece and you will need to sew the sides together. Leave a hole for the thumb, just sew along one edge so that you don't have to stop and start. Work in all of the loose ends with a crochet hook and your wrister is finished. Repeat for the second one.
A Few Great Knitting Books on Amazon
Knitting Beyond the Edge: Cuffs and Collars*Necklines*Hems*Closures - The Essential Collection of Decorative Finishes
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitting Over The Edge: Unique Ribs, Cords, Appliques, Colors, Nouveau
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitting Around
Amazon Price: $28.00 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitting on the Edge: Ribs, Ruffles, Lace, Fringes, Floral, Points & Picots: The Essential Collection of 350 Decorative Borders
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/19/2009)
Nicky Epstein's Knitted Embellishments: 350 Appliques, Borders, Cords, and More!
Amazon Price: $21.09 (as of 12/19/2009)
Scarves Make Quick and Warm Presents
Scarves Don't Require a Pattern!
The blue scarf is ribbing and the red one a beautiful lace pattern to be found in 365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar, called "Waterfall". Decide the number of stitches you will need based on the width that you want for your scarf and proceed from there. Lace patterns work up into scarves very quickly and easily and are fun to do.
Even More Knitting Books on Amazon
365 Knitting Stitches a Year Perpetual Calendar
Amazon Price: $17.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Knitting Stitch & Motif Directory
Amazon Price: $12.99 (as of 12/19/2009)
One Skein: 30 Quick Projects to Knit or Crochet
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitting into the Mystery: A Guide to the Shawl-Knitting Ministry
Amazon Price: $16.32 (as of 12/19/2009)
Shawls and Scarves: The Best of Knitter's Magazine (Best of Knitter's Magazine series)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009)
Favorite Links
- cafepress.com/margueritemanor
- My cafe press store is a great place to shop for tote bags, tile boxes (for knitting notions) and mugs as well as many other things.
- Peace Fleece Home Page
- Peace Fleece Knitting and Weaving Yarns and Knitting Accessories. This is one of my most favorite knitting places on the web. The fleece comes from Russia and Maine, Palestine and Israel and is made into yarn in some of the most gorgeous and stunning colors available anywhere.
Read about how the owner, a Vietnam vet, started his company and be inspired to design and grow peace projects of your own.
Peace Fleece also has gorgeous hand-crafted buttons from Russia.
Knit in Peace! - Squidoo Knit for Peace Lens
- Here is the Squidoo Lens of the originator of Knit for Peace Day.
- Karen's Cloth Diapering Site
- This page discusses knitted "soaker" or outer coverings and lists the author's favorite patterns and yarns. Soakers keep moisture from going through to outer clothing and are cute too!
- Oregon Trail Yarns
- One of my favorite E-Bay stores, she carries a wide range of yarns including Crystal Palace and a wide range of needles including Clover. She is a pleasure to work with.
- Over the Rainbow Yarns
- Another E-Bay store owner who is a pleasure to work with. I love her hand painted colorways on a variety of yarns.
- Heartstrings Fiber Arts
- My favorite knitting patterns are at this site! So many beautiful things to choose, from beaded socks to Faroese shawls and many scarves and stoles.
- Countrywool Natural Fiber Yarn and Spinning Shop Hudson NY
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More Knitting Books on Amazon
Traditional Knitted Lace Shawls
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/19/2009)
Shawls and Scarves: The Best of Knitter's Magazine (Best of Knitter's Magazine series)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009)
Folk Shawls: 25 knitting patterns and tales from around the world (Folk Knitting series)
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/19/2009)
Gossamer Webs: The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Stahman's Shawls and Scarves: Lace Faroese-Shaped Shawls from the Neck Down & Seamen's Scarves
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
More Knitting on Amazon
Books by Sally Melville
The Knitting Experience: Book 1: The Knit Stitch (The Knitting Experience)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Knitting Experience: Book 2: The Purl Stitch (Knitting Experience Series)
Amazon Price: $13.57 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Power and The Glory The Knitting Experience: Book 3: Color (The Knitting Experience)
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/19/2009)
Sally Melville Styles: A Unique and Elegant Approach to Your Yarn Collection
Amazon Price: $21.13 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitting Stories--Good Reads about Knitting on Amazon
KnitLit: Sweaters and Their Stories...and Other Writing About Knitting
Amazon Price: $11.05 (as of 12/19/2009)
KnitLit (too): Stories from Sheep to Shawl . . . and More Writing About Knitting
Amazon Price: $11.20 (as of 12/19/2009)
KnitLit the Third: We Spin More Yarns
Amazon Price: $11.90 (as of 12/19/2009)
The Knitting Sutra: Craft as a Spiritual Practice
Amazon Price: (as of 12/19/2009)
Zen And The Art Of Knitting: Exploring the Links Between Knitting, Spirituality, and Creativity
Amazon Price: $8.76 (as of 12/19/2009)
Felted Knitting on Amazon
Felted Knits
Amazon Price: $14.93 (as of 12/19/2009)
Nicky Epstein's Fabulous Felted Bags: 15 Bags to Knit And Felt
Amazon Price: $22.95 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knitting Never Felt Better: The Definitive Guide to Fabulous Felting
Amazon Price: $19.77 (as of 12/19/2009)
Felt to Stitch: Creative Felting for Textile Artists
Amazon Price: $16.47 (as of 12/19/2009)
Knit One, Felt Too: Discover the magic of knitted felt with 25 easy patterns
Amazon Price: $12.89 (as of 12/19/2009)
GUESTBOOK for Knitting Your Troubles Away
Do you have a favorite knitting anecdote? A favorite knitting book or yarn resource? Please share.
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Reply
- sitruc sitruc Jul 27, 2009 @ 9:14 pm
- thank you for the wonderful article, I loved how you say that knitting is the closest thing to creating something out of nothing that humans can do. I created a site on blogger about how to start knitting it gives basic instructions on how to knit as well as basic knitting patterns.
-by the way you know that you can html link to your blog from your squidoo.com lenses so instead of saying cafepress.com/margueritemanor you can say your site
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Reply
- 1SquidAddict 1SquidAddict Mar 31, 2007 @ 11:49 am
- Great knitting lens! Rated 5* from the new management at your knitting group
www.squidoo.com/knitting
Dark red fuzzy hat
This hat is a watch cap knit from one skein of mohair carried along with worsted weight wool in a matching color. The yarn is Lamb's Pride, purchased from one of my favorite Ebay sellers, Oregon Trail Yarns. Please see the links module for more information. She also carries needles. Big Wooly Purple Thing
Knitting from Stash
I found ten balls of Lion Brand Mohair recently in a luscious purple. It turned into a triangle shawl with a hood. Here it is on the needles with a marker for the middle so that I could count off the stitches necessary for the hood and transfer them to another circular needle. by margueritemanor
Marguerite Manor(Peggy Manor to her family and friends)is a writer and graphic artist. She holds a BA in Medieval History with Honors from Stanford Un...
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