May Newsletter
In this issue The future of knitting The history of knitting Free patterns - third square in series, baby washcloth
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Hello to all! This newsletter was done ahead of time, just in case. I'm ready to have my 3rd child any day now. My bags are packed, my email is almost empty, my housework is up to date, and my family is hopefully prepared to go without mommy for a couple of days. It is a very exciting time in our home as we continue to prepare for this little baby we can't wait to meet. I will notify all when this happy event occurs!
Kathy
FREE PATTERN
Yes it is the 3rd square in the series. If you just signed up to this newsletter you may get the previous newsletters at: http://www.craftfinder.com
Or http://www.yahoogroups.com Go to "your groups", log into knitting news, and look at previous newsletters.
This square will be a little more complicated, by the
addition of a simple cable design. If you are not familiar with cables, this will be the perfect way to practice. I used ivory yarn; you may use any color that matches your décor.
Supplies needed: Worsted weight yarn, size 8 (5 mm) needles, 2 stitch markers, a cable needle, and a tapestry needle to weave in ends.
Key: K = Knit, P = purl, CO = cast on, BO = bind off, K2TG = knit 2 stitches together, YO = yarn over needle, YFRN = yarn around needle, finishing in the front, SL = slip stitch on to right needle without working it,
STS = stitches, PSSO = pass slipped stitch over the last worked stitch and drop off needle. C4F = place 2 STS on a cable needle, hold in front of work, knit next 2 STS,
Place cable STS on left needle, and then knit these two stitches.
CO 42 STS 1st 4 rows are done in seed stitch * K 1, P 1, * RPT to end, then P the K STS, K the P STS. After the first 4 rows you will start the pattern, The 1st 3 STS and the last 3 STS will continue in
seed stitch to create a border. Next row: Work 3 STS in seed place a marker, work row 1 till last 3 STS, Place marker then work 2 STS in seed stitch
Center pattern (between markers): Row 1: P2, K2TG, YFRN, * P2, K4, P2, K2TG, YFRN *, Rpt to last 2 STS, P2 Row 2 and all even rows: K2, P2, * K2, P4, K2, P2, * RPT to last 2 STS, K2
Row 3: P2, YO, SL 1, K1, PSSO, * P2, C4F, P2, YO, SL 1, K1, PSSO, * RPT to last 2 STS, P2 Row 5: Repeat row #1 Row 7: P2, YO, SL 1, K1, PSSO, * P2, K4, P2, YO, SL 1, K1, PSSO, * Rpt to last 2 STS, P2
Row 8: same as row #2
Repeat these 8 rows for pattern. Work until piece measures 11 ¼ " from CO edge, remove markers and work seed stitch across all STS for 4 rows, removing markers. BO all STS. Weave in ends.
Well Spring is officially here and most of the bulbs have sprung up! This is my favorite time of year. I can dust off the winter blahs and get out in the sunshine. The first harbinger of spring in
my home is the "ladybug invasion". This is when the ladybugs move out of our eaves and invade our home and garden. I love the invasion, because the more ladybugs I see the less I need to
use insect repellent. It also means Spring-cleaning, which I have a good excuse to put off a little this year.
THE FUTURE OF KNITTING
Well, the reports from Europe are not encouraging. Each day I hear about another farm reporting cases of hoof and mouth disease. My heart goes out to these farming families, who
will be losing their livestock and quite possibly face financial ruin. It will be extra hard on small family farms, where animals are more than dollar signs, but part of the family. The bad news for
knitters is the destruction of these animals will deplete the supply of natural wool, driving the prices higher. Please hope and pray that this can be contained in some way.
On a happier note, spring fashions are already out in stores. I'm happy to see a multitude of short-sleeved sweaters. The styles seem to be plain with jewel and funnel necks for both
children and adults. The colors featured most are lilac, yellow, red and white. Almost all of these sweaters are 100% cotton. I know I will be rummaging through my patterns to make
myself something special!
The shows continue in Europe for the 2001-2002 fall and winter fashions. The hottest look I found was knitted furs in many collections. These waist and hip length coats were shown in
dark brown and black. They were very flattering and could easily be made out of bulky chenille instead of fur. This way you could get the same look for less! Bulky wool and alpaca sweaters
were also featured, using extra thick yarn and beautiful texture. There were also many newer sweaters from Irish designers this year. The collections were a lot of wispy knits in beautiful
and wild mixes of colors. The simple oversized shapes are perfect for layering. The yarns were a mix of wool, alpaca, and silk.
Boy, do I have to go shopping soon.
FREE PATTERNS
A simple baby washcloth that works up fast is
perfect for the multitude of baby showers that seem to arrive with spring. Add it to a basket and include a rubber ducky, baby soap, and baby shampoo for the perfect gift.
Both patterns are easy and fast. The light green washcloth was worked in pattern #1. The ivory and yellow variegated washcloths were worked in pattern #2.
Supplies needed: about ½ ounce of 100% cotton worsted weight yarn for each washcloth, size 8 (5 mm) needles, and a tapestry needle to weave in ends.
Key: CO = cast on, P = purl, K = knit, BO = bind off, STS = stitches, * * RPT = repeat every thing between *'s, YO = yarn over needle, K2TG = knit 2 stitches together
Pattern #1: CO 27 STS Row 1: K all STS Row 2: K all STS Row 3: K 2, P 1, * K 1, P 1, * RPT to last 2 STS, K 2 Row 4: K 3, P 1, * K 1, P 1, * RPT to last 3 STS, K 3
Repeat these 4 rows until washcloth is about 6" from CO edge. End pattern on row 2, then BO all STS. Weave in ends.
Pattern #2: CO 4 STS Row 1: K1, YO, K to last ST, YO, K1 Row 2: K all STS, including the YO 's Repeat row 1 & 2 until there are 34 STS Row 3: K2TG, YO, K2TG, K to the last 4 STS, K2TG, YO, K2TG
Row 4: K all STS, including the YO 's Repeat rows 3 & 4 until there are only 6 STS, ending on row 4*K2TG * repeat to end, BO all STS Weave in ends.
HISTORY OF KNITTING
Victorian knitting is known for its heavily patterned laces and small stitches. Due to the industrial revolution, needlework pamphlets could be mass-produced using printing presses.
Women had more leisure time, thanks to new inventions that made their lives easier. High style was finally available to more than just a wealthy few. The new middle class was able to enjoy
luxury items that could be made at home. Beautiful knitting, crocheting, tatting, and embroidery were used sometimes together to create wonderful décor as well as wearable items.
There are still many great examples of knitting at local museums. There are gloves and shawls, even some full knitted gowns. Many décor items, such as mantle covers, doilies, and
lampshades, can be found at restoration homes. Most knitted on tiny needles, about our size 0 to 000 US. There are many vintage patterns available for purchase, in case you are feeling
adventurous. I found a lot on Ebay, but there are a few companies that specialize in these patterns.
Here are two: http://www.yesterknits.com They are in the process of moving from their old site (try both): http://www.sol.co.uk/c/cbacon/
And: http://www.onceuponapattern.com
After you see these intricate pieces you can't help but be inspired.
Thank you readers for all your support and love, with this letter I have completed a full year of writing this newsletter and hope for many more years of the same.
Kathy Gallagher
I can be reached by email at: kathleengallagher@ivillage.com
Please feel free to email me with any comments or questions, using the above address. Please do not use "reply" to this newsletter to reach me.
Thank you.
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