lace and cables

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

Knitting Daily (from Interweave.com) asked it’s blog readers,” How were you a fearless knitter in 2008?” Readers from all over commented about the projects they started and finished, the new techniques’ they learned, the ripping out they did. It is a wonderful thing to look back and give yourself and your work some credit.

So please take the time, right now. To tell us how you were fearless in 2008? If you have a picture of your project post it along.

What I learned this year is that mistakes are really opportunities and my knitting has been fearless ever since.

I met a few fearless knitters this year. One project I still think about is this amazing garment (pictured above). This knitter had discovered she had enough yarn for a full garment rather than a sleeveless version. Contemplating her math mistake she decided she really wanted sleeves but didn’t want to rip the whole thing out. Her solution, she knitted those sleeves and just added buttons. Now she has this beautiful cabled sweater with abalone shell buttons and can wear it with our without sleeves. Now that is fearless…

Bears for kids

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

Did you ever have a teddy bear when you were a kid? You probably still have yours worn and cuddly as ever.

Born out of the desire to make a difference, Amy Berman founded the Mother Bear Project.

The Mother Bear Project is a non-profit dedicated to providing comfort and hope to children affected by HIV/AIDS in emerging nations, by giving them a gift of love in the form of a hand-knit or crocheted bear.

It is so easy to participate. You simply purchase a pattern and knit these cuddly teddy bears. Attach a tag with your love and drop it off to any of the collection centers. Part of your purchase money also goes to help ship the bears to their final destination. To date 35,000 bears have been made and sent to children (mostly in Africa).

For more information visit www.motherbearproject.org.

Getting the right help

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

Getting organized is an important part of a successful knitting experience.

When I first started to knit I was so into getting my project started I didn´t pay much attention to taking notes, reading the instructions completely, color coading charts, or making margin notes. At times I didn´t even make a guage swatch. Now that I produce one or two garments a month, staying organized is everthing. Many knitters will tall you that having the right tools is the key. Take some time this week to talk with our Master Knitters about getting your work organized and see what a difference it will make.

dtGreenCascade_1Originally uploaded by dianasamour

This is really a good time to thank Sandie Brodsky for investing her time, money, and care into Village Knitters. In the last year that she has owned the store we have seen a great deal of change. We have an amazing selection of yarn, great projects for all skill levels, a tremendously knowledgeable staff, and Sandie the force behind it all. Thank you Sandie!

On the subject of cascade…this month to celebrate the First Anniversary of Village Knitters, Sandie is offering Cascade 220 Superwash with a 20% discount.We all know this yarn is a staple in a knitter’s stash. 220 yards of per ball of Worsted weight, machine washable wool, soft to the touch, and an amazing selection of colors; all qualities that make this yarn a must. 

Our master knitter, Daniele, was clever to play with green tones when thinking about this cardigan, adding a style dimension to her design that makes this wearable unique. Yes, she knitted it in Cascade! 

If you are an NFL fan or maybe you are married to one and want to knit them a something with the right team colors. Check out this extensive list matching NFL team colors to Cascade 220 colors. Impressive. Click here to find the list.Get your Cascade 220 Superwash now!

knitting on the benchOriginally uploaded by dianasamour

It is not often you find something for nothing. In Texas a few years ago, several people entered a contest to win a truck. All they had to do was stand with at least one hand on the truck at all times–sounds easy. The rules were simple. In order not to damage the vehicle, they had to wear white gloves. The person left standing after days… took the truck home for free. Even if there was no entry fee, no catch, can you imagine the leg and back pain of standing in front of a car for more than 72+ hours (of course they had some breaks). No thanks, not for me.

 We at Village Knitters do believe in something for nothing. So come visit us at our Round Table Knits. We will answer questions related to your knitting–everyday. Our staff will help you and send you on your way to continue your knitting. No kidding, every day Monday - Sunday. FREE!

hanks

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

There is not mistaking the tough times ahead. If you listen to the radio, watch the nightly news or pick up the paper, you can read the headlines clearly…lay-offs and more lay-offs. It is sad news for many. All I can think of is the season ahead. As many are bracing for the slim times ahead even non-profits who help the needy like the Salvation Army and the food banks are noticing a drop in their donations. What is one to make of all this?

The holidays ahead don’t need to be focused on material giving. One can give to others without spending a week’s paycheck. Make an offering of kindness, wrap a feeling of gratitude, donate your time, tell someone the many reasons you love them, and knit a little. These were some of the suggestions Lisa Maria gave in her Yoga Journal Article titled “Gifts from the Heart.”

Knit a little. When I knit I suspend all other thought and for even a few minutes take a break from the stress or worries of my day. I am also thinking about the person I am knitting for and how I feel about them. Often my gifts feel like wrappings of love and blessings. I know I haven’t always made amazing knitted objects but I have spent so many hours on the project the recipient can at least appreciate my sincere effort.

I would agree with Lisa Marie, ‘The best gifts come straight from the heart!

Cables in green

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

Just a quick note to check out the class schedule for November and December.

Pat is teaching her finishing class. If you are sitting on a number of unfinished projects, bring them in. She will help you master the art getting things put together.

Daniele is amazing with lace work. Sign-up with her to work with beads or plain lace projects. She is a delight to be around.

If you have been knitting for a while and need a change. Check out our beginning crochet classes.

Starting in January, join us for our Block Party. Learn a new stitch each month and create a new block each month. Use them individually as wash clothes or save them and at the end of the year you can piece them together into an afghan.

If there is a project you would like to do as a group with the oversight of a master knitter, let us know. We would be happy to create a class just to suite your desires. For example, if you are interested in this clever reversible cabled scarf call us. With at least 4 people interested we can add a class to the schedule.

Lee at work

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

Ok, so I don’t have a great picture of Lee Gant. If you know Lee you will recognize her hands at work.
For those of you who are wondering what I am talking about… Lee, one of our master knitters, has been out recovering from surgery. We miss her energy, expertise and great smile. Good news, all is well and recovery is inevitable. While at home, her little hands are fast at work, one tiny stitch at a time. She is already working on her Sonoma County Fair projects for next year.

IMG_0363

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

A total stranger once said to me, while I was knitting in public,” You are too young for that—my grandmother knits”. I sat in silence thinking to myself, what a dreadful thing to say about my favorite craft. I think much work has to be done to change that stereotype.

If you knit or crochet there are many things you can do to honor your craft, author Sally Melville and Stephanie Pearl-McPhee would both agree with the following suggestions.

1. Knit often, knit in public, knit with others, and be proud.
2. Learn as much as you can about your craft. Learn some history, a new stitch, how to read a new pattern, how yarn behaves, any little thing…just keep your mind curious.
3. Compliment yourself and other knitters for the work you produce. Take your finished projects and your UFO (unfinished objects) to knitting groups for show-and-tell.
4. Please never excuse your knitting to anyone. Knitting is a journey not an event and every time you make a mistake or are simple less than satisfied with the end result—remember mistakes can become design features.
5. Make a list of those in your life that are NOT knit worthy. Yes, yes, yes this is a must. Only knit for those that will love, appreciate and wear what you make. The hat above was knitted by Pat for her cousin Kathryn May. It is perfect with her curly silver locks and it is of a favorite color.
6. Create a community by attending a guild meeting, a knit-night-out, a charity knit event, or join a KAL online. You will find others like you; best of all you will be inspired.

Elegance in blue

Originally uploaded by dianasamour

I was in Village Knitters the other day, looking at their selection of patterns and books. The following is a modest list of all the items you can knit.

Sweaters, scarves, ponchos, dishcloths, mitts, gloves, socks, bags, belts, cardigans, vests, hanker chiefs, tanks, toys, cell phone covers, head bands, shrugs, wraps, ties, kimonos, shawls, pillow covers, chair covers, guitar straps, did I mention toys, stuffed bears, fingerless gloves, capes, skirts, dresses, swim suits (yeah!), jackets, afghans, pullovers, cuffs, game boards, dog clothes, Barbie clothes, gauntlets, egg cozies, fruit protectors, and believe me much more…

If you are looking for something to knit this season, just visit us at Village Knitters.

Oh, if I missed anything please comment!