Knitted Spa Cloth

I’ve been working on some spa gift baskets this week. Crocheting the baskets

(here: http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2008/03/18/beaded-jute-basket/

then knitting some spa cloths to tuck in along with soap, a candle, rubber ducky, etc.  It’s a lot of fun, nice light knitting for these hot and hazy days of summer.  I found this pretty pattern, simply called “knitted round dishcloth”, over at the Mielke’s Farm website. They feature several other free patterns as well.

http://www.mielkesfarm.com/dishclth.htm

Knitting Books: The Knitting Experience: Purl Stitch

by Sally Melville

Another winner

The Purl Stitch is a beautifully illustrated, easy to follow guide to producing intricate-looking garments using simple techniques and readily available yarns. Having used the first volume in the series, The Knit Stitch, I was happy to find that this second book is just as valuable. One of its best features is the presentation of photos of the same garment done in different yarns and sizes. Patterns are accurate and adaptable, and I find that they stimulate my creativity and interest in customizing them. Though I’ve been knitting for more than twenty years, the simplicity is far from boring. The Purl Stitch is one of my most useful references, one that I return to time and again.

Knitting Books: The Knitting Experience - the Knit Stitch

by Sally Melville

As a lifelong knitter with an extensive knitting/needlework library, I have to rank The Knit Stitch among my absolute favorites. The patterns, in my opinion, are varied, mostly updated classics. The best feature in this book is the range of different techniques presented and the clear coaching provided for each. I’ve learned several new skills and methods for casting on and off, seaming, making nice even edges, and altering patterns, and I refer to this volume often when I need to solve a problem in my projects. Highly recommended for both novice and experienced knitters.

Books about Knitting: Module Magic

by Ginger Luters

Inspiring

Not exactly magic, but this book is a great tutorial for learning the technique of modular knitting. It breaks down the process by shape, with instructions for making and combining squares, strips, triangles, miters, etc., into beautiful, colorful fabrics and garments. The patterns are varied (shawls, sweaters, hats afghans), and each type of module is illustrated in more than one possible combination of shapes and colors. If this book doesn’t stimulate knitting creativity, I don’t know what will! A great addition to the serious knitter’s library, for inspiration, instruction, patterns, and more.

“Green” Crochet: T Shirt Rug

What a terrific idea for recycling old T shirts! And, it couldn’t be easier! You cut giant loops from the shirt, join them into a long length of “yarn” (talk about bulky!), and crochet them into a cool rag rug! If you don’t have a T shirt you’re willing to cut up, drop by  your local thrift shop and pick up a few. Brilliant!

Tutorial with photos, from Crazy Mom Quilts, here:

http://crazymomquilts.blogspot.com/2008/02/rag-rug-tutorial.html

Making an 18th Century Hussif (Sewing Kit)

A Housewife, or Hussif, is nothing more than an 18th century sewing kit. Women used them at home, and soldiers used them when serving in the military. A few years back, I made one for myself, and use it mostly at re-enactments and museum programs. It’s a very handy thing to carry, and a very easy thing to make. All you need is some appropriate cloth, and simple directions. Here’s how I make mine.

Materials

Several 1/2 yard lengths of period appropriate cloth, in various patterns. I like checks. Alternatively, you can use a single color, if you prefer.

2 yards of seam binding or bias tape, or you can make your own.

Matching thread and sewing needles.

Plastic cover from a 15 ounce margarine container.

Instructions:

Cut the following:

A. Plain color lining piece - I generally use muslin. Cut to 4″ x 11″.

B. Backing piece: fabric of your choice. Cut to  4″ X 11″.

C and D:  For pockets: Cut two  3 1/2″ x 4″ pieces;

E. Cut one  4″ x 5″ pocket piece

F. Round the tops of the lining and backing, tracing the arc with the margarine lid. If desired, cut a liner piece for the curved top.

Assembling

1. Using a neat slip stitch, hem 1 long side of pieces C and D. The hem should be narrow - approximately 1/8″ folded twice.

2. Hem 1 short side of piece E similarly.

3. Lay the lining (A) right side up with the rounded edge to the top. Place piece E, also right side up, so that its cut edges are even with the rectangular end of the lining. This will become the lowest pocket. Bast E in position, leaving hemmed edge free.

4. Place piece C, right side up, on the lining with its hem touching the hem of piece E. Carefully fold      under 1/4″ of the other end of C. Baste C in place, and carefully slip stitch the folded over side to the lining

5. Place D, right side up, on the lining with its hem toward the rectangular end, and approximately 3″ away from the hemmed end of C. Carefully fold under 1/4 ” of the other end of D. Baste D in place, then slip stitch the folded under edge to the lining.

6. Place the lining/pocket over the cover piece (B), matching up the edges. Baste together. Trim away any excess material from the edges.

7. The binding tape is sewn around the edges, beginning at the center of the rectangular end. You can sew through all the layers at once with small running stitches, or slip stitch each side separately. Be sure to miter the corners, and overlap neatly at the bottom.

8. Attach a length of binding tape or ribbon on the exterior to serve as a tie to hold the folded case closed. One third should lie on top of the case, and 2/3 away from the case.

This case can be folded in a variety of ways, depending on how full it is. You can also roll it. Fill it with needles, threads, pins, and any other small objects that you need for sewing. Show off your beautiful new “hussif”!

Knitting News: Karen Allen Fiber Arts

Actress Karen Allen is also knitting artist Karen Allen. A few weeks ago, she was featured on CBS Sunday Morning, not for her acting, but for her fiber arts business, which is located in western Massachusetts. I got curious, and found her website, and was treated to an avalanche of color and texture. She works primarily is cashmere, and combines hand and machine knitting, designing gorgeous garments that are inspired by ancient and modern textiles from around the world. She also has a retail shop, but her products are pretty pricey. But it doesn’t cost a thing to look, so check out her website, full of beautiful creations.

Word is, Karen owes Harrison Ford a scarf!

http://www.karenallen-fiberarts.com/home.php

15 Homemade Swiffer Cloth Patterns

It’s so wasteful to use and discard those covers for the Swiffer mop, convenient though it may be. TipNut has listed 15 different ways to make reusable Swiffer cloths; guilt free mopping. Yay!!15 Homemade Swiffer Cloth Patterns » TipNut.com

Nanette Shrug - WIP

Started this little sweater this weekend, using Katia Flash ribbon yarn in black. Made all in one piece, this pattern is from Berroco book #259, L”Attitude.

Resist Felting - New Technique

Things are changing amazingly quickly in the world of knitting! Sock blanks, art knitting, what’ll they think of next? Well, Barbara Breiter over at Knitting on the Net has just posted an article about a new felting technique, called “resist felting”, apparently because it applies a method similar to that used in resist dyeing.As shown in the photo, some sections of the material felt, and some don’t, creating a new and different look.

Pattern for a scarf,  and details here:

http://knittingonthenet.com/patterns/scarffeltresist.htm