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

“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”!

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

Historic Knits: Victorian Drawers

A couple of days ago I wrote a post about a knitting article on Suite101, with an adapted pattern for a medieval undershirt:

http://danceswithwool.wordpress.com/2008/07/02/historic-knits-medieval-undershirt/

For those readers who are members of Ravelry, there’s an interesting discussion about this garment here:

http://www.ravelry.com/discuss/historic-knitting/247301/1-25#10

The pattern for these open crotch (oooh la la! those Victorians!) drawers is on the same site, with knitted lace edging and shaped legs. This pattern is original, from England. The knickers are open to ease the struggle of coping with long layers of clothing in the loo. Bagginess in the seat kept the opening from gapping. Of course, most drawers were probably sewn, from linen or cotton, rather than knitted.

Prior to the mid 19th century, “knicker(bockers)” were not commonly worn. The change in fashion to crinolines and hoop skirts, however, made them essential for modesty in case of a fall or a string wind.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/knitting_retired/55600

Historic Knits: Medieval Undershirt

The folks from Suite101.com have done some research into antique/vintage knitting, and have found some very interesting patterns for some very interesting garments.

Based on a garment from the Museum of the City of London, Lois McCarthy has devised a knitting pattern for a medieval undershirt. This one is designed for a men’s size 40, and uses fingering weight yarns on size 4 needles.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/knitting_retired/41546

Simple Crochet Beret

Nothing could be simpler than this single crochet beret, this model done in Lion Brand Cotton-Ease on size G and H  hooks. Cotton has enough body to prevent the hat from sagging. - I hate wearing droopy berets that look too big. You may have to sign in at the website to access the download.

http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/70690AD.html

Louise Knit Top - FO

It’s finished ! The purple one, obviously, is mine. This pattern is a pleasure to knit. Can’t wait to wear it, though I really do not want to wish the summer away. Something to look forward to in 4 or 5 months.

Started this a few days ago, using 127 Print wool yarn. About 1/3 completed:

Knit in one piece, sideways. Size 10 (US) circular needle. Yarn must have soft and flowy hand to achieve proper fit.

http://www.onesheephill.com/louise.html

Basic Ribbed V-neck - WIP

I’ve had this pattern and this boucle yarn for ages. This week, I’ve been crocheting a hemp basket, but it’s hard going and I can only work on it for 20 minutes or so before my hands get sore. I’m a moody dresser (pick out what to wear based upon how I feel) and a moody knitter (select projects based upon the same) and I’m currently in the mood to make a new, slightly oversized winter sweater, even though it’s muggy with thunderstorms here in CT. Any other moody deciders out there? Anyway, decided to put the yarn and this pattern together and cast on the back yesterday. Boucle isn’t the best choice for ribbing, as it doesn’t show the ribs very well, but we’ll see how it comes out.

http://www.knitty.com/ISSUEfall02/PATT3xchic.html

©2002 Bonne Marie Burns for non-commercial use only.

Spiral Spa Cloth

This pretty pattern is from Fiber Femmes, a site I’ve never seen before. Click on the photo or link and have a look around.

Worsted weight yarn, size 8 (US)/5 mm needles.

http://www.fiberfemmes.com/SeptOct2006/pattern3.htm