myLot User Profile

Knit Houses?

I ran across these photos on Make Magazine's blog. What does the concept of a knit house tell us? Do we need shelter and warmth? These houses were actually knit as art projects over the last few years. Andrea Tung also blogged about these on her Making Things blog. She makes some interesting observations on the subject of knitting and how it's popularity is expanding into other forms of expression. "It's fascinating to see how knitting has been adapted for purposes other than a sweater. And it's become more talked about in general. For example, occasionally on the CBC, I would hear a story about knitting. I hope to see knitting become something as common as golf or gourmet cooking." I would also like to point out that the craft chain stores are declining. Yet the local boutique craft suppliers seem to be thriving. What is this saying about the relationship between craft and society? I think eventually we will be coining the phrase "luxury craft".

Pictured above: from the recent Knitting Site in London, the walls are knit from garbage bags, old plastic bags and rope.

Pictured below: "Cozy", by Janet Morton

"And while some people think knitting is to remain behind walls, we build walls that are knitted."

First Steps In Learning How To Crochet

If you are someone who has never crocheted before, you can learn the very basics with the resources at crochet.about.com If it's been awhile or you are ready to learn more, there are also links to help you brush up on skills or to learn more about crocheting. I've listed a few of the basics links below.

Learn to Crochet:

• How To Make a Starting Chain Step-By-Step Photo Tutorial

  Close-up photo showing what is meant by "2nd ch from hook", a crochet phrase used when beginning to crochet the first stitch made in a starting chain.

• How To Single Crochet - Learn In Easy Steps

Patterns Using Single Crochet:

• Easy Single Crochet Scarf Free Pattern
• Beginner's Dishcloth Free Pattern

• Easy Single Crochet Halter Top Free Pattern

The halter top is easy enough for a beginner.

It's all in single crochet. There are some decreases but with the How To Decrease In Single Crochet Photo Tutorial, you should have no problem with that. It was designed after seeing some online messages from beginners who were wishing for some beginner patterns that would be more interesting to crochet than most starter patterns already out there.

Next Stitch - Double Crochet

• How To Double Crochet
• 2nd Double Crochet of the Row (photo shows a close look at the place where the second stitch is made in a row of double crochet, with the turning chain counting as the first double crochet of the row)
• Making 2 Double Crochet All in One Place

• Making 3 Double Crochet in One Same Stitch

Getting Used to Abbreviations:

• Photo Showing Close Look at dc in ea of next 5 dc plus 3 dc in next dc for a shell. Seeing what it looks like can make it easier to understand what the abbreviations mean.
• Photo Showing Close Look at 3 sc in ch-1 sp (scroll down that page to see that photo)

Finishing

• How To Weave in Ends

• Ways of Joining Crocheted Pieces

Continuing To Learn New Crochet Skills

• Top Basic Crochet Stitches

The Directory page lists many tutorials on this site for learning both easy and advanced stitches and techniques.

• Stitch and Technique Directory

Happy Easter!

I ran across this image at Peep-Lovers (you have to love them!) If you visit the site, please leave a comment about the background picture, "peeps in a car"! She actually took the photo herself and posted it for everyone to enjoy!
I hope you all have a Very Blessed Easter... and don't forget the REAL reason for the season.

Helping the environment one candle at a time!

A Shameless Plug...
I just wanted to share with you a little about my newest business venture this evening. It doesn't hurt to mention it... and everyone loves candles! Right? I feel like I'm a mom on a mission!
I just joined an All-Natural Gourmet Candle business opportunity. I've always loved candles, but have only recently become more aware of the toxicity of burning paraffin wax. Most candles fill a room with toxic, carcinogenic smoke and soot. In fact, burning paraffin candles releases many of the same toxins as diesel fuel.
Here's a little background info on the process of making paraffin wax. It begins at the bottom of an oil barrel (the worst 5% or so that has been rejected by the gasoline industry). This by-product of crude oil is then mixed with another less-than-enticing substance known as industrial strength bleach. This is what gives wax its pleasant whiteness. As if that weren't enough, they then add stearic acid and a few other minor ingredients, and you have the very wax burning in most of your homes. Shocking isn't it?!
As soon as I became aware of these harmful toxins being released by paraffin wax I didn't want to expose my friends, family, or children to it anymore. That's why I was thrilled when I discovered an alternative non-toxic wax which is made from ingredients such as vegetables and other natural, renewable sources. It's entirely non-toxic and non-carcinogenic. It also burns practically soot free and it smells better than ANY candle I have ever smelled! Honestly!
The clean glass and absence of black soot on the inside of the candle-holder is definitely comforting, when it is considered that this soot is the same substance being breathed when a paraffin candle is burned.
Note: Many soy waxes are not what they seem to be. The law only mandates a small percentage of the wax to be soy-based in order to be called soy wax. Therefore many soy waxes are still made mostly of paraffin.
There are also many other benefits of using these delicious smelling organic candles. Apart from being a healthy alternative to paraffin, the scents smell true-to-life from top to bottom, and they burn SLOW and EVEN too (retaining their fragrance stronger and longer).
Last but not least, using these all natural waxes supports a renewable U.S. resource rather than an imported, limited oil supply. Let's support our U.S. farmers! Please visit my Organic Candle website to learn more about these wonderfully safe candles!

I also want to make mention of a movement taking place on March 29th. If you haven't already heard about Earth Hour, click on the banner below to visit the site. I have already signed up to take part in this global event!

Let's turn off the lights and light a candle instead!

Knitting Daily and the Free Pattern - Slouch Rib Cardigan

If you don't already subscribe to Knitting Daily's editorial e-mails, it would be well worth it for you to check it out! Today's post included a free pattern for the Slouch Rib Cardigan, which sparked quite a discussion on their comment board! The skill level is classified as Easy and can be made with negative, zero or positive ease, for either a slouchy fit or a more close-fitting fit.
Here it is depicted both ways.

Sandi (the editor) in the Slouch Rib Cardigan
wearing the sample garment with about 1.5 - 2" negative ease

slouchy with positive ease on the model

The pattern is a fast knit, thanks to size 10.5 needles and a bulky weight yarn. Plus, there's nothing harder than a k2tog and picking up stitches, so it's a great first sweater pattern. This may end up being my very first attempt at making a sweater just because of how easy it should be to knit up. But I do think it's a bit too tight on Sandi and a bit too slouchy on the model. Hmmm... wonder if I can find an in-between ground?
There's well over 50 comments already posted to the site... and what a variety of opinions on the topic of whether it looks better with positive or negative ease. Quite humorous comments at that!

• Lynette from Germany commented "Could you have found an uglier pattern?..."
• Katy commented "Sandi, the cardi looked a little too floppy in the original photo for my taste, but it looks *FABULOUS* on you."
• Nancy f commented "I think this is an incredible unattractive sweater no matter what the ease. The problem is the neckline doesn't look like it fits, and the ribbing does not match up on the front. With so man wonderful patterns at IK to choose from, I wonder why you chose this one."
• Brittani from AZ commented "I have to say that I love it with the negative ease! I just downloaded this pattern today, but I wasn't sure how it would look on me as I am definitely bigger than the model, but now I can't wait to start this, thanks for showing us Sandy."

That gives you a taste of how the comments are rolling in at Knitting Daily's website.
So... what do YOU think? Leave me a comment here and let me know your opinion on the matter! Let's see if we can get some heated comments going over here as well! LOL

Quote of the day

"The act of knitting is a meditation, for the work of the hands compels the mind to rest, and gives free rein to movements of the soul" -Author unknown

Susan Todd Designs

Susan Todd offers Sustainable Style from Recycled Sweaters. Her collection includes beautiful bags and nifty needleworks accessories. If you've ever wondered where that sweater went, which your great aunt gave you for Christmas in 1973... well, she's found it... along with many others. She has rescued forgotten wool sweaters from a big salvage house, washed and dried them and given them a new life! Her bags are roomy and have lots of pockets to fit all your needle needs, perfect for that on-the-go project. And forget the dry cleaners, all of her bags are machine wash and dry!

Susan launched her current line of bags in 1997. She then added her needleworks line when she realized that many knitters (including actress Julia Roberts) were using her very functional designs as project bags. Susan is dedicated to providing her customers with high quality bags and accessories whose allure and practicality will endure for years to come! Visit Susan Todd Designs today!

"It is great that I am using recycled materials.
We smile as we make each bag."

Susan Todd

Little Labyrinth

Darling little Tassel Hat in custom colours

I just found another wonderful fiber artist through Etsy, Amanda, a 25 year old SAHM (stay-at-home-mom) to two boys and two girls. Her children are the inspiration for all of her designs. She is also a professional children's photographer. She loves to knit, and she loves hats... so it's not unusual that her favourite things to create are knitted hats for little ones!

Stripey Stocking Cap in luscious soft wool/cashmere/silk blend yarns

Aren't these hats absolutely adorable? Not to mention, the baby photos are a delight! She really captured the moments with these shots!
While browsing through her shop, I also discovered a new doll! Lati Dolls! What a bonus! One thing I haven't shared on here before is that I also collect dolls! Hmmm... I may need to save up my pocket change for quite awhile though if I want to add this cutie to my collection!

This Lati doll is wearing a hand knit hood in 100% soft merino wool

All of Amanda's hats are made-to-order... Visit her Etsy shop, Little Labyrinth, to see more of her gorgeous creations! Hey Amanda, would you be willing to answer some questions for our first ever blog Interview? With 4 little ones, I'm sure she's got plenty of stories to share!

My FAKE magazine cover

I don't even remember how I stumbled upon this tonight, but it was too funny! I just had to share it with you! You can also Create Fake Magazine Covers with your own picture at MagMyPic.com
Have fun with it and enjoy! They have several different covers to choose from. Too bad they didn't have Interweave Knits or Crochet Today!
VOTE FOR ME HERE!

Freeform Crochet

"Homage to a Magpie "

Crocheted Fragments by Jenny Dowde

I'd heard the term freeform before, but only just this evening decided to do a little search on the subject to find out just exactly what it is all about. So what exactly is freeform? Freeform crochet is a form of art, like painting. The crochet hook is the brush and the yarn is the paint. The result can be abstract or realistic. Freeform is always one-of-a-kind and original in design, never a reproduction. There are no patterns to follow.
The outcome is not only functional, but can be quite beautiful as well. It's all in the eyes of the beholder. Freeform includes wearables, wall hangings, handbags, etc... Here are some links to Freeform Crochet websites worth checking out. Just click on the logos below.