Are You Comfortable?

At our last meeting, we were pleased to welcome an out-of-town visitor, who even brought along her beautiful baby (almost seven months old, and not knitting yet) for us to "ooh and aah" over. I guess she felt comfortable enough, because she later mentioned us in her own blog (whatknit.blogspot.com), and indicated she might come back sometime.
There's probably someone out there reading this, who is thinking about coming to one of our meetings, but feels a little unsure. Here are some tips for first-timers, from Monica Silva, a knitter from California.

1. Talk with other knitters; don't stay quiet. Don't just show up and knit your projects! You can do that at home, right? You'll be surprised how much the other members in the group want to get to know you. Be prepared to answer questions like "How long have you been knitting?" and "Where do you buy your yarn?".

2. Ask them what they think of LYS (local yarn shops). If you're a new knitter, get a list of LYSs near you. Bring your list, and ask them what they think of a certain LYS. Members of the group will be happy to share their shopping experiences with you.

3. Help a new knitter with a project. People go to a knitting group to knit, but also to learn from experienced knitters. Even if you don't feel you're very skilled, you might be able to help someone fix holes or extra stitches on a needle.

4. Bring simple projects to work on. You're at the meeting to meet knitters, share tips, and knit. If you bring long, complicated patterns that require you to count stitches every row, and focus too much, you won't be able to join in the conversation.

5. Bring your list of written knitting patterns. You might get an idea for a new project while you're at the meeting. Sometimes you might not be sure of a basic pattern like a chevron, feather and fan, or horseshoe, and you'll be glad you have the directions in your bag.

6. Bring some of your WIPs (works in progress). Every knitter struggles to finish a project because there are always new exciting ones to start. Encourage other members of the group to finish their projects, and let them encourage you to complete yours.

HAPPY EARTH DAY.....Reduce, Re-Use, Recycle!

Did you know that you can be doing something good for the planet, while you're knitting? You could try one of the new eco yarns made from organic, sustainable, or recycled materials. There's durable, unshrinkable hemp (http://www.hempforknitting.com/), for example, or hypoallergenic and vegan Soysilk, which is produced using remnants from the tofu manufacturing process. Lion Brand has a new recycled cotton yarn, made from pieces that would otherwise be discarded when fabric is cut to make tee shirts; and you can have rainbows of silk yarn at your fingertips, handspun from mill ends of Indian saris. (www.recycledsilk.com/patterns.html)

If you want to expend a little more of your own energy, you might consider unraveling a rummage sale sweater, and using the re-claimed yarn in the design of a totally different garment. Here are some excellent instructions for this. Not feeling quite so energetic? Then check out http://www.jagsfunkyfibers.com/, for a variety of yarns that have already been re-claimed, washed, and prepared for your knitting adventures.

Really feeling crafty? Try making your own yarn out of newspaper......yes, newspaper! Greetje van Tiem did it for her "Indruk" project, and Doug Gunzel gives clear instructions for you at http://www.greenupgrader.com/2138/handspun-recycled-newspaper-yarn. The newspaper yarn is sturdy enough to use for something like rugs or curtains, but not recommended for clothing.....well, maybe a hat....

A Good Yarn

"All knitterly creation stems from one simple element: yarn. It is the baker's flour, the jeweler's gold, the gardener's soil....We love it, we covet it, we are knocked senseless by it, yet sometimes we are baffled, thwarted and betrayed by it." That's what Clara Parkes says in the introduction of her book, "The Knitter's Book of Yarn". Her purpose in writing the book is to help eager knitters (and crocheters) avoid yarn-related errors, such as "the socks that grew twice as long in the first wash, or...the scarf that feels like sandpaper against your delicate neck." She explains the composition, characteristics, care of, and best uses for a number of different yarns.
It's helpful to have all the facts about wool, mohair, angora, silk, hemp, cotton, and so on, but Parkes doesn't stop there. She also discusses merits and drawbacks of various rayon-like yarns, that are made from wood pulp, bamboo, corn, soy, or seaweed(!). And don't worry, she doesn't forget the colorful and inexpensive nylon, polyester, and acrylic that many of us start out with. Some interesting patterns are included, too. Take a look!

No Fooling!

Okay, I know today is April Fool's Day, but this is for real. World Wide Knit in Public Day will be celebrated on June 13 this year. It started in 2005, and now bills itself as the largest knitter-run event in the world, with 800 events taking place around the globe last year, on the second Saturday of June. It's a good excuse for knitters to come together and enjoy each other's company, and a great way to promote our craft.
I think the beautiful lawn next to the Osterville Village Library would be the perfect place for us to sit and knit on a sunny June afternoon. Can't you just picture yourself there, knitting and chatting, while a gentle breeze is blowing? We'll bring out some comfortable chairs....maybe even borrow a couch. It could be lots of fun!