Crocheting and Knitting in the Company of Good Food and Friends

What could be better than sweet and savory refreshments, a new project and the wonderful company friends. Barb found just that at the last meeting. The Pudding Cookie Whip is a favorite and Shelia's recipe.

Barb found the pattern for a crochet cross bookmark and she was trying to make up her mind which one to make for her Secret Sister at church.

Rita finished working on her sock monkeys. She named the one wearing the overalls Socrates. It will accompany her on her storytelling events. The smaller sock monkey does not have a name yet. The knitted cap and shorts were also made by Rita.

The blanket Anna is holding was made using the technique called Tunisian crochet, also known as Afghan crochet. Doing some research I found out that Tunisian crochet dates back to the mid to late 1800. Tunisian crochet results in a woven fabric which is perfect for a warm blanket. Anna loves this blanket and she plans to keep it.

Watch this video and see if you might want to try it.

Janet who was using yarn from Herrschners commented not really liking this yarn but she only paid $10.00 for 8 skeins. She is making a baby blanket and will donate it to the Monroe Woman's Shelter. Nancy on the other hand loved the Love It yarn she purchased at the Cottage Yarn porch 40% sale. She is knitting the Tampa vest for a relative.

Some of the ladies are participating in the current service project by making scarves to be donated to the Men's Homeless Shelter. The specifications state the scarves which can be knitted or crocheted should measure 5 inches wide by 4 feet long in masculine colors with not fringe or trim. The yarn used should be worsted or bulky, sport weight yarns can be doubled. Helmet liners and scarves for our service men and women are still being collected. Shelia has been in contact with the Little Flower Retirement Center to get a list of hand made items the residents would like to receive for the holidays.

The Popularity of Lacy Knits and Crochet

Claire enjoyed working on the Tiramisu Crochet Baby blanket she will give away this September. She was amazed at how fast she got it done. "It's a great pattern and so easy", she said. She began working on her second one for another baby due this year.

Click on the word Tiramisu to access the pattern.





The pattern used by Jan consists of knit 2 together and yarn overs creates lacy a pattern. The large needle she uses also contributes to the lacy effect.

Once Pat discovered the drop stitch technique, she too has been making lacy shawls.

Rita found the original Sock Monkey pattern by Fox River Mills Inc. at the Biltmore Arcade. The kit which costs $10.00 comes with everything needed to assemble one. She will use the sock monkey during the story telling events in which she participates. I had the intention of making a sock monkey following the instructions in a book but did not finish mine. I used a man's sock and the stuffing took a long time. I had better luck designing an amigurumi sock monkey.

Rita always has more than one project going on and she is a very creative seamstress. She designed a lady's and man's apron.

The man's apron was made using a large shirt.

Detail of Rita's Man Apron is a clever design. This would make a great Father's Day gift.

Barb checked out the book Reversible Knits by Iris Schreier and found very rewarding learning how to double knit.

Click on the following link to see Susan B. Anderson demonstrating this technique.

Double Knitting