Right is Right

"Right is right." When knitting something in the round (like a hat or socks), remember that the yarn attached to the needle should always come from the right needle - as opposed to the left. This is particularly important to remember when you pick your work back up (after an interruption).

Knitting in the round is my choice when knitting hats. The finished product is seamless and knitting goes much faster. For more tips on knitting in the round go to: http://www.littleturtleknits.com/circknitting.htm

Help to Understand Gauge Ranges

I recently checked out the book Teach Yourself Visually Knitting Design by Sharon Turner. It is a great book both for the new knitter and the experienced knitter. I fall somewhere in the middle and have so much more to learn about this wonderful craft. I would definitely recommend this book to better understand the mathematics involved in designing knits. The first chapter especially has helped me understand gauge ranges. On page 7 there is a Standard Yarn Weight System Chart which lists the different yarn weights by category name with the recommended needle size to use. Let's say you prefer to knit with Medium Worsted yarn. The right needle sizes for this yarn weight in U.S. size range is 7 - 9.

Have you ever looked at a pattern in a book which requires a specific yarn but does not give information about the yarn weight (whether the yarn is sport or worsted weight?) The master patterns provided for shawls, hats, bags, sweaters, socks, etc... give detailed information about the approximated yardage needed, how many stitches to cast on based on the gauge of each different yarn weight. Knitting books stress the importance of making a gauge swatch, this one does too. Do take the time to make one to insure that your finished product will fit.

One of our library's borrowers shared with me the name of this website: http://wiseneedle.com

This website provides helpful information about yarn by manufacturer's name and fiber content.

Knitting Tip from May Meeting

Why is my knitting curling?

For scarves, shawls, afghans or anything that you want to lay flat, stockinette stitch is not a good choice because it always curls. Garter stitch, which is made my knitting every row, works much better. Other options are K1 P1 ribbing or seed stich. Any stitch with an equal number of knits and purls on both sides of the fabric will not curl.

You can ad a border to the edge, such as seed stitch or ribbing, which will prevent the curling but the whole border may flip to the front or the back of the piece. Another option is to line the entire piece with a woven fabric or knit a second layer.

Tea Party to Honor Mint Hill Stitchers

The tea party held to honor all those who contributed to our last two service projects and to welcome new friends took place on May 8. These two projects benefited our community and we had an overwhelming participation. Following the guidelines of the Warm Up America organization four beautiful afghans were put together. You can see pictures of these afghans in previous articles written in this blog. Thanks to everyone's effort we donated these afghans to the Mint Hill Police Department and to the Mint Hill Fire Department.

The second project consisted in knitting or crocheting infant caps. Nearly sixty caps were made and donated to Presbyterian Hospital Matthews. Knitting or crocheting thse tiny creations can be addicting. Everyone sure did enjoy making them.

We are very thankful to the many businesses who contributed to our tea party by providing refreshments and beautiful flowers.

The Mint Hill Stitch-In meetings take place on t he second and fourth Tuesday of every month from 12:00 p..m. through 2:00 p.m. at the Mint Hill Branch Library.


(click images for larger views)


Beautiful tea pots and tea cups were provided by Mint Hill Branch Staff


Sandy working on knitted mouse cat toy

All in attendance received a potted Impatient plant, courtesy of Martin's Nursery

Delicious pound cake baked and decorated with edible flowers by Shelia

Beautiful flower arrangement graced the refreshment table

Another view of the refreshment table.

April - Mint Hill Stitch In - Meeting

The "Pot Luck" yarn swap took place which gave members the opportunity to either donate or swap yarn. This means that they will have some more space at home to put the new yarn they purchase. It was called "Pot Luck" because you could swap any type, weight or color yarn.

This project designed by Norma Zager is suitable for various types of yarn.
Check out these wonderful websites:

This site will delight and inspire you.

A website featuring nostalgic patterns.

An excellent website for those interested in selling or buying hand made items.

Knit Wiki - An Online Knitting Encyclopedia

I have added a link to Knit Wiki on the main page of this blog. The button is on the right hand side.

Knit Wiki is a community run knitting encyclopedia. To access this valuable source just click on the knit wiki icon. Knit Wiki is fairly new since it was created on February 2007. This online encyclopedia contains patterns, techniques, historical information, etc..contributions made by members. The creators would like all who love to knit to contribute by posting and sharing pictures of their own creations, patterns, tips or anything that would help other knitters. To participate you do have to become a member. On the main page click on the upper right corner create an account.

April's featured article is "The Baby Surprise Jacket" designed by Elizabeth Zimmerman in 1968. The unique feature about this baby all in garter stitch baby garment is that all parts (front, back and sleeves) are knitted in one piece. The pattern itself is not free; the person who wrote the article said she used the instructions from the Knitting Workshop, the book written by Elizabeth Zimmerman.

March Stitch In Meeting

The Mint Hill Stitch In Meetings are now being held once a month on the second Tuesday of every month due to programming restructuring at the library. Some of the ladies asked if they could still meet on the last Tuesday of the month and their request was approved. They just love to stitch together. This day is now referred to as the "Unofficial Day" of Stitch In. Shelia or Neily won't be present on that last Tuesday of the month.

Our community room was nearly full to capacity with ladies of different ages. It's exciting to see the group grow each month and also see young girls participating. Thank everyone for the delicious refreshments. Shelia gave everyone a St. Patrick's card with a coupon to be used at the Yarn Cottage in Mint Hill. I've already used mine to buy size three double points since I lost two needles here at the Library. What a mystery; I still have not found them.

We continued to receive baby and preemie caps which were delivered to the Matthews Presbyterian Hospital. The total number or caps knitted/crocheted totaled fifty five. A big thanks to all who contributed.

Shelia announced the yarn swap which will take place on Tuesday April 10. She will make suggestions of what to do with leftover yarn. I am guilty of accumulating yarn which I purchase on sale and end up not using. This can become a problem since yarn does take lots of room so I'm trying to do better in this area.

More pictures - to view click on the words:

Young Crafters

March newsletter

Shelia's shawl

Shelia holding one of the baby caps to be donated

Neily holding one of the baby caps to be donated

Cross stitch work in progress

Delicious refreshements