Modular Knitting

I am now able to record the television show Knitty Gritty which airs on the DIY network. (The Do It Yourself Network). The featured technique on this show was modular knitting which in my opinion is for intermediate/advanced knitters. It took me a good part of the afternoon to master it. It definitely helps to use a row counter. Unfortunately the book Modular Knits by Iris Schreiver is not available at the library.

To get the instructions for these coasters go to the Do it Yourself Network.

If you are ready for a challenge give modular knitting a try. It involves using short rows, slipping stitches and doing SSK (slip, slip, knit)



Click on the word coasters to view the completed coasters. One ball of Sugar and Cream Cotton yarn will yield 4 coasters.

Beautiful Stitching done during our Meetings

One Skein Wonders - 101 Yarn-Shop Favorites

Striped and Scalloped Cap and Easy Mittens




I recently checked out of my library One Skein Wonders - 101 Yarn Shop Favorites and it has become one of my favorites. The book is for knitters/crocheters of all skill levels. The projects are done in various yarn weights. If you are looking for a quick one skein pattern you will find some in the section In the Thick of It: Bulky-Weight Yarns.

I chose to make the Striped and Scalloped Cap using noro yarn
Noro is 100% wool and comes in vibrant colors. You can purchase it locally at the Yarn Shop in Mint Hill. The second project I've completed are the Easy Mittens on page 134. This pattern was actually submitted by Baskets of Yarn in Charlotte, NC. I have not been to that shop but will have to investigate its location. I did modify this pattern since the small size is not small enough for me. The mittens can be completed in two days. This is an excellent choice for those on your holiday list.

Update: Baskets of Yarn is located in Charlotte. Here's the link to their website:

Baskets of Yarn

Knitting and Crocheting Kits

Shelia has found a creative way to use the Janway bags used for children's book kits. She put together knitting & crocheting kits. More and more people are expressing an interest to start knitting or crocheting but do not have their own supplies. The kits contain laminated instruction sheets, needles and yarn. These kits will be available for people who may want to give knitting or crocheting a try but do not have any supplies. Great idea, Shelia.

During our last session, Sandy insisted on taking Shelia's and Aura's picture doing their favorite thing (Knittting).

Click on this sentence to view picture. Aura had just stopped by to take some pictures and she had nothing to work on so she is holding Shelia's cap.

Stitchin' Meeting a time for sharing patterns & more

The ladies who come to the Mint Hill Stitch In not only share their patterns and crochet or knitting knowledge but also share about each others loved ones, favorite things to do, etc...Two of our ladies were doing just that by sharing photographs.

Everyone has been busy this summer working on a variety of projects. Santa's cross stitch is well under way and should be ready for Christmas. The lady who was working on this beautiful piece said I should not take a picture yet but I could not help myself. Santa will soon have his eyeballs stitched, I'm sure.

To view more pictures click on each sentence.

Sandy's kitty cotton blanket beautiful in the Camo yarn.

Tina's garter stitch shawl.

Julie's beautiful knitted afghan with yarn donated. She said this pattern is tricky so she's had to undo rows several times.
Garter stitch baby cardigan.

Garter stitch cloche in progress

Christmas in July

It's hard to believe the hot days of summer will come to an end soon. July or any other month in Summer is the time when some crafters start to think about projects/gifts they would like to complete before the Holiday Season. Knitting projects do take time so it's not too early to start planning gifts. I have already completed two scarfs. I am in the middle of baby garter stitch cardigan.

The July Mint Hill Stitch In meeting's theme was Christmas. Shelia shared an adorable Knitted candy cane ornament with all the ladies. She said it can be made in an afternoon. This would be a perfect package decoration too.

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