While searching for a boys sweater pattern on the web I stumbled across the following site. www.redcross.org/museum/exhibits/knits.asp This site has about a dozen vintage patterns 1941-1942. Most do not have photos, a few do.
If you love the old patterns like I do (I have been knitting for almost 50 years) then you will be fascinated by this site. All the patterns are down-loadable free!
Have Fun!
Hugs & Prayers
Serene Knitter (also on Ravelry)
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
The Holidays Are Looming Closer Every Day!!!
I know, I know! It is July 15th and I am talking about holiday knitting. Time is flowing along at a steady speed and it is time to kick it into gear, my friends. No more putting it off, it is time to cast on for all our holiday projects.
My holiday projects list is as follows:
1. the Gryfindor House sweater from Charmed Knits for my nephew for Christmas (a must complete).
2. a log cabin squares afghan for the charity raffle for the pre-school at Real-Life Farms Christmas Pagent.
3. a pair of Boot Socks for my Dad (Size 15).
4. a pair Red, White and Blue socks for my Mom (size 7).
5. a pair of Ballerina Slippers socks in white and Pink for Annika for Channukah (from Knitted Sock Sensations)
6. a pair of Ballerina Slippers socks in white and Lavender for Eliana for Channukah (from Knitted Sock Sensations)
I will make a up a few hats and fingerless gloves as I am able once the Gift Projects are completed.
This is my list. What is yours? Leave a comment with your list of holiday projects. Please also leave your blog address or your email address if you want me to email you back to keep you encouraged and on track.
Lets Cheer each other on!
Whats on your list?
Hugs & Prayers
Serene Knitter
My holiday projects list is as follows:
1. the Gryfindor House sweater from Charmed Knits for my nephew for Christmas (a must complete).
2. a log cabin squares afghan for the charity raffle for the pre-school at Real-Life Farms Christmas Pagent.
3. a pair of Boot Socks for my Dad (Size 15).
4. a pair Red, White and Blue socks for my Mom (size 7).
5. a pair of Ballerina Slippers socks in white and Pink for Annika for Channukah (from Knitted Sock Sensations)
6. a pair of Ballerina Slippers socks in white and Lavender for Eliana for Channukah (from Knitted Sock Sensations)
I will make a up a few hats and fingerless gloves as I am able once the Gift Projects are completed.
This is my list. What is yours? Leave a comment with your list of holiday projects. Please also leave your blog address or your email address if you want me to email you back to keep you encouraged and on track.
Lets Cheer each other on!
Whats on your list?
Hugs & Prayers
Serene Knitter
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
The Fun of Felting!
I come from a long line of knitters who make wearable clothing from wool. I have spent decades trying to not shrink a garment that is made with valuable wool and many hours of valuable time to create. So, for me, putting my time, effort, cash and beautiful wool into something that I am deliberately going to shrink is a novel thought.
Initially, I rejected any thought of doing that. However, many knitters felt items deliberately because they like the results they get. Lots of podcasters talk about the benefits of felting. Photos of so many lovely felted items on Ravelry are hard to ignore. I rethought the concept of felting and decided to try it.
Knit Picks dispalyed a really nice, simple purse pattern and a list of the needed yarn so I took the plunge. I ordered the book for the pattern and the recommended yarn (in the colors that appealed to me. Everything arrived and I didn't make the bag. ??? I didn't make it.
I found a pattern that I thought was more me so the pattern book went up on the shelf and the yarn was absorbed into my stash. I ordered the wool for the other bag from Knits Picks (again, in a different color) and made the bag as soon as the yarn arrived on my doorstep.
I made the Belted Felted Bag Designed by Maria Cook. I made it in white Wool of the Andes and felted it. Oh, it turned out so cute! It looked huge when I was knitting it but after felting it was a nice size. I might like it a tiny bit larger, but not a lot larger. I made a wine colored belt for it and my daughter made a Fire Engine Red belt for it. This bag is adorable! In white it can be transformed by simply changing the belt. Knitted belts, crocheted belts, I-cord belts and leather belts, all are equally usable and change the look of the bag dramatically. I really like it. However, my daughter likes it, too. I guess I will be making another one for myself as my daughter snagged that one. I don't mind...I have some changes I would like to make to the pattern anyway......
Next on the agenda....Felted Clogs!
Have a Happy and Bless Memorial Day and pray for all our men and women in uniform who give up many of their own personal freedoms to serve to insure that we live and sleep under a blanket of freedom unlike any in the world today. Remember those who have fallen, pray for their families.
Hugs and Prayers
Serene Knitter
Initially, I rejected any thought of doing that. However, many knitters felt items deliberately because they like the results they get. Lots of podcasters talk about the benefits of felting. Photos of so many lovely felted items on Ravelry are hard to ignore. I rethought the concept of felting and decided to try it.
Knit Picks dispalyed a really nice, simple purse pattern and a list of the needed yarn so I took the plunge. I ordered the book for the pattern and the recommended yarn (in the colors that appealed to me. Everything arrived and I didn't make the bag. ??? I didn't make it.
I found a pattern that I thought was more me so the pattern book went up on the shelf and the yarn was absorbed into my stash. I ordered the wool for the other bag from Knits Picks (again, in a different color) and made the bag as soon as the yarn arrived on my doorstep.
I made the Belted Felted Bag Designed by Maria Cook. I made it in white Wool of the Andes and felted it. Oh, it turned out so cute! It looked huge when I was knitting it but after felting it was a nice size. I might like it a tiny bit larger, but not a lot larger. I made a wine colored belt for it and my daughter made a Fire Engine Red belt for it. This bag is adorable! In white it can be transformed by simply changing the belt. Knitted belts, crocheted belts, I-cord belts and leather belts, all are equally usable and change the look of the bag dramatically. I really like it. However, my daughter likes it, too. I guess I will be making another one for myself as my daughter snagged that one. I don't mind...I have some changes I would like to make to the pattern anyway......
Next on the agenda....Felted Clogs!
Have a Happy and Bless Memorial Day and pray for all our men and women in uniform who give up many of their own personal freedoms to serve to insure that we live and sleep under a blanket of freedom unlike any in the world today. Remember those who have fallen, pray for their families.
Hugs and Prayers
Serene Knitter
Wednesday, April 30, 2008
Happy Anniversary Marly!
Marly of the Yarn Thing podcast has been podcasting for 1 year now. If you don't currently listen to Yarn Thing I recommend it.
Marly is bubbly, energetic, vivacious and funny. It is not possible to listen to her podcast and not smile.
Marly is both a knitter and and crocheter, though I think she is a crocheter who knits and I am a knitter who crochets.
Her podcast has lots of interesting happenings, yarn information, book reviews and laughs. She gives tips that may be small in application but huge in effect. Example: her suggestion to take all pattern books to Kinko's and have them all spiral bound. Totally brilliant!!!
Marly, keep rocking the yarn world with your marvelous energy!
Hugs and Prayers
Serene Knitter
Marly is bubbly, energetic, vivacious and funny. It is not possible to listen to her podcast and not smile.
Marly is both a knitter and and crocheter, though I think she is a crocheter who knits and I am a knitter who crochets.
Her podcast has lots of interesting happenings, yarn information, book reviews and laughs. She gives tips that may be small in application but huge in effect. Example: her suggestion to take all pattern books to Kinko's and have them all spiral bound. Totally brilliant!!!
Marly, keep rocking the yarn world with your marvelous energy!
Hugs and Prayers
Serene Knitter
This Old Dog Learns A New Trick
Ever hear the old saying, "you can't teach an old dog new tricks"? I admit that always made me go "huh?!?!" until 2 weeks ago.
I decided that the process of knitting 2 socks at the same time on circular needles seemed like a really great idea. When I knit socks I always change the pattern in some way, shape or form. If I fail to document that change in detail I inevitably get to the second sock and go, "what the heck did I do?"
To knit 2 socks on circs is easier if you knit Continental Style. I have been knitting Scottish Style for 49 years. I am a thrower. I got Nenah Galati's instructional DvDs for Continental Knitting, Sock I and Sock II. I was determined to learn.
My struggles to re-learn everything I know about knitting is not in any way the fault of Nenah Galati. Her DvDs are clear, her instructions are very clear, her presentation is perfectly clear and she is very pleasant to watch....like learning to knit with a friend. I totally recommend these DvDs.
My struggles are entirely my own. I absolutely understood the technique. I picked up the needles. I will even admit that the long tail cast on is easier Continental Style. The knit stitch is easier Continental Style...the purl stitch...is a royal pain Continental Style...but, again, that is not Nenah's fault.
I started to knit. I practiced the long tail cast on and picked it up fast. "Wow, this is cool, the rest should be a breeze!" WRONG!!! I tried to knit and my hands did not want to do it. My brain and my muscle memory wanted to throw not pick. Every single stitch required that I focus on that stitch and only that stitch. It was torture. I tried knitting a dishcloth. A dishcloth that I could normally knit in under 2 hours took me 4 DAYS. FOUR, count them, FOUR days to knit one dishcloth, garter stitch. I wanted to chuck it all in the trash and go back to my comfort zone and hide, but, I am an intelligent adult...not to mention of Scottish heritage, I come from a long line of very stubborn women (sorry Mom, Grandma and Granny, but its true, we could all teach stones to be stubborn). I was determined that I would not be defeated by something that small children can learn. So, I pulled together every scrap of stubborn perseverance I could manage and I stayed with it. My learning curve took nearly a full week. The first dishcloth took 4 days, the second one a day, the third one just 4 hours....I am on the fourth. I can knit almost as fast as Scottish style and I no longer have to focus on every singe stitch, although I still have to look at my knitting. I also noticed that I knit a lot tighter Continental Style. Scottish style I have to go down at least 2 needle sizes to get gauge. Continental Style I have to fight to get the stitches off the needle. I'll work on that.
I did it!! I learned a new trick. I can knit Continental Style! BUT, I still say that purling Continental Style is a pain...a real pain. I am going to have to work on that some more, too.
I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks, but the dog has got to have some very powerful motivation.
DvD Review: I really like the instructional DvD's by Nenah Galati. I do recommend them. Her instructions and demonstrations are straight forward, clear and well presented. Her demeanor is very pleasant. What really impressed me was the out-takes from the first video where she was laughing at her own flubbs. She is the kind of lady I think would be my friend if I knew her in real life. Thank you Nenah.
I decided that the process of knitting 2 socks at the same time on circular needles seemed like a really great idea. When I knit socks I always change the pattern in some way, shape or form. If I fail to document that change in detail I inevitably get to the second sock and go, "what the heck did I do?"
To knit 2 socks on circs is easier if you knit Continental Style. I have been knitting Scottish Style for 49 years. I am a thrower. I got Nenah Galati's instructional DvDs for Continental Knitting, Sock I and Sock II. I was determined to learn.
My struggles to re-learn everything I know about knitting is not in any way the fault of Nenah Galati. Her DvDs are clear, her instructions are very clear, her presentation is perfectly clear and she is very pleasant to watch....like learning to knit with a friend. I totally recommend these DvDs.
My struggles are entirely my own. I absolutely understood the technique. I picked up the needles. I will even admit that the long tail cast on is easier Continental Style. The knit stitch is easier Continental Style...the purl stitch...is a royal pain Continental Style...but, again, that is not Nenah's fault.
I started to knit. I practiced the long tail cast on and picked it up fast. "Wow, this is cool, the rest should be a breeze!" WRONG!!! I tried to knit and my hands did not want to do it. My brain and my muscle memory wanted to throw not pick. Every single stitch required that I focus on that stitch and only that stitch. It was torture. I tried knitting a dishcloth. A dishcloth that I could normally knit in under 2 hours took me 4 DAYS. FOUR, count them, FOUR days to knit one dishcloth, garter stitch. I wanted to chuck it all in the trash and go back to my comfort zone and hide, but, I am an intelligent adult...not to mention of Scottish heritage, I come from a long line of very stubborn women (sorry Mom, Grandma and Granny, but its true, we could all teach stones to be stubborn). I was determined that I would not be defeated by something that small children can learn. So, I pulled together every scrap of stubborn perseverance I could manage and I stayed with it. My learning curve took nearly a full week. The first dishcloth took 4 days, the second one a day, the third one just 4 hours....I am on the fourth. I can knit almost as fast as Scottish style and I no longer have to focus on every singe stitch, although I still have to look at my knitting. I also noticed that I knit a lot tighter Continental Style. Scottish style I have to go down at least 2 needle sizes to get gauge. Continental Style I have to fight to get the stitches off the needle. I'll work on that.
I did it!! I learned a new trick. I can knit Continental Style! BUT, I still say that purling Continental Style is a pain...a real pain. I am going to have to work on that some more, too.
I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks, but the dog has got to have some very powerful motivation.
DvD Review: I really like the instructional DvD's by Nenah Galati. I do recommend them. Her instructions and demonstrations are straight forward, clear and well presented. Her demeanor is very pleasant. What really impressed me was the out-takes from the first video where she was laughing at her own flubbs. She is the kind of lady I think would be my friend if I knew her in real life. Thank you Nenah.
Thursday, April 10, 2008
Thank You Angelika
Ever get tired of hearing people complain about petty little things? Me, too. This is not a complaint.
My son asked me to make him the "Jayne Cobb Hat" from the TV series 'Firefly'. Since my son never asks for anything knit or crocheted I responded by immediately searching for the pattern on-line. Then I googled the yarn, Cascade 220, and checked out the on-line stores that carry it. One of the shops that carry it is Yarn-Store, http://www.yarn-store.com on the Southern Oregon Coast http://www.angelikas-yarn-store.blogspot.com/. I chose this store because they have every conceivable color of Cascade 220, in fact, every Cascade yarn I have ever heard of and some I hadn't. And the prices were midway in the range I expected.
I ordered the yarn in the colors I was going to need, and I ordered enough to make more than one hat. Twenty minutes later I had an email from Angelika that my order had been received and that I would be sent a sales receipt when the order shipped. I was expecting that email in a day or two. An HOUR later I received a sales receipt that my order had shipped and I would have it in 3 to 5 business days. I received it in 3! Holy Cow! That was fast.
I emailed Angelika when I got the sales receipt thanking her for the fast service and received an immediate email telling me I was welcome.
My package arrived in perfect condition. They included, at no additional charge, a card style calendar with 2008 on one side and 2009 on the other. A Color Packett with 10 inch long samples of all kinds and colors of Cascade yarns on the front and pages upon pages of color photos of the same Cascade yarns in hundreds of colorways. I also received a hat pattern attached to pages upon pages of the new spring patterns available through their shop.
Enablers!!! Addiction Pushers!!! I am in love! Ok, I have three grandchildren so there are several patterns that I want to make and the yarns and colors I have to choose from is mind boggling!
I sent Angelika another email asking if I could mention their shop on my blog and got an answer back very quickly.
I am very impressed with the level of service I have received. I will definitely use this on-line shop again, and again. I highly recommend them.
Now, I am just waiting for my Harmony needles to arrive so I can whip up my son's new hat. I could have gotten needles at the local box store, but if I am going to invest in needles that I can use for many years to come I want the quality of Harmony needles.
Be Blessed
Hugs and Prayers
Serene Knitter
My son asked me to make him the "Jayne Cobb Hat" from the TV series 'Firefly'. Since my son never asks for anything knit or crocheted I responded by immediately searching for the pattern on-line. Then I googled the yarn, Cascade 220, and checked out the on-line stores that carry it. One of the shops that carry it is Yarn-Store, http://www.yarn-store.com on the Southern Oregon Coast http://www.angelikas-yarn-store.blogspot.com/. I chose this store because they have every conceivable color of Cascade 220, in fact, every Cascade yarn I have ever heard of and some I hadn't. And the prices were midway in the range I expected.
I ordered the yarn in the colors I was going to need, and I ordered enough to make more than one hat. Twenty minutes later I had an email from Angelika that my order had been received and that I would be sent a sales receipt when the order shipped. I was expecting that email in a day or two. An HOUR later I received a sales receipt that my order had shipped and I would have it in 3 to 5 business days. I received it in 3! Holy Cow! That was fast.
I emailed Angelika when I got the sales receipt thanking her for the fast service and received an immediate email telling me I was welcome.
My package arrived in perfect condition. They included, at no additional charge, a card style calendar with 2008 on one side and 2009 on the other. A Color Packett with 10 inch long samples of all kinds and colors of Cascade yarns on the front and pages upon pages of color photos of the same Cascade yarns in hundreds of colorways. I also received a hat pattern attached to pages upon pages of the new spring patterns available through their shop.
Enablers!!! Addiction Pushers!!! I am in love! Ok, I have three grandchildren so there are several patterns that I want to make and the yarns and colors I have to choose from is mind boggling!
I sent Angelika another email asking if I could mention their shop on my blog and got an answer back very quickly.
I am very impressed with the level of service I have received. I will definitely use this on-line shop again, and again. I highly recommend them.
Now, I am just waiting for my Harmony needles to arrive so I can whip up my son's new hat. I could have gotten needles at the local box store, but if I am going to invest in needles that I can use for many years to come I want the quality of Harmony needles.
Be Blessed
Hugs and Prayers
Serene Knitter
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Proud Family
THE FINAL INSPECTION
The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
~Author Unknown~
Thank you to all our service men and women who give up there personal freedoms to ensure mine. I am grateful for the blanket of freedom and safety I live under because of their sacrifice.
Proud Family!!
Hugs & Prayers
Serene Knitter
The Marine stood and faced God,
Which must always come to pass.
He hoped his shoes were shining,
Just as brightly as his brass.
'Step forward now, Marine,
How shall I deal with you?
Have you always turned the other cheek?
To My Church have you been true?'
The soldier squared his shoulders and said,
'No, Lord, I guess I ain't.
Because those of us who carry guns,
Can't always be a saint.
I've had to work most Sundays,
And at times my talk was tough.
And sometimes I've been violent,
Because the world is awfully rough.
But, I never took a penny,
That wasn't mine to keep...
Though I worked a lot of overtime,
When the bills got just too steep.
And I never passed a cry for help,
Though at times I shook with fear.
And sometimes, God, forgive me,
I've wept unmanly tears.
I know I don't deserve a place,
Among the people here.
They never wanted me around,
Except to calm their fears
If you've a place for me here, Lord,
It needn't be so grand.
I never expected or had too much,
But if you don't, I'll understand.
There was a silence all around the throne,
Where the saints had often trod.
As the Marine waited quietly,
For the judgment of his God.
'Step forward now, you Marine,
You've borne your burdens well.
Walk peacefully on Heaven's streets,
You've done your time in Hell.'
~Author Unknown~
Thank you to all our service men and women who give up there personal freedoms to ensure mine. I am grateful for the blanket of freedom and safety I live under because of their sacrifice.
Proud Family!!
Hugs & Prayers
Serene Knitter
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