knitting

[gja1000]

My 31 year old daughter announced a couple of weeks ago that she was going to take knitting lessons - could have knocked me over with a feather!

She did and now is madly knitting scarves - I'm sure we will all have one for Christmas :p

She will go back to class soon and learn some new stitches and start learning how to follow a pattern.

I've never wanted to know how to knit - but would like to know how to crochet. I've just never taken the time to learn.

[judy]

It's a big thing now among young women. We had a knitting club at the school I worked in. There are such interesting yarns out now.

I'm with you though, Gina. I never did like knitting. Crocheting is nice, but for the life of me, I can't think of one thing anybody would want if I took it up. Embroidery and needlepoint are also nice. Very relaxing. Not that I do it anymore. I don't have the patience.

Actually, needlepoint is a very good thing to do when going through a divorce. Poking that needle in and out, in and out, is very cathartic!

[DianaB]

I think that it's great that your daughter is taking up knitting!!! I love to see people interested in crafts and stuff. You'll probably get some wonderful gifts from her too!! How cool!!!

I've knitted and crocheted a little, not much. Counted cross-stitch was what I really got into. I have many pictures hanging on the walls that I made. I have a pattern set out to made a wedding picture for Dae Lynn and Damon but I just can't seem to pick it up and get it done.

[AngieDoogles]

I can crochet a bit, but I've never knitted. I'd love to learn though. You'll have to post photos of one of her finished products! :)

[Lindsey]

I have never learned to crochet but my grandma taught me how to knit when I was younger. Not sure if I could still do it though! A few girls at my office have started a "stitch'n'b*tch" group where they meet up to knit together, but I haven't gotten into that either. When I was about 10 years old I started up cross-stitching and did that for quite a few years. I loved it but just didn't have time for it anymore when I turned 15 and was playing sports and working and dating! Actually just last weekend I was thinking about it again after seeing the beautiful framed "Footprints" cross-stitch my friend did for the minister at their wedding.

[Janet]

My mother can do both, but prefers crocheting. I'm not really interested. I do like crafts...and have done quite a bit of the plastic canvas stuff, but just haven't had time for much of anything as far as crafts go. I would really like to sew some more doggie clothes, but it's just getting started that I'm having trouble with.

[2tiredmom]

Oh how I LOVE to KNIT. I have made tote bags and have sold them to some girls where I work. I had a friend from work that wanted a hat made. So I made her a hat for her teenage daughter for Christmas. I have made lots of baby blankets crochet. I just can't sit down with out having something else to do besides watch tv. I have a facebook page called BIT BY BIT KNIT. It has pictures of a few of the bags I have done.
Everyone has a talent of some sort. I just like to knit.

[JJJ]

I'm quite embarrassed to say this but I didn't even know knitting and crochet were two different things :o But I'm clueless in all the arts and craft department.

[Janet]

I have books that teach knitting and crocheting that I got from Mom. She didn't really need them, but used them as a refresher. I love all the crocheted doilies Mom made and I have a drawer full of them, small ones and some are quite large. Even dresser runners. They are beautiful. I have a few out now, but once I get the house totally cleaned I want to put even more out.

Sometime, I hope to get the books out and see if I can teach myself. I don't know of any classes being taught, but will keep my eyes and ears open. That would be fun.

[Blueyes]

My dil taught me how to knit a scarf. I've been working on it for one year:eek: I'm gonna finish that stupid scarf one of these days!

[DianaB]

I've done a little bit of both knitting and crocheting but I found out that I really liked cross-stitching. I haven't done much of it since I'm on the computer now. I also have done some scrapbooking but with the kids here I've given up getting any of that done.

I'm planning on getting some pictures framed and hung up. That's my craft for this month!!!

[Janet]

Diana..I know you use to have a cricut machine, didn't you like it? I'm still thinking one might be nice. Meijer had them for $149.00. I'm just afraid I won't keep interested in it. With learning knitting and crocheting, I'm really no out any money if I decide I don't care for it because I have all I need of Mom's.

[gja1000]

I think I would really like to start knitting - I may see if I can find someone to teach me.

[Blueyes]

Look it up online, Gayle. There are detailed instructions on YouTube :)

[gja1000]

I may try that!

[DianaB]

Yes, I still have my Cricut machine. I don't use it as much as I'd like to. I did however buy a new cartridge that I'm excited to use. It's a border for frames and I plan on using it when I work on framing pictures.

Unless you were wanting designs larger than an 8 X 11 I would recommend the smaller Cricut.....but if you check on e-bay you may be able to get a good price on a used unit. Also keep in mind that you have to buy the cartridges. But in saying all of that......I love mine!!!!

[Janet]

What all do you use yours for? I'm thinking I could make some cards, but not sure what else....I just want one....lol

[DianaB]

I use mine for scrapbooking and some cards. There are soooo many ideas out there to use it for. A lot of the words that you see on walls are done with a Cricut. You have to buy special vinyl paper and adhesive but I don't think that they cost too much. You can add embellishments to picture frames. I've used mine to make letters for church functions. There are even ways to do acid designs on glass.....but I've never done that. There is a Cricut website that will have a lot of ideas and answer questions.

http://main.cricut.com/community/default.aspx

[Janet]

From what I'm seeing, there are different models. How would one go about picking one? When you have time...no hurry, could you send a link of the smaller one you mentioned?

[DianaB]

Here's a smaller one. It cuts up to 12" X 6".

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Provo-Craft-Cricut-Personal-Electronic-Die-Cutter-Machine-NEW-/310373305502?pt=US_Die_Cutting_Machines_Dies&hash=item4843b0cc9e

This is the one that I have. It cuts a 12" square piece of paper and even a 12" X 24" piece of paper but you have to have a mat that size to do it and I don't have a mat that big. I really haven't had a need to cut anything that big but I do use it to cut things larger than the smaller one could cut.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/EXPRESSION-MACHINE-Cricut-24-Electronic-Digital-Cut-2-Cartridges-Plantin-Accent-/290659633913?pt=US_Die_Cutting_Machines_Dies&hash=item43acaa0af9

If you look for a used one on e-bay you should be able to find one for a good price. Just remember that each cartridge costs $20-30 or more. That adds up pretty fast.

[Janet]

Thank you for the links Diana. I think I may like the larger one. I've been really getting into older pictures since Mom passed and would like to make frames or something to add something to them. I'll keep checking, but for right now I need to get a few other things done. If I would just stay off this darn computer I'd have time.....LOLOL

I also want to get the books out I have from Mom to learn how to knit and crochet. A fellow bus driver showed me a scarf she knitted...all curly and wavey and it was so cute. Would love to learn to make one.

[DianaB]

You might be interested in this cartridge. I just bought this one and have used it once already. I plan on using it to add to framed pictures.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FANCY-FRAMES-Cricut-Projects-Cartridge-NEW-/310373513454?pt=US_Die_Cutting_Machines_Dies&hash=item4843b3f8ee

[Janet]

You always find the neatest things Diana....thanks again.

[DianaB]

Cricut is always coming out with new cartridges so just keep looking at what's available.

They do have some that don't go on all Cricut machines so pay attention when you buy on that it's for your machine.

[Janet]

I think I've changed my mind on wanting a Cricut. I just don't think I would use it enough. It would probably get used for a little while and then put on a shelf somewhere.

I am still planning on getting Mom's beginner books out and try to teach myself to knit and crochet. I do remember a little bit Mom taught me, just not enough. I will probably wait until after April, I have enough on my plate for right now.

[2tiredmom]

Janet, I love knitting. i am the kind of person that has to be doing something even when i am sitting. in the car on the long rides back to frankfort. you just have to have patience. let me know if you need any help.

[Janet]

Thanks Linda...I'll be sure to do that.

[2tiredmom]

So any summer projects going? I have started making kitchen towel holders that you can put on stove or fridge. They are crochet. I will be selling them this fall at our annual craft show for $1.00. Hope they go over well. I have a pic posted on my facebook site. Happy crafting ladies....

[Blueyes]

That sounds like a great project. I really need to re teach myself how to knit:rolleyes: I did just decoupage a night stand for myself. It came out really cute!

[DianaB]

Cool!! You should BOTH put some pictures on here of what you're doing.

Linda, are your towels the kind that have the crocheted top on them? If so you're selling them too cheap. You can't buy your towel and crochet them for a dollar!!!

Do you have any designs with roses......or have black in them? I might be interested.

[Janet]

Diana is right, you both need to post some pictures of what you've done. I haven't started any projects yet. Doesn't seem to be enough time right now. Now that the house is rented and things will be slowing down some...I hope to get Mom's beginner books out and try to learn. I've already checked out some sites on the internet that can help too. Whenever I get started Linda...I will let you know. I'm sure you've got some good tips!

[Janet]

Linda...I just checked out your towels. Is the knitting sewn onto the towel? or does the towel slip through an opening? I have a bunch of Mom's that were sewn onto the towel. I don't know if she made them or bought them.

[gja1000]

When I went to CO last week, my friend taught me how to knit. She let me bring the yarn and needles home as well as the beginner book, but I haven't had time to practice since I've been home. I hope to learn a little more when I get more time.

[DianaB]

That's cool, Gayle and Janet.

I used to crochet some but really didn't enjoy it or finish anything!! I did used to do counted cross stitch and loved it. I have a picture of a tree in my living room that has a family tree in it. It's very beautiful and I spent hours and hours doing it.

I'm hoping that after Dae Lynn and the kids move out to get back to some projects. We'll see.....I may have to wait until winter when I'm not as busy!!

[2tiredmom]

The towel holders are crochet and have a hole where you can insert a towel. Its not attached to the towel. Makes it easier to change towels. I will try and post pics but don't remember how to do it on here. will try.

[Janet]

Saw the pics Linda and they are really nice.

[DianaB]

They are VERY nice!! Good work, Linda!!

[2tiredmom]

thanks girls.. :)

[2tiredmom]

okay so now I am crocheting headbands for babies and little girls. I love my yarn. lol

[Janet]

The headbands are so cute. I'm giving the one I bought to the little girl who lives in Mom's house. She is just so adorable. I just know she and her Mom will love it.

[2tiredmom]

Pics of 4 of my headbands..

[Janet]

I think you do a really great job Linda. Have you put any of your work on Etsy or any other site?

[2tiredmom]

Janet,

No I haven't looked at those sites. I am just really getting started. The picture of the little girl on my facebook page is the daughter of one of my friends. She wants another head band in Indianapolis Colt colors so will be working on that tonight. :)

[Janet]

I rec'd the headband today Linda, I love it!!!! I'm hoping it will fit her okay, if not, she can grow into it. :) Thank you so much, it's really pretty.

[Marilyn]

My mother taught me to crochet, knit, embroidery and all sorts of crafty things. I prefer crochet. To me it's more creative. You can make all kinds of granny squares or one solid piece with lots of stitch changes. I like using a soft bright colored chunky yarn to make baby blankets for showers at church. I use a large hook and can make one in just a few days. If you make granny squares it's very easy to take them anywhere you go since you don't have to take a big bulky piece with you. I crochet on airplanes or wherever. People have asked me how I get the needle past security, but I've never been stopped. Flight attendants have seen me and don't have a problem. It feels good to do something productive!!

[Marilyn]

Btw, Linda, I love your headbands!!! They are really pretty!!!

[gja1000]

Yes, I just love the headbands Linda! They are so pretty! I'm just learning to knit, and I'm not practicing as much as I should.

[Janet]

Did you all see the picture of Danica that I posted on FB? She's the daughter of the people who rent Mom's house. I've just grown to love that little doll.

7174 7175 7176

[Blueyes]

No wonder you love her! She looks like such a happy little girl. The headband is really cute on her. That was sweet, Janet!

[gja1000]

She is just an absolute DOLL! The headband is so cute on her. I can see why you are so crazy about her!

[DianaB]

What a darling little girl!! No wonder you've fallen for her!!

[Janet]

Linda, I saw on Pinterest where there is a knotted necklace on a chain. It's so cute, have you thought about trying to make one of those?

[2tiredmom]

Thanks Ladies. No Janet no necklaces yet. I have been so busy with making hats and headbands. I didn't think it would go over so well. I have sold a bunch of hats and bands at work. SO i hope they go over well at the Craft Bazaar in November. I am going on vacation in a couple of weeks. Will be going up to
Wisconsin to spend time with my hubby at his place in Janesville. He will still have to work but I will take my yarn and needles and hope to get lots done while he is at work.

[Janet]

I'm really happy the items you make are selling so well. Don't forget to make up some business cards for at the Bazaar. You'll have to start hitting the festivals!

[DianaB]

I need to order a few headbands from you one of these days. They would be nice to have on hand for baby showers.

[Janet]

They really are pretty Diana. The one I bought Danica is just a tad big, so they need to be smaller for the babies. I just love them.