No Batteries Required - And Other Reasons to Teach a Child to Knit.

Hello All,

Today I'm thinking about teaching kids how to knit.  For those who subscribe, or have access to magazines at their local library, the newest edition of PieceWork has a wonderful article titled, No Batteries Required - And Other Reasons to Teach a Child to Knit.  It was written by Mary Polityka.

In the article, the author cites a rhyme that Waldorf Schools teach for the knit stitch.  The rhyme in the following image is slightly different, but still the same idea:

 
I am teaching my own daughter how to knit, something she has wanted to learn for years. I suppose it is hard for those in my household not to want to take up some sort of handiwork, since everyone sees me with some sort of craft in my hands all the time!

Until next time,

Marsha

P.S. I highly recommend PieceWork magazine.  Most libraries circulate back issues, so you don't have to get a subscription.  It always has great historical articles about knitting, tatting, lace, embroidery, and other handwork, as well as patterns and great photographs of old pieces. 

Third in a series, Mini-Wall Hanging

Hello!

Today I'm showing off another one of my little, mini wall hangings. 

For this one, I used some green wool roving, baker's twine, a tiny seashell from the beach, yarn, and a delicate twig from the front yard.

I still have some extra shells for my next craft.

Thanks for checking my blog!

Marsha

Whip Stitching

Hello Crafters ~


I admit it.  While I love the look, whip stitching is not my favorite thing to do.  In fact, the more I practice it, the harder it seems to be.  I find it especially difficult when attaching hand knitted or crocheted pieces together.  

Here is a little picture that helps to know where to put the needle.  It helps.  A little.

I've been working on a set of colorful bean bags.  For this one, I decided to crochet some little circle appliques to attach to the finished work. ( I LOVE crocheting circles).  

And here is the bean bag, almost finished.  You can see the contrasting whip stitch.  

Thanks for checking in!

Marsha

A Hat for a Cat

Greetings!

Today I am remembering Pancake, our cat who went to Kitty Heaven just a few weeks ago.  She lived a good, long life.  We have many fond memories of all of our years together.  Pancake was usually quite good-natured about being dressed in various costumes, including t-shirts, tiaras and necklaces.  Above all, she was an important member of our family.  She is missed.  Dearly.

RIP Pancake February 15, 2005 - March 27, 2016

In honor of Pancake, I'm knitting a bunch of hats for cats.  Pancake would have looked adorable in a hat, that's for sure.  I'm using patterns from the book, Cats in Hats:  30 Knit and Crochet Patterns for Your Kitty by Sara Thomas.

Here is the beginning of a Pumpkin Hat.  First you make the first ear hole, following the pattern:

Then you knit the middle and go on to knit the second ear hole:

And, done!

This Pumpkin Kitty Hat is slated to be mailed off to my sister, for one of her cats.  I'll post photos of how it looks!

Thanks for stopping by,


Marsha

Gardening as Craft

Happy April!

Despite the hurricane-force winds, sleet and snow we've had recently, spring is here!  Freaky weather, but that's to be expected here in New England.  We've planted a few seedlings indoors - some basil and some morning glories - but so far we haven't seen anything green sprout.  Still, I know it won't be long before it's time to tackle the garden outdoors.

Here is a photo of some of last year's bounty from our garden: 

Yum!

 Here is a poem I found.  It speaks to me about gardening as craft.

Why do plants have such a positive impact on us? 
There are a number of reasons, including:
They have a predictable cycle of life that provides comfort
in our time of rapid change.
They are responsive but nonthreatening.
They form no opinions or judgments about their caregivers.
They soften our man-made environment.
They enable us to change or improve our environment.
They promote relaxation and tranquility.
-   Gardening - Therapy for Mind, Body and Soul, Proxima Health System, Atlanta


Until next time,

Marsha