Comfort Afghan

 OK gals, I had to share this with you.  My hubby works with Heart Made Blessings http://www.heartmadeblessings.org/
and we just received this COMFORTGHAN to give to a family who just lost their daughter.  I wanted to share it with you not only because of the lovey artisan handcrafted work but because you might enjoy this as its crochet and just another great way to play with lovely yarn.

 These squares are crochet, they are made by individuals all over the United States and each one has a tag on it from the person who made it, where it came from and sometimes a short message.  Each square is different and to understand what its all about you just need to visit the little link I provided above. 

 When the finished blocks are sent in for construction, a carry bag is made to match the color of the comfortghan which is presented to the family and a lovely documentation enclosed.

Normally we see these in patriotic colors for our veterans.  This one is quite different in its colorways and so pretty I had to share it.

Enjoy!

Spring Break ~ And Much More

 Another successful transformation from a ball of yarn to a wearable bit of couture.  One down, one to go!  Congratulations.   As the sock came down to the toe decreases the last step was to preform the surgery known as the Kitchener Stitch which locks the top and bottom stitches together to close up the toe.  Detailed images and directions are at the end of this blog.

 With much anticipation we are awaiting this little Red Number to come to completion - none of us know what this scarf pattern looks like, but you know its gonna be HOT!  Baby brushed aplaca! 

 Oh look who is happy, happy, happy!  She turned her heel!  Well, its not all that hard, but those gussets will be more exciting - promise! 

 Another of the fabulous blocks finished for the Heirloom Afghan.  I think this is Lattice pattern.  If not it sure looks like lattice!  Proud Ripley holding her students finished work!
April Block directions at the end of the blog.

 So much concentration, shopping and ball  winding.  Its not spring break in the shop.  Who heard of such a thing, us yarnaholics have never heard of it!

 Fast Sally's Passion Nette from Plymouth Yarn.   The shop has gotten in some of the wildest yarns and cotton's.  This is one of the wild ones, I can't resist a good challenge.  Its an open mesh cotton/acrylic made in Italy, from Plymouth Yarn. Its knitted up like the previous scarves we all have done.  This just makes me want to spend time on the beach.  Ripley has a hank of this in progress too.

Oh we are going to be so sorry to see you moving away, especially after we have nicknamed you SockAndreti.  Last week you cruised across the needles from the start of your sock to the heel turned, and now approaching the toe!    Remember that you can always keep in touch of our activities via the blog!






OK - April is fast approaching - time to Start Your Needles for April Block.  Go ahead and print off your pattern for your notebook, gather your wits and jump in for an exciting new block. 
Cheers:  Fast Sally

Afghan Block of the Month  April  2013

Lattice Stitch

Cast on 61 stitches

________  Row 1:                Right Side:  K4, P5, (K7, P5) 4 times, K4

________  Row 2:   P4, K5, (P7, K5) 4 times, P4

________  Row 3:   K3, P3, K1, P3, (K5, P3, K1, P3) 4 times , K3

________  Row 4:   P3, K3, P1, K3, (P5, K3, P1, K3) 4 times, P3

________  Row 5:   K2, P3, (K3, P3) 9 times, K2

________  Row 6    P2, K3 (P3, K3) 9 times, P2

________  Row 7:   K1 (P3, K5, P3, K1) 5 times

________  Row 8:   P1, (K3, P5, K3, P1) 5 times

________  Row 9:   P3, K7, (P5, K7) 4 times P3

________  Row 10   K3, P7, (K5, P7) 4 times, K3

________  Row 11:  P2, K9, (P3, K9) 4 times P2

________  Row 12   K2, P9, (K3, P9) 4 times K2

________  Row 13:                P3, K7 (P5, K7) 4 times P3

________  Row 14: K3, P7, (K5, P7) 4 times, K3

________  Row 15:  K1 (P3, K5, P3, K1) 5 times

________  Row 16:  P1, (K3, P5, K3, P1) 5 times

________  Row 17:  K2, P3, (K3, P3) 9 times, K2

________  Row 18   P2, K3 (P3, K3) 9 times, P2

________  Row 19:  K3, P3, K1, P3, (K5, P3, K1, P3) 4 times , K3

________  Row 20:  P3, K3, P1, K3, (P5, K3, P1, K3) 4 times, P3

________  Row 21:  K4, P5, (K7, P5) 4 times, K4

________  Row 22   P4, K5, (P7, K5) 4 times, P4

________  Row 23:  K5, P3, (K9, P3) 4 times, K5

________  Row 24   P5, K3 (P9, K3) 4 times, P5.

Repeat rows 1-24 until square measures approximately 12 inches form cast on edge, ending  by working on right side row.  Bind off all stitches leaving last loop on needle. 

Edging:  Drop loop from needle, insert crochet hook in loop. Do not turn; work 3 single crochet in each corner and 48 single crochet evenly spaced across each side.  Join with slip stitch to first single crochet.  Finish off. 

 KITCHENER STITCH TUTORIAL

STEP BY STEP
Hold the two pieces of knitting parallel to one another with the wrong sides facing. Thread the working yarn with a yarn needle. Note: If the working yarn is not hanging near the needle tips you can use a separate length of coordinating yarn.
*Insert the yarn needle knitwise into the first stitch on the front knitting needle.
Draw through the stitch and slip the stitch off of the front needle.
Insert the yarn needle purlwise into the next stitch on the front knitting needle. Draw through the stitch. Leave the stitch on the needle.
Insert the yarn needle purlwise into the first stitch on the back knitting needle.
Draw through the stitch and slip the stitch off of the back needle.
Insert the yarn needle knitwise into the next stitch on the back knitting needle. Draw through the stitch. Leave the stitch on the needle.
Repeat these steps beginning at the * until all of your stitches have been grafted together. Even out the sewing and weave in the ends.
Garter stitch grafting is performed in a similar fashion. You will begin in the same manner as stockinette by inserting the sewing needle knitwise into the first stich, slipping it off of the front needle and then inserting the sewing needle purlwise into the next stitch (shown in photos 1-4). You will then repeat these steps exactly on the back needle. Continue to repeat these steps, alternating between the front and back knitting needle until all stitches are joined. Even out the sewing and weave in the ends.

Feburary 19th

The group had a great gathering Tues evening at the quilt shop.  We filled up the long tables, laughed till it hurt and enjoyed so many projects.   I saw new faces and old faces, fresh projects and old projects.  And of course there was no knitting without fudge and chocolate!

It looks like Sally is knitting dogs again - OK, I am taking a break from socks!

 Our long table was filled up from end to end.  I think we were 20 strong last night!

 Part of the Heirloom block of the month - Sara has started her February block.

Everyone is doing their blocks in different colors and yarns - its most interesting!

 Rebecca has finished her February block which she has done in the luxurious Brushed Baby Alpaca - talk about a warm afghan to cuddle up under.

 Is this not the most lovely mascot - Always watching for those dropped stitches and mistakes.   The shop has two mascots, the other is a calico girl.  

 This is a Fair Isle sock which is about half way done.  It was really fun to talk to its knitter on challenges of this pattern.   Several of us have these wonderful pattern holders with the magnetic back that holds your pattern in place and folds over like a book when not in use - the shop has these in two sizes!   Its a MUST!!!  Why did I wait so long to get myself one - Oh, I remember I wanted yarn!

 This is a cute pair - yarn and chocolate!  When spring comes and we are all toxic from to much chocolate I wonder if we will see vegie trays at knit night instead!   Nah, couldn't happen, nothing says knitting fun like chocolate.

 This is a little sample of Vicki's March block.  I will post the directions on the blog in the next few days for you to print out.   This is the lovely cable stitch, its so much fun and once you do one you will fall in love with how easy it is and how difficult it appears to those who don't know how to do it!   Vicki is knitting her Heirloom Afghan in creams like Aran style afghan.   Love how the cream shows off the pattern so well.

 NO its not done yet!   I can tell they are addicted, they are still smiling!

Now this is really fun to watch!   The very first sock has started to get underway.   By the evenings end she was almost ready to start the heel flap!   She may become the new sock teacher!


It was a really fun night at Hearts & Twined Quilt Shop - Rebecca has some new pattern books in that had us drooling, new yarns are appearing and little wonderful knitting accessories.   Hope you can come join us each Tues night 5:30 - 7 PM over on Main Street - Where Everybody Knows Your Skein.

Its A Wrap - See Ya Next Year

 In anticipation of  January's sock class and the scary use of multiple needles I thought I would put your minds at rest. Here is what your needles will look like as you begin your first cast on.  Remember to go back to one of the older posts and get the link to your pattern for Easy Peasy Socks!   This is important for you to have when you start your sock. 

 Once you have your stitches on your
needles you can now just create a little triangle with your needles and you can see what it should look like.  Below are more images of how the work will progress to connect your first round. 

I know some of you will be wanting to experiment and go forward - GO FOR IT!!!   Play around and have fun. 

Back at the shop and our last gathering for the year, our knitting bags are full of items we are sharing - projects started and projects finished!   

 Vicki has started her Shrug - love her colors <G>, and the cool thing about these shrugs she and I are making is they are out of odds and ends of yarn stash.   So darn simple too - knit a ribbing for the arm, make a couple rows of increases and then just knit back and forth in rows of yarns and whatever stitches you want till you have the length you want.   Oh yeah, I see some of these on the table for next year coming out of your bags.

 Red, red, red  I love red and the scarf yarns come in so many great colors like this GREAT RED!  She makes it look so hard with all the concentration, but its a snap and will be done in no time.

 Did I hear someone say I thought we were goining to party - where's the chocolate!   Oh yeah, there was chocolate, and hot chocolate, cookies, fudge, I'm just saying - eating is just part of what we do!

 OK, so we actually do work on things and figure out patterns.  I guess more chocolate is needed!

 Lets see, Knit One, Purl One,,,No no, its Make One!  

 We had 20 people at the shop for our last get together.  We are all over the place, shopping, visiting, eating and just having a great time.  

We could not do this without our great shop owner Rebecca of HNT (Hearts Entwined) who keeps the shop open for us to come play - keeping the staff on, keeping the lights running and taking time from her schedule for the Odd Balls to thrive and play.  Merry Christmas and prosperous New Year.

 Oh, almost forgot, I finished my shrug!  I figured I would waltz in wearing it last night but the weather being 70 degrees at 5PM in the middle of winter sorta took the thrill out of the idea, so I just brought it along with me like an old friend tucked in my yarn bag. 

I have decided to put a crochet edge on it.  With all the different yarns in the rows it's given it a rather uneven effect (not that that is a bad thing!), but I think it could use a bit of finishing touches.

Remember Vicki is starting Jan with her block of the month, Her January pattern is toward the beginning of the blog posts for you to print out if you want to make it.   Till next year, keep your needles sharp!

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays
FS AKA: Fast Sally

January's Block Of The Month Here

 Another fun Tuesday evening.  Lots of discussion regarding the block of the month due to begin in January.  Usually the Aran afghans are done in cream colors which really show off the patterns, but you can do these in any colors you wish.  I believe the size needle will be size #9 but you can check with your illustrious leader FridleWoman aka Vicki to make sure your needle and guage will yield a nice 12 inch block with your chosen yarn.  Please understand that its with the best intentions to offer these free classes and support the shop that is hosting this space and time to you by purchasing your supplies and yarn for these projects at HNT. 

 

 

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Double check with your FridleWoman - Supplies ie: needles, cable holder and stitch markers - oh yeah a pencil and tablet help keep track of your rows!  Here is your January Pattern early!   Get ready to create the heirloom everyone will fight over to own.

Sampler Afghan Block of the Month

January 2013

Square Check Pattern

Cast on 62 stitches

________  Row 1:              (Right Side) Knit (k) all stitches

________  Row 2:             Purl (p)  all stitches

________  Row 3:  K 2 *p8, k2*; repeat from *

________  Row 4:  P2 *k8, p2* repeat from *

________  Row 5:  K2, *p2, K4, p2, k2; repeat from *

________  Row 6   P2, *k2, p4, k2, p2; repeat from *

________  Row 7:  K2, *p2, K4, p2, k2; repeat from *

________  Row 8:  P2, *k2, p4, k2, p2; repeat from *

________  Row 9:  K2, *p2, K4, p2, k2; repeat from *

________  Row 10 P2, *k2, p4, k2, p2; repeat from *

________  Row 11: K 2 *p8, k2*; repeat from *

________  Row 12 P2 *k8, p2* repeat from *

Repeat Rows 1-12 until block approximately measures 12 inches.  Bind off all stitches leaving last loop on needle. 

Edging:  Drop loop from needle, insert crochet hook in loop.  Do not turn work.  3 single crochet in each corner and 48 single crochet evenly spaced across each side.  Join with slip stitch to first single crochet, finish off.

Odd Balls Knitting Group of Durant

With a year under its belt the knitting group who meets at Durants HNT Quilt shop on Main Street each Tuesday evening has coined a name for itself.  The Odd Balls.   Of course everyone knows your skein and each Tuesday we gather to enjoy new and old projects, thrill over the new yarns in the shop and contemplate new patterns.

Many of the beginners are now intermediate knitters/crochet buffs, but new people come in all the time to start their journey.  Since we are there very Tuesday evening, its easy to keep the interest in your project going and get help from the pros.    Interests range from afghans, to dogs, socks, cowls, sweaters, shrugs, hats, and much more.   In January OddBall Vicki will be launching a block of the month for the knitters getting them more comfortable with new stitches and the end result will be a lovely heirloom afghan of 12 blocks to be stitched together.  Course some may decide to do a stadium size lap comforter but the adventure will be sure to please all who begin it.  

OddBalls offers free knitting lessons at the HNT Quilt shop as long as you buy your supplies there - not to much to ask really, especially if you want the shop to keep getting in those lush yarns we drool over. 

Many of us who have knitted awhile are familiar with some cool places that yarnies  and odd balls gather, like Ravelry.  A link is provided here so you can find many free patterns and inspiration.  I am there under Timelessdog if you try to find my projects there.  

I can see Vicki is up to her eyebrows in newbies and lessons, but others are wanting to work out some of the things I have knitted so I will try and coach you in Jan with some Easy Peasy Socks!  Yep, I have a pattern you will LOVE, Vicki and I both have done it and the bigger needles and yarn will yield a lovely pair of functional socks.  And maybe in Feb some fingerless gloves.  

Keep posted, sign up for the blog and don't forget to mark Tues Evening on your calendar!
Sally  AKA:  Fast Sally as Vicki has coined me.