Our monthly guild meetings are held on the last Saturday of each month at the Inman Pubic Library on 50 Mill St., Inman from 10:30am until noonish.
Why has knitting become popular again?
Several factors have contributed to the resurgence of knitting's popularity in recent years:
Therapeutic Benefits: Knitting is known for its calming and meditative effects. Many people find it therapeutic and use it as a way to relax, reduce stress, and practice mindfulness in our fast-paced world.
Creative Expression: Knitting offers a creative outlet for self-expression. With countless yarns, colors, and patterns to choose from, knitters can create unique and personalized items that reflect their style and personality.
Community and Social Connection: Knitting fosters a sense of community and social connection. Knitters often gather in groups, either in person or online, to share tips, patterns, and camaraderie. This sense of belonging and support can be especially valuable in an increasingly digital and isolated world.
Fashion Trends: Knitting has been embraced by the fashion industry, with designers incorporating knitwear into their collections. As a result, knitting has become trendy and fashionable, attracting new enthusiasts who are drawn to its versatility and style.
DIY Movement: The do-it-yourself (DIY) movement has gained momentum in recent years, with many people seeking to reclaim traditional skills and make things by hand. Knitting fits into this ethos, offering a way to create handmade, artisanal goods in a world dominated by mass production.
Accessibility: The internet has made knitting more accessible than ever before. Online platforms provide a wealth of resources, including tutorials, patterns, and forums where knitters can connect and learn from each other. Additionally, yarn shops and knitting events have proliferated, making it easier for people to get started and stay engaged in the craft.
Overall, the resurgence of knitting can be attributed to its therapeutic benefits, creative appeal, sense of community, alignment with fashion trends, embrace of the DIY movement, and increased accessibility through digital and physical channels.
Don't miss out on the fun and the great fellowship among us knitters.
20 websites with free knitting patterns
Ravelry: A vast database of knitting patterns, including many free ones.
- Website: Ravelry
Knitty: Offers a variety of free knitting patterns, including articles and tutorials.
- Website: Knitty
AllFreeKnitting: A website dedicated to free knitting patterns across various categories.
- Website: AllFreeKnitting
LoveCrafts: Provides free knitting patterns along with a wide range of yarns and supplies.
- Website: LoveCrafts
Lion Brand Yarn: Offers a collection of free knitting patterns suitable for all skill levels.
- Website: Lion Brand Yarn
Cascade Yarns: Provides a selection of free knitting patterns using Cascade yarns.
- Website: Cascade Yarns
Purl Soho: Offers a variety of modern and stylish free knitting patterns.
- Website: Purl Soho
Yarnspirations: Provides free knitting patterns from popular yarn brands like Bernat, Caron, and Red Heart.
- Website: Yarnspirations
Berroco: Offers free knitting patterns using Berroco yarns.
- Website: Berroco
DROPS Design: Provides thousands of free knitting patterns in multiple languages.
- Website: DROPS Design
Knitting Pattern Central: A directory of free knitting patterns organized by category.
- Website: Knitting Pattern Central
Garnstudio: Offers free knitting patterns in multiple languages, sponsored by DROPS Design.
- Website: Garnstudio
Red Heart: Provides a selection of free knitting patterns using Red Heart yarns.
- Website: Red Heart
Cascade Yarns: Offers free knitting patterns using Cascade Yarns products.
- Website: Cascade Yarns
YARNDANCE: Offers free original knitting patterns by India Tresselt
- Website: YarnDance
Tin Can Knits: Provides free knitting patterns suitable for all skill levels, including tutorials and guides.
- Website: Tin Can Knits
Classic Elite Yarns: Offers a variety of free knitting patterns using Classic Elite yarns.
- Website: Classic Elite Yarns
Paintbox Yarns: Provides free knitting patterns using Paintbox Yarns products.
- Website: Paintbox Yarns
Yarnspiration: Offers free knitting patterns from popular brands like Bernat, Caron, and Patons.
- Website: Yarnspiration
Schachenmayr: Provides free knitting patterns using Schachenmayr yarns.
- Website: Schachenmayr
Let's Knit: Offers a selection of free knitting patterns, including a variety of techniques and projects.
- Website: Let's Knit
What is the Moebius Cast-On?
The Möbius cast-on is a technique used in knitting to create a Möbius strip, a unique shape with only one surface and one edge. Here's a brief overview of how to do it:
Make a Long Tail: Begin with a long tail of yarn, leaving a tail that's about three times the circumference of the desired size of your finished Möbius strip.
Form a Slip Knot: Make a slip knot at one end of the yarn and place it on your knitting needle.
Twist the Loop: Twist the loop of the slip knot once (180 degrees) to form a full twist in the yarn.
Create the First Stitch: Insert your needle through the loop from front to back, making sure to catch both the working yarn and the tail.
Cast-On Stitches: Proceed to cast on stitches using your preferred method (e.g., long-tail cast-on) while keeping the twist intact. Each stitch will consist of both the working yarn and the tail.
Join in the Round: Once you've cast on the desired number of stitches, join the last cast-on stitch to the first cast-on stitch, being careful not to twist the stitches.
Begin Knitting in the Round: With all stitches now on your needle, you can begin knitting in the round. As you work, you'll notice that the Möbius strip shape emerges, with a single continuous surface and a twist running along its length.
The Möbius cast-on can be a bit tricky to master at first, but with practice, you'll be able to create stunning Möbius strip designs in your knitting projects. It's a versatile technique that can be used for scarves, cowls, shawls, and other circular or infinity-style garments.
Some many questions...
What is the Differences Between American (US) and British (UK) Knitting Terms:
The primary differences between American (US) and British (UK) knitting terms lie in the names of stitches and techniques. Here are some common examples:
Casting on:
- US: Long-tail cast on
- UK: Thumb cast on
Knit stitch:
- US: Knit stitch
- UK: Plain stitch
Purl stitch:
- US: Purl stitch
- UK: Wrong stitch
Yarn over:
- US: Yarn over
- UK: Yarn round needle
Bind off:
- US: Bind off
- UK: Cast off
Decrease:
- US: Decrease
- UK: Decrease (this term is generally consistent)
Row:
- US: Row
- UK: Row (again, this term is generally consistent)
These differences can sometimes cause confusion for knitters using patterns from the other country, so it's important to be aware of them when following instructions or communicating about knitting projects internationally.
Dictionary of Knitting Abbreviations:
A dictionary of knitting symbols and abbreviations can be immensely helpful for understanding patterns. Here are some common ones:
- k: Knit stitch
- p: Purl stitch
- yo: Yarn over
- k2tog: Knit two stitches together (decrease)
- p2tog: Purl two stitches together (decrease)
- ssk: Slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- kfb: Knit into the front and back of the same stitch (increase)
- pm: Place marker
- sm: Slip marker
- sl: Slip stitch
- CO: Cast on
- BO: Bind off
- RS: Right side
- WS: Wrong side
- sts: Stitches
- rep: Repeat
- rnd: Round
- dec: Decrease
- inc: Increase
- st st: Stockinette stitch
- garter st: Garter stitch
- kwise: Knitwise
- pwise: Purlwise
- k3tog: Knit three stitches together (double decrease)
These are just a few examples, and the list can vary depending on the complexity of the patterns you're working with. Always refer to the specific key or legend provided in the pattern you're using, as different designers may use slightly different symbols or abbreviations.
Yarn Amount Estimation
Estimating yarn amounts can vary depending on factors such as the weight of the yarn, the size of the project, the stitch pattern used, and your personal knitting tension. Here's a general guideline to help you estimate yarn amounts:
Check the Pattern: Most knitting patterns will specify the amount of yarn needed in terms of yardage or meters. Always refer to the pattern first for the most accurate estimation.
Yarn Weight and Gauge: The weight of the yarn (e.g., fingering, worsted, bulky) and the gauge (stitches and rows per inch or centimeter) specified in the pattern are crucial for estimating yarn amounts. Make sure to use a yarn that matches the weight and gauge specified in the pattern to get accurate results.
Yarn Yardage Conversion: If the pattern specifies yarn amounts in a different unit than your yarn label (e.g., yards vs. meters), you may need to convert the measurements. Use a reliable conversion tool or calculator to ensure accuracy.
Size of Project: Larger projects will naturally require more yarn than smaller ones. Consider the dimensions of the finished item and whether you'll need to make any modifications that could affect yarn usage.
Swatching: Making a gauge swatch with your chosen yarn and needles is essential for accurate yarn estimation. Measure the gauge of your swatch and compare it to the pattern gauge. Adjust your needle size if necessary to match the pattern gauge, as this can significantly impact yarn usage.
Allow for Extra: It's always a good idea to purchase a bit more yarn than the pattern suggests to account for any discrepancies in gauge, variations in dye lots, or unexpected changes in the project. A common recommendation is to add around 10-20% to the estimated yarn amount as a buffer.
Consider Stitch Patterns: Certain stitch patterns, such as cables or lace, can use more yarn than simple stockinette or garter stitch. Keep this in mind when estimating yarn amounts for projects with intricate stitch patterns.
Keep Track as You Go: If you're unsure about how much yarn you'll need, you can start your project and keep track of how much yarn you've used as you progress. This way, you can estimate how much more yarn you'll need to complete the project based on the amount used so far.
By considering these factors and using the pattern specifications as a guide, you can make a reasonably accurate estimation of the amount of yarn needed for your knitting project.
Enjoy Audio Books while knitting? Here is a short list of suggestions:
"Knitlandia: A Knitter Sees the World" by Clara Parkes: Clara Parkes, a well-known figure in the knitting world, shares her adventures and experiences as a knitter traveling the globe.
"The Knitter's Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn" by Clara Parkes: Another audiobook by Clara Parkes, this one delves into the world of yarn, discussing different types, qualities, and uses.
"The Friday Night Knitting Club" by Kate Jacobs: A novel that revolves around a group of women who meet regularly at a knitting shop in New York City. It explores themes of friendship, love, and community.
"The Knitting Circle" by Ann Hood: A poignant novel about a woman who joins a knitting group as a way to cope with grief and loss. The story explores the healing power of knitting and the bonds formed within the group.
"A Stash of One's Own: Knitters on Loving, Living with, and Letting Go of Yarn" edited by Clara Parkes: This audiobook features essays by various knitters sharing personal stories and reflections on their relationship with yarn and knitting.
"The Yarn Whisperer: My Unexpected Life in Knitting" by Clara Parkes: Clara Parkes shares more of her personal experiences and insights into the world of knitting in this audiobook, offering humor, wisdom, and inspiration to fellow knitters.
"Knitting for Anarchists" by Anna Zilboorg: An unconventional guide to knitting that encourages experimentation and creativity, challenging traditional knitting rules and conventions.
These audiobooks offer a range of knitting-related content, from personal stories and memoirs to instructional guides and fiction. Whether you're looking for inspiration, entertainment, or practical advice, there's something for every knitter in these titles.
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