by Alice Seidel

Time certainly does fly! Even though we can't see time, or touch it, we know it has wings! Here it is almost Christmas, and Hanukkah is a mere week and a half away! Oh - what to knit in a hurry!

If you're like me, you tend to do some holiday things ahead of time, and some tasks are left for "when I have more time." Right! Little, easy knitted gifts can be worked up in no time, and are always appreciated by whomever is lucky enough to receive them. So, the next time you are sitting in front of the TV, get knitting!

For my last easy-as-pie knitting gift, I have a special Christmas pattern. It's for a knitted stocking ornament and can be knit in a few hours. Use them on your tree or for package decorations! Loop a dozen or so together for a merry Christmas garland. Whatever you can think up, you can't go wrong.

I know you have lots of leftover yarn just waiting to be used somewhere! Well, here's a great way to put that yarn to good use.

Here's the pattern:

Knitted Stocking Ornament

Size 2 needles, small amounts of red, white and/or green yarn. (If size 2 is too small, go up a size or two.) Cast on 18 stitches using the white yarn. Knit one row, purl one row, knit one row. Cut the white yarn leaving enough yarn to sew up the white part or make a loop.

Using the red or the green yarn, beginning with a row of knit stitches, knit twelve rows of stockinette stitch. The twelfth row should be a purl row. 13th Row: Knit across twelve stitches. Turn the work and purl across six stitches. Work nine more rows on the center six stitches.

The last row will be knit. With the right side facing you, pick up and knit five stitches down the side of the "foot". Knit the six stitches to the end of the row.

Turn the work. Knit across the six stitches at the beginning of the row, the five stitches that you just picked up and knit and the six "middle" stitches.

Pick up and knit five stitches on the remaining side of the "foot". Knit across the last six stitches. 28 stitches should be on the needle. Knit in garter stitch for three more rows.

The last row: Knit across fourteen stitches. Turn the halves of the sock right sides together.

Weave the stitches together and sew up the back of the stocking. Make a loop and hang it up.

These stockings are easy to knit, and you can make as many as you like! These are also great for children or small groups and for those non-knitters in your life, they will always be amazed at what knitting talent you have!

About the Author

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories. FREE Details ==> http://www.theknitstitch.com

by Rachael Cleipher

Every woman needs to set aside time each week to do things simply because she enjoys them. Life is far too stressful to be spent only on tasks that give productive results. For many women, arts and crafts is a great way to enjoy a few hours and to leave the pressures of life behind.

I guarentee that no matter what kinds of arts and crafts interest you, there are many ways to enjoy them and even learn new arts and crafts. If you have the time and a little bit of extra money, I'd suggest singing up for an arts and crafts class. Look in the newspaper or do an online search for arts and crafts classes in your area. Grab a friend and try out a new class together. Many local arts and crafts shops will offer classes where you can learn a new skill in just a couple of hours a week. Go out on a limb and try something you have never done before. Have you always wanted to knit? Get to an arts and crafts store and take a knitting class.

For women who know all there is to know about arts and crafts, consider opening your home and hosting an arts and crafts class for neighbors and friends once a week. Allow women to gather and enjoy the pleasure of teaching them a new skill or hobby. You will enjoy the time spent with other women. And what a blessing to be able to share your talents with others.

If you do not have the time or money to enroll or host an arts and crafts class, you can still learn and enjoy new skills. Take some time to visit a library or bookstore and find a book that teaches the skill you want to learn. No woman should miss out on the fun and relaxation of arts and crafts simply because of money. Make some time in your schedule each week just to get away and learn about new arts and crafts until you can focus in on one that you want to learn. You can also search the internet for resources on many arts and crafts.

A great thing about spending your free time doing arts and crafts is that you can beautify your home and prepare amazing gifts at the same time. Many hobbies are an end in themselves, but with arts and crafts you get to keep something amazing each time you create. Think about all of the birthday gifts or gifts for holidays that you could make rather than purchase. You will have fun, enjoy relaxing, and save money on gifts all at the same time.

Get out and make arts and crafts a part of your busy life. The relaxation and fun will be worth it.

About the Author

Rachael Cleipher has recently adding knitting and sewing to her list of arts and crafts skills. She thinks every woman should take time for things they love. See more at www.artsandcraftshelp.info

by The Knitting Nova

I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just combinations or variations of these two knitting instruction stitches.

Knitting Instructions for the Knit Stitch Once you have cast on, hold the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Push the point of the right knitting needle in between the front of the first and second stitches, pointing the knitting needle to the right to feed the point through the first stitch keeping it under the left needle. The knitting yarn should be at the back of the work. Loop the knitting yarn around the right knitting needle from back to front, letting the knitting yarn rest between the needles. Catch the knitting yarn on the end on the right knitting needle and pull it through the first stitch to the front of the work. Slip the old stitch off the left needle. The new stitch is now on the right needle. Now you are getting the hang of the knitting instructions. It is a good idea to keep the knitting yarn draped over the right forefinger, this keeps it to the back of the work too. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches, if they are all there, turn the right knitting needle around and put it in the left hand. This is the first row from your knitting instructions. The knitting yarn will look like it is at the front and you will now take it to the back and start the second row of transferring stitches to the empty right needle.

Knitting Instructions for the Purl Stitch The Purl stitch will also be in any knitting instructions. Start with the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Your knitting yarn will be hanging in front. Push point of right knitting needle into the front of the first stitch from right to left. Wrap the knitting yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle, crossing over the two needles and hanging once again in front. Slide the right knitting needle down and back taking the new loop of knitting yarn from front to back, through the old stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left knitting needle. If you have followed the knitting instructions you now have a stitch in purl on the right knitting needle and the yarn is hanging, once again, in the front. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches to make sure you haven't dropped any and turn the work around putting the knitting needle with the stitches on in your left hand to start the next row.

I hope you could follow my knitting instructions. This is my version of knitting instructions for the two basic knitting stitches but I have found that it is very hard to use a few written knitting instructions. I have found a great book on the subject, much more in depth than I can be. It really helped me improve my knitting with advice on free knitting patterns, knitting instructions, all the knitting essentials. You can find it here. I really suggest you take a look. Good luck with your knitting. Knitting Instructions

About the Author

I love knitting and also love to teach. Now I also love to blog. I have been knitting for 30 years and have taught many young relatives how knitting is easy and fun. You can find more information on my blog at http://knitting-instruction.blogspot.com

by Mary Bailis

With cold weather upon us, it's time to update your wardrobe with a new gorgeous knit scarf. They are a hot item for the season and what a great looking accessory item to keep you warm. Look for them in so many different yarns, colors and styles. This is the year for the knit scarves so put away the old plain Jane's back in storage. The question is, do you buy one or make your own.

Personally, I like the hand made one's made by yours truly, myself. I enjoy having that one of a kind accessory item that looks great. With the huge selection of beautiful yarns out there I just had to pick up my knitting needles and dust them off. They've been non-stop ever since. You can find yarn at all the local craft store's; AC Moore, Jo-Anne Fabrics, Michael's to name a few as well as their websites. Some of them will offer classes, or will have representative's near the yarn aisle to help you get started and answer any questions. All the top yarn companies have very informative website's to help you get started also. They have an amazing selection of free, yes free patterns that you can print off and use at your disposal. Lion Brand, http://www.lionbrand.com even has a how to section. I forgot how to "cast off" and it has step by step instructions that set me on my way. All the patterns have very clear instructions on how to knit or crochet and what supplies to purchase. I have made several myself and found them all very easy to follow. They even have the famous Martha Stewart Poncho pattern available online. I wanted one and don't crochet so I forwarded the pattern to my mother. She so graciously made some for me. I get endless compliments whenever I wear it. I have now ventured off making my own patterns. What can I say, I've got the knitting bug or should I say yarn bug! It's the yarns that pull you in to buying so much. There really is an amazing selection out there. You can find; cashmere, wool, fun fur, metallics, sequence, curly, fuzzy, you name it they have it. So pick up those knitting needles and get making those scarves. You'll get the bug too and will end up making them for everyone you know!

For those of you who have no interest in making a scarf or just don't have the knack for it, there is still hope. Many stores offer a decent selection of knit scarves but you will find a limited selection in the yarn styles. I recommend attending one of the many craft fairs being offered in your area. To look for top quality vendors, look for the juried shows or ones that are very selective in choosing their vendors. You will definitely get a higher quality of vendors and therefore a higher quality of products. There are some very artistic and talented knitters out there selling their wares. Artistic people not only like to make great products but really like selling them to others to enjoy. I get excited when someone buy's one of my scarves and can't wait to wear it. They always come back for more to buy as gifts to share their great find. Another place to shop for knit scarves is at your local art galleries. They consign artist work and stock plenty of gift items as well as artwork. They will have a high quality of vendors. But do hurry, the stores currently are clearing out their winter merchandise for Spring clothing.

Get a gorgeous knit scarf while you can or get those knitting needles going and enjoy getting the knitting but!

About the Author

Mary Bailis is a designer and owner of http://www.AlexiHandbags.com an online custom handbag and scarf boutique. Her designs were originally shown in exclusive art shows and trunk shows. Customer demand brought forth the website. She enjoys reading, being creative, exercising, nature and spending as much time with her three beautiful children.

by Isaac Grauke

San Francisco Knitting Mills is a division of School Apparel, Inc. For over 25 years, SFKM sweaters and knits have been a leader in casual and career apparel.

SFKM exclusively features A+ Fabrics for all their garments. A+ Fabrics are engineered and designed specifically for SFKM to maximize performance. It is the essential element for the durability and top quality of their garments, while providing you with total comfort and a fashionable appearance.

Why do FedEx, UPS, Disney and the U.S. Postal Service wear their products? Because they want a product they know they can depend on. One that's well-built by an American company whose only business is making career apparel and uniforms, for all kinds of businesses.

They have been manufacturing goods since 1976. With that kind of experience they are on the cutting edge of developing materials that perform and use manufacturing methods that last. That's why they offer a "Performance Guarantee"™ on everything they make. If any garment does not stand up to one year of normal wear, they'll replace it. It's that simple. That is their commitment to you.

When you buy from SFKM, you don't just buy a product - you buy a company; A company made up with highly experienced and dedicated people. Their "In Stock" products are available to you with immediate delivery throughout America. Their stock program is made up of a comprehensive product line to fulfill your uniform, dress code or business casual requirements year round.

SFKM has been a family owned business for 25 years with quality apparel as their only business. They make most of their clothes right here in the USA, in their plant, where quality control and value have real meaning. Consider an SFKM sweater for your employees.

About the Author

Isaac Grauke is the Sales and Marketing Manager for Hall Closet Uniforms and Apparel, which specializes in SFKM Sweaters
http://www.hallclosetuniforms.com/pages ... TextID=110

by Maddy Cranley

A recent welcome break in routine saw me on an airplane to Philadelphia, not everyone's idea of a restful spot, but I happen to like the big city. Philadelphia, with its wonderful historical sites comfortably settled in a busy urban center, is a rather pleasant venue in which to spend a few days. When I travel, with the exception of a long car journey, I purposely do not take along any kind of knitting or craft work. Since I have the distinct pleasure of blurred boundaries between everyday work and hobbies, I deliberately leave needles and yarn at home just to give my hands a break and allow my mind to focus on any novel ideas lurking in the marketplace. There is supposedly an increase in commuter knitting - crafters taking along their projects while they travel to and fro. I decided to make a concentrated effort to notice if there was any commuter crafting happening on the route I was going to travel. I was looking not just for knitting but any type of craft that could be managed in the lap on a wiggling train or swerving bus.

I have had some interesting commuter crafting experiences in the past. Sitting amid the bustle and confusion while waiting for a flight in the San Francisco airport, I once learned the craft of bead weaving. I spotted a woman picking out beads from a boxful beside her and with a needle and thread, fashioning an extraordinary necklace. I approached her, asking if she would mind telling me what she was doing. I was familiar with beading methods but not this one. While we waited, she generously proceeded to teach me the method of this craft. Our flights were soon called and we parted ways. I couldn't wait to get home and attack my stash of beads. I immediately practiced what she had taught me and I still dabble in this method of beading. Another time at Chicago O'Hare, I sat near a woman working on a quilting project. We began a conversation and she kindly gave me a list of great quilting books that she had found helpful. Although I must admit that I have yet to take up quilting on a serious level, I will always have that memory and list of books as an inspiration to start. Both of these women were undoubtedly organized and comfortable while crafting in that hectic environment.

There is no doubt that comfort is a big factor. You must be relaxed in a seat or situation that suits your knitting style. If you knit with elbows that stick out like penguin flippers, you are going to feel restricted. If you have more of a closed-wing approach, narrow seating and cramped rows on the airplanes will likely not bother you. While being careful not to poke a seatmate, a few prayers for a minimum of air pockets and potholes would not go amiss. Anticipating the motion of your chosen chariot, you will become more able to weather the bumps and grinds of the road or rail and the stitches will stay on track.

Another point is that you have to be very organized. You must make sure that you pack accessories that you may need along with your needles and yarn. A good knitting bag is essential and should certainly not be one of those popular crocheted pouches, allowing needles to poke through the sides and possibly those of your fellow passenger. The printed pattern should be small enough to not slide off your lap but with print large enough to avoid peering or squinting at graphs or complicated stitch sequences. Stitch markers and counters are a must to keep your place when your flight is called or your stop is reached.

So did I see anyone doing anything? Nothing at all. With all the thousands of people I encountered or passed in that week, no one was doing anything of a crafting nature. This experience has made me have a change of heart. Just to contribute to keeping a public face on the craft of knitting, not to mention the completion of a few more projects, I have decided to become more organized for the next trip and take along some knitting. With a little planning for comfort and convenience, my journeys can become roads less unravelled!

About the Author

Maddy Cranley is a professional knitwear designer, who has created exclusive designs for knitting and craft magazines, authored and published three books on the subject of creating felt garments and projects from handknitting, and produces an ever-growing line of maddy laine handknitting patterns. For additional information, see http://www.maddycraft.com
© 2003
mcranley@maddycraft.com

by Alice Seidel

Without us even realizing it, November is quickly passing us by! If you are truly stumped as to what to give everyone this Christmas, fear not! I am here with some knitting suggestions.

In my three previous articles, I have given you some ideas for scarves, ribbon bracelets, and placemats. Just these simple patterns, can be transformed into dozens of one-of-a-kind knitting creations! In fact, you could outfit the entire family and close friends, with some of the nicest gifts they will ever receive!

And to add to our collection, this article will be about knitting baby washcloths. Usually, whenever we think about baby gifts, it's off to the mall we go, to find the latest in infant accessories. But, did you know, you can knit your own baby creations? They will be as soft and cuddly as anything you can find in a store, and, best of all, will be made with love!

Knitting baby items are just so easy to do, and so unexpected! Traditionally, when putting together gifts for baby, the first things you think about are layettes, blankets, and booties. So, now it's time to expand on this theme.

Whenever I knit anything for babies, I love the yarn to be soft and pliable. For washcloths, use a cotton yarn. They are totally washable, and will hold up nicely.

In a few stores, I have also seen terrycloth yarn, which is another great idea for baby items. But, for the baby washcloths that I knit up, the cotton yarn is the best yarn to use. Sugar 'n Cream, Peaches 'n Cream or Cotton Tots are my recommendations for the best cotton yarn to knit with.

Use a size 6 straight needle, and, really, no gauge is necessary. Here is the pattern:

Baby Washcloth Cast on 37 stitches. Knit four rows.

Rows 1 and 5 (RS): K5, *p3, k5; repeat from * to end. Rows 2 and 4 : P5, *k3, p5; repeat from * to end. Row 3: K5, *p1, yo, p2tog, k5; repeat from * to end. Row 6: Purl. Rows 7 and 11: K1, *p3, k5; repeat from * , end last repeat k1. Rows 8 and 10: P1, *k3, p5; repeat from * end last repeat p1. Row 9: K1, *p1, yo, p2tog, k5; repeat from * , end last repeat k1. Row 12:Purl.

Repeat these 12 rows 4 or 5 times more, until desired length. Knit four rows. Bind off all stitches.

There you have it, simple, yet very unique, and sure to please! And, with all the colors and color combinations, you will have a blast knitting washcloths for little nieces and nephews, your friends, and babies-in-waiting! Gifts such as these, are always appreciated, and combine them with baby bottles, rattles, toys, or receiving blankets, and you'll have a winner every time!

Remember, we have one more "easy-as-pie knitting gift" to go, and you will love it! 'Til next week, get knitting!

About the Author

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories. FREE Details ==> http://www.theknitstitch.com