by Alice Seidel

With Halloween just a memory, Christmas is almost upon us! Nothing seems to be a more appropriate gift than one which is "homemade."

You know, once upon a time that word, "homemade" used to mean something cheap or tacky, or maybe, you didn't have the extra money to buy gifts at the mall. But, that's not the case anymore.

If there can be numerous TV stations dedicated to nothing but crafts, all day long, you know "homemade" is here to stay! Of course, "hand-made" is more the trendy word, but, either way you say it, it comes down to the same thing. Made by you!

I enjoy crafting, for Christmas, especially, but also for very unique home touches, that have turned my home into, well, "my home." What I really know about though, is knitting.

Knitting gifts are the best gifts to give, and also to receive! Once you have knitted up some of your own "hand-made" goodies, you will wonder why you waited so long! And they don't need to be items that would take half a year to complete! Sometimes, the best and most enjoyable knittables are those you can finish in an evening or a weekend. Who said small isn't good? Diamonds, anyone?

So far,in this series, we have patterns for scarves and placemats. (They are in former articles, "Easy-as-pie knitting Gifts #1 & #2.)

Today, is Gift Idea #3 -- ribbon bracelets. Even if you wouldn't wear one yourself, I just bet you have daughters or nieces or neighborhood pre-teens who would appreciate all the accessories they can get their hands on! After all, we are talking girls here!

To knit up ribbon bracelets, any ribbon yarn will do. Or you can vary the texture and use a "fancy fur". Either way knitted bracelets are easy to knit, and you can make quite a few for next to nothing.

Now, I'm not advocating stinginess or being cheap, but, most yarn is inexpensive, and when knitted up into sweaters, booties, baby items, afghans, bedspreads, hats, socks, or holiday items, they look like a million bucks! Well, at least, much more than they cost!

Ribbon yarn is wonderfully easy to knit with; and using a small needle, say size 4 or 5, cast on 8 stitches minimum. Then, just knit every row. When you have your desired length, bind off and sew up the seam, and you're done. Probably no more than one hour's worth of time; but you now have a knitted bracelet. Colors abound, so have fun deciding. And, of course, you can make your bracelets as wide across as you want, as well as small or large as desired. They make great craft show items.

Any large store, such as Wal-Mart, or JoAnn's, will carry ribbon yarn. If you don't see it, ask for it or ask for them to order it for you, or buy it online.

Get busy knitting, and next time out will be Knitting Gift Idea #4!

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 B Hopkins

Copyright 2006 B Hopkins

Did you ever enjoy texture of yarns in your hand or wondering how that interesting color pattern was created in your favorite sweater? Then you will surely have fun learning the art of knitting. Knitting is one of several ways to turn thread or yarn into cloth-weaving and crochet. It's all about creativity.

The Introductory Steps of Knitting

Unlike woven fabric, knitted fabric consists entirely of horizontal parallel courses of yarn. The courses are joined to each other by interlocking loops in which a short loop of one course of yarn is wrapped over the bight of another course. Knitting can be done either by hand, described below, or by machine. What makes knitting even more exciting is the fact that this art can be easily learned.

In practice, hand knitting is usually begun by forming a base series of twisted loops of yarn on a needle. This is called Cast On. A second knitting needle is then used to reach through each loop in succession in order to snag a bight of yarn and pull a length back through the loop. This forms a new stitch. Work can proceed in the round (circular knitting) or by going back and forth in rows. Knitting can also be done by machines, which use a different mechanical system to produce nearly identical results.

Knitting Styles: There are two basic styles of knitting; English and Continental. The difference between the two is in how you hold the yarn. In the English method the yarn is held in the right hand. In continental knitting, the yarn is held in the left hand. Whatever your natural hand-preference, you should be able to master either method because the nature of knitting is basically ambidextrous.

The two basic stitches are knit or plain and purl or wrong. These two nominal stitches are actually identical, however, being the obverse and reverse of the same stitch. It is the variations and combinations of these two stitches that create all the different stitch patterns which are possible in knitting. Typically, a knit stitch is formed by inserting the needle in the front of the loop from a left-to-right perspective and pulling a loop of yarn through to form a new loop, while a purl stitch is formed by inserting the needle in the front of the loop from a right-to-left perspective.

A piece of knitting begins with the process of casting on, which involves the initial creation of the stitches on the needle. Casting on is the first step in knitting These stitches become the first row of stitches and one selvage of your work, usually the bottom or hem.

Different methods of cast on are used for different effects; one may be stretchy enough for lace, while another provides a decorative edging. Provisional cast on is used when the knitting will continue in both directions from the cast on.

The body of a knitted piece may include plain stitches or a number of colors and textured patterns. The number of active stitches remains the same as when cast on unless stitches are added -an increase or removed- a decrease to shape the item.

Patterns to Knit (Way to Online Income): There are lots of people who sit at home and publish great knitting patters from home. Since over the years they have collected and modified many knitting patterns. They make a great income by selling/publishing the patterns on the net. Once you have enough practice, even you could make some online income.

Many patterns can be made by using knit and purl stitches in various combinations. If only knits or only purls are used when working back and forth in rows, the result is called garter stitch.

Alternating rows of knits and purls result in stockinette stitch, also known as stocking or jersey stitch, the stitch most often used in commercial garments such as T-shirts. Different combinations of stitches can be used to form ribbing, cables, or other textures.

Once the knitted piece is finished, the remaining live stitches are cast off. Casting or binding off loops the stitches across each other so they can be removed from the needle without unraveling the item. Although the mechanics are different from casting on, there are a similar variety of methods and choices to be made. Of the various methods the most versatile are the Plain Bind-off and the Suspended Bind-off.

Knitted garments are most commonly made in pieces, where individual sections of the garment are knit separately and then sewn together once all the pieces have been completed. Seamless knitting, where a whole garment is knit as a single piece is also possible. Smaller items, such as socks and hats are usually knit in one piece on double pointed needles.

Knitting can be easily learned these days as there are many websites on knitting and also various books for beginners available on the market, where you can find step by step instructions. These instructions are so easy to follow that even kids would not find them difficult at all. Show your creativity, grab your knitting tools and learn to knit today!

About the Author

Do you want to learn how to knit? For more articles on knitting and crochet, go to the knittinginfosite.com. Find knitting and crochet articles, knitting resources and other items usefull for knitters. http://knittinginfosite.com (This article is a http://Drivetraffictomywebsite.com creation)

by Robert Thatcher

You may never have attempted to sew anything for yourself since your schooldays -- or again, you may have abandoned the whole idea after one or two disappointing failures.

The good news is that sewing equipment and dressmaking patterns are highly developed now than ever, so it has been made easier for you to start, whether you wish to make basics for yourself and your family, supplement sophisticated ready-to-wear with simple additions of your own, or eventually progress to the heights of the designer's patterns.

Whatever the reason, you will have the satisfaction of expressing your own ideas - the pattern you purchase may be available to many, but the fabric you choose and perhaps the trimmings that complete it are exclusive to you.

Take for example the case of knitting. This is, basically, a special way of creating marvelous creations from a ball of yarn. Through this process, the yarn or thread is converted into cloth.

Basically, knitting can be made either manually, where the hands create remarkable cloth with the help of knitting needles, or mechanically, with the use of knitting machine.

Knitted Fabrics

In knitting, a different kind of fabric is used, known as the knitted fabrics. All knit fabrics are made of a series of interlocking loops. This makes them more flexible than woven fabrics. While all knits have stretch, they vary considerably in amount and direction of stretch. The factors that influence stretch are the yarn and the structure of the knit.

There are two basic knit types: weft and warp. The first derives from age-old techniques of hand knitting. The second, a modern innovation, is the product of complex machines.

Records show that the first knitting machine was invented in 1589. Today's advanced versions produce an incredible range of fabrics from sheer lingerie knits to bulky sweater knits.

Basic Composition

Knit fabrics may be tubular or flat. Some flat knits have perforated lengthwise edges comparable to selvedges in woven fabrics.

Complex stitches or special finishes sometimes obscure a knit structure, making it hard to tell whether a fabric is knitted or woven. To establish which it is, pull a thread from one crosswise end. If lops show, the fabric is a knit; if a fringe appears, it is woven.

Knits vary in stretchability. Just how much a knit stretches crosswise should be determined before you buy it. If the pattern you have chosen is marked "for knits only," it will probably supply a gauge, but for only one of three stretch categories -- slight, moderate, or super stretch.

Shopping for Fabrics

In knitting, it is extremely important to choose the best knit fabrics available in the market. A successfully chosen garment fabric will complement the pattern design, flatter the wearer, perform according to expectations, and be of good quality for the money.

Here is a list of some tips that you need to employ when choosing for the best knit fabric:

1. Weave should be firm.

You can test this by scratching the surface; if the threads shift easily, the garment seams may be inclined to slip or develop holes around the stitching.

2. Weave should be uniform.

Hold it up to the light and check for any unusually thick or thin areas. The light test will show up any weak spots or imperfections.

3. Print colors should be even

There should be no white (undyed) spots showing through them, except in areas that are clearly meant to be white.

Getting a perfect knit fabric is one of the chief, if not the paramount, reason for learning how to employ knitting at its best. Hence, if you are considering on trying some knitting, try to learn first how to identify a good knit fabric by using the guides for buying knit fabrics.

About the Author

Robert Thatcher is a freelance publisher based in Cupertino, California. He publishes articles and reports in various ezines and provides knitting resources on www.aboutknitting.info

by Maddy Cranley

Chunky means short, thick or broad. Clunky defines a clumsiness in style, form or execution. Chunky describes the look of this season's favorite sweater. Clunky explains what it is like to knit one. Headlines such as "The Super Chunkies" and "Chunky Chic" lead to knitted creations featuring very large stitches and thick textures. Designer John Galliano shows a chunky sweater of the largest proportions but just in case it didn't look quite chunky enough, he added a few popcorn stitches the size of snowballs. Ralph Lauren's chunky contribution looks positively tame with large cables and a turtleneck. Donna Karan obviously feeling a bit more timid, saved her chunky knitting for a tote bag.

The good news is that chunky can be synonymous with "quick". These sweaters can be knit in a minimum amount of time just due to their gigantic gauge and trimmed- down silhouette while still allowing you to put a fashion foot forward. The bad news is that though the knitting may be quick, it may not be what you are used to as you wield large size needles called "brooms", so named I believe due to their resemblance to broom handles. These gargantuan needles are held in the fist not the fingers and knitting can be slow and deliberate. It helps if you keep reminding yourself that the motions, though more laborious, will be fewer in number than those for the average gauge sweater. The true chunky look also requires that the yarn be of a chunky consistency or may require multi strands of yarn to create that heavy texture.

Another question that comes to mind is where do people wear these sweaters? Considering northern climates in the thick of winter, even a chunky sweater would not be warm enough for outdoor wear and the thought of wearing one inside with central heating brings on hot flashes of mammoth proportions. It only seems likely that they would be out of the question in southern or temperate zones as well. The where aside, the how to wear chunky knitting poses another dilemma. There's no way around it - if you are chunky, chunky knitting will make you look chunkier. So what's a knitter to do? The solution could be to try one of these big needle sweaters knit with a lightweight yarn such as mohair. You can obtain a big stitch effect, thus remaining trendy, minus the bulk. A simple style knit in stocking or garter stitch can make for a great look to sling over a body-hugging top and a long skirt. This fashion statement can help hide, not emphasize, while eliminating the climate problems as a sweater like this could be worn indoors. Interesting effects can also be achieved by alternating large needles of two different sizes, switching back and forth every two rows or by adding a thin strand of shiny silk or rayon yarn for contrast. The knitting is easier on the hands with simple finishing limited to joining sleeve and side seams.

So get "chunky" on your terms and eliminate the "clunky". There's still lots of time to knit one or two big needle knits for the holidays. Wishing you the very best of the season!

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 Rebecca Galeney


In this day and age of computers and fast living stress and strains of everyday life no time to relax, a great way to de-stress is to knit, it is a highly relaxing form of art, many famous people use knitting to relax and make something that you can be proud of. To see something completed that you have worked so hard on is very rewarding, an achievement and very satisfying.

Make a sweater for nothing using recycled yarn, find free knitting patterns on the Internet. Visit a library for those knitting books with endless knitting patterns and how to knit instructions.

All knitting instructions use two basic knitting stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch once you know these two stitches you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just variations and combinations of those two knitting stitches used in various ways.

Start with easy patterns do not be too ambitious with your first attempt and work to increase your skill level which will come with more practice, the most important thing of all is to enjoy it.

When you find yourself with a little free time pick up your knitting and create yourself a sweater you can say is unique and I made that.

Everyone is looking for something that is original and different, knit for others. Consider opening your home and hosting a knitting class for neighbours and friends once a week to gather and enjoy the pleasure of teaching them a new skill, you will enjoy the company and learn tips from others.

Think about birthday and Christmas presents you could make rather than purchase, you will have fun making them, save money on gifts and add that personal touch that means so much to people if they think you have spent all that time and effort making them personally a gift that is so special

There are many great ideas out there to help you be creative. Once you have made your sweater, cardigan or scarf there are many places you can sell your knitted garments on auction sites to make you money or craft fairs, you will be very popular everyone is looking for that something a little bit different and they will pay good money.

Create your own wealth and success.

About the Author

Rebecca Galeney loves knitting and teaching other people how to knit, she has been knitting for over 35 years. Designs her own knitwear collections both adults and children's in her website http://www.bexknitwear.com Please take a look

by Alice Seidel

Copyright (c) 2006 Alice Seidel

Knitting for Christmas and other holidays is so special, that once you start, you won't want to stop! So here is the second of my knitting gift ideas for you to knit up quickly!

Once you learn to knit, there are absolutely endless patterns to choose from! To knit something in a hurry, keep it simple. Oh, I know, sometimes the urge to complicate life is very strong; but, in the case of needles and yarn, you don't have to go down that road.

For these Christmas and holiday ideas, you only need to know the basic knit and purl stitches, and how to "yarn-over", and "knit two together." But, the variations in texture and colors will be quite stunning. Especially with all the yarn which is now available for us knitters!

For this Knitting Gift Idea #2, I have chosen one of my all-time favorite stitches and applied it to a pattern for placemats. I love all kinds of knitted accessories for my kitchen; placemats, of course, colorful table runners, tea cozies, potholders, doilies, and any other little knitted trinket that just makes my kitchen so "mine!"

Giving gifts like these will be sure to put a smile on the faces of your family and friends, because these patterns are so unique and one-of-a-kind. So, enjoy the following pattern for placemats, and remember to mix them up, yarn-wise, color-wise, length-wise, and even stitch-wise; you'll be glad you did!

Cotton yarn works best for placemats. Buy about 120 yds. total of the yarn you will use. Also, use size 10 knitting needles. You can use a gauge for this pattern, but it is not imperative. If you decide to use a gauge, keep it this: 4 sts and 5 rows = 1 inch. The finished size of the placemat should be approximately 18" wide by 13" long.

The directions are as follows: Cast on 78 sts. Knit across for 2 rows. Row 1: K3, K2tog 4 times, *YO, K1, 8 times, K2tog 8 times, * repeat between the *'s across to last 11 sts, K2tog 4 times, K3. Row 2: K3, purl across to the last 3 sts, K3. Row 3: Knit across. Row 4: K3, purl across to the last 3 sts, K3.

Repeat these 4 rows for the pattern. Knit until placemat is 13 inches long, ending on a purl row. Knit 1 row, then knit 2 more rows. Bind off in the knit stitch. Weave ends into back of placemat.

Remember to keep an eye on your edges; always begin and end your rows with "K3"!!

For this pattern, you can knit in one solid color, or one color yarn design, or change colors throughout. I recommend changing colors on every 8th row, once you start the pattern. Use two colors, three or four; all shades of one color, or beautiful complimentary colors.

It is all up to you, but if you are knitting for Christmas or any other holiday, keep in mind those holiday colors, and knit accordingly.

I would save this pattern and use it for other knitting projects. I have used this pattern to knit gorgeous afghans; knitting long panels using this pattern, and then sewing the panels together. For afghans, use a worsted weight yarn; it works best for knitted items such as these. Or try a wool yarn.

When you go shopping for yarn, you will come across so many different brand names. If you look closely on each label, they will tell you what type of yarn it is; for instance, 100% cotton, or worsted- weight, wool, a mohair blend, or chenille. And that's just naming a few! All the information you need should be on the label: yardage, type, ply, color, dye lot, even where it is manufactured. If you buy many skeins of one color, try and purchase the same dye lot. That number is usually a "stamped" number, and for uniformity, stick with the same stamped number. For instance, if you buy a linen color, and you purchase various dye lots, there will definitely be slight variations in the linen color. You don't think you can see it, but once in a while, you notice!

So, until next week, when I will share with you my "Easy-as-Pie Knitting Gift Idea #3" -- get knitting, times-a-wastin'!

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

With literally thousands and thousands of free knitting patterns showcased on almost every internet knitting site, finding a knitting pattern was never easier. But understanding a knitting pattern is not so easy, in fact it can be down right complicated and confusing. Getting a grip on the terminology and stitches required in a knitting pattern takes patience and perseverance and practice. The following information will help you understand and comprehend the art of knitting.

Knitting patterns generally consist of these basic components:

1) Finished Measurements – usually listed at the beginning of most knitting patterns detailing the final size of the garment if you use the recommended yarn and needle sizes.

2) Required Materials – basically a list of the various items you need to complete the project including recommended yarn color and fiber, yarn weight and needle sizes. It is crucial to use these recommendations if you want the garment to be the size of the finished measurements.

3) Gauge Information – the final and extremely critical description piece detailing how many stitches are in an inch of the knitted fabric for this particular garment pattern.

Once you have decided upon your knitting pattern, assembled all your materials and double checked the gauge information, now begins the actual knitting by reading and following the pattern. Knitting patterns come in two forms – written and charts. Written patterns are knitting patterns that are written out. Charts are a combination of writing and little pictures detailing specific stitches. Most knitting patterns are written out with charts only being used on the more complicated designs. Here are a few more tips to help you through the maze of numbers and abbreviations:

1) Reading sizes – most knitting patterns list a small, medium and large version of the garment. Typically, the smallest size is listed first with the medium and large sizes being bracketed by parenthesis ().

2) Cast-on – this is the first step in starting the knitting and is written like this: CO 26 (32, 40) which means you will cast on 26 stitches for a small garment, 32 stitches for a medium and 40 stitches for a large garment.

3) Abbreviations – Beg = beginning; BO = bind off; CC = contrasting color; CO = cast-on; Cont = continue; Dec = decrease; Dpn = double-pointed needles; Inc = increase; K = knit; K1b = knit one through back loop; LH = left hand; M1 = make 1 stitch; MC = main color; P = purl; Patt = pattern; Pu = pick up; P1 = purl one through back loop; Rem = remaining; Rep = repeat; Skp = slip 1 stitch, knit 1 stitch, pass the slipped stitch over the knit stitch; St = stitch; Tbl = through back loop; Tog = together; Yo = yarn over; WS = wrong side.

Now all you need to do is begin – follow the knitting pattern and practice. Don’t get discouraged if you make a mistake, drop a stitch or count the number of stitches wrong. What matters is you will be learning how to make a beautiful work of art for yourself or someone very special.

About the author:

Zoya Woolwitch is a professional knitter and knitwear designer, and the author of “150 Haute Couture Knitting Ideas” eBook. If you are an advanced knitter, you too can discover the most incredible collection of mind blowing inspirational ideas at http://www.hautecoutureknitting.com/