by Maddy Cranley

Yes, it is the first week of December and those of us with a true crafting spirit feel compelled to make at least one or two handcrafted items for gift-giving this coming holiday season. I know, time is short and the thought of knitting an entire sweater, even a vest, seems overwhelming. There are so many other activities that demand our attention at this time of the year. A quick and easy project with readily available materials - that's what we're looking for. No hunching over rows of complicated knitting or hours of darning in ends, pressing, blocking and joining. So may I suggest knitting some mitts for those you love. Mitts are a small project, quickly knit, and best of all, you can make a dent in that yarn stash - providing you can find it.

Both gloves and mitts serve as a protector for the hands from wind and cold but gloves have always been the somewhat snobby fashion-conscious cousin of the mitten. Throughout history, gloves have been considered to be a stylish accessory whereas mittens were worn for warmth. Linen gloves were even found in the 14th century BC tomb of the Egyptian king, Tutankhamen. Sticking with the upper classes, gloves in the Middle Ages were only worn by men of high rank or by those engaged in falconry, a past time of the well-to-do. The masses made do with mitts or garments that had extra long sleeves to keep their hands covered. Gloves became a must-have for women in the 16th century following in the fashion footsteps of Catherine de Medici, who was consorting with Henry II of France at the time. In the 17th century, gloves made from soft kidskin became very popular.

In 1834, glove making became a full-fledged industry when Xavier Jouvin of Grenoble, France invented a cutting die that made it possible to fashion a precise fitting glove. Gloves for both men and women were a requirement for proper dress in the height of the 19th century, a trend which continued until after World War II. Although, I certainly remember wearing a snappy little pair of stretch lace gloves. Then again, weren't we also wearing "spring bonnets" on our heads at the time? Although nowadays some wear gloves as a practical measure to get a better grip or to enhance a swing or a slap shot, mitts are born to keep hands warm but do take on many other tasks. There are bath mitts and baseball mitts, mouse mitts for carpal tunnel syndrome, heated beauty mitts, oven mitts, mitts to groom your pet and mitts to wash your car.

So make your list and gather some mitts patterns. Make soft mittens in angora or mohair - sure to warm up loved ones' hands and hopefully their hearts. Make luxury mittens in cashmere or alpaca. Knit stripes, felt wool, work a Fair Isle design, or embroider some spring flowers on mitten backs to brighten a dreary winter's day. On such a small project, even a complicated design can only last for a few rows. Lace patterns look terrific if the mitts are lined with a warm flannelette fabric - in a contrast color of course.

Attach a couple of pompons along with a twisted cord and these mitts will never make an appearance in the lost and found. Add a trim of faux fur or circle the cuff with a ring of antique buttons. Remember mitts don't have to stay outside - knit a mitt in cotton or linen, tuck in a sweet-smelling bar of soap, and tie with a ribbon for a bath lover's mitt. So I throw down the gauntlet and challenge you to knit some mitts. Best wishes for a terrific holiday season. Don't forget to steal away some time to knit.

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

Have you ever wanted to learn how to knit? Knitting instructions are the primer for knitting newbies and make learning to knit an easy and fun experience. Just think about the excitement and pride you will feel when you complete your first knitting project. Imagine all the compliments you will receive when you tell everyone you made the sweater you’re wearing. Not to mention the sheer delight in making something with your hands versus sifting through racks and racks of clothes. Using knitting instructions to learn to knit is the quickest way to get you to those euphoric emotions just mentioned.

Knitting instructions can vary from a brief pamphlet to a 300+ page book, but regardless of the length of the instructions there are always these 5 basic steps you must master to begin knitting:

1) Learning to make a Slip Knot – mastery of making a slip knot is oh so important. The slip knot is the foundation or beginning of your pattern and will hold all the stitches in place. A bad slip knot means the possibility that your garment may unravel.
2) Learning to Cast-on – basically what you are doing is loading the needle with a bunch of specifically designed loops that will make up the beginning of your garment.
3) Learning to Knit – the knit stitch is the easiest and most widely used stitch in many knitting projects, in fact you could make entire items with this one stitch. It is considered the most basic or first stitch you need to master.
4) Learning to Purl – the best friend of the knit stitch is the purl stitch, the second most important basic stitch. Using a combination of the knit and purl stitches make up most of the knitting patterns.
5) Learning to Bind Off – the last step in any knitting project is learning how to finish it off or bind off.

Once you have practiced and mastered the knitting instructions you have chosen to learn from, you will find yourself immersed in various knitting projects in order to continue your dedication to this beautiful craft. Don’t be afraid to try the more complicated patterns once “you get your feet wet” and gain some confidence. The more intricate the garment, the greater the sense of accomplishment you will feel and the greater your reward to yourself and your loved ones.

Although knitting may seem like a difficult and time consuming, the truth is knitting is an easy and relaxing way to wind down after a busy day. Using knitting instructions to learn this often times forgotten art is important in order to properly make whatever knitting project you choose. The satisfaction you will receive is worth every second endured during the learning process. Sure you will make mistakes, but that as they say is part of learning and developing a new skill. Remember – in order to make a good cake you have to break a few eggs – who ever said that probably knitted as well as cooked.

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/

by Alice Seidel

Whenever I knit something new, or think about all the projects that are still on the "back-burner", the one thing I never think about is where did this all begin?

After all, knitting is such an ancient craft, or at least the art of spinning yarn is. Once all that yarn was created you just know someone came along and started figuring out ways to weave the yarn into cloth. And, once cloth was created, then variations of cloth were produced; colors came along, then simple patterns, then more intricate designs, many of which were very indicative of native lands.

As of right now, it is thought that knitting came along sometime in the late Middle Ages, 1200-1500 A.D. It was brought into Egypt by nomads, and from there, carried into lower Europe by way of Spain. Once there, knitting traveled all over the European continent.

During the Renaissance, craft guilds were all the rage, and knitting was established as a true craft. After all, once the art of spinning created yarn, then innovative ways to use the yarn came along.

Different areas of Europe invented different modes of knitting. The Fair Isles, a group of islands north of Britain, give us Fair Isle knitting, one which is characteristic of knitting with many colors, and changing colors frequently.

Intricate lace patterns are indicative of France; fishing communities off the coast of England gave us the Guernsey style. Both of these types of knitting are quite intricate, and the latter very colorful.

Of course, knitting found its way to our world as well. During the Civil War, both sides took to producing much needed items for the soldiers. It was here that knitting became linked to patriotism; a link which has only grown stronger over time.

Once the Industrial Revolution came along, knitting machines were able to produce what hand-knitters never could.

Yet, with all the modern innovations which we live with, there is nothing quite like settling in with needles, yarn, and a good pattern. Add some friends, a sprinkling of good conversation, and the beautiful world of knitting, is a place you could live in forever!

Nowadays, we have not only our families, and friends to knit for. There are so many needy causes and organiza- tions out there just looking for a little "hands-on" help.

The Old English definition of the word "craft" tells us that the word meant "strength". As we knitters well know, in learning, enjoying, and passing on, our beloved craft, therein lies knitting's strength.

The Shakers certainly had it right when they said, "Hands to work, hearts to God."

About the Author

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

A cardigan, named for Lord Cardigan, is usually described as a sleeved, collarless sweater or jacket that buttons down the front. Its original inception was purely of utility. It is said that Lord Cardigan desired a simple, loose sweater that could be worn over his other clothing. With minimal fuss and minimal invention, the knit cardigan was born. Though its roots were simple, throughout the centuries the cardigan has been reworked and redesigned to appeal to a more refined consumer.

For example, a modern knit cardigan can have a number of appearances. One of the most popular designs is a loose weave style that drapes nicely over nearly any figure. These sweaters are characterized by large, almost ropelike, threads that are woven together to create more of a shell of a sweater than a solid fabric. Though they do not offer much in the way of protection from the elements, they do create an ambiance that can be very pleasing.

Another great style for a knit cardigan to follow, or knit clothes in general, is the tight, close knit pattern. Using this stitching, a simple and decorative cardigan can become a protective barrier against cold and other inclement weather. The choice of materials from which to make the cardigan is also important. For utilitarian purposes, the older woolen designs worked wonderfully, as wool has an incredible warmth to weight ratio and retains its heat trapping abilities even when wet.

Some artistic cardigan makers of today rely heavily on color to influence the way people view their products. It seems that bright, contrasting colors are currently in vogue, though there is always a demand for more subdued tones. Some knitters create their work from only one color, drawing attention to the power in simplicity. These monochromatic creations may be viewed as primary, but it takes a keen eye and a skillful hand to make a cardigan that sustains interest when it has only one shade of the rainbow with which to work. Other imaginative creators use several colors in their work. Some use contrasting warm and cool tones, while others use complimentary shades from one color family. All in all, it is up to the designer to decide what colors will be used, though the masses decide how they react to them.

Revolutions in cardigan design have begun to affect the basic constitution of the sweater. For example, one innovative design omits the shoulder panels of the garment altogether, leaving the sleek, exposed shoulders to contrast with the textured, woven fabric. Other designs call for zippers, Velcro, or ties in the front of the sweater instead of the standard buttons. This allows even more flexibility in the construction of the knit clothes. The choice of exposing the midriff has also been explored and was met with a welcome appreciation. Other designs implement a modern twist on function by weaving false pockets to the cardigans, giving the appearance of pockets without the need for more fabric. Many designers argue that this streamlines the body of the sweater while preserving a nod toward its history.

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/

by Kelli Morris

So have you caught the knitting bug? Have you learned the basic stitches and are now wondering what to do? With a little practice and tips from experienced knitters, you can be creating awesome creations in no time.

Once you learn three basic techniques you will find that there are numerous projects you can learn to knit. The three basic foundations of knitting are casting on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you master these three techniques you can begin to add more advanced knitting skills.

You can learn the basic stitches from other knitters, online or from a book. You can truly only become a functional knitter from practicing as much as possible.

Starting out you will want to use medium gauge wool yarn which is the easiest yarn to start out with. It may not be the prettiest, flashiest novelty yarn, but it's the easiest yarn to learn how to knit with. You do not want to use cotton since it has no give in it. Wool has just a bit of stretch so it is much easier to learn with.

Your local yarn shop is a great place for both beginners and veteran knitters. It is an excellent place to have your questions answered when you begin to choose your yarns and patterns.

Knitting has always been a social hobby. Similar to scrap booking where women meet to work on their scrap booking in gatherings called "crops", knitters have sessions called "stitch and bitch". Women bring their projects, knit together and chat.

These knitting groups are a great place to learn to knit from experienced knitters. They can give you advice and show you hands on skills. Advanced knitters are also able to improve their skills by watching the talents of others who can share various techniques.

Lessons are a great way to learn basic knitting skills. It is usually worth the money to have someone teach the knit and purl stitches. The local shop usually offers individual or group beginning knitter classes. It will take you just one or two classes before you feel confident enough to attempt an easy project. Of course, outside of class you will want to practice as much as possible.

When you start to knit you will not really begin with a project. Most likely you will learn by knitting a swatch about 2 feet long just for practice. Once you can complete that you will rip it all out, roll it up and start all over again. It is not necessarily fun but you will begin to feel comfortable with the knit and purl stitches. You should not start a real project until you can successfully knit the swatch with no dropped stitches or gaping holes.

The easiest first project is a scarf. It is simple and you really do not have to worry too much about gauge. It is the best project to begin with to practice your skill. If it is summer and a scarf does not sound too appealing, try a decorative scarf in a lightweight cotton yarn that can be used in place of a necklace, or used as a belt.

Knitting is a really fun hobby. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable. You will love all the colors and textures of fibers available. You will love to make things and give them as gifts. Knitting is a great hobby for all seasons and all ages.

About the Author

Kelli is the owner of Monetina Creations, an online store showcasing her hand-made knitted creations. You can see her unique knitted purses at http://monetinacreations.com.

by Michael Saville

Anyone who has anything to do with knitting will know the importance of knitting yarns. For many people one of the most enjoyable aspects of the craft is browsing through the many yarns available in a knitting shop. This is because there are numerous textures of yarn and a vast array of colours to choose from. All in all choosing your knitting yarn is a pleasurable experience.

People who are experienced in the art of knitting know the importance of using the best quality knitting yarn they can get hold of. In fact what type of knitting yarn to use is one of the most important decisions a craftsperson has to make. The choice available is vast and the decision depends on what garment you want to create. So for example, if you are looking to make a scarf or a hat you could look to use 'New Fizz' or for a lightweight summer top use 'Dune', or for a realistic animal colour use 'Foxy'. For general garment creation, one of the best known kitting yarns is 'Sirdar'. Often the better yarns are provided with a range of knitting patterns leaflets.

Australia is famous for both the quality and types of knitting yarns produced. Remember to use the knowledge of the yarn supplier so that you can get the best yarn for the job you have lined up. The hand dyed yarns are available in an extensive colour range and those in natural fibres consist of 'Merion wool', 'Cashmere', 'Cotton', 'Mohair' or 'Alpaca' in addition to 'Jo Sharp' pure wool and 'Heirloom Alpaca'.

There are some things to remember. Firstly, it is always a good idea to do a tension square as you may need different amounts of knitting yarn. As far as the patterns are concerned you should remember that the pattern and the ply should be the same, so use four ply yarn for a four ply pattern and 'Aran' yarn for an 'Aran' pattern. Your knitting pattern whilst looking attractive needs to be suitable to the garment you want to knit. A good place to start particularly if you are relatively new to knitting to look for patterns is the yarn skein, which comes wrapped and nearly every one of these will have a pattern on it. This is particularly good as the pattern will be correct for the yarn being used. The other advantage is that these patterns are in effect free. There are old favourites such as books and magazines. Often books give step by step instructions as well as a general knitting overview. Finally, an ever growing source of information on both knitting patterns and the best knitting yarns to use is the Internet. This includes dedicated knitting sites and an increasing number of forums where enthusiasts can ask questions, provide advice and share tips and tricks.

For a sophisticated look choose 'Tuscany' fashion yarn for tops and accessories. Other accessories choices include 'Firefly' and 'Illusion' which are ladder type knitting yarns. If you prefer a sparkling look go for either 'Medici' or 'Vegas' to improve the look of the garment. To keep warm in winter choose a chunky knitting yarn, some two ply yarns contain fifteen percent wool.

Knitting yarns do not have to be expensive. Good quality yarns at lower cost include 'Aran', 'Double Knit', four ply, three ply as well as two ply. Fashion yarns include 'Milan', 'Gypsy', 'Amore', 'Apache' and Sirocco which comprises of eighty percent cotton. You could even try 'Eskimo DK' which is soft and furry and is available in plain colours. So it makes sense to take advice and take your time when choosing knitting yarns.

About the Author

Michael Saville has written more articles on Knitting. These can be found at http://www.knitting-and-sewing.com . The site provides information and advice for people looking to take up knitting as well as for experienced participants in this increasingly popular activity.

A jersey knit is type of stitch that produces a smooth, flat face on a fabric, as well as a textured back to the fabric. Originally made of wool, this knit gets its name from the island of Jersey, where it is thought to have originated. This contrasting fabric is created by the inter-looping of the yarn as it passes over itself again and again. Jersey knit fabric boasts several advantages over other types of material. For example, it is soft, has excellent durability, and has great draping properties. This type of knit can be used on anything from tee shirts to dresses to sleepwear and is often thought of as a casual knit, though under the right circumstances, it can produce very elegant clothing.

An artistic dress maker can easily shape the utilitarian jersey knit into a wonderful, aesthetically pleasing object. Appealing to the more traditional style of dresses, this knit can be used to mimic elegant creations, substituting the hardy jersey knit for more expensive (and delicate) fabrics such as silk. More avant garde artists borrow from past traditions as well as modern movements. For example, taking elements from the earth movements of the 60’s and 70’s and tying them with grunge of the 90’s, one could envision a jersey-based tee shirt dress. An elongated tee, faded and exuding warm and neutral tones would be an excellent base for a neo-hippie type dress. Many designers have embraced this cross-cultural, temporal skipping and have found favor with their clients.

Though the former dress design is simplistic and has proven to be quite popular in certain circles, other dress makers take a different approach. For example, using the jersey knit stitch and some advanced knitting techniques, many innovative designers have created some great, complex pieces. One design involves using both sides of the jersey knit, the flat, smooth exterior and the coarser, textured interior in different ways. Some designs call for a complete juxtaposition of the normal usage of the fabric. Where one usually uses faces the smooth side the coarse side is presented, and vice versa.

Other dresses use the different sides of the fabric to create patters, showing a bit of one here and a bit of the other there. This creates a woven, textured feel without actually incorporating any advanced knitting techniques. A common analogy can be found in scrutinizing a golf course or a freshly manicured lawn. The lines that appear are caused by the way the light reflects off the textured surface. This holds true for the dress as well. Dress artists who are more interested in pop art and literary implications use this stitching technique to actually create words within their clothing. Much like a hidden symbol or an implied meaning, a sub-context can be easily hidden just below the surface of a fabric. When the world encounters this dress for the first time, not only will the body be accentuated, and not only with the dress shine, but a higher meaning can, in time, become apparent as well.

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/