The Daily Knitter Blog

Villager confined to rehab center continues to knit for charity

2007-08-30T06:19:00.002-07:00

Villager confined to rehab center continues to knit for charity
from The Villages Daily Sun

Susan Heck isn�t able to attend Busy Hands and Happy Hearts meetings, where members knit, sew and crochet items for patients in hospitals and residents of assisted-living facilities � yet she contributes just the same. She�s a homebound member. Heck, of the Village of Silver Lake, knits blankets, therapy balls and baby booties in her room at Lady Lake Specialty Care � just as she�s done for the last eight years she�s lived in The Villages. �I do enjoy this and I enjoy making new patterns,� said Heck, who loves working with brightly colored yarn. Knitting and crocheting, she�s found, take her mind off her health woes. �Just for a little while,� she said. And for Heck, there�s always a sense of satisfaction once a project is completed.

Read the Full Article

Stitching up a better life

2007-08-30T06:19:00.001-07:00

Stitching up a better life
from Berwick Gazette

A STITCH in time may save a life if knitters from across Casey-Cardinia continue their good work. Local residents have been busy knitting woollen outfits to keep underprivileged children in Mongolia warm during the winter months. Guardian Pharmacy in Beaconsfield is running the Guardian Angel program and is offering free knitting books for interested knitters. The patterns featured have been specifically chosen by Guardian Pharmacies and World Vision to assist needy families in Mongolia. Pharmacist Chris Warne said the program was a great way to help disadvantaged children get through a chilly winter.

Read the Full Article

On course for success

2007-08-30T06:18:00.001-07:00

On course for success
from Reading Eagle/Reading Times

Some entrepreneurs get an idea for a home-based business by looking toward the future and trying to predict what trends might lead to profitable niche markets. But Diane M. Gracely of Ontelaunee Township got the inspiration for her venture, Kewl Tubes, from the past. �A lot of the golfers actually call them old-school head covers,� said Gracely, describing her retro product. �A lot of women used to knit them for their husbands.� Gracely�s pompom head covers protect putters, drivers and other clubs from clanging together in golf bags. She said the pompom style probably was most popular with golfers in the 1950s and 1960s.

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Senior ladies knit caps for preemies

2007-08-30T06:17:00.000-07:00

Senior ladies knit caps for preemies
from Montgomery Advertiser

They knit and crochet caps small enough to fit an orange. Some of the blankets they make aren't even big enough to fit across their laps. Though small in size, the caps and receiving blankets are a big help to those who receive them -- babies, most of whom are premature, born at area hospitals. Once a week, the women, who call themselves the Purl & Chain Gang, gather in a sitting room at Westminster Village in Spanish Fort to knit and crochet the baby caps and blankets. They also make lap blankets for adults at Westminster's nursing facility. They make blankets and caps in matching pastel colors that range in size from caps that can fit in the palm of your hand to ones big enough for a full-term infant.

Read the Full Article

Sharing a passion for crafts and charity

2007-08-30T06:15:00.000-07:00

Sharing a passion for crafts and charity
from Asbury Park Press Online

It was a scene reminiscent of the sewing and quilting bees of Colonial times: a group of women gathered in a circle, knitting and sewing, chatting about their lives and sharing refreshments in the shade of an oak tree. But the 18 women at Cathy Peach's Berkeley home Aug. 6 were gathered around a large table in her air-conditioned kitchen, where they had a view of the lagoon out back, and were taking a break from their knitting and crocheting to have a slice of cake with cannoli cream filling and a cup of coffee or tea. The women, who have dubbed themselves the Happy Hookers for their penchant for doing needlework, spent the evening showing off their latest creations, the new stitches they've tried and deciding who would swap patterns with whom.

Read the Full Article

Get exposure for your blog or website

2007-04-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

Did you know the Daily Knitter accepts submissions of articles related to knitting and knitting patterns? It is a great way to get exposure for your blog or website. Check out the guidelines at:

http://www.dailyknitter.com/submissions.html

The mark of a knitter: cheap pants and selflessness

2007-04-25T12:24:00.000-07:00

Make sure you take the time to read this great article. I am still giggling from the idea that we all wear an exquisitely beautiful sweater with pants from Goodwill. Why? Because we spend $200 on yarn and had no money to buy pants!

The mark of a knitter: cheap pants and selflessness
By Lu-Ann Farrar
HERALD-LEADER STAFF WRITER

Funny thing about knitters: They will wear an exquisitely beautiful sweater with pants from Goodwill. Why? Because they spent $200 on yarn and had no money to buy pants.

http://www.kentucky.com/620/story/34688.html

American Needlearts Survey 2007

2007-04-10T18:14:00.000-07:00

The National NeedleArts Association is asking for input about needle art, including knitting and crochet, experiences.

In an effort to help needle arts shops, product makers, and associations The National NeedleArts Association (TNNA) is conducting the American Needlearts Survey 2007. They say:

"Your survey responses will...

**** Help shops and product suppliers enhance your enjoyment of the needle
arts
**** Help The National NeedleArts Association promote the needle arts to
kids and adults
**** Raise money for cancer victim support and needle arts mentoring
**** Make good use of your thoughts and time

The survey asks about your experiences with whichever needle art you enjoy:
crocheting, cross-stitch, embroidery, knitting or needlepoint. We'd like to
know what inspires you, your activities, the sorts of projects you like to
do, your early experiences, where you make needle arts purchases, and what
you'd like to see needle arts shops do better. We want to hear from
beginners and experts!"

TNNA will donate $1 for each of the first 800 online surveys to Living
Beyond Breast Cancer or the Helping Hands Foundation Needlearts Mentoring
Program.

Go to American Needlearts Survey 2007 and fill out the 10-minute survey there.

Great Big Hug from a Thankful Citizen

2007-04-10T14:15:00.000-07:00

"Great Big Hug from a Thankful Citizen"

Calling all who knit, crochet, work with fleece or can help by donating yarn and other materials.....

Recently, my son who serves in the Army and is stationed in Germany was home and I made him a scarf. A simple thing I thought. He was so grateful because he and his fellow soldiers do a lot of walking between the 8 bases in the area on their time off (only one base has the PX and other amenities). During the winter months, they can get quite cold as they have to wear civilian clothes so they fit in with their surroundings. I also found out that due to their mission, not many of the 60 or so soldiers are granted leave for Christmas, nor can most afford the airfare to come home. I wished I could give everyone in his unit a scarf if he was that thankful. This started me thinking that if I could get friends, family, and others to help we could put a scarf in all of their hands for next Christmas! Think of it as a "Great Big Hug from a Thankful Citizen".

My goal is to collect at least 200 scarves for my son's unit and for the soldiers recovering in the Army hospital in Germany by September 1, 2007.

So, if you or someone you know are interested in helping me with this project for our troops, please let me know, either by email at bjhfam@aol.com or by phone at 480-467-7002.

Thank you,
Judy Housley

ITEMS NEEDED

Skeins of yarn
Yards of solid color fleece
Pre-made scarves

The Handknitters Guild & The Daily Knitter Puzzles

2007-03-22T11:54:00.000-07:00

The Handknitters Guild of North Central Texas, that meets in Arlington, Texas, had their annual retreat at the Pecan Plantation in Granbury, Texas. The date of the retreat has varied each year, but it has always taken place in February. This year, the retreat was held on the 9th, 10th and 11th of February. Part of the group left Arlington mid-day Friday for the drive to one hour drive to Granbury and a day of antique shopping and lunch. The rest of the group joined them for dinner on Friday evening. There were a total of 21 members in attendance. After dinner the group went upstairs to the Open Lobby of the Inn and broke into teams of three to do the Crossword Puzzle from DailyKnitter.com. Prizes were given to the teams that had the most correct answers. Knitting projects were then pulled out and a weekend of knitting began.

Saturday was much the same with breakfast, knitting, lunch, knitting, dinner, knitting. The projects varied from socks to afghans, sweaters to scarves and on and on and on. Projects were started and projects were completed. Laughter was enjoyed by everyone. Saturday night a couple of the women who spin brought out their spinning wheels and had an evening session of spinning.

Sunday morning everyone rose fairly early and had a very nice brunch. This has been a special Treat each year because everyone gets custom made omelets and pecan waffles in the shape of Texas. The group then went back upstairs and knitted until check out time.

Each year has been special but for this year the stars were shining right and it was a GREAT knitting experience. Guild retreats are a great way to become better acquainted with your members and enhance your knitting experience.

Dixie Butler, President
Handknitters Guild of North Central Texas

Knitty Gritty Show Time Change

2007-03-19T10:02:00.000-07:00

Write to HGTV and ask them to bring back to mid-morning hours the two shows Knitty Gritty and Uncommon Threads. They have moved them to 6 a.m. Central Time and 7 a.m. Eastern Time.

Send an email to the programming department of HGTV. Here is the link to the email comment page on HGTV's website:

Email HGTV

Scroll to the bottom of the page and click on the Customer Services link to email the programming department. This link is printed in brown and is underlined. It is hidden --- hmmm, what does this suggest? -- in the very last paragraph titled "You Still Didn't Answer My Question."

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2007-01-29T12:59:00.000-08:00

A night at the museum with Art History 101

The latest exhibition at the Museum of Arts and Design.

Over 30 new offerings in Free Knitting Patterns

The free patterns just keep on coming.

Color patterns galore with Knitting Book Reviews

New book reviews have been added.

Extra! Extra! with Knitting in the News

New knitting related articles from newspapers across the country.

You can search the Yarn Shop Directory

Many updates have been made. Help us keep the listing current.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

Updates with new knitting events, including 2007 listings.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

The most complete listing on the web. Is your club listed?

The Daily Knitter accepts Submissions

Your creation could be in the next newsletter.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

"Old Pueblo Knitters" Knitting Group

2006-12-05T08:20:00.000-08:00

From the Arizona Star...

"If you love knitting, consider this group.

Thoughts of knitted sweaters may fill the heads of gift givers and receivers this time of year, but there's more to the stitching technique than clothing.

"I'm personally into lace," says Elizabeth Wells, who organizes workshops for the Old Pueblo Knitters."

For the full article, click here.

Welcome to Men Who Knit - and the Women Who Love Them.

2006-12-05T08:17:00.000-08:00

Thank you to The Daily Knitter reader who directed us to an article in the Boston Herald titled, "Men, women share purls of wisdom". It begins...

“Should I move my thumb?” 25-year-old Andrea Lee Estrada of South Boston asked Mike Attisha yesterday, as he took her through the first steps of knitting.

“Yes, unless you want to knit your thumb into it,” Attisha replied. “But who knows, that could be your thing.”

Welcome to Men Who Knit - and the Women Who Love Them.

For the full article, click here.

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-12-05T08:14:00.000-08:00

The Daily Knitter is celebrating!

We have now received over 1.5 million visitors and are proud to be:

#1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Shop Directory"

#1 result in Google when searching for "Local Knitting Clubs"

#1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Companies"

#1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Knitting Articles"

#1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Events"

#1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Yarn Reviews"

#1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Exclusive Knitting Patterns"

Listed in the Google directory under Knitting Magazines

Over 20,000 web pages link to us via Yahoo statistics

Over 8,000 e-mail newsletter subscribers

All statistics as of Oct 4, 2006

Sparkle with Sophia

Our latest exclusive pattern is an evening wrap.

View the latest Book reviews

Northern lights and lace.

View the latest Product reviews

Knitting in the dark.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

Our database of free patterns continues to grow.

You can now search the Yarn Shop Directory

Many updates have been made. Help us keep the listing current.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

Updates with new knitting events, including 2007 listings.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

The most complete listing on the web. Is your club listed?

The Daily Knitter accepts Submissions

Your creation could be in the next newsletter.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

View reader's opinions on yarns -- many with photos.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Woman spins wool into fun, big bucks

2006-10-24T17:53:00.000-07:00

Thank you to The Daily Knitter reader who emailed us a link to the article "Woman spins wool into fun, big bucks" in the Noblesville Ledger. Click on the title below to read the full article.

Woman spins wool into fun, big bucks

Instructor receives scholarship for 'relaxing' trade she teaches at downtown Westfield shop.

The Daily Knitter is Celebrating!

2006-09-19T12:36:00.000-07:00

# The Daily Knitter is celebrating!
We have now received over 1.5 million visitors and are proud to be:

# #1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Shop Directory"
# #1 result in Google when searching for "Local Knitting Clubs"
# #1 result in Google when searching for "Yarn Companies"
# #1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Knitting Articles"
# #1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Events"
# #1 result in MSN when searching for "Knitting Yarn Reviews"
# #1 result in Yahoo when searching for "Exclusive Knitting Patterns"
# Listed in the Google directory under Knitting Magazines
# Over 20,000 web pages link to us via Yahoo statistics

All statistics as of Sep 1, 2006

Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet Event

2006-09-10T14:23:00.000-07:00

Today was the Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet event. Several knitters have already emailed us, it was a huge success.

Needlesmith Are Asked to Help Make A Difference by Creating and Donating Handcrafted Items for Children in Need

The fifth annual Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet event will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia. This year, needlesmiths are asked to help make a difference for a child in need. Knitting (crocheting and weaving) communities together for increased civic good.

(PRWEB) August 12, 2006 -- The fifth annual Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet event will be held Sunday, Sept. 10, 2006, from noon to 5 p.m. at the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Center City Philadelphia.

A celebration of the needle arts of knitting and crocheting, the event attracts hundreds of enthusiasts every year. The event will feature beginning knitting and crochet lessons, a fashion show promenade, lessons in a variety of knit and crochet techniques, door prizes and an opportunity to donate hand-made items to two charities.

This year, needlesmiths are asked to help make a difference for a child in need. They are asked to make and donate a small blanket or stuffed animal to District Attorney Lynne Abraham’s Urban Genesis program, whereby police distribute these items when they find small children in chaotic circumstances, as they investigate domestic cases.

In addition, hand-made hats, mittens and scarves are requested for City Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown’s Warmth In Winter Holiday Drive. This annual program distributes hundreds of warm items to homeless children in need across the city during the winter.

“It’s exciting to offer our participants a way of really showcasing their skills and giving to two worthy charities,” said Gwen Agard, executive director of the Knit Out.

“We are asking that people bring their handcrafted donations with them to the Knit Out on Sunday, Sept. 10th,” said Pam Jones, core volunteer member of the Philadelphia Area Knit Out & Crochet event team. “A hat, scarf, or soft huggable can be started now and finished either before or at the Knit Out.” A drop-off location will be situated in the main hall.

For five years the Philadelphia Area Knit Out has provided needlework enthusiasts with the opportunity to work in community. Sharing information, techniques, skills and wisdom are highlights of the day. Men, women and children flock to the event where the atmosphere is warm, welcoming, caring and inspiring.

This fun filled needlearts celebration also provides opportunities for volunteering; everything from pre-event preparations to teaching, modeling fashions and helping at the registration desk and with door prize drawings.

“We need many hands from the community to make this happen,” said Agard. “We count on everyone, from corporate sponsors, local businesses, and individuals to make this work.”

That includes financial donations. “The Knit Out is free,” said Agard. “But it costs money to get it up and running. Donations are always needed and welcome.”

The Philadelphia Area Knit Out and Crochet Event is free and open to all.

Rwandan Widows Earn Livelihood with American Knitting Machines

2006-07-12T10:04:00.000-07:00

Rwandan Widows Earn Livelihood with American Knitting Machines

When “Rwanda” is mentioned in the U.S., images of genocide and deep sadness come to mind. But when “knitting” is mentioned in Rwanda, the only images are those of smiles, laughter and women working together. “This is the Rwanda I know –seeing the biggest smile imaginable from a new knitter after finishing her first scarf, knowing she will be now able to feed her children using her newly acquired skills,” says Cari Clement, founder of FACED, the Fiber and Craft Entrepreneurial Development Center.
After a year of grant writing, Clement’s dream of helping women through knitting has finally borne fruit. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Rwandans and Americans in Partnership, a Rwanda-based non-governmental agency, are pleased to announce the signing of a $99,000 grant to benefit Rwanda Knits, a program developed by Clement in 2003. With this grant, thirteen new, and ultimately self-sustaining, knitting cooperatives will be established throughout Rwanda, each group receiving 40 knitting machines, accessories, yarn and training. Some of the cooperatives will also receive training in and equipment for finishing knitted goods for export. This training will include embellishing (embroidery, crochet, etc.), labeling, inspecting, packing and preparation of export documents.

From the initial donation in 2003 of 90 hand-operated, American-made knitting machines and hands-on training for both refugees in Rwanda and Rwandan women widowed by the 1994 genocide and AIDS, a culture of knitting has been slowly developing in this small but extremely poor country in sub-Saharan Africa. What started out as a one-time donation to USA for UNHCR (United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees) to benefit refugee women living in Rwanda, changed after donor Cari Clement saw and experienced the passion with which the new knitters took to the machines and to knitting in general. Not only were the women fast learners, but they were extremely persevering, determined to learn everything they could. Within a few short months they were producing sweaters, baby items and blankets and selling them in the local markets.
The obvious potential for so many women in Rwanda to earn a living above the less-than-a-dollar-per day levels was too great for Clement not to continue with the project. She felt there must be a way to get more machines sent there, so, after much grant-researching and the support of Vermont Senator Patrick Leahy’s office, Clement focused on getting a grant from USAID to benefit rural women in Rwanda.
Clement and her US-based non-profit entity, the Fiber and Craft Entrepreneurial Development Center (part of the Centers for Social Responsibility, a 501c3 organization) will provide the financial underpinnings of initial support. Other affiliated companies and organizations including Caron International, EDImports and the Business Council for Peace, will contribute to the program with yarn donations, business expertise, market expansion, export projects, business plan development and more to help in generating the additional $60,000 in cash and in-kind matching funds required by the USAID grant.
In January, 2002, Clement sold her company, Bond America, to Caron International, where she now serves as Director of Fashion and Design. “I would like to thank everyone at Caron International and National Spinning for their support in this project. They have not only donated machines and yarn, but have allowed me to continue with this project in my work at Caron.”
“As an entrepreneur, designer, store owner and magazine publisher in the creative industries, I have always known that making beautiful things lifts the spirit and offers hope,” notes Clement. “In Rwanda, I really saw it happen.”

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-06-22T07:48:00.000-07:00

Pattern difficulty levels with Knitting Pattern Prescription

Just what the doctor ordered.

Prevent wine sweat with Angela

Our latest exclusive pattern is a wine bottle sweater.

View the latest Book reviews

Knitting with your remote control.

View the latest Product reviews

The shape of a foot.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

Included is a banana rattle, no kidding.

You can now search the Yarn Shop Directory

Curious how many shops have the word Sheep in their name?

Help us keep the Yarn Shop Directory up to date

A new form to submit updates is now available.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

The listing has just been updated with 50 new knitting events.

The Daily Knitter now accepts Submissions

Send us your knitting patterns and articles.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the new Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

Your opinion matters.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

Is your club listed? There are several new additions.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-05-22T06:15:00.000-07:00

Look what's new.

Spring into cotton with Jody

Our latest exclusive pattern is a lace bottom tank.

You can now search the Yarn Shop Directory

Curious how many shops have the word Ewe in their name?

Help us keep the Yarn Shop Directory up to date

A new form to submit updates is now available.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

Included is a reversible bag.

Mark your calendar for the many Knitting Events

The listing has just been updated with 50 new knitting events.

The Daily Knitter now accepts Submissions

Send us your knitting patterns and articles.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

New additions have been made.

See the new Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

Your opinion matters.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

Is your club listed? There are several new additions.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

The Daily Knitter Now Accepts Submissions

2006-05-09T10:12:00.000-07:00

The Daily Knitter now accepts Submissions

Send us your knitting patterns and articles.

We've received so many emails over the last year requesting that The Daily Knitter accept
submissions of knitting patterns and knitting related articles.

The requests have included:

Aspiring knitwear designers looking to increase exposure of their work

Artists who create hand dyed yarn looking to display the use of their creations in custom patterns

Expert knitters with great tips to share

Even a new knitter with a humorous article describing their first visit to a local yarn shop

We look forward to receiving your submissions. For more information and guidelines, please visit the
Submissions section of the site.

What's New at DailyKnitter.com

2006-04-28T07:07:00.000-07:00

Fiber hunting in You Knit With What?

Home improvement for knitters.

Who will win in Knit vs. Crochet

Cast your vote.

Purl for a cause with Knitting for Charity

It's a good thing.

See the new Knitting Marketplace

Shop till you drop.

Share your yarn knowledge with Yarn Reviews

Your opinion matters.

Shop with The Daily Knitter Merchandise Shop

Knit daily.

Easy stripes with Samantha

Our latest exclusive pattern is a hat.

Check out the 30 new Free Patterns just added

You can now view all of the new entries on one page.

Over 100 Local Knitting Clubs

Is your club listed? There are several new additions.

We're still busy updating our Yarn Shop Directory

Keep the emails coming.

You asked how to Support the Daily Knitter

We tell you how.

Check out the latest posts on the Daily Knitter Message Boards

Get and give knitting help.

Welcome to Knitting Tips

2006-04-28T07:04:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Knitting Tips, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Their ad can be found under Local Knitting Clubs. Check it out!

Abby

Welcome to y2Knit

2006-04-24T13:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to y2Knit, the newest advertiser with the Daily Knitter. Their ad can be found under Knitting Marketplace. Check it out!

Abby