Knitting in the News: Big Knitting

There's a lot of knitting news this week having to do with really big knitting gestures. Some of them are obviously useful, like the 4,000 hats knit in Switzerland, Germany and Austria that are going to help keep children warm in Guatemala.

Less obviously useful is the 6-foot by 6-foot house being knit by a group in Hilmarton, England, but that work of art is to be the highlight of a festival this summer that will benefit a local church. The brink house will feature a garden fence, chicken and eggs and window boxes on the house.

Then there's the pure whimsy -- and mystery -- of the knit trees and sign posts in West Cape May, New Jersey, which have set the shore town abuzz and have authorities asking the "culprits" to reveal themselves, though there's no word that knit graffiti is a crime.

And the Welsh knitter who's whipped up a blanket for a mountain. Ann Jordan of Killay says she's spent 1,500 hours and 12 miles of yarn knitting a 20 foot blanket that will cover a mountain in the Brecon Beacons National Park on Mother's Day (that's this weekend in the UK). The blanket will be carried to Black Mountain along an old coffin route, and Jordan says the project represents the cycle of birth, death and rebirth as well as the artist's relationship with the landscape.

Finally, there's the story of Pat the Super Knitter and Bob, the man who puts up with all her yarn and has learned not to bother her when she's counting. He recently wrote a piece in the Arizona Daily Star about living with the stash, witnessing speedy knitting and the perils of buying more on eBay than you're able to sell. If all our partners could be so tolerant of our habits, the world would be a better place!

Knitting in the News: Big Knitting originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 16:45:49.

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Cleaning Up with Crochet

One of the easiest ways to add crochet to a knitting project is adding it as a border, as is done on this Seed Stitch Washcloth with Crochet Trim.

This is a cute little project that's super fast. The Seed Stitch cloth is really easy to knit, and it sort of reminiscent of crochet. A contrast-colored crocheted border is added, using single crochet and double crochet stitches. Believe me, if can do it, you can, too.

Cleaning Up with Crochet originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Thursday, March 11th, 2010 at 15:20:29.

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Want to Learn to Crochet?

If you've never crocheted before or need a little brushup of your skills, our Guide to Crochet, Amy, is here to help. She's got all sorts of great information on the basics, such as:

• How to make a slip knot
• How to crochet a chain
• Making single crochet and single crochet variations
• Double crochet and variations
• Some of this can also be found in crochet videos

Amy tells me that Tunisian crochet may be an easier technique for knitters to learn because of its similarity to knitting. She's got some fun Tunisian crochet patterns if you want to check it out.

Other good projects for beginners to try, she says, include the classic Granny Square and this easy Single Crochet Baby Afghan.

Want to Learn to Crochet? originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Wednesday, March 10th, 2010 at 10:47:21.

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Do You Crochet?

It's common for non-crafters to think of knitting and crochet as almost the same thing, but we know there's a big difference between the two. Some people are die-hard crocheters, some mix the crafts, and some are passionately anti-crochet in their crafting habits.

This week I'd like to know if which camp you lie. Are you a big fan of crochet? Have you never tried it? Are you ambivalent? Share your thoughts in this poll and in the comments below.

As for me, I'm still in the "just learning" category. I've tried and failed to pick up the craft numerous times; just last year I got the basics down and I think I'm going to like it, but I don't think it will ever replace knitting for me. Sometimes sticking with what you know is a good thing, but it's always good to have a wide range of skills, too.

Do You Crochet? originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Tuesday, March 9th, 2010 at 10:24:27.

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Crochet for Knitters

This month is National Craft Month, so I thought it would be fun to spend some time looking at some other fiber crafts and how they can be used to compliment our knitting.

First up is crochet. Knitting and crochet are often thought of as sister crafts, so much so that people who don't know better often confuse the two. A lot of knitters are as passionate about crochet as they are about knitting, while others never pick up a hook.

I'm slowly learning more about crochet and I really like it. It's faster than knitting, and the textures and patterns that can be achieved are different but still a lot of fun.

If you're new to crochet, a good way to start if you're coming from a knitting perspective is by crocheting a border onto a knit piece. This step-by-step article shows you how.

Adding a crocheted border is fun and easy, and it can add a fancy, decorative touch to even a plain piece of knitting. This week I'll show you a few fancier ways to use crochet with knitting, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on crochet and how you use it in your knitting projects, too.

Crochet for Knitters originally appeared on About.com Knitting on Monday, March 8th, 2010 at 11:39:49.

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Easy Baby Knitting Patterns

Our free knitting patterns help you make fun, fashionable baby gear. Find easy knitting patterns to make baby clothes and accessories at HowStuffWorks.

Free Baby Bootie Knitting Patterns

Knitting the softest baby booties is fun and easy to do. Get free knitting patterns for baby's best booties and Mary Janes at HowStuffWorks.

Free Baby Sweaters Knitting Patterns

With a variety of looks and textures, you'll find a sweater pattern for every baby on your list. Learn more about these free knitting patterns.

Free Baby Toys Knitting Patterns

Learn to knit barnyard finger puppets, felted blocks, and a sweet teddy bear. Find free knitting patterns for beautiful baby toys at HowStuffWorks.

Free Hat Knitting Patterns

Knitting hats is quick and easy -- and fun! Find free knitting patterns for colorful, warm, and cozy hats for kids and adults at HowStuffWorks.