Little did I know

Little did I know I would get such a kick out of knitting! In March of 2010 some of my girlfriends were planning to get together for dinner and “knitting.” I told them I wanted to learn to knit. So they told me all I needed was #7 knitting needles and yarn. A couple days before we were to get together I went to the craft store and bought my yarn and needles. While there I came across a knitting instruction book, Learning to Knit in Just One Day by Jean Leinhauser. g g g I couldn’t wait. I was so curious, excited just to try. Stitch by stitch I learned first to cast on. Stitch by stitch I learned then to knit. And stitch by stitch I moved on to purl. What a riot. It was so fun to see the rows taking shape. At dinner my girlfriends taught me their tricks and encouraged me. g g g I then discovered Knitting Tips by Judy YouTube videos. She is a great teacher! Check her out for any stitches you want to learn or need to clarify. I was amused as I learned more and my husband would genuinely pat me on the back every time (yes, every time) I played “show and tell” with my new projects. g g g So, thank you to my teachers, my friends and my husband for sharing this joy with me.

g g “A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.” – Father James Keller g g

Monday, April 22, 2013

Napkin Ring / Bookmark

Sometimes you make a project that you just really like and think is cute.  This is quickly becoming one of my favorites.  I think it is because it was Tina's idea to begin with, and it turned out exactly as we hoped.  If you have read through my blog, you may recognize this pattern.  I'll explain.

 We set a table for a special event at Tina's church.  We used her mother-in law's china.  As a party favor she had the idea of a napkin ring that could come apart and be used as a bookmark, for people to take home with them.  I remembered the Smidge Headband pattern (shown in the previous post from October, 2012).  I adapted the pattern to make this project.  I made eight of them, one for each place setting.  As I got the hang of it, I was able to knit one napkin ring in about an hour and 10 minutes (while watching TV :).  So, you may be faster than I at picking and throwing.  Either way, have fun.  

 The pattern is outlined below:












Napkin Ring / Bookmark

 Materials:
Size 2 needles
Crochet Thread.  For this project I found the perfect colors - I love when that happens.  I used Bernat Handcrafters Crochet Thread in the color Divan.

 Instructions:
Cast on 11 stitches.
Rows 1-4: Knit in garter stitches (all knit stitch, on both sides)
Special Note:  In Row 5 we begin to make a "button hole" slit which we will slip the pointed, or decreased, end into in order to make the Napkin Ring.
Row 5: Knit the first 3 stitches, then cast-off the next 5 stitches, then knit the remaining 3 stitches. 
Row 6: Knit the first 3 stitches.  Turn work, so that the needle holding the first three stitches is now in your right hand.  The three remaining three stitches are now on the left needle.  With the thread in the back, as if to knit, and using the third stitch on the left needle to start, cast-on 5 stitches.  Turn the work again and knit the last three stitches on the left needle.  You should now have a total of 11 stitches back on the needle.
Row 7: K2, P7, K2 (wrong side)
Row 8: K2, YO, K2, S1, K2tog, PSSO, K2, YO, K2 (right side)
Continue with Rows 7 and 8 for the pattern, until project measures about six inches.
Decrease Rows: (garter stitch to the end of the project)
K the first two stitches together in each row (right side and wrong side), until 1 stitch remains and tie off.  
Finish ends.
Lightly block the Bookmark by pressing widthwise.  
To form Napkin Ring, tuck the decreased end in through the button hole slit.  

 (Having read these instruction over several times, they make sense to me.  But, I am only one person.  If this sounds crazy and you want further assistance, don't hesitate to write a comment and I will get back to you.)
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