Photo by Tracey Taylor

by Tracey Taylor

The underground knitting activists have struck again, and this time their target is one of the pair of imposing sculptures on Berkeley’s  I-80 pedestrian overpass near University Avenue. The sculpture on the east side of the bridge now features a knitted cozy covering the book of the reader in the work of art.

The sculpture, called “Berkeley Big People,” is by Emeryville artist Scott Donahue and was erected in 2008. It immortalizes Berkeley’s greatest protests, from People’s Park to disability rights, and includes fist-waving demonstrators as well as tree sitters. It has not been universally embraced......

Read more at  -  http://www.berkeleyside.com/2010/07/07/yarn-bombers-strike-again-in-berkeley/

From the Knotty Knitters website:

Welcome to our Knotty Knitters for Autism Calendar site. Our calendar project has been a long & fun journey inspired by two darling autistic children who are very loved. The brain-child of Marsha Cunningham (grandma & Miss September) this calendar is a fundraising effort for children with autism. Thank you in advance for your support.

SOURCE  _   http://knottyknittersforautism.com/

Assorted Bottles Crocheted lambs wool, 2010.Photo by Rebecca Hossack Art Gallery

There are knitters, and then there is the mighty Kate Jenkins. You won't find woolly mittens or granny blankets in her craft room. No, her needles whip up something much more interesting. Last year she turned a London art gallery into a proper British caff, complete with bangers and all, and took over Brighton beach with her stitched-up fish and chips. Now she's turned her crochet hook to a loads more tasty treats in her new exhibition, Come Dine With Kate, which opens today.

See all pictures at  -  http://www.guardian.co.uk/lifeandstyle/gallery/2010/jul/02/knitting-exhibition-come-dine-with-kate#/?picture=364479422&index=2

I wore this crochet ring on camera on Knit & Crochet Today, the TV show I host. (By the way, the TV show has been renamed Knit & Crochet Now, so look for it under the new name in your TV listings!) This little ring became the most-requested crochet pattern from the TV show; viewers just loved it and wanted to learn how to make it! I love it too, it takes probably less than an hour to make, and it adds the perfect crafty touch to any outfit. Enjoy!

Materials:

• AUNT LYDIA’S Fashion Crochet Thread, Size 5, each ball approx 0.9oz/26g 100yd/91m (cotton)- 1 ball #410 Silver/Silver (One ball of thread will make many rings)
• Crochet hook- Size D/3 (3.25mm) crochet hook or any size to obtain correct gauge
• Stitch marker
• Thread needle
• Stitch Diagrams- Pick one or make all three!

Skill: Intermediate

Special Abbreviations:
Cl (cluster) Yarn over, insert hook in indicated st or sp, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook; [yarn over, insert hook in same st or sp, yarn over and draw up a loop, yarn over and draw through 2 loops on hook] twice, yarn over and draw through all 4 loops on hook.
picot Ch 3, sl st in 3rd ch from hook.

Finished Measurements + Gauge:
ring #1 Approx 11⁄2"/4cm across (at widest point) x 21⁄4"/5.5cm circumference
ring #2 Approx 13⁄4"/4.5cm across face (at widest point) x 21⁄4"/5.5cm circumference
ring #3 Approx 11⁄2"/4cm across face (at widest point) x 21⁄4"/5.5cm circumference

Remember to check gauge for best results! Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Tip: Make it just your size! Work more or fewer chains in the ring band for your perfect fit.

Instructions:

RING #1
Ch 5; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 Ch 3, dc in ring (beginning ch-3 and next dc count as one cluster), ch 3, [Cl in ring, ch 3] 7 times; join with sl st in top of beginning ch—8 clusters and 8 ch-3 sps.

Round 2 Ch 3, sl st in top of next dc, ch 4, (sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl; ch 9 (first half of ring band made); (sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl, [ch 4, (sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl] 3 times; ch 4, sl st in 5th ch of first half of ring band, ch 4 (ring band completed); [(sl st, ch 3, sl st) in next Cl, ch 4] twice; join with sl st in first sl st. Fasten off.

RING #2
Ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 Ch 1, [sc in ring, picot, ch 1] 6 times; join with sl st in first sc—6 sc, 6 picots, and 6 ch-1 sps.

Round 2 Ch 8 (counts as dc, ch 5), [dc in next ch-1 sp, ch 5] 5 times; join with sl st in 3rd ch of beginning ch— 6 dc and 6 ch-5 sps.

Round 3 Ch 1, sc in same st as join, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 7, sl st in 7th ch from hook (first half of ring band made); [ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot] 2 times, ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 3, place marker in 3rd ch from hook, sl st in 4th ch of first half of ring band, ch 3, sl st in marked ch (ring band completed), ch 3, sc in next dc, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3; join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

RING #3
Ch 4; join with sl st in first ch to form a ring.

Round 1 Ch 1, [sc in ring, picot, ch 1] 6 times; join with sl st in first sc—6 sc, 6 picots, and 6 ch-1 sps.

Round 2 (Sl st, ch 3, dc) in first ch-1 sp (counts as first cluster), ch 5, [Cl in next ch-1 sp, ch 5] 5 times; join with sl st in first dc—6 clusters and 6 ch-5 sps.

Round 3 Ch 1, sc in same st as join, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch
3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 7, sl st in 7th ch from hook (first half of ring band made); [ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot] 2 times, ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp; ch 3, place a marker in 3rd ch from hook, sl st in 4th ch of first half of ring band, ch 3, sl st in marked ch (ring band completed); ch 3, sc in next Cl, picot, ch 3, sc in 3rd ch of next ch-5 sp, picot, ch 3; join with sl st in first sc. Fasten off.

finishing
Weave in all ends.

Learn more about Brett here.

SOURCE  _   http://www.favecrafts.com/Accessories/Crochet-Ring-Pattern

Join beautiful bright colors with soft stretchy square to make a crochet afghan baby blanket. It's an easy crochet pattern to follow and makes for a great birthday gift. The diagram helps you follow through.

Materials:

• Bernat® Baby Stretch (80 g / 2.8 oz)
• 2 balls each of
• Contrast A: #30435 (Elastic Lace)
• Contrast B: #30412 (Strawberry Spring)
• Contrast C: #30742 (Blue Boing)
• Contrast D: #30622 (Yo Yo Yellow)
• Contrast E: #30315 (Purple Ping Pong)
• Size 5 mm (U.S. H or crochet hook or size needed to obtain gauge.

GAUGE
17 sts and 13 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in motif pat.

ABBREVIATIONS
www.bernat.com/glossary

INSTRUCTIONS
MOTIF: With Color 1, ch 18.
Foundation row: (RS). 1 sc in 2nd ch from hook. *Ch 1. Miss next ch. 1 sc in next ch. Rep from * to end of row. Turn.
1st row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Ch 1. Miss next sc. Rep from * to last 2 sts. 1 sc in next ch- 1 sp. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.
2nd row: Ch 1. 1 sc in first sc. *Ch 1. Miss next sc. 1 sc in next ch-1 sp. Rep from * to last 2 sts. Ch 1. Miss next sc. 1 sc in last sc. Turn.
Rep last 2 rows until work from beg measures 4 ins [10 cm], ending with a WS row. Fasten off.

Motif edging: 1st rnd: With RS of Motif facing, join Color 2 with sl st in top right corner sc. Ch 3 (counts as dc). 2 dc in same sp. Work 15 dc across top of Motif to next corner. 3 dc in next sc. Work 15 dc down side of Motif to next corner. 3 dc in next corner sc. Work 15 dc across bottom of Motif to next corner. 3 dc in next corner sc. Work 15 dc up side of Motif. Join with sl st to top of ch 3. Fasten off.

AFGHAN
Motif 1: (make 7). Color 1 - A, Color 2 - B.
Motif 2: (make 9). Color 1 - B, Color 2 - E.
Motif 3: (make 10). Color 1 - C, Color 2 - D.
Motif 4: (make 9). Color 1 - E, Color 2 - A.
Motif 5: (make 7). Color 1 - D, Color 2 - C.

SOURCE  _   http://www.favecrafts.com/Crochet-for-Baby/Colorful-Blocks-Baby-Afghan-from-Bernat

This cute, knit tote bag, made on a knitting board, is a great project for beginners.

Finished size 10”X8”X4”

Materials:

• 10 in. Knitting Board
• Yarn used bulky 100% Wool Brown Sheep Bulky

Stitch Stockinette throughout
Gauge 3sts=1” 4 rows=1”

Instructions:

FRONT AND BACK OF BAG

1. Make (2) pieces for front and back of bag. Front and Back of bag are the same.
2. Cast On (30) sts. Do (1) circular (wrap down board and return) in stockinette, then place anchor yarn across sts. (This is done by laying contrasting color yarn between boards with ends dangling at each end.) Do 2nd circular. Now you have (2) wraps on each needle. Hook bottom wrap over top. Your stitches are now cast on.
3. Continue in stockinette st for (24) rows.
4. Bind off with crochet hook. (Start at end of board without yarn. Slip crochet hook through 1st st, front and back, and 2nd st front. There will be 3 loops on crochet hook. Drag (1) closest to hook thru (2). Pick up next (2) loops.
5. Drag (1) thru (2). Continue to end of sts, and your knitted piece is off the board. Pull tail end of yarn thru last loop for a knot.

SIDES OF BAG

1. Make (2) Cast On (12) sts. Don’t forget the anchor yarn.
2. Continue stockinette for (24) rows
3. Bind off with crochet hook.

BOTTOM OF BAG

1. Make (1) Cast On (12) sts. Don’t forget the anchor yarn.
2. Continue knitting (30) rows.
3. Crochet off.

(Hint) If you like a very heavy bottom, You can make this with a double strand of yarn. This will result in very dense, tight knitting)

STRAPS

1. Make (2) CO (10) sts. Don’t forget the anchor yarn.
2. Knit (32) rows in stockinette stitch.
3. Bind off with crochet hook.

SEWING IT ALL TOGETHER

1. Finish off all pieces by crocheting the sts at the anchor yarn. Do this same as the top crochet edge. Once the edge is complete, you can pull out the anchor yarns.
2. Sew the pieces of bag together in top stitch. Use the matching yarn for sewing. Top stitch is done by laying the (2) pieces together with matching edges. Sew in and out from one side of knitted pieces, as you would do in basting a seam. Take little bites for a nice tight edge. This creates a ridge at the seams, and makes the little bag stand up. Start by sewing the edges of the front and back to the bottom piece, long sides.
3. Then, you can sew the ‘short edge of side of bag’ to bag bottom (short side). Then continue up the sides, front and back to sides. This will give you the basic bag.
4. Pull all the sewing tails into the bag with crochet hook. By tucking them in between the double knit, they will never be seen.

ADDING THE STRAPS

1. Fold each strap lengthwise. Sew long edges together in whip st. (Let your yarn wrap around the top of the edges) This will make an invisible seam.
2. Sew one strap to bag front aprox 2” from side seam on each end. Sew the other strap to bag back at same location. This can be sewn with a whip st to top of bag. Tuck all ends into double knit.
3. Be sure your top edge of bag is a smooth finish.
4. Your little tote bag is ready for service.

OPTION: You may also line the bag with colorful jersey knit, and hand whip the edge of
lining to top of bag. This will make it ready for heavier goods without pulling on the knit.

SOURCE _ http://www.favecrafts.com/Knit-Bags/Little-Knit-Tote-Bag

Tallent says she's looking forward to expanding into chemical dyeing. She feels, "You can get more vibrant colors, like deep purples, cobalt blues and true reds."

As a prolific knitter, she sells many of her garments and accessories outright, while some are available at Artisan Knitworks. Prices range from approximately $15 for a pair of angora baby mittens to $350 for an adult-size sweater.

Dyeing with Kool-Aid

Level: Beginner

Estimated time: 1 1/2 hours, plus drying time

Tools: Measuring cup, microwavable pan, microwave oven, pot, rubber gloves, baster, pastry brush, a pan for each color (3 work best) of Kool-Aid.

Supplies: For each 200-yard skein (not ball) of undyed yarn, use 4 packs Kool-Aid in same or different flavors/colors and a pint of white vinegar.

Instructions

1. Soak yarn in water mixed with 1 cup vinegar for 30 minutes.

2. Mix each package/color of Kool-Aid separately in a pan with 1/2 cup water and 1/4 cup vinegar. Stir until powder dissolves.

3. Remove yarn from vinegar water, squeeze excess water out and divide into three sections, loosely tying each.

4. Dip one section of yarn into one color; then another section into second color. Wearing rubber gloves is recommended. Then dip remaining undyed yarn into third color. (For solid color, pour dye evenly over yarn in pan and push down on it.)

5. Put in microwavable pan and use brush and/or baster to blend colors. Expect some muddling of colors.

6. Cook in microwave on high for 2 minutes. Then, let set for 2-3 minutes. Yarn will be HOT.

7. Check color of liquid by pushing down. If water has any color, nuke and let set again. Repeat until all water runs clear.

8. When yarn is cool enough to handle, remove from dish and tug to straighten it out.

9. When yarn is cool, rinse in pot filled with tepid water. Drain and squeeze excess water out. Tug it straight and hang to dry.

Women at work in Pallaipakkam village. Photo: M. Karunakaran

Ari embroidery is a way of life for many village dwellers in Sriperumbudur. Not many know that in and around this town, the art of Ari embroidery is being carried on for perhaps 100 years. A look at this intricate craft and its creators.

The fabric is stretched out tight on the frames. Seated on the ground and bent over the embroidery frames are men and women who carry on a communion with the fabric. Their needles dart with lightning speed as they rapidly pierce the cloth embedding their delicate stitches on it. Their fingers work in perfect unison and soon, beautiful colours and designs begin to emerge. Floral borders and abstract shapes materialise, sometimes with only the help of colourful thread but often embellished with sequins, beads, wire and crystals.

Kanchipuram is synonymous with silk weaving. But not many know that in and around Sriperumbudur near Kanchipuram, the art of Ari embroidery is being carried on for perhaps 100 years. In nearly 40 villages in the area, men and women are employed in executing the intricate hand embroidery, as a means of livelihood. With agriculture no longer an option, they are either engaged in the embroidery or take up jobs in factories.

The long frames, or “kattils” as they are known for they resemble cots, are set up in their homes or even out in the open under the trees. The orders come from textile shops in Chennai as well as boutiques. They also come from Gujarat and other parts of the country. Ari's fame has spread across the shores and it is sought after in Egypt and Sudan; special wedding saris are commissioned by outlets in Sri Lanka......

Read more at  -  http://beta.thehindu.com/arts/crafts/article466961.ece?homepage=true

Crochet a cute little jersey complete with optional embroidered number to keep your hands cozy and support your favorite team. This quick and easy crochet pattern would be perfect for a team gift exchange.

Materials:

• Yarn: RED HEART® “Super Saver®”: 1 Skein main color will make several covers
• small amounts constrast color for lettering and/or trim.
• Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8]
• Yarn needle
• Numbers Chart

Size: Cozy fits 8” circumference bottle.

Gauge: 14 sts = 4”; 16 rows = 4” in sc.

Instructions:

FRONT: With MC, ch 16.
Row 1 (Right Side): Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across; turn – 15 sc.
Row 2: Ch 1, sc in each sc across; turn.
Repeat Row 2 until 3” from beginning, end by working a wrong side row.
Divide for Neck Opening-First Side: Ch 1, sc in first 7 sc; turn. Work 1 row even on these 7 sc.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc in 5 sc; draw up a loop in each of next 2 sc, draw through all 3 loops on hook – sc2tog made; turn – 6 sc. Work 1 row even.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc in 4 sc, sc2tog; turn – 5 sc. Work 1 row even.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc in 3 sc, sc2tog; turn – 4 sc. Work 1 row even. Fasten off.

Second Side: With right side facing, attach yarn in next sc of last long row; ch 1, sc in same sc and in each sc across; turn – 7 sc. Work 1 row even.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each sc across; turn – 6 sc.
Work 1 row even.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each sc across; turn – 5 sc.
Work 1 row even.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc2tog, sc in each sc across; turn – 4 sc.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc in 4 sc, ch 7, sc in 4 sc of first side; turn.
Next Row: Ch 1, sc in 4 sc, sc in 7 ch, sc in 4 sc; turn – 15 sc.

BACK: Work even across 15 sc until back measures 5” from back neck edge or until back measures same as front to “shoulders”. Fasten off.

SLEEVES: With right side facing, attach yarn at side in the first row end of the neck division; ch 1, work 12 sc evenly across the same row end and the next 15 rows; turn – 12 sc. Work even in sc for 1 1/2”. Fasten off. Repeat on opposite side over same row ends for second sleeve.

ADD TEAM NUMBER: With right facing and CC, work chain stitch number(s) following appropriate chart onto front of jersey with embroidery chain stitch or using crochet
hook (hold hook above fabric and yarn below fabric).

FINISHING: Sew side and sleeve seams. Tack the sleeve to the side seam as shown.

Lower Edging: With right side facing, attach MC or CC at a side seam; ch 3, dc evenly around; join with a sl st to top of ch-3. Fasten off.

Neck Edging: With right side facing, attach MC or CC at back neck; ch 1, sc evenly around neck opening; join with a sl st to first sc. Fasten off.

For more crochet patterns, yarn inspiration and craft ideas, visit Red Heart.

SOURCE  _  http://www.favecrafts.com/Mens-Crochet/Bottle-Cozy-Crochet-Pattern-from-Red-Heart

Lakewood, OH, June 16, 2010 -- Knit one, purl two...Twitter three?

There are more than 600,000 knitters on the popular knitting website Ravelry.com; designers on Ravelry sold over One Million dollars in knitting patterns there last year alone.

The Knitgrrl Guide To Professional Knitwear Design is the first-ever book targeted to fiber arts designers of all experience levels who want to create, communicate and sell their work professionally to magazines, publishers, consumers and other markets. Written by an industry insider, the Guide takes a comprehensive, unflinching look behind the scenes that no knit or crochet designer can afford to be without.

Author Shannon Okey has written a dozen best-selling, award-winning major publisher books on a variety of crafty topics, appeared on Knitty Gritty and Knitting Daily TV, and is a frequent contributor to craft magazines, as well as the former editor of monthly UK knitting magazine Yarn Forward. She was named one of Vogue Knitting's six "New Guard of Knitting" in their 25th anniversary issue.

Okey interviews with more than 30 top designers, editors and professionals who tell it like it is so readers can hit the ground running. In addition, the Guide covers responsible social media use, information on distribution, printing, and online publishing, and even how to get the most bang for your buck when choosing advertising.

Even if they can't knit a stitch, creative and indie businesses of all kinds will find valuable information in the 254-page Guide.