Keeping Warm at the Art of Recycle

Art of Recycle is one of the creative reuse shops in my area that I support. And, today, they need your, too.

I first brought Art of Recycle to your attention back during their Etsy Craft Party, which was a load of fun, I might add. Now that colder weather has hit, their heating bill is pretty high and they could use monetary donations via PayPal help keep warm during the winter. Please visit their website and donate a few dollars. Art of Recycle is a non-profit and they do such a wonderful service to those here in our community. Our area needed a place like this.

To donate please visit their website.

Men and Knitting

I asked my DH yesterday if he wanted me to teach him how to knit. Without a beat, he said, “No.”

Well, at least I offered, right?

Even though he has no interest in knitting, I know there are quite a few guys out there who are, along with crocheting. I have a male friend who knits, and another one who is trying to learn. I also have friends whose son has been known to crochet.

I think men and boys can benefit greatly from knitting. Men have a need to create, and a need to relax. Knitting can satisfy both of these needs. Whatever the reason, knitting doesn’t have to be limited to women.

Don’ believe me? Check out Mad Man Knitting. Not only has the writer Gregory Patrick found solace and comfort in knitting, he knits so others can too through his knit teddy bears.

The Crochet Dude (Drew Emborsky) has his own line of products! He also teaches, shows up at fiber conventions, and has had numerous articles in knitting and crochet magazines. Quite the influential guy.

Even though this article is a few years old, CBS ran a great story about men and boys who knit. If your guy is interested in knitting, this is a great place to start.

Another old-ish article, how about this soldier who knits? He used his needles to create items of use and comfort for him and his comrades in arms.

Knitting is not just for women and girls. It’s for men and boys, too. If you are a guy and have been curious about this craft, I encourage you to take the first step and learn. It will be well worth it.

Christmas Shopping

I have started my Christmas shopping, but that’s not the type of shopping I’m talking about.

Deb stopped over last night. She not only wanted to visit, but to peruse my knitted wares for Christmas shopping. How sweet of her is that?! We went through my FO’s and she selected some items for her family, and one for herself. She also encouraged me to let other know that I have some stuff available for Christmas shopping.

I thought about it for a second, and Deb is right. I’m not going to be selling that stuff at a craft show anytime soon. Why not see if friends and family would be interested in purchasing some as gifts? I set up a Facebook event and invited a few people. We’ll see what happens.

I’ve also considered posting some of my knitted work on Etsy, since I sell my photography there , but haven’t sold much, to be honest. I’m hesitant to post a lot of handmade things. I also looked at Art Fire, but they are expensive to sign up for.

Still, it’s something to think about.

Still Knitting, Of Course

Of course I’m still knitting in between learning to spin. Spinning is just shiny and new right now, and I’m excited about it. Right now, I am knitting myself my Christmas present.

I’m currently knitting the Garter Rows Pullover from Lion Brand Yarns, which I’ve had my eye on for quite a long time, to be honest. It’s mostly garter stitch and doesn’t seem to have too much shaping to it, and is good TV knitting.

I like LBY’s patterns. Though they tend to reuse patterns in different yarn on their site, Garter Rows seems to be a unique animal there. I’m knitting mine in their demonstration color, Ranch Red in Wool-Ease. Anyway, LBY’s patterns generally easy to understand and well-written. Sometimes I think their sizing may be off, even though my gauge swatch comes out correctly on the suggested needles. I will see how this sweater turns out.

I’m also working on a Fair Isle hat pattern that I hope to have ready to go by the end of the month.

See? Still knitting.