Cinzia's sister, Donatella (on the left), is visiting all the way from Milan, Italy. The weather has been very rainy so she hasn't had much of an opportunity for sightseeing. But hopefully, being with her family is making up for it.
She wants to learn how to crochet a tank top for herself so Cinzia taught her the basics and she has made great progress on her sampler in just three days! At this rate, she'll have a top in no time! I must add that Cinzia is an excellent teacher too. Whenever I need crochet advise, she's who I consult.
Another skilled crocheter is Tina although her project here is finishing up her very first knitting project, a 2X2 knitted cap.
Tina knitted a hat flat on straight needles and sewed up the seam to make a nice warm hat. For her very first ever knitted project, she did an excellent job!
Another accomplished crocheter is Pat. She started a lemon peel stitch baby blanket. She was having a bit of a problem with keeping a straight edge but thanks to a tip from Tina, she has found a solution to the problem. This is a wonderful group of people who are always willing to lend a hand or share a tip to make all our crafting experiences fun.
Karen is putting the finishing touches on her lap blanket. She knitted the body of the fabric and is crocheting the border.
Bob is still working on his blanket for his bed. I wonder if it's a king size bed.
Darwin likes to crochet when he isn't volunteering in the library. The center picture is of a rag rug that Bethany is making from cutting old socks into strips and crocheting them like yarn. On the far right is her crocheted blanket which isn't quite finished yet.
Keiko has reached the binding off portion of her 22.5 Degrees Shawl.
There are hundreds of stitches to be bound off which create cute little scallops as it's finished. She will have to block the shawl when it's done to even out the tension in the stitches.
Barbara finished knitting and weaving in the ends of her Helix Hat. I love the colors! This pattern is always a surprise to me. You can pick three yarns which make you go "Meh" and once they are knitted together, you go "WOW!" Somehow even the most unusual combinations look nice as a helix.
Barbara's next project is the Elevenses Hat which is being offered for free until Sunday. So if you want a copy of the pattern, hit the link and get it now.
She will be using Lion Brand Wool Ease yarn which is 80% acrylic and 20% wool for a sturdy machine wash and dry garment.
Gail was having issues with her helix hat but has since figured out the glitch. Unlike many other knitting patterns which have you cross the different color yarns at the change of a round, in the helix method, you drop the old color and pick up the new color without them crossing over each other to prevent the change from showing up on the public side of your work. That one little trick has made the difference and the hat looks great.
Cinzia is working on a baby cardigan but is quickly running out of yarn and can't get the same color. Plan B is to make short sleeves with whatever is available. Sounds good to me!
Debra is making a hat with one of our favorite yarns, a workhorse blend of acrylic and wool. There is just enough acrylic to make it machine washable but just enough wool to make it warm and not itchy.
My socks are coming along slowly. I knew they would since I'm using a size 2 needle and fingering weight yarn. That's comparable to fine twine and shish kebob skewers. LOL! I'm not using a specific pattern but you could watch YouTube videos which teach toe up cast on and TAAT magic loop methods with an afterthought heel. That row of black yarn is where the heel will be knitted after I finish the rest of the sock first...hence the name. ;)
Last week Tomasa was wearing a beautiful cowl that she knitted for herself and I wanted to be sure I had the correct pattern link for the 100 Colors Cowl. You can buy the pattern on Ravelry or you can buy the specific yarn and get the pattern for free.
Before I go I just had to include a picture of my Fozzie. He likes to nap on the rocking chair in my knitting room while I play with sticks and string. And he has no interest in my yarn or projects. He's such a good boy!
I hope if you have any pets they are as well behaved as Fozzie.
Have a good week and keep those needles clicking!