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Keep Your Hands Warm with Knits

knit fleece mittens

As the weather cools in the northern part of the world, it's a great idea to have some options for keeping your hands warm, whether with mittens, hand warmers or gloves.

Fingerless Glove Patterns

Knitting Spotlight10

Sarah's Knitting Blog

Knitting for Teens

Friday November 13, 2009
no rule knitting teen knit cafe"No Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Cafe." Leisure Arts

If you're a teen who'd like to learn how to knit but you don't know anyone who can help you (or if you know a young person you'd like to encourage to start knitting), "No Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Cafe" could be a big help.


The DVD includes instruction on casting on, knitting, purling, binding off and fixing mistakes, as well as information on the basics of choosing yarn and needles.


Because it doesn't cover other basics like increasing and decreasing, it's of limited value to all but the newest knitters, but it may still present a way to get young people interested in knitting and help them learn the basics quickly.

A Twist in Your Rib

Friday November 13, 2009
Twisted RibTwisted Rib, (c) Sarah E. White.
There are so many different ways to do ribbing you could probably have a pretty happy life as a knitter knitting almost nothing but different rib stitches.

This week there's Twisted Rib, which involves knitting the knit stitches through the back loop rather than the normal way. This puts a twist in the stitches and makes them stand out in a lovely way.

This pattern would be a good choice for an allover ribbed project like a pair of socks or a vest. It's a little more interesting to knit (and to look at the finished product) than plain ribbing would be.

Knitting through the Motions

Thursday November 12, 2009
knitting in motion"I Can't Believe I'm Knitting in Motion." Leisure Arts.
If you're a new knitter who needs to see what's happening in order to really understand how to form the stitches, but maybe you don't have a person nearby who can teach you (or you want to be able to watch the basics over and over until you get it), check out Leisure Arts' "I Can't Believe I'm Knitting in Motion" DVD.

Featuring knitting ace Melissa Leapman, the DVD takes knitters through the basics of knitting and purling in continental and English style, teaches basic increases and decreases and provides valuable information on yarn, needles and other supplies.

The DVD also includes several patterns, a couple of which are presented in a knitalong style so it's easy to understand what's happening. This is a great way to learn the basics and get a couple of projects under your belt so you can go on to knit with more confidence.

Make it Merry

Thursday November 12, 2009
This year the crafty folks from around About.com have teamed up to bring you a variety of holiday crafts (for Thanksgiving and beyond) that you might want to make, all in one spot. We're calling it Make it Merry, and it will appear here each Thursday through Christmas Eve. This week we've got some friendly characters and festive Thanksgiving crafts to create.





Create a Pumpkin Candle


What better to put in the middle of the feast. David Fisher will show you how to make this easy and impressive pumpkin tealight holder.

Make a Sesame Street Wreath

For 40 years, Sesame Street has been part of our lives and has encouraged us to accept all holiday traditions. Barbara Crews will show you how to create this wreath dedicated to some of our favorite Muppets.

Draw a Penguin Pilgrim


For Thanksgiving crafts like place mats and name cards, you'll need some festive art. How about a lesson from Helen South on drawing this cutie penguin.

Embroider a Gift Bag


Save cash for presents when you reuse gift bags or buy those inexpensive plain bags. Phyllis Dobbs will show you how to dress them up for the re-gifting process with a touch of delightful embroidery.

Stitch a Swedish Ornament


If you've got an ornament exchange to attend this year, a traditional Swedish ornament will really stand out in the crowd. Cheryl Fall will show you how to hand stitch this original piece.

Wax Resist Holiday Cards


Add a contemporary look to your holiday while saving some cash on Christmas Cards. This wax resist technique from Marion Boddy-Evans is just what you need.

Pumpkin Foam Sticker Earrings


For a quick Fall look in a pinch, try these pumpkin sticker earrings from Tammy Powley. She'll show you how to make them in five easy steps.

Paper Globe Ornament


This dimensional ornament has an intricate look, but is actually simple in design. Kate Pullen will show you how to cut and stamp this delightful addition to your decor.

Knit a Stocking Ornament



A mini stocking is a creative way to give a gift card, or hide a little treat on the tree. Sarah E. White shows us how to knit this cute little sock.

Christmas Tree Bunting


Decking the Halls has never been so fun, and this one is perfect for helpful kids to take part in. Use up those scraps of fabric with this decorative craft from the Sadie and Lance blog.

Make a Mini Hippo


Stuffed animals add a bit of fun and tenderness to any slew of presents. Stuff a stocking with a smile when you sew this little hippo from Lesley Shepherd.

Snowman Candy Jar


Top off your candy jar with a snowman face as sweet as the treats inside. Sherri Osborn will show you how to paint and assemble this wintry decoration that is appropriate to show off all season long.

Joy Ornament Crosstitch


Stitch a little bit of joy for someone this Christmas. Connie G. Barwick has the free pattern for this jolly cross stitch project.

Want to Join Make it Merry to show off your holiday crafts? We will showcase your crafts and recipes of all holiday traditions. Learn more.

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