It's a Felt World After All!

It's our birthday!  Break out the hats, balloons, cake and ice cream...we're in celebration mode.  Partay!

In a not so faraway land, there was a youngish woman who lived in a brick twin-- and when she wasn't paying attention, she re-discovered her knitting passion, despite a lengthy hiatus.  

One day, she decided that she needed a few knitting and crocheting friends to craft with for a couple of hours once or twice a month--while sipping and noshing on coffee and sweets.  To her surprise, this fairytale came-to-life with a happy beginning.

We're celebrating our one year birthday!  I conceived it in my head in 2012, and finally birthed it in 2013, as soon as Stephanie Campbell, Glenside Library's Head Librarian, gave me the go-ahead.    

So, on the First Tuesday of October 2013, I nervously entered Glenside Library's meeting room with my two picnic baskets full of yarn, knitted cell phone purses and a dream, afraid I would enter an empty room. 

Smiling faces greeted me with more following behind, and it hasn't stopped since.  And that's how the First Tuesday Knitting & Crocheting Club was born.  In January 2014, we added the Third Wednesday at Elkins Park Library with the support of Head Librarian, Beth Cackowski.   

 (ThinkOldThinkNew-Etsy.com)

And to our members, thanks for your commitment to sharing your awesome talents.   Okay, I promise not to get mushy.   But when knitters and crocheters come together, crafting miracles happen that many can enjoy for years to come.  

 

It's a Felt World 
After All!

Oh yeah, it's a felt world after all… and as the temperature drops, we'll be grabbing for felted everything and a nice cup of cocoa.  
Karen felted the beautiful entrelac knitted handbag above.  It has a wonderful Art Deco feel that I love. The Entrelac stitch has its own unique beauty--felting it, adds an extra wow!  
This exotic felt wrap, styling ever so elegantly on my left--also gives homage to yesterday's fashion as today's treasure.

It reminds me of the second generation 1930s mink stole my Aunt Betty wore on her cold weather visits from Brooklyn.  She always smelled of expensive perfume and sweet peppermints.  Needless to say, I kept plenty of peppermints in my cheeks and stayed sweetly scented when Aunt Betty and Uncle Jay came to town.                                                      (Felt Scarf  - above)

 Aah… don't you just love them?  Felts take me back to the past, a time when things seemed less complicated.  Felting can be a little physical if you're doing it old school, i.e. manually.  But with today's high speed front-loaders on the scene, it can be done in a breeze.
(orange cloche - funkshui.com)

(Rare Birds)

And it doesn't stop with hats and scarves, felting was also made for walking in these lightly hand-felted crocheted slippers below.

These delicate slippers are made from three different yarns in an azure, French blue and citrus mix.  The edging is crocheted with pure wool in mushroom and lightly hand felted.  This process helps keep its shape and is available at: White Noise Maker on Etsy.com.

Crochet felting like knit felting is a great way to add distinctive flair to a lot of goodies we use on a daily basis.   If you're anything like me, you're always searching for easy ways to carry your craft paraphernalia.  Twitter's @ACuriousGirl13 made this cute crochet hook roll.  

 (crochetconcupiscience)

I couldn't find this free crochet pattern on the website it directed me to, but I found this non-felted crochet rollup pattern.  You can choose your wool and felt away! 

(allcrafts.blogspot.com)

Tis the Season to be Felted

In a few weeks, we'll be entering the happy felt season from cozy hats and gloves to striking wreaths and ornaments.

(woolysomething)

(curbly.com)

Home Sweet Felted Home

Felt Furnishings take it up a notch, beautifying our nests.  I can't get enough of this poppy color in the cloche at the beginning of our adventure and on this ruffled pillow in society's favorite mid-century modern chair--the Eames chair.

(Etsy.com)

I think the accent pillow above was hand-knitted.  Now let's take a quick visit to felted furniture land.

(Felt Fusion by Tash Wesp)

The Muchas Rosas chair by Ricrea-

You want a rosy disposition?  Sit in this head-turning chair made of a ton of felted roses.  Look, but you can't sit--that would be my motto if I had this baby in my living room.  How would you clean it?  But it sure is pretty.

Happy Felting!

(October-Breast Cancer Awareness Month)

First Tuesday & Third Wednesday 

Knitting & Crocheting Club

(Etsty.com)

As I mentioned earlier, we're celebrating our first birthday.  And yes, the cupcakes and goodies are on their way.  We'll have to get over our camera shyness though.   But first, we want to welcome our newest members:  Yolanda, Shilpu and her nine-year-old daughter Jiya who took to crocheting like a minnow to a stream.  Great job, Jiya!  

Oops... one got by me!

Happy Birthday, Joquina!   Her birthday was 10/13.  Don't forget to send her your belated birthday wishes.  

And a second Oops, In Our 9/24 blog post, "Show-n-Tell, Not Just for Grade-Schoolers..."  the blue shawl that Iman modeled was actually knitted by Karen.  Sorry, for the error. 

Now, let's recap our fun year, shall we?                                

Thank you, Glenside and Elkins Park Libraries, for keeping us caffeinated and munching on delicious biscotti. 

Hooray!  

We've past the 1000 mark!  We have 1016 page views on our blog-- firsttuesday-thirdwednesday.blogspot.com.  

124 Google+ followers and 32, 473 views.  We're also on Pinterest and  Facebook  .

We have 24 likes on Facebook, but we need more!  Send your family and friends our Facebook link  so we can reach 100 or more by January 1st 2014.  That's our challenge!  Can we do it?  Let's give it try.  It starts with you.  Like us on Facebook and then spread the word.  And don't Forget Google+ 

A special thanks to our favorite head librarians, Stephanie (Glenside Library) and Beth (Elkins  Park) for not saying no, when I asked to start a knitting/crocheting club.

Thanks to all our members for their dedication, contributions, smiles, laughter and encouraging words.

Audrey created our artistic name place cards for us, and taught Sixteen-year-old Tanya how to knit.  Toni inspired us to Show-n-Tell.  Linda supplied our first yummy treat in December.  Kathy baked up delicious Hamantash, one of my favorite sweets.  Sixteen-year-old Samir also showed off his baking skills with a delicious chocolate layered cake.  Mary kept us in mini cupcakes.  Thank you, Karen for supplying us with larger coffee cups.  

We love our coffee!   

Thanks, Cheri in advance, for helping me with the member contact list.  Iman, thank you for sharing your story.   Thanks Sally, for keeping us laughing.  Dawn and Karen... you two are the cable queens.  Joquina, you make sure we each get a Show-n-Tell turn.  

Last Spring, we launched our first Chat & Chew at the Hibachi Grill and had a blast!  Speaking of Chat & Chew...

Our Fall Chat & Chew is Just Around the Corner!

On Saturday, November 1, we're celebrating Fall and our birthday at Da Bistro Mediterranean Grill at 11:30 to 2 p.m.  Please RSVP by Friday, October 31.  Feel free to bring your crochet/knitting and a craft friend.   We can chew, chat and craft to our heart's content.

Don't worry, if you miss it, we'll have another celebration in our knitting/crocheting room, soon,

Compassion Afghan for a Dialysis Patient

First Tuesday 11/4 & Third Wednesday 11/19 in November are when we're turning in our 10x10 knitted/crochet blocks.  We'll discuss our weaving strategy and set a time at our two sessions.

Our Next Project...  headbands for girls and skull caps for boys battling diseases.  Elise already made a great start.  She finished several at our last First Tuesday session.  Great Job, Elise!

Yarn Bombing Anyone?

Elkins Park Library gave us permission to do a small yarn bomb project.  We probably have only a month to keep it up, but it would be nice to show the visitors that we're there.  Anyone interested in lending at hand, let me know by Friday, 11/7. 

See you on Saturday!

"Show and Tell"...Not Just for Grade Schoolers

Welcome to the start of a new school year, a new season and a new chapter for many, including our First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Club.

We couldn't let children have all the fun, now could we?  At our Third Wednesday session, held in September only on Monday, 9/14 -- we incorporated a twenty minute Show and Tell at the start of our two-hour session.   It's a good thing we added 30 minutes to our crafting fun.  We now meet from 6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m., monthly on the first Tuesday and Third Wednesday, and the reason for our catchy name. 
(Above - dhgate.com)

 (Karen's Socks)

 (Craftsy,com)

Well actually, most of the knit/crochet eye-candy you'll enjoy in today's post were modeled before we made the Show and Tell official.

Of course, we ran over our guesstimated time -- but we still crafted away as we rattled off questions and examined everyone's masterpiece with an inquisitive and appreciative eye. 

 Yes, the reviews are out for our debut Show and Tell.  It was a great opening night, and we look forward to many more.

And Away We Go!

With Autumn now upon us, we're picking up the pace with our pre-holiday projects.  
Before you know it, we'll begin to nest as we watch the leaves and temperatures drop from inside our safe cocoon we call home.
(Above - digsdigs.com)

 (Karen's Top Knitted)

Changing leaves and cooler temperatures not only represent knitters'/crocheters' delight, but also announce that it's time for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival in Rhinebeck, New York on Saturday, October 18, 2014.  This festival bus trip is sponsored by The Tangled Web, Philadelphia's source for knitting, needlepoint and more… located at 7709 Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia.

Our festival-bound bus departs promptly from The Tangled Web at 6:45 a.m. and departs the festival at 4:00 p.m. Click on either link above for bus trip info. and to save your seat.  Click here for the New York State Sheep and Wool Festival's website.

Here's a sneak peek of the festival's fun. 

 (Fairgrounds)

 (Vendor Hooking)

(Vendor's Booth)

                (Smiling Sheep)

Look at that smile, he's telling you to come and join the fun.

  

Speaking of fun ...Oh yeah, We're Been Busy!

 Julia's Bracelet

(Above-Karen's modeling                                     (Above right-Iman's shawl)
her top-knitted sweater.)        

 (Iman's Shawl)

No way did the dog days of summer stop our First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Club from knitting poolside at beach destinations, crocheting at picnic tables during family reunions, and doing both at historical landmarks overseas.  Our prized possessions -- a crochet hook, a pair of needles and our trusty yarn didn't stray far from our carry-on luggage, picnic baskets and beach bags.  

I Owe You
In upcoming posts, we'll highlight our members, the yarn, stitches, patterns and stories behind their work.  

Cyber-crafters, you won't be left out either, feel free to hit the comment button and share your stories until your heart's content.

But for now, I'm happy to entice you with our members' lovely projects, as I don my Sherlock Holmes hat and give you more info. in a bit. 

First Tuesday-Third Wednesday's Knitting & Crocheting Club  at Glenside Library and Elkins Park Library --

6:30 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.

Join Us for Our Second Chat & Chew

We're excited to announce our 2nd Chat & Chew, celebrating our October -- one year anniversary.  That's right, we started the first Tuesday in October, 2013.  Join us as for lunch as we chat, chew, knit/crochet at Da Bistro on Saturday, November 1, from 11:30 to 2:30 p.m.  Check out the Menu.  And don't forget to bring your crochet hooks and knitting needles.

Put on Your Thinking Cap

Besides the Chat & Chew, do you have any additional ideas on how we can celebrate this momentous occasion?  This inquiring mind wants to know.

Compassion Afghan

Our 10x10 knit/crochet blocks are coming along nicely, thanks to all of you.  There's still time to get yours in.  We'll construct them together in November, and present the afghan in December to a dialysis patient.
 

A Little Library Birdie Told Me...

There will be a craft swap in October at Glenside Library.  I'll give you the details when I get them.

(Toni's Socks)

A Sock Workshop
Just in time for Your Holiday 
Gift-Giving...

We're planning a sock workshop conducted by our own Toni on an upcoming Saturday morning at either Glenside or Elkins Park Library.  I'll let you know when we firm up a date and time.

Yarn Bombing at Elkins Park Library?

All systems are a go!  Do you have knitted/crocheted scraps from unfinished projects?  We can use them for our yarn bombing.  Let me know if you'd like to participate in a small yarn bomb project to let visitors know, there's a fun knitting/crocheting club at their favorite hangout. 

(Entrelac Tree)

Children's Hat/Headband Project

We're also in the early stages of planning a hat/headband project for girls and boys, battling illnesses.

Introducing... Navaho Ply Knitting in 

Knit Purl Magazine 

 Knit-Purl Magazine

In this issue, we explore striking knit-purl combinations, big gauges, bold color work, tailored sweaters, cool accessories, and more!

Michelle Hunter introduces us to "Navajo ply knitting," an innovative technique that allows for quick changes between single and triple-strand knitting.  And then we step into the world of New York Fashion Week with the work of a budding knitwear designer. Handknit designer John Brinegar brings us two exclusive designs and talks to us about his work, life, and favorite yarns.

Happy New Year!

What was that?  Okay, I guess I'm rushing things.  I hear you… can we enjoy fall first?  I can't help it, I already have 2015 on the brain.  

Would you like a knitwear or crochet-wear designer to stop by and talk to our humble group?  We'll pull our connections together and see if we can make this happen.

Well, that's all for now.  Happy crafting!

Summer Knitting/Crocheting: Be Inspired By the Beach

But First, Let's Create Yummy Ice Cream Cupcakes 
in honor of National Ice Cream Day - Sunday, July 20, 2014.

 

(Yarn Cones)

Now that I've enticed your taste buds, shall we go to the beach?

Aqua, sea foam green, misty blue, coral sand, shimmering pearl, dusty pink, Aztec gold, salmon, pewter... are the kaleidoscope of colors found on our favorite beaches.           (Above - Pinterest.com) 


There's no reason why these colors can't enter our summer knitting/crocheting world.

 (Crochet sandals)

 (Curly's Fries)

I love everything about the beach, especially those attached to boardwalks.  

(Atlantic City)

I grew up taking day trips to Atlantic City aka Chicken Bone Beach.  As a child, I thought my mother's famous shoe box fried chicken added to this catchy nickname.   

From Chicken Bone Beach.org...
"Martin Luther King Jr. pauses for a photo on Missouri Avenue Beach, also known as Chicken Bone Beach," a "socially restricted" area in Altantic City, N.J., in the late 1950s."  Photo: Mosley Collection at Charles Blockson Collection at Temple University.

Mom made sure we discarded our chicken bones in the shoebox they came in, never on the beach.  That was a big no-no. 

(Atlantic City Beach - Above Left) 

 (Ocean City, NJ)

(Vintage Steel Pier - Neat Stuff Blog)

Screaming my head off with my sister, Diane, I couldn't get enough of the rides at the exciting 
Steel Pier, or chewing my favorite peanut butter salt water taffy from Fralinger's and boardwalk candied apples.  A trip to A.C. was never complete without also scoffing down a sundae cone with a maraschino cherry on top.  

 (Fralinger's - Above Right)

But it was the bittersweet trip to the largest boardwalk toy store where I'd pick out the latest Barbie and Mattel board game that signaled an end to our Johnson Family summer outing.  Somehow it always began and ended with ice cream.



I loved flagging down the ice cream man after jumping the waves for what seemed like hours.  I still remember the sweet chocolate and creamy strawberry from my favorite  popsicle mixed with the salt left in my mouth from the ocean.  

Maybe before we say goodbye to summer, I'll knit a strawberry and chocolate handbag in memory of chomping on my favorite popsicle on my favorite childhood beach.  So of course I took a quick cyber-trip and found a few for inspiration.

(Beach Photo Above Right- Cottage Life - Etsy.com)

My Inspiration

 (Chocolate & Strawberry Popsicle - The Sweet Life)

 (Zolayka - Crochet Bag - Etsy.com)

(Sudrishta - Pink & Chocolate Crochet Summer bag - Etsy)

Let's get inspired with some more beach colors for summer knitting/crocheting.  Okay, our next stop is beautiful Miami Beach and Waikiki Beach on the island of Oahu, Hawaii.

(Miami Beach-Trip Advisor)

(Waikiki Beach - Discover Hawaii Tours)

(Hand-Knitted Lace Shawl - Katerynag)

This exquisite lace shawl transports me to my favorite snorkeling spot where the  translucent water slows down my life, erasing all signs of stress.  Ah ... now I just need a virgin Lava Flow to complete my fantasy.

What's a Lava Flow, you ask?  It's a  delicious Pina Colada with a strawberry puree that flows through the coconut yum like a real lava flow.

(Hawaii's Sunset)

Was that you sighing?  I completely understand.  This beautiful peach, mango sunset carries me to a warm place filled with unlimited possibilities.  Goodsmiths grabs one of those possibilities in this unique crochet brooch necklace.  It reminds me of coral shells found on a Pacific or Caribbean beach.

 

(Goodsmiths - Flower Crochet Necklace)

Now you get it.  Knitting/crocheting has the same relaxing factor in the summer as the winter.  Nature's inspirations give us an explosion of soft and strong hues from the waves and sand to the sunsets and starry nights.

 (Do you mind if I knit)

(Knitscene Accessories)

Wild Yarns.com reported that the new issue of Knitscene Accessories has patterns for the Lady Lindy Headband and the Polos Headband (above.)

And who says you can't knit or crochet a cute bathing suit?  I love the vintage ones the best.  This style gives a nod to the summer days gone by.  It has that 1940s pin-up girl style.

So what are you waiting for?  Share your summer yarn creations with family and friends so they can treasure them long after the leaves change colors and make their descent.  
(zsa zsas it list - right)

Here's how to make a Hawaiian Lava Flow. 

 (Worldroots - Crochet Surfboard Covers)

Crochet surfboard covers?  How cool is that?  I think this shop is in Cape Verde, Africa.  If this doesn't inspire you to knit or crochet this season, then I'm at a summer lost. 

(Darn Good Yarn.com)

First Tuesday-Third Wednesday 

Knitting & Crocheting Club at Elkins Park Free Library

News Update

Time Change
Your wish has come true.  Yes, we need more time to knit/crochet and our wonderful head librarians Stephanie Campbell (Glenside) and Beth Cackowski (Elkins Park) have agreed to let us start earlier.  (Yaay!) 

Effective Tuesday, August 5, and Wednesday, August 17, we're starting our club session at 6:30 p.m.  Our new time will be from 6:30 to 8:45 p.m.  We'll be able to knit/crochet to our heart's content for two hours, with a 15 minute wrap-up time.  I see you smiling.  You can still come at 7 p.m. if that works better for you, but we'll be crafting away at 6:30. 

"September Only" Date Change
Our Wednesday, September 17 session has been changed to Monday, September 15, due to a library special event.  We'll meet at our permanent new time 6:30 p.m., but again, you can still arrive at 7 p.m., if that works better for you.

Fall Chat & Chew Update
We're looking at Saturday, November 1, 2014 at noon (tentatively) for our next Chat & Chew (lunch) at possibly Da Bistro on County Line Road at Huntingdon Valley Justa Farm Shopping Center.   You can check out their menu at: www.Da-Bistro.com.  

We're trying to stay in the $7 range.  I'm all about saving money, so Cherie is checking into the pricing.  I'd like us to visit establishments that will offer a ten percent group discount or provide guest coupons.  We had lovely coupons at our first Chat & Chew in June at the Hibachi Grill at Cedarbrook Shopping Plaza.  

Reminder
First Tuesday and Third Wednesday members who are participating in the Compassion Afghan Project, your blue 10"x10" square (you can do one or several) is due Tuesday, October 7 and Wednesday, October 14, respectively.

You can knit or crochet; use any stitch in light and/or dark shades of blue.  You can use wool, but let me know ahead of time, so I can use gloves. (I'm allergic to wool.)
 
Now, back to our recap. 

We had a treat at our Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting session at Elkins Park Free Library.  Our newest member, 14-year-old Samir, baked us a delicious layered chocolate cake that we all enjoyed.  Thanks, Samir!

(Martha's Table)

Mary added yummy snickerdoodles and gingerbread to our biscotti and coffee fare.  Thanks again, Mary!

We're pleased to say that Samir's knitting in the round is coming along nicely.  Thanks, Cherie ... for lending a helping knitting hand.

 






We were so glad to see Lisa who stopped by on her way to her family reunion in Michigan.  We're touched that she took the time to see us before hitting the highway.   Her family and car were literally packed and ready to go.  They'll stop by Niagara Falls on their trek back home. 

 Once again, Joquina's sunny afghan put a smile on our chocolate-smeared faces.  Send me photos.   And thanks Cherie, for giving me great suggestions regarding my next purse project.  I stumbled on some beautiful yarn from India made from saris.  I'll provide a photo in an upcoming blog.

(Yarn Rickshaw)

It was great to see Kathy.  We missed you.  And Karen, your lace work is incredible.  Thanks for lending a hand whenever we're stumped on a stitch or pattern.  Actually, you all help each other, which is why we gather the first Tuesday and the third Wednesday of every month. 

Speaking of First Tuesday, we welcomed three new members to our knitting/crocheting fold:  Teresa Elston, Kathleen Cox and Dawn Kelley.

I must admit, I have difficulty finding people who knit or crochet in my daily travels, so it was great when Chantal, Karen's neighbor, joined our humble group a few months ago.  Thanks for joining the fun, Chantal.

Keep up with your summer projects and don't forget to send me photos so I can share them with our cyber-friends.  I know ...I'm sounding like a  broken record.

Until next time, happy knitting and crocheting!