They say, Shape the
Next Generation...I say Craft the Next Generation and See the Cool
they Create, along with the Fun. Listen...they're primed
and ready to learn.
(Above photo - Coverup crochetedpatternstotry.blogspot.hu)
Plant the seed, water it with your time and watch these
craft-astic buds bloom. I dare you. They'll surprise you. No, you
won't need to bribe them with the latest video game. They're quick studies. If
they can navigate an iPad at two, study online at four and build a website by
eight--they can work a knitting/crochet needle. Not a
problem!
FROM THE WOMB TO THE WEB
In fact, they practically emerged
from the womb, grabbing for a cell phone and Starbucks smoothie. Okay, not exactly... but the photo on the left sure is cute.
Instead of starting your
youngster with knitting a yawn-producing block or crocheting another boring
circle--why not turn that knitted square into a cell phone case? Transform
that ho-hum circle into a mod flower by attaching a few smaller crocheted
circles. In no time, they'll be sporting a new cell phone case and cool flower to hot glue on their shorts or headband.
(baby with cell phone)
Stays in the Summertime. Take it from me, our new generation whiz kids will want to use these cool knitting/crocheting skills all year round to creat iPad covers, headbands, jewelry, yarn extensions for the hair, and the
list goes on to almost infinity.
YEP, BOYS ARE ALLOWED
Not to worry mothers of sons... your boys can chill at the party too. Some of our best crafters are rocking it from Mars.
Once your young knitter/crocheter master the basics, don't wait too long to introduce them to the exotics--alternative fibers. Oh, yeah...there's nothing like them.
ALTERNATIVE FIBERS ADD PIZZAZZ
AND A HELPING HAND
It's great to switch things up with something unique. Alternative "fibers" like tee-shirt yarn, sari ribbon, and plarn (recycled plastic bag yarn) all are great knitting/crocheting materials, creating
eye-catching texture to a project. Upcycled and recycled materials, help the planet thrive, which make them especially appealing to our green conscious adolescents and parents.
Suppliers like, U.S. online shop, Darn Good Yarn and UK's Yarn Yarn, a unique art yarn and fibre shop offer these ethically produced silk yarns and recycled silk waste from rural India and Nepal. Both sell sari silk ribbon, sari silk yarn, banana yarn, organic hemp, organic nettle yarn, etc.,
All have been hand-spun and dyed by women's co-operatives and small scale businesses in rural India and Nepal. Profits from these sales improve the lives of these artisans and their families.
(tee-shirt headband)
Tee-Shirt Yarn
Yes, Sasha... you can crochet a headband using tee-shirt yarn. It's the latest trend that's sticking around. It does the heart good knowing that our crafts have morphed from other products. Who says clothing and household goods like plastic only live once?
PLARN AKA PLASTIC BAG YARN
HOW TO START YOUR CHILD
KNITTING/CROCHETING
Maggie Rags suggests starting your little ones with finger knitting, so they don't get frustrated when they drop the needles. After finger knitting is mastered, move on to a knitting noddy or a crochet hook.
THE WALDORF SCHOOL'S
KNITTING PROGRAM
The Waldorf School uses knitting as a learning tool, introducing natural fibers, improving math skills and developing spacial recognition.
It also uses a rhyme to help children remember what to do:
In through the front door
Around the back
Out through the window
And off jumps jack.
KNITTING NEEDLES
Begin with a size 10, bamboo needles.
And if they're not allergic to it, wool is a good fiber to start with.
Don't worry about dropped stitches. Maggie's Rags suggests making up a story or a game about dropped stitches, so they don't give up when it happens.
SEVEN TIPS FOR TEACHING A CHILD TO KNIT OR CROCHET FROM LION BRAND
(Ravelry for Knitting-Crocheting)
1. Use a big table to work on, and work with five or less. (IMHO - If you have five, have two teachers.)
2. Start with simple, solid-color yarn and large durable tools.
3. Teaching a craft is like teaching a new language. Explain what each term means.
4. Teach them to start, rip back and start over again. Beginners often forget how they started by the time they finish a project.
5. Let kids be creative with what they learned. Offer different colored yarn and let them decide when to switch.
6. Show them you are proud of their work, and they will be proud too.
7. Stay positive and make the lesson about how fun crafting can be.
FROM THE FIRST TUESDAY-THIRD WEDNESDAY KNITTING & CROCHETING CLUB
Yarn Bombed Bench by First Tuesday-Third Wednesday
Knitting and Crocheting Club
Knitting and Crocheting Club
WE'VE BEEN BUSY!
It's Summertime... and we're thrilled to be going strong in our third summer. In our three years of operation, we've knitted blocks for compassion afghans, hats and headbands for the Shriner's Hospital for Children and change purses, wash cloths wrapped in toiletries for our Women in Transition Project for Fresh Start and yarn bombed the above bench in front of Elkins Park Library.
Linda shares her beautiful crocheted scarf for her son.
Katie shows her playful side in front of the camera, and her creative side in this unique crocheted blanket.
SCENES FROM INSIDE OUR CRAFT ROOM
Katie teaches a tween how to crochet. Our Compassion Afghan is proudly displayed in the foreground. This one was given to a very appreciative dialysis patient.
Karen, our master knitter/crocheter, wears her amazing tri-color shawl as she works on her latest project.
Cherie's beautiful granny-square afghan will be treasured for generations to come.
Joquina guides a young crocheter in her craft.
Audrey, Elyse and Teresa are hard at work.
Katie shows of her baby blanket. Nice work!
Now it's your turn, what projects are you working on this summer? Click the comment box and feel free to send pictures.
Mahalo! (Thank you in Hawaiian)