Craft the Next Generation . . . and See What Fun Is Spun!

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)

(Scarf - Lion Brand)

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)

(The Odyssey Online)

WHAT HAPPENS IN THE SUMMERTIME…

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.  

(Scarf)

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.

(Groovy Green Livin)

ETHICALLY PRODUCED YARN

Yarn Yarn

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.

(Purses)

(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

(Water Bottle Bag - Plarn)

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.

(Summertime Barbie)

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

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)  

Have Yarn...Will Travel!

(About Home)

Can you knit/crochet on the plane, that is the question? The answer...on domestic flights...yes, you can.  Kristy Glass from Lion Brand suggests you load TSA's handy app and check what you can and can't bring on the plane.

Her recommendations for yarn travel, Lion Brand's 24-7 Cotton and Shawl in a ball.  (You knit a shawl from one ball of yarn.)  That's what I need.





Here are some more yarn travel tips from Knitting Expert Susan E. Weiss:

(Yarn Harlot)

• Pick a small project. Things like socks, a scarf, a hat or other small projects make more sense in the limited space.

• Use circular needles. This is a great tip for your own sanity and for the sake of the people around you. If you are using circular needles, you can't drop a needle and send it rolling down the cabin. Circular needles also tend to need a smaller range of motion in which to work, so you'll elbow the person sitting next to you a lot less. It is recommended that your circular needle be no bigger than 31 inches in total length.

• Try plastic or bamboo needles. There's something completely nonthreatening about plastic needles. 

• Stick to small sizes. Technically there is no restriction on the size of knitting needles you take onto an airplane, but that doesn't mean that people haven't been asked to leave their knitting at home if the security officer perceives the needles as a threat. Your best bet is to stick to small- sized needles.

• Choose blunt objects. Knitting needles that don't look sharp are much more likely to easily pass through security. Scissors must be blunt as well, and the blades can be no longer than 4 inches/10 cm. 
•  Choose fast summer projects you can do on vacation, like these fruity trivets and pot holders.

 

Crochet Version 

Knit Version 

1.  Knit or Crochet Trivets and Pot Holders --How cute are these?  Take them with you to your summer barbeques and pool parties.  Cute and useful, what more could you want?  Made of Blue Sky Worsted Cotton from Purl SoHo, they're great thank you gifts your hosts will love.  

It's Prom Season! Time to .Knit One, Crochet Two...

(Pinterest)

It's Prom Season!  Even Barbie, her besties and her date (a dark-haired Ken) plan to take the night by storm in their yarn-crafted evening gowns and accessories. They've arrived in homespun style and ready to party because it's 2016!

"Every woman should have a purse of her own."  

Susan B. Anthony

(from left to right - Cynthia, Audrey and Jackie)

Audrey, Jacqueline, Cynthia… the Women of Fresh Start

But before we venture into our handcrafted prom journey,  the First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting & Crocheting Club want to thank Audrey, Jacqueline, Cynthia and Helen for their warm welcome and kindness during our visit.   

Our knitting/crocheting club based at the Glenside and Elkins Libraries decided, last year, to knit/crochet petite purses, (change purses) and washcloths wrapped in travel size toiletries and presented as mini gift baskets for women in transition.

We picked Fresh Start Now, Inc., Women's Forensic Housing Program  located at 3023 Frankford Ave., in Philadelphia,  because this great program empowers women to rebuild their lives with strength and determination in a supportive and safe environment. 

When Alice and I arrived, Jacqueline and Cynthia were cleaning the kitchen, which looked spotless.   I love kitchens and would enjoy cooking in this one.  It's apparent, they take care of this home and each other.   Audrey,  who oversees the housing program, was also a former resident, so you can see that paying- it-forward is a key component here.

Jaqueline told us that she arrived at Fresh Start without any clothes other than what she wore.   And Cynthia shared that she didn't have any shoes when she first passed through their doors.  According to Audrey, it's common for the women to arrive without any clothes or shoes other than what they arrived wearing.  Therefore, they' re in desperate need of clothes and personal hygiene products.  

Their daily responsibilities involve caring for the home, developing job skills, preparing for the job market, taking parenting classes etc.,   They're provided with supportive services to help them achieve their program goals and ultimately live positive, independent lives.  

If you want to find out more about the Fresh Start program, contact Audrey at:   215 634-8150.  They welcome all donations:  money, food, clothing, toiletries, beauty products, household cleaning products, etc.,  

Despite the liquid sunshine, this was a very special day for me and Alice.   First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting Crocheting Club wish you success in this new, positive chapter in your lives. 

IT'S PROM SEASON!  TIME TO KNIT ONE, 

CROCHET TWO...  

Okay, so your prom night happened a bunch of yesterdays ago, but that doesn't stop you from feeling excited and downright giddy for the young knitter in your group, embarking on her maiden junior/senior prom in a few days or weeks.

Or maybe it's your daughter, granddaughter, niece or neighbor next door, crossing this important high school rites-of-passage.  You'll still have time to whip up an elegant or whimsical headpiece like the ones below...no pressure.

And yes, our young ladies may even make an entrance styling in a eye-catching kitted fascinator.  Fancy!

Prom Hair Accessory

Prom Head Band

Let's not forget the fellas... your son, grandson, nephew...neighbor's boy from down the street.  This rose crocheted boutonniere gives Rico Suave elegance to any After Dark Tuxedo.

(Crocheted Boutonniere Lion Brand Pattern)

Let's continue our handcrafted prom journey with the ever-so-popular shawl... or shawlette.  Knit or crochet, either way adds to the beauty of our headliner--the prom gown.

The Shawlette

(Crochet Shawlette - Lion Brand Pattern)

The above shawlette is for the Easy 2 Crocheter.

Crochet Wrap

Lion Brand Pattern - Crochet Wrap

(Knit Picks - Pattern)

Evening Bags

A hand-crafted evening bag adds a unique touch to a prom ensemble, not to mention, it's practical.  Where are you going to put your lipstick, gum, keys and cell?

(Crocheted Evening Clutch - Lion Brand Pattern)

This would look great with a black and red prom gown.

Though our above Chevron evening bag (in the photo above) was created by a talented manufacturer, an advanced crafted could re-create a knit or crochet version adding their own touches.  Are you up for the challenge?

Bead Knitting

Prom Dress

It may be too late to create a prom dress for this month, but where there's a will there's a way, especially if you have a handy knitting machine.

Jewelry

This is beautiful.  I would wear this for a wedding vow renewal in peach.  Love it!  (My wedding colors were pink and peach almost 24 years ago...hmm, maybe next year.)

And finally, here's a beautiful necklace that should be a quick turnaround.  If she's artsy and love to stand out, this tee shirt yarn necklace may fit the bill.

Tee-Shirt Yarn Necklace

Crochet Wire Earrings

Crochet Lace Necklace

(Dysfunctional Designs)

Tell us about your handcrafted prom adventures.  

Happy Crocheting and Knitting!

High Tea, High Style Hair Accessory: the Fascinating Fascinator

It's Time for High Tea, British Style

What better reason to create the only fascinator you'd dare yourself to wear...the hat that fits your playful personality...a spring headband that says you don't take herself too seriously...or a flower with a futuristic flair.  Let's not forget our faithful lacy shrug and shawl, waiting for just the right occasion to make an appearance.  

And yes, we also can't forget those lace gloves that unfortunately lost their rightful place in women's accessories decades ago.  But we vintage girls say... heck yeah, gotta wear lace gloves when we go to high tea/afternoon tea. 
 Red Heart - Pattern

Vintage Lace Gloves

Today's Lace Gloves - Craftsy

That's right, ladies...it's time for high tea.  Knitting and crocheting divas like yourselves, don't waste time shopping when you can let your creative juices run havoc, designing something modern, vintage, off-the-wall, traditional, artsy...for this 
long-standing tradition from across the pond and beyond. 

(Black & White Knitted Fascinator-Right Photo)

(Black Heart Fascinator - Below - Pop Sugar)

              Above - Red Heart Pattern)

So What Exactly is a Fascinator?

From V is for Vintage  (Edited)

A fascinator hat is a small ornamental headpiece that fits on the head using an Alice-in-Wonder-land-band-type base or headband or even a small comb. It's always lightweight and usually features feathers, beads or flowers. But these days they can also be knitted and crocheted as we see in the photos above.  

The term fascinator began in the 1990s when these headpieces became popular for wearing at weddings to avoid getting helmet hair from a veil or wedding hat.  You could stay bridal cute with a fascinator and easily go from wedding to reception without flagging down a hair stylist in between.

1980s FASCINATORS

(Knitted Fascinator)

FASCINATING FASCINATOR FACTS

1.  These days, it's worn for any occasion, but mostly formal.  
2.  It's only purpose is as hair decoration. 
3.  It sits at an angle on the head as if perching on top of a favorite hairstyle.  
4.  A cross between a hair accessory and a cocktail hat, it often comes with a veil or a pouf of tulle/organza.

ITS ORIGIN?

Fascinators as we know it today were adopted in the London (Luton-based) millinery trade during the late 1970s and 80s. However, the word ‘fascinator’ has been used in previous centuries to describe a lacy head-covering similar to a shawl but much smaller and lighter.

21st CENTURY FASCINATORS

Today's modern fascinator is often embellished with crystals, beads, or loops of ribbon, and attaches via a comb or headband. Others have a small, stiff, flat base that can be secured with pins.  It can be whimsical, stylish or daring as you like.  Your imagination holds the key.

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN 

AFTERNOON TEA AND A HIGH TEA?

Brief Tea History from About Food 

(A website for traditional British and Irish recipes.)

What is an Afternoon Tea?

Afternoon Tea is a British food tradition, an afternoon treat of tea, sandwiches, scones and cake. But, often the term High Tea is used. These two are often confused, but actually, they are different.

Answer:
Afternoon tea is served around 4.00pm.

When afternoon tea became fashionable in the early 19th century, thanks to the Anna, the Duchess of Bedford it was never intended to replace dinner but rather to fill in the long gap between lunch and dinner at a time when dinner was served at 8pm. Lifestyles have changed since those times and afternoon tea is now a treat, rather than a stop-gap.

Origins of Afternoon Tea was preserved from the 19th century. For workers in the newly industrialized Britain, ‘tea’ had to wait until after work and be substantially more than just tea and cakes.

Workers needed sustenance after a day of hard labor, so the after work meal was more often hot and filling and accompanied by a pot of good, strong tea to revive from a weary day.

TRADITIONAL BRITISH HIGH TEA FARE

Ritz London

The Ritz London Afternoon Tea Menus

We are proud to present the menu for our world famous afternoon tea.

SANDWICH SELECTION

Ham with Grain Mustard Mayonnaise on Brioche Bread

Cheddar Cheese with Chutney on Tomato Bread
Cucumber with Cream Cheese, Dill and Chives on Granary Bread
Chicken Breast with Parsley Cream on Malt Bread
Scottish Smoked Salmon with Lemon Butter on Sourdough Bread
Egg Mayonnaise with Chopped Shallots and Watercress on White Bread

SCONES AND PASTRIES

Freshly Baked Raisin and Plain Scones with Cornish Clotted Cream and Strawberry Preserve.

Assortment of British Tea, Pastries and Cakes.

TEA SELECTION

Ritz Royal English	Darjeeling First Flush	Assam Tippy Orthodox	Ceylon Orange Pekoe
Oolong Formosa	Earl Grey Imperial	Rose Congou	Lapsang Souchong
Russian Caravan	Dragon Pearls	Chun Mee	Moroccan Mint
Rooibos Red Tea	Passion Fruit and Orange	Camomile Flowers	Lemon Verbena
The Ritz Chai	Chocolate Mint Rooibos

Ritz Carlton Philly could learn a thing or two from the Ritz London.

A Taste of Britain - Cafe, Tea Shop, Catering

If you don't have a passport or need to update it and live near Wayne, Pennsylvania... you can enjoy a traditional afternoon tea, along with English dishes at A Taste of Britain.  

• Full Afternoon Tea — 18.0

  Today’s Delicious Selection of 8 Tea Sandwiches, Freshly Baked Scone Served with Clotted Cream, Lemon Curd, and Preserves, Plus an Assortment of Mini Pastries, Along with your Favorite Pot of Tea. Select your scone type and beverage.

ENGLISH FAVORITES 

Mushroom Savory Bread Pudding

Many of these are also available in our freezer for you to enjoy at home.

• Wild Mushroom and Parmesan Bread Pudding - 12.5

  Savory Bread Pudding with Mushrooms, Herbs, Fontina and Parmesan Cheese, Served with a House Salad or Cup of Soup
  

• Mushrooms with Toast — 11

  Sauteed Mushrooms in a Cream Sauce with English Cheddar and a Touch of Mustard, Served with Toast Points for Dipping
  

• Welsh Rarebit (please allow 20 minutes) — 10

  Cheese Sauce made with Guinness, Colman’s Mustard, and Egg, Broiled on Bread
  Add Heinz Baked Beans – 4.5
  

• Chicken Pot Pie — 13.5

  Tender Pieces of Chicken, Peas, and Carrots, Topped with a Flaky Puff Pastry Served with a House Salad or Cup of Soup
  

• Ploughman's Platter (great to share!) — 13.5

  Assorted English Cheeses, Pickled Onions, Branston Pickles, Fruit, and Crackers
  

• Cheese & Onion Pasty ~ or ~ Cornish Pasty - 13.5

  A Tender Pastry Crust filled with a Savory Cheese and Onion Mixture or a Ground Beef and Potato Mixture, Served with Baked Beans or House Salad
  

• Sausage Rolls - 10

  Sausage and Onion Mixture Wrapped in Puff Pastry, Two Rolls per Order, Served with Colman’s Mustard or Curried Ketchup
  

• Beef Cottage Pie - 13.5

  Savory Ground Beef, Peas, Carrots, and Onions, Topped with Mashed Potatoes, Served with a House Salad or Cup of Soup

SPRING SHRUGS

You can go sassy or fancy.  You decide.

Spring Crocheted Shrug

I Love Crochet - Spring Shrug

Ravelry

ALICE IN WONDERLAND FASCINATOR 

AND HEADBAND

Alice in Wonderland-Inspired Fascinator

Alice in Wonderland-Inspired Headband

Flaunt your personal style, whatever they is, and enjoy your high tea--your way.

First Tuesday-Thursday Knitting & Crocheting Club wants to hear about your group's ventures into high/afternoon tea land.  Talk about your favorite place to go in your town and show off your photos on our Facebook page or our Google+ page.  And please don't forget to like us, we're a fun group...just like you.


Happy Knitting & Crocheting!