First Tuesday-Third Wednesday Knitting &Crocheting Club : May 2016

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