Craft Hope for Haiti

We are all aware of how generous and caring the crafting community is. In a time where compassion and generosity is needed most here is a place you can go to help. It is the Craft Hope for Haiti Etsy Shop. 100% of the proceeds will go to Doctors Without Borders in Haiti, which has already raised over $7000 in just two days. There are two ways to donate: purchase an item here, or donate a handmade item from yourself. More information on donating items here. There are many wonderful handmade items for sale: handbags, jewelry, art, accessories, and more. Please consider this if you choose to make a donation.

Here is what I found, there is something new everyday. I'm sure you could find something wonderful too.

A sweet needlepoint pattern, my favorite calendar, and a wishbone necklace

Twinkle Soft Chunky and a Free Pattern

I am so excited about Twinkle's Soft Chunky! Wow! It is so soft and the colors are amazingly vibrant and it is so much fun to knit with. I've been looking for a great pattern to show off this wonderful yarn and I think I found it.

This pattern is called the "Really Warm Hat" It is a free download on Ravelry. If you are not apart of that wonderful community you can find it here. This hat took me just one hour including the finishing work and the extremely huge pom pom.

Just a small sample of what you would see of Amy Butler's newest fabric line LOVE

I have to say that I really do love, love, love what she has come up with this time around.

Oh, the possibilities...

A new year and a knit-along

Welcome 2010!

Let's do a knit-a-long. Join me at Stash on Mondays 1 - 3 during the Coffee Club, starting right after the New Year and knit this awesome scarf with me. It's called the "just enough ruffles scarf" and it is sure to get many compliments. Check out the link and if it's the scarf for you, then I hope to see you on Monday!

What was old, is new again!

I know most of you felt the way I did when I heard the Amy Butler Lotus line was no linger being printed. But alas the fabric gods heard our prayers and 10 of the most favorite Lotus prints have returned and are now at Stash!!! Here you see a small sample.

Manos Rittenhouse Merino

Manos has a new yarn and it is AMAZING! Lot o' skeins just arrived today. I may be a little selfish and keep them for myself. Just kidding, this yarn is just too great to keep for myself. As described by the manufacturer: Pure, extra fine merino wool in a worsted-weight yarn with an unbeatable combination of wonderful softness, excellent stitch definition, and rich color. Come in quick and see the great colors and feel the softness.

Mini Sweaters - Free Pattern

You've been asking for it and now here it is...

The Mini Sweater Pattern! Hang 'em in your tree, wrap 'em around a bottle of wine for a gift, use 'em as gift toppers, the possibilities are endless!

Pattern:
Mini Sweater

Worsted weight yarn
Size 9 needles

CO 16 sts and work 3 rows garter st (knit all rows)
Next row: Purl
Work Stockinette stitch for 4"

CO 10 sts for sleeve (row 1) work next row as for pattern and CO 10 sts for other sleeve. (row 2)
work three more row for a total of 5 rows.

Knit 15 sts BO 6 sts, work to the end of the row
Next row: knit 15 sts CO 6 sts and work 4 rows

BO 10 sts on each end for sleeves.

Work to match the front.

BO all sts and sew up the sides; weave in loose ends.

This is a great pattern to use up scrap yarn. Don't be afraid to experiment with different yarn and needles, maybe a sport weight with a size 5 needle for a smaller sweater, try stripes for the first time, or a fair isle pattern. Have fun!