How to Knit An Illusion

Have you ever knitted an illusion?

 Illusion knitting, also called shadow knitting, is a technique where you knit a design of two contrasting colours of stripes with simple knit and purl stitches. From the front view, it looks like a simple striped pattern. But, when the project is viewed from the proper angles, a hidden image appears. The effect is created by alternating rows of the two coloured yarns so that the raised stitches from one row block out the flat stitches of another row -just knits and purls, where using stockinette stitch makes a colour fade into the background when viewed from the side, and using garter stitch makes a colour stand out. Illusion knitting uses this change of colour and texture to produce an image that appears or disappears according to the angle of viewing and works better when you knit tightly, so is best to choose a needle one or two sizes smaller than you would normally use with the chosen yarn.

                                     Here you see it!

Here this finished wash cloth looks like a simple striped pattern from the front, but when viewed from an angle, the "hidden" image appears. In this case, the knit pattern consists of alternating stripes, of green and white but when the piece is seen from an angle, a shramrock pattern emerges.

Now you don't!

Here are the Istructions for Shamrock Illusion Wash Cloth.

Use worsted weight yarn

MC – White 2 rows
CC – Green 2 rows

CO 30 stitches (use any CO method you prefer, I used the long tail)

Row 1: Knit Across (30) (All Odd Rows are KNIT)
Row 2: Knit Across (30) (Do not cut colour just change and carry)
Row 3: Knit Across (30) (All Odd Rows are KNIT)
Row 4: Purl Across (30)
Row 6: Knit Across (30)
Row 8: Purl Across (30)
Row 10: K13 P2 K15
Row 12: P13 K2 P15
Row 14: K9 P3 K3 P1 K3 P3 K8
Row 16: P9 K3 P3 K1 P3 K3 P8Row 18: K8 P5 K2 P1 K2 P5 K7
Row 20: P8 K5 P2 K1 P2 K5 P7
Row 22: K8 P6 K1 P1 K1 P6 K7
Row 24: P8 K6 P1 K1 P1 K6 P7Row 26: K9 P7 K1 P5 K8
Row 28: P9 K7 P1 K5 P8Row 30: K8 P6 K1 P1 K1 P6 K7
Row 32: P8 K6 P1 K1 P1 K6 P7Row 34: K8 P5 K1 P3 K1 P5 K7
Row 36: P8 K5 P1 K3 P1 K5 P7Row 38: K9 P3 K1 P5 K1 P3 K8
Row 40: P9 K3 P1 K5 P1 K3 P8Row 42: K12 P7 K11
Row 44: P12 K7 P11
Row 46: K12 P7 K11
Row 48: P12 K7 P11
Row 50: K13 P2 K1 P2 K12
Row 52: P13 K2 P1 K2 P12
Row 54: Knit Across (30)
Row 56: Purl Across (30)Row 58: Knit Across (30)
Row 60: Purl Across (30)
Row 62: Knit Across (30) Bind off.

Here in red and yellow Sunrise Wash Cloth

Directions

Using Colour A and the long tail cast on method, CO 35 stitches.
Note: Colour A is the background colour. (Red)
 Color B is the colour of the sunrise image.  (Yellow)




Row 1 – Colour A: K
Row 2 – Colour A: K

Row 3 – Colour B: K
Row 4 – Colour B: P5, K25, P5
Row 5 – Colour A: K
Row 6 – Colour A: K5, P25, K5

Rows 7 – 10: Repeat rows 3 – 6 one additional time.

Row 11 – Colour B: K
Row 12 – Colour B: P7, K21, P7
Row 13 – Colour A: K
Row 14 – Colour A: K7, P21, K7

Rows 15 – 18: Repeat rows 11 – 14 one additional time.


Row 19 – Colour B: K
Row 20 – Colour B: P5, K2, P2, K17, P2, K2, P5
Row 21 – Colour A: K
Row 22 – Colour A: K5, P2, K2, P17, K2, P2, K5

Row 23 – Colour B: K
Row 24 – Colour B: P3, K2, P6, K13, P6, K2, P3
Row 25 – Colour A: K
Row 26 – Colour A: K3, P2, K6, P13, K6, P2, K3

Row 27 – Colour B: K
Row 28 – Colour B: P1, K2, P6, K2, P13, K2, P6, K2, P1
Row 29 – Colour A: K
Row 30 – Colour A: K9, P2, K13, P2, K9

Row 31 – Colour B: K
Row 32 – Colour B: P7, K2, P17, K2, P7
Row 33 – Colour A: K
Row 34 – Colour A: K7, P2, K17, P2, K7

Row 35 – Colour B: K
Row 36 – Colour B: P5, K2, P7, K2, P3, K2, P7, K2, P5
Row 37 – Colour A: K
Row 38 – Colour A: K5, P2, K7, P2, K3, P2, K7, P2, K5

Row 39 – Colour B: K
Row 40 – Colour B: P3, K2, P8, K2, P5, K2, P8, K2, P3
Row 41 – Colour A: K
Row 42 – Colour A: K3, P2, K8, P2, K5, P2, K8, P2, K3

Row 43 – Colour B: K
Row 44 – Colour B: P1, K2, P9, K2, P7, K2, P9, K2, P1
Row 45 – Colour A: K
Row 46 – Colour A: K12, P2, K7, P2, K12

Row 47 – Colour B: K
Row 48 – Colour B: P11, K2, P9, K2, P11
Row 49 – Colour A: K
Row 50 – Colour A: K11, P2, K9, P2, K11

Row 51 – Colour B: K
Row 52 – Colour B: P10, K2, P11, K2, P10
Row 53 – Colour A: K
Row 54 – Colour A: K

Row 55 – Colour A: BO

Cut yarns. Weave in ends. Block knitted face cloth.

You can add hidden designs, simple or complex, to any garment. Probably the most well known illusion knit is the Alien Illusion Scarf that was featured in the original Stitch ‘n Bitch book and can be found on www. ravelry.com

Illusion knitting is a fun & easy give it a go!

Spongebob Squarepants Hat Pattern

OHHHHH.. who lives in a pineapple under the sea????

SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS!

Knitting a one of kind, novelty hats can be a reward unto its self. Have Lots of fun Knitting up this hilarious Spongebob Squarepants hat.

Size : Newborn, Infant, Child and Adult.                                                                                              

All efforts are made to make these patterns effort free.

This is a knitting pattern in PDF document format. The pattern will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours of receiving payment. So please ensure that you provide your correct e-mail address.

The price is 9 turkish lira which is approximately 3 GBP, 3.7 Euro, 5 US dollars.

Just click on the buy now button and it will be sent out personally by me to you in a pdf file via
email.





Please contact me at dbjones5559@hotmail.co.uk if there are any questions or help needed with the pattern. Also, don’t feel like knitting? We can make it for you! If you would like us to make the item and ship it to you, just contact us for more information.

Copyright © 2012 Dianne Jones Knitting Galore
All rights reserved.
These patterns are protected by copyright. You may not rewrite, redistribute, or resell the patterns in any form. Patterns are for personal use only and is not for mass production.

5 Easy Fun Hat Knitting Patterns

Hi Knitters

If you are looking for a hat that you or your little one will love to wear, will get tons of compliments and keep them warm too, any of these are a perfect choice. Froggy, Miss Piggy, Panda, Puppy and Fred the Red Devil.

Here is a knitting pattern for 5 Easy Fun Hats.

The Hat is a quick and easy roll brimed pattern using double knitting type yarn and US size 7 (4.5mm) circular needles.

Sizes: 3yrs, 4-5yrs, 6-7yrs and Adult.

All efforts are made to make these patterns effort free.

This is a knitting pattern in PDF document format. The pattern will be e-mailed to you within 24 hours of receiving payment. So please ensure that you provide your correct e-mail address.

The price is 9 turkish lira which is approximately 3 GBP, 3.7 Euro, 5 US dollars.

Just click on the buy now button and it will be sent out personally by me to you in a pdf file via
email.


Please contact me at dbjones5559@hotmail.co.uk if there are any questions or help needed with the pattern. Also, don’t feel like knitting? We can make it for you! If you would like us to make the item and ship it to you, just contact us for more information.

Copyright © 2012 Dianne Jones Knitting Galore
All rights reserved.
These patterns are protected by copyright. You may not rewrite, redistribute, or resell the patterns in any form. Patterns are for personal use only and is not for mass production.

'Thoughful Thursday' Keeping Cancer Victims Warm With Chemo Caps

Keeping Cancer Victims Warm With Chemo Caps.

Hand-knitted chemotherapy hats are needed to help cancer patients during one of the most difficult parts of their treatment. Many patients face the heart wrenching side effect of chemotherapy - hair loss during treatments meant to help them recover. Not only must these cancer patients face a life-threatening illness, they must also learn to deal with seeing a different person in the mirror. Wearing special chemo caps can help suddenly bald cancer patients feel like themselves again. Hats fend off the cold, as well as unwelcome stares. But, many cancer patients have a hard time finding hats that work. Hats sold at retail stores are often scratchy to bare skin because they are designed to be worn over a full head of hair. Also, standard headgear often fails to cover the entire back of the head, exposing the skin to the cold and making baldness obvious. Worse still: a lot of hats sold at retail stores contain wool, which can be harmful to highly sensitive cancer patients. What these patients need are chemotherapy hats designed just for their situation. Attractive, hand-knitted chemo hats for cancer patients allow them to go out in public feeling less self-conscious or cold. When cancer patients receive handmade chemo caps, they know that someone cares. During a time in a cancer patient's life when everything else seems to be falling apart, your caring can make a world of difference. It is best to use soft yarns, such as those made out of cotton, "Baby" yarns make a good choice for chemotherapy hats, since they tend to be soft and light. Avoid using any yarn that contains wool in your chemo caps, as it can be harmful to some cancer patients. Bright colors are better than somber ones. Wherever you live, somewhere in your community there are cancer patients in need of hand knit chemocaps We encourage each of you to knit one or two or a few chemocaps and donate them to a cancer treatment center in the area where you live. It's neighbors helping neighbors one chemocap at a time and yes it does make a difference!

Here's a free pattern to help get you started

FINISHED SIZE
About 20¼" (51.5 cm) in circumference.
NEEDLES
size U.S. 8 (5 mm).
Adjust needle size if necessary to
obtain the correct gauge.
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4" (10 cm) in stockinette stitch


Cast on loosely 92sts
Row 1 Knit
Row 2 Purl
Row 3 k1, *yo, k2tog repeat from * to last st k1
Row 4 Knit
Row 5 purl 1 stitch from needle and corresponding stitch from cast on row purl both together to form picot edge see photo

Knit 6 rows in stockinette stitch.
Eyelet row: K1, *yo, k2tog repeat from *to last stitch k1
Next row purl
Continue in stockinette stitch until work measures 14cm from last row of picot edge.

Shape Crown
ROW 1: (RS) *K7, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—81 sts rem.
ROW 2: AND ALL WS Rows : Purl.
ROW 3: *K6, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—71 sts rem.
ROW 5: *K5, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—61 sts rem.
ROW 7: *K4, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—51 sts rem.
ROW 9: *K3, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—41 sts rem.
ROW 11: *K2, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—31 sts rem.
ROW 13: *K1, k2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—21 sts rem.
ROW 15: *K2tog; rep from * to last st, k1—11 sts rem.
Break yarn, thread tail through rem sts, draw
tight to close hole, and fasten off on WS.
Finishing
Block as desired. Weave in loose ends. With yarn threaded on a tapestry needle, use a backstitch
or mattress st to sew seam make sure seam is soft to avoid rubbing on sensitive skin. Beg and end at
seam, thread ribbon through eyelets, and secure in place with a few stitches using sharp-point sewing needle and matching thread. Trim ends of ribbon as desired.


Make 3 Flowers or more if desired.


Cast on 4 stitches.

Row 1. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 3 (5sts)

Row 2. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, purl 4 (6sts)
Row 3. Knit front & back of 1st stitch, knit 5 (7sts)
Row 4. Knit front & back of 1st stitch purl 6 (8sts). Cut yarn leaving a 4’’ tail and leave on a spare needle.
Repeat 4 more times but do not cut yarn on last petal
Row 5. Join all petals by knitting across (40 sts)
Row 6. Purl 2 together across row (20 sts)
Row 7. Knit 2 together across row (10sts)
Row 8. Purl 2 together, purl 3 together, prul 2 together, purl 3 together
Thread yarn through stitches and pull tight.
You can finish off flowers by adding beads, buttons or anything you wish in the center as shown in photo. All flowers can be made smaller or larger by using finer or thicker yarn and needles.

Arrange on hat as desired and sew into place.

Making caps and brightening the lives of people who are suffering from the ravages of cancer is such a small thing to do, but the results have a big impact on the patients. Why not donate your chemotherapy hats to the patients that need them. Look in your phone book to find hospitals or cancer organizations in your area and give them a call to see if they are accepting cancer hat donations.
You don't need much more than needles, time, and a single ball of yarn. Go to the Chemo Caps website to get all the info you need on patterns, donations, and more. http://www.chemocaps.com

Also http://www.kapsforkendall.com  Launched in memory of Kendall Atkinson, tragically died following a bone marrow transplant for Fanconi anemia on March 14, 2004 at the age of 20.

Also http://www.capsforacure.org Caps are being knitted for kids with cancer so that they will feel cared about and money is also raised for The American Cancer Society to help find a cure for cancer.

The idea is to warm the heads and soothe the souls of people undergoing the rigors of chemotherapy treatment. Just the fact that people have taken the time to make them caps is great medicine for those who receive them.

 

Knit A Corsage

Here's something a little bit different. Need ideas for interesting items to knit, that people would pay for to raise money for your favourite charity?

CORSAGE

Designed for Oxfam by: Tina Egleton

Materials

Small amount of double knitting yarn.
No. 9 (33/4 mm) knitting needles;
brooch backing
or
safetypin.

Abbreviations
K, knit;
p, purl;
st, stitch;
ss, stocking st (k on right side and p on wrong side).

Petals

With No. 9 (33/4 mm) needles, cast on 114 sts.
K 1 row.
Next row: K2, [cast off 12, k1 st more] 8 times – 18 sts.
Next row: K2, [cast on 1 st, k2] 8 times – 26 sts. K 1 row.
Cast off in kwise.

Centre

With No. 9 (33/4 mm) needles, cast on 5 sts.
K 1 row.
Continue in ss, increasing 1 st at each end of next 4 rows and following alternate row – 15 sts.
Ss 5 rows.
Dec 1 st at each end of next row.
P 1 row.
Dec 1 st at each end of next 4 rows – 5 sts.
Cast off.

Ribbon

With No. 9 (33/4 mm) needles, cast on 54 sts.
Cast off kwise.


Spiral

With No. 9 (33/4 mm) needles, cast on 30 sts.
K 1 row, working twice in every st – 60 sts.
Next row: [K1, k twice in next st] to end – 90 sts.
Cast off kwise.
To make up

Run a gathering thread around centre piece and stuffing it slightly with few metres of yarn, pull up tightly and secure.
Run a gathering thread around cast off edge of petal piece, pull up so that centre ring fits around centre piece and secure,
then sew to centre piece.
Sew one end of spiral to back of flower.
Make twisted cord and tie each end securely.
Tie knots at each end of ribbon. Fold ribbon and cord unevenly and sew folded end to back of flower.
Attach brooch backing or safety-pin to back of flower.

'Thoughful Thursday' Lisa's Stars

We continue 'Thoughtful Thursday' with another worthy cause Lisa’s Stars.

Lisa's Stars was set up in the Autumn of 2010 to make a difference to those who are unfortunate enough to lose a child prematurely. Their Founder is a lady who has sadly experienced this and felt something was massively missing from the aftercare of those babies and their parents. Lisa's Stars initially started out as a way to support her local hospital, and her aim was to supply them with tiny blankets, hats and angelwraps so that any baby born too early would be kept warm and wrapped in love. It is heartbreaking that in some ares of the UK these babies are wrapped in nothing but tissue,or left naked.

Within 3 days of starting the group on facebook, Lisa's Stars had a website, a forum to give support to families and nearly a thousand members, not to mention an army of ladies loving knitting and sewing a mountain of angel clothes. They came to realise that the support for her vision and the need for an organisation like hers extended far beyond the need for blankets and hats, and needed to reach more than just the local hospital.

The aim is to not only supply her local hospital with knitwear but to spread them to as many hospitals as they can. The dream is to create memory boxes for those babys and their families so they have their treasured babys keepsakes to keep for all time.

A baby is classed as prematüre if thay are born at less than 37 weeks gestation. 8% of births in the UK occur before 37 weeks and although NICU care has improved in the last 40years, any baby born at 24 weeks or less is sadly not seen as ‘viable’ and many do not survive, leaving some hospitals to struggle to provide clothes small enough. Every hospital is different in regards to their care for these babies and we must never forget that no baby should be left unclothed and must be shown respect no matter what gestation they are born at. While Lisa’s Stars provides items which are especially aimed to fit tiny babies born 16 to 24 weeks gestation, are happy to provide clothing for all angels no matter what gestational age they are born at.

Calling All Knitters!

This is where you can help Lisa’ Stars, not only to provide suitable clothing and blankets for these tiny sleeping angels but to also allow them to rest peacefully with the dignity they deserve and to also give their parents and families comfort in knowing their child is wrapped in love. By knitting some of the items in the list below:

Blankets

Hats

Booties

Cardigans

Angel Pockets

Burial Gowns

Buntings

Sleeping Sacks

Wraps You will find all patterns and sizing chart on the web site:http://www.lisasstars.org.uk

Measurements are used only as a guide as all babies are different and special.

Knitters are given free reign when it comes to what colour to use, but are asked to keep in mind that baies born upto 18 weeks it’s often difficult to determine what sex the babies are so its recommended that whites, creams or pastel yellows, lilacs and greens are used. Of course for babies born over 18 weeks pinks and blues are fine to use. All donations are gratefully received including knitted items / wool / ribbon / baby buttons / tiny teddies /disposable cameras and candles.

Please arrange delivery with your nearest Representative as this helps to keep postage costs to a minimum and as their representatives are there to make contact with their local hospitals and deliver items direct which enables them to provide a personal service.




You can find all the information on representatives and hospitals covered on the web site www.lsiasstars.org.uk or any enquiries to
Facebook page. http:// www.facebook.com/pages/lisas-stars/159738440713941

Donations

If you prefer to donate money which will go towards postage costs, purchasing of wool and other items, please use the donate button on the left hand menü on the web page.

All donations, however small or grandeur mean so much, as it allows the continuation of providing dignity to all babies, no matter how small as well as peace of mind to their parents through their most devastating time.

If you would prefer to send donations please send them to :

Lisa's Stars PO Box 653, Swansea. SA1 9LL. United Kingdom

Help if you can!

Knit A Valentine Rose

This year, instead of buying chocolates and flowers again, why not knit your loved one something special. Knitted gifts are perfect for the occasion; they last long after the day has passed, and your sweetheart will appreciate the time you spent knitting them. Happy Valentine's Day!

These roses are very pretty and quick to make, the size of the rose depends on the weight and thickness of the yarn and the size of the needle you choose to use. For the purpose of this post I used double knit type yarn and size 4mm needles.

Centre Petal – make 1.
Cast on 7 stitches and work 2 rows.
Row 3 Increase 1 stitch at each end of the row (9 sts)
Work straight
Row 4,6,8,10,12,14 knit
Row 5,7,9,11,13 purl
Rows 15 and 16 Decrease 1 stitch at each end of the row ( 5 sts at end of row 16)
Row 17 Cast off 2 sts at the beginning of the row (3 sts)
Cast off the remaining 3 stitches.

Outer petals (all worked the same) – make as many as you require (or until your yarn runs out).
Cast on 2 stitches and work one row
Row 2, purl back and front of first and last st, purl, (4sts)
Row 3, knit front and back of first and last st, knit  (6sts)
Row 4, purl back and front of first and last st, purl (8 sts)
Rows 5,knit
Row 6, purl back and front of first and last st, purl (10sts)
Row 7, knit
Row 8, purl back and front of first and last st, purl (12sts)
Row 9, knit front and back of first and last sts, knit (14sts)
Row 10, purl
Row 11, knit
Row 12, purl
Row 13, k2tog, knit to last 2sts, k2tog (12sts)
Row 14, purl
Rows 15 k3tog,knit to end (10sts) 
Row 16, purl 3 tog, purl to end (8sts)
Row 17 Decrease 1 stitch at the beginning of the row (7 sts)
Row 18 Cast of 2 sts at the beginning of the row (5 sts)
Cast off.

Leaf – make as many as you’d like.
Cast on 3 stitches and work 2 rows in stocking stitch.
Row 3 K1, yrn, K1, yrn, K1 (5 sts)
Rows 4, 6, 8 and 10 K1, P to last st, K1
Row 5 K2, yrn, K1, yrn, K2 (7 sts)
Row 7 K3, yrn, K1, yrn, K3 (9 sts)
Row 9 K4, yrn, K1, yrn, K4 (11 sts)
Rows 11, 13, 15, 17 Knit
Row 12 K1, P3, sl1 p-wise, P2tog, psso, P3, K1 (9 sts)
Row 14 K1, P2, sl1 p-wise, P2tog, psso, P2, K1 (7 sts)
Row 16 K1, P1, sl1 p-wise, P2tog, psso, P1, K1 (5 sts)
Row 18 K1, sl1 p-wise, P2 tog, psso, K1 (3 sts)
Row 19 Sl1, K2 tog, psso, fasten off the remaining stitch.


Stem - cast on 4sts and knit i-cord to your required length.

To make up.

Sew in all ends. Folding the centre petal into a tube sew a few “catching” stitches to hold it in place.
Add the other petals to this base in layers and sewing them up to row eight only (just before the final increases).
Once the petals are in place, sew on the leaf/ leaves, up to row seven only.
Attach stem and sew to base of rose, thread wire through stem to make sturdy.


Cut flowers don't last very long, but knit flowers can last forever!

Easy Knit Heart Cusion

If you're looking for a special project for Valentine's Day (or any other day when you're in the mood for romance this cute knit heart cusion is very easy and quick to knit.

I knit this cusion in blue to match my decor but you could knit in red, perfect for that special someone on Valentines day.
This ‘eyelash’ yarn this is a turkish yarn similar to Patons Moxie, Lion Brand Festive Fur or Fun Fur and Bernat Boa. You will need 200g.

Remember to check your Tension!

Yarn used knits to this tension: 17 sts x 20 rows to

4x4in (10x10cm) measured over the st st using 5mm needles.

The finished measurements are 45cm across widest part and 40cm high

Abbreviations used in this pattern:

dec knit or purl two stitches together

inc knit or purl into the front and back of each stitch.

k knit

p purl

st st stocking stitch

HEART SHAPE – MAKE 2

Note: Work in stocking stitch (one row knit, one row purl throughout)

Cast on 4 sts using 5mm needles.

Row 1 Knit.

Row 2 Purl.

Inc 1 at beg and end of following 4 rows. [12 sts]

Row 7 Knit.

Row 8 Inc 1 at beg and end of this row. [14 st]

Row 9 Knit.

Rows 10 – 17 Inc 1 at beg and end of each row.[30 sts]

Row 18 Purl.

Inc 1 at beg and end of next 2 rows.

Next row Knit 1 row.

Inc 1 at beg and end of next 3 rows.

Next row Knit 1 row.

Inc 1 at beg and end of next 2 rows.

Next row Purl 1 row.

Inc 1 at beg and end of next 4 rows.

Next row Knit 1 row. [52 sts]

Row 34 Inc 1 at beg and end of this row, and every other row for 12 rows. [64 sts]

Row 47 Inc 1 at beg and end of row.

Work 2 rows. [66 sts]

Next row Inc 1 at beg and end of next row.

Work 2 rows. [68 sts]

Next row Inc 1 at beg and end of next row.

Work 4 rows. [70 sts]

Row 58 Inc 1 at beg and end of this row.

Work 9 rows.

Row 68 Dec 1 at beg and end of this row.

Work 2 rows.

Row 71 Dec 1 at beg and end of this row.

Row 72 Purl. [68 sts]

SPLIT as follows:

Row 73 Dec 1,k32. Turn work, leaving remaining 34 sts on a spare needle or stitch holder.

Row 74 Purl one row.

Row 75 Dec 1 at beg and end of this row. P1 row. (31 sts)

Row 77 Dec 1 at beg and end of this row. P1 row. (29 sts)

Row 79Dec 1 at beg and end of this row. P1 row. (27 sts)

Row 81 Dec 1, K to last 4 sts, dec 2. [24 sts]

Row 82 Dec 2, P to last 2 sts, dec 1. [21 sts]

Rows 83 & 84 Dec 2 at beg and end of these rows. [13 sts]

Row 85 & 86 Dec 1 at beg and end of these 2 row. [9 sts]

Cast off.

Repeat rows 73 to 86 for other side.

FINISHING

This yarn is not suitable to use to sew up your cushion, so use

an appropriate colour of sewing cotton.

Gently pull the two pieces of fabric into even heart shapes. Place them together with the purl sides facing each other. Starting at the bottom tip of the heart, firmly back stitch the edges together about 1cm from the edge. Stitch all the way around, but leave a 10cm gap down the final straight side of the heart shape. Turn the cushion inside out by pulling it through the gap you have left. Stuff with enough filler to give the cushion shape. Sew up the gap neatly.

'Thoughtful Thursday' Knitting For Oxfam

When you think of Oxfam, charity shops and second-hand clothes springs to mind but they're only part of the picture. Oxfam is a vibrant global movement of passionate, dedicated people fighting poverty together and doing amazing work! From saving lives and developing projects that put poor people in charge of their lives and livelihoods, to campaigning for change that lasts.

To have the biggest possible impact on the lives of poor people worldwide, Oxfam concentrates on three interlinked areas of work:

Emergency response.

People need help in an emergency – fast. Oxfam save lives, swiftly delivering aid, support and protection; and helps communities develop the capacity to cope with future crises.

 Development work.

Poor people can take control, solve their own problems, and rely on themselves – with the right support. Oxfam funds long-term work to fight poverty in thousands of communities worldwide.

Campaigning for change.

Poverty isn’t just about lack of resources. In a wealthy world it’s about bad decisions made by powerful people. Oxfam campaigns hard, putting pressure on leaders for real lasting change.

Fighting poverty. That's what Oxfam is about. Make no mistake, it's a massive challenge. But they are winning the battle, right now, in all sorts of ways – big and small. Supporting Oxfam can, and does, make a difference!

Oxfam opened one of the world’s first charity shop chains starting with a shop in Oxford in 1947. This innovative fundraising idea attracted donations ranging from false teeth, various stuffed animals, up to a houseboat. Today Oxfam shop network raises millions, and there's even an online version too!

How Can Knitters Help?

knitted (and crocheted) items can be sold in Oxfam High street shops to raise much needed

funds for Oxfam’s work around the World. It would be best to speak to the manager of your local shop first. The shop manager would need to ensure that there is a local market for the product and that the price would reflect the fact that these are handmade items and that every one is unique. To sell in the shop the items will need to be well made and well finished. In this way Oxfam can make the most from every donation that they are given.

Oxfam have a selection of patterns, which can be given free to supporters who wish to knit items for Oxfam to sell but you can use your own too, as the more different patterns they have the more items they will be able to sell. Your local shop manager will be able to tell you what they can sell and roughly how much money they’ll be able to make.

Patterns already in use by individual Oxfam shops and available from the website include :

Legwarmers    Hat with earflaps  Corsage     Elemental jacket

Peaked hat     Handwarmers and hat        Fingerless gloves

scarves, doll’s clothes, baby clothes, jumpers, tank tops and Christmas decorations are also very welcome. They are unable to accept knitted toys as all toys sold in Oxfam shops have to have the CE mark; the same would apply to handmade toys, and when knitters are providing their own materials – including stuffing – they cannot take responsibility for this.

Knittted Blankets.

Oxfam are asking all supporters interested in offering their services if they would be prepared to knit blankets. The ‘iconic’ Oxfam blankets are extremely popular and raise significant funds for their work around the world. They are sold predominantly at the Music festivals held across the UK each summer but are also sold in their high street shops. These can be handed into any Oxfam shop selling clothing who will pass the blankets to Oxfam’s own recycling centre, Wastesaverin Huddersfield. They will then be sorted and passed to Oxfam’s festival shop team.

The measurements for the blankets are 6ft x 4ft and these can be made up of squares or strips sewn firmly together.

Oxfam try to maximise the amount they can sell each one for and they are individually priced, ranging from £20 to £35 each, depending on size and quality.

£35 is enough for Oxfam to provide safe water to over 58 people in an emergency or to buy fertilizer for 12 Farmer’s crops.

Oxfam is very grateful to supporters who have taken the time to knit blankets and other garments for them. Knitting items that they can sell is a valuable contribution to Oxfam, one that really does make a huge difference to the lives of people living in poverty around the world.

If you wish to donate items that you have knitted, you can find your local shop through Oxfam website  http:// www.oxfam.org.uk or http://www.oxfam.org

Oxfam believes that in a wealthy world poverty is unjustifiable, and can be prevented. Believes that injustice must be challenged, and that with the right help, poor people themselves can change their lives for the better, for good.

Everyone has the right to a life worth living – and to the basic things that make one possible. This belief shapes everything Oxfam do.

Donate to Oxfam and join thousands of others providing the vital ongoing support people need to escape poverty once and for all.Donate to Oxfam and join thousands of others providing the vital ongoing support people need to escape poverty once and for all!

For more information the website is : International -  http://www.oxfam.org

                                                           Uk - http://www.oxfam.org.uk

Carnival Earflap Hat

This ear flap hat is attractive and warm to help keep you warm while you are enjoying your outdoor activities. Great for snow sports, camping or anytime you need to keep that chill off. With a matching ball on the top of crown. Closure two matching braided tie strings to close the hat with. I made this to match with the Carnival Scarf and Fingerless gloves.

GAUGE: 17 sts = 4”; 20 rows = 4” in St st.

CHECK YOUR GAUGE. Use any size needles to obtain
the gauge.
Double Pointed Needles: 5mm [US 8].
Circular Knitting Needle: 5mm [US 8] – 16”.
Crochet Hook: 6mm [US J-10].
Stitch marker, yarn needle, pom pom maker.


Circumference: 18 ½”.
Hat fits most women.


EARFLAP (Make 2): With grey double knit, cast on 3 sts using double
pointed needles.
Row 1 (Right Side): Knit.
Row 2 and all even rows: Purl.
Row 3: K1, [M1, K1] twice – 5 sts.
Row 5: K1, M1, K3, M1, K1 – 7 sts.
Row 7: K1, M1, K5, M1, K1 – 9 sts.
Row 9: K1, M1, K7, M1, K1 – 11 sts.
Row 11: K1, M1, K9, M1, K1 – 13 sts.
Row 13: K1, M1, K11, M1, K1 – 15 sts.
Row 14: Purl.
[Knit 1 row. Purl 1 row.] twice. Break yarn.

HAT: With circular needle, cast on 10 sts, with right side facing, Knit across 15 sts of one earflap, turn, cast on 25 sts, turn, with right side facing, Knit across 15 sts of remaining earflap, turn, cast on 10 sts; join to work in the round placing a stitch marker between first and last sts to
mark beginning/end of rnds – 75 sts.

Knit 2 rnds even.
Change to grey eylash and work 2 rnds.
Change to blue double knit and work 8 rnds
Change to blue eyelash and work 2 rnds.
Change to raspberry double knit and work 6 rnds
Change to grey eyelash and work 2 rnds.
Change to grey double knit and work 2 rnds.
Change to grey eyelash and work 2 rnds.
Change to blue double knit and work 14 rnds.
Change to raspberry double knit and work 2 rnds straight (hat measures 7” from beginning).
 Change to double pointed needles while working next rnd, dividing sts onto 3 needles.
Shape Top-Next Rnd: [K2tog] 37 times, K1 – 38 sts.
Next 2 Rnds: Knit.
Next Rnd: [K2tog] 19 times – 19 sts.
Next 2 Rnds: Knit.
Next Rnd: [K2tog] 9 times, K1 – 10 sts.
Break yarn and weave tail through remaining sts; draw up firmly, secure on wrong side.

FINISHING: With right side facing and crochet hook,
attach raspberry double knit at center back; ch 1, sc around lower edge of hat, including earflaps, taking care to keep work flat; join with a slip st in first sc. Fasten off.
Tie: Cut nine 30” strands of A and draw through sts at point of earflap to the mid-point of the strands. Divide the lengths into 3 sections of 6 strands each and braid them for 11”. Knot the end of the braid. Trim ends even. Repeat for other earflap.

Using pom pom maker and A, make one 3” pom pom and secure to top of hat.



SPECIAL ABBREVIATION:
M1 (make one stitch) = Lift running thread before next
stitch onto left needle and knit into the back loop.

The stripe pattern is only a guide, you can change the design to suite or knit in one colour it's up to you - just have fun!

Carnival Fingerless gloves

This is one easy knit fingerless glove pattern and will only take you a couple hours to finish.

They are knitted on Straight knitting needles size 4mm using the yarn and colours to go with the Carnival Scarf  you can choose any colour combination you prefer.

Instructions:

Cast on 36 stitches in eyelash yarn I chose grey
k2,p2 ribbing for 3 inches.
Next row change to double knit yarn again I chose the grey, this is a knit row, increase 4 stitches evenly, (40sts).
Purl one row
Knit one row.
Thumb increase: purl 18 stitches, in the next stitch purl in back and front of next st( increase), purl2, purl in back and front of next st, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
2nd increase: purl 18 st. purl back and front of next st, purl 4 stitches,purl back and front of next st , purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
3rd increase= purl 18 stitches, increase one in the next as above, purl 6 stitches, increase one, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
4th increase= purl 18 stitches, increase one in the next stitch, purl 8 stitches, increase one, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row,
purl 1 row,
knit 1 row
5th increase= purl 18 stitches, increase one, purl 10 stitches, increase one, purl 18 stitches.
knit 1 row ,
purl 1 row.
 change colour (I chose blue) and knit18 stitches and put them on a holder,
knit 14 stitches and leave them on the needle,
place remaining 18 stitches on a second holder.
work the thumb= purl 1 row, knit 1 row and purl 1 row, then work k2,p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind them off.
change colour (I chose raspberry) and pick up and knit 18 stitches from 1st holding needle, purl1 row, knit 1 row, purl 1 row. k2, p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind off.
Pick up stitches from second holding needle. knit 1 row, purl 1 row, knit 1 row, purl 1 row, K2, p2 ribbing for 4 rows. bind off. sew seams together using your preferred method.

Carnival Scarf

Eyelash yarn is a lot of fun to work with and to wear. The yarn is made of a central core with little strands of fiber coming off of it that look sort of like eyelashes.
Different brands of eyelash yarn have different lengths of eyelashes. Some products have varying lengths within the same product. Some have very solid masses of eyelashes, while some are a little more sparse. Pick a yarn that you like the look of for this quick and easy scarf project.

MATERIALS

• Double Knit type yarn Grey colour -1 Ball (A)
• Double Knit type yarn Raspberry colour -1 Ball (B)
• Double Knit type yarn Blue colour -1 Ball (C)
• Eyelash type yarn: Grey -1 Ball (D)
• Eyelash type Yarn: Blue - 1 Ball (E)
• Eyelash type Yarn: Raspberry -1 Ball (F)
•  Knitting Needles- Size 6 [4.00 mm]
GAUGE:

18 sts and 24 rows = 4 in. (10 cm) in St st (k on RS, p on WS) with A.



1. Scarf is worked in St st (k on RS, p on WS). Side edges will roll naturally.
2. When changing to new color, cut old color, leaving an 8 in. (20.5 cm) yarn tail of both old and new
colors. Weave in these yarn ends when knitting has been completed.

Scarf Instructions

With F, cast on 34 sts.
*With F, work in St st (k on RS, p on RS) until piece measures 4 in. (10 cm).
Change to B and continue in St st as established for 2 in. (5 cm).
Change to E and continue in St st for 4 in. (10 cm).
Change to C and continue in St st for 6 in. (15 cm).
Change to D and continue in St st for 2 in. (5 cm).
Change to A and continue in St st for 5 in. (12.5 cm).
Change to D and continue in St st for 4 in. (10 cm).
Change to A and continue in St st for 2 in. (5 cm).
Change to F and continue in St st for 3 in. (7.5 cm).
Change to B and continue in St st for 6 in. (15 cm).
Change to F and continue in St st for 4 in. (10 cm).
Change to C and continue in St st for 6 in. (16.5 cm).



Change to E and continue in St st for 2 in. (5 cm).
Change to B and continue in St st for 2 in. (5 cm).
Rep from * until piece measures about 90 in. (228.5 cm) from beginning.
Bind off.

FINISHING

Weave in ends.
 This is a wonderful scarf to wear to a party or just on one of those days when you need a little brightness and fun. There are so many different types of eyelash yarn out there, you can easily make several of these in different colors with different styles of yarn. Have fun!