'Thoughful Thursday' - Strickpate- Knitting for Poor Children in Singen, Germany

Thoughtful Thursday contiues with 'Strickpate' - Knitting for poor children in Singen, Germany.

Silke Stockebrand had a dream and a love of knitting;

The dream was that all poor children in Germany could have nice warm clothing. Clothes, that any child would love.
So she started to knit the clothes she had been dreaming of. Unfortunately the whole of Germany is too big for 1 person to knit for, so she started knitting for the poor children on her own doorstep, in Singen, a small town in the south of Germany close to Lake Constance.
This was the start of a charity founded by Silke Stockebrand in 2010 Called 'Strickpate' which means 'Knitting Godmother' who like all Godparents wants to help with the care of the children.
A local wool store in Singen - 'Creative & Hobby' was so thrilled by the idea, that they jumped in by helping  right from the beginning and are still helping today. The first round of knitting went well, vey well, and the children were excited, thrilled,and very happy about the clothing given to them.

So much so Strickpate did it again in 2011, very successfully, and so are continuing this year in 2012.

“Strickpate – knitting for poor Children in Singen” will be established and become a local constant.

How can knitters help?

Are you’re looking for a way to use up your leftover yarn?

By knitting -Socks, Gloves, Hats, Scarves, Fingerless / arm warmers, Leg warmers
All sizes are needed from babies to teenagers and as children are all ages, size really doesn't matter as there are children of all ages who need warm clothing.

Another thing knitters can do is to donate yarn from their stash that they no longer want or enjoy, knitters tend to attract yarn (we get yarn that others no longer want or from family members) this yarn is great to give to 'Strickpate'.

 If you don’t knit, you can donate yarn and needles to help knit items for these children in need.

Please help 'Strickpate' they need your assistance and support for this project.
You can find them at : http://strickpate.wordpress.com/  and
www.facebook.com/strickpate

Help by spreading the word of “Strickpate”Tell everyone you know about the cause.Tell your friends, neighbors, relatives.

Donations
If you prefer to donate money which will go towards costs, purchasing of wool and other items, it will be greatly appreciated. All donations, however small or grandeur mean so much, as it allows the continuation of helping to keep a child warm.

Please send knitted items, supplies or donations to:
Strickpate
Nachbarschaftstreff Lillje
z.Hd. Silke Stockebrand
Berliner Straße 8
78224 Singen

Email: strickpate@yahoo.de

 Silke Stockebrand  had a dream, to be able to help children in Singen  you can help make that dream  a reality and maybe tomorrow this dream will  help children throughout the whole of Germany!

Here's a Knitting pattern for childs hat and scarf to get you started.

Materials:

• Yarn:  Chunky Type yarn (340 g/12 oz) 1 ball of #87630 (Tangerine Twist) for both Cap and Scarf.
• Knitting Needles: Sizes 4.5 mm (U.S. 7) and 5 mm (U.S. 8) knitting needles or size needed to obtain gauge.

Gauge: 15 sts and 20 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] with larger needles in stocking st.
Sizes:
Cap: To fit child’s head circumference: 17 (19) ins [43 (48) cm].
Scarf: Approx 6 ins [15 cm] wide x 50 ins [127 cm] long.

Instructions:
The instructions are written for smaller size. If changes are necessary for larger size the instructions will be written thus ( ).
CAP
With smaller needles, cast on 62 (70) sts.
**1st row: (RS). *K2. P1. K1. Rep from * to last 2 sts. K2.
2nd row: *P2. K1. P1. Rep from * to last 2 sts. P2.**
Rep last 2 rows of Seed Rib Pat twice more.
Change to larger needles and cont in Seed Rib Pat until work from beg measures 5½ (6) ins [14 (15) cm], ending with 2nd row.
Shape top: 1st row: (RS). *K2. P1. K1. K2tog. P1. K1. Rep from * to last 6 sts. K2. P1. K3. 55 (62) sts.
2nd row: P2. *K2. P2tog. K1. P2. Rep from * to last 4 sts. K1. P3. 48 (54) sts.
3rd row: *K2. K2tog. K1. P1. Rep from * to last 6 sts. K2. K2tog. K2. 40 (45) sts.
4th row: P4. *P2tog. P3. Rep from * to last st. P1. 33 (37) sts.
5th row: (K2tog) 16 (18) times. K1. 17 (19) sts.
6th row: (P2tog) 8 (9) times. P1. 9 (10) sts.
Break yarn leaving a 12 ins [30.5 cm] long end. Draw end through rem sts and fasten securely. Sew back seam.
SCARF
With larger needles, cast on 26 sts.
Work from ** to ** as given for Cap.
Rep last 2 rows of Seed Rib Pat until work from beg measures 50 ins [127 sts], ending with 2nd row. Cast off in pat.
Fringe: Cut yarn 12 ins [30.5 cm] long. Take 3 strands tog, fold in half and knot into fringe ¾ inch [2 cm] apart across ends of scarf. Trim fringe evenly.

Please Help Strickpate if You Can

Knitted Flowers- Free Pattern

Flowers are fabulous fun to knit. Completed in a short amount of time, with a small amount of yarn -a great way to use up your leftover scraps. Knitted flowers can add a beautiful touch to many pieces and since I've started knitting flowers, I catch myself thinking: "Ooh that could use a nice flower!" maybe embellish a knitted hat or bag or blanket, add a few at the ends of a scarf, put one on at collar of your sweater, knit a dozen to cover a scatter cushion. They can be chokers, wristlets, key chains, headbands, and scrunchies or made into a brooch .I’m sure there are lots of other uses too, they can add a beautiful touch to many pieces

While they may look difficult they are really very simple.

Here i have 3 patterns for large, medium and small flowers.

Large Flower

Cast on 12 stitches
Row 1. Slip 1, knit 11
Row 2. Slip 1, purl 11
Row 3. Slip 1, *k1, yo, repeat from* to last st ,knit 1,
Row 4. Slip 1, purl to end
Continue in stocking stitch (sliping the first st of every row) for 14 more rows.
Row 19. knit 2 tog twice, knit to last 4sts, knit 2 togr twice
Row 20.purl

Repeat row 19 & 20 3times more.

Row 27. knit 2 tog 3 times.
Row 28. Purl

Row 29. knit 3 together fasten off.

Arrange pettals as desired and sew into place.

Medium Flower

Cast on 8 stitches.
Row 1. knit
Row 2. Purl
Row 3.knit 2, knit front & back of all stitches to last, knit 1
Row 4. purl
Knit 10 rows stocking stitch
Row 15. Knit 2 together twice, knit to last 4 sts, knit 2 together twice
Row 16. Purl

Row 17. Knit 2 tog, knit to last 2 sts. Knit 2 tog

Row 18. Purl
Repeat row 17 & 18 3times more
Row 25. knit 2 together. Fasten off

Repeat to make 5 petals. Arrange petals as desired and sew into place.

Small Fower

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 and sew into place. Secure all loose ends.

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.


While it is my pleasure to be able to share these patterns with you free of charge, I ask you to spare a thought for the Syrian refugee children. LILY- Love In the Language of Yarn is a non profit organisation I founded in the memory of Lily my grand daughter, we provide blankets and warm clothing to orphans and Syrian refugee children. If you could make a small donation to help towards transportation of these items it would be greatfully appreciated. Thankyou.

Tips for Sewing Buttons on Your Knitted Garment

I know it probably seems like a simple thing but i’d like to share with you a few tips on sewing buttons onto your knitted garment.

First of all don’t use the project yarn, it’s best to use sewing thread, just about any thread fine enough for machine sewing will work. Some people will insist on polyester because it’s strongest but cotton-wrapped polyester, cotton, or even silk is probably okay. You can use buttonhole thread or upholstery thread if you’ve got it lying around, but I like to buy thread to match if I can.

Once you have the buttons and thread ready, what I like to do first is find the position for the button by closing the garment, lining up button band and buttonhole band just where I want them. Then, I mark the spot with my needle and thread by making a first stitch on the far side of the garment through the buttonhole.

I like to have my thread doubled and knotted at the far end. This makes sewing on the button faster (twice as strong with fewer passes!) and gives me an easy way to secure the first stitch, rather than having to make a knot. You instead attach the thread by looping the needle through the loop created by the doubled thread.

Slide the button into place.

Now for the sewing: Go through the back of the button band, then back up and through the button three or four times, not too tightly. Make sure to go around both "legs" of one knit stitch to help your button lie flat and avoid pulling too much on one strand of yarn; this can distend your stitch.

On the back of the button band, give your button a wide base to help it lie flat and to protect your knitted garment. If you just can't avoid tightening up, try putting a toothpick or crochet hook between button and garment, then slip it out before the next step. Bring the needle back through the garment to the space between the garment and button. Wrap the thread around the sewing, creating a shank. Now pull the needle back down through the shank and wrap it around the shank crosswise. I like to do this three or four times to assure security. Pull the thread to the back of the button band and tie a knot—again, I tend to wrap and knot a few times. Now you can snip the thread and you’re done!

All buttoned up and ready to go!

Size Matters!

I'm talking about Knitting Needles!! :-)

The size of the needle affects how big your stitches are, and therefore the size your finished product, will be. The gauge, or how many stitches fit into an inch of knitting, relies heavily on the size of the needles. In fact, if your gauge doesn't match what the pattern calls for, the way to fix it is to change the size of your needle. Most knitting patterns are pretty clear when it comes to telling you what size knitting needles you will need and that makes sense, because the designer wants you to be able to recreate the project successfully. It would be a lot simpler, if knitting needles were a standard size, but in fact there are three (British, American and Metric). The American system starts with low numbers for needles with smaller diameters working up to larger numbers for larger diameters, the British system starts with high numbers for low diameters and low numbers for high diameters, and the metric measurements indicate the diameter of the needle in millimeters. The only place the American and British numbering systems agree is at 4.5 mm; both countries call that a size 7. One way of seeing that size matters, is to try knitting a swatch on a size 10 American set of needles and a size 10 British set. You'll get two very different results! As seen in the picture below both were knitted on 20st over 20 rows, the top is the British size 10 and the bottom American size 10

For knitting needle conversion chart see tab on the blog main page.

Don’t fall into the trap of choosing projects with thicker needles because they’re initially easier to hold. Take into account that they’ll be heavier, need thicker yarn and ultimately result in a heavier project. Similarly very thin needles can be difficult to hold and the fine grip can be tiring. 4mm,4.5mm and 5mm are a good size to start with. If you love sock or lace knitting with fine yarns then intersperse these projects with ones that use thicker needles to give your hands a break from the fine grip needed for these.

So in knitting Yes! size does matter.

Happy National Hat day

Happy National Hat Day!

What kind of hat person are you? Do you fancy a Boonie, Fedora, Porkpie, Gatsby, Trilby or perhaps the popular novelty hat such as Sponge Bob?
Sunday, Jan. 15 is 'National Hat Day' so what better time to learn a little about hats and sport your favorite head accessory? After all - there's nothing like a hat to boost your spirit and show off a little of your personality. You can't wear anything on your body that affects your statement more than a hat. Believe it or not, National Hat Day is an unofficial but well-celebrated holiday. Every Jan. 15, people across America are invited to pull out their favorite head topper and stick it on their noggin for the entire day.

National Hat Day's origins are unknown and its meaning and purpose are even more mysterious. Even the esteemed and long-standing Headwear Association (est. 1908) doesn't know how it got started You probably didn't even know that hats had their own holiday!.
Throughout history, hats have served as symbols of what people do for a living, what they stand for, what their status is and what kind of personality they have. As you ponder what you'll be wearing on 'National Hat Day,' think about what kind of statement you want to make - go a little crazy even.

 

Why We Wear Hats

Humans have covered their heads since time immemorial. Initially headwear offered protection from the elements and from injury from falling rocks, weapons or masonry. Later head coverings became symbols of status of authority. Soon after hats progressed to become not only a uniform, but also an art form.
In fashion terms, hats are a very noticeable accessory because the onlooker's attention is first drawn to the face. A hat is the most noticeable fashion item anyone can wear. The old saying goes 'if you want to get ahead and get noticed, then get a hat'. Indeed the word 'ahead' means just that one head further forward.
Since some body heat is lost through the head, in inclement conditions it is important to cover the head. Babies in particular lose heat rapidly through the head, thus ensuring a baby or toddler has a warm covered head in winter is important.

 

 

How to Celebrate National Hat Day

January 15th is National Hat Day! You can celebrate this day every year with your family and . To help you, Ive gathered a list of fun things to do.

Instructions
Celebrating National Hat Day
1 Wear a hat, of course!
2 Make funny hats out of construction paper.
3 Take everyone to buy a new hat.
4 Change hats all day, or just wear your favorite on throughout. Ask everyone to share why their favorite hat is so special to them.
5 Hold a hat party

 

 for more fun facts and crazy hats check out www.squidoo.com/january-15th-national-hat-day

Felted Tote Bag

 After the knitting is finished this bag is thoroughly felted by a simple washing then it is stretched to dry.  This perfect bag is washable and no lining is required!

Materials

2 Balls 100% wool (185yds/170m per 100grms)
1 Ball yarn for handles
Several legths cord to embelish

Size 6.5mm (10.5 us) needles or size to obtain guage

Felting needle

Finished measurements

Unfelted: 59''x 19''

Felted: 39'' x 13''

Gauge:
15 sts and 20 rows over 4'' (10cm) in Stocking stitch

Bag

Cast on 75 stitches and work st st for 300 rows or 60''

Cast off loosely.

Fold knitting in half and sew seams.

Felting the Bag

Note: weave in any loosed ends before felting.

 Set washing machine to hot on a low water, high agitation cycle (80-90)C and use a little detergent.

The felting process can take anywhere from four to twenty minutes. Check frequently, if cycle is complete and the piece isn't felted to your satisfaction reset the machine and start again.

 Rinse under cool running water.

Squeeze out excess water by rolling the piece in a terry cloth towel.

Arrange into shape and pin to a dry towel and leave to dry.

Dry felting, creating designs with a felting needle

The first thing to note about a felting needle is that it is long, barbed and extremely sharp. Therefore care needs to be taken when working to avoid injury. The process of holding and using a felting needle is very different to using a sewing needle. The felting needle punches through the fabric from top to bottom.  Whether working with a single needle or a needle felt tool, the principle is the same and that is to push or punch the needle through layers of fiber or fabric. This means that it is important to do this on a surface which the needle can sink into.

With a marker or chalk draw whatever design you want on the bag.

Place a foam block or a felting block (looks like upside down yard sweeping brush) inside the bag.

Being careful not to jab your fingers place the yarn along the drawn shape then jab with the felting needle to secure to the bag.

Holding the felting needle or tool in the hand, punch the needle through the layers of fabric and fibers. Work on a small area at a time, until the layers start to mesh and then move onto the next area. Continue needle felting until all shapes have been filled and firmly compacted.

Fold over 4'' at top of bag.

 Monks Cord straps

Sraps are made by over twisting yarn then folding it in half, this allows the opposite twist to lock strands of yarn together making a stable simple braid.

Make 2 as follows:

Cut 6 legths of yarn 5rds (60'') long, holding each of thecut ends twist the yarn (this maybe easier with another person helping) after twisting find the centre point and putting the cut ends together fold in half. Don't let go of the ends! The yarn will seem to untwist a little but will settle into a cord. 

Tie a knot in the cut ends.

Sew the ends securely in place onto the bag.

Tote it around wherever you go!

'Thoughtful Thursday'- Bridge and Beyond

'Thoughful Thursday' focus this week is Bridge and Beyond.

Their mission is to warm cold homeless people in need by providing hand knitted and crocheted items for men and women living outdoors in cold central Ohio (Bridge people), for women and children in desperate circumstance treated in 2 free clinics, abused and or homeless women living in temporary housing through Faith Mission, Men sleeping a night in The Shelter through Faith Mission, Families receiving a hot meal through Holy Family; and Homeless Families (men, women and children) living in temporary housing through The Homeless Families Foundation. Hats, Scarves, Mittens, and Slippers hand knit or crocheted accepted all year long.

The average age of a homeless person Nationally is a 9 year old child. There are many stories of how families become homeless and their struggles. A sad statistic is the children. Children typically fall 2 years behind their counterparts in school. When you don't know if you'll have a roof over your head, a bed to sleep in, or a meal it's awfully hard to focus on learning. The Foundation provides the safety net of a place to live (temporary housing for up to 3 months), they also provide day to day essentials. While counselors work with the adults to provide them with the tools they need to successfully care for their families (jobs and housing), they work with the children; planting the seeds of hope. After school programs, and summer programs provide safe, educational and enrichment programs to help the children reach their potential. Hot meals are provided, along with homework assistance through the Dowd Center.

How can knitters help?

The most obvious way to help is to knit or crochet hats, scarves, mittens, slippers, and squares patterns are available on the website,

below is a list of what is needed:

The Bridge Folks There are no specific patterns that must be followed for hats, mittens, or scarves. Please remember the primary focus is men (and some women) living outdoors without a roof over their heads; so light airy objects aren't good. Colors appropriate for Men and Women (adults), as well as sizes appropriate for adults are needed. Please stick with yarns that need no special care or washing instructions, as the homeless do not have that ability. Avoid suede yarn. Wool yarn is acceptable but Please leave a note so they know it's wool. Most useable yarn is acyclic and washable wool.

Avoid the use of white, as it shows dirt too easily

Beyond The Bridge This means helping beyond those who live under the bridge, reaching out beyond those limits. For now beyond the bridge means our folks being treated in 2 free clinics. Though they have a roof over their heads, they are very much in need. Many have no heat, or very little heat and so wear the warm items (mittens, hats, scarves, slippers) indoors as well as outdoors. Here again think warm, sturdy; non lacy patterns. Sizing and colors should be appropriate for Women and Teens, and children. Babies are NOT treated at these clinics.

Holy Family Hats, mittens, scarves, and slippers for men, women, and children needed. Holy Family feeds hundreds of hungry cold people in need every single day. Warm items can be distributed along with a hot meal. All colors except lots of white and ivory, warm patterns work (no lacy items). Please again keep in mind warm, washable, sturdy.

The Homeless Families Foundation Men, Women, and Children are cared for. Temporary housing is providedfor 47 families. They live in their temporary housing for up to 3 months while receiving support and guidance to locate jobs, permanent housing, care for children after school and other necessary things to get back on their feet. On going support is provide as they transition into their permanent housing. Our standard, hats, scarves, mittens, slippers will be provided; as well as afghans through our donated squares. PLEASE see guidelines for squares regarding size, and months to donate them.

Operation WELCOME HOME  will be an on going program. It will utilize the squares that have been sent and will  be sent. Afghans will continue to be assembled and donated; just as they have always done through the Give a Square Program.  These afghans will be given as a house warming gift to the families as they move from The Homeless Families Foundation Shelter (temporary housing for 3 months) into "their" home/apt. These afghans will be a true welcome home, and welcome to your new life.

Families receive assistance with education, food, lodging and guidance through out their stay in temporary housing to help with the transition to permanent housing-employment etc.

There are other ways you can help too:

Tell everyone you know about the cause. Tell your friends, neighbors, relatives.

Post the link to http://homelessbridge.blogspot.comin your emails, and or on your blog. Add their blog badge to your blog, to your facebook page. Tweet about them. Print and distribute the flyer found in a tab across the top of the blog.

Buy yarn for someone you know who knits or crochets

Post information in your church bulletin

Socks, store bought socks are needed all year long. Wet feet are miserable all year long.

There are many cold hungry homeless in many cities across the country. Is there a group in your area you can help? Please help to raise the awareness of this sad problem.

2012 Working Calendar

January's focus will be mittens. Please label mittens as to the size you made, adult, male, female, child, small, medium, or large etc. If the pattern you're using doesn't have a long cuff, please add a couple of rows to make it longer. Please attach your mittens to each other. Please avoid white, off-white, ivory. AND please avoid open lacy stitches.

February's focus will be slippers (please consider making slippers with double thickness yarn, or make 2 and sew them together; to make them thicker and more durable...as well as warmer. Please label your slippers as to the intended size (men, women, children, small, medium, large and or extra large). Avoid White, off-white, and ivory please. Please avoid open loose stitches for slippers. Please attach your slippers to each other.

March's focus will be scarves. Please consider the size of your scarf and who it's intended for. Adult scarves should be at least 5 inches wide and at least 5 feet long for women, and at least 6 feet long for Men. Please avoid making small scarves that can't be doubled around someone's neck for warmth. Scarves should not be made for toddlers or younger children. If you use double yarn, please consider laundering it as that helps soften it. Again please avoid white and off white, please avoid open airy stitches (remember...if you can poke your finger through it, it's too open).

Contact sandycrochet@gmail.com with questions regarding how you can help and for mailing address to mail your donations to. PLEASE include your name, email address with your donation.

Please visit the web site: http://homelessbridge.blogspot.com there’s lots more information!

This is a grassroots organization, run completely voluntarily. No paid staff exists and 100% of your donations are hand delivered to those in need. This effort continues 12 months a year. During the warmer months, they're able to stock pile donations to be ready as soon as the cold hits.

Join the Bridge and Beyond and help build a bridge from Homelessness to Hope!

Please Help if You Can

If you would like the free pattern 'Knitting for Charity' please leave your email address in the box at the base of this blog. I promise to respect your privacy and will not pass your email address on.

Easy Knit Stole

This stole adds a romantic layer to any glamorous outfit, where you feel the need for a little extra coverage.

This design looks beautiful and is so soft and light, gives warmth without feeling heavy for that special night out.

The pattern is so easy and hardly takes anytime at all.

You'll need size 6.5mm needles
Yarn is different here in Turkey i used Dalma which is an eyelash  type yarn and a mohair type yarn for the contrast.
The tension guide is 14 sts and 19 rows over 4inches/10cm

Abbreviations
K- knit
P- purl
St st- stocking stitch (knit across front row, purl across back row)

Using eyelas type yarn cast on 115sts. Work in St st for 10 rows. Change to contrast yarn and work 10 rows St st . Repeat 3 times then change to eyelash yarn and work 8 rows St st. Cast off.

Edging

Begining from cast on row, work blossom trim (or edging of your choice) along all edges.

Ties (opptional)

Using eyelas yarn cast on 15 st work 10 rows St st, change to contrast yarn work 8 rows St st, change back to eyelash and work 10 rows St st, Cast off loosely. Repeat (1 tie for each side).

Make a simple flower for embelishment. I will give details of one i used in tomorrows post.

How to Substitute Yarn

Living here in Turkey you have to learn to substitute many things, :-), and here is guide that hopefully will be of some help when you need to substitute yarn in a knitting pattern.

There is a bit of homework involved but, its not difficult and it enables you to make any project your own.

Fisrt of all you need to note the gauge (the number of stitches and rows per inch), that the designer of the pattern you are going to use got when they worked out the pattern. It's necessary if you want your finished project to be the same size as in the pattern. Therefore you will need to find a yarn that allows you to knit at the same gauge.

Most yarn bands will have the information of how many stitches and rows work up on a certain size needle over 4inches (10cm) in either a picture or in words.

Different companies use different needles to make their gauges and you might not find a yarn that indicates the exact same needle the pattern calls for. The stitch size is the most important, since, you can always knit more or fewer rows.
Picking the perfect substitute yarn has a lot to do with personal choice as well and once you've chosen your yarn the next question is:
How much should i buy?
On the original pattern you will find the number of balls or skeins , yardage and weight used to complete the project. If you know the yardage you can work it out based on how much yardage is in each ball. If you don't get an exact number buy an extra ball to be on the safe side.
Once you've bought your yarn and before you start your project, take time to knit a gauge swatch. Every knitter is different and even a small variation in the number of stitches can make a big difference in the sizing.

There are lots of new and fun yarns on the market,

DON'T BE AFRAID! EXPLORE and HAVE FUN!.

Easy Fun Panda Hat

Isn't this panda hat so cute! does it make you want to knit one for yourself?
To knit this panda hat, you only need basic skills: Cast on, knit,purl,  decreases, bind off.

Sizes 3 years (4-5 years, 6-7 years, Adult)

Finished Measurements
Hat circumference: 16 (18, 20, 201/4)" (40.5 [45.5, 51,51.5 ] cm)
Materials
1 skein white double knitting type yarn
Size 7 (4.5mm) needles
Yarn needle

Small amount of black double knitting yarn for features
Small amount of red double knitting yarn for tongue.

Hat

Cast on 72 (80, 88,97) stitches. Work in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until the piece measures 41⁄2 (5, 51⁄2, 51/2)" (11.5 [12.5, 14, 14]cm) from the beginning.

Shape Crown
Row 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end-63 (70, 77,84 ) stitches.
Row 2: and all wrong side rows Purl.
Row 3: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end-54 (60, 66, 72) stitches.
Row 5: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end-45 (50, 55, 60) stitches.
Row 7: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * around-36 (40, 44, 48) stitches.
Row 9: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around-27 (30, 33, 36) stitches.
Row 11: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around-18 (20, 22, 24) stitches.
Row 13: K2tog around-9 (10, 11, 12) stitches.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long end. Use the yarn needle to thread the end through the remaining stitches. Draw together tightly and fasten off and sew seam.

Eyes – Make 2
With black, cast on 21 sts loosely. Knit 3 rows. Pass all sts, 1 at a time, over first st. Cut yarn,
leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining st; pull to tighten. Embroider whites of eyes and black french knot in centre.

Ears(make 2)
With black cast on 20 stitches.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2 : Purl
Row 3 :Knit
Row 4 : Purl
Row 5: k2tog, k 6; k2tog; k2tog, k 6 k2tog
Row 6 : k2tog, k4, k2tog, K2tog, K4, k2tog
Row 7: k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2tog, k2,k2tog
Cut the yarn, leaving a long end. Slip 4sts onto a second needle. Hold both needles parallel to each other and use the yarn end to graft the stitches together

NoseWith white, cast on 15 sts. Work in St st for 8 rows.
Next Row (RS) *K2tog; rep from * to last st, k 1 – 8 sts.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining sts; pull tightly and secure.
Sew Nose seam.

Tip of nose With black, cast on 5 sts. Knit 2 rows. Purl 1 row.
Next Row K2tog, k 1, k2tog – 3 sts.
Next Row Purl.
Next Row K3tog – 1 st.
Cut yarn, leaving a long tail. Thread tail through remaining st; pull to tighten.
sew Tip to Nose.

Tongue With red, cast on 3 sts. Work 4 rows in St st. K3tog. Thread tail through remaining st; pull
to tighten.
FinishingUsing photo as a guide, sew knit Eyes and Ears in place. Stuff Nose and sew in place.
With black, embroider mouth. Sew Tongue to
mouth.

For those who prefer to knit with circular needles the hat pattern is the same a froggy hat a previous post on this blog. http://dianne-jones.blogspot.com/2012/01/easy-fun-froggy-hat.html

Two Needle Froggy Hat

As requested here is a two needle version of the froggy hat.

Sizes 3 years (4-5 years, 6-7 years, Adult)

Finished Measurements
Hat circumference: 16 (18, 20, 201/4)" (40.5 [45.5, 51,51.5 ] cm)
Materials
1 skein Green double knitting type yarn
Size 7 (4.5mm)  needles
Yarn needle
2 black buttons or 2 frog eyes, 3⁄4" (19mm) in diameter
Small amount of black worsted-weight yarn

Hat

Cast on 72 (80, 88,97) stitches. Work in stockinette stitch (knit 1 row, purl 1 row) until the piece measures 41⁄2 (5, 51⁄2, 51/2)" (11.5 [12.5, 14, 14]cm) from the beginning.

Shape Crown
Row 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * to end-63 (70, 77,84 ) stitches.
Row 2: and all wrong side rows Purl.
Row 3: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * to end-54 (60, 66, 72) stitches.
Row 5: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end-45 (50, 55, 60) stitches.
Row 7: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * around-36 (40, 44, 48) stitches.
Row 9: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around-27 (30, 33, 36) stitches.
Row 11: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around-18 (20, 22, 24) stitches.
Row 13: K2tog around-9 (10, 11, 12) stitches.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long end. Use the yarn needle to thread the end through the remaining stitches. Draw together tightly and fasten off.
Eye(make 2)

 cast on 20 stitches.
Row 1: Knit.
Row 2 : Purl
Row 3 :Knit
Row 4 : Purl
Row 5:  k2tog, k 6; k2tog;  k2tog, k 6 k2tog
Row 6 : k2tog, k4, k2tog, K2tog, K4, k2tog
Row 7:  k2tog, k2, k2tog, k2tog, k2,k2tog
 Cut the yarn, leaving a long end.  Slip 4sts onto a second needle. Hold both needles parallel to each other and use the yarn end to graft the stitches together.
Finishing
Sew a large button to one side of each Eye or attach a frog eye or embroider black circle and green french knot in center . Stuff the Eye with about 60" (152.5cm) of matching yarn. Sew Eyes to the top of the Hat. With black yarn, embroider a backstitch or chainstitch mouth and nose on the Hat. Weave in ends.

Easy Fun Froggy Hat

Staying with the stash busting new years resolution I had some green yarn that needed using up so I decided to make a childs Froggy hat. Frogs are rather cute and this is a fun easy pattern with no complicated stitched or shaping.

Sizes 3 years (4-5 years, 6-7 years)

Finished Measurements
Hat circumference: 16 (18, 20)" (40.5 [45.5, 51]cm)
Materials
1 skein Green double knitting type yarn
Size 7 (4.5mm) 16" (40cm) circular needle
Size 7 (4.5mm) double-pointed needles, set of 5
Size 5 (3.75mm) double-pointed needles, set of 5
Stitch markers
Yarn needle
2 black buttons or 2 frog eyes, 3⁄4" (19mm) in diameter
Small amount of black worsted-weight yarn

Hat

Using the circular needle, cast on 72 (80, 88) stitches. Join, being careful not to twist stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round. Work in stockinette stitch (knit every round) until the piece measures 41⁄2 (5, 51⁄2)" (11.5 [12.5, 14]cm) from the beginning.

Shape Crown
NOTE: Change to the larger double-pointed needles when the number of stitches has been sufficiently decreased.
Round 1: *K6, k2tog; repeat from * around-63 (70, 77) stitches.
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: *K5, k2tog; repeat from * around-54 (60, 66) stitches.
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *K4, k2tog; repeat from * around-45 (50, 55) stitches.
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: *K3, k2tog; repeat from * around-36 (40, 44) stitches.
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: *K2, k2tog; repeat from * around-27 (30, 33) stitches.
Round 10: Knit.
Round 11: *K1, k2tog; repeat from * around-18 (20, 22) stitches.
Round 12: Knit.
Round 13: K2tog around-9 (10, 11) stitches.
Cut the yarn, leaving a long end. Use the yarn needle to thread the end through the remaining stitches. Draw together tightly and fasten off.

Eye(make 2)
Using the larger double-pointed needles, cast on 20 stitches. Divide the stitches onto 4 needles-5 stitches per needle. Join, being careful not to twist stitches. Place a marker for the beginning of the round.
Rounds 1-4: Knit.
Round 5: On the first needle, k2tog, k to the end of the needle; on the second needle, k to the last 2 stitches, k2tog; on the third needle, k2tog, k to the end of needle; on the fourth needle, k to the last 2 stitches, k2tog-4 stitches remain on each needle.
Rounds 6-7: Repeat round 5 twice-2 stitches remain on each needle. Slip stitches from the first and second needles onto the first needle; slip stitches from the third and fourth needles onto the third needle. Cut the yarn, leaving a long end. Hold the first and third needles parallel to each other and use the yarn end to graft the stitches together.

Finishing
Sew a large button to one side of each Eye or attach a frog eye or embroider black circle and green french knot in center . Stuff the Eye with about 60" (152.5cm) of matching yarn. Sew Eyes to the top of the Hat. With black yarn, embroider a backstitch or chainstitch mouth and nose on the Hat. Weave in ends.

For those of you who aren't keen on using circular needles there is a two needle version on another post http://dianne-jones.blogspot.com/2012/01/two-needle-froggy-hat.html


Happy Knitting!

Yarn Bombing - Making The World Brighter

Have you ever heard of yarn bombing? Also known as "guerrilla knitting" or "knitted graffiti," yarn bombing is the act of wrapping a piece of knitting around a public object - places like light poles, chain-link fences, step railings, and tree stumps, to name a few.

I must admit that when I first heard of yarn bombing and saw photos of it, I thought it was completely stupid. Why would you want to waste your time knitting things for inanimate objects? But my love of knitting made me incapable of ignoring the articles I saw here and there, and so I began reading. And then I understood: yarn bombers aren't wasting their time. They're using their craft to make a world that often looks and feels hard, cold, and unwelcoming a little warmer, a little softer, a little more inviting.Yarn bombing takes that most matronly craft (knitting) and that most maternal of gestures (wrapping something cold in a warm blanket) and transfers it to the concrete and steel wilds of the urban streetscape. Hydrants, lampposts, mailboxes, bicycles, cars — even objects as big as buses and bridges — have all been bombed in recent years, ever so softly and usually at night.

It is a global phenomenon, with yarn bombers taking their brightly colored fuzzy work to Europe, Asia and beyond. In Paris, a yarn culprit has filled sidewalk cracks with colorful knots of yarn. In Denver, a group called Ladies Fancywork Society has crocheted tree trunks, park benches and public telephones.
 Seattle has the YarnCore collective (“Hardcore Chicks With Sharp Sticks”) and Stockholm has the knit crew Masquerade. In London, Knit the City has “yarnstormed” fountains and fences. And in Melbourne, Australia, a woman known as Bali conjures up cozies for bike racks and bus stops.

To record their works (the fragile pieces begin to fray within weeks), yarn bombers photograph and videotape their creations and upload them to blogs, social networks and Web sites for all the world to see.

Unconventional? Absolutely. But yarn bombing is all about making the world a friendlier place... and I can't help thinking that a friendlier world is an infinitely better one.

'Thoughful Thursday'- Knit a Square Project

Every thursday throughout 2012 here on Knitting Galore is 'Thoughtful Thursday' and we will be featuring a Charity that will benefit from the help of knitters everywhere. We start off with the very worthy  KasCare. Aid for Aids orphans. Knit a Square Project.

The knit-a-square project was started as a family project in 2008 and are now a registered charity under the name of KasCare, with the family still 100 percent involved. They are:

The McDonalds, Sandy, Roger, Kalai, and Cressida and Sandy’s, mother, Zanny, who are all in Australia and Ronda Lowrie, Sandy’s aunt and Zanny's sister, and her daughter, Erin who, live in South Africa.
Ronda visited The McDonald’s in 2008. She told them of the scale of the disaster facing so many children in South Africa whose lives are greatly compromised by the twin perils of HIV/AIDS and poverty. She explained she often gave out blankets to children as she drove around Johannesburg, and of her frustration—too many children, too few blankets.
Many of these children are AIDS orphans or have been abandoned. Many live in great poverty in shack settlements. Some head up families of their siblings together with other children. Some live alone, without shelter, in hills and dumps around the cities.

Can you help the challenge?

The knit-a-squillion challenge officially started, July 11, 2011.

The goal is to send 1,2 million squares to South Africa by July 10, 2012.
To do this, first download the Knit-a-squillion flyer by filling in the form below. This explains the challenge.You can find this on the web site:
http:// www.knit-a-square.com


Over and above charity knitting, for every square you knit and every person you tell about it, you are all contributing to changing the world's awareness of the plight of these children.
Every additional blanket keeps another abandoned child or AIDS orphan warm.

At it's heart, knit-a-square really is a simple crochet and knitting for charity project. To make and send 8"/20cm squares takes little time, costs little and DOES make a difference. And all while you do what you love - knitting and crocheting.

Knitting Instructions: For one 8"/20 cms square, you will need:

Yarn from a 100 gram (3.5 oz) ball of yarn or scraps of yarn or wool.8 ply (Aus), worsted (USA), double knit (UK)

Size 6mm needles (Aus) 4 (UK, Canada) 10 (USA)

A yarn sewing needle.

1. Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)

2. Row 1: knit

3. Row 2: knit. These two rows form the 'garter' stitch knitting pattern for your square

4. Continue knitting as per these two rows until you have knitted a square

5. To ensure you square is 8"/20cm either use a tape measure or form a triangle by folding one corner of your square over to meet the opposite corner - if all sides are equal - then you have a square!

6. Cast off

7. Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method

VERY IMPORTANT

Leave a one metre (one and a quarter yards) length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together.Or be a little bit creative! If you're an experienced knitter and enjoy working with different stitches, (eg stocking, moss, basket weave) or a combination of stitches and patterns, then please enjoy yourself and be creative with your squares.The children will treasure these blankets for their warmth, texture and colour, as well as for their knitted patterns.

This months challenge is: January Jewel's - asking for squares that are vibrant & jewel like.

Other patterns such as hats, pullovers & vest are available from web site:

www.knit-a-square.com

please knit a square (or more) and send them to Africa to make up blankets for the children.

Crocheting and knitting for charity, especially for children in need, is a meditative act of love. More importantly, it makes a difference. There are many millions of abandoned and vulnerable children and AIDS orphans in southern Africa, who live in dire poverty. Many lack the very basics we take for granted—love, shelter, food, education and warmth.
Your contribution of squares to this crochet and knitting project will add to the many thousands of 8"/20cm squares from around the world, which are joined into blankets and distributed to these children.
The finished blankets add more than warmth to the children’s lives. As co-founder of KasCare, Ronda said in a South African press interview:“ They are a currency we use to tell the children exactly how beloved they are. We tell them they are the future, unique and special.”

Make a Financial Donation
Kascare are also a volunteer organisation and would be deeply appreciative of your support. This will help continue the grassroots movememt to raise awareness of the AIDS orphans' plight. They need your help to continue this work to keep warm every child who is cold, who has been abandoned or orphaned, who is infected or affected by HIV/AIDS and who lives in extreme poverty.
In order to do this, KasCare must fund help for the hard working volunteers who collect, sort, record and bundle the thousands of squares and garments that are arriving every week. They must have proper working, storage space and adequate transport for collections and distributions.
They also need to sustain the resources required to find, persuade and inform the millions of knitters and crocheters throughout the world to contribute, so that they put tens of thousands of blankets on the children next year. To warm just the 500 children a day who become orphans in South Africa would need several million squares!.

You can find the details of how you can donate on the website www.knit-a-square.com and you can aslo subscribe to their newsletter Square Circle. As your squares arrive, they are collected, sorted and bundled into blanket packs by the KasCare Volunteers They then organise sewing and distribution days which are recorded in the Square Circle, so you can see and enjoy the results of your wonderful work.

Every 14 seconds a child will become an orphan!

We all understand how awful it is to be cold, but many of us have not experienced the misery of being cold all night, every night, hungry, and perhaps sick as well. Many of the children are themselves infected by HIV AIDS. As it is an auto immune disease, keeping warm helps their ability to stay well.

Keeping a child with HIV AIDS warm is vital

Please help if you can.

www.knit-a-square.com
www.facebook.com/knitasquare