Knit A Remembrance Poppy

You might have noticed that in November each year many people wear bright red paper poppies. What are the poppies for? And why November?

The First World War finally ended after four long and bloody years of fighting, on November 11 1918. The guns stopped on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Millions of people were killed in the war and millions more were injured. In the years since 1918, even more people have died in wars around the world including, of course, World War Two.

November 11 was chosen back in 1919 as the special day each year when we would all think about and remember those who had died. To this day, almost 100 years later, at 11am on November 11 many people across Britain stay silent for two minutes to think about those who died. At first, November 11 was known as Armistice Day because 'armistice' is the word used for an agreement between enemies to stop fighting. These days it is more usually called Remembrance Day or Poppy Day. Why poppies? The story begins back in 1915, during World War One. A doctor called John McCrea, who was working to help soldiers in France, wrote a poem in 1915 about the poppies growing on the graves of dead soldiers.  In Flanders' Fields In Flanders' fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders' fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high, If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders' Fields. John McCrae, 1915. An American poet called Moina Michael read the beautiful poem. It gave her the idea of using poppies to remember the dead but also to help the living at the same time. Moina bought real poppies and gave them out to friends. She also sold some poppies and gave the money to surviving, needy ex-soldiers. The first official Poppy Day, organised by a charity called The Royal British Legion, was held in 1921. How to Knit A Poppy To Remember Size 3.5mm needles Double knit type yarn A-red, B-green, C-black Petals (make 4) Using A, cast on 7 sts. 1st row (RS) K. 2nd row Kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 9 sts. 3rd row As 2nd row. 11 sts. 4th row As 2nd row. 13 sts. 5th–8th rows K. 9th row Ssk twice, k to last 4 sts, k2tog twice. 9 sts. 10th–12th rows K. 13th row As 9th row. 5 sts. 14th–16th rows K. 17th row K1, sk2po, k1. 3 sts. 18th row K. Bind off. Center Using B, cast on 16 sts. Bind off. Finishing Sew petals together in pairs, then position one pair over the other in a cross formation and secure. Coil center into a tight spiral and sew base to the center. Using C, work a ring of straight stitches radiating from the flower center, then work French knots around the outer edge of the stitched ring. Maintain the petals in a cup shape with a small stitch behind pairs of petals. Stitch Explanation: Sk2po - Slip 2 stitches as if to knit together, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over Ssk - Slip stitch then knit 1 and pass slipped stitch over.

Cable Braided Headband.

There are multiple ways of wearing this little accessory - around the head as a headband, around the neck as a necklace or around the wrist as a bracelet.  I made these headbands for my niece but you can make them any size by Knitting more or less multiples of 8 pattern rows.

Abbreviations: RS = right side

WS = Wrong side

St = St, sts = sts

K = K

P = P

K2tog = Knit 2 stitches together

Rep = Repeat

Beg = Beginning

Material:

Worsted yarn, Colour A, colour B, each 15-20 yards.

Needle: US 6/4.00mm

Darning needle

One button (optional)

Crochet hook (optional)

Guage: 5 sts and 6 rows / 1 inch (2.5cm)

Finished Size(sample in the piture): 19 inches/ 50 cm in length and 1 inch/3.5cm in width.

You can make any size you wish by knitting more or less multiple of 6 rows.

 Cabled Braids are made up by knitting 2 strips.

1st strip:

Using 4mm needles and yarn A cast on 9 sts.
Start by purling the 1st row. Work a total 7 rows straight in St st. 

Row 8 (RS): K4, yo, k2tog, k3.
Repeat previous 8 rows for a total of 14 times. Then work 15 rows in St st.

Cast off on the next row.

2nd strip:

Using 4mm needles and yarn B cast on 9 sts.
Start by purling the 1st row. Work a total of 15 rows straight in St st.

On next row (RS): K4, yo, k2tog, k3. Then work 7 rows in St st.
Repeat previous 8 rows for a total of 14 times. 

On the next row cast off all sts.


If you wish to make strips longer - repeat the sequence of 8 rows.

Lightly steam the strips to stop curling and straighten out.

Then follow the photo guide to braid your headband.

1. Insert the longer end of a strip into the first yarn over of the shorter end strip.

2. Then insert the top strip into the yarn over of the strip below (the first yo of the longer end strip).

3. Then continue inserting the top strip (they will alternate) into the next yarn over, make sure not to miss any and tug on them evenly.

The view from the under side.

4. Continue braiding and once finished you will get two different textures in the same braid. 

5. Using crochet hook take the ends of yarn and crochet a chain to make a loop to work as a buttonhole. I have flattened the edges of the strips and joined them together just by whip stitching. Sew on the button on the other end and weave in all ends.

Or join ends together and add a flower or bow and attatch by sewing on over the join.

Bow

With 4mm needles cast on 9 sts and work in St st for 8inches, cast off. Join the cast on and cast off ends together and arrange in the center of the under side.
With contrast yarn and 4mm needles cast on 5 sts work in St st for 4 inches , cast off. Join the head band ends together and using the photo as a guide attach the bow.

Flower
Join the head band ends together and attach flower to hide the seam. If you click on the link you will find three different size flower patterns or you can use your own favourite. I used the small flower pattern.

This idea came from olgajazzy’s free pattern for cable braided necklace. I made some changes and added a knitted flower or a bow to make headband for a little girl.  You can see the original pattern at: http://olgajazzzy.blogspot.com/2010/12/cable-braided-necklace.html.

Fit For a Princess

Here is a set - shrug, headband and shoes that is indeed fit for a princess. Basic easy to knit items made special by adding knitted flowers with a crystal bead in the center.

FLOWERS
You wil need  6 for shrug (or more if you desire) 1 for headband and 1 each shoe = 9 in total

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.
Sew into place


SHRUG

MEASUREMENTS

To fit ages 3-6(6-9:9-12) months.

Actual measurements

Chest 51(55:60)cm;

Length to shoulder

24(27:29)cm; Sleeve length 13(15:17)cm.

MATERIALS

100(150:150)grms double knitting type yarn

5mm straight knitting needles.

5mm circular knitting needle.

4.5mm circular knitting needle.

TENSION

18 sts and 24 rows to 10cm square over st-st using 5mm needles.

ABBREVIATIONS

m1 make one st by picking up and working into back of loop lying between st just worked and next st;

skpo slip 1, k1, pass slipped st over;

BACK, FRONT and SLEEVES

(worked in one piece)

With 5mm needles cast on 8 sts.

P 1 row.

Beg with a k row, work in st-st.

Cast on 10(11:12) sts at beg of next 4 rows. 48(52:56) sts.

Beg with a k row, work 20(24:26) rows in st-st.

Change to 5mm circular needle.

Shape sleeves

Cast on 5(6:7) sts at beg of next 8 rows. 88(100:112) sts.

Work a further 18(22:24) rows.

Divide for fronts

Next row K36(41:47) sts, leave these sts on a holder.

cast off next 16(18:18) sts, knit to end.

Cont on last set of 36(41:47) sts for left front.

Work 5(5:7) rows straight, ending at front edge.

Next row (RS) K3, m1, knit to end.

Work 3 rows straight.

Rep the last 4 rows 2(3:3) times more and the inc row once more. 40(46:52) sts.

Sleeve shaping

Cast off 5(6:7) sts at beg

of next and 3 foll alt rows. 20(22:24) sts.

Work 8(10:10) rows straight.

Shape front

Next row (RS) K1, skpo, knit to end.

Next row Purl to end.

Rep the last 2 rows 1(2:3) times more.

Next row Cast off 2 sts, knit to end.

Next row Purl to end.

Next row Cast off 3 sts, knit to end.

Next row Purl to end.

Next row Cast off 4 sts, knit to end.

Next row Purl to end.

Next row Cast off 5 sts, knit to end.

Next row Purl to end.

Leave rem 4(5:6) sts on a holder.

Right Front

With WS facing, join yarn to rem 36(41:47) sts on holder, purl to end.

Work 4(4:6) rows straight, ending at side edge.

Next row (RS) Knit to last 3 sts, m1, k3.

Work 3 rows straight.

Rep the last 4 rows 2(3:3) times more and the inc row once more. 40(46:52) sts.

Work 1 row, so ending at sleeve edge.

Sleeve shaping

Cast off 5(6:7) sts at beg of next and 3 foll alt rows. 20(22:24) sts.

Work 7(9:9) rows straight.

Shape front

Next row (RS) Knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1.

Next row Purl to end.

Rep the last 2 rows 1(2:3) times more.

Next row Knit to end.

Next row Cast off 2 sts, purl to end.

Next row Knit to end.

Next row Cast off 3 sts, purl to end.

Next row Knit to end.

Next row Cast off 4 sts, purl to end.

Next row Knit to end.

Next row Cast off 5 sts, purl to end.

Leave rem 4(5:6) sts on a holder.

FRONT EDGING

With RS of lower right front facing and 4.5mm circular needle, k4(5:6) sts from holder, pick up and

k22(24:26) sts evenly round right front to top of shaping, 11(11:13) sts along straight edge, then

16(18:20) sts to shoulder, 24(26:28) sts from back neck, 16(18:20) sts down left front to beg of neck shaping, 11(11:13) sts along straight edge, and k22(24:26) sts evenly round shaped edge, then k4(5:6) sts from holder. 130(142:158) sts.

1st row P2, * k2, p2; rep from * to end.

2nd row K2, * p2, k2; rep from * to end.

Rep the last 2 rows once more and 1st row again.

Cast off in rib.

LOWER BACK EDGING

With RS facing and 4.5mm needles, pick up and k54(58:62) sts along lower edge of back.

Work 5 rows in rib as given for front edging.

Cast off in rib.

CUFFS

With RS facing and 4.5mm needles, pick up and k30(34:42) sts along lower edge of sleeve.

Work 5 rows in rib as given for front edging.

Cast off in rib.

TO MAKE UP

Join side and sleeve seams. Add flowers and beads.

SHOES

Sizes:
3-6 months (3.5 inches)
6-9 months (4 inches)
9-12 months (4.5 inches)
Materials:
Small amount of DK yarn
Set of 3.5 mm dpns
Two small buttons
Two beads

Pattern:

1. Cast on 28,( 32, 36) sts

2. Join in the round, being careful not to twist

3. Knit

4. K1, m1, k12,( 14, 16), m1, k2, m1, k12,( 14, 16) m1, k1               32,( 36, 40) stitches

5. Knit

6. K2, m1, k12,( 14, 16), m1, k4, m1, k12,( 14, 16) m1, k2               36,( 40, 44) stitches

7. Knit

8. K3, m1, k12,( 14, 16), m1, k6, m1, k12,( 14, 16) m1, k3               40,( 44, 48) stitches

9. Knit

10. K4, m1, k12,( 14, 16), m1, k8, m1, k12,( 14,16) m1, k4              44,( 48, 52) stitches

11. Knit four rounds even

12. K2tog, k12,( 14, 16) ssk x 4, k2tog x 4, k12,( 14, 16), ssk.         34,( 38, 42) stitches

13. K

14. K12,( 14, 16) ssk x2, k2, k2tog x 2, k12,( 14, 16)                        30,( 34, 38) stitches

15. K8, cast of to last 8 sts, k8

Right shoe:

• Knit across first 8 stitches, putting all the stitches on one needle. Cast on 10 stitches immediately following.

• Knit

Knit to last 2 sts, yo, k2tog

• Knit

• Cast off

Left shoe:

• Knit across first 8 stitches, putting all the stitches on one needle.

• Knit, cast on 10 stitches

• Knit

• Knit to last 2 sts, yo k2tog

• Knit

• Cast off

Finishing:
Sew up bottom seam. Sew in loose ends. Sew on button. Sew on flower and bead in center.


Headband

With size 3.75mm needles Cast on 68 ( 72,84) sts
Work 7 (7,9) rows in  knit 3, purl 1 rib
Cast off.

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.

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!

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.

Poinsettia Tree Ornament

A whole set of these poinsettia ornaments on your Christmas tree would look wonderful.

Gauge:
Not vital

Materials:
 Red, green and gold or colours of choise double knit type yarn
This makes flower approx 4.5 inches 11cms
Needles appropriate to yarn


Instructions : Petals Make 6 red and 1 green
Cast on 3 sts
Row 1 and all alternate rows Purl.
Row 2 Knit front and back in all sts -6 sts

Row 4 *K1f&b, k1; rep from * to end—9 sts.
Row 6 *K1f&b, k2; rep from * to end—12 sts.
Row 8 *K1f&b, k3; rep from * to end—15 sts.
Row 10 *K2tog, k3; rep from * to end—12 sts
Row 12 *K2tog, k2; rep from * to end—9 sts
Row 14 *K2tog, k1; rep from * to end—6 sts
Row 16 *K2tog; rep from * to end—3 sts rem.
Cut yarn. Thread tail through rem sts secure and sew up seam.

 Berries make 4
With gold, CO 1 st.
Row 1 (K1, p1, k1, p1, k1) all in same st—5 sts.
Row 2 P5.
Row 3 Pass 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th sts over first st—1 st rem.
Cut yarn and pull tail through st to fasten off.
Tie two yarn tails tog.

Sew core of poinsettia tog by taking one of the yarn tails from a petal and weaving it through the bottom points of all petals. Weave in all ends. Sew berries to the middle of the poinsettia. sew leaf behind and between two petals. make loop for hanging and attach to tip of petal.





The History of The Poinsettia.
Christmas is a sacred time to the faithful of Mexico and people often celebrate by assembling and decorating life size nativities at the front of their churches. On Christmas Eve, parishioners are invited to bring a gift of thanksgiving to the manger at their church.
On a very special Christmas Eve, a little boy quietly walked to his church. Despite his desire to celebrate Christmas, he drug his feet a little as he walked, embarrassed that he was too poor to buy, or even make, a gift to take to the manger.
Abruptly, the great light of an angel appeared to him on the road, instructing him to pull weeds from the side of the road, and to take them as his gift to Jesus. With shaking hands, the boy did as the angel instructed and ran with his weeds the rest of the way to church.
When he arrived, he held his head high as he stepped to the front of the church. Laying the weeds in the manger, he knelt and began a prayer of thanks. As he prayed, his weeds transformed into magnificent, star shaped flowers of bright red, pink and white.
These Poinsettias, or “Flor de la Noche Buena," (the Flower of the Holy Night) amazed everyone in the church that Christmas Eve. Today, people around the world bring Poinsettias into their homes and churches at Christmas to remember the star that led the Wise Men, and a little boy in Mexico, to the most wonderful manger.
The Poinsettia was introduced into the United States by Joel Roberts Poinsett in 1828 while he was a minister in Mexico. It became a part of American Christmas tradition in the early 1900s when it was promoted by Californian Albert Ecke.
Sourced from: http://www.billpetro.com/HolidayHistory/hol/xmas/poinsett.html

Knit A Poppy For Remembrance

You might have noticed that in November each year many people wear bright red paper poppies. What are the poppies for? And why November?

The First World War finally ended after four long and bloody years of fighting, on November 11 1918. The guns stopped on the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.
Millions of people were killed in the war and millions more were injured. In the years since 1918, even more people have died in wars around the world including, of course, World War Two.

November 11 was chosen back in 1919 as the special day each year when we would all think about and remember those who had died. To this day, almost 100 years later, at 11am on November 11 many people across Britain stay silent for two minutes to think about those who died. At first, November 11 was known as Armistice Day because 'armistice' is the word used for an agreement between enemies to stop fighting. These days it is more usually called Remembrance Day or Poppy Day. Why poppies? The story begins back in 1915, during World War One. A doctor called John McCrea, who was working to help soldiers in France, wrote a poem in 1915 about the poppies growing on the graves of dead soldiers.  In Flanders' Fields In Flanders' fields the poppies blow Between the crosses, row on row, That mark our place: and in the sky The larks, still bravely singing, fly Scarce heard amid the guns below. We are the dead. Short days ago We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow, Loved and were loved, and now we lie In Flanders' fields. Take up our quarrel with the foe; To you from failing hands we throw The torch; be yours to hold it high, If ye break faith with us who die We shall not sleep, though poppies grow In Flanders' Fields. John McCrae, 1915. An American poet called Moina Michael read the beautiful poem. It gave her the idea of using poppies to remember the dead but also to help the living at the same time. Moina bought real poppies and gave them out to friends. She also sold some poppies and gave the money to surviving, needy ex-soldiers. The first official Poppy Day, organised by a charity called The Royal British Legion, was held in 1921. How to Knit A Poppy To Remember Size 3.5mm needles Double knit type yarn A-red, B-green, C-black Petals (make 4) Using A, cast on 7 sts. 1st row (RS) K. 2nd row Kfb, k to last 2 sts, kfb, k1. 9 sts. 3rd row As 2nd row. 11 sts. 4th row As 2nd row. 13 sts. 5th–8th rows K. 9th row Ssk twice, k to last 4 sts, k2tog twice. 9 sts. 10th–12th rows K. 13th row As 9th row. 5 sts. 14th–16th rows K. 17th row K1, sk2po, k1. 3 sts. 18th row K. Bind off. Center Using B, cast on 16 sts. Bind off. Finishing Sew petals together in pairs, then position one pair over the other in a cross formation and secure. Coil center into a tight spiral and sew base to the center. Using C, work a ring of straight stitches radiating from the flower center, then work French knots around the outer edge of the stitched ring. Maintain the petals in a cup shape with a small stitch behind pairs of petals. Stitch Explanation: Sk2po - Slip 2 stitches as if to knit together, knit 1, pass slipped stitches over Ssk - Slip stitch then knit 1 and pass slipped stitch over.

Soft, Elegant and Stylish Chemo Cap

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.

I chose a pink multi soft baby double knit type yarn for this cap.

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.

A little time and a little yarn go along way in making someone's life just a little bit better !

 Remembering October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Adult Headband / Ear Warmer

This headband will keep your ears warm when the outside temperature starts to drop. You can also adapt these instructions to make a lighter, thinner headband that can be worn in warm weather to hold your hair off your face. This pattern is suitable for novice knitters, takes very little time to make (within an hour, you can have a beautiful headband completed) and, again a good use of leftover yarn as it uses very little.  Headbands make wonderful gifts or party favors for girls.

You will need:
1 Ball boucle or aran type yarn
4mm needles
Cast on 80sts
Work 4 rows k2, p2 rib
With right side facing
Row 5: knit
Row 6: purl to last 5 sts, turn
Row 7: knit to last 5 sts, turn
Row 8: Purl to last 7 sts, turn
Row 9: knit to last 7 sts, turn
Row 10: purl to last 9 sts, turn
Row 11: knit to last 9 sts, turn
Row 12: purl to last 11 sts, turn
Row 13: knit to last 11 sts, turn
Row 14: purl to last 9 sts, turn
Row 15: knit to last 9 sts, turn
Row 16: purl to last 7 sts, turn
Row 17: knit to last 7 sts, turn
Row 18: purl to last 5 sts, turn
Row 19: knit to last 5 sts, turn
Row 20: purl
Row 21: knit

Work 4 rows k2,p2 rib
Cast off.
Stitch sides together.

Bow
Cast on 15 sts work in stockinette stich until measures 8 iches.
Cast off.
Sew cast on edge and cast off edge together.
Wrap yarn around centre to create bow shape and sew to smallest part of band.

Alternatively, you can make knit or crochet flowers For Flower pattern see 'No green Thumb Required' post on this blog.


If you want something more decorative, you can change yarns either randomly or in a more structured pattern for a striped band. You could also try some new styles of knitting, such as this lace stitch. You can also do embroidery stitches to decorate.
This was knitted in pink as this month is Breast cancer Awareness Month.