Handwork for Charity!

"Cry with someone.....It's more healing than crying alone"  Life Lessons According to Regina

There was several yards of flannel bought on sale.  It was time to work on the charity baby blankets.  

Once I cut the two squares for blanket, I have about 1/8 yard left, so I cut 6" squares and use them to make nine patch blocks.

One down!   I do a blanket stitches around the edges after sewing two 45" squares, wrong side together, leaving an opening go and turn right sides out.  

Two more to do--good hand work while waiting!  

Downton Abbey QAL

"You don't have to win every argument. Agree to disagree."  Life Lessons According to Regina

Love Bug Studios is the host for this Quilt Along.  This is for fans of Downton Abbey, that wonderful Public Broadcasting Show!  Well, I just thought I would join along with this.  Oh, did I mention, it's a mystery too!

Here is the first block of Manor House!

Since I was too late to the party, I didn't buy the fabric kit so I'm using my own stash fabrics that might be close to the actual kit.  Here is how I keep track of my fabric for each step.

Okay, this is as far as I got with the block!

These are on the pressing cloth--and then I've been running the road!

  I've missed three other steps in this mystery--but, I'm keeping the big reveal until I'm finished!! 

Prayer Shawls for Fallen Soldiers

About Prayers Shawls
PS4FS.org is dedicated to the ultimate sacrifice made by our service men and women in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the world and for the grief and loss felt by their families and friends. Presenting these families with a prayer shawl in remembrance of their loved one is a small token of PS4FS’s compassion and appreciation. This organization works directly with the Dover Program at Dover Air Force Base in Dover, Delaware to support the visiting military families. Their Friends of the Fallen at Dover have asked them to help replenish their supply of shawls, so in response Sandrasingh.com has started this Prayer Shawl KAL. We would like the shawls completed and mailed to PS4FS by June 15, 2014.
Prayer Shawls are Shawls made for centuries and are universal and embracing, symbolic of an inclusive, unconditionally loving, God. They wrap, enfold, comfort, cover, give solace, mother, hug, shelter and beautify. Those who have received these shawls have been uplifted and affirmed, as if given wings to fly above their troubles. To learn more about Prayer Shawls and the blessings that are knit into them visit Shawlministry.com

Size and Pattern Ideas
The finished Prayers Shawls must be 26-30” wide x 60” long. Knit or crochet in patriotic colors such as red, white or blue or neutral colors such as burgundy, off white, taupe, green or navy, variegated yarns may be used as well and designs such as stripes or colorwork. You’re welcome to use your own pattern or one of these complimentary patterns and stash dive for this great cause.
Basic Prayer Shawl Pattern
Yarn: about 550-660 yards (500-600 meters) Bulky, Worsted or Sport held double
Needles: 10.5 (6.5mm) or size needed to get gauge
Pattern: Cast on stitches in odd-divisible multiples of three – (81 or 87 sts). The seed (moss, rice) stitch is used throughout pattern, i.e as the stitches face you, knit the purl stitches, and purl the knit stitches.
Row 1: k3, p3, to end, turn.
Continue as Row 1 until garment measures 60” long
Cast Off

Fringe: Fringe can be an integral part of the prayer shawl. Joan Johnson, coordinator of St Luke’s Knitting Ministry in Bloomington, Minnesota, says they tie each fringe to avoid fraying. While tying fringe, a knitter/crocheter prays for the recipient of the finished shawl. Recipients of the shawls often comment how much they like the fringe. Some have remarked they use the knots for praying – like prayer beads! Thus, the fringe becomes an essential part of the shawl ministry. A favorite fringe design ties three long strands (16″ long making 8″ strands) on every other row, skipping the rows in between.

This is a very basic Prayer Shawl, please feel free to knit or crochet from your heart and add designs as you feel needed. You can also visit Prayer Shawl Directions for more pattern ideas.
Finishing: Attach a Card: Using a small piece of matching yarn, attach a card to the shawl. It should include washing instructions from the yarn band. Include your name and address so the family may thank you IF they feel the need, but please do not expect a thank you. These families are grieving and may not be able to bring themselves to write a note. Just know in your heart they do appreciate the time and love you have given to remember their loved one.

Mail your finished Prayer Shawl to:
PS4FS
1481 County Road 1301
Vinemont AL 35179

Princess Bride socks

"Your job won't take care of you when you are sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in touch"  Life Lessons According to Regina





Don't you just love the movie "Princess Bride"?  How about knitting socks based on that theme?  Becky Green has designed sock pattern that was inspired by the characters from the movie and book.  It is a unisex sock.  Join the fun! Check out Solid Socks Group on Ravelry  I plan to knit for Buttercup--!

I also love that I can use solid color sock yarn that I recently found 'hiding' in my fiber closet! It isn't buttercup yellow though.

Another Valentine Treat

"Life is too short to waste time hating or disliking anyone"  Life Lessons According to Regina


I Truly love Kris Knits patterns!  I think I have everyone she creates!  This is one especially designed for Valentine's Day or any day you Heart something.

Finished Measurements : 10"x10"

Materials: 1 ball Lily Sugar'n Cream Solid
US #3/3.25mm needles
Tapestry Needle

Notes: I used a smaller needle size to obtain denser fabric for daily dishes.

Chart :



Note: Chart does not include the 4 seed stitch border on either side.

Month Two of Beaded Lace Scarf

"When in doubt, just take the next small step"--Life Lessons According to Regina

Finished January block!  I'm using handspun wool/silk blend.  The beads blend in toooooooooo much!  Might look for other beads that would stand out more--it would be a waste of time to place beads and not see them--don't you think?

February's knitting is here--Elizabeth Ravenwood Designs.

February pattern

ENGLISH MESH LACE PATTERN

#2. English Mesh Lace (multiple of 6 + 1 

Row 1: K1, +YO, SSK, K1, K2TOG, YO, K1; rep from + to EOR.

Rows 2, 4, 6, and 8: Purl.

(N)Row 3: K1, +YO, K1, SL 1, K2TOG, PSSO, K1, YO, K1; rep from + to EOR.

(B)Row 3: K1, +YO, K1, (B)SL 1, K2TOG, PSSO, K1, YO, K1; rep from + to EOR.

Row 5: K1, +K2TOG, YO, K1, YO, SSK, K1; rep from + to EOR.

(N)Row 7: K2TOG, +K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, SL 1, K2TOG, PSSO; rep from + to the last 2 sts and then work SSK instead of the SL1, K2TOG, PSSO.

(B)Row 7: K2TOG, +K1, YO, K1, YO, K1, (B)SL 1, K2TOG, PSSO; rep from + to the last 2 sts and then work (B)SSK instead of the SL1, K2TOG, PSSO.

Rep the above eight rows three times more (4 times total)

A Little Valentine Treat

"Life isn't fair.... but it's still good"--Life Lesson According to Regina


A squishy little garter stitch heart pattern that you can use in a number of ways. Are they tawashi’s? Why, yes they are! Coasters? Indeed! Mini washcloths? Most certainly!

materials:

worsted weight cotton

size US 8 needles

tapestry needle

instructions:

cast on 26 stitches

Rows 1-10: slip 1, (k5, ssk, k4, kfb) twice, k1

Row 11: slip 1, ssk, k3, ssk, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog, k2, k2tog, kfb, k1

Row 12: slip 1, k4, ssk, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog, k3, kfb, k1

Row 13: slip 1, ssk, k2, ssk, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog, k1, k2tog, kfb, k1

Row 14: slip 1, k3, ssk, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog, k2, kfb, k1

Row 15: slip 1, ssk, k1, k2tog, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog twice, kfb, k1

Row 16: slip 1, ssk twice, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog, k3

Row 17: ssk twice, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog twice

Row 18: ssk, k4, kfb, k5, k2tog, k1

Row 19: ssk, k4, ( knit in front, yo and knit in back of same stitch), k3, k2tog twice

Bind off knit-wise. Fasten off. Thread ending yarn through last stitch on second garter ridge above, as shown to create a smooth edged heart. Weave in ends.

Simply notable.com.