The Friday Morning Knitting Club is going strong! The children (girls and boys) were learning well beyond my expections (remember, the children are 7 & 8 yrs old). The children were separated into 2 groups of 4 - 5 students each. As with any group, some had immediate success, some had very little success, and the majority were trucking along somewhere in between. The teacher (fabulous woman!) helped me to divide the groups so that the skill levels worked well within each group and that allowed me to help some while giving others more direct attention.
Both groups had started on a beginning project -- a beaded bracelet. I put together a project bag for each child that contained a ball of cotton yarn, a set of size 8 needles and a written pattern. I wrote the pattern in a standard pattern format, but with more detailed steps. I wanted them to learn more than just the knit stitch, but how to start a project, how to read a pattern, and how to finish a project.
I gave each child a packet and asked them to take out the contents. We started by reading the Materials (Things You Will Need) section, and I asked them to make sure they had all the items. I had the beads on paper plates (bowls would have worked well too) in the center of the table, so it gave the children the chance to note that an item was missing from the list.
They each picked out 7 beads. Then we turned to the Pattern Instructions (Things You Will Do) section and began by reading the first step. Everyone began to move at their own pace from here on out and I was able to float among them as needed. We kept the time for each group to about 20 to 25 minutes. Attention spans waned and wandered after that, and it allowed me to work with all of the students each week.
By the 3rd week, the children were comfortable with each other and looked forward to coming. Their skills were not progressing as much as their enthusiasm, but that wasn't important at that point. On that 3rd week, something unexpected and amazing happened. Each group morphed into a real knitting group! By that I mean that they did just exactly what all of us adults do when we sit down to knit or crochet with others--they began to talk about whatever was on their minds, to share ideas, family tidbits, and successes.
I was reminded of times when my own girls were toddlers and just getting their feet to take flight. They would take off running in one direction while looking in another, and run smack dab into a wall or doorway (it only took once for each child). The Friday Morning Knitters (FMK) were doing the same; their hands kept moving and they looked at each other when they talked--with about the same success. Stitches slipped off, or the yarn didn't get wrapped around the needle. But all that gave me great opportunities to teach them the correct way to do things, and gave me many chuckles.
Things were going quite well . . . until standardized testing interrupted! During the testing, no volunteers are allowed on campus, and we had to stop for several weeks. So today, my expectations were not very high; they are quite young, after all. But, again, I was surprised by these little people. Their muscles still remembered the basics, but most importantly to me, their enthusiasm had not flagged during the hiatus.
I don't hold any lofty thoughts of how they will go home and knit this summer, but I do hope that each one has had a positive experience with a craft. And that the next time a needle or hand-craft opportunity presents itself, they will take it with the same enthusiam and joy that they did this year.
Friday, May 20, 2011
Thursday, April 14, 2011
Sand, Sea and Sky Table Runner
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Friday Morning Knitting Club
My girls are 10 and almost-8 and I've worked with them to learn both crochet and knitting for several years. Those experiences have taught me that there is a certain amount of hand-eye coordination and manual dexterity that is needed to crochet or knit. While both of my girls have learned, neither has chosen to work on a project for more than 15 minutes.
As I approached the lesson plan for the 2nd grade Friday Morning Knitting Club, I was prepared for the children's interest to wane after that first week. The teacher and I decided the club would meet as long as the children were interested, with no obligation for them to continue if a child chose to stop.
That first morning, I worked with 3 children for 20 minutes. I found the teaching experience to need quite a bit of hands on and individual attention for each child. I gave them my ground rules: 1) be patient with each other, and 2) be patient with yourself. They did a great job at both.
I must admit that I had doubts about them mastering the knit stitch that first week. At the end of the session, their enthusiasm still ran high, and they were quite proud of the row or 2 that they had knit.
And I went home, energized and filled with ideas to improve our next club meeting!
As I approached the lesson plan for the 2nd grade Friday Morning Knitting Club, I was prepared for the children's interest to wane after that first week. The teacher and I decided the club would meet as long as the children were interested, with no obligation for them to continue if a child chose to stop.
That first morning, I worked with 3 children for 20 minutes. I found the teaching experience to need quite a bit of hands on and individual attention for each child. I gave them my ground rules: 1) be patient with each other, and 2) be patient with yourself. They did a great job at both.
I must admit that I had doubts about them mastering the knit stitch that first week. At the end of the session, their enthusiasm still ran high, and they were quite proud of the row or 2 that they had knit.
And I went home, energized and filled with ideas to improve our next club meeting!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Knitting Fever
I was helping in my daughter's 2nd grade class one day and spied a book called Knitting Fever. The plot was that a sheep on a farm caught knitting fever and then taught all the other sheep on her farm and on a nearby farm to knit. The sheep worked furiously and ended up knitting all of their wool. This turn of events caused the farmers quite a bit of concern, as they had no wool to sell, and therefore no income.
The farmers and the sheep put their heads together and came up with a good solution: the sweaters that the sheep had knitted would be displayed and sold at the county fair. The farmers made enough money from the sweater sales to cover all of their expenses.
The story ended with the sheep making plans to knit "mittens and gloves next year".
I asked the teacher if I could bring in yarn, needles and a few items that I had made to show the children what the sheep were doing. She agreed, and I brought in a pair of socks, a blanket and a top. I had a pair of big needles and chunky yarn, and demonstrated the knit stitch, then let each child who wanted to make a few stitches.
I thought that would be all she wrote, but the children were so excited that the teacher asked me to create a knitting club.
And that is how the Friday Morning Knitting Club was born for 10 2nd graders!
The farmers and the sheep put their heads together and came up with a good solution: the sweaters that the sheep had knitted would be displayed and sold at the county fair. The farmers made enough money from the sweater sales to cover all of their expenses.
The story ended with the sheep making plans to knit "mittens and gloves next year".
I asked the teacher if I could bring in yarn, needles and a few items that I had made to show the children what the sheep were doing. She agreed, and I brought in a pair of socks, a blanket and a top. I had a pair of big needles and chunky yarn, and demonstrated the knit stitch, then let each child who wanted to make a few stitches.
I thought that would be all she wrote, but the children were so excited that the teacher asked me to create a knitting club.
And that is how the Friday Morning Knitting Club was born for 10 2nd graders!
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Split Single Crochet Stitch
My Honeycomb Socks in the Fall 2010 issue of Interweave Crochet use a split single crochet stitch for the foot. It is an interesting stitch and not one that I've seen used widely. The definition is: insert hook between the 2 vertical legs of the next stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through 2 loops on hook.
The part about the "2 vertical legs of the next stitch" is the part that is out-of-the-ordinary. I've created a photo that I hope will help!
The part about the "2 vertical legs of the next stitch" is the part that is out-of-the-ordinary. I've created a photo that I hope will help!
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Making It Fit
I've always thought that the bust measurement was the be-all, end-all in measurements for a top or cardigan. Bust, waist and hip measurements are the 3 measurements that are listed on the pattern envelope for a sewing pattern. For a crochet or knit garment, the bust measurement is the one listed in the sizing area. So . . . what other measurements could there be? And how do they play into the construction of a garment?
Something called the Cross-Back or Shoulder-to-Shoulder measurement has turned out to be important for me. I am smaller than the "standard" measurement for the Cross-Back for my bust size, so a garment made exactly to the pattern will almost always be too wide at the neck area and hang off my shoulders. I have several tops that I constantly tug at to pull them back up onto my shoulders.
Bust, waist, hips and cross-back measurements are circumference measurements or measurements around the body.
Length measurements are also important for a good fit or a pleasing look. Back Waist Length is the distance between the little bump at the base of your neck to your natural waistline. I am of average height, so I don't usually have to make adjustments in the length area, but if you are taller or shorter, your garment will either be too long or too short.
Length is a matter of design or personal preference. Standard length for a top or cardigan is 5" below the natural waistline, while the standard length for a tunic is 9". I prefer my tops to be a little longer than the 5" as my midriff area is not as . . . enticing as it once was.
Next, I'll talk about getting all those measurements down.
Something called the Cross-Back or Shoulder-to-Shoulder measurement has turned out to be important for me. I am smaller than the "standard" measurement for the Cross-Back for my bust size, so a garment made exactly to the pattern will almost always be too wide at the neck area and hang off my shoulders. I have several tops that I constantly tug at to pull them back up onto my shoulders.
Bust, waist, hips and cross-back measurements are circumference measurements or measurements around the body.
Length measurements are also important for a good fit or a pleasing look. Back Waist Length is the distance between the little bump at the base of your neck to your natural waistline. I am of average height, so I don't usually have to make adjustments in the length area, but if you are taller or shorter, your garment will either be too long or too short.
Length is a matter of design or personal preference. Standard length for a top or cardigan is 5" below the natural waistline, while the standard length for a tunic is 9". I prefer my tops to be a little longer than the 5" as my midriff area is not as . . . enticing as it once was.
Next, I'll talk about getting all those measurements down.
Sunday, October 3, 2010
Making It Fit
After that initial debacle with the sweater I made in my 30's, I didn't make another garment until I was in my . . . well, let's just say it was quite a while. By this time, I had learned a valuable lesson--make an item at least 3 times. The why's and wherefor's of that wisdom is for another post.
I selected the Shapely Tank Top by White Lies Designs as my learning tool. I chose a bamboo yarn by Southwest Trading Company in a gorgeous red and black. I did a gauge swatch, selected the correct size and set to work. The end result was good, but not quite the fit that I wanted. It was wider than me, and it has grown longer as I've worn it. That's how I discovered one more thing to consider, fiber content. Bamboo is oh-so-soft and comfortable, but it has a tendancy to stretch.
A few months later, I selected a cotton yarn by Gedifra. I thought I would experiment a little and I knit this top in the round up to the armhole bindoffs. I had a difficult time getting the top joined correctly to work in the round and ripped it out 6 times, but then I was on my way. The end result for this top was better and I still wear it often. But . . . it was still too wide for me, particularly in the shoulders.
The solution to this problem seems quite simple in hindsight, but I must say that it didn't come quickly. Over the years, I have gained weight, but that weight has not been distributed evenly. While my bust has grown, my shoulder width has not, or at least not as much. So, the shoulder or armhole shaping has to be greater than the decreases for the size I selected.
Hmmm, first it was gauge, then ease, and now additional body measurements that are important.
I selected the Shapely Tank Top by White Lies Designs as my learning tool. I chose a bamboo yarn by Southwest Trading Company in a gorgeous red and black. I did a gauge swatch, selected the correct size and set to work. The end result was good, but not quite the fit that I wanted. It was wider than me, and it has grown longer as I've worn it. That's how I discovered one more thing to consider, fiber content. Bamboo is oh-so-soft and comfortable, but it has a tendancy to stretch.
A few months later, I selected a cotton yarn by Gedifra. I thought I would experiment a little and I knit this top in the round up to the armhole bindoffs. I had a difficult time getting the top joined correctly to work in the round and ripped it out 6 times, but then I was on my way. The end result for this top was better and I still wear it often. But . . . it was still too wide for me, particularly in the shoulders.
The solution to this problem seems quite simple in hindsight, but I must say that it didn't come quickly. Over the years, I have gained weight, but that weight has not been distributed evenly. While my bust has grown, my shoulder width has not, or at least not as much. So, the shoulder or armhole shaping has to be greater than the decreases for the size I selected.
Hmmm, first it was gauge, then ease, and now additional body measurements that are important.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Making It Fit
The second problem that I had with my sweater-that-didn't-fit was the choice of size. My experience with creating garments had been in sewing. When selecting a size for sewing, the body measurements are listed on the pattern envelope. These measurements do not represent the finished garment measurements, which is a totally different animal.
Crochet and knit patterns list the ACTUAL finished garment measurements. When I chose my actual bust measurement, the garment fit snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug on my body. The difference between the finished garment measurement in a sewing pattern and the actual body measurement is called ease.
Ease gives the garment some room; it allows you to reach up and grab something from a shelf without ripping the seams. Too much ease and people might compliment you on how much weight you've lost.
Just as yarn weights vary, so does the amount of ease per garment. There are industry standards, such as close fit (very little ease), standard fit (2 to 4" of ease), oversize (way more ease). In addition to the standards, ease is a matter of personal preference -- yours and the designer's.
Ease also varies with the type of garment. A top will have less ease than a cardigan or jacket that is meant to wear over another piece of clothing. Socks will have negative ease so that they will fit snugly.
Hmmm, now I have 2 things to consider when working on a garment . . . gauge and ease.
Crochet and knit patterns list the ACTUAL finished garment measurements. When I chose my actual bust measurement, the garment fit snug-as-a-bug-in-a-rug on my body. The difference between the finished garment measurement in a sewing pattern and the actual body measurement is called ease.
Ease gives the garment some room; it allows you to reach up and grab something from a shelf without ripping the seams. Too much ease and people might compliment you on how much weight you've lost.
Just as yarn weights vary, so does the amount of ease per garment. There are industry standards, such as close fit (very little ease), standard fit (2 to 4" of ease), oversize (way more ease). In addition to the standards, ease is a matter of personal preference -- yours and the designer's.
Ease also varies with the type of garment. A top will have less ease than a cardigan or jacket that is meant to wear over another piece of clothing. Socks will have negative ease so that they will fit snugly.
Hmmm, now I have 2 things to consider when working on a garment . . . gauge and ease.
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