Harper!

Pictures of my dog, but not quite as gratuitous as last time.

I love dressing up animals. And that is why I have a dog and not a cat.

Leo's First LYS Visit!

Last week, Leo made his first venture out into the world. Where do you think his momma took him? Knit Nook's Stitch and Bitch of course! (While some, acquainted with the adventurous knitting and the raucous bitching, might disapprove, saying, "You might as well have taken that vulnerable infant to a biker bar before the smoking ban!" be reassured that we were on our best behavior.)

So Leo made the rounds and met everyone...


...while Tonya met the supplies for her Tangle Yoke Cardigan! This sweater is proving to be this year's Central Park Hoodie! Tonya has selected Silky Wool for her project, which has the same gauge as the Felted Tweed.

Here is a picture of the Tangled Yoke Cardigan. So far, Liz, Tonya, and Erin have started it, while multitudes are still discussing it (including me).

Charity Knitting: The Red Scarf Project

Thanks to everyone for the Duduza dolls! We will send them out early next week, so there is still time to make one if you hurry!

Our next charity knit will be The Red Scarf Project.

In 2005, Orphan Foundation of America (OFA) started The Red Scarf Project, an initiative to send Valentine's Day care packages, and handmade scarves, to college-bound foster youth. Last year, the OFA was overwhelmed with submissions, so this year there are a few new rules, including a much earlier deadline: early October!

We'll collect scarves at The Knit Nook, but we will send the scarves Wednesday, September 26 so they will reach their destination in time.

You can also send your scarves directly:

Orphan Foundation of America

The Red Scarf Project

21351 Gentry Drive

Sterling, VA 20166

Guidelines for Knitters (or Crocheters!)

Scarf Size: Approximately 60" long and 5" to 8" wide. Scarves should be long enough to be wrapped around the neck, with tails long enough to be tied in the front.

Style: Think unisex collegiate. Ask yourself if your son, brother, and/or husband would enjoy receiving the scarf. Fringes are optional. Your scarf should drape and tie easily.

Yarn: Preferably DK, double fingering-weight, worsted weight, or light bully yarns. No laceweight, super-chunky, or mohair yarns as there are many people who find mohair too itchy. The yarn should be soft.

Color: Red! However, this could mean burgundy, cherry, russet, red stripes with other colors, or multicolor hues including red. Other unisex colors, including black, navy, teal, olive or gold are also welcome.

Finished and tagged: Yarn ends should be securely sewn in. For a personal touch, attach a tag saying "Handmade for You" with your first name, city, and group affiliation, if any. Donors have also included washing instructions, messages of encouragement, gift cards, burger bucks, books of stamps, etc.

For free scarf patterns, or to read more about the Red Scarf Project, click here.

Knitting for family

Whitney won a blue ribbon at the fair for her Entrelac Hat and Scarf set. (Whitney took our Entrelac Hat class. If you want to learn this blue ribbon winning technique, our next class starts Sunday, September 30. Check out the details here.) So, while Whitney embarks on another project, the Stag Bag by Norah Gaughan from Knitscene, guess what her younger sister Hillary is knitting?


Yep, that's right: another Entrelac hat and scarf set. (If I'm not mistaken, Whitney made the hat and scarf originally as a gift for Hillary, but projects are contagious and you can never be too careful gifting knitting to a knitter.)

As I mentioned in a previous post, Vi made her granddaughter (deserving or not is questionable, but adorable is undeniable) this Penny Straker sweater. Here is Vi's granddaughter and her sweater in person.

And here is a close up of the owls. See the beads for the eyes?

Vi has been ill recently and was hospitalized over the weekend. She's fine, but misses the Knit Nook. We're keeping your chair open for you Vi! Feel better soon!