Holiday Gifts Week 3

Washcloths by Bea, Georgia, Teri, and Julie

Vicki's pillow

Julie's cat bed

What a surprise to find rain pouring in the parking lot as we left another warm, fun-filled knitting night. There was teasing all night long directed to anyone who started the pumpkin pattern early and a joke was played on many of the students by adding our names on the help list, but it was all in fun and love.

Linda showed us a magnetic travel stand that is handy for following detailed patterns such as fair isle or mosaic designs. It can be ordered through Knit Picks inexpensively. Also an i-cord bind off handout was passed around.

The pumpkin pattern was started, and several of us forgot to bring waste yarn which is used for the cast on. Thanks to a fabulous group of knotty knitters who shares and came to our rescue. There is a correction to the pattern: On the last line of the second paragraph, it should say, "the last row of the I-cord M1 between the 1st and 2nd & the 2nd and 3rd st." For example, K1, M1, K1, M1, K1 -- go from 3 to 5 sts. Here are some questions and answers about this pattern:
What is the purpose of the waste yarn?
To have live stitches at the top to pick up.
What type of cast on should we use? Long tail is easiest.
Which needles do we use to pick up the 56 stitches?
Use circular.

Challenge
A challenge was born from Show ‘n Tell. Ruth was given a big bag of trim that she is not interested in using. Linda came up with a challenge for the class. We will be given a piece of trim next week to add to any of our knitting projects by the last class in December.

By the way, Ruth knitted some cute hats. Bea made the most washcloths, at least seven! Diane came up with a pencil pouch for her students. Julie finished a felted cat bed using scrap yarn and a whimsical, colorful cotton washcloth. Last but not least, Vicki’s flower pillow is a hit.

Next Project
The next project will begin two weeks from today, October 18. A list of supplies will be added next week. Don't start the new project until then.

News
See Diana for a stuffed pumpkin pattern with an arrangement on top.
A reminder, Monday nights are open for an extra night of knitting.
Did you know that we have a secret greeting? Come to class to find out.

Yes, there is class next week. Happy Birthday October knitters!