History of Knitting

Last Updated on Sunday, 27 September 2009 02:24 Written by Manic Butterfly Monday, 28 September 2009 09:00

Submitted by CalcedoniaDesign.

Knitting is not my specialty-my mom can knit up a storm-I would rather crochet. Knitting patterns were a little difficult to read and no matter how hard I tried (sigh) the item always came out wider, then long enough. So it was always rip and redo. When my son was born (many moons ago) I decided to knit him a sweater. I think about it now and still I laugh my head off-you’d have to see this picture in your mind to understand. When my son was young I always had to buy him Sears ‘super super slim’  shirts and pants. The sweater I knitted him turned out to be a midriff, which could have fit a baby elephant. Now I leave the knitted items to my mom who has just turned 86.

Here are some interesting links about how knitting originated, taken from Wikipedia:

• 1 Early origins of knitting
• 2 Early European Knitting
• 3 Importance in Scottish history
• 4 Industrial revolution
• 5 1920s: the Russian Civil Wars and China
• 6 1939-1945: Knitting for Victory
• 7 1950s and 60s: Haute Couture
• 8 1980s: A Decline
• 9 Early 21st Century Revival
• 10 References
• 11 Notes
• 12 See also
• 13 External links

Featured Artist – Tamdoll

Last Updated on Friday, 18 September 2009 04:58 Written by lisianblue Sunday, 20 September 2009 06:00

Tammy of New Hampshire and creator of Tamdol| on Etsy, makes one-of-a-kind handbags, fabric jewelry such as wrist cuffs and some really neat little house pendants, and some very nifty hand crocheted and beaded brooches.  You can also find patterns for a dragon and a mermaid in the this shop.    Some of Tammy’s totes, jewelry and dolls are upcycled art.    Tammy has been creating for over 20 years, and knows there’s another creation just around the corner, you may be surprised at what she comes up with.

Visit Tamdoll on Etsy

Featured Artist – Milarks’ Creative Connection by Mildred Griffin

Last Updated on Sunday, 2 August 2009 03:32 Written by lisianblue Saturday, 1 August 2009 06:00

Living in this little town in Iowa is just right for me. Spring is my favorite time of year when our world becomes green, like a gem in the center of the country.

As a Christian, it is heartwarming to see the warmth and joy coming from other Christians on the Etsy site. I have met some special people there.

A Brief History of Crochet

Last Updated on Tuesday, 21 July 2009 12:21 Written by MakinTheBestOfIt Wednesday, 22 July 2009 07:13

I looked up the definition of crochet and this is what I found.

Before reading the history here is my little history. My grandmother (I called her nanna) she crochet up a storm with the thin threads and small hooks. (I tried this method and can’t do it to save my life) She crocheted doilies (I framed one and is hanging in my hallway) and bedspreads and decorated handkerchiefs.  My mom crocheted and knitted as well. My mom tried to teach me I guess when i was about nine years old or so. I could not learn to save my life.  My aunt had to show me cause even though I am righty I do a lot of stuff like a lefty.  So I learned.  When I was first married I crochet gifts for all of my nieces and nephews. Then dropped it for a long time and now I just love it you can find how I got started at Calcecondia on my etsy shop by reading my profile.

Little is known of the early history of crocheting. Some ancient cords are thought to have been made by finger crocheting. During the Renaissance, both peasant women and ladies of the court executed crochet work and also knotted work using several strands of thread (macrame), often producing lacelike fabrics. Much early crochet was made with fine, thin thread, producing imitations of European lace; one example is Irish lace, a variety of “crochet lace” introduced into Ireland about 1820 but also made throughout Europe, particularly in the Balkan states. Much modern crochet is executed with soft yarns and used to make garments and bed coverings. Although crochet can be made by machine, it has traditionally been, and continues to be, a home handcraft. In addition, contemporary fiber artists employ crochet along with other techniques to create large wall hangings and fiber sculptures.

Hope you enjoyed my little story.
Dora
Calcedoniadesign

Free Baby Girl Summer Crochet Dress Pattern

Last Updated on Monday, 20 July 2009 07:09 Written by MakinTheBestOfIt Tuesday, 21 July 2009 07:08

One of our wonderful members, ToraJewelry is so multi-talented!  She offered to share with you a pattern that she created for this darling summer dress!  In addition to this darling piece, Torajewelry is an amazing chainmaille artist.  Please check out her Etsy shop and prepare to be amazed.

Baby Girl’s Summer Dress
I used an I hook and worsted weight yarn
I used caron simply soft
Gauge: 12 tr and 3 rows = 4in
Size: 6-9 mo

Skirt:
chain 60 join with slip st
Row 1: ch 2, sk st, ch 1, *hdc, ch 1, sk st. Repeat from * around join to top of ch 2 with slip st
Row 2-7: ch 4 tr each st around join with slip st to top of ch 4

Ruffle:
Row 1: ch 1 sc around join with slip st to top of ch1
Row 2: *hdc, 2hdc in next st, repeat from * around, join
Row 3: 2 tr in each st around join and fasten off.

Top:
start in any stitch at top of skirt join with slip st.
Row 1: ch 3, *dc next 2 st tog, dc in next st, repeat from * around join. 40 st remaining
Row 2-3: ch 3 dc in each st around join.
Row 4: slip st 8 st, ch 3 dc next 3 st, *ch 2, sk next 2 st, dc next 4 st, repeat from star once more, turn
Row 5: ch 5, sk 2 st, * dc next st, 2dc in ch2-sp, dc next st, ch 2, sk 2 st, repeat from star once more, ch 2, sk 2 st, dc in last st, turn
Row 6: ch 3, 2dc in ch2-sp, dc next st, *ch 2, sk 2 st, dc, 2dc in ch2-sp, dc, repeat from star once more, turn
Row 7: same as row 5 fasten off repeat rows 4-7 omitting slp st in row four. I just put 4 st between front and back same as for top

Straps:
ch40 attaching to each corner of top

Belt:
ch 103, hdc in 3rd ch from hook, hdc across fasten off and weave through row 1 of skirt