Day 6 = June 30, 2014
Green reminds me of grass, spinach and gecko's.
Knitting question of the day
Which of your friends' knitting projects are you "green" with envy about?
Knitting in Envy of Mom's Cold Mountain Wrap,
Victoria
Monday, June 30, 2014
Sunday, June 29, 2014
Orange
Week 26 = Color Wheel
Day 5 = June 29, 2014
The color Orange reminds me of pumpkins, oranges and Monarch Butterflies.
Knitting Oranges,
Victoria
Day 5 = June 29, 2014
The color Orange reminds me of pumpkins, oranges and Monarch Butterflies.
Knitting question of the day
What orange item would you like to knit?
Knitting Oranges,
Victoria
Saturday, June 28, 2014
Blue
Week 26 = Color Wheel
Day 4 = June 28, 2014
When I think of blue I think of the sky and blueberries.
Day 4 = June 28, 2014
When I think of blue I think of the sky and blueberries.
Knitting question of the day
When you are "blue," what do you knit to make you happy?
Knitting so that I am not Blue,
Victoria
Friday, June 27, 2014
Yellow
Week 26 = Color Wheel
Day 3 = June 27, 2014
When I think of yellow I think of sunshine, happy, bananas and dandelions just to name a few. Now let's see what I find for knitting with the color yellow.
Day 3 = June 27, 2014
When I think of yellow I think of sunshine, happy, bananas and dandelions just to name a few. Now let's see what I find for knitting with the color yellow.
Thursday, June 26, 2014
Red in Memory of Zander
Week 26 = Color Wheel
Day 2 = June 26, 2014
Knitting Red for Zander,
Victoria
Day 2 = June 26, 2014
Zander Savery Williams 11/04/01 - 06/26/14
Today's color is Red! Red is my favorite color and red was the color that my Chocolate Lab, Zander, wore (his collars were always red). Zander went to heaven today so today's post is all about Knitting with the color Red in memory of him.
~~~
Knitting question of the day
What have you knit with the color red?
Knitting Red for Zander,
Victoria
Wednesday, June 25, 2014
Color Wheel
Week 26 = Colors
Day 1 = June 25, 2014
When knitting, the colors that you choose can make or break your project. Some colors show patterns better than others. For example, new knitters are encouraged to use light colored yarn so that they can see their stitches.
So this week I am going to take you on a journey through the primary and secondary colors.
This month's giveaway was open from Wednesday's post on the 18th to noon today. The prize was The Vickie Howell Event Giveaway Package.
Knitting with Color,
Victoria
Day 1 = June 25, 2014
Picture from Craftsy Blog
So this week I am going to take you on a journey through the primary and secondary colors.
~~~
This month's giveaway was open from Wednesday's post on the 18th to noon today. The prize was The Vickie Howell Event Giveaway Package.
This package contains the following:
- a skein of Bernat, Cotton-ish in colorway #85620 called Lemon Twill
- a 6" wooden ruler signed by Vickie Howell
- a copy of the Spring 2014 issue of Interweave Crochet magazine
- a signed copy of Knitting Daily TV, Series 1200, including all 13 episodes
The winner of the June Giveaway is Lynn Dukes! Yeah!!!
~~~
Knitting question of the day
What is your favorite color?
Knitting with Color,
Victoria
Tuesday, June 24, 2014
SVK
Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Day 7 = June 24, 2014
The title for today's blog is kind of cryptic for a reason. I, Victoria Williams, have been planning to start a knitting charity. I have been inspired by a young girl that I met recently and want to help her. I have contacted her mother and am waiting to hear back from her. So, please excuse the lack of specifics tonight as I wait respectfully to hear back from the mother.
When I get the green light, I will be sure to blog about my new venture and the brilliant, beautiful girl who inspired it. Until then...
The initials of the blog title are the initials of the charity name just to get you thinking.
Don't forget about the June Giveaway, which ends Wednesday, June 25th at noon. For all the information on the giveaway check out Wednesday's blog.
Knitting Under Wraps,
Day 7 = June 24, 2014
When I get the green light, I will be sure to blog about my new venture and the brilliant, beautiful girl who inspired it. Until then...
The initials of the blog title are the initials of the charity name just to get you thinking.
Knitting question of the day
What do you think the initials SVK could stand for?
~~~
Don't forget about the June Giveaway, which ends Wednesday, June 25th at noon. For all the information on the giveaway check out Wednesday's blog.
Knitting Under Wraps,
Victoria
Monday, June 23, 2014
Knit Wits
Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Day 6 = June 23, 2014
The following is an article that was in my local town paper, The Summerville Journal Scene, from the Wednesday, June 18, 2014 edition. It is beautifully written by Monica Kreber and can also be found on their website here.
Knit Wits: Knitting for a cause
Monica Kreber/Journal Scene The Knit Wits have made around 400
knitted hats for adult cancer patients – and they are still making more.
Once a month a group of women gather at Kathi Miller’s house in Cane Bay.
They arrive armed with snacks, gossip, stories and laughter. There are usually about 10 of them and they typically hang out for about two hours during these monthly gatherings.
And they spin quite a yarn, too.
June 11 is no different when the women assemble in Miller’s living room. It is 10 a.m. and they have pulled out their knitting needles – some crocheting – and have helped themselves to a bin full of yarn that sits next to Miller’s couch. The women sit in a circle and chat.
They call themselves the Knit Wits – and they knit for a cause.
“I think it’s fun – we have a lot of fun,” Miller said.
For more than five years Miller has been a proud survivor of breast cancer. After a successful lumpectomy and radiation treatment she joined a support group for cancer survivors. She soon took up knitting hats for cancer patients and ended up making 200 hats, delivering them to cancer centers around the area. She decided to get her friends involved and four months ago the Knit Wits came to be.
The group has made about 400 hats for adult cancer patients.
“We just make hats, that’s what we do,” Miller said.
The group operates off of donated products and they have many bins of yarn.
No two hats are alike – they come in different colors and are adorned with different decorations such as pins, feathers, old pieces of jewelry, ribbon, flowers, bows and more. Each hat comes with a card that reads: “Hand knit for you with love by the Knit Wits.”
“These are just friends in the neighborhood and friends of friends,” Miller said about the group. “It’s very much needed.”
For Miller the philanthropy gives her the satisfaction that she and her friends are making cancer patients happy.
“It’s something they can look forward to,” she said. “It (cancer) is a horrible disease. Once you get it, it’s always in the back of your mind.”
Miller originally learned how to knit when she was in college and her roommate taught her. Jackie Fortney, another woman in the group, learned how to knit when she was 8 years old.
“I think getting together with everyone is just nice,” Fortney said.
Mary Wraab originally taught herself how to knit when her daughter was a little girl. She took it up again as a way to occupy herself when her husband went through cancer treatment. When he passed away seven years ago, she dropped the knitting needles, but picked them back up again when she decided to join the Knit Wits – and she is glad she did.
“I actually find it relaxing,” she said, adding it is a nice way to be productive when doing something low-key like watching television.
Member Ardis Schuele said she gets enjoyment out of knowing cancer patients will be able to pick out a hat they really want.
“The fun part for me is deciding: what colors do I want to pick today?” she said. “I love it very much. It’s a nice way of giving back and I give back as much as I can.”
Miller has delivered her hats to places like the Medical University of South Carolina, Trident Medical, Roper St. Francis, the Charleston Cancer Center and East Cooper Hospital. She plans to find more cancer centers.
Miller knits one hat per night. She loves how the group is “recycling” by using donated yarn – unwanted stuff that people chose to donate instead of throwing it away.
This summer the group plans to make cotton hats – something a little cooler than knitted caps. During their most recent meeting the group threw out other ideas of what to make for cancer patients – shawls for male patients, or perhaps knit slippers.
“It’s wonderful,” Miller said. “It’s serving a purpose.”
How to help
To donate yarn, buttons, flowers, jewelry, ribbon, etc. Miller can be reached at kathimiller11@gmail.com.
Knitting question of the day
If you felt strongly enough about a cause, would you start
your own knitting group to benefit that cause?
~~~
Don't forget about the June Giveaway. For all the information on the giveaway check out Wednesday's blog.
Knitting Wits,
Victoria
Sunday, June 22, 2014
Prayer Shawl Ministry
Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Day 5 = June 22, 2014
Imagine my surprise when scouring the internet for Knitting Charities and one of the top ones listed is based in my old stomping ground of Hartford, Connecticut. As many of you, know I was born and raised in Connecticut and have been in South Carolina just over 10 years. When I lived in Connecticut I had not yet picked up knitting again. It's nice to know there is such a wonderful cause based in my home state. The 2 founders have even gone so far as to publish several Prayer Shawl pattern books and created a listing of other prayer shawl groups from other states. Check out this link to see the list of pattern books. The following information is all from the Shawl Ministry website.
Photo By: Shana Sureck - The Hartford Courant August 7, 2002
"Shawls ... made for centuries 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..."
Written in 1998 by: Janet Severi Bristow Copyright ©2014
About the Shawls...
In 1998, Janet Severi Bristow and Victoria Galo, two graduates of the 1997 Women's Leadership Institute at The Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Connecticut gave birth to a ministry as a result of their experience in this program of applied Feminist Spirituality under the direction of Professor Miriam Therese Winter, MMS. Compassion and the love of knitting/crocheting have been combined into a prayerful ministry and spiritual practice which reaches out to those in need of comfort and solace, as well as in celebration and joy. Many blessings are prayed into every stitch.
Whether they are called Prayer Shawls, Comfort Shawls, Peace Shawls, or Mantles, etc., the shawl maker begins with prayers and blessings for the recipient. The intentions are continued throughout the creation of the shawl. Upon completion, a final blessing is offered before the shawl is sent on its way. Some recipients have continued the kindness by making a shawl and passing it onto someone in need. Thus, the blessing ripples from person-to-person, with both the giver and receiver feeling the unconditional embrace of a sheltering, mothering God!
Some uses for the shawl...
Shawls can be used for: undergoing medical procedures; as a comfort after a loss or in times of stress; during bereavement; prayer or meditation; commitment or marriage ceremonies; birthing, nursing a baby; bridal shower or wedding gift; leading ritual; first menses or croning rites of passage; during an illness and recovery; ministering to others; graduation, birthday, anniversary, ordination, holiday gifts; or just socializing...there are endless possibilities!
To make a shawl personal, the giver or the recipient may want to adorn the shawl with beads, shells, feathers and charms. A blessing or ritual maybe offered when the gift is presented.
Knitting question of the day
Have you knit a prayer shawl?
~~~
Don't forget about the June Giveaway. For all the information on the giveaway check out Wednesday's blog.
Knitting Prayers,
Victoria
Saturday, June 21, 2014
Warm Up America
Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Day 4 = June 21, 2014
I first heard about Warm Up America when looking over the Craft Yarn Council's website. I love that it is not just about the knitting, but teaching people to knit especially kids. The following information and pictures are directly from their website.
What is Warm Up America! (WUA!)
Welcome to Warm Up America! the charity that has warmed peoples' lives since 1991. It started in a small Wisconsin town with neighbors knitting and crocheting afghans for neighbors in need. Thanks to the creativity of founder Evie Rosen who came up with the idea of having volunteers knit or crochet small sections and then others join them together, the idea quickly caught on. Today Warm Up America distributes warm afghans, caps and other items to tens of thousands of people, thanks to the generosity of knitters and crocheters around the country.
About the Foundation
The Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit, is committed to motivating, training and coordinating volunteers to knit and crochet afghans and clothing for people in need. To this end, the Foundation:
Victoria
Day 4 = June 21, 2014
I first heard about Warm Up America when looking over the Craft Yarn Council's website. I love that it is not just about the knitting, but teaching people to knit especially kids. The following information and pictures are directly from their website.
What is Warm Up America! (WUA!)
Welcome to Warm Up America! the charity that has warmed peoples' lives since 1991. It started in a small Wisconsin town with neighbors knitting and crocheting afghans for neighbors in need. Thanks to the creativity of founder Evie Rosen who came up with the idea of having volunteers knit or crochet small sections and then others join them together, the idea quickly caught on. Today Warm Up America distributes warm afghans, caps and other items to tens of thousands of people, thanks to the generosity of knitters and crocheters around the country.The Foundation, a 501C3 nonprofit, is committed to motivating, training and coordinating volunteers to knit and crochet afghans and clothing for people in need. To this end, the Foundation:
- Promotes, trains and encourages individual volunteers and groups to adopt the WUA! program as a local activity;
- Supports and assists these local volunteers by providing information and instructional materials through its web site and mailings;
- Acts as a collection point and facility for completed sections to have them assembled into completed afghan blankets, and
- Collects completed afghan blankets for distribution to various charitable organizations and agencies that hand out the afghans to homeless and needy persons.
- Children, through schools and youth groups;
- Community, church and older adult organizations;
- Businesses, through corporate lunchtime programs.
Children
Warm Up America! is fast becoming a favorite project of teachers, Scout, 4-H, and Family, Career and Community Leaders of America groups. It involves kids in a worthwhile, community program, enables them to learn a skill that will last a lifetime, plus, strengthens their math, reading and motor skills. To assist teachers in introducing Warm Up America and a knitting or crocheting curriculum to their classes, the Foundation has a helpful web site: www.teachknitandcrochet.org with guidelines and tips.Community, Church and Older Adult Organizations & Businesses
The program appeals to all ages. For community, church, senior residences and senior centers, it is a favorite project, in many cases sponsored year-round. Increasingly, employers of large and small corporations are encouraging employees to get involved with charitable activities, meeting at lunchtime or after work. Warm Up America! is a great activity for a lunch hour that also builds team spirit.
Knitting question of the day
What is the largest item that you have knit?
Knitting Warmth,
~~~
Don't forget about the June Giveaway. For all the information on the giveaway check out Wednesday's blog.
Victoria
Friday, June 20, 2014
Red Scarf Project
Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Day 3 = June 20, 2014
Do you love to knit or crochet? Whether you are a beginner, an expert, or somewhere in between, your handiwork can send warmth and encouragement to a foster student! Click here for more information on red scarf knitting guidelines.
The handmade red scarves in each of our Valentine’s Day care packages become treasured keepsakes that our students wear for years. The Red Scarf Project offers a unique opportunity to use your creativity to give a truly personal gift to one student as he or she moves forward to graduation and a brighter future.
Knitting Red,
Victoria
Day 3 = June 20, 2014
For those of us that have a family, receiving a hand knit item brings joy, beauty and occasionally tears. Now imagine the emotion when the foster kids from today's cause receive their item. The following information and picture is directly from the Foster Care to Success website.
The handmade red scarves in each of our Valentine’s Day care packages become treasured keepsakes that our students wear for years. The Red Scarf Project offers a unique opportunity to use your creativity to give a truly personal gift to one student as he or she moves forward to graduation and a brighter future.
The Red Scarf Project is endorsed by Interweave Knits, The National Needle Arts Association, and the Lily Chin Signature Collection.“Your hands are a window into your heart and soul. There is a piece of yourself in every project you make; there is love in every stitch, and a handmade scarf is like a hug. Foster Care to Success’ Red Scarf Project gives us each an opportunity to show that someone out there, even a stranger, truly cares about our foster youth.” - “Master Knitter” Lily Chin, Red Scarf Project spokesperson
Knitting question of the day
What has been the best reaction you have seen when giving a knit item?
~~~
Don't forget about the June Giveaway. For all the information on the giveaway check out Wednesday's blog.
Knitting Red,
Victoria
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Precious Pals Program
Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Knitting Tiny Sweaters,
Victoria
Day 2 = June 19, 2014
As a member of The Knitting Guild Association, I have often heard and read about their wonderful Precious Pals Program. It helps kids in a time of chaos and upheaval. Following is the information directly from TKGA's website.
Precious Pals Program - The Knitting Guild Association (TKGA)
THE KNITTING GUILD OF AMERICA -
REACHING OUT TO TROUBLED CHILDREN
REACHING OUT TO TROUBLED CHILDREN
"Children in crisis often wonder if there is anyone who cares. Precious Pals lets them know that they are cared about and loved.”
Our Precious Pals™ Program provides immediate comfort to children in crisis by providing thousands of stuffed animals with knitted outfits to law enforcement agencies and other first responders all over the United States. The Knitting Guild Association members and conference attendees provide stuffed animals with hand-knitted outfits to local first-responder or other child-help agencies or bring them to TKGA Conferences to be presented to various local agencies. According to one law officer, the Pals are invaluable. The children sometimes tell the animal what happened, then the animal "tells” the investigating officer.
How You Can Help
Purchase a bear or other stuffed animal. You are welcome to use our free pattern to knit a sweater with matching pants. Knit an outfit to dress your bear. You can add your own stripes, checks, or any creative design. Contact your local agencies (fire department, police department, etc.) to make local donations. Or bring your Precious Pal to the next TKGA conference – we will be sure they get to a child in need. If you are unable to find a local agency for your Pals and you cannot attend conference, you can still play a part. Simply purchase (or knit!) an animal, knit an outfit and mail it to:
How You Can HelpPurchase a bear or other stuffed animal. You are welcome to use our free pattern to knit a sweater with matching pants. Knit an outfit to dress your bear. You can add your own stripes, checks, or any creative design. Contact your local agencies (fire department, police department, etc.) to make local donations. Or bring your Precious Pal to the next TKGA conference – we will be sure they get to a child in need. If you are unable to find a local agency for your Pals and you cannot attend conference, you can still play a part. Simply purchase (or knit!) an animal, knit an outfit and mail it to:
The Knitting Guild Association
1100-H Brandywine Blvd
Zanesville OH 43701-7303
Download the Precious Pals Pattern only or the Precious Pals Pattern with Information.
Where Do the Bears Come From to Knit Outfits For?
Guilds sometimes have asked TKGA where they can get bears or other stuffed animals to knit outfits for. Here are some ideas from other guilds:
Where Do the Bears Come From to Knit Outfits For?
Guilds sometimes have asked TKGA where they can get bears or other stuffed animals to knit outfits for. Here are some ideas from other guilds:
- Some guilds prepare ahead and purchase bears when they go on sale after Christmas (or Valentine’s Day).
- Some guilds cruise summer yard sales for bears they can wash up and use.
- Sometimes stores will make a special offer to guilds once they understand the Program (it helps if you share with them the TKGA Web site address of this page about the Precious Pals program so they can read about it and see pictures of children with their Pals).
- Some guilds knit the bears as well as the outfits!
And remember, it doesn't have to be "bears". Any cuddly stuffed animal can make an adorable Pal. We've received stuffed bunnies, dogs, cats, pigs, moose, elephants, hippos and more.
KNITTERS HELPED KATRINA VICTIMS
With help from Janelle Tessier of Doran's retail framing shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70 stuffed animals from members of The Knitting Guild Association were sent in 2006 by TKGA to Volunteers of America in Greater Baton Rouge. The teddy bears and other stuffed toys were distributed to children by case managers and first responders within the Katrina Aid Today and Louisiana Spirit programs. The grateful faces of some of those who received the gifts say it all...Katrina children with Pals.
KNITTERS HELPED KATRINA VICTIMS
With help from Janelle Tessier of Doran's retail framing shop in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, 70 stuffed animals from members of The Knitting Guild Association were sent in 2006 by TKGA to Volunteers of America in Greater Baton Rouge. The teddy bears and other stuffed toys were distributed to children by case managers and first responders within the Katrina Aid Today and Louisiana Spirit programs. The grateful faces of some of those who received the gifts say it all...Katrina children with Pals.
Knitting question of the day
What type of pattern would you put on a sweater for a Precious Pals bear?
~~~
Don't forget about the June Giveaway. For all the information on the giveaway check out yesterday's blog.
Knitting Tiny Sweaters,
Victoria
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
Knitting for a Cause
Week 25 = Knitting for a Cause
Day 1 = June 18, 2014
We all knit for a reason: friends, passion, help with one's arthritis and so on. But how many of us knit for a Cause? There are so many Causes/Charities that Knitter's give their time and skills to. If you asked a local knitting group how many people have knit something for a cause/charity this year, you would be amazed. The numbers are big and impressive. Sure you can go to your local store and buy a bunch of hats for your local cancer center, but for anyone that have ever received a knitted item, we cherish the love, time and thought that goes into that special knit item. So this week I will be highlighting different causes/charities that are out there in the world and here in my local area.
The rules are simple:
Victoria
Day 1 = June 18, 2014
We all knit for a reason: friends, passion, help with one's arthritis and so on. But how many of us knit for a Cause? There are so many Causes/Charities that Knitter's give their time and skills to. If you asked a local knitting group how many people have knit something for a cause/charity this year, you would be amazed. The numbers are big and impressive. Sure you can go to your local store and buy a bunch of hats for your local cancer center, but for anyone that have ever received a knitted item, we cherish the love, time and thought that goes into that special knit item. So this week I will be highlighting different causes/charities that are out there in the world and here in my local area.
~~~
Welcome to JUNE GIVEAWAY week!
This week you will have a chance to get up to 7 entries into the JUNE GIVEAWAY! Without further ado, here is the giveaway!
The Vickie Howell Event Giveaway Package
This package contains the following:
- a skein of Bernat, Cotton-ish in colorway #85620 called Lemon Twill
- a 6" wooden ruler signed by Vickie Howell
- a copy of the Spring 2014 issue of Interweave Crochet magazine
- a signed copy of Knitting Daily TV, Series 1200, including all 13 episodes
- Answer the Knitting question of the day by leaving a comment at the bottom of each blog post.
- Feel free to comment as often as you like. Please NOTE that only your first comment for each question will be counted as an entry.
- The giveaway week runs from Wednesday, June 18 to Noon on Wednesday, June 24.
- You can post your comment at any time from beginning to end of the giveaway week.
- Only entries in the United States will qualify.
Knitting question of the day
What is your favorite cause to knit for?
Knitting for a Cause,Victoria
Tuesday, June 17, 2014
Stuffed Animals
Week 24 = Summer Knitting
Day 7 = June 17, 2014
When knitting for your children or other little ones in your life, there are the typical items to knit like the following:
Day 7 = June 17, 2014
When knitting for your children or other little ones in your life, there are the typical items to knit like the following:
- Blankets
- Scarves
- Hats
- Sweaters
- Belts
Knitting question of the day
What would you knit for the little one in your life?
Knitting Ponies,
Victoria
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