Monthly Archive for December, 2009

Merry Christmas!

Have a Merry Christmas and make some new memories…I took this photo of my Christmas tree, and noticed all the ornaments I’ve made over the years.  Some are made from pantyhose–remember those in the 80′s??  ha ha!!  Those were the ones I made when my kids were babies, that’s how I babyproofed the tree. Way back when the craft shows first hit the scene!   I even have some felt ornaments I made with my brother and sisters when we were kids, I laugh each year as I put them on just the right branch-they are so cheesey, but I love remembering the felt, sequins and Elmer’s glue…

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Free pattern for the Coziest Ever…Infinity scarf

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This will keep you warm when the winds            and snow hit, wrap it around your neck and      pull it up over your head when Cleveland            weather gets really mean!   Also an                      excellent holiday   gift, one size fits all!  It’s      a fairly quick knit  so you can still get a              couple made for next  week.

Yarn: Lambs Pride Bulky (3 skeins)

Circular size 17 needle
Finished measurement approx 15″ x 58″
Cast on 132 stitches, knit every row (back           and forth) for about 15″ or 23-25 ridges,          leave about 11 yards of yarn for bind off and  seaming.
Bind off, ease a little so this edge is not too tight.  Seam short ends together.  Block with steam, this sets the stitches and flattens the fabric a bit giving it a nice drape.  Written by Heidi.
Happy Knitting!!

Handmade for the boys

DSCN1028Every year I like to make something for each member of my family. It’s easy to make something for the ladies… purses, eyemasks, bracelets, and other pretty stuff. But when it comes to the men I struggle to find ideas. I over the years I’ve relied on the steady backup… pajama pants. Everyone loves them. Everyone wears them. This year I’ve come up with some other ideas for you:

DSCN1032Pillows are a great item for guys. Make them out of old tee shirts commemorating their favorite concert, a vacation spot, or just that ugly tee that you’ve trying to get him to stop wearing. You can blend it into your decor by pairing it with some fun fabric, piping, or trim!

Scarves are always a plus in our house. Knit, sewn, or made of old sweaters or tee shirts and backed with flannel or fleece. A big favorite in our house is the Bull S*** Scarf handmade by Grandma Honey. Look closely – this scarf has the words Bull S*** knit into the motif. Everyone in our family has one and it is a great conversation piece. Find these at Stitch this month for $25.

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DSCN1034Another great gift idea for the guy who has everything… a cool handmade stocking stuffed with essentials! He’ll appreciate a sock full of candy, toiletries, or gift cards!

Some other gift ideas we’ve been working up for the little elves on our lists:

* sock monkeys made from socks from his favorite team colors

* reusable bags made from cool fabrics

* zippered toiletry bag for traveling

* duct tape wallet or billfold made from tee shirt or cool fabric

* ties

* Superman cape and breifs (sweet!)

* plushies made to look like him, you, the family….

* pillowcases

* throw quilts (like our Easy Peasy) made from tee shirts and cool fabric

Keep Cleveland Warm this Winter

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The Giving Tree

nakedtreeWell, it’s that time of year again! Time to bust out the holiday decorations and drive around the neighborhood oo-ing and ah-ing at the neighbor’s pretty lights! Stitch Cleveland has been busy putting up our tree, too.

We left it naked so that you can warm it up with your generous donations for the Cleveland area families that would otherwise be cold this winter. We will be busy making sewn, knit, crocheted, and felted items to add to our tree and hope that you join us! On December 21st we will donate our ‘decorations’ to the West Side Catholic Center’s Giving Tree Program.

Please drop any items that can help a family this winter. Although we are focusing on handmade items such as sweaters, socks, scarves, hats and mittens for adults and children, your generosity is welcomed in any form. See www.helpcleveland.org to see more items to help Clevelanders this winter.

What a great way to teach your children to be generous. Help them make a simple fleece scarf to hang on the tree!

Yarn Masters

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Here is a snap of the crochet group that meets up on the first Thursday of each month. We have such a good time. Last night was the holiday party. A gift exchange, snacks, and of course a little wine are perfect ingredients for a fun party. Add a little crocheting and the party gets wild! Yarn Masters of the Silver Hook, we salute you!

You should make time to join us next month! It’s a fun group with members of all ages and skill levels.