Men's Basic Mitts

Requests for knitted items get pretty slow in the summer time.  Clearly people have a hard time thinking about hats and scarfs in July heat waves.  This doesn't mean I've put down my needles, though it does make me feel pretty silly when making socks and mittens. 

Which I am, by the way.  I'm making a whole bunch of mittens.  They're not too useful now, but a big pile of warm mittens is pretty awesome come winter.  Which is why I'm part of a group making winter accessories for the Men's shelter in Halifax.  The goal is to collect 80 items for the end of August to distribute to the men when it gets cold.  

I found a really awesome basic pattern.  It's great for modifying so I can great creative (rather then repetitive).  Plus the yarn I'm using looks so comfortable and warm. 

It's amazing how much you can get done in just a few days.  They are turning out bigger then I expected, I might have to double check my gauge.  

If you have ever wanted to pick up knitting this is a great reason to start.  You can start off with an easy project like a scarf and give it to someone who will really appreciate your efforts.  What more can you ask for?

Pattern: http://knitwithkt.blogspot.ca/2007/11/basic-mens-mittens.html

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Yarn Bombing

A few weeks ago I went to the library, it is always a wonderful source of knitting information.  I love the idea of do-it yourself crafts.  Some of my favourite library finds are Pretty in Punk, Punk Knits, and AntiCraft.    This time, while searching through the craft section, I found a book called Yarn Bombing: The Art of Crochet and Knit Graffiti.  Immediately I was in love.

Have you ever seen a tree covered in yarn, or a knitted item on a statue someone left behind?  That is called yarn bombing.  It's a form of street art that formed from the knitting community.  I know, we're hardcore right?  It is often used as an act of craftivism (craft+activism, it's an actual word I swear).  Mostly, it's about bringing a smile to somebody's face by making everyday objects awesome.

Bike racks in the Commons, Halifax N.S

The act of yarn bombing is subject of mixed feelings.  Some people think it's art, some see it as littering (but we don't really agree with those people do we?).  Even among crafters there is some debate.  Most people have a hard time understanding why you would spend so much time making an item that will sit outside in the elements.  Why not spend the time and yarn on a gift for someone?

That seems to be the biggest problem knitters have with yarn bombing, wasting beautiful yarns from our stashes.  The thing is, you don't use your high quality yarns.  The best yarn to use is actually acrylic, which is usually on the lower end of the price scale anyways.  Acrylic yarns tend to stay brighter for longer when left outside.  It is a perfect excuse to get ride of some yarn you picked up, or were given, that you can't find a project for.  You could even use the last bits of yarn leftover from a project.  You know, the bits that are too small to really make anything else with.  Piece those together and voila, the perfect excuse to yarn bomb something.

Tagged phone booth by the Halifax Forum

That's my opinion on it anyways. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on the subject.  Or even just some wicked photos of yarn bombing you've encountered, be it in the streets or on the internet.  

Thumbs up.

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