Boy-Oh-Boy!

It’s October, and time to begin your autumn knitting projects. I often get queries about patterns for boys…this is a classic, cabled number knit side to side. Hope you enjoy it!

Learn to Knit Kit... and Pom Pom all the way!

Our Learn to Knit Kit is the perfect item to introduce kids to knitting…it uniquely comes with the scarf already cast on – by the time the scarf is finished the new knitter can easily do the kint-on cast on, which is always the trickiest bit to learn. These kits make wonderful holiday gifts, and create a unique experience for young and old together. Kits are available at you local yarn shops and at www.classiceliteyarns.com. Enjoy!

Lambikins... A gift for the young & the young at heart!

It’s almost October, and time to start thinking about gifts for the holidays. One of the cutest projects I have is my Lambikins hand puppet…the loop stitch is very easy to do, and the puppet is a delight for young and old alike. Knit some up for your favorite little ones, and think about giving the kit to a young knitter. Enjoy!

The Sweater for your "Little One" and their BFF

OK knitters…time to come in from the garden and knit! Bow Wow could be a delightful fall project...

Ahoy! Classics Baby Brit Sailor

Zippers!

Knitters are historically afraid of zippers, but they are very easy to sew in, and for this particular sweater, the zipper makes dressing easy as pie.

Zippers should always be sewn in by hand. The zipper should be the exact same length as the opening, to avoid stretching or puckering.Place the zipper in a stitch or tow so the zipper teeth will not be exposed. Pin the zipper with the right side showing, then baste it in with a simple running stitch. (Using a contrasting color thread will help.) Remove the pins and turn to the back side. Sew zipper edge with a backstitch. Repeat with the other side of the zipper, and you’re done. Be brave, and try it!

Baby Bird Nest Campaign

If you're a nature lover, I've found just the project for you! Wildcare's Wildlife Hospital is looking for knitters to make nests for orphaned and abandoned baby birds in their care. Each year Wildcare raises over 800 baby birds and they need something soft, washable, and nest-like to raise the babies in. For more information on how you can help, take a look at Wildcare's site.

If you're looking for some wildlife-friendly yarn, check my colorful CottonTail or MinnowMerino yarns. If you make nests using my yarn, be sure to take a picture and email them to me (at jil@minnowknits.com ) so I can feature them on the blog! Happy knitting.