You asked and now it's here...

4180 N College Avenue

I am now offering FREE lessons and a place of gathering for knitters/crocheters/loomers on the 1st Saturday of the month at the College Avenue Library.  We will meet from 10:30-12:30.  Bring your needles, hooks, looms and yarn for a fun time with other like-minded people.

 

Our first gathering will be on Saturday, January 5th.  We'll meet in the Indy Reads room.  Just ask at the desk if you're not sure where that is.  And parking and the entrance is off of Broadway.

 

Join us!

~Denise

How I've spent my week off from work

 When I wasn't shoveling myself out of 8 inches of snow this week, I was knitting and crocheting!  The teal and beige cowl was quite a challenge.  It took 5 tries to get the stitch right.  It called for knitting in the stitch below.  Not as easy as it sounds. But it was all worth it when my daughter said it's her favorite thing I've made her! It was also my first time circular knitting with 2 colors- it was actually easier than doing so on straight needles.

One of the things I enjoy about making things myself is the ability to make changes.  The brown cowl for me was supposed to be shorter but I made it longer because I like being able to pull my cowls over my head. It called for a mobius twist which is actually a math term.  It just means you twist it before joining the edges.  I'm working on a pair of cabled hand warmers.  It's the first time I've knit using a chart.  I've done cross stitch before so it's very similar to that. I plan to wear them Sunday so I'll post pictures soon.  

To those who said they've been bored while being snowed in, take up knitting or crocheting, I promise you'll find yourself wishing for more snow days so you can just sit and create!

I'm off next week too.  I wonder what I will create next?    

I finished crocheting my daughter's socks. 

 

She put them on right away!

I knitted this cowl for another daughter.  She said it's her favorite thing that I've made her!

The cowl I showed in a picture a few weeks ago.

This is the cowl up

This is the cowl down

Yarn bombing update

First bunch joined

I decided to join the swatches that have been completed so far so my co-workers would get even more excited about this project.  One of our library volunteers is  joining our group yarn bombing.

For more pictures, click on the "yarn bombing project at the College Avenue Branch" tab above.

Anything for my grand-babies

I'm sure my grand children think everyone's grandmother can just
"whip up" new dolls (or hats or mittens or whatever they like) every time they spend the night. 

She loved her crocheted Hello Kitty dolls and even "helped" me.  She chose the colors for the yarn and the embroidery thread.  I bet she'll be completely designing her own patterns soon!






http://arminas-aminals.blogspot.com/2008/03/ami-hello-kitty.html

A change in plans

I've decided to STOP having the knit/crochet gathering at the Central Library on the 2nd Tuesday of the month. 

The only people who have been coming are Amadi and Patrick.  I appreciate their support and the effort they make to get there after work, but since we all work together, we can get together at work to knit.

I will continue the 4th Tuesday of the month gathering at the Haughville Branch as long as there continues to be an interest. (We will not meet there in December).

So while I was at the Central library today for 4 hours today (I had a meeting there this afternoon and just stayed)  I worked on my  newest cowl.  The pattern is called  "Winding River Cowl" by  Kathleen Cubley and it's been a very fun challenge.  I learned the crochet-chain-provisional cast on method.  That's the lighter color on the knitted piece.  Once I finish the length of the cowl, I "unzip" the cast on stitches, place them on the needle and then bind off.  I'll add another picture before I twist and create the Mobius strip and  join the 2 ends.  It's a very nice design. Like a winding river :)

This next picture shows the socks that I'm crocheting for my daughter.  I've knitted socks before but this is my first pair of crocheted ones.  They're from the book Learn to Crochet Socks for the family by Leisure Arts. I have a few more inches to do for the foot, then I do the toe.  The heel will then be added.

I"ll add pictures of both projects when they're finished, which I hope will be this weekend.  I have sooo many new things that I want to start on next!

~Denise

Yarn bombing at the library!

Yarn bombing, yarnbombing, yarnstorming, guerrilla knitting, urban knitting or graffiti knitting is a type of graffiti or street art that employs colorful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fiber rather than paint or chalk.

 I've added a new page to my blog.

It will document the yarn bombing project that my co-workers and I are in the midst of.  Because so many of us knit and or crochet, our manager thought it would be fun if we yarn bombed something at our library branch.  We decided on 2 chairs.  I'm in charge of the project so I measured the top of the chairs and divided it into smaller sections for everyone to make swatches that I'll combine. 
For those of you who aren't sure what yarn bombing is, I've added some pictures.

        

A knitter is born!

I had a new student today at the East Washington St Michaels.  A very nice 62 year young lady who already crocheted and wanted to give knitting a try.  She did very well! She learned both the knit and purl stitches and I taught her how to crochet with the Red Heart Sashay yarn. 

I had a "first" today.  While teaching Nancy, a customer came in the classroom to ask me how to knit with the Sashay yarn.  Of course I told her she could register for  one of my classes and I'd teach her but that's not what she wanted to hear.  I explained that she could find instructions and videos online.  She seemed to be satisfied with that answer. 

If you're on Pinterest, look for me - UntangledStitch.  I just added a new board with Warm Up America information.  I also have a board that will chronicle the Yarn Bombing project that we're doing at the library.  I'll add a "page" for that here on my blog too.

I hope that all of your knitting and or crocheting projects are happy and productive ones!

~Denise

Updates

I have updated my December and January calendars. 

Because the Haughville (and all IndyPL locations) will be closed on the 4th Tuesday of  December, the 25th  it looks like we won't be meeting there this month.

I haven't done much knitting or crocheting this week.  I had a very rare cold.  Tomorrow I should be back at full strength so my fingers will once again be productive!

Three hats and a cowl!

This hat is for my nephew in TN

This hat is for my son in OH

This hat is for my great nephew in KY

This cowl is for me!

These are the things that I made this week.  I've been very productive with my knitting and crocheting lately.  I'm not sure if it's because I've been making smaller things or because I have so many projects that I want to finish.   Setting deadlines for myself helps too.  The hats were all going out of state so I needed to finish them in time for my "messengers" to deliver them for me. 
This week I'm working to complete project samples for my crochet class on Thursday.  Then I plan to make slippers for some family member.  I love making things for my family!  Their heartfelt thanks and seeing them enjoy the fruits of my labor make it all worthwhile.  Thank you guys for being so receptive and letting me make things for you!
Speaking of classes... This week I'll be at the Haughville Library joined by others who knit and or crochet.  We gather to share what we're working on and to enjoy the company of others who like working with yarn.  Thursday I have a crochet class at the Avon Michaels.  The difference between the two is the gatherings at the libraries are free and open to the public.  Both beginners and experienced knitters/crocheters gather and if anyone has questions, I'm available to assist.  The classes at Micheals have a fee.  For those I provide patterns, handouts and basically private lessons.  Click on the calendar to see my upcoming schedule. Either location, I'm able to share my love and knowledge of knitting and crocheting!

Ta da!

Below are pictures of my latest finished projects.  I'll post links to the patterns later.

Next on today's agenda... making oatmeal cookies with my granddaughter!

Thank yous all around!

In the business of the week, I forgot to thank Amadi and Patrick for joining me at the Central Library Tuesday evening to knit.  We had a great time!

Second, thank you to everyone who continues to support my knit and crochet efforts.  Can you believe I've reached over 1000 views to my blog?!

This one deserves a "face -to - face" Thank you!

Thank you all!!!!!!! 
~Denise

Things that make you go hmmmmm

Apparently my tweet was removed from the conference twitter feed so I still have 6 really nice crocheted bookmarks available for anyone who asks. While supplies last!

Blogging, tweeting and knitting, oh my!

 The project I decided to work on today in between sessions. I'll post another pic when I finish this cowl.

I'm at a library conference this week. Missing my kiddos and Story time but gaining lots of new knowledge and knitting in between sessions :-)

It's funny how technology has changed us/things.  We were encouraged to tweet during the conference sessions.  One presenter even had things posted within her PowerPoint presentation that she wanted us to tweet!

I got this bright idea to have a giveaway so tomorrow I'll tweet that I have something for those who come to me and acknowledge that they read my tweet.  I'm planning to knit or crochet some bookmarks.  I'll also give them my knit/crochet business card with my blog and Facebook info, I have become quite the marketer!


And yes, I did get some librarian info today too  ;)

Ok, now to get busy making these bookmarks to giveaway tomorrow!  I'll take pics of that too.
~Denise

Looking for a way to use your leftover yarn?

Knit or crochet sections using the pattern of your choice.

It's a great way to practice different stitches.






 Some of the 7 x 9 inch sections that were collected at the Avon Michaels store today.

. 

It didn't take long for me to crochet them together into strips.

Click on the Warm Up America tab to get details on how you can take part in this worthwhile effort.  The sections that I collect will be made into blankets that will be donated to Riley  Hospital for Children and University Hospital in Indianapolis. 

Completed 36 x 42 inch lap afghan

Such friendly people!

Thank you to everyone who stopped and talked to me today at the
E. Washington St Michaels Store!

I hope to see all of you in one of my classes soon.  Remember to click on the calendar at the right for the details about where I'll be and when.  If you have any questions you can email me at UntangledStitcher@gmail.com

I have a favor to ask...

     While I truly truly appreciate all of the support and visits that I'm getting here on my blog, did you know that I also have a Facebook page?

It has pretty much the same information you find here on the blog and it also has information from other knit and crochet related Facebook pages. 

If you're also on Facebook, please consider visiting my page there and "liking" me.

Thank you! 
~Denise

www.facebook.com/UntangledStitcher

As promised...

I have now added a 2nd opportunity for FREE knitting and/or crocheting lessons!

The 2nd Tuesday of the month I will be at the Central Library (40 E. St. Clair St, Indpls.)

This is very similar to what I do on the 4th Tuesday of the month at the Haughville Library.
Knitters and crocheters gather for a good time and share their latest projects.  I will be available to provide lessons for anyone who is interested.

If you have questions about the supplies that you'll need to bring, contact me.

The difference between these and the classes that I teach at Michaels is I don't provide handouts, project instructions or teach anything specific.  The classes at Michaels are for a fee, and most times end up being private lessons.  We still laugh and have a good time!

For more information, check the calendar to the right. Each class that I teach is listed along with the details.  
~Denise

Sashay yarn

This is an interesting yarn to work with.  It actually looks like ribbon.  You work through the mesh-like holes rather than around like you would with regular yarn.  In the picture, the "above" is how it looks opened and before it's worked, the "below" is the ruffling effect you get when you work with it.  Once you get the hang of it, it works up rather quickly.

I crocheted my scarf and will figure out how to knit with it next.  I hope to offer this as a class at Michaels soon.

The funny thing is...

After finishing all those projects, only one was on my "to make" list! 

Sorry I haven't written, but I've been busy knittin'...

and crocheting!
Look at the things I've either started and completed in the last week or finished from having started earlier!

Pillows for my sister from the book Crochet Pillows with Tunisian & Traditional Techniques - Loop-de-loop and Furry Fun pages 12-18

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/childs-crochet-earflap-hat

I made this hat while he was napping and yes, that's a crochet hook and yarn he has!

I knitted this cowl for myself last year but wasn't able to wear it due to too much hair

I made these fingerless gloves to go with the white cowl.  These are one of the projects for the Michaels knitting class

Hooded scarf for me. From the book Hooded Scarves to Crochet pg 11

Polo collar cowl, for me- from Cowlgirls the neck's big thing to knit pg 34

Frilly ruffle scarf - for me

http://www.redheart.com/free-patterns/frilly-crochet-scarf

Oh what a night!

Tonight's gathering was a reunion of sorts.  Stephanie hadn't been with us in a while so it was good to see her again and hear about her knitting/crocheting adventures.  Susan was back after a little accident, we're all glad that she's doing better.  It was also good to have a new knitter with us.  Heather took to the needles like she was born to knit!  We had our regular regular Francine and our new regulars, Jenny and Amadi.

If you missed it, you missed a good time.

We were so busy knitting and catching up I didn't take any pictures!  Thanks again to the Haughville Library for allowing us the space to gather and share!  Ladies, I look forward to seeing you next month. 

Yarn & Needle Night at the Haughville Library

I'm looking forward to tomorrow evening when I'll be at the library with other knitters and or crocheters.  Can't wait to see what everyone has been working on!

Another great class!

Thanks to Nickie, Amanda and Wendy, I had my 'biggest' class at Michaels ever!  Yep, 3 whole students.  They were all new to knitting and each left knowing more than when she started.  They all worked on the hand/wrist warmers and were able to get quite a bit done.  Once again, I forgot to take a picture.  But trust me, we all had a good time.

Ladies, it was a pleasure to knit with you! 

WOW!

I am so excited that in 3 weeks I've had over 600 views to my blog!
That may not seem like much to some of you but to me it's a whole lot.    Thank you all!!!!!

I hope that you're getting useful information and are becoming even more excited about knitting and crocheting.

Thanks to Karen for coming to my first crochet class on the East Side today!  We laughed the whole time.  That's what crocheting (and knitting) are about.  Making friends and having a good time while creating something beautiful.

Today's Tip...

MEASURE!
While this hat is adorable and was fun and easy to make, unfortunately I won't be wearing it this week as planned.  It's just a little too small.  I'm always reminding my students to count (which I did) but measuring is important too, especially for an item that is supposed to fit.  So the pattern says fits head circumference 21 in and it turns out a 'proper' measurement of my head shows it's 23" and I can't blame it on my hair this time!

So someone with a smaller head than mine will be getting this hat and I'll make it again with a few adjustments so it will fit me.

The pattern is in "Celebrity Knit Slouchy Beanies for the family (Leisure Arts) pg. 13

http://www.leisurearts.com/products/knit-celebrity-slouchy-beanies-for-the-family.html

New Page!

 

I've added a new page!   Click above on the Warm Up America tab to get lots of information including both knit and crochet section patterns.  I also have links to the locations that I will be donating the completed afghans to so be sure to get your sections made and to me.  Your donations will be greatly appreciated!


I hope to have a couple of gatherings at Michaels stores to work on combining the sections together into afghans so stay tuned!
~Denise

Check out this good cause

 Michaels Teams Up with Warm Up America!  

Special Demo Event • November 11th • 1–3pm

• Learn more about this industry charity and how you can be a part.
• Drop off afghan sections during the event.
• Plus, meet Craft Yarn Council’s Certified Discover instructors and learn about the exciting new crochet and knit classes being offered. 
•  

Check your local Michaels store for availability and details.

 

Find out more about Warm Up America history and download free afghan patterns.

For more information visit WarmUpamerica.org

Drop off your 7" x 9" blocks at any area Michaels store or contact me.  The ones that I collect will be made into blankets and given to Riley Hospital for Children and University Hospital in Indianapolis.  This is a great way to use your leftover yarn and make a difference!

 

Welcome to the world of crocheting!

Had a great class tonight with 2 new students.  Amanda and Patti picked it up quickly.  We planned to take a picture at the end but I forgot.  I'll have to be sure to get it next time.  

 

Thanks to Nickie for stopping by and hanging out with us.  

 

 

Are you wondering about the hand?  It's to display the wrist warmers for the knit stitch class.  I decided to buy one - and tonight they were on sale!

 

 

 

Cute!

I might have to get these bumper stickers.
http://www.yarn.com/webs-knitting-accessories-gifts-jewelry/zippy-pins-bumper-stickers/?utm_source=FB&utm_medium=products&utm_campaign=zippy-pins