Movie Monday

A bit of funny I found on YouTube that is Knitting Related: (hoping this will repost)

Movie Monday

I came across some great knitting videos for doing socks/sleeves/necklines/hat bands/etc. that I don't want to lose -- so I'm "storing" them here .... feel free to check them out

Cat Bordhi teaches me something new again!

JSSBO (Jeny's Super Stretchy Bind-Off) + a new way to end in the round!



Jeny's Super Stretchy Cast-On (its just as stretchy as the bind-off) and Jeny teaches this herself!

Show-N-Tell

Well hubby got the photos from his camera downloaded so here are some shots from the "Knit/Crochet Out 2009" of the kids ... well okay photos of just one kid turned out.

I've never used hubby's cell to take photos so I was very glad with the Photo with Blue & my youngest turned out -- what a cutey.

My youngest son was enchanted with the giant sock monkeys on the stage -- me? I wanted to start knitting up the yarn on those balls -- I wish I had taken a closer look though ... they looked like they were made with giant ribbon yarn so I'm betting that it was really giant strips of knitting wrapped around styrofoam cores -- but can you imagine all the knitting just for a display?? Even if they had machine knitted it, it would have taken days to make just one strip for one ball - they had at least 5 balls.

Yes this is schmeered, its not your eyes or your computer -- I didn't realize that I had to keep completely still for so long after taking the photo ... oh well ... you can kind of see my youngest modelling her sweater & hat combo ... now if only I could remember the pattern number.

I did have a photo of my older daughter but the phone said it was full and couldn't save any more photos so when hubby downloaded, while we could see it on the phone it didn't transfer. Aw shucks.

And look who else we found there!! We didn't realize the Lion Brand mascot would be there, and I couldn't get any of the kids to stand by him either but he posed for me just the same.

What a good sport. he was gone later though when we finally stopped to get in line.

See it behind him?? We asked one of the ladies how long she had been there since she was almost up to the booth and she said 20 minutes! We opted to wait until after the fashion show to go thru the line, and I'm glad we did.

We went instead to Barnes & Noble (did I write about this here already, or was it one of my other blogs?) for a quick bite to eat in the Starbuck's Cafe - hey, if you have a B&N membership your discount applies there too - and split a turkey club sandwich 4 ways (they were very nice about it) and a drink for each.

Then we bought some books ... me an almanac, my son a comic book, my oldest daughter a romance novel and my youngest daughter "The Knitting Answer Book" ... and what do you know but the author of that very book was there to sign them in the hallway right by where the girls were modelling.

I was kind of hoping to get the autograph in the book before she got back to where I had been sitting, but they got changed out of their showpieces before I got done ... I had stood in line for 20 minutes when suddenly the author came up to us and said we didn't need to stand in line just to get an autograph!

She was very nice and asked my daughter a few questions ... and then she signed the book for her special! It was great! It will be a day my daughter should remember for the rest of her life.

What a day of memories --- all three of them said it was something they want to do every year from now on ... we will have to see how things work out.

I'm So SORRRY....

Okay I am not making fun of this pattern (Fishy Hat in the Winter 2008 issue of Knitty) ... and really I'm not trying to ... as a designer I have to admit that my tastes are not always those of other people ... and this isn't a tear at the pattern at all - I love them and am thinking they would be great for the cabin, especially in the early mornings or autumn when it is so cold but I can't get the kids off the dock.

No this comment is more about the photograph .... so if anyone is going to get upset with me, it will probably be the photographer.

Here it is -- those kids look so happy don't they?


What, they couldn't get one of those kids to crack a smile?? it just strikes me as strange because photos are how you "sell" a pattern, even a free one -- yet they used a photo that makes it look like the kids really don't want to be caught wearing them .... can't you hear the 'aw mom, do I have to?"s now?

There are three photos of these kids with the pattern - one is a very funny/cute one with the fish pulled all the way down so it looks like the fish are swallowing their heads ... lol ... but none of them show the kids enjoying these hats - although the last photo does show a partial smile on the smallest one ... I'm wondering if the words "last photo" weren't spoken just before it was taken .... or maybe "who wants ice cream?".

Crap crap crap!

okay I thought it was bad when I didn't get the stretch in my colorworks portion of my partners socks ... I got some sock blockers that are supposed to be her size so I could test them out and they look like they will be fine.

Only now I am missing my yarn ... yes you read that right -- my yarn has taken a walk.

This summer after we got our partners I put the yarn I was going to use in a box so it wouldn't get dirty or full of dog hair ... or my hair ... I also had in some acrylic yarn which my oldest daughter was going to use for mittens ... everything was supposed to be honky dory.

A week ago I knew where the box was - I took out two skeins of my gold to put aside because I thought I was going to have to slice on as the balls I was using were running out.

Now I'm up to where I had planned a second band of color work -- but dang it -- now my ruby is running out and I'm almost sure that I will not have enough to get thru 14 rows ---

HEY .... I just realized that there's a way to figure this out!

for 7 rows at 52 sts ... I have a total of 364 sts. now I should be able to get a single point needle of the same size as I am using for the socks, wrap the yarn loosley thru (so I don't stretch it) and count how many stitches I can get.

Maybe figure out how many stitches, for the length it would take to go one loop around the hand ... then I just have to wrap the yarn around my hand and get a better estimate. Interesting thing is .... both balls were supposed to have the same amount of yarn, but one side has less than the other.

now the upside is -- I do have ONE, and only one, skein that I had balled up to begin with which I was saving for doing the toes - I wanted dark toes instead of gold so they wouldn't show the dirt or wear quite so quickly ... but I can add half that ball to each sock ... that might get me back to where I need to be to at least finish the toes of the socks.

Right now -- I am very grateful that I decided to learn to do both socks at the same time .... any changes I make will be on both socks and I won't have to worry about if I'm going to have enough for the second sock.

So two days of hunting -- I have just about given up on finding the box in time to finish the socks and still have time to give them a nice hand-washing and blocking.

Well -- off to measure. will let you know!!!

Guess what I got to do Today???

Oldest daughter was home sick. She had gone back to school yesterday after being home for two days and even volunteered at th local Girl Scout Round-up night but wouldn't you know it ... by the end of the night she was relapsing.

By the time we got home she was having a tough time standing without feeling like she was going to fall over ... no fever just tons of dizziness ... lay her down or even sit for a bit and she would be fine to go on. But it really concerned me when she took a drink from her gatorade bottle (dr had recommended Gatorade to replace electrolytes she may have been losing - we think the dr believes she dieting which she is not) ... anywho ... she was taking a swig while walking from the kitchen to the hallway when she 'blacked out'.

I thought it was just her eyes adjusting but she said no it wasn't that - she's had that happen and this wasn't it ... luckily she didn't have much left in her bottle so the mess was minimum (younger sister was walking up the steps at the same time and to say the floor is slippery when its wet would be like saying ice is a little viscous) ...

anyhow - what is really great is that I actually got some very quality knitting time -- YAH!! It also means that I am almost to the end of my partner's socks - haven't made up my mind whether that's good or bad yet. As was fun designing them, even if they were supersimple, and fun to learn to do two at once - no more SSS! but now I'm getting up to the tough part ... the toes. If I start too soon, the socks will be too small, starting too late would be preferred with this pattern though. I got some sock blockers for my anniversary so i can kind of gauge it - one set is the size of my partners foot.

Normally when I have one home sick I can't get anything done because they are 'mom' this and 'mo-0-0-0-m' that ... doesn't matter how old they get, they all love that feeling of being overly mothered when they are sick (the same thing they get on my case about when they are well).

But oldest son had day off from college and they spent the day challenging each other on the PS2 - he bought Madden football and they get to battle each other (he a Viking fan

VS.

, and she a Green Bay fan - don't know where we went wrong with her). As long as she laid on the couch and didn't get up she was fine ... laying on her stomach was fine ... standing and walking? she said it was like she was on a boat.

Got her into dr -- a virus shouldn't make her dizzy if she didnt have a fever to go with it. dr checked her white cell count(normal), checked her glands(normal), checked her ears ... etc. so its more blood tests. but her bp was a tad low -- I have the same issue sometimes.

but until I hear otherwise I will assume she is fine, and this too shall pass ... hopefully over the weekend.

Knitting Update

Yes I actually do post about knitting/crafting on this post once in a while ... I have been working on my socks this weekend, working on the instep area.

My problem is that it seems as if I will not get the stretch that I want in that general area with the pattern I'm using ... and if I lossen it up I'm afraid that I will have gapping holes in that area ...

the other color changes have been fairly minor only occuring at the beginning of the rows ... but this one is different.

oh well -- I will write my partner and get the measurement of her instep and see if I will need to increase for that area ... that could be the problem too but normally socks have just enough stretch to make it.

Sick kid .... again

Well -- I have my youngest home with me again .... and true to what I figured no knitting yesterday. I thought I was going to be able to knit for a while but I was mistaken.

I even had the yarn, needles, and socks out of the bag and on the bed waiting to go. But after the fifth time of getting a lull and having the yarn wrapped for tension around my hand - and having it interrupted with "can I have ..." or "moooooooom" ... I confess, I gave up.

when she went to the dr I figured I could get some stitching done .... at least until Morpheus came and kissed my eyelids for 45 min. Now I'm all good for a little nap, about 15-30 minutes at most ... any longer and boom I've got a headache. Sure enough ... flaming headache. But nothing that a few cups of tea didn't cure. Of course, by the time that was taken care of --- whoosh all the kids were home.

She was back from dr.s office, and the two bickersons were back from school. And of course since ds2 had missed thurs & fri from last week he had super load of homework., and a take home test (well, it was only take home for him because he was sick ... but the test was open-notes anyways). and there was a 'read this article and write 10 things you learned' make up thingy. Anyways, he had enough homework to where my second chance for knitting was gone as well.

Too much homework to go to scouts ... actually it all came down to one work sheet. It wasn't like the sheets he's had before where he could find the stock answer in the book ... he had to infer the answers from what he read. Try to explain this to a 12 yr old who's main goal is to shove it in his bag so he can get together with his buds.

death nail to the evening was the emergency call that hubby got calling him into work at 6:45p ... he had to go, major computer crisis - at least it could have been very major .... no ride to scouts. no time alone for Mom to knit.

LOL .... oh who am I kidding .... I wouldn't have been able to knit anyhow. I still had the sick-one, the boy-crazy one, and the Where's-The-Freezer-Key one (otherwise known as "The Bottomless Pit").

My family just seems to have this naturally built in radar for when yarn touches my fingers ... especially hubby if we are in Walmart or Michael's. He makes it a point to know exactly where the A.S. section is in every store and he makes sure that I never go near it (although truth be known, those places really don't have anything that appeals to me anymore ... but the still won't get me over to 3 Little Kittens, that could prove fatal to the checking acct. & credit card)

Although on the bright side I have reached the .... well that's a seperate post.

Movie Monday

Sorry I waited until Tuesday to get this out ... lost track of time yesterday.

I decided to go back to the knitting roots of this blog and found a really nice YouTube Video by TheKnitWitch (check out all her vids, she's great) on how to do the Magic Loop - although I think that might be trademarked - which is very easy to follow.

Every other reference that I have seen only take you to the point of pulling the extra cable out between the even stitches but never covers how it is you are supposed to work with stitches on each needle, you can get enough turn to work .... well, duh, watch the vid and see if you can spot the step the others have been lacking in their instructions:

FOLLOW UP: When Knitters Go Wild

JafaGirlArt - KnitKnot Tree: "

For those concerned about what we will do with the yarn after the tree sweater is removed.
More than likely we will do what we normally do with our art materials, recycle and re-use in another piece of art. However for those who would like to see some of the knitted peices[sic] donated please contact us so you can collect the pieces and donate to a charity of your choice."

I was so excited when JafaBrit wrote a comment to my blog (I was beginning to think I was the only one reading it), I need to thank her for sending me the link to the page which answered by concern about the material being used for art instead of charity (see previous post, "When Knitters Go Wild" ).

I of course jumped right over to her site .... WOW, impressive photos! Much better than the ones in the news article .... you can see the tree progression.

AND they recycle the yarn -- that is so cool. Now I'm not sure if that means they take apart the bits they won't use as is, to re-knit the yarn into something else .... or if it simply means that they hang onto it until its needed again. Either way it makes for great conservation of resources.

But that is one thing I've always loved about the 'needle arts' is that the materials seem to lend themselves to recycling.

Most charities want you to use new, clean, unused yarn so the recycled yarn from their projects wouldn't be able to be used in many charitable projects for the general user. Unless it is a project that lends itself to sterilizing. {she says as she looks at the three cones of cotton worsted waiting for their turn to be changed into bandages}

This makes it much less frivolous. I really like that.

When Knitters Go Wild!

Knitters dress up trees for public art - TwinCities.com:

"Wrapped around the trunk is a colorful, crazy-quilt skin made up of panels of yarn knitted individually by residents and visitors alike. Good-luck charms cling to the yarn. Family photos, poems and jokes peek out of knitted pockets.
The art project in this southwest Ohio village, already known for its
offbeat art, has become a conversation piece and even a photo op...
...Knitters around the U.S. are dressing trees, street signs, benches, door handles and other objects.
Last month, residents of Columbus, Ind., knitted cozies for 33 ornamental pear trees that line the city's main street. One tree, called the People Hugger, has knitted arms.
Knitted coverings are showing up on trees and doorknobs in Charleston, W.Va. In Houston, knitters have dressed up park benches, car antennas, telephone poles and beer bottles...."

Okay first I have to commemorate these people on bringing knitting into the news in what can be seen .... at least in this article ... as a quirky positive way.
BUT.....
Why are these people spending time dressing trees when they could be putting these 'tree sweaters' to better use to make blankets for the homeless/disaster victims ... how about knitted teddy bears for kids in hospitals or the 'Teddy bear' programs by EMS agencies around the country that give a teddy bear to kids to help them feel a little better (my son was a recipient of these when he had his eye injury and had to get a couple of surgeries, so it is very dear to my heart) ... what about mittens/scarves for local charities ....
There are so many options for these people ... it is hard for me to see this yarn put onto a tree.

I know that there are many ways in which these sweaters can be beneficial for the trees they are on .... its just that - well - that's not why they were made. They were made for art's sake not because they protect the bark of young trees from harsh winter winds & deer .... not because it makes it possible for young squirrels to climb better .... not because it prevent 'sun burn' of the young bark ... not because it controls limb growth (preventing branches from forming too low) ...
it wasn't for any of that .... it was simply because someone thought it would be cool.

Don't get me wrong. I love art. I really do. Okay .... maybe not the poop on the madonna type of art or the urine in the jar type of art .... but 'real' art, I even like some modern art.
I was amazed once by a sculture of a garbage bag. Yep an artist took a large peice of marble and carved a bag of trash out of it .... but it was so cool how they used the natural patterns of the colors to make it look like things in the bag. The detail was so totally - WOW! It was so much more impressive than the giant octoput plug made of chickenwire & vinyl .... but still I thought 'gee that's still kind of cool'

But knitting on trees?
Yeah its cool. I just think they could have used it better.

Knit-Out and Crochet 2008 - Full schedule from the MOA website

Knit-Out and Crochet 2008 link to MOA schedule

Knit-Out and Crochet 2008

Saturday, February 16 - Sunday, February 17

Craft Yarn Council of America's (CYCA) second annual Knit & Crochet event at Mall of America®, February 16 & 17, 2008 promises to be the largest gathering of knitters and crocheters ever. Highlights of the '08 Knit-Out include:

• Celebrity Corner -- Meet Debbie Macomber, NY Times best-selling women's fiction and "knit-lit" author, and Vickie Howell, author and host of the DIY Network's Knitty Gritty series.

• The international finals of the Fastest Knitter and Crocheter Contest. U.S. champ will "face off" against those from the U.K., Canada, The Netherlands, and France.

PLUS...
• FREE Beginner Knitting & Crochet Lessons
• Technique Demos - Fun tips, tricks and project ideas
• Yarn "Doctors" - Knit and crochet experts answer your toughest project questions
• "The Season's Best" Fashions
• Dog Gone Cute & Crazy Fashion Show - Woof!
• Kid Cute & Crazy Fashion Show
• Kids Crafts Area - Learn to knit, crochet and make cool stuff!
• Show & Share - Knitters and crocheters model and talk about their favorite projects
• Displays • Giveaways • Door Prizes

And...
Sit, knit, crochet, join: "Warm Up America! Bring a 7" by 9" crocheted or knitted section to join into an afghan." Help us complete afghans for people in need in the Twin Cities.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16

Sears Court

11 a.m.
Demonstrations by:
Kathleen Sams-Multi Strand - By using multiple strands of yarn and large hooks or needles, Kathleen shows how different colors, especially multi colors, mix together to make quick creations.

Svetlana Avrakh-Build a "Vertical" Scarf - Work along with Svetlana as she demonstrates how to build a "vertical," lacy scarf with rows of shell stitches.

Brett Bara-Granny Squares - Follow along with Brett as she teaches you the basics of granny squares plus new designs, ideas, options and color selection for this loveable technique. Customize your granny squares to make anything from scarves to afghans.

Isela Phelps-Loom Knitting - If you have fond memories of spool knitting as a child, today's looms are just as easy and fun, plus they are amazingly versatile. A delightful craft for kids and adults alike.

Kristen Nicholas-Embellishments - Learn how easy it is to enhance your knitted garments with embroidery and duplicate stitch or add texture and whimsy with bobbles and pompoms with Kristen, one of the industry's top designers.

Annie Modesitt-Combination Knitting - Christened "Combination Knitting" by Priscilla Gibson-Roberts in Interweave Knits magazine, this combination of Western and Eastern style knitting is faster, creates a nicer tension with less "rowing out" and less wrist strain. Bring light colored yarn and appropriate needles.

11:30 a.m.
Rotunda
Author's Forum

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kathleen Sams-Join As You Go - Learn a mile-a-minute technique to quickly join your granny squares and panels.

Svetlana Avrakh-Dishcloth/Scrubby - Svetlana takes an inexpensive scrubby and enhances it by crocheting into and around the fibers to make a terrific dish cleaner. This session is hands on.

Kristy McGowan-Mosaic Stitch - Learn from Kristy as she takes the mystery out of Mosaic knitting and creates a pattern using four different shades of yarn. There will be yarn and needles available for practice.

Barbara VanElsen-Working with Color-Crochet - Learn the technique of changing colors and working over ends, as well as tapestry crochet and spirals.

Cheryl Johnson-Fear of Felting - Rid yourself of the Fear of Felting! Cheryl will walk you through the simple techniques as featured in Leisure Arts' new publication, I Can't Believe I'm Felting.

12 p.m.
Rotunda
Authors Forum & Book Signing

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kathleen Sams-Afghan Stitch - Learn this fascinating Afghan/Tunisian crochet stitch for an entirely different look to crochet. It's a perfect medium for embellishing.

Svetlana Avrakh-The Best Wash Mitt Ever! - Crochet this wash mitten, embellish it with bobble-like stitches and you have a quick and easy project and great gift idea!

Mary Hutcheson-Needle Toppers - Mary will share the newest way to personalize your knitting needles with polymer clay as featured on Leisure Arts' DVD, No Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Café.

Barbara Van Elsen-Textural Stitches-Crochet - Want to have fun with lumps and bumps? Watch Barbara demonstrate such textured stitches as limpet, bullion "cheater" popcorn, cables and others.

12:30 p.m.
Rotunda
Warm Up America Presentation
Stitch N Pitch
Sticks N' Stiches

1 p.m.
Rotunda
"DOG" Gone Cute Fashion Show

1:20 p.m.
Rotunda
Cool Kids/Tweens Fashion Show
Funniest Knit & Crochet Projects

1:30 p.m.
The Season's Best Fashion Show

2 p.m.
Rotunda
Show & Share - Join us at center stage. Show off your favorite project and share your knitting and crochet stories!

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kathleen Sams-Get A Fair Isle Look - Kathleen shows you how to achieve a Fair Isle look using multi color yarn.

Svetlana Avrakh-Mitered Squares to Blankets - Crochet along with Svetlana and turn a one-row repeat into a beautiful, textured square, which can be added to others to complete an eye-catching blanket.

Margaret Huber-Free Form - Throw away that pattern and discover the new, exciting world of Free Form. Margaret will share three ways to create exciting projects in Free Form knitting and crochet or using both in combination.

Edie Eckman-Crochet Motifs - Author of The Crochet Answer Book, Edie will demonstrate interesting motifs, including circles, stars, triangles and hexagons, which can be quickly crocheted and used to embellishment larger items.

Karen Talacker-Getting Kids Knitting - Learn how to get your kids and youth groups excited about knitting for charity. Karen will share her Top Ten Tips for Teaching Children to Knit.

2:30 p.m.
Rotunda
Introduction to Fastest K/C Competition -
(Trials will be conducted if people are interested)

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kathleen Sams-Pom Poms and Tassels - Let Kathleen show you all the fun things you can do with Pom Poms and Tassels. Easy to make, they are great embellishments to handmade or purchased items.

Svetlana Avrakh-Oh So Soft Crocheted Bunny - It's the softest baby gift idea ever! Have fun making this crocheted toy, a quick and easy project, using one ball of yarn.

Cheryl Johnson-Fear of Felting - Rid yourself of the Fear of Felting! Cheryl will walk you through the simple techniques as featured in Leisure Arts' new publication, I Can't Believe I'm Felting.

Kristy McGowan-Mosaic Stitch - Learn from Kristy as she takes the mystery out of Mosaic knitting and creates a pattern using four different shades of yarn. There will be yarn and needles available to practice.

Nicky Epstein-Edgings - Designer extraordinaire, Nicky Epstein shares her tips on novel edgings to finish knit or crochet garments or to fashion into embellishments.

Kristen Nicholas-Embellishments - Learn how easy it is to enhance your knitted garments with embroidery and duplicate stitch or add texture and whimsy with bobbles and pompoms with Kristen, one of the industry's top designers.

3 p.m.
Rotunda
Author's Forum & Book Signing

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kathleen Sams-Multi Strand - By using multiple strands of yarn and large hooks or needles, Kathleen shows how different colors, especially multi colors, mix together to make quick creations.

Svetlana Avrakh-Needle Felted Cell Phone Case - Let Svetlana show you how to needle felt your own cell phone cover. No more worrying about shrinking your knitting with this technique!

Margaret Huber-Free Form - Throw away that pattern and discover the new, exciting world of free form. Demo with include three ways to create exciting projects in Free Form knitting and crochet or using both in combination.

Mary Hutcheson-Needle Toppers - Mary will share the newest way to personalize your knitting needles with polymer clay as featured on Leisure Arts' DVD, No Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Café.

3:30p.m.

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kathleen Sams-Join As You Go - Learn a mile-a-minute technique to quickly join your granny squares and panels.

Svetlana Avrakh-Mosaic Stitch - Learn this color knitting technique and its many applications with Svetlana. It's hands on.

Penelope Taylor-Mitered Squares, Penelope, editor of Knit 'N Stitch Magazine, will share her technique tips and take the mystery out of knitting mitered squares.

Debbie Macomber-Kitchner Stitch - Watch our New York Times best selling author and avid knitter demonstrate her favorite sock toe joining technique - the Kitchener Stitch.

Isela Phelps-Loom Knitting - If you have fond memories of spool knitting as a child, today's looms are just as easy and fun. A delightful craft for kids and adults alike.

Antje Gillingham-Circle Around Socks - Round and round! Learn his fascinating technique of knitting two socks at a time on two circular needles. You will not want to miss it!

4 p.m.
Rotunda
International Fastest Knitter/Crocheter Competitions - FINALS



SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 17

11 a.m.

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kim Werker-Babette Squares - Author of Crochet Me, Kim will show you the many variations you can achieve with the ever popular granny square technique.

Cheryl Johnson-Fear of Felting - Rid yourself of the Fear of Felting! Cheryl will walk you through the simple techniques as featured in Leisure Arts' new publication, I Can't Believe I'm Felting.

Margaret Huber-Free Form - Throw away that pattern and discover the new, exciting world of free form. Margaret will share three ways to create exciting projects in Free Form knitting and crochet or using both in combination.

Kristen Nicholas-Embellishments - Learn how easy it is to enhance your knitted garments with embroidery and duplicate stitch or add texture and whimsy with bobbles and pompoms with Kristen, one of the industry's top designers.

Kathleen Sams-Afghan Stitch - Learn this fascinating Afghan/Tunisian crochet stitch for an entirely different look to crochet. It's a perfect medium for embellishing.

Svetlana Avrakh-Oh So Soft Crocheted Bunny - It's the softest baby gift idea ever! Have fun making this crocheted toy, a quick and easy project, using one ball of yarn.

Nicky Epstein-Edgings - Designer extraordinaire, Nicky Epstein shares her tips on novel edgings to finish knit or crochet garments or to fashion into embellishments

11:30 a.m.

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Debbie Macomber-Kitchner Stitch - Watch our New York Times best selling author and avid knitter demonstrate her favorite sock toe joining technique - the Kitchener Stitch.

Penelope Taylor-Mitered Squares, Penelope, editor of Knit 'N Stitch Magazine, will share her technique tips and take the mystery out of knitting mitered squares.

Kathleen Sams-Pom Poms and Tassels - Let Kathleen show you all the fun things you can do with Pom Poms and Tassels. Easy to make, they are great embellishments to handmade or purchased items.

Svetlana Avrakh-Mosaic Stitch - Learn this color knitting technique and its many applications with Svetlana. It's hands on.

12 p.m.
Rotunda
Author's Forum

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Brett Bara-Granny Squares - Follow along with Brett as she teaches you the basics of granny squares plus new designs, ideas, options and color selection for this loveable technique. Customize your granny squares to make anything from scarves to afghans.

Mary Hutcheson-Needle Toppers - Mary will share the newest way to personalize your knitting needles with polymer clay as featured on Leisure Arts' DVD, No Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Café.

Karen Talacker-Getting Kids Knitting - Learn how to get your kids and groups excited about knitting for charity. Karen will share her Top Ten Tips for Teaching Children to Knit

Kathleen Sams-Multi Strand - By using multiple strands of yarn and large hooks or needles, Kathleen shows how different colors, especially multi colors, mix together to make quick creations.

Svetlana Avrakh-Needle Felted Cell Phone Case - Let Svetlana show you how to needle felt your own cell phone cover. No more worrying about shrinking your knitting with this technique!


12:30 p.m.
Rotunda
Author's Forum & Book Signing

1 p.m.
Rotunda
Cool Kids/Tweens Fashion Show

1:20 p.m.
Rotunda
Funniest Knit & Crochet Projects

1:30 p.m.
Rotunda
The Season's Best Fashion Show

2 p.m.
Rotunda
Stitch N' Pitch
Sticks N' Stitches
Warm Up America
Show & Share - Join us at center stage. Show off your favorite project and share your knitting and crochet stories!

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Isela Phelps-Loom Knitting - If you have fond memories of spool knitting as a child, today's looms are just as easy, fun and amazingly versatile. A delightful craft for kids and adults alike.

Antje Gillingham-Circle Around Socks - Round and round! Learn this fascinating technique of knitting two socks at a time on two circular needles. You will not want to miss it!

Edie Eckman-Crochet Motifs - Edie, uthor of The Crochet Answer Book, will demonstrate interesting motifs, including circles, stars, triangles and hexagons, which can be quickly crocheted and used to embellishment larger items.

Barbara Van Elsen-Textural Stitches-Crochet - Want to have fun with lumps and bumps? Watch Barbara demonstrate such textured stitches as limpet, bullion "cheater" popcorn, cables and others.

Kathleen Sams-Get A Fair Isle Look - Kathleen shows you how to achieve a Fair Isle look using multi color yarn.

Svetlana Avrakh-Build a "Vertical" Scarf - Work along with Svetlana as she demonstrates how to build a "vertical," lacy scarf with rows of shell stitches.

Lisa Gentry-Chain Knitting - Lisa will demonstrate some of the basics from her new book I Can't Believe I'm Chain Knitting.

2:30 p.m.
Rotunda
Show & Share
Join us at center stage. Show off your favorite project and share your knitting and crochet stories!

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Kristy McGowan-Mosaic Stitch - Learn from Kristy as she takes the mystery out of Mosaic knitting and creates a pattern using four different shades of yarn. There will be yarn and needles available to practice.

Brett Bara-Granny Squares - Follow along with Brett as she teaches you the basics of granny squares plus new designs, ideas, options and color selection for this loveable technique. Customize your granny squares to make anything from scarves to afghans.

Mary Hutcheson-Needle Toppers - Mary will share the newest way to personalize your knitting needles with polymer clay as featured on Leisure Arts' DVD, No Rules Knitting at the Teen Knit Café.

Barbara VanElsen-Working with Color-Crochet - Learn the technique of changing colors and working over ends, as well as tapestry crochet and spirals.

Kathleen Sams-Join As You Go - Learn a mile-a-minute technique to quickly join your granny squares and panels.

Svetlana Avrakh-Dishcloth/Scrubby - Svetlana takes an inexpensive scrubby and enhances it by crocheting into and around the fibers to make a terrific dish cleaner. This session is hands on.

3 p.m.

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Margaret Huber-Free Form - Throw away that pattern and discover the new, exciting world of free form. Margaret will share three ways to create exciting projects in Free Form knitting and crochet or using both in combination.

Cheryl Johnson-Fear of Felting - Rid yourself of the Fear of Felting! Cheryl will walk you through the simple techniques as featured in Leisure Arts' new publication, I Can't Believe I'm Felting.

Kathleen Sams-Afghan Stitch - Learn this fascinating Afghan/Tunisian crochet stitch for an entirely different look to crochet. It's a perfect medium for embellishing.

Svetlana Avrakh-The Best Wash Mitt Ever! Crochet this bubbly wash mitten, embellish it with bobble-like stitches and you have a quick and easy project and great gift idea!

3:30 p.m.

Sears Court

Demonstrations by:
Lisa Gentry-Chain Knitting - Lisa will demonstrate some of the basics from her new book I Can't Believe I'm Chain Knitting.

Isela Phelps-Loom Knitting - If you have fond memories of spool knitting as a child, today's looms are just as easy, fun and amazingly versatile. A delightful craft for kids and adults alike.

Kristy McGowan-Mosaic Stitch - Learn from Kristy as she takes the mystery out of Mosaic knitting and creates a pattern using four different shades of yarn. There will be yarn and needles available to practice.

Kathleen Sams-Join As You Go - Learn a mile-a-minute technique to quickly join your granny squares and panels.

Svetlana Avrakh-Mitered Squares to Blankets - Crochet along with Svetlana and turn a one-row repeat into a beautiful, textured square, which can be added to others to complete an eye-catching blanket.

Saturday, February 16
10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rotunda, Sears Court, Bloomingales Court, Macy's Court

Sunday, February 17
11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Rotunda, Sears Court, Bloomingdales Court, Macy's Court

AIRFARE & HOTEL PACKAGES

Special Northwest Airline Discount - US & Canada
Working with Northwest Airlines, CYCA has arranged a Knit-Out package that offers members an additional 5-7% discount. (NOTE: Not all fares qualify for a discount.) Reservations can be made either online or by calling the Airline directly.

Log onto http://www.nwa.com/. Complete the information as requested on the screen and at the bottom of the page when asked for E-Cert fare, electronic voucher or meeting agreement, select meeting agreement and enter WorldFile # NYVFR. This will bring up your flight choices and automatically apply the meeting discount to your ticket cost. Please note that not all fares qualify for a discount and the web site will return the lowest fare available. There is no ticketing fee to book on-line.

You also have the option of contacting Northwest Airlines at 800-328-1111 Monday - Friday 7 a.m - 7:30 p.m. Central time and referencing WorldFile Number NYVFR. However, as with all airlines, when you call and book through an agent, there is a $10 non-refundable ticketing fee assessed for tickets issued by a Northwest agent.

Hotel Packages
Country Inn and Suites, Mall of America 2221 Killebrew Drive Bloomington, MN 952-854-5555. The special Knit-Out package is $95/night - Standard room with 2 queen beds (based on a single /double occupancy) or $105/night - King Suite including a king bed, separate living room with sofa sleeper (based on a single/double occupancy). To make reservations, you can go online to: www.countryinns.com/knit or call the hotel directly 952-854-5555 and ask for the Knit Out group rate or call Central Reservations at 1-800-456-4000 and ask for the Knit Out group rates. Rates include a Mall of America coupon book, bottles of water and a Mall of America shopping bag. The hotel has a free breakfast and is within walking distance of the Mall. (It's the closest hotel to the Mall and also provides free shuttle service.) In addition, the hotel is setting up a private V.I.P. lounge with light refreshments where crocheters and knitters can gather to stitch and chat 24/7. Special rates apply for a limited block of rooms. Book early!

Hilton Minneapolis/St. Paul Airport, Mall of America 3800 American Boulevard East Bloomington, MN 952-854-2100, and request Plan Code P9 The Hilton is offering a special package again this year: $20 off its Best Available Rate (currently the special rate is $99 per room/per night). The rate includes deluxe accommodations, complimentary use of the indoor recreation (indoor pool, whirlpools and 24-hour fitness center). Transportation to and from Mall of America is also provided on a complimentary basis every hour from 10:20 a.m. to 10:20 p.m. To make reservations, call the hotel directly at 952-854-2100 and request Plan Code P9.