Knitalong
I picked up Knitalong tonight on my way home. Knitting with others for a common purpose – something I don’t do much of anymore. It made me miss my dearest knitting partner! We started knitting together over a decade ago and are now separated by many provinces and states. I guess that’s where an online knitalong would come in . . .
I really like the concept of knitting together for a common cause. The American Red Cross Museum has a great archive of military knitting patterns from World Wars I and II. The pdfs are scans of the original typed patterns. The paper has yellowed and the authors offer tips like, “Sometimes odd bits of yarn can be knit up quite attractively.” It’s One Skein for the Knit Your Bit set! I’ve been trying to come up with a way to use these patterns for a humanitarian cause like afghans for Afghans. I haven’t come up with a good concept yet though, other than helping people to keep warm while simultaneously putting a dent in your stash!
The authors of Knitalong talk about all types – from stitch ‘n’ bitch (could the plural really be bitches?) at cafés to competitive knitalongs at agricultural fairs. The section on giving shares some information on how to get involved in knitting for those in need. Knitting for Peace is a good place to look for that as well.
There are many, many projects that I can’t wait to start. I love the Blessingway Blanket by Hannah Cuviello and the Barn Raising Quilt. Both of them would be really fun to knit with other knitters – the different pieces that make up the Blessingway are divided by skill level. Thankfully there’s a sale on at Romni right now!
P.S. I just noticed that afghans for Afghans has a knit- and crochet-along.
Tags: Knitalong, knitting, Larissa Brown
August 31st, 2008 at 4:02 am
i tried to put this book on hold at the library but it doesn’t look like any libraries in my area own it! what a tragedy!! i am going to make a purchase request….
…i couldn’t agree with you more that knitting with others is pretty much what keeps a knitter inspired (no matter how reserved the knitter)….and knitting with a common purpose…even better.
April 18th, 2009 at 11:31 am
[...] involved are on Larissa’s blog. If you haven’t picked up the Knitalong book yet I would highly recommend it. The pattern can also be found there, along with many other great designs. The Blessingway Blanket [...]