Charity Knitting

The Stettenheim Stitchers have done it again! This year we made 2 whole afghans for the Sanctuary Project for the Jewish Board of Family and Children's Services. The afghans are given to children entering the foster care system. We are very proud of making the afghans from start to finish so that no one else has to piece them.

The afghans are just gorgeous. When Hudas first lays out the blocks together I just don't know how they will turn out but after Rhona patiently crochets all the blocks and strips together they bloom into gorgeous handicrafted works of art.

Many hands are responsible for the lovely blankets. One Fiber Fairy contributed the yarn: Dorothy, Wendy, Helen, Joyce, Hudas and I make the blocks. [Disclaimer: I haven't made many this year]. Hudas designs the layout and Rhona crochets the strips together. My main job is to put in all the ends and then crochet the border. Since October, as I recover from 1 total knee replacement, this has been the perfect project 'cause I can't concentrate very well yet on my more elaborate projects.

Lacy Cotton Shawl

Knit during 100+ degree weather in Scottsdale, AZ during the 2007 AJL Convention.
Materials: 6 skeins Adriafil "Flower Fantasy", 50g, 125m; 87% cotton, 13% nylon
Color: Bagno/Bain [Bath] #50, Lot 1
Source: Marion S.
Needles: #11 and #8
Gauge: on #11 36st to 1' (not an inch!)
Stitch: Garter stitch throughout
Started out as a triangle shawl, knit from from the wide edge and decreased. However, at 30" wide, it became evident that the shawl was long enough and, more importantly, there wasn't enough yarn to knit down to a point.

However, the drape is just lovely and the dimensions are perfect for a generously shaped woman. And, there's a charming little flounce effect at the bottom.

Pattern:
Cast on 290 st and on next row doubled the yarn (for some body). Knit double for 6 rows.
In next row, begin the decreases:
Row 1: K 1 (or slip or do whatever edge stitch you like), ssk, knit to last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (or edge stitch of choice)
Row 2: K (with whatever edge stitch is preferred)
Continue until the work measures 30" then change to #8 needles. K 8 rows (more if a wider neckbanc desired) then bind off very loosely.

Thanks to my sister M.A. for suggesting that our sister A.M.S., would love the shawl for this year's Christmas present. She is the excellent model above and served as my plucky photographer!

Copyright by Elizabeth F. Stabler 2008

A Slow Time

I haven't posted for a while because I am recuperating quite actively from total knee replacement surgery. On October 8, I was the benficiary of a new left knee. All is going well but I don't have the time, energy or concentration at the moment for knitting or other crafty activities.