Denise needles vs. Addi's

Well, I thought I had it all figured out. I wanted to start another helmet liner even though I have one OTN already. I am still using the US #6 Addi's for the chocolate brown ribbing. I only have about an inch done so far. But, I wanted to start the larger pattern in the tan. I will still use the US #6 and #8 needles.

I thought I could use my new Denise needles but have discovered something. I don't think the Denise needles do well in the 16" cable. I put together the US #6 needles with the 9" cable to make the 16" needle. Turns out the needle parts are too long. I ended up spreading the stitches out too far apart while doing them in the circular knitting.

The end result is that I have to buy another US #6 (16") needle or wait until I get the chocolate done. I have decided to get another needle. Just so I don't miss out on any knitting tonight, I'll continue working on the ribbing on the chocolate helmet liner.

helmet liners everywhere

It's wonderful that so many people are knitting helmet liners. I finished the black liner. It is really tight on me so I asked if there was a way to upsize the pattern. Bonnie came up with a really neat idea. I'm testing the pattern on the tan yarn I got at knit picks. I also started the chocolate one with the short row pattern. Some knitters think the short row is good for when they pull it up over their nose. Bonnie said this larger one will increase the liner by 2". I'll let everyone know the results.

Also lots of knitters are taking the pattern to their LYS so others can make them. That's a great idea! Please spread the word. Some LYS are giving a discount on the yarn when you come in with a completed liner.

I'm trying to find a small tote that I can take my liner and yarn to the radio club meeting. No need to carry the whole megilla. hmm better go in the craft room and see what I can find.

Ships Project

I'm just a knitting away on my helmet liner for the Army and Marines. I have only the 1" face ribbing and then I'm done. I'm going to start the chocolate one right way while the needles are hot.

While thinking about what to say in the note to include, I was reminising about my 2 boys (oops, sorry guys)... men who both served our country so valiantly. No they didn't go to war! They were both in warm places and didn't need the liners. And they are both home safe. Thank you G-d for that!

If all I can do now is knit liners for these children, then I am grateful for the opportunity.

Here is some information for helping our Sailors:

Provides a touch of home to those deployed in military operations aboard. We try to warm the body as well as the heart and soul. [They] Need: Handknitted or machine-knitted slippers, socks, hats and ear warmers, especially for men. College and professional team colors or solid colors are great choices, or black or camouflage colors for the ground forces. Items may be made using any yarn, including that spun by the knitter/crocheter, but items needing to be hand-washed should be tagged as such so the recipients can provide proper care.

Ellen Harpin, Project Founder
PO Box 564
Goldenrod, FL 32733-0564

E-mail: ellens12@yahoo.com or theshipsproject@yahoo.com
Websites: www.coingo.net/theshipsproject [patterns]
www.theshipsproject.com [photos & information]

September afternoon at Mugg's

Went to Mugg's today for the knit group. One of the new ladies was DJ,an old friend that I haven't seen for years and was delighted to see her. I didn't even know she knit. Nice seeing you again DJ.

Adrienne came back. Great seeing you again. She shared her afghan she's making for an old (grown up) student. It's a crochet pattern that calls for bobbles. She doesn't crochet so she's following the chart and doing purls instead. It's quite cute.

Merrilee finished her granddaughter's dress and is it ever cute. She even had a picture of her wearing it. Guess Merrilee borrowed it just so she could show us. She also brought the sweater she made from the top down for her hubby. (I bought that pattern last month to make a sweater for John.) Thanks for bringing them. Ahh (sigh) one day I advance to sweaters.

I brought my Irish Walking hat and scarf that I gave to John. He really likes it and in fact he already put it in the closet ready for the cold weather. That is if it ever gets here. This is sure a weird fall in Michigan. But then I'm not complaining. It will be cold soon enough I guess.

Several of the others are making baby things. I would rather make some charity things right now. My current project is a black Helmet Liner. I've been knitting up a storm and am about 3/4 done with it. I have about 10 rows on the hat part and then the face ribbing. I'm learning a lot with this pattern. Bev taught me the cable cast on. Thanks Bev. I had watched the internet videos but in person is so much better. I'm going to use that for the other helmet liners I make. I bought Knit Picks Wool of the Andes yarn in beige and chocolate for the other 2.

Knitters help Katrina Relief Fund

We all want to help the victims of Katrina. Knitters everywhere are donating what they can. The Red Cross is asking for MONEY. Why money? Because that allows them to be a portable relief fund. They can move their operation where the need is. They can give the supplies and assistance where they are needed.

FEMA cannot do everything. The federal government is NOT the grand daddy of all. They are there for direction. They do not directly give assistance. They do the planning. We are there to take care of ourselves and our neighbors.

I may live in Michigan, but the victims of Katrina are our neighbors - our brothers and sisters, black or white, Christian or Jew or Muslim. We are all one. Let us join together as one and take care of each other.

Please give whatever you can to the Red Cross for Katrina's victims. Yes there are other groups and please help them out. But if you have anything left over, please give to the Red Cross.

Here is a knitting blog talking about what many of us knitters are doing. Let us all join as one and do what we do best for Katrina's victims - SHARE AND SHOW LOVE.

G-d Bless us all and especially those who need us the most.

Care Bears for Katrina

Michigan Telephone Pioneers group is making Bears to send to Katrina. I have enough fabric to make 2 or 3 of them. I am holding off on my knitting until I get them done.