knit a soc magazine
Contents Things to make this summer Review of the year our charity projects the preemie project explained knit yourself mental Oh Scrap! Five things to make with scrap yarn
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Things to make this Summer h
This blanket is made up of 25 squares. Each square measures approx. 29cmx29cm and uses one ball of Cascade Pacific Chunky yarn (110m/120 yards). The border andsewingww the squares together uses about 4 balls. The finished blanket measures 155cm x 155cm. The squares are worked in htr (hdc in US terms) and using a 6.5mm hook. The second round of the border is worked with a 6mm hook. To make the square: CH 31. Working your first stitch in to the second chain from the hook work htr all the way along the row. At the end of the row ch1 and turn. Work row to form a square ending with a RS row. At the end of this row work 2 dc (sc in US terms) in to the corner st and continue working one round of dc (sc in US terms) all the way around the edge of your square so that all four edges are finished neatly off. Cut yarn and sew in ends. Make in total 25 squares in the various greens. Once all of your squares are completed lie them out in the colour order that you want them. Pin the strips of squares together. I worked from bottom to top first and then from right side to left side. I used Cactus Green to join the squares together by working dc (sc in US terms) all the way along each row. The border: Round 1: Working with a 6.5 mm hook work all the way around the entire edge of the blanket in dc (sc in US terms). To create a blanket stitch effect work your dc (sc) into the second row of stitches down along the top and bottom edges, and two stitches in on the two side edges. Round 2: Work a round of regular dc (sc) all the way around – sl st the last st into the beginning of the previous round. Round 3: With the WS of the blanket facing you, sl st into the next sl yo and pull through, yo and pull through, yo and pull through, yo and pull through (4 x times). You will have nine loops on your hook. Yo and pull through all nine loops. Sl st in to the next st, repeat bobble pattern in to the next stitch, sl st, and so on all the way round your blanket. At the end of the round finish off with a sl st, cut yarn and sew in ends.
Written by Nesa Elliott Figueiras
Picnic Blanket
The daisies: I used two different sized daisies for my blanket, a small one and a large one. Small daisy: make a magic ring, work 5 dc (sc) into the ring and pull the ring closed. Join in the next colour and *ch 3. Work a further 3 tr (dc in US terms) in to the same st, leaving the final loop of each tr (dc in US) on the hook. Yo and pull yarn through all four loops. Ch 3 and sl st in to the same st. Work from * to * to repeat petal. Work 5 petals in total, finish with a sl st to join, cut yarn and sew in ends. Join in the next colour, * Ch 3 and then work a further 4 tr (dc in US) in to the same st, leaving the final loop of each tr (dc in US) on the hook. Yarn over and pull yarn through all 5 loops. Ch 3 sl st in to the same st. Sl st in to next st. Sl st in to next st and repeat from * Make 5 petals in total, sl st to join together, cut yarn and sew in ends. Place the flowers strategically on the blanket and stitch into place!
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Chrochet Flower Crown
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Green headband: with a 3-mm hook cast-on, chain 200 with green yarn, single crochet in each chain second from the hook.
Flowers: cast-on, chain 3, slip stitch in the first stitch, *chain 6, slip stitch in the middle of the chains,* (repeat these two steps four times), make nine flowers. Sewing: with a sewing needle and white sewing thread sew a flower directly in the middle of the headband and sew the rest of the flowers equally spacing them.
Coffee Cup Cozy You will need: US Size 5 Knitting needles (or US 6) Cotton worsted weight yarn (Drops Paris Cotton) Scissors Tapestry Needle to weave in end Pattern: Cast on 12 stitches Row 1(RS): *K2, p2; rep from * to end Row 2: *K2, p2; rep from * to end Row 3: * P2, k2; rep from * to end Row 4: P2, k2; rep from * to end Repeat rows 1-4 until piece measures 9� in length. Cast off. Seam ends together with preferred method.
Stuffy Owl
Abbreviations: zk2tog Decrease – knit two stitches together. kfb Increase: knit into the front and back of the next stitch. Pull through to cast off Cut the yarn leaving at least a 30cm tail. Thread the tail onto a darning needle and sew through the remaining sts on the knitting needle. Pull the sts off the knitting needle on to the yarn, gather together tightly and secure the yarn. rep Repeat RS Right side ssk Decrease: slip the next stitch on the left needle knit-wise, then slip the next stitch on the left needle purlwise. Take the left needle and knit through the front of the two slipped stitches on the right needle WS Wrong side [‌] Repeat the sequence between the square brackets by the number indicated. (.. sts) The number in round brackets at the end of the instruction indicates the number of stitches after working the row. Pattern: Long tail cast on 15 sts in grey on straight 4.5mm needles. Row 1: p (15 sts, WS) Row 2: k1, kfb, k to the last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (17 sts, RS) Rows 3 to 8: rep rows 1 and 2 three times (23 sts) Row 9: p (23 sts) Row 10: k (23 sts) Row 11: p (23 sts) Rows 12 to 19: rep rows 10 and 11 four times (23 sts) Row 20: k1, ssk, k to the last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (21 sts) Row 21: p (21 sts) Row 22: k (21 sts) Row 23: p (21 sts) Rows 24 to 27: rep rows 20 to 23 (19 sts) Row 28: k1, ssk, k to the last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (17 sts) Row 29: p (17 sts) Row 30: k1, kfb, k to the last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (19 sts) Row 31: p (19 sts) Row 32: k1, ssk, k to the last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (17 sts) Row 33: p (17 sts) Row 34: k1, kfb, k to the last 2 sts, kfb, k1 (19 sts) Row 35: p (19 sts) Row 36: k (19 sts) Row 37: p (19 sts) Rows 38 to 45: rep rows 34 to 37 twice (23 sts) Row 46: k (23 sts) Row 47: p (23 sts)
Rows 48 to 53: rep rows 46 and 47 three times (23 sts) Row 54: k1, ssk, k to the last 3 sts, k2tog, k1 (21 sts) Row 55: p (21 sts) Rows 56 to 61: rep rows 54 and 55 three times (15 sts) Cast off all sts. Sew sides together: Fold the piece in half so that the cast on and cast off edges meet. Sew the side edges together leaving the bottom edge (cast on/off edges) open. Add features: Use Swiss darning (duplicate stitch) to add the features following the chart opposite. To start, on the front of the owl the top of the eyes are on row 25, so count down 6 rows from the top edge. Then find the central point on that row (the 10th stitch on row 25) and work the embroidery on either side of the centre stitch. Use white yarn for the eyes and flecks on the tummy, and yellow yarn for the beak. (In the chart the yellow beak stitches are marked “Y” so they can be seen clearly if you are printing this page in black and white). Add toy safety eyes: Insert the toy safety eyes (the position is shown by the “X” in the chart). You can use buttons or beads instead if you prefer. Stuff and finish: Add toy filling inside the owl, and then sew the cast on and cast off edges together at the bottom of the body.
This year for knitting has been quite the success- well for me, personally. Although so many things have happened, I will try to pick out some of this year’s highlights. In October 2016, KnittingSoc had its first official social of the year. The Bakewell Wool Gathering. It was dreamy to see so much yarn in one place! I’m sure everyone who went can agree that they blew their spending budget that day (I know I did). It was also a chance for KnittingSoc members to mix and mingle, getting to know the names of newbies. (I tried to remember names, and I still forgot most.)
Yarn swaps were a regular occurrence during the year- official and non-official. I found it amusing seeing people bringing balls of yarn that they absolutely detested, trying to get rid of it, by any means. The next big thing was the Poppy Appeal, where the whole society drowned in red, black, and a splash of green yarn. Since we’re a crochet
Written by Olyvia Jones
Review of the Year
and knitting society, it only makes sense for us to make our own poppies! They were really cool, although I’m sure to the ones who made multitudes of poppies got a bit sick of the colour red for a while. It was still worth it, I’m sure.
Week. It wouldn’t feel complete without fulfilling these segments. All in all, it has been an exciting year for Knit-a-soc. Meeting new people, eating snacks, and, of course, knitting and crocheting to our hearts’ content. I look forward, with our new The next official social- a Yarn Crawl. It committee, to another crafty year! was bound to happen. After all the talk about where in Nottingham we can find the ingredients for our next crafty project, it only seemed natural to hold such event, that takes us to the woolly-spots around Nottingham (including Beeston). I was distraught that I couldn’t go- I heard great things, and I really hope this turns into an annual thing, for all newbie members and beginner crafters to take part in. Personally, it was a relief for me to find out that there’s such a wide range of yarn available for me to access in Nottingham, without me having to order almost everything online. Anyone who’s anyone shows up to the weekly Knit and Knatter sessions, and therefore knows Alfie. For the whole year, she’s been working on creating these wonderful dolls for charity. They’re fantastic, to say the least. And another shoutout to those brave souls who took on the important task of sewing in all the ends for her (the real MVPs). This was the time that we all expressed our shared hatred for weaving in ends; a nice bonding moment for all. One of my absolute favourite parts of Knit and Knatter were, what I liked to call, the “segments” of the evening’s conversation. The most noteworthy segments are the Gossip Segment, the Bitchfest Segment and the Political Segment feat. Alfie’s Political Rant of the
Our Chqrity Projects Knit-a-Soc has completed an amazing variety of projects throughout the year including raising £218.84 selling cakes and knitted goods at a MacMillan coffee morning, donating blankets to Nottingham Hospice and hats for the homeless as well as making 51 tiny hats for the Innocent Smoothie Big Knit. In addition to this the two main projects of the year have been raising money for the British Legion with our poppy sales and a new event this year which we have called Philanthropy February. Thanks to the hard work of the members and committee of Knit-a-Soc, the society crocheted over 160 poppies for the Poppy Appeal in November, raising £298.79 for the British Legion. Our main charity event this year has been Philanthropy February, in which each of our members taking part made charity items for various amounts of points in order to win prizes. Through this event the charity managed to make 4 baby blankets as well as booties and cardigans for the QMC, 8 Easter Chicks for Breast Cancer Awareness, 16 soft toys for refugee children and 23 hats for the premature babies at the QMC to join the 50 hats which have already been donated by the organization. Congratulations and a special thank you go to the winner, Philippa, and her incredible 119-point total. This was wonderful considering it was the first time we had run the event and it is something next year’s committee can maybe expand upon. It has altogether been a wonderful year and I would like to say a massive thank you to everyone who has given up their time (and yarn) this year. Thank you all so much, Ellen
Written by Ellen Burford
This year, we came second for the prestigious ‘Project of the Year’ award at the SU Volunteering Awards! Well done everyone!
Thanks from the people we donated to: Hi thanks so much for your hats! We managed to find a head for all of them, they were very well received. We let them know about your soc and they asked me to pass on their thanks. Carlos Wong, Souprunners I just wanted to drop you a quick line to say thank you to yourself and the ladies for your help during this year’s Poppy Appeal. The tins have been counted and you raised a fantastic total of £297.79 which will go to provide vital support for veterans as they deal with a variety of different needs. Thank you again for your hard work and support. Samantha Jenkins, Community Fundraiser for The British Legion We think what you and your knitters are doing is awesome! Stephan Henaghan, Administration Manager, Neonatal Services, QMC
The Preemie Project Explained
Why are preemie hats in such high demand? It’s simple really – they’re needed to help the babies stay warm. Preemie babies find it hard to regulate their temperature so hats help them to retain body heat. Why are ventilator hats preferred over basic hats? Although QMC is hugely grateful for any hats they receive, they prefer ventilator hats over basic hats. Premature babies are at high risk of developing breathing problems because their lungs aren’t mature enough to cope on their own. Plastic tubes are inserted into the windpipe or ventilator masks are attached to the face to help the babies breathe. These tubes/ masks are often taped onto the baby’s face and have to be adjusted regularly. When a baby’s wearing a ventilator hat, adjustments can be made without having to take the hat off. The babies stay cosy and feel less distressed if their hat isn’t constantly being taken off and put back on again! Why knit blankets, cardigans and socks for premature babies? Once again, this is to help the babies stay warm. However, hand-knitted items also serve another purpose – to help families cope while their child is in hospital. It’s difficult to purchase items small enough for premature babies and parents can find it distressing to see their tiny baby wearing too-big clothes. Hand-knitted clothes also show parents that there are people out there who care and want to help. Finally, the clothes allow parents to feel useful at a time when it’s easy to feel helpless. Clothes are offered as gifts to the parents when the baby is admitted to hospital. Families are responsible for washing and caring for these clothes to reduce the chance of cross infection, which might occur if all the babies’ clothes are washed together. Being able to do something for their baby, no matter how small, is important for parents who aren’t able to cuddle or care for their babies while they are being treated. It also helps them to bond as a family. Clothes go home with the family once the baby is discharged, so neonatal intensive care units (NICU) need a steady supply of items!
Written by Emma Vosper
The preemie project is one of Knit-A-Soc’s oldest and best-loved initiatives. But have you ever wondered why QMC needs handknitted blankets or what ventilator hats actually are? If so, you’re not alone!
Rules: Because premature babies have such specific needs, there are a series of rules that all donated clothes and blankets must comply with. • Hats – ventilator hats are preferred but if you wish to make a regular hat then ribbed ones are preferred as they will grow with the baby. • Colours – bright colours are very popular with families but please avoid yellow as it can make the babies look jaundiced. • Items must be knitted with easily washable yarn. We prefer 100% acrylic yarn since acrylic fibres are less likely to irritate the babies’ delicate skin and can be washed at relatively high temperatures. • Hospitals will only accept blankets, cardigans and socks that are knitted tightly (no lace) so that babies’ fingers and toes don’t get caught. Sizing Chart: This sizing chart will help you determine the size of the clothes you make based on the weight of the baby. QMC likes to receive a variety of sizes.
Baby weight
Head circumference
Chest circumference
Foot length
11/2 to 2lb
81/2" to 9"
81/2" to 9"
1"
2lb to 3lb
91/2" to 10"
9" to 10"
11/2" to 2"
3lb to 4lb
101/2" to 11"
10" to 11"
2" to 21/2"
5lb to 6lb
12" to 121/2"
12" to 13"
2.5" to 3"
6lb to 7lb
13" to 131/2"
13"
3" to 31/2"
7lb to 8lb
14" to 15"
131/2"
31/2"
8lb to 10lb
16"
14"
31/2"
Knit Yourself Less Mental by Morgan, first year English student, General Secretary and all-around Cool Bean™
It’s coursework season. My antidepressants make me simultaneously drowsy and incapable of decent sleep. I am running mostly on caffeine and leftover mini eggs. Writing doesn’t relax me any more (so if this article is garbled nonsense, I apologise) and neither do most other things I’m used to turning to in times of stress. In the shower, I’m thinking about my survey data. On a long walk, my mind is on auxiliary verbs. Playing video games, I’m analysing characters’ dialogue. Enter knitting. Knitting helps me like few other things, these days. When I knit, I have to count. I have to think about the tension in my stitches, about the next row in my pattern, about when I might finish this ball of yarn and need to join on the next one. I pay attention, and get to experience the steady click-click-click of my needles, and the texture of my yarn, and the feeling the increasing weight of my project in my wrists. Knitting absorbs me. The list of reasons I need to knit is long - anxiety, depression, autism, a smidge of trauma - but the list of reasons I like knitting is far longer. There’s the fact that it’s soothing, and repetitive without being tedious. There’s the fact that it’s enabled me to meet so many fantastic
people - obviously all the members of Knit-a-Soc, but also very sweet yarn shop owners, strangers on trains intrigued by my projects, and girls in nightclubs complementing my homemade fingerless gloves. And then there’s simply the fact that it’s fun. The fact that it’s fun for me is, it has to be said, a small miracle. I’ve been a perfectionist for my entire life, which I suppose is an unfortunate side effect of being a chronically anxious human being made to attend a fee-paying high school. And when I first started knitting, at the age of fourteen, I hated it. I’ll give you a moment to recover from the shock. Admittedly, when I first started knitting, it was in the back of a moving car, with cheap, squeaky yarn, and my little brother beside me, monologuing about some or other ten-year-old boy thing. My stitches were tight (when they stayed on the needle) and I was somehow unintentionally increasing on almost every row. I finished my first ever square… and hated it. Yet I returned to knitting. I’ve never returned to anything else I’ve failed at (there’s a reason you’ve never bumped into me at a bowling alley), but with knitting, the appeal of it somehow outweighed my fear of failure. Combine
Written by Morgan Powell
Everything’s awful.
(or, failing that, just knit yourself a nice hat) that with the infinitely forgiving nature of yarn, and the fact that my mum has been knitting for about forty years and could fix more or less any mess I made, and I found myself enjoying knitting even when I wasn’t great at it. This was life-changing for me. I still get frustrated with knitting. I’m still too frightened of getting it wrong to attempt knitting in the round, as well as a few other scary new things. But the support of fellow knitters bolsters me like nothing else does, and I’m sure that with time, I’ll be able to do all the things that frighten me. First, though, I should probably finish the blanket I’ve been working on for two months.
Every knitter I know has a stash of yarn scraps that seem too small to do anything with but aren’t small enough to throw away. As an impoverished(ish) student, I’m not prepared to accept that these scraps are only good for innocent smoothie hats or pom-poms. There must be something more exciting to make with them! Here are five of my favourite options. 1. Frankensocks Making socks always seems to result in loads of spare yarn. I’ve been told that there’s a way to avoid this. Apparently if you unwind half the ball then weigh the two halves to make sure they’re equal you can knit from the toe up and keep knitting until you run out of yarn. But who really has time for that?! Personally, I’m collecting together all my leftover sock yarn to make these Frankenstein inspired socks! They’re mismatched but marvellous. There are loads of ‘Frankensock’ patterns online but all you really need to do is find a basic sock pattern and keep switching between colours. 2. Hexipuff quilt (also known as the ‘beekeeper’s quilt’) I think this is such a cute idea and the best part is that the quilt actually looks better when it’s made from completely mismatched yarn, so no need to worry about coordinating colours. This idea was devised by Stephanie from Tiny Owl Knits. You can find her pattern at tinyowlknits.wordpress. com/the-beekeepers-quilt 3. Bunting A crowd favourite and sure to jazz up any room! I think bunting looks great when it’s made from a variety of colours as you end up with an awesome colour palette that you might never otherwise have thought of. Whatever the size or design, bunting always raises a smile and is a well-received gift. Who doesn’t love the person that rocks up at a birthday party carrying homemade bunting!
Written by Emma Vosper
Oh, Scrap! Five Things to
Make with Leftover Yarn 4. Tiny knits When it comes to gift ideas, this is a great one! Why not make a load of teeny stuffed toys to put in birthday cards or attach to wrapping paper? You could even sew them onto safety pins to make cute brooches. Mochimochi Land’s website has a huge range of patterns, including free patterns for these tiny sheep and even tinier rabbits. 5. Apple Jacket Finally, this one I love because it’s such a great mix of bizarre and useful. Nobody wants to eat an apple that’s got bruised from rolling around in your bag all day. The solution: a cute but oh so practical apple cosy! You can find patterns for these all over the internet but my favourites are the ones designed to look like apples.
Written by Knit-a-Soc Edited by Emma Vosper Design by Philippa Stazicker