New Kids, Felted Project Bag, Volunteering...a very busy week!

As you all know, school started 11 days ago, and my knitters are all new to the craft. Such a challenge! I have 30 kids in the class, 4 of them are boys. Yipee!!!! Here are some pics of the kids knitting with some donated yarn. The first assignment was to knit a square. Just a simple square. Perfect the knit stitch. Once they passed the inspection, they then tackled the ever-popular-first-project...the scarf. Everyone is knitting for Stitches From the Heart, so we should have a big bag of donations coming soon. I am surprised, this year's group is fast. I gave them a week to finish a scarf, and kids were coming back the next day for more yarn. I don't want to tell them to slow down, but at this rate, I'll run out of stuff for them to knit with! I guess that is a good problem to have, right? If anyone out there has any yarn they want to donate, please email me knewbill@earthlink.net and I'll figure out a way to pick it up. All donated yarn goes toward charity knitting.







Today I sat down in the knitting oasis and finished the felted bag from last post. I added clear plastic handles, lined it with Eifel Tower print fabric, and added a big polka dot pocket. I love it. It is now my official knitting bag. It is big, roomy and comfortable on the shoulder. Perfect!








All of us at Yarn Garden are pleased to announce that on Friday, September 29th, from 7 pm to 9 pm, Claire LaZebnik will be reading from her new novel "Knitting Under The Influence". We will have wine, cheese and yummy desserts to munch on while Claire reads from her book. I started reading it last night and LOVE IT! Very funny, and some of the characters remind me of some friends I have. We invite all of you to join us for this very special event. If you missed her first reading last week, here is your chance to meet the author, share some fantastic food with a really fun group of knitters. I can't think of a better way to spend a Friday evening. Please call Yarn Garden if you plan to attend. 818-980-6667




As if I didn't have enough going on, Anne and I have volunteered at the Feast of San Gennaro this coming weekend in Hollywood. We are in for a busy weekend. Friday evening and Sunday afternoon we will be in the kids area teaching 100+ kids how to knit. Anne and I made over 100 pair of knitting needles, balled red-white-green yarn and put together little knitting kits for each kid. Are we nuts? Probably. But it is a great cause and we both love the idea of passing on this skill to the next generation. Come on by and say hi! The whole thing takes place all weekend at Hollywood and Highland. It is hosted by Adam Corolla and Jimmy Kimmel, and there are tons of food booths, celebrity chefs, entertainment, rides, etc. I am really excited about the food! If you saw this festival on the Sopranos, or if you have gone in the past when it was at The Grove, you won't be disappointed this year. It sounds HUGE and, of course, all $$ raised goes to charity. Gotta love that!


This week's class at Yarn Garden. The Brea Bag. Finally, we get to this. I have made a few little changes to the original pattern, seen in the past in my blog, and I think it makes the purse easier to knit. This is a great way to expand your use of cables. This is a two-week class, $40 for both weeks. You will need size 11 or 13 needles, depending on how loose you want the stitches, aslo depending on the yarn you choose. I suggest a bulky weight yarn, like Lamb's Pride, my favorite. You will also need a cable needle. If you are interested, the class is Thursday evening, 6:30 to 9:00. We will be meeting this week and next. Please call Yarn Garden to sign up. Space is limited. 818-980-6667




And finally, my favorite non-human in the world. Charlie. My friend Andi was shooting a photo assignment and needed a model. Charlie jumped into the chair and she took some great photos of him. This one is my favorite. He looks so regal. I also love it because I love my livingroom drapes. I am such a girl sometimes!


Have a great week everyone, and I'll see you next time!