Results!!!

Secret Holiday Person Results!

While knitting the Boston Red Sox's scarf with the intricate 'B' I found it was very difficult to navigate with 3 colors in such a limited range of stiches. Since time was also counting down I decided to forgo the intricate design and just stick with a basic "Boston Red Sox" then to elongate the scarf enough to wear I put a heart in the middle. Here are some pitures of the scarf.

My secret holiday person really enjoyed the present. As I continue to finish additional knitting presents I will post pictures.

Until next time...same knit time....same knit channel!

Winter Bazaar preview and Boston B voting!

Winter Bazaar Preview!
Well I have completed some of the items that will be for sale at the Winter Bazaar at Grounded Coffee Shop! Here are 2 hedgehogs that I knitted. I am hoping to make some more before the show on December 10th, 2011.



Horatio the Hedgehog!

 


Henrietta the Hedgehog!



Secret Holiday Person

At my day job (where my night job is being a knitting superhero) I decided to participate in the secret holiday person where you buy someone, whom you selected at random from a jar, a present. The person I selected loves the Red Sox, like so many in my life, and I wanted to knit them a scarf with the B from the Boston Red Sox on it, so I sketched out some ideas based on the original design. I was hoping to get everyone's imput because I'm torn between the 2 possible designs. I would like to have the voting done by this evening so that I can begin this knitting project because I have so many additional knitting projects for the Holidays. Below are the images to be voted on, the yellow represents white in these designs. Let the Wild Rumpus (voting) Begin!!!

Image A



Image B



Until next time...same knit time....same knit channel!

Knit Girl Logo and Kate's Knitting Surprise!

After much waiting, the Adventures of Knit Girl finally has a logo!!! I worked with the artist to make her to be just as I imagined her. I hope everyone likes her and I can't wait to hear what you have to say!


Here she is!!!!

Can you see any similarities?

Knitted Surprise!
I have also finished my knitted surprise for Kate as a thank you for helping me name my etsy shop! Although the name she suggested was already taken I want to reward her for the winning suggestion. These knitted items are made for her newborn photograph business. Her etsy shop, Shutterography, has some amazing photographs so feel free to check it out.

Stuffed animal bunny in a pea pod.



Pumpkin hat!




Grape hat!

Craft Show Appearance!! I will also be selling some of my knitted projects, mainly hedgehogs, at the Winter Bazaar at Grounded Coffee Shop. The bazaar will be December 10th, 2011 at 2pm-5pm. Please feel free to drop by and check out tons of items for sale for anyone on your list. I hope to post some of the items for sale soon.
Until next time...same knit time....same knit channel!

How to do your part to Save the World!

Ways to Help Save the World!
Although my preferred method to saving the world is through knitting items there are additional ways that individuals can become super heros by helping the Earth. I am going to outline some simply ways to help.

1. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle
-Recycling is not the only way to help but it is one of the big three. Try reducing by printing double sided, this will help reduce the amount of paper used. Try wearing some clothing more than once before washing, this will help reduce the amount of water you use. Buy reusable resources such as cloth-made sandwich or snack bags, there are plenty of great styles and you don't have to waste a new plastice bag each time for food. If you print something that is only one page try to reuse the other side of the paper for the next time you print, or if you use only half a page cut off the rest of the page and use it for scrap paper. Try to recycle all paper and plastics, it some states you can even get some money back by recycling!

2. Conserve Water
-Try turning off the water while you brush your teeth or washing dishes, or while washing your hair.Try making sure when you use the dish washer that it's full, it will use the same amount of water either way.  If any faucets drip first try to fix the drip and if not try to catch the water, it can be reused to water plants or for rinsing dishes. According to UNICEF's Tap Project 4,100 children die everyday from water-related diseases and nearly 900 million people lack access to safe drinking water.

3. Save Electricity
-This not only helps reduce your carbon output but it also saves you money! Try turning off the lights when they aren't needed and using more natural light from windows. Try unplugging electronics when they are not in use. 

4. Use Energy Efficient Items
Try using solar energy lights outside to light a path to your door or a hybrid car when driving. Try carpooling, using public transportation or walking/ biking instead of driving your car everywhere. More energy efficient items are becoming commonplace such as lightbulbs, washing machines and dryers, and dish washers. Try to only use hyrbrid cabs to reduce your carbon footprint.

These are only some helpful hints that will help you Save the World. Please feel free to comment with more helpful hints to help Save the World!
Until next time...same knit time....same knit channel!

Solutions and Creative Responses

Solutions
Due to the lack of responses or suggestions about the direction of my superhero goals I have decided on a few things.

• I'm currently postponing my knitting for Halos of Hope until January most likely because due to the upcoming holiday season I will be knitting a lot of presents. 
• I have decided to open an etsy shop named For Knit's Sake that will showcase my many knitted items which I hope to update soon.

Creative Responses
I have had a few strokes of genius lately to help promote my saving the world through knitting. I'm hoping to inspire more readers and responses and active participation from my readers. Please let me know how I can possibly inspire more interaction.
I have come up with my superhero weapon, are you ready? Knitting Nunchucks! Clever right? Well I am still looking for someone that has some artistic talent to help me illustrate my ideas. I'm hoping that eventually I can have t-shirts and bumper stickers made to promote the website.

Main Event
Now for what you have been waiting for, the knitting! About a week ago I had a very close friend move to New York. I decided to make her a going away/birthday/holiday present and this is the result.

A beautiful warm blanket!!!

  I had to wait until my friend received this present before posting a picture of this beautiful accomplishment! I am currently knitting another blanket for some friends that moved in together and I will be knitting another blanket for my Mother in Law as her holiday present!
Until next time.... same knit time.... same knit channel!

Knitting Concerns

Congratulations!!!
First, I would like to congratulate my friend Kate for suggesting the name The Knitty Gritty. She will be receiving a few free knitted items! I will make sure to post pictures of the items that I send. Thanks a millions to all my friends, family and followers that voted! This blog is really for you!

Problems
Unfortuately, the new name inlies my first problem. As I was purusing Etsy to look into either just changing the superficial name of my store or making a new store named The Knitty Gritty I found that tons of variations were taken. I'm hoping my reader can help me with this problem and I have a few ideas on how to possible solve the problem.
1. Just change the name to my shop superficially. (I'm not sure if searched for The Knitty Gritty my shop would appear, not to mention the name would not be listed in the website)
2. I adapt the name to be something like KT The Knitty Gritty or something and forward all traffic from my current shop to the new shop name.
3. I use the runner up name for the shop and still direct all traffic to the new shop name.

 Next problem:
Unlike other super heros that don't have a full time regimented job, I am now working full time which has limited my knitting time. I will also be away the next 2 weekends with again limited knitting times. I feel very committed to knitting hats for Halos of Hope and therefore would like to be able to dedicate more time to the project. I was thinking about delaying my knitting month for this cause until October, giving me a chance to better manage my schedule and really dedicating myself to the cause. 

Please leave suggestions on this blog below of what you think I should do.
Until next time.... same knit time.... same knit channel!

Making a Difference in Malawi!!!

There are only 3 days left to vote for the new name of my Etsy Shop! Feel free to check out my shop although there isn't anything currently for sale, I should have some items up soon! I am reaching the end of the month and finishing my knitting for Knit for Kids, I can't wait to show you the pictures!!! I am also completing my first blanket and will have pictures of that soon. Anyone that has a knitted item make by me please feel free to email me the pictures so I can post them!!

Making a Difference in Malawi!
I just recently received pictures of children wearing the hats that I made for the Crisis Ministry Nursery and more hats have been requested. I am thinking about branching out into blankets for the children as well, time permitting. Here are the wonderful pictures!

Here are the hats that I made!

Look at that adorable face!!!

Now she'll really be warm!

I hope these pictures inspire you as much as they inspire me!
Until next time, same knit time......... same knit channel!

Ketchup!

Wow, there is so much to catch up on with my super hero life! So much has happened recently that I'm constantly knitting. I finished the blankets for Project Linus and they are really cozy.  I knit a total of 4 blankets weighing a pound each. They were knit from the "Pound of Love" yarn. I was a little hesitant when I began knitting these blankets because I was unsure of a pattern but I looked at the normal cast on for a blanket and proceeded with a garter stitch the whole length, they are really big, so I hope the children that get them, love them! 

4 blankets made with love!

Knit for Kids!

Since the beginning of July I've been working hard at knitting the sweaters for the children and I have found the my gauge is off so the sweaters are on the larger size, but I'm just guessing that there are larger children out there that might need a bigger size. My amazing super hero husband bought me a lot of yarn for my birthday so I've been using those skeins to knit these sweaters.

Two sides that need to be seemed together.

Other Projects
I'm also continuing to do other projects such as knitting hats for children in Malawi, knitting hedgehogs for purchase and knitting my present for the Christmas family Yankee swap. For the past 2 years I'm been making knit products for the Yankee swap and they seem to be very coveted items so I am planning ahead this year for a large projects. I am also knitting 2 blankets for friends, one who is moving and the other who had their partner move in with them. I also was just commissioned today to knit a Christmas stocking for this holiday season, so I have plenty of projects to keep me busy.  On top of that I finished knitting a beautiful purse for my sister's 28th birthday.

Can't wait to have a picture of her showing it off!

Additional news!
In addition to all of the knitting that I have been doing I've been thinking about revamping my Etsy store and was hoping that you, my followers, would help me decide on a name for the store. I have had a few friends contribute name ideas and now it is time for a vote.  I have 3 names to choose from and the winner (whoever submitting the name) will get a knitted item of their choosing (within reason). I'm giving you 2 weeks to vote so get all your friends to vote!
Until next time........... same knit time......... same knit channel!

Donations to the People of Malawi! Charity Poll Results!

First, I will start with the wonderful news of Knit for Kids being the charity I will knit for during July and August with the follow up of Halos of Hope during September and October. I want to thank everyone that voted and please spread the word for the next vote to help create awareness! Both of these organizations are wonderful and I look forward to knitting for them and their causes. I will hopefully also begin a scavenger hunt of different locations where I will knit, maybe the first person that responds will win a knitted item made by me, Knit Girl!
Package Sent!!!
I just sent off my package of knitted items to a friend, Laurel, from World Camp that will then in turn make sure the items make it to Malawi for distribution. I knit a total of 28 hats for infants and 10 wash clothes. The hats are planned to be given to newborns at Crisis Ministry Nursery. The wash clothes will be for the volunteers and staff at the house in Lilongwe, Malawi.

These are the 28 hats that I knitted for the children.

These are the bright and colorful wash clothes!!

I hope that the volunteers will let me know what they think. I am also hoping to get pictures of the children with the hats and if I do I will make sure to post them!!
Stay tuned for a mystery location on my knitting scavenger hunt! Until next time, same knit time, same knit channel!

World Camp for Kids and Charity Voting!

Again, I apologize for the delay of my posting but I plan on posting more regularly and hopefully with more pictures of my knitting. I have been very busy since my last post contacting people about knitting for their organizations or community. I know that I mentioned World Camp for Kids in my last post and I have followed up on what I could donate. Because World Camp for Kids is such a special organization to my heart I will be knitting to contribute to them year long. I have discussed with my friend Laurel about knitting for World Camp and I have been knitting baby hats and wash clothes like crazy (I will upload pictures soon!). I will also be contacting another friend of mine, Susan, about knitting baby hats for children in the hospital in Cape May, New Jersey.  These are just some extra charity ideas that I have been thinking and working on, not to mention the blankets for Project Linus and my gift and profit knitting. I will also begin soon working on my knitted item for my family yankee swap for Christmas this year.
Charity Nominations
I have taken some of the advice and preferences given to me about what populations need help and have come up with 2 great charities! The first charity is Halos of Hope, an organization that collects and disseminates hats to in-need chemo patients. Many different group contribute hats to help the clients of this organization and I'd like to help as well. This organization was founded in 2007 by a woman who survived Inflammatory Breast Cancer. She reported the pain of losing her hair, not just emotionally but physically as well. She started this organization to help encourage others during their battles with cancer.
The second charity that is being nominated is Knit for Kids, it is a section of World Vision and brings knitted and crocheted sweaters to children in need around the world and in the United States. This organization helps provide disaster relief, education, food, water, health needs, and many additional needs of a variety of communities. What caught my attention was the assistance they are providing in the wake of the destruction caused by tornadoes across the United States.
It is important to note that I will be knitting for both of these charities, the vote is used to determine the order in which charities in the upcoming months. The charity that receives the most votes I will knit for during July and August, the other charity I will knit for during September and October so no charity loses. Please take the time to read about the amazing work that both charities provide and cast your vote.
Until next time, same knit time, same knit channel! 

Logo, Stitch N' Pitch and a Knitter's Thoughts

There have been some exciting new developments in my knitting world. I now have a logo that I created by hand, check it out!

In case you are having a hard time interpreting my art it's a world with knitting needles behind it.

Other important news is that I have sent my first knitting project of a total of 14 scarves to Threads of Compassion and hopefully that will help their cause. I'm also hoping it will generate more interest in my cause and spread the word of how much knitting can help people around the world. 

I have also been working really hard on knitting blankets for Project Linus and have so far knitted 2 blankets and I'm on my third. I had the wonderful opportunity last week to participate in Stitch N' Pitch at the Washington Nationals baseball game and got some good work done. I've been trying to bring my knitting many different places with me and hopefully I can share photos of my knitting journeys. Knitting while traveling is very relaxing. I remember when I made a crocheted scarves for the mothers of the family in when I stayed over night in huts in rural Malawi. Speaking of which, I have been thinking about reaching out to World Camp for Kids about contributing blankets in the future months for the orphanages they visit as well as Camp Hope. I will reach out to organizers and possibly put World Camp for Kids as a possible charity vote. 

Over the next week I will be doing more research on different charity organizations that I could contribute to during the months of July and August after I finish knitting for Project Linus, I will give you, the followers the information that I obtain and put it to a vote during the first 2 weeks of June. If you would like to nominate a charity or organization feel free to give me details and leave it on a post!

Thanks for following and catching up in the knitting world, until next time, same knit time, same knit channel.

Money Makes the Skein go 'Round

Like many good causes, there is a need for money to help them continue. Don't worry this is not a plea for money, although if you want to donate I will take yarn assistance! I continue with my knitting that provides me with the monetary needs to help fuel my charity projects. I have been fortunate so far with selling some knitted items and using a preponderance of coupons to continue my chosen path to help those in need. As April winds to an end, like a skein of yarn, so I finish up my project for Threads of Compassion. I will be sad to see this project end because like other Americans, I love the see the quick fruits of my labor, knitting up scarves is a fast and fruitful project, while the blankets for Project Linus will take longer to see my fruit. Never the less, I have begun collecting yarn to use to knit up blankets for children. I have chosen some great bright colors that I hope will bring comfort and joy to children that have faced trauma.


Blog improvements
I have also been thinking about a logo or icon to be used on this site as well as my business cards that will identify the basic purpose and have decided on a globe with 2 knitting needles going through it. I have begun the preliminary sketches of this logo and image and I hope to have that up soon. I am hoping with this I might collect more followers and others will start to contribute and join me on my crusade to help others through knitting.

I am also taking suggestions for the next round of votes for charities that I will knit for during the months of July & August. I have done some basic research about organizations that accept knitting donations and I know that I have members of the community that would love my contributions but I also love additional input. I have also been considering an expansion to my repertoire by adding crocheting and possibly increasing my production to help more people that need my assistance. Please, I would love some feedback about possibly pursuing this additional tool to help others.

Until next time, same knit time, same knit channel!

The Business of Saving by a Super Hero Knitter

In the search to answer my own query about sending knit items to help out the survivors of many earthquakes in Japan led me to a disappointing realization that although I want to save the world through knit items it is not always possible. My results showed that it is not useful to send knitted items to a country that is experiencing hard time because amidst that chaos, there is no order for handing out helpful knitted items and that money is much more useful in these situations. I therefore found other ways to be of use to help raise money to help those in need by my volunteering at a DC Roller Girls bout that was collecting donations for the American Red Cross for Japan relief efforts. Perhaps there is a chance in the future when things become a little more stable I might be able to contribute knit items for those in need.

In other more positive news, I have updates on my knitting progress for Threads of Compassion and HeartScarves Program. To date I have knitted 5 scarves for the HeartScarves Program. To date I have knitted 12 scarves for Threads of Compassion. I still have a little less than a month to go before I send out my knitted love.

Here is a heart of the 5 scarves knitted so far for the HeartScarves Program.

Here are a pinwheel view of the 12 scarves that I have knitted for Threads of Compassion.

Scarves, Scarves Everywhere!

To date I have knitted 7 scarves for Threads of Compassion but while I took inventory of my arsenal of yarn I noticed the large amount of red yarn that I have and stumbled upon a new project. In addition to knitting scarves for Threads of Compassion I have intermittently knit the red yarn into scarves for HeartScaves Project which is collecting red scarves to give to women within their network and those that are undergoing cardiac procedures to illustrate their encouragement and support for one another when dealing with heart disease. I have found the scarves are easy projects that can be taken anywhere and they are very quick and do not need a pattern. I will continue knitting for Threads of Compassion but will also be using the red yarn in my arsenal for HeartScarves.

Meanwhile, I have been doing research on quick and easy blankets for children to use for donations when knitting for Project Linus during May and June. I am accepting yarn donations so feel free to peruse craigslist for listings of free or cheap yarn and you might be able to send my way. I will hopefully be posting pictures of the scarves that I am making to show my progress.

Another side note, I am going to begin researching whether I can knit items that will be donated to victims in Japan such as wash clothes or warm clothing. Feel free to let me know and post any information that you have in regards to sending knit items to Japan to help in any way possible. Hopefully as a community we can help those in need of our resources and love. Stay tuned for updates on the same knit time and same knit channel!

March on Like a Lion!

You know what they say about March, in like a lion out like a lamb. Since Threads of Compassion barely edged out over Project Linus, I, Knit Girl, will be knitting for Threads of Compassion for the next 2 months and will follow with Project Linus for May and June. It is only the second day in March and I have already begun knitting like the super hero that I am. I will make sure to post pictures of my project as it progresses and the final donation. I have been doing research meanwhile for other charities that will take knitted items as donations to help others. Along my road of to discovery of how to help others I have met Susie Q Survivor. Susie Q Survivor helps those who have survived various tragedies in their lives and knows how home made knitted items can help people feel loved and prevail in the face of adversity. Although Susie is just one of many, she will continue the fight forever. If you would like to contribute to help fellow survivors please post to this blog as a means of communication. That is all for now, until next time, same knit time, same knit channel.

Charity Choices

Hello fellow supporters, sorry for taking so long to update on the Pauly Poverty battle. I have successfully knit 8 scarves for children attending a community elementary school that did not have warm clothing. I will continue through the remainder of this month to knit scarves for these children even though winter is coming to a close, so it seems. I will continue this battle but wanted some input on which charity I should knit for during the next 2 months. I have done some research about charities and have found a couple that I'd like to put to a vote.
The first possible charity is Project Linus, this is an organization that takes knitted blankets and gives them to children that have been traumatized, seriously ill or is in severe need of a blanket. There are different chapters throughout the US that take handmade blankets whether quilted, knit, crocheted or a variety of other ways.
The second possible charity is Threads of Compassion, which collects scarves to be given to survivors of sexual assault as a means of offering comfort when they are first admitted to hospitals for emergency treatment. It also lets the survivor know they are not alone and can reach out to survivor groups for compassion and understanding during a distressing and fearful time.
These are just selected possible charity projects but I am more that willing to learn about other various organizations that accept knitted items to help others especially ones that help internationally. Feel free to suggest organizations and donate as well. If you are interested in donating yarn, or knitted/crocheted items for the charity that is selected please let me know. It is hard for Knit Girl to take on the world but she is more than willing to try one person at a time. I will be waiting for your votes, citizens of the world! Until next time, same knit time, same knit channel!

The Battle is Just the Beginning

Dear fellow readers, I apologize for how long it has been since I last updated my journey to save the world but I have found the name of a lifelong villain, Pauly Poverty. Yes, Pauly Poverty has struck again leaving children without warm clothing during these very cold times. So I took it upon myself to help prevent children, that do not have the means, due to Poverty's crippling effects, from getting sick and to help keep as warm as they should by knitting scarves for children in surrounding areas. By using my knitting needles of justice and warm colorful yarn I have knit a few scarves and will continue to increase in numbers to constantly provide for others. As a super hero I would like to encourage the donation of yarn or money to help provide these scarves to those who face Pauly Poverty and his dastardly deeds. I would also encourage donations to local homeless shelters for families to help those in need. Stay tuned to the same knit time and same knit channel to learn more about Pauly Poverty and any other villains that might take on Knit Girl and her ability to save the world!

Origination

Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhh, good to see all of you turning into this knit channel. I wanted to take some time to explain the method to this madness of mine. This blog of the Adventures of Knit Girl will not just be dedicated to knitting purposes only although that will be a dominant feature. This blog is about my life long adventure of improving the world, mainly through my artistic endeavors. I am interested in sharing some of my creations and do-gooder plans to inspire other potential super heroes to join a cause, find ways to contribute to better society, not just themselves. There will be frequent visits by other characters in my daily life and dedications to inspirations. I hope that you are visiting to be inspired to become active. Now that I have completed some of my current knitting obligations I will continue to complete the necessary steps to reembark on this inspirational journey. Stay tuned dear readers, same knit time, same knit channel!

Fascinated with Fair Isle!!

It began innocently enough, this treacherous adventure into the world of FAIR ISLE. I know it sounds like an evil villain island, right? An innocuous name that no one would suspect draws in it's prey, the luscious patterns and variety of colors, all illusions to steal knitters from their daily lives to desire knitting this intricate items day in and day out.  But back to the beginning, it's really all my sister's fault (just like a little sister to blame it on the older sister huh?). Over a year ago I pledged to knit my sister and her husband Christmas stockings, they only came to fruition this year, but the results were magnificent, at least for this knitting super hero. The journey continues with this new identified super power, fair isle knitting. Now I prowl the internet and knitting shops looking for patterns and ideas to design and knit blankets, hats, mittens, gloves...you name it I want to knit it to save the world. The only catch to this saving the world plan, is that I still haven't finished some of my other knitting obligations. So much to knit so little time... Now I must venture back into the addictive habit but stay tuned to the same knit time same knit channel.