Knitting for Charity: Easy, Fun and Gratifying

You probably already know that I love funky knitting patterns. They're not great for every day, of course -- there are only so many weird things you can make before people start to look at you funny. But with so many free knitting patterns on the net, you're bound to find something cool and weird now and then. When I do, I stockpile it until I have enough great ideas to share with you.

These funky knitting patterns are not only quick, easy, and fun, they make excellent gifts, and they're great novelties for a charity fundraiser or garage sale. I hope you enjoy exploring them as much as I did, and if not, well, remember: any free knitted pattern is a good knitted pattern.

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 11:33 AM | Permalink

If you've never made a knit shrug pattern, you're missing out. Shrugs are mini cardigans. They come in all sorts of colors and styles, they look great with just about anything, they're warm without being too warm... need I go on? If your wardrobe is missing this staple, it's time you fixed that problem.

The nice thing about a shrug knitting pattern is that it works up fast, offers a lot of choice in style and color, and works for almost any season. A shrug is the perfect accessory to dress up anything from jeans and a T-shirt to an out of season sleeveless dress. Don't pay a bunch of money for them in stores, though -- make your own with these free knitting patterns.

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 11:28 AM | Permalink

There's nothing like new types of knitting stitches to liven up a simple project, from scarves to dishcloths. The same old stitches can get pretty boring, so every now and then I hit the Internet, old magazines, the library, and even my friends (well, I don't actually hit them, but you get the idea!) to build up my library of knit stitches.

And you all know how I love to share, so here are some new knitting stitches you can use for all your projects this fall!

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 11:25 AM | Permalink

Love knitting websites? You're here, so I'm going to assume the answer is yes! I used to read knitting magazines, but I have to admit that knitting websites have pretty much replaced magazines for me (and apparently many others) these days. They're free, they contain awesome information, and there are so many to choose from you could almost go crazy.

I've spent years browsing knitting sites, and wasted a lot of time (at least according to my husband). So to save you the same time and energy, I've compiled a list of my very favorites: sites containing great information, friendly communities, and most importantly of all, tons of free knitting patterns!

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 11:18 AM | Permalink

When I first heard of bag knitting patterns, I instantly thought of felted totes. And it's true: the vast majority of knitted bag patterns involve felting. But don't let that scare you off... felting is as easy as tossing your knit project into a hot washing machine.

These knitted bag patterns are amazingly versatile -- there's one for almost any occasion or necessity. Just a word of warning: remember that if your pattern calls for felting, you must use natural fibers like wool. If you use acrylic, it won't "felt" properly.

Posted by Kitty Doyle at 8:48 AM | Permalink