Inspiration - Yarn Bombing

Also known as "Knit Bombing" and falling under the category of "Random Acts of Art", Yarn Bombing is the act of decorating something with yarn, typically by knitting or crocheting. I shouldn't bother trying to explain this concept, a simple Google search of "knit bombing" will get you plenty of colorful results. This is a great example of a picture speaking louder in words.

Google search results

People have used yarn to decorate anything from trees and sign posts to bicycles and TANKS. Yes, that's a tank covered in pink yarn.

Recently I have been knitting a lot and have conquered the basics of knit and purl, but I know there is a lot more to learn like yarn overs and yarn unders and how to make a pretty cable knit sweater.

However, I shouldn't need to learn all of that in order to decorate the neighborhood in yarn. After I finish this scarf I am working on I'm going to have to choose my first target! If I am successful I will be sure to blog about it, of course.

yarnbombing.com

This is a world-wide phenomenon.
Check out these other sites for more information!

bodysoulandspirit.blogspot.com

charlotterivers.blogspot.com

Ribbed Knitting

For beginning knitters, the first two things to master (besides cast on/cast off) are Knit and Purl. You can knit one row, purl the next row in order to get a straight, uncurling weave, or you can knit one row, knit the next row for a stretchy knitted fabric that curls in on itself.

Or you can do stockinette stitch, rotating knits and purls across the row, and this gives you a fabric that bunches in on itself, like the cuff of a sleeve or sock, making it thicker but stretchier.

Knit 2, Purl 2, Knit 2, Purl 2... to the end, finishing with Knit 2
Flip it over and start the next row
Purl 2, Knit 2, Purl 2, Knit 2... to the end, finishing with Purl 2
Repeat.

I decided to make a purple scarf using this stitch. It's going to be really thick and cozy.

Knitting on the Bus

I'm knitting while I ride the bus

It's plain for all to see

To make a scarf so fabulous

Requires time that's free




Instead of wasting an hour each day

While commuting to and fro

I'm bring productive

and having FUN

And always prepared for SNOW

Twin needles and a skein of yarn

Is all you need to start

Add COURAGE to publicly display

Skill in such an ancient art.

Don't be suprised if you happen to hear

Click-clacking in row three

Cause while I'm sitting on the bus

I am KNITTING on the bus

And you'll not want to be sitting by me!

Disclaimer: No unsuspecting bus riders were poked with sharped sticks during the making of this scarf.

Knitted Scarf Weekend Project

It's that time of the year when you can never have too many scarves!

Knitting a scarf can take a very long time... if you use small needles. I completed this scarf in just three evenings - while watching television.

Using 9mm (US 13 size) knitting needles made it easier to work with this nubbley yarn - it would have been difficult to use this yarn with thinner needles. The larger needle size also meant a looser knit but a faster project.

I'm not an expert knitter (I'm self-taught via online tutorials), but I believe you would call this a knit 1, purl 1 pattern. What I did was knit one row, moving the yarn from the left needle to the right needle, then flip it over for the next row, continuing to move from left to right. After finishing, I added three tassles to each end.