Cherished knitting traditions can be found ...

Last week, while I was at JOANN Fabrics & Craft Store, I scooped up the second special issue of  Knitting Traditions from Piece Work. This issue is full of the art and craft history of knitting.  It's such a lush and interesting assortment of patterns and stories that I know you will keep it handy in your knitting library. 

If you've been following along on Molly updates, check out my latest update on her and a Craft Month reminder (free pattern projects) I posted Friday on CreatingTheHive:

Crafty reminder and update on Molly...

Join us on CreatingTheHive.  Communicate with fellow crafters and artists on a site created to inspire.

Knit as if no one is watching!
Margaret (explore, create and inspire - woohoo!)




Knitted Fruit (Twenty to Make)


Knitted Vegetables (Twenty to Make)

How much do you know about Aran designs?

Corned Beef, cabbage and potatoes for dinner, yesterday.

©MargaretNock, 2011. All rights reserved.

There is evidence that Aran designs can be traced back to The The Book of Kells. Did you know that Aran designs for sweaters were unique to each family?  They were beautiful and practical designs that would enable easy identification as well, in case the worst happened. Women designed and knit the sweaters and passed the knowledge on to their children in Ireland and Scotland.  Today, we enjoy making, experimenting and wearing these sweater designs.  Take a look at this interesting website called Aran Knitting Patterns if you crave more info, designs, books, and supplies for knitting these historic sweater designs.

Think of epic poetry, beautiful views, the Emerald Isle, and Scotland The Brave today.

Margaret (this blogpost is dedicated to Thomas Francis Walsh)

You're invited to enjoy your crafty fix for the soul at CreatingTheHive. 

Aran Knitting: New and Expanded Edition


Aran Knitting

Arans & Celtics: The Best of Knitter's Magazine (Best of Knitter's Magazine series)

Stitchy stories of intrigue, codes and bravery

First off is this 2 cute Tuesday item...
Here is the number one item on the super cute-o-meter...release the kazoo trio, please!

Spud and Chloe at the Farm (Knit & Read Book)

The adorable sweetness of Spud & Chloe at the Farm will be available Spring 2011.  Read the story to your child, grandchild, or niece/nephew and knit the characters. It's  a fun way to begin a unique knit/story tradition to pass down to your loved ones.

It's also time to look at more stories in stitching during National African American History Month.  Discover stories of intrigue, codes, bravery and traditions.  Here's a short list to get you started.

Hidden in Plain View: A Secret Story of Quilts and the Underground Railroad

The Patchwork Path: A Quilt Map to Freedom

A Patchwork of Freedom: True Stories. Secret Quilt Code. Hope for Today.

Discover and share the story of  your family, the nation, and the world. Let it be a "create a better world with my stitches" kind of day.

Margaret (I'm thinking about that angel gets their wings thing right now and wondering if it works for our creative efforts too.)

Visit CreatingTheHive and begin the sharing, stitching, and creating...enter here.

My knitting/story tradition continues...
Knit Knitavian Style: Allow your knitting adventures to begin.

Follow the thread and see where it leads you

Today we took advantage of the beautiful weather and went to Fort Howard Park for the Defenders Day celebration and re-enactment.  It was nice to see so many families out with children visiting the encampment, and learning about the history of the area. 

Of course, my knitdar went off when I discovered girls in period costumes knitting, weaving, spinning and dyeing. Heavenly!  Here are a few pics I thought you might enjoy.

Good day! A lovely woman of the period spinning and educating the crowd gathered around.

Iron kettles were used to soak fiber, boil walnuts, acorns, tomato leaves and other items from nature to make dye.

 

Large wooden spoons were on hand to gently stir and move fiber.

Voila!

I hope you take some time to look back in history and honor the skills of your ancestors.  Our world is rich with color, history and textures.  Follow the thread and see where it leads you.

Marg (enjoying living on the blue planet)

Knit Knitavian Style:  Allow your knitting adventures to begin.

Cover Me Amazing Snood

© Margaret Nock, All rights reserved.

Vegetable Dyes: A Book of Recipes and Information Useful to the Dyer

Knitty skies and light winds

A visit to Mount Calvert Historical and Archaeological Park this weekend reminded me of the importance of sewing, spinning and knitting in our history.  They have been excavating this area for artifacts representing over 8000 years of human culture, beginning with Native Americans of the Archaic Period (7500-1000 BC).  You can see many unearthed pottery shards, arrow heads, spears, household items, gun parts and glassware, but I naturally look for any proof of needlework of any kind wherever I roam, and was intrigued by these buttons and pins.  It's a wonderful place to take your children and for adults.  They have some hands on activities so if you are planning a trip or live in the area, check out their website for details on upcoming events.

I'll be posting another short history note soon from today's excursion involving the importance of knitting, spinning and weaving in one of Maryland's first farming communities.

Tomorrow there will be knitty skies and light winds.
Marg (two steps forward, one step looking back)
You might also enjoy reading:

Adventures of a Sock Monkey Visionary!
In search of the oldest knit artifact...

18th Century Knitting Patterns

Dollhouse Artwork Framed Colonial Girl Knitting