Tuesday, December 25, 2007

NEW YEAR NEW PROJECTS

Happy New Year! Our first season was an incredible success with our enthusiastic group knitting and crocheting over 100 premie caps for Project Sunshine and 15 knitted "helmets" for Christmas-at-Sea.

In the Winter '08 season we are focusing on a variety of projects for one charity, afghans for Afghans, who have urgently called for blankets, hats and socks for Afghan newborns at The Cure Hospital in Kabul, one of the few hospitals to treat very sick babies in their neonatal unit. We have also added a child's vest for older Afghan children. All Afghans face a brutally cold winter this year.

ABOUT AFGHANS FOR AFGHANS
afghans for Afghans is a humanitarian and educational people-to-people project that sends hand-knit and crocheted blankets and sweaters, vests, hats, mittens, and socks to the beleaguered people of Afghanistan.

AFA works with reputable, experienced relief agencies to securely transport and distribute our hand-knit and crocheted blankets and garments to suffering Afghans. Their partners have included World Concern, Afghans 4 Tomorrow, Airline Ambassadors, International Orphan Care, Afghan Relief Organization, CURE Hospital, Church World Sevice, and Mobile Mini Circus for Children. This project is a partnership with the American Friends Service Committee, which has organized humanitarian missions for more than 80 years.

Visit afghans for Afghans for more information.

DEADLINES
Items for newborns will be sent to Afghanistan in February (exact date to be announced soon). In the Loop will send items for the group when the deadline is announced. We will send the remainder of items in March at the end of our season.

PROJECT PATTERNS & YARN
Patterns for vests, hats, and blankets have been posted on this blog (see left bar for links). We encourage you to use yarn from our stash, we have beautiful wool yarn in a variety of colors for these projects.

If anyone would like to start a project now, and would like yarn from the In the Loop stash, please email us and we'll make arrangements for you to pick up yarn from our offices.

RULES
afghans for Afghans has very strict rules. Visit their website for details, but here is a synopsis:

BLANKETS ARE URGENTLY NEEDED. THEY MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 40" X 30" (NOT SMALLER).
AFA HAS ASKED CROCHETERS TO FOCUS ON BLANKETS, AS THE FABRIC IS DENSER AND THE CROCHETING FASTER!
AVOID LACY OR AIRY PATTERNS.
FOR HATS, HEAD CIRCUMFERENCE IS 10" T0 15". CAPS NEED TO COVER EARS. EAR FLAPS AND UNDER-CHIN TIES ARE ACCEPTABLE. HATS NEED SOME STRETCH FOR COMFORT OVER FOREHEAD.
AFA DOES NOT NEED ITEMS FOR PREMIE BABIES.
USE WOOL (OR OTHER ANIMAL FIBER) TO PROVIDE MAXIMUM WARMTH IN HARSH WEATHER. SEE AFA'S WEBSITE FOR MEMO ON WOOL AND FIBER CONTENT.
AVOID WHITE AND VERY LIGHT COLORS THAT SOIL EASILY.
DO NOT INCORPORATE REPRESENTATIONAL IMAGES SUCH AS FACES AND ANIMALS IN YOUR DESIGN. ISLAM PROHIBITS DEPICTING SUCH LIKENESSES.
DO NOT INCORPORATE RELIGIOUS OR NATIONAL SYMBOLS.

FIRST AFTER WORK SOCIAL
Join us on Thursday, January 17 from 6-8 pm for our first After Work Social of the season. Remember, we'll bring the patterns and yarn, you bring the tools! Meet at the Winter Garden's marble tables near the glass wall.

Monday, December 3, 2007

FINAL WINTER SEASON BROWN BAG SOCIAL

This Friday, Dec. 7, 12-2p, will be our 3rd and final official Brown Bag Social for the Winter Season. Ina Braun will be on hand once again to answer knitting and crochet questions on the charity projects. We’ll have the full collection of preemie and mariners caps that have been produced over the last two months.

Please bring in any completed or in progress caps to this meeting. We still have more yarn, so you can sit and work a bit, or take some home to complete one of two more caps. We haven’t set a final date for all pieces to be submitted, but will announce one soon. If you aren't able to drop off finished all your pieces this Friday, email us and we’ll arrange something.

Thank you all, and we hope you'll also enjoy some of our Holiday Events in the Winter Garden.
www.worldfinancialcenter.com/calendar

Sunday, November 25, 2007

IN THE PAPERS

The Tribeca Trib recently got the word out about WFC In The Loop in their November issue. Ina Braun and fellow In the Loop member, Beth, were featured, seriously at work crocheting a preemie cap. Click here for the Trib's online November 2007 issue. Special thanks to Photographer, and Editor, Carl Glassman.

Monday, November 19, 2007

NOVEMBER 28 AFTER WORK SOCIAL

This Wednesday will be our last official After Work Social for the Fall Season. We will be meeting at the usual place - the World Financial Center Winter Garden - at the usual time - 5-8pm - but not in usual spot. When you arrive you'll notice the arts > World Financial Center production team busy setting up tables for a private event around the palm trees.

Our group will meet on the BALCONY LEVEL on the south side the WINTER GARDEN. That's the area above the Godiva store. Take the escalator or grand staircase to the upper level. You'll find us at in the public seating area outside Columbus Bakery and the GAP. You can't miss it.

See you there.

Saturday, November 17, 2007

HAT, HATS AND MORE HATS

We began our season with designs from the Project Sunshine and Christmas-at-Sea websites. These included the pretty crocheted and knitted preemie cap patterns by Anne-Marie Brule (see our September 29 post) and the knitted mariners caps.

Our talented group of crafters from In The Loop soon became busy creating caps in a variety of shapes, sizes, styles and colors, even including a crocheted man's cap see November 11 post).

Here is a sampling of the beautiful work done over the last few weeks.


Preemie caps made in various colors
following Anne-Marie Brule's pattern.


Angela was busy since our last meeting
making these various shapes and sizes.



Here's a small sampling of Vita's handiwork
with two color knitting.


Whimsical caps with strawberry and cherry toppings.


More crochet preemie caps of various designs.


Mariner's hats in a variety of colors.

Friday, November 16, 2007

W.I.P. NO MORE

We all know what it's like to have multiple projects going at once. It's difficult sometimes to surpress the urge to start a new one before finishing the others. This is Joan's modus operandi, but we caught the momentous occasion at Friday's meeting when she actually finished not only one but three mariner's hats. Angela looks on in total amazement.

Thursday, November 15, 2007

FINGER CROCHET

Last Friday we were joined by our youngest In The Loop member. We watched in amazement as this very talented 4th-grader created this hat without even using a hook or knitting needles. She crocheted it with her fingers, making up the pattern as she went along. For the finishing touch the little pom-pom was made from the thrift shop yarn she and her dad picked up that day.

Hats are not her only specialty. She was wearing a beautifully made shawl, of her own design, and she has made many other projects for herself and her little brother. It was a real pleasure having her in the group and look forward to seeing more of her creations.


Sunday, November 11, 2007

DO REAL MEN WEAR CROCHET CAPS?

When we began our projects for Christmas-at-Sea, a crocheted hat for men didn't seem likely until Celia found a pattern that gives crochet a masculine twist.

The Chunky Watch Cap is a free pattern included with Lion Brand Wool Ease yarn. What's especially interesting is that the ribbed part looks knitted, but is actually a series of chain, single crochet and double crochet added after the upper cap is completed.

If you'd like to make this Watch Cap, we'll have the yarn and the pattern at the next meetings.
You can also check out the Lion Brand website for free patterns. Here's another unisex crochet stocking cap Lion Brand free patterns. Order the yarn for this project from their website and you get 15% off.

Saturday, November 10, 2007

NOVEMBER 14 AFTER WORK SOCIAL

We meet again this Wednesday, November 14 for our second In The Loop After Work Social in the Winter Garden. Even if you stop by for just a little while, here's what you can create in one sitting (see pic below). This preemie cap was crocheted by one of Ina's students at last week's Brown Bag Social - quick, easy and so appreciated.

Bring your WIP (Work in Progress) or start a new preemie cap or sailor hat. We also enjoy seeing your other knitting or crochet projects. Now that it's getting really, really cold, wear one of your creations and inspire your fellow crafters.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

INA BRAUN, KNITTER EXTRAORDINAIRE

Ina will be at the Brown Bag Socials to lend her expert instruction in making the charity projects for In The Loop.



We first met Ina while planning The Big Draw Scarf project this past September. She was a fabulous resource, donating bags full of beautiful yarn and getting the word out about the project. She also served as the instructor at our Craft Stops in the Winter Garden. Ina is expert not only in knitting - she designs and sells patterns for beautiful articles of clothing (that's Ina in one of her own creations), she is also an excellent instructor and holds classes in her studio in Boonton, NJ.

We invited her to tell us more about herself and her studio, so please read on.

The studio ...

I opened the studio in the summer of 2004 seemingly on the wings of faith. Experiences in knitting stores had not ended happily and I knew my passion for knitting, teaching knitting and all things creative needed to grow roots in one space. The studio adventure has grown mostly by word of mouth, but also due to the patterns I have created and the contacts I have made. I have built my website http://www.tantesophie.com/ and though not a regular “blogger” in that sense make sure I share what’s important in fibers and knitting and crochet. It’s like watching a child learn and grow.

My experience ...

I don’t remember not knitting ... I learned when in school in Germany, 3rd and 4th grades. First crochet, then knitting and other needlework, sewing and embroidery.I learned early on how to do fine handiwork and at some point much much later of course heeded the call to pursue the creative life for “work”!

It’s a big jump to walk it solo without rules from an employer, but I wouldn’t trade it for a minute. I find myself always seeking a new twist on the teaching adventure. That’s how I got to the World Financial Center when I donated some yarn for the “Big Draw” back in September.

In the loop ...

This is the perfect opportunity for me to contribute through a unique venture, expanding the reach of my experience outside the studio. It is a chance to share my fiber, knitting and crochet knowledge to help all achieve success in the projects they undertake for the chosen charities. I have to pinch myself sometimes to believe how lucky I am to have found you all.

Merci beaucoup ... à bientôt!

... off to knitting my fingerless mittens for the day ... a pair a day ...
keeps the doctor away ...

ina and gumby ... the dog that tante sophie has ...



Visit http://www.tantesophie.com/ for all the latest and greatest happenings at the studio ... where, when, what and why!

Monday, November 5, 2007

SECOND BROWN BAG SOCIAL

Join us Friday, November 9, 12pm - 2pm
in the Winter Garden under the palm trees.


Special for beginners and lapsed crafters:
We've added an easy pattern just for you.
Learn or practice knitting or crocheting while making the Seafarer's Scarf.
Join us in the Winter Garden at our Socials and we'll even loan you needles or hooks.
We provide the yarn, help and encouragement.


Coming soon: In The Loop e-Newsletter
Featured Crafters
Best Yarn Resources
On-Line Crafting Links
Handy tips and tricks


Mark your calendar:
Next In The Loop After Work Social
Wednesday, November 14, 5pm - 8pm
in the Winter Garden

Tuesday, October 30, 2007

FIRST AFTER WORK SOCIAL TONIGHT


We provide the yarn. You bring the knitting needles or crochet hooks.

The preemie cap and Christmas-at-Sea patterns use the following sizes:

Project Sunshine Simple Preemie Cap
Knitting Needles US4 and US5 double pointed needles or 2 circulars

Skein Attraction Preemie cap
Knitting Needle US 7
Crochet G Hook

Christmas-at-Sea Knitted helmet
Knitting Needle US8

Feel free to bring your own yarn if you prefer.

What: In the Loop After Work Social
When: Tuesday, October 30, 5pm - 8pm
Where: World Financial Center Winter Garden
Directions: Look to the left for link to directions and map

5 REASONS TO BE IN THE LOOP

You're invited to IN THE LOOP's First After Work Social.
Join us in the Winter Garden, Tuesday October 30, 5pm-8pm
while we knit and crochet for charity.

Feel the benefits of doing good for others.

1. Indulge your creative side.
Don't just manage a project. Make a project.
Shut down the computer and take up your needles and hooks.

2. Learn from our experience.
We're a mix of beginners and expert crafters.
Bring your questions. Share your talent.

3. Get great surfing tips.
Discover the best blogs and websites
for knitting and crocheting.
Learn where to find crafters podcasts
and free How-To video clips.

4. Shop the best yarn resources.

Get our list of places for the best yarn
and the best discounts, in Manhattan, outside New York,
or through the world wide web.

5. The best reason of all: Giving to others.
Two charities to benefit from our skills and time are
Project Sunshine's Project Knit and Christmas-at-Sea.
Make a cap for a preemie baby or for mariners far from home.


We provide the yarn and the patterns.
You bring your knitting needles and crochet hooks.
Swing by on your way to catching the bus or train.
Stay a few minutes. Stay a while.

Saturday, October 20, 2007

SUCCESS

Our first In the Loop Brown Bag Social was a success!

We would like to pose a challenge, during the next Social finish a preemie cap or take yarn and make two for the next Social.

A reminder to bring your needles, we'll provide yarn for the projects.

For the knitted and crocheted preemie caps, we encourage you to improvise and embellish the patterns we've posted, they are just a guide. You can also bring your own preemie cap patterns. The only goal is to make lots of caps!

Send us comments, we'd love your feedback!

See you on October 30 for our first After Five Social!

Tuesday, October 2, 2007

CROCHETED PREEMIE CAP

THE SKEIN ATTRACTION’S CROCHETED PREEMIE CAP

We’ve included just the crocheted version here, but if you prefer to knit the cap, we have linked to the complete pattern on The Skein Attraction website.

YARN Valley Plymouth Yarns Encore wool/acrylic 100 yds
NEEDLE G hook
GUAGE
FINISHED SIZE TBD 4-7” tall

Chain 4 and join into ring with a slip stitch

ROUND 1 Work 6 sc into ring

ROUND 2 Work 2 dc into each sc from previous round (12 dc)

ROUND 3 (dc, 2 dc into next dc) rep to end of round (18 dc)

ROUND 4 (dc, dc, 2 dc into next dc) rep to end of round (24 dc)

ROUND 5 (dc, dc, dc, 2 dc into next dc) rep to end of round (30 dc)

ROUND 6 (dc, dc, dc, dc, 2dc into next dc) rep to end of round (36 dc)

For a bigger head, continue working the increase rounds. Otherwise, work dc around cap until piece measures 4-7” from beginning. Fasten off. Fold back brim.

PATTERN USE All patterns on the In the Loop blog are for charitable crafting only. Knitting or crocheting this item for resale is prohibited.

GLOSSARY dc=double chain sc=single chain rep=repeat

Saturday, September 29, 2007

KNITTED PREEMIE CAP


The Knitted Preemie Cap from Project Sunshine's Project Knit is easy, quick (it only takes an hour!) and oh so cute . . . Happy Knitting!

YARN Valley Yarns Longmeadow 60% cotton/40% microfiber 117 yards
NEEDLES (circular needle method) US 4 and US 5 12" circular needles
GUAGE 6 stitches equals 1 inch using US 5 needles in stockinette
FINISHED SIZE 8" circumference 4" tall

Using size US 4 circular needles, cast on 48 stitches. Knit one row. Then, place marker and knit in the round. Knit 5 rows. Change to US 5 circular needles and continue until hat (unrolled) measures 3” inches.

Begin decrease . . .
ROW 1 *K6, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 42 sts remain
KNIT ALL EVEN ROWS
ROW 3 *K5, k2tog. Re from * 5 times, 36 sts remain
CHANGE TO DPN
ROW 5 *K4, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 30 sts remain
ROW 7 *K3, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 24 sts remain
ROW 9 *K2, k2tog. Rep from * 5 imes, 18 sts remain
ROW 11 *K1, k2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 12 sts remain
ROW 13 *K2tog. Rep from * 5 times, 6 sts remain

Begin i-cord . . . Knit 5 rows, pushing stitches to other side of needle after each row.

Break yarn and leaving about 8–10 inches for sewing, thread through remaining stitches. Pull to close i-cord and sew back seam. Weave in ends. Done!

PATTERN USE All patterns on In the Loop blog for charitable crafting only. Knitting or crocheting any item for resale is prohibited.

NOTE We recommend the circular needle method, but if dpn's are your preferred method, you can download the complete pattern from the Project Sunshine website. We will provide color copies of this and other project patterns at all Socials events.

AUTHOR NOTE Gauge is not so important, as preemie heads come in many sizes. However, if you knit very tight, it's better to knit with the next needle size up. The roll brim is good because it is adjustable. If you are worried about the roll moving too much (or not rolling at all), tack it into place in the back with a simple whip stitch when weaving in your cast-on end (Anne-Marie Brule).

GLOSSARY dpn=double pointed needles K=knit P=purl k2tog=knit two together rep=repeat sts=stitches RS=right side WS=wrong side

SOCIAL EVENTS OF THE SEASON!

Grab your needles and hooks, get out of the office and join us for our first BROWN BAG SOCIAL on Friday, October 19 in the Winter Garden.

Ina Braun, knitwear designer and teacher, will be on hand at all Brown Bag Socials to help you start—and finish—your hat project.

SOCIALS SCHEDULE FALL 07

Brown Bag Socials
12-2pm Winter Garden
FRIDAY 19 OCT 07
FRIDAY 9 NOV 07
FRIDAY 7 DEC 07

After Work Socials
5-8pm Winter Garden
TUES 30 OCT 07
WED 14 NOV 07
WED 28 NOV 07

IN THE LOOP IS HERE!

Welcome all crafters! After the success of The Big Draw events in September, arts>World Financial Center has created a forum for enthusiastic crafters to knit and crochet for charities. In our first season, October-December, we will collaborate with two organizations to contribute knitted and crocheted HATS, HATS AND MORE HATS to those in need within our own neighborhood.

Project Sunshine is an international organization that provides free social, educational and recreational programs to children and families living with medical challenges. Their PROJECT KNIT program creates opportunities for knitting/crocheting groups to connect with children in local hospitals. In the Loopers will create caps for babies born prematurely in neighborhood hospitals.

CHRISTMAS-AT-SEA of the Seamen’s Church Institute brings hospitality and love to deep-sea and river mariners with Christmas gifts of handmade scarves, caps, vests, helmets or socks. These items are knitted or crocheted by more than 3,500 volunteers across the country. Each year, more than 16,000 gifts are distributed. Joining this national effort, In the Loopers will knit and crochet warm hats for local seafarers.

All finished garments/gifts will be collected by arts>World Financial Center staff and distributed to each charity. Stay tuned for complete project descriptions, including patterns, dropoff deadlines, and finishing instructions.