Blogapalooza

If you have a blog or website relating to knitting, fiber arts or ratties, post or send me the link so I can add it to my list!

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Happy Father’s Day!

In the USA, Father’s Day is June 20. Plenty of time to knit that special father in your life a one of a kind gift. Here’s a list of some free knitting patterns for gifts that are a bit different from the same old sweater/scarf/hat we’ve all knit for our Dads and husbands.


For the Sporty Dad:

Golf Club Covers -
A basic cover from the Lion Brand Yarn Company. Cabled.

Gorgeous Fair Isle pattern golf club covers. (photo)

Tennis Racket Cover

Camping Set: Pan Handle Cozy and Wool Mitt.


For the Techie Dad:

Kindle Cover - Cabled.


Laptop Covers

Aran design (photo)

Felted


Felted Messenger Bag - Pair with the laptop cover and he’s set to go to work in style. (photo)

iPod Ear Bud Covers - The "Egad I forgot to get my Dad something the night before" knitting project. (photo)

iPod Cover - Simple pattern.

Phone Cover - Cabled pattern.




For the Hungry & Thirsty Dad:

Bottle or Can Cozy - Simple

Wine Cozy

Elvis Wig - He may wear this after drinking all that beer and wine. (photo)

Felted Lunch Bag - He'll be hungry after all that Elvis pelvis dancing.


For the Well Dressed Dad:

Argyle Socks

Bow Tie - Geek him out!

Chevy Tie - With a chevy symbol for that special motorhead guy.

Vintage Waistcoat - For the classy Dad. (photo)

Silk Tie - pair with the waistcoat for the ultimate handmade classy Dad.

Kimono - The perfect gift for relaxation with the kindle cover, iPod bud covers and beer can cover!

Slippers - a felted clog. (photo)

Belt - Basic. But will keep his pants up!


For the Musical Dad:

Guitar Strap - Need I say Elvis wig too?

Shadow Knit Piano Scarf - Just very cool.


Don't Dads deserve to be embarrassed by having to wear handmade gifts in public too?!!! So get cracking!

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Celebrate Earth Day!

Earth Day is April 22, 2010. Here's a list of resources and patterns so knitters can get in the action too!

Official Earth Day Website

All kinds of great info on green knitting.

How to Make Your Knitting Eco-Friendly

Green Knitting and Crocheting Using Non-Traditional Materials

Knit Green: 20 Projects and Ideas for Sustainability by Joanne Seiff
Looks like a wonderful book!

Start a Green Knitting Club at Work

Plastic Bag Crafts - Lots of creative things to do with plastic bags.

Instructions for cutting plastic bags & creating recycled plastic yarn (Plarn)

Tutorial: How to turn plastic grocery bags into a crocheted reusable bag
Video

The Recycled-Bag Bag
Free Pattern (Photo)

Recycling Yarn
A how-to article

Recycled Container Portable Yarn Holders
A how-to article

Rag Knitting
A how-to article

33 Reusable Grocery Bags You Can Make: Free Patterns
All different methods, sewing, knitting, crocheting...

A Knitted Grocery Bag (Photo)
Free pattern


Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat! (But use plarn!)

Geriatric Ratties

In rat years, my ratties are senior citizens. They are almost 2 years old which is the average life span of a ratso. I don't like to think about it but I can't ignore it. I am dreading the day when my knitting buddies pass to the Rainbow Bridge. I haven't decided yet if I can take the heartbreak again and adopt some new little squishies. Though I probably will as I dearly love my ratties. As I am approaching this crossroad with my guys, it is important for me to know how to take care of geriatric ratties. Here is a very good article on the care of an aging rat.

Rats live a short, fast & furious and joyful life. Instead of dwelling on the end, I believe that I will enjoy the now with my little loves and live life with them as they do - enjoying every precious moment.

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Magnetic Needle Tin Update

I had an old tin lying around for years. It was my grandfather's and was full of old washers. It originally held crystalized ginger, which I think they ought to bring back in tins. To diverge, here's a great recipe for crystalized ginger if you are so inclined to make your own.

My research shows that this tin probably came from the early 1900's, though I can't conclusively verify that. In any event, I thought it would make a perfect magnetic needle case. It's the right size, I love how it looks and it's sentimental.

Here's how it came out. I really love it.













Tips for making your own needle tin: use fun foam as a padding for the magnet, glue it in first, it helps smooth out the magnet. Also, make sure you have the magnetic side up when you glue or your needles won't stick to it. (Yes, I glued it wrong side down first time, duh.) Make sure the tin is the size you want, think about how you will use it and where you will take it. The Altoids tin I first experimented with was too small for my embroidery scissors but it works well in my sewing room. I also made a tiny little tin to keep in my purse with a little bit of thread for emergencies, Altoids sells tiny mints in tiny tins now. And last, make sure the tin stays closed but is not too too difficult to open or your needles will go flying every time you open it.

If anyone makes one of these, I'd love to see it! Please post!

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

What Knitting With Rats Looks Like

The very rare time that a ratty is allowed free range without hazmat proofing everything near him.


Eli thinks the yoga bag is coming along nicely but a little pee on it would make it perfect.

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Cheap, Easy to Make Magnetic Needle Case

I've had a magnetic needle case for years that I love. It's big enough to hold my needles, scissors, small stitch holders and other whatnots I might need for a project and yet it isn't toooo big to be a nuisance. I dropped it and busted a hole in it, hence the hot pink duct tape. The hinges recently broke so I have to use a rubber band to keep it closed. Poor, sad needle safe.

Being the el cheapo that I am, I decided to make a new one.
Here's what I did:

Find yourself a hinged tin you like. I used an old Altoids tin but I'm thinking of actually splurging and buying a pretty one. Though for now my needles will be minty fresh.

I took 2 rectangular fridge magnets (advertisement magnets), trimmed them to fit the tin and glued them, advertisement side down, into the top and bottom of the tin.


Whallah! New needle case!

If you don't have fridge magnets, or you want a nicer tin, you can buy these items at your local craft store or online. I looked on online at A.C. Moore. They had a variety of cheap decorative tins and tins you can decorate yourself. Here's one for $2.19. I also think an antique or vintage tin would be wonderful. Here's a beautiful one listed on Etsy that's only $1.75.
A.C. Moore also sold the magnet sheets, one sheet would be big enough to make several tins. And they sell these business card magnet sheets with an adhesive back. No glue! You could have a needle safe in seconds! I think these would make nice gifts and I can think of lots of ways to personalize them.

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Knitting for Mom

In the U.S., Mother's Day will be celebrated on May 9, 2010. I know other countries have different dates. So wherever you are, you still have time to knit something for your Mom, even if it's for 2011!

Here's some knitting patterns I found that every Mom would love.

About.com
Mom Tatoo Bag. Ed Hardy eat your heart out.

Knitting for Charity
Knit flowers. Knit your Mom a special bouquet.

Kris Knits
Mother’s Day Cloth. She'll think of you every time she washes the dishes!

Nezumi
Flower Brooch. Knit one for Grandma too!

FaveCrafts
Teacup Half Apron. Adorable for the Mrs. Cleaver type Mom.

Straw.com
English Garden Felted Carpetbag. Pretty and big enough to hold all the Mom type stuff Moms need!

Marnie MacLean
How Does Your Garden Grow Scarf. Pretty scarf/necklace. I made this and my Mom wants one.

Jujube and Lolo
Winged Heart Tattoo. Mom will love this funky pillow.

Lion Brand Yarn
Aromatic Eye Pillow. My Mom could have used this when I was little for the headaches.

Vicky Designs & Little Cotton Rabbits
Alphabet Charts. Use these charts to knit "Mom" or "I Love You" or some such motherly sentiment into whatever project you choose!

Laughing Purple Goldfish
Cabled Back Scrubber. All Moms love bath stuff.

Knitty
Bath Puff

I’m Knitting as Fast as I Can
Soap Sack

Jo Sharp
Bathrobe. For the extremely ambitious. But your Mom will love you to death for this!

Tamara Ell
Mommy and Me Mittens. For the Mom with small children. Genius!

Knitty
Nursing Tank Top. Another wonderful idea. For the nursing Mom.

Canadian Living
Before and After Maternity Sweater. For the Mommy to be. What a treasure!


Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Easter Knitting

It's not too late! Get those needles clicking! Here's a list of some free patterns to download so you can knit all those special bunnies in your life a great gift for Easter. With some of my favorites mentioned.

Knitting Pattern Central

• Bunny Beanie - adorable baby hat. I've made this. It's quick and pretty easy. A great last minute baby gift. Stashbuster too.

• Easter Basket, Felted - This is a pretty basket. Change the colors and make it for all seasons and occasions.

Knitting on the Net

• Easter Chick Slipper Booties - Another adorable baby pattern.

• Charts for a bunny, basket and chick - in color so you can add these motifs to any project.

Squidoo

• Finger Puppets-lamb, bunny and chick. Quick and easy to work up. Stashbuster.

• Teeny tiny bunny toys - Simply adorable. Stashbuster.

• Sock bunny toy - A real cutie.

• Tulips - Something different. Make a bouquet!

• Lamb toy - Tired of bunnies? Knit this instead! Another real cutie.

• Bunny Slippers - Adult. Different from what you usually see. Also a good tutorial on working with thrums.

Yarn Lover’s Room

• Vintage Style Easter Bunny - Gorgeous bunny. A bit more complex looking but would be well worth the effort.

Pom Pom Emporium

• Funny Fluffy Chicks - These are just too funny! And they hold a creme egg! I love them!

Drops Design

• Bunny egg cosies - Nice for that hostess you know. Stashbuster.

• Chicken basket - a different and whimsical basket.

Knitty

• Duck Socks for baby. Pair this with a bunny beanie & baby will be all decked out for an unforgettable Easter!

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Say Hello to My Knitting

Today I had a doctor’s appointment with a doctor who is notorious for his long waiting time. This doctor’s office qualifies as a place where I always take my knitting. Today I took my yoga bag. I checked in and pulled out my knitting, not only to wile away the time, but also to speed it up as I know that as soon as I get to the most complex part of the pattern, my name will be called.

I happily started knitting. After a little bit, a lady across the room got up and asked to see my knitting. She wanted to know all about it; the pattern, the yarn, where I bought the yarn. She said she used to knit and thinks she will start up again. Then another lady piped in and said she wished she had brought her crochet with her. A man jumped into the fray and added that he couldn’t knit or crochet, but he wished he’d at least brought a book. Pretty soon the whole waiting room was in a discussion about long waits for doctors, knitting, crocheting and things you could do to pass the time. My knitting had helped a whole roomful of people to be less miserable about sitting around waiting to see a doctor. I got to the last cable repeat on a row, dropped my three stitches to turn the cable, and, true to form, the nurse called my name. My wait was up.

I am not a shy person. I am not self-conscious about knitting in public. I have had many fun, interesting and informative conversations when I have pulled out my knitting in public. I have made a few new friends. Knitting is a conversation starter. People are interested in knitting. So I say, make the world a happier place. Take your knitting with you and boldly pronounce, “Say hello to my knitting!” You will like the results.

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!

Blog Grand Opening Ceremony

Welcome to the Knitting With Rats blog!

To kick off this blog-a little about me.

I am a middle aged knitting fiend from beautiful New Jersey with 3 pet rats. I have been knitting for 35 years or so. Yes, I often sit with the rat bastards and knit. They scurry around, taste and inspect my knitting.

If you knit or have pet rats, this may be the blog for you. If you knit and have pet rats, this is the blog for you. If you just enjoy being a voyeur to a freak show, this is definitely the blog for you.

I hope to post at least weekly updates. If you have suggestions, comments or questions, I would love to hear them.

The time is past due for a serious discussion of knitting with rats. Join in and be heard!

Until next time...Knit...Purl...Rat!