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!