60 for 60

I've been knitting. Quite a bit. But not on needles. Nope, knitting needles and I don't get along. I start out okay, but then I just get tighter and tighter and pretty soon, I can't get the stitches off or the needle in. But loom knitting works for me.

I bought this Nifty Knitter ring at a thrift store (Value Village), along with the three larger sizes that come in the set. I paid less than $5 for the set, but if you buy a new set, expect to pay $15-$20. This is the only size I've used so far, but that's because I have a goal in mind. I am making 60 scarves to donate by my 60th birthday. I've made 41 so far, so only 19 to go before July 24th.

Loom knitting's been around for a long time- as far back as the 16th Century. It may have begun as finger knitting. (I always wonder how people figure out things like this!)

I remember making a "corking" spool when I was in grade school. It was a red wooden spool with four nails pounded in the top. The knitted cord was created in the center hole of the spool, making a long rope that could then be sewn together in a spiral to make a trivet or other such item. I liked the calm process even then.

Each scarf if double thick with the tube sewn closed on each end. They vary a bit in length, but they all are about 64 inches long and about 5 inches wide.  I use Lion Brand Homespun yarn, available at craft stores. (It's the 6 oz. size, 185 yards.) It's a very soft yarn, easy to work with, and comes in a variety of colors, as you can see. I fold up the finished scarves, tying them with a bit of the same yarn to keep them neat and organized.

My grand girls all have made scarves and hats knitting with these rings- the youngest is 6, so that gives you an idea of my knitting skills. :D

Maybe I'll see if they'd like to make scarves to donate too, in honor of their birthdays. They wouldn't have to make as many as I am, that's for sure!! But it's fun to have a goal to work toward that helps others at the same time. These scarves will be given to homeless men and women- a touch of love along with the warmth they'll provide.


Make it a wonderful day!  (And Happy Birthday to our son Ryan, serving in Afghanistan. We love you and miss you and can't wait for you to come home to us.)