CYDC Annual Benefit Gala

Do you ever have those moments where you think, wow, who'd have thunk I'd be here now?

That was exactly how I felt last night. The hubs and I were invited by some wonderful friends to attend the Carolina Youth Development Center's 2015 "A Night for the Children" Gala. It was a beautiful night filled with beautiful people, especially the young adults who spoke about their time at the CYDC as kids and how much it meant to them to have people really care and be the family to them that they needed. I love this organization and the work they do SO much!

There were amazing items in both live and silent auctions and an auctioneer who knew his stuff, "You said $1000, madam? Someone give her another drink!"  A toe-tappingly good live band, delicious food by McCrady's, and glitz and glamour and laughter and serious fund raising for a very worthy cause.

There were so many lovely moments during the evening, including getting a message from the Palmetto Fiber Arts Guild saying they are going to encourage their members to help us knit afghan blocks for our Charity Knit-a-Long! Wasn't that great timing?

Other lovely moments: partying with our friends Kathy and David (that's him in the tux--a true highlight of the evening was when he walked up with a plate of amazing teeny desserts), catching up with Chief Curator Grahame Long from the Charleston Museum (seriously, Grahame, I really am waiting for your next book! The first two were so good!), and some photo booth fun with hubby. We met a lot of fun people, I managed not to fall over in my new heels, and we didn't get rained on until we were headed home. All in all, a GREAT evening.

Don't forget...during the month of September, if you donate afghan blocks for our Charity Knit-a-Long, you are entered in the drawing for our fabulous yarn giveaway!

Read more about the September contest here and more about how you can get involved here.

Now if you'll excuse me, I am going to put up my tired feet and knit for the kids at the CYDC!

Big 10 Knit-a-Long: Racing Stripes

Racing Stripes Afghan Block by Tamara Goff

This pattern uses slipped stitches against a stockinette background to create a texture of stripes racing along the block. It’s also a speedy knit so you should be able to race right through it! 

You'll need: US Size 7 needles or size needed to achieve gauge of 5 sts = 1 inch; Worsted weight acrylic yarn. Finished size should be 7” x 9”.
CO 32 stitches
Knit 4 rows for border

Rows 1 & 3: K3, sl 1, (k4, sl 1) x5, k3

Row 2: k3, sl 1, (p4, sl 1) x5, k3

Row 4: k3, p26, k3

Repeat Rows 1-4 until piece measures 8 1/2”, then knit 4 rows for border. Bind off all stitches. Weave in ends.

Want to see more afghan block patterns and learn more about our Charity Knit-a-Long? Check out this mid-year update! Did you hear we are having a giveaway for participants in our knit-a-long? Read this!

September Giveaway!

At last count, our stack of afghan blocks for the Big 10 Charity Knit-a-Long is 91 blocks high. If we have 180 blocks by the time we sit down to sew them up, we can make 5 child sized blankets for the Carolina Youth Development Center. FIVE! Wouldn't that be wonderful?

So I'm holding a contest for the month of September. Turn in an afghan block (either knitted or crocheted) and be entered in the drawing for yarn!

I have 3 different yarn giveaways--

1.  Two skeins, Noro Silk Garden Sock Yarn, and Euroflax Sport Weight Linen
2.  Two skeins, LB Collection 100% baby alpaca DK weight, and Liberty Wool worsted 100% washable wool
3.  Four skeins Sirdar Snuggly baby bamboo (80% Bamboo, 20% Wool) in DK weight.

That means you have 3 ways to win!

1. The person donating the highest number of blocks during the month of September.
2. The group donating the highest number of blocks during the month of September.
3. The person randomly drawn from the names of all who contribute at least one block during the month of September.

Questions? Let me know!

Want patterns? Check here: Big 10 Charity Knit-a-Long

Simple Knitting Tools: The KnitOasis Bag

Announcing the KnitOasis bag!! Order yours today!

It's important, as a knitter, to have a secure, reliable way to haul your precious cargo (knitting). I tell my beginning students that carrying your newly-discovered hobby around in a plastic grocery bag is no way to live.

There are lots of great bags out there, plus, as a knitter, you can KNIT your own bag (I have a workshop coming up soon to do just that, in fact!).

Nothing beats a good canvas bag however and when that bag sports the logo of your favorite knitting resource, then you're going to love carrying your knitting in it!

These bags measure 14" x 14" x 3" and are made of 100% natural 8oz cotton. The logo is printed on one side in black and palm tree green. I've been using mine for 3 months and it still looks great! It's roomy enough for several projects, your knitting accessories, your wallet, a water bottle and a sweater (since the coffee shop can sometimes be chilly). The straps are long enough to slip over my shoulder, which helps when I'm trying to get my knitting bag out of the car while wrangling an excited dachshund.

To get your KnitOasis bag, just email me at knitoasis at gmail dot com or message me on the Facebook page or send a carrier pigeon with a note tied to its tiny pigeon toes.

Your cost? Only $15, which includes shipping and tax (if you're local). There will be a small postage fee added for shipping out of the area, depending on how far you live from glorious Charleston.