Updating netting websites

I have been working on several small netting projects, but have not found the time to photograph them.  I have also been working on a couple of larger projects.  One of them, up-dating Knots Indeed, is almost done.  As part of that process, I also needed to give the home page of Rita's Netting Nook a face lift.  I did get that completed.  It's up and ready to look at.

Next week I should have some more circular netting photos ready to look at.

I might also have a new look for Knots Indeed up and ready to use.

Circular netting and bookmarks

Circular netting and bookmarks usually don't go together in my mind.

Eyelet Stitch

Cross Stitch

Cube Stitch

Fan Stitch

Heart 

I usually think of bookmarks as long and rectangular, like these examples. 

But just because circular netting and bookmarks don't usually come to mind together does not mean I can't combine them.  

I have been trying to come up with some easy, quick, and useful circular netting patterns.  

This week bookmarks kept coming to mind.  I finally relented and made Magic.  With positive feedback and suggestions from the ladies at a weekly knitting group, I designed the other two bookmarks.  I will be including these three in my upcoming Circular Netting class along with the dishcloths from last week.

Flower

Magic

Candle

Which is your favorite rectangular bookmark?  Your favorite circular bookmark?  Your favorite bookmark on the page?

Net Dishcloths

Since finishing the Square-mesh Netting class I have been busy creating the patterns for the Circular Netting class.  Today I took the time to photograph the three circular net dishcloths I've made.

Net Dishcloth Made Using the Carrots Stitch

Net Dishcloth Made Using the Fan Stitch

Net Dishcloth Made Using the Skirt Stitch

You may be wondering, "Why have patterns for net dishcloths in the circular netting class?"  There are several reasons:

1. Everyone can use a dishcloth, even if just to wipe a table, counter, or stove-top.   
2. They are made using a thick cotton yarn.  The yarn is easier to work with than thin crochet thread to learn the basics of circular netting.  You can see what you are doing.
3. They are fairly quick to make, especially when compared to a doily.

Even with those reasons you might wonder, "Why make a net dishcloth?  How do they compare with knit or crochet dishcloths?"  There are definite advantages to net dishcloths.

1. It's easy to rinse them out.  The dirt does not get stuck in the fibers as easily.
2. They dry quickly, even in humid climates.
3. The knots in the netting act as tiny scrub brushes.
4. If a thread breaks, the entire dishcloth does not unravel.  The knots that create the netting will keep the break from spreading.

Now I have a question for you:  Which of the three dishcloths do you like best?

Net Bags - Prizes for the Winner

Earlier this year I held a contest and announced the winner.  Then life got busy and I had plenty of things to put on this blog so I never showed what Lucy selected.

large square-mesh net bag

large diamond-mesh net bag

large, top-down circular net bag

As she explained on her blog:

          The blue one on the bottom is mine, the two on the chair belong to each of my girls. 

          They made my errands this past week much easier, as they fit a LOT and then when empty will fit into my pocket or other bag.

Some of you may think that she won the contest because she is my daughter.  She won for two reasons.

1. She was the only one who submitted names for the handles.
2. I liked the names she suggested.

Moral of the story:  If you want to win a contest, you have to enter it.




P.S. I'm about half done designing the patterns for the circular netting class.

Puffy Knit Slippers

In March I went to visit my oldest son and his family.  While there I saw a pair of knit slippers.  I just had to ask for the instructions; it was that kind of slipper!   All garter stitch and two colors, it felt soft and padded to the foot.

 It was made in a rectangular shape.  One end was sewed together to form the heel.

One end sewed together to form the heel.

It was finished by gathering the stitches at the toe,

Stitches gathered together at the toe.

  and  then sewing down toward the heel leaving just room enough for the foot to enter

size 11

size 9

I promised two grandsons that I would make a pair for each of them.  It took a few weeks after I arrived home, but they got finished.

Circular Netting, Centers, and Edges

I have been copying the net centers, edges, and stitches from my old netting site and placing them in what will be my updated netting site.  This week I finally got the centers and the edges copied over with a slightly new look.  I also included the instructions to that particular center or edge when the name is clicked.

The increase, decrease, and decorative stitches still have just the name and picture (or in some cases just the name).   Putting the instructions up for these stitches will have to wait for another week.

I am starting to decide which patterns to use for my next netting class.  Since the class will focus on circular netting, I decided to include one of the patterns my grandmother used to teach me.  I've narrowed it down to 3 patterns.

Carnival

Chandelier

Simplicity

Which doily would you like to see included in the class?

Net Miser Purse

A few weeks ago I received an e-mail in which the writer expressed a desire to learn to net to make a net purse like those from Jane Austen's era.    I had not considered making a net purse, but after looking at several websites, they began to intrigue me.

In fact, I went so far as to order one from Trinity Antiques (they still have two left: a green one and a blue one).  After all, it is easier for me to figure out a pattern when the article is in my hand.  It arrived this morning.  It appears to be made from end to end rather than around.  Now I have one more project to add to my collection. 

In the course of my searching for Regency period net purses, I found a couple of links filled with information.


A couple of pages from Candice Hern - one on Miser Purses and one on Georgian Knitted and Netted Sovreign Purses

An article, The Reticule, A Regency Handbag, which gives background information on what a reticule is.

If you get tired waiting for me to finish this project, you could look at the instructions for netted purses in  The lady's assistant for executing useful and fancy designs in knitting, netting, and crochet work by Mrs. Gaugain (Jane) on Google Books.