Knitting

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Sad to say, it's time for this column to bind off

You have probably enjoyed knitting your project, but now you are finished. Maybe the boring dishcloths just need some extra pizzazz.

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Second Leapman book challenges imagination

Most people try to make some New Year's resolutions at this time of year. I love the idea that you get to begin fresh: a new page on a clean calendar, a new month full of possibilities, and a whole year of days, weeks and months stretching way out into the future.

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Learn to master knitting with a guild membership

It may seem early to make predictions for the new year, but I can see that 2009 will be a very good year for traditional knitting and serious knitters.

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Dress up holiday garments with glitter

The holiday season is a wonderful time for dressier garments that glitter. The Christmas lights on the tree and the warm glow of the fireplace or a few candles set the mood so much better when you sparkle just a little bit too.

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Find some humor this holiday season

As the mentor of all knitters, Elizabeth Zimmerman, once said, "Knit on, with confidence and hope, through all crises." Well those are good words for this somber holiday season, but a little humor is a welcome break to all the doom and gloom.

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Knitting projects can warm others

Thanksgiving time means that we get to take a moment to reflect on those things we are grateful for. It's a celebration of abundance for how much we have, and it's a holiday of remembrance for those early Americans who thankfully celebrated the bounty of their harvest.

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If a knitter is on your Christmas list, you are in luck

You are probably just getting your holiday gift list together. Well, if you have a knitter or two on your list you can breathe easier, because it's no problem to find the perfect presents for your stitching friends and family.

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Use those needles, hooks to show support for military

On this Veteran's Day, I am reminded that this has been a historical week. We have just elected our next president, who has already united the country with the promise of hope and possibilities. I can't imagine a nobler gift than to serve as president of our nation or in our country's armed forces.

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Knitting has a rich history in American politics

Today is the most important American day of all. It's election day. The political candidates have drawn our attention to their virtues, their foibles, and for some, their appearances on Saturday Night Live. But like many other knitters, I want to know if they knit.

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Multitude of knitting ideas exist for your dog or cat

Everyone is wearing handmade sweaters these days -- even dogs. And don't think we left out the felines, because cats can have their own knitted or crocheted treasures and toy projects.

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Needlework makes sense in trying times

Everywhere you look, there is evidence of the interconnectedness of global communities and people. Goods such as yarn are imported from countries on the other side of the globe. Our consumption of these goods affects not only the workers but the whole planet.

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In troubled times, stitch for others

Many aspects of everyday life are changing: more darkness, colder weather and snowfall, less fun money and more bills. It's enough to make me want to stay home, hunker down and knit. I want to share ideas for getting out of the doldrums by focusing less on what we don't have and more on what we do have.

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Push yourself this fall learning, improving needlework skills

Baby, it's getting cold outside, and I'm thinking about warm sweaters, shawls, hats and gloves. October is all about knitting and crocheting, and the Craft Yarn Council of America encourages you to pick up your needles and hooks this fall with special events.

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Software can help knitters learn to design own patterns

I've been watching the campaigns on TV, and I've noticed that an important strength in the candidates is their tremendous self-confidence. Confidence is an important tool for needleworkers too.

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Extend your knitwear with a few classic fashion tricks

Cooler weather makes knitwear feel cozy and appealing. As you dig out the winter clothing, take a good look at your knitwear. In addition to cleaning it, mending snags and tightening loose buttons, it might be time to revamp your sweaters. You might also think about a fresh new look to knit or crochet for this season.

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How to go for glory at the fair

I have accepted the Olympic Challenge, and since my cast-on during the opening ceremony Friday, I have been knitting away and watching the competitions in Beijing. As I watch athletes compete for that elusive gold medal, it has made me aware of what it takes to make a winner.

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Share Olympic fever with competitive event for knitters

The air is electric with excitement over the Olympics. If your favorite sport is knitting and you are happy to be a fiber-loving couch potato rather than an athlete, you might be surprised to learn that you can still participate in the Olympics. That's right: There is an event for knitters.

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Alaska knitters click out clothes for needy babies

Summer is a time for fun, picnics and good friends. When you are a knitter in Anchorage, summertime fun, good picnic food and warm friends who also love yarn can be found at the July guild meeting.

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It's not too soon to start knitting project for state fair

July is the heart of summer, and that means it's fair time. I can remember the hot, sticky evenings in North Dakota when the place to be was our county fair. Strolling down the midway and eating cotton candy sure was exciting, but I could hardly wait to see the exhibits in the 4-H tent.

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Knit back-to-school projects this summer for needy kids

Summer is here, or so I've been told. The weather sure is more like sweater weather than swimsuit season, though maybe that's not such a bad thing.

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Natural fibers offer Alaska knitters sustainable options

Ah, it's good to see the green leaves of summer. I have mentioned before that one can see green everywhere -- even in your local yarn store.