French Knitter - The Craftier Side

Hi Crafters!
Some months ago, I mentioned that I found a new gadget to use in my crafting.  It's a French Knitter, and I found it fascinating.  I don't know why I never ran across it before, but, after a little research, I found that it appears to have been around forever and is a favorite of kids because it is so easy to use.  Being a kid at heart, I took to it right away. 

The manufacturerof this particular French Knitter, Clover, asked me to come up with some designs for them.  I had a great time designing with it and came up with a few new twists on some easy designs that are geared toward tweens and teens.  These designs incorporate beads and buttons as you work the knitting, so, in most cases, the beads or buttons are strung on the thread first.  Then, it's a simple process to knit the cord.  Instructions in the project sheet show how to finish the pieces.  I used a variety of cords like hemp twine, cotton cord and yarn so the pieces work up quickly.

Here are some of the projects in the group:

This is a bracelet using pink cotton cord, lime green E beads and a bright pink button.

And, here's the necklace to go with it!

This bracelet and key ring are made with hemp cord.  You can personalize it with letter beads.

And, just in time to wear for the football and basketball games, here's a fun necklace and tag to cheer on your team.

Here is a free copy of the instructions for the projects shown here and a few more.  Instructions are in English and Spanish.

I hope you'll try these fun projects.  Stop in again Monday for our Designer Craft Connection blog round.
Happy Crafting,
Terry

French Knitting

Hi All,

This week I am away from my studio.  I am on grandma duty helping out with my two-year old granddaughter while her mom and dad await the birth of their second daughter. 

Of course, I packed up a few crafts to take along for the moments I have free.  I packed some knitting and, so far, I have finished a mini-blanket for the car seat.  And, I've also been knitting with something new to me - a type of spool knitter called a  French Knitter.  The nice people from Clover Needlecraft gave me one at the last Craft and Hobby Show, and I have been happily trying it out with all sorts of fibers and beads.  I can't believe that I have never used one of these.   And, soon, I hope to be able to show you some of the designs that I have developed with this great new gadget.  Actually, it's only new to me.  After doing a little research on the web, I discovered that spool knitting has been around a long time.  You can even make a spool knitter with a cardboard tube; I can't wait to try that with my children's group!

I hope you are trying some new craft this summer.  And, if you need some great ideas, click on the big blue blinkie at the left of this post and see what the other designers in the Designer Crafts Connection are crafting this month.  I know there will be lots of fun crafts for Father's Day and picnics. 

Happy Crafting,
Grammy Terry