The Next Generation

Click for detail on the gift basket I put together for my daughter's friend, turning 11! The gift's centerpiece is the Teen Knitting Club book. I picked up the surrounding goodies for notta-lotta-dough at Michaels and Target. I was so happy to find the cheerful fabric storage box at Target for $6! Michaels was having a sale on many of the novelty yarns which would work for the trendy project ideas in the book. I added some needles, a needle gauge, knitting noddy (she is still a kid!), a cute little lamb and some other treats.

This child slept over our house last weekend and she asked me to teach her to knit. I was AMAZED at her progress! She was really intrigued by the process and curious about all the knitting I have going on all over the house. I know I was like that at her age. I noticed that my daughter, who is a competent little knitter, became enthusiastic about her stalled project (scarf at left - excuse dark photo and unmade bed) again when her friend showed an interest. They actually asked if they could have a standing Friday night sleepover/knitting group with some other friends. WHOA-nelly!

As for me, BPT is moving quickly. Hopefully I will separate the arms from the yoke today and then I can photograph because it won't look like a big fur-ball. Once started, this is an easy knit. However, I am intrigued by the MANY interpretations out there on how to do the yoke increases. The pattern recommends (K1, Knit into the stitch below) and the reverse. Other top-downs I have made used the (knit into the front and back of the stitch) method. I'm curious about whether it matters because the increases are on either side of a cable. If I had all the time in the world, I would swatch both methods to see which looks better. Oh, and I would also swatch the (pick up the bar below) method too. For now, I'm sticking with the pattern, just happy that I am making nice progress on something...

Comments

[sUsAn]

What a fun gift basket! Must look for those fabric storage boxes at Target-very cute! You've given me muchos ideas for my niece's b-day in Nov.-thx!

[Lauren]

The gift basket is SO cute! I can't believe how far you are on BPT. I still haven't cast on (I think I'm going to use Patons merino instead of the Lana).

[Cindy]

Very cute gift. I am sure she will be thrilled

[Annie]

I can't believe how far you are either! Wow, I'm impressed.

I love the gift basket idea. Of course, you know my daughter's response to the knitting club idea. Sigh. Can I come over to the knitting group, too?!?

[Sharon]

I just finished BPT and I used the knit in the stitch below method. It created a "frame" around the cables. I started another version (for a gift) and I'm doing the increases as the knit in front and back right before the Purl. I have to say I like how this looks much better. Just my 2 cents!

Wish I was 11 and getting that gift! It's awesome!

[Norma]

Excellent gift basket! I think that type of gift is so much more meaningful than, say, the latest G*ameboy game!

[Ali]

I tried the pick upthe bar below method and it left huge gaping holes, so I'm going back to a "knit in front and back of the stitch" method. After ripping out and buying new needles to replace the one that vanished, that I am sure will shortly turn up in plain sight on the coffee table, sniggering to itself...

[Sharon]

Great gift idea. It is so fun to see a new knitter take to it right away...especially one you get to teach yourself. I'm going to borrow your notta-lotta dough idea.

[Bonnie]

Mary Beth, what a lovely gift! Teaching someone else to knit esp. a child is a gift far more reaching than you may realize. It was because of people like you that I learned to knit as a child.

Also you are so far along on BPT. Wow! You and Bonne Marie of Chic Knits are the fastest knitters I know.

I just started the Flower Basket Shawl because of seeing how beautiful yours turned out.

[Lisa]

This basket is a great idea and so cute!! I can't wait until I can teach my daughter to knit (and her friends). She's 3 now an is already asking!

What yarn is used for the scarf that's pictured in this post? It knits up nicely and I'm thinking that this would make a great gift for some people to whom I want to give holiday gifts this year.

[Kathleen]

Love the basket. Gracie has a few of those in her room--sans knitting stuff. Although she does know how to knit and enjoys it. Can't wait to see a BPT photo.

[Siow Chin]

You really are an enabler, Mary Beth!

[Carol Abrams]

As a co-author of TEEN KNITTING CLUB, I am thrilled that you have chosen to use it as a centerpiece for a teen gift.
Your site is beautiful and inspiring.
Thanks for your interest and support.
Carol Abrams