which yarn/fibre to use for a baby?

[nickieknits]

Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best? I'm
in the UK and need advice on where to source suitable yarn, also. I
live in London, which you might think would be good, but there seem to
be very few outlets selling yarn and those that do (John Lewis on
Oxford St and Liberty's) seem to have very limited selection compared
to what I used to find in wool shops on every street corner when I was
a girl. (Yes, that's a long time ago!)

Grateful for advice - I still have a "vintage" Shetland shawl pattern
that I knitted up in 2-ply pure wool for my own daughter, in 1979! If
I can find suitable yarn today I might just knit it up again as the
original is a bit stained and I couldn't give it to a new baby.

Nickie

[Vintage Purls]

On Feb 14, 8:29 pm, "nickieknits" > wrote:
> Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
> blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
> avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best?

Think soft, soft, soft. I personally do almost all my baby knits in
wool (usually merino). Wool has been doing babies good service for
years - why change now. Alpaca might be worth considering - very warm
and soft. You'll be able to get a similar sort of wool to what you
used to knit your daughter's shawl all those years ago (I can get such
things in NZ so I'd find it very hard to believe that it couldn't be
sourced in London).

VP

[B Vaughan]

On 14 Feb 2007 00:18:29 -0800, "Vintage Purls" >
wrote:

>On Feb 14, 8:29 pm, "nickieknits" > wrote:
>> Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
>> blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
>> avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best?
>
>Think soft, soft, soft. I personally do almost all my baby knits in
>wool (usually merino). Wool has been doing babies good service for
>years - why change now. Alpaca might be worth considering - very warm
>and soft. You'll be able to get a similar sort of wool to what you
>used to knit your daughter's shawl all those years ago (I can get such
>things in NZ so I'd find it very hard to believe that it couldn't be
>sourced in London).

It seems as though most young couples don't really use baby clothes
that can't be thrown in the washing machine. Usually both work and
they have little time for hand wash. I've noticed that my daughter has
a pile in her baby's bedroom of things that she's going to hand wash
when she has the time, but in fact, those things never get worn again
because the baby outgrows them before they get washed.

That being the case, I think acrylic is the answer. There are
superwash wools, but the ones I've seen were a bit scratchy.
--
Barbara Vaughan

My email address is my first initial followed by my last name at libero dot it.

[DA]

"nickieknits" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
> blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
> avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best? I'm
> in the UK and need advice on where to source suitable yarn, also. I
> live in London, which you might think would be good, but there seem to
> be very few outlets selling yarn and those that do (John Lewis on
> Oxford St and Liberty's) seem to have very limited selection compared
> to what I used to find in wool shops on every street corner when I was
> a girl. (Yes, that's a long time ago!)

Debbie Bliss makes several types of natural yarns which could be used for
baby garments. John Lewis/Knight and Lee should stock these yarns, at least
they do in Gosport.
http://www.touchlondon.co.uk/business/search/typeId/2170/type/Wool+Shops
This link will give you a listing of wool shops in London.
DA

[WoolyGooly]

On 13 Feb 2007 23:29:57 -0800, "nickieknits" >
wrote:

>Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
>blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
>avoided because of allergy issues

People have been doing just fine with wool for thousands of years.
Find some superwash wool - mum can put it through the laundry - and
have at it.

Acrylic isn't a very nice choice, IMO, as it melts and embeds itself
in the skin if the stuff happens to catch fire.

[suzee]

nickieknits wrote:
> Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
> blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
> avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best? I'm
> in the UK and need advice on where to source suitable yarn, also. I
> live in London, which you might think would be good, but there seem to
> be very few outlets selling yarn and those that do (John Lewis on
> Oxford St and Liberty's) seem to have very limited selection compared
> to what I used to find in wool shops on every street corner when I was
> a girl. (Yes, that's a long time ago!)
>
> Grateful for advice - I still have a "vintage" Shetland shawl pattern
> that I knitted up in 2-ply pure wool for my own daughter, in 1979! If
> I can find suitable yarn today I might just knit it up again as the
> original is a bit stained and I couldn't give it to a new baby.

Washable wool, cotton/acrylic blends, or acrylic. Not all acrylic is
rough, I've felt wool that's worse and most baby yarns are softer
anyway. They don't melt unless you hold a flame to them.

sue

[The Other Kim]

Nickie wrote:

> Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
> blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
> avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best? I'm
> in the UK and need advice on where to source suitable yarn, also. I
> live in London, which you might think would be good, but there seem to
> be very few outlets selling yarn and those that do (John Lewis on
> Oxford St and Liberty's) seem to have very limited selection compared
> to what I used to find in wool shops on every street corner when I was
> a girl. (Yes, that's a long time ago!)

Machine washable is a must, especially if you expect the items to get a
lot of use. Recall that babies are messy. My kids would go through
multiple blankets and changes of clothing every day when they were
infants, and my washer and dryer were running constantly. There was no
way I would have been willing to hand wash anything. Superwash wool or
even some of the nice soft acrylics and other synthetics would be good.

The Other Kim
kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom

[Olwyn Mary]

The Other Kim wrote:


> Machine washable is a must, especially if you expect the items to get a
> lot of use. Recall that babies are messy. My kids would go through
> multiple blankets and changes of clothing every day when they were
> infants, and my washer and dryer were running constantly. There was no
> way I would have been willing to hand wash anything. Superwash wool or
> even some of the nice soft acrylics and other synthetics would be good.
>
> The Other Kim
> kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom


When dd was expecting her first, she made it very clear that anything I
knit for the baby would, repeat WOULD, be acrylics for easy care.

Since then, I have knit lots and lots of things, all from GOOD QUALITY
acrylics - not the cheap and nasty stuff - and most of then have been
handed down through her family and stayed beautifully soft while going
through the washer and dryer, sometimes daily, and still wearing like iron.

Olwyn Mary in New Orleans.

--
Posted via a free Usenet account from http://www.teranews.com

[JCT]

I love Dalegarn's Baby Ull -- a soft machine washable merino
fingering weight wool. However, I agree that there are some
acceptable non-wool alternatives. I have used Paton's Astra for
sturdy, washable hooded sweaters.
I made some cute things from Petit Mandarin - a Sandnes cotton
fingering yarn that comes in great colors.
There are really lots of options.

[YarnWright]

nickieknits spun a FINE 'yarn':

> Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
> blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
> avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best? I'm
> in the UK and need advice on where to source suitable yarn, also. I
> live in London, which you might think would be good, but there seem to
> be very few outlets selling yarn and those that do (John Lewis on
> Oxford St and Liberty's) seem to have very limited selection compared
> to what I used to find in wool shops on every street corner when I was
> a girl. (Yes, that's a long time ago!)
>
> Grateful for advice - I still have a "vintage" Shetland shawl pattern
> that I knitted up in 2-ply pure wool for my own daughter, in 1979! If
> I can find suitable yarn today I might just knit it up again as the
> original is a bit stained and I couldn't give it to a new baby.
>
> Nickie

Hi, Nickie,
First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90 percent of
people who THINK they are allergic to wool are NOT.
The concern of WASHABILITY is more important, however, superwash wools
can be easily machine washed and dried like any other fibre, however
many people are allergic to man-made materials!
Acrylic, while 'easy' is an alternative that has it's pro's and CONS.
Pro? Easy Care. Con? Melts. Allergy concerns. Roughness.
JM2C,
Noreen




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http://www.avast.com

[The Other Kim]

Noreen wrote:

> First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90 percent of
> people who THINK they are allergic to wool are NOT.
> The concern of WASHABILITY is more important, however, superwash wools
> can be easily machine washed and dried like any other fibre, however
> many people are allergic to man-made materials!
> Acrylic, while 'easy' is an alternative that has it's pro's and CONS.
> Pro? Easy Care. Con? Melts. Allergy concerns. Roughness.

I'm gonna quibble over the "roughness" part. I just made my daughter a
sweater using Paton's Be Mine, a nice, unbelievably soft 100% nylon yarn
I found at Michael's. Then there's Plymouth Yarns' Oh My!, so named
because that's what you say when you feel it and realize you've never
felt anything so soft, and this is another 100% nylon.

I'll agree that some synthetics are rough, but it's nothing that a run
through the washer and dryer can't take care of. I've made many an
afghan that felt downright scratchy at first, but after one washing and
drying they were nice and snuggly, and they've gotten softer with use
and are still in good shape some 15 to 20 years later.

The Other Kim
kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom

[Christine in Kent, Garden of England]

Hi there, as another UK knitter among other crafts I sympathise with your
dilemma. I wouldn't bother with those central London stores which seem to
be shrinking their yarn depts all the time. Find yourself a nice local yarn
store. Whereabouts in London are you? I may be able to help with some
ideas. Personally I use mostly good quality acrylic or a wool acrylic blend
for baby/children's items, although I have also used superwash wool. I
think you probably need to touch and fondle yarn for babies (or anyone
really) before buying to see how it feels on your skin. There are nice
yarns in each type so it's horses for courses I guess!
Love & higs
Christine

"nickieknits" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
> blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
> avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best? I'm
> in the UK and need advice on where to source suitable yarn, also. I
> live in London, which you might think would be good, but there seem to
> be very few outlets selling yarn and those that do (John Lewis on
> Oxford St and Liberty's) seem to have very limited selection compared
> to what I used to find in wool shops on every street corner when I was
> a girl. (Yes, that's a long time ago!)
>
> Grateful for advice - I still have a "vintage" Shetland shawl pattern
> that I knitted up in 2-ply pure wool for my own daughter, in 1979! If
> I can find suitable yarn today I might just knit it up again as the
> original is a bit stained and I couldn't give it to a new baby.
>
> Nickie
>

[YarnWright]

The Other Kim spun a FINE 'yarn':

> Noreen wrote:
>
> > First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90 percent of
> > people who THINK they are allergic to wool are NOT.
> > The concern of WASHABILITY is more important, however, superwash
> > wools can be easily machine washed and dried like any other fibre,
> > however many people are allergic to man-made materials!
> > Acrylic, while 'easy' is an alternative that has it's pro's and
> > CONS. Pro? Easy Care. Con? Melts. Allergy concerns. Roughness.
>
> I'm gonna quibble over the "roughness" part. I just made my daughter
> a sweater using Paton's Be Mine, a nice, unbelievably soft 100% nylon
> yarn I found at Michael's. Then there's Plymouth Yarns' Oh My!, so
> named because that's what you say when you feel it and realize you've
> never felt anything so soft, and this is another 100% nylon.
>
> I'll agree that some synthetics are rough, but it's nothing that a
> run through the washer and dryer can't take care of. I've made many
> an afghan that felt downright scratchy at first, but after one
> washing and drying they were nice and snuggly, and they've gotten
> softer with use and are still in good shape some 15 to 20 years later.
>
> The Other Kim
> kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom
>

Nodnodnod, you're right, Kim, I don't know why I added roughness, as
I'm partiial to Caron's SIMPLY SOFT, and it is SO soft! Plus, I know
the tricks to softening rough acrylics anyway and have posted it/them
here many times.
mea culpa
:D
Noreen



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http://www.avast.com

[Spike Driver]

YarnWright wrote:
> The Other Kim spun a FINE 'yarn':
>
>> Noreen wrote:
>>
>>> First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90 percent of
>>> people who THINK they are allergic to wool are NOT.
>>> The concern of WASHABILITY is more important, however, superwash
>>> wools can be easily machine washed and dried like any other fibre,
>>> however many people are allergic to man-made materials!
>>> Acrylic, while 'easy' is an alternative that has it's pro's and
>>> CONS. Pro? Easy Care. Con? Melts. Allergy concerns. Roughness.
>> I'm gonna quibble over the "roughness" part. I just made my daughter
>> a sweater using Paton's Be Mine, a nice, unbelievably soft 100% nylon
>> yarn I found at Michael's. Then there's Plymouth Yarns' Oh My!, so
>> named because that's what you say when you feel it and realize you've
>> never felt anything so soft, and this is another 100% nylon.
>>
>> I'll agree that some synthetics are rough, but it's nothing that a
>> run through the washer and dryer can't take care of. I've made many
>> an afghan that felt downright scratchy at first, but after one
>> washing and drying they were nice and snuggly, and they've gotten
>> softer with use and are still in good shape some 15 to 20 years later.
>>
>> The Other Kim
>> kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom
>>
>
> Nodnodnod, you're right, Kim, I don't know why I added roughness, as
> I'm partiial to Caron's SIMPLY SOFT, and it is SO soft! Plus, I know
> the tricks to softening rough acrylics anyway and have posted it/them
> here many times.
> mea culpa
> :D
> Noreen
>
>
>
Noreen,

I give away a lot of items made from Caron's SIMPLY SOFT. It is a
favorite of mine.

I have crocheted many baby blankets, dozens. For our Church and family
friends and charity. I do not know how many buntings, sweaters and etc
I have knitted. They are my favorite items, parents appreciate hand
made items immensely.

How is Navy doing.

Hugs & God bless,
Dennis & Gail

[nickieknits]

On Feb 14, 11:42 pm, " Christine in Kent, Garden of England"
> wrote:
> Hi there, as another UK knitter among other crafts I sympathise with your
> dilemma. I wouldn't bother with those central London stores which seem to
> be shrinking their yarn depts all the time. Find yourself a nice local yarn
> store. Whereabouts in London are you? I may be able to help with some
> ideas.

I live in South London, Honor Oak Park - according to one site someone
posted there is a woolshop within easy walking distance, but I'm
afraid the information must be very out of date as there has never
been one there in the three years I've lived in this area.

I hear good things about a shop in Islington - it's a bit of a trek,
but I thought I might go over there.


> think you probably need to touch and fondle yarn for babies (or anyone
> really) before buying to see how it feels on your skin. There are nice
> yarns in each type so it's horses for courses I guess!


I so agree with this - it's possible to purchase online, but I want to
*see* the colours and *feel* the yarn before committing to purchase!

I'm also struggling slightly for patterns - I borrowed some Debbie
Bliss books from the library, but they all have set in, square
sleeves, which are so bulky, I'm sure raglan would be better for
babies, as well as being easier to put together! I'm not competent
enough to start altering patterns from set-in to raglan style
yet. :-)

Nickie

[YarnWright]

Spike Driver spun a FINE 'yarn':

> YarnWright wrote:
> > The Other Kim spun a FINE 'yarn':
> >
> > > Noreen wrote:
> > >
> > > > First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90 percent
> > > > of people who THINK they are allergic to wool are NOT.
> > > > The concern of WASHABILITY is more important, however, superwash
> > > > wools can be easily machine washed and dried like any other
> > > > fibre, however many people are allergic to man-made materials!
> > > > Acrylic, while 'easy' is an alternative that has it's pro's and
> > > > CONS. Pro? Easy Care. Con? Melts. Allergy concerns.
> > > > Roughness.
> > > I'm gonna quibble over the "roughness" part. I just made my
> > > daughter a sweater using Paton's Be Mine, a nice, unbelievably
> > > soft 100% nylon yarn I found at Michael's. Then there's Plymouth
> > > Yarns' Oh My!, so named because that's what you say when you feel
> > > it and realize you've never felt anything so soft, and this is
> > > another 100% nylon.
> > >
> > > I'll agree that some synthetics are rough, but it's nothing that a
> > > run through the washer and dryer can't take care of. I've made
> > > many an afghan that felt downright scratchy at first, but after
> > > one washing and drying they were nice and snuggly, and they've
> > > gotten softer with use and are still in good shape some 15 to 20
> > > years later.
> > >
> > > The Other Kim
> > > kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom
> > >
> >
> > Nodnodnod, you're right, Kim, I don't know why I added roughness, as
> > I'm partiial to Caron's SIMPLY SOFT, and it is SO soft! Plus, I
> > know the tricks to softening rough acrylics anyway and have posted
> > it/them here many times.
> > mea culpa :D
> > Noreen
> >
> >
> >
> Noreen,
>
> I give away a lot of items made from Caron's SIMPLY SOFT. It is a
> favorite of mine.
>
> I have crocheted many baby blankets, dozens. For our Church and
> family friends and charity. I do not know how many buntings,
> sweaters and etc I have knitted. They are my favorite items, parents
> appreciate hand made items immensely.
>
> How is Navy doing.
>
> Hugs & God bless,
> Dennis & Gail
> ---

Hi Dennis!
NAVY says "Semper Fi, Marine!"
Yes, Caron's Simply Soft is wonderful, it's what I use for the afghans,
lapghans I make for VA Home residents, AND what I use for chemo caps I
make for the Nashvile VA Clinic.
Hugs,
Noreen




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[YarnWright]

YarnWright spun a FINE 'yarn':

> Spike Driver spun a FINE 'yarn':
>
> > YarnWright wrote:
> > > The Other Kim spun a FINE 'yarn':
> > >
> > > > Noreen wrote:
> > > >
> > > > > First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90
> > > > > percent of people who THINK they are allergic to wool are NOT.
> > > > > The concern of WASHABILITY is more important, however,
> > > > > superwash wools can be easily machine washed and dried like
> > > > > any other fibre, however many people are allergic to man-made
> > > > > materials! Acrylic, while 'easy' is an alternative that has
> > > > > it's pro's and CONS. Pro? Easy Care. Con? Melts. Allergy
> > > > > concerns. Roughness.
> > > > I'm gonna quibble over the "roughness" part. I just made my
> > > > daughter a sweater using Paton's Be Mine, a nice, unbelievably
> > > > soft 100% nylon yarn I found at Michael's. Then there's
> > > > Plymouth Yarns' Oh My!, so named because that's what you say
> > > > when you feel it and realize you've never felt anything so
> > > > soft, and this is another 100% nylon.
> > > >
> > > > I'll agree that some synthetics are rough, but it's nothing
> > > > that a run through the washer and dryer can't take care of.
> > > > I've made many an afghan that felt downright scratchy at first,
> > > > but after one washing and drying they were nice and snuggly,
> > > > and they've gotten softer with use and are still in good shape
> > > > some 15 to 20 years later.
> > > >
> > > > The Other Kim
> > > > kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom
> > > >
> > >
> > > Nodnodnod, you're right, Kim, I don't know why I added roughness,
> > > as I'm partiial to Caron's SIMPLY SOFT, and it is SO soft! Plus,
> > > I know the tricks to softening rough acrylics anyway and have
> > > posted it/them here many times.
> > > mea culpa :D
> > > Noreen
> > >
> > >
> > >
> > Noreen,
> >
> > I give away a lot of items made from Caron's SIMPLY SOFT. It is a
> > favorite of mine.
> >
> > I have crocheted many baby blankets, dozens. For our Church and
> > family friends and charity. I do not know how many buntings,
> > sweaters and etc I have knitted. They are my favorite items,
> > parents appreciate hand made items immensely.
> >
> > How is Navy doing.
> >
> > Hugs & God bless,
> > Dennis & Gail
> > ---
>
> Hi Dennis!
> NAVY says "Semper Fi, Marine!"
> Yes, Caron's Simply Soft is wonderful, it's what I use for the
> afghans, lapghans I make for VA Home residents, AND what I use for
> chemo caps I make for the Nashvile VA Clinic.
> Hugs,
> Noreen

He just asked me to tell you that his head is still clanking anchors,
LOL!
Hugs,
Noreen

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[Christine in Kent, Garden of England]

Hi Nickie
There's a strange thing, I used to live in Honor Oak Road Forest Hill! I'm
in NW Kent now though and would say that if you fancy a trip out into the
country (if you call Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells country) C&H fabrics
http://www.candh.demon.co.uk/
are worth a visit. Quite a wide range of standard knitting yarns, some
patterns & books, and helpful staff, at least in the branches I've been to.
And of course once you know what you like you can always shop online if you
can't get to a proper shop, in which case I can let you have some of my
favourite online outlets. Although I still think that we should support
proper shops if they're accessible.
Hope the following help:

http://www.iknit.org.uk/ There's iknit in Vauxhall, I'm not sure about how
much baby yarn they've got, but it's worth a try

http://www.loop.gb.com/ in Islington

http://www.stashyarns.co.uk/ in Putney

http://www.desyarns.co.uk/stockists_area.asp?area=LONDON there's list here,
don't know anything about most of them, but some ideas anyway.

Have fun
Love & higs
Christine

[Vintage Purls]

On Feb 16, 1:15 am, "nickieknits" > wrote:
> I'm also struggling slightly for patterns - I borrowed some Debbie
> Bliss books from the library, but they all have set in, square
> sleeves, which are so bulky, I'm sure raglan would be better for
> babies, as well as being easier to put together! I'm not competent
> enough to start altering patterns from set-in to raglan style
> yet. :-)

You can find a raglan sleeved jacket on my site (if you don't mind
knitting a vintage item):
http://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/kidspatterns.html

I have heaps (too many) other patterns, I'll happily dig some out for
you and send you a some scans if you let me know exactly what you are
after (cardigan or jersey, v-neck or round etc.)

VP

[Spike Driver]

YarnWright wrote:
> YarnWright spun a FINE 'yarn':
>
>> Spike Driver spun a FINE 'yarn':
>>
>>> YarnWright wrote:
>>>> The Other Kim spun a FINE 'yarn':
>>>>
>>>>> Noreen wrote:
>>>>>
>>>>>> First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90
>>>>>> percent of people who THINK they are allergic to wool are NOT.
>>>>>> The concern of WASHABILITY is more important, however,
>>>>>> superwash wools can be easily machine washed and dried like
>>>>>> any other fibre, however many people are allergic to man-made
>>>>>> materials! Acrylic, while 'easy' is an alternative that has
>>>>>> it's pro's and CONS. Pro? Easy Care. Con? Melts. Allergy
>>>>>> concerns. Roughness.
>>>>> I'm gonna quibble over the "roughness" part. I just made my
>>>>> daughter a sweater using Paton's Be Mine, a nice, unbelievably
>>>>> soft 100% nylon yarn I found at Michael's. Then there's
>>>>> Plymouth Yarns' Oh My!, so named because that's what you say
>>>>> when you feel it and realize you've never felt anything so
>>>>> soft, and this is another 100% nylon.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'll agree that some synthetics are rough, but it's nothing
>>>>> that a run through the washer and dryer can't take care of.
>>>>> I've made many an afghan that felt downright scratchy at first,
>>>>> but after one washing and drying they were nice and snuggly,
>>>>> and they've gotten softer with use and are still in good shape
>>>>> some 15 to 20 years later.
>>>>>
>>>>> The Other Kim
>>>>> kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom
>>>>>
>>>> Nodnodnod, you're right, Kim, I don't know why I added roughness,
>>>> as I'm partiial to Caron's SIMPLY SOFT, and it is SO soft! Plus,
>>>> I know the tricks to softening rough acrylics anyway and have
>>>> posted it/them here many times.
>>>> mea culpa :D
>>>> Noreen
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>> Noreen,
>>>
>>> I give away a lot of items made from Caron's SIMPLY SOFT. It is a
>>> favorite of mine.
>>>
>>> I have crocheted many baby blankets, dozens. For our Church and
>>> family friends and charity. I do not know how many buntings,
>>> sweaters and etc I have knitted. They are my favorite items,
>>> parents appreciate hand made items immensely.
>>>
>>> How is Navy doing.
>>>
>>> Hugs & God bless,
>>> Dennis & Gail
>>> ---
>> Hi Dennis!
>> NAVY says "Semper Fi, Marine!"
>> Yes, Caron's Simply Soft is wonderful, it's what I use for the
>> afghans, lapghans I make for VA Home residents, AND what I use for
>> chemo caps I make for the Nashvile VA Clinic.
>> Hugs,
>> Noreen
>
> He just asked me to tell you that his head is still clanking anchors,
> LOL!
> Hugs,
> Noreen
>

Poor guy!
Hugs,
Dennis

[B Vaughan]

On 15 Feb 2007 04:15:33 -0800, "nickieknits" >
wrote:

>I'm also struggling slightly for patterns - I borrowed some Debbie
>Bliss books from the library, but they all have set in, square
>sleeves, which are so bulky, I'm sure raglan would be better for
>babies, as well as being easier to put together! I'm not competent
>enough to start altering patterns from set-in to raglan style
>yet. :-)

Here is an updated version of something like a pattern I used to use
years ago when I was still knitting. (Now I just crochet, when I even
have time for that.)

http://www.minidata.co.nz/major/freepatt/patt01.htm

This has raglan-typed sleeves, not set in. It's knit from the neck
down, and when you reach the edge of the shoulder, you put the sleeve
stitches on a stitch holder and continue knitting the body. Later you
pick up the sleeve stitches and knit them down. There are only the
sleeves to stitch up, and even that can be avoided by knitting the
sleeves on double-pointed needles.

I also have a pattern for something very similar in crochet.
--
Barbara Vaughan

My email address is my first initial followed by my last name at libero dot it.

[nickieknits]

On Feb 15, 5:59 pm, " Christine in Kent, Garden of England"
> wrote:
> Hi Nickie
> There's a strange thing, I used to live in Honor Oak Road Forest Hill!

It's a small world! :-)

> I'm
> in NW Kent now though and would say that if you fancy a trip out into the
> country (if you call Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells country) C&H fabricshttp://www.candh.demon.co.uk/
> are worth a visit.

Thanks - I've actually used them in Winchester when visiting
friends ... I'm not sure I can afford a train ride just to go looking
for a woolshop though. :-(


> Quite a wide range of standard knitting yarns, some
> patterns & books, and helpful staff, at least in the branches I've been to.

Yes, the staff in Winchester helped me to work out how much of a
substitute yarn I would need to knit a pattern - sometimes the yarn
specified is not the one I want to knit with, even if it *is* still
available.

> And of course once you know what you like you can always shop online if you
> can't get to a proper shop, in which case I can let you have some of my
> favourite online outlets. Although I still think that we should support
> proper shops if they're accessible.

Agreed.

> Hope the following help:
>
> http://www.iknit.org.uk/There's iknit in Vauxhall, I'm not sure about how
> much baby yarn they've got, but it's worth a try
>
> http://www.loop.gb.com/in Islington
>
> http://www.stashyarns.co.uk/ in Putney
>
> http://www.desyarns.co.uk/stockists_area.asp?area=LONDONthere's list here,
> don't know anything about most of them, but some ideas anyway.

Thanks - that's really useful. I was planning on going to Loop, but
having now spent some time researching the options, it seems that
Teasels Yarncrafts in Leyton may be more what I am looking for. I'll
probably investigate the shop in Vauxhall, though I don't know if they
will carry the sort of yarn I want, but it's kinda sorta on the way
home from work (in the sense that I could go that way if I wanted to!)
so it may be a handy place to know about, especially as it seems to
set out to create a social scene as well.

Cheers,

nickie

[nickieknits]

On Feb 15, 8:04 pm, "Vintage Purls" > wrote:
> On Feb 16, 1:15 am, "nickieknits" > wrote:
>
> > I'm also struggling slightly for patterns - I borrowed some Debbie
> > Bliss books from the library, but they all have set in, square
> > sleeves, which are so bulky, I'm sure raglan would be better for
> > babies, as well as being easier to put together! I'm not competent
> > enough to start altering patterns from set-in to raglan style
> > yet. :-)
>
> You can find a raglan sleeved jacket on my site (if you don't mind
> knitting a vintage item):http://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/kidspatterns.html

Thanks - I have nothing against vintage patterns.

> I have heaps (too many) other patterns, I'll happily dig some out for
> you and send you a some scans if you let me know exactly what you are
> after (cardigan or jersey, v-neck or round etc.)

When my son was little (25 years ago, so not quite in the vintage era)
I knitted him a kind of "sleeping bag" - essentially it was like a
jacket with a front zip (can't remember if it had a hood or not,
probably not) extended down straight into a bag shape. It seemed
quite a practical thing. I really want to have practical things I can
supply to a new first-time mum with little or no cash. She already
knows that she's having a girl, LOL - how things have changed since my
day! So as I also know she loves bright colours and pink and purple,
I could have fun if I can find suitable yarn in bright colours. I was
also thinking about a cot blanket in a chunkier yarn ... I found a
nice pattern for applique flowers to decorate it with in one of the
books I borrowed from the library.

I don't need first size stuff, but by the time the baby is six months
old it will be winter, so warm snuggly second size stuff might be a
good bet.

Cheers,

nickie

[nickieknits]

On Feb 16, 9:53 am, B > wrote:
> Here is an updated version of something like a pattern I used to use
> years ago when I was still knitting. (Now I just crochet, when I even
> have time for that.)
>
> http://www.minidata.co.nz/major/freepatt/patt01.htm
>
> This has raglan-typed sleeves, not set in. It's knit from the neck
> down, and when you reach the edge of the shoulder, you put the sleeve
> stitches on a stitch holder and continue knitting the body. Later you
> pick up the sleeve stitches and knit them down. There are only the
> sleeves to stitch up, and even that can be avoided by knitting the
> sleeves on double-pointed needles.
>

Thanks!

nickie

[YarnWright]

Spike Driver spun a FINE 'yarn':

> YarnWright wrote:
> > YarnWright spun a FINE 'yarn':
> >
> > > Spike Driver spun a FINE 'yarn':
> > >
> > > > YarnWright wrote:
> > > > > The Other Kim spun a FINE 'yarn':
> > > > >
> > > > > > Noreen wrote:
> > > > > >
> > > > > > > First, allergy concerns are basically/mostly a myth, 90
> > > > > > > percent of people who THINK they are allergic to wool are
> > > > > > > NOT. The concern of WASHABILITY is more important,
> > > > > > > however, superwash wools can be easily machine washed
> > > > > > > and dried like any other fibre, however many people are
> > > > > > > allergic to man-made materials! Acrylic, while 'easy' is
> > > > > > > an alternative that has it's pro's and CONS. Pro? Easy
> > > > > > > Care. Con? Melts. Allergy concerns. Roughness.
> > > > > > I'm gonna quibble over the "roughness" part. I just made my
> > > > > > daughter a sweater using Paton's Be Mine, a nice,
> > > > > > unbelievably soft 100% nylon yarn I found at Michael's.
> > > > > > Then there's Plymouth Yarns' Oh My!, so named because
> > > > > > that's what you say when you feel it and realize you've
> > > > > > never felt anything so soft, and this is another 100% nylon.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > I'll agree that some synthetics are rough, but it's nothing
> > > > > > that a run through the washer and dryer can't take care of.
> > > > > > I've made many an afghan that felt downright scratchy at
> > > > > > first, but after one washing and drying they were nice and
> > > > > > snuggly, and they've gotten softer with use and are still
> > > > > > in good shape some 15 to 20 years later.
> > > > > >
> > > > > > The Other Kim
> > > > > > kimagreenfieldatyahoodotcom
> > > > > >
> > > > > Nodnodnod, you're right, Kim, I don't know why I added
> > > > > roughness, as I'm partiial to Caron's SIMPLY SOFT, and it is
> > > > > SO soft! Plus, I know the tricks to softening rough acrylics
> > > > > anyway and have posted it/them here many times.
> > > > > mea culpa :D
> > > > > Noreen
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > >
> > > > Noreen,
> > > >
> > > > I give away a lot of items made from Caron's SIMPLY SOFT. It
> > > > is a favorite of mine.
> > > >
> > > > I have crocheted many baby blankets, dozens. For our Church and
> > > > family friends and charity. I do not know how many buntings,
> > > > sweaters and etc I have knitted. They are my favorite items,
> > > > parents appreciate hand made items immensely.
> > > >
> > > > How is Navy doing.
> > > >
> > > > Hugs & God bless,
> > > > Dennis & Gail
> > > > ---
> > > Hi Dennis!
> > > NAVY says "Semper Fi, Marine!"
> > > Yes, Caron's Simply Soft is wonderful, it's what I use for the
> > > afghans, lapghans I make for VA Home residents, AND what I use
> > > for chemo caps I make for the Nashvile VA Clinic.
> > > Hugs,
> > > Noreen
> >
> > He just asked me to tell you that his head is still clanking
> > anchors, LOL!
> > Hugs,
> > Noreen
> >
>
> Poor guy!
> Hugs,
> Dennis
> ---

nodnodnod!
What can you expect from an old 'boats'???
:D
Noreen


--

---
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Virus Database (VPS): 000714-2, 02/16/2007
Tested: 2/16/2007 10:48:31 AM
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http://www.avast.com

[Laura J]

Do you have Debbie Bliss' "baby knits for beginners"?
http://tinyurl.com/328fnl I know there is a raglan in there. It is a
little annoying because she has you do it in pieces instead of top-down
one-piece (which is how I prefer doing raglans) but the resulting sweater is
really cute.

The sleepsack sounds like a great idea though!

LauraJ

"nickieknits" > wrote in message
oups.com...
> On Feb 14, 11:42 pm, " Christine in Kent, Garden of England"
> > wrote:
>> Hi there, as another UK knitter among other crafts I sympathise with your
>> dilemma. I wouldn't bother with those central London stores which seem
>> to
>> be shrinking their yarn depts all the time. Find yourself a nice local
>> yarn
>> store. Whereabouts in London are you? I may be able to help with some
>> ideas.
>
> I live in South London, Honor Oak Park - according to one site someone
> posted there is a woolshop within easy walking distance, but I'm
> afraid the information must be very out of date as there has never
> been one there in the three years I've lived in this area.
>
> I hear good things about a shop in Islington - it's a bit of a trek,
> but I thought I might go over there.
>
>
>> think you probably need to touch and fondle yarn for babies (or anyone
>> really) before buying to see how it feels on your skin. There are nice
>> yarns in each type so it's horses for courses I guess!
>
>
> I so agree with this - it's possible to purchase online, but I want to
> *see* the colours and *feel* the yarn before committing to purchase!
>
> I'm also struggling slightly for patterns - I borrowed some Debbie
> Bliss books from the library, but they all have set in, square
> sleeves, which are so bulky, I'm sure raglan would be better for
> babies, as well as being easier to put together! I'm not competent
> enough to start altering patterns from set-in to raglan style
> yet. :-)
>
> Nickie
>
>
>
>
>

[Vintage Purls]

On Feb 17, 2:13 am, "nickieknits" > wrote:
> When my son was little (25 years ago, so not quite in the vintage era)
> I knitted him a kind of "sleeping bag" - essentially it was like a
> jacket with a front zip (can't remember if it had a hood or not,
> probably not) extended down straight into a bag shape. It seemed
> quite a practical thing.

I have a pattern for such a thing from the 1970s.
Find a picture here (bottom item): http://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/images/misc/sleepingSackImg.jpg
And the instructions here: http://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/images/misc/sleepingSackTxt.jpg

The needle sizes referred to in the pattern are Imperial. Look at
http://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/tools.html to find equivalent modern
sizes.

These come from an Australian Women's Weekly supplement called Knit
for Baby. They are probably still covered by copyright but you'd be
hard pressed to find an original copy - it's not something a library
is likely to carry so I won't leave them on my website for ever and
although I'm happy sharing them with the group they aren't really for
public consumption.

VP

[nickieknits]

On Feb 17, 12:20 am, "Laura J" > wrote:
> Do you have Debbie Bliss' "baby knits for beginners"?http://tinyurl.com/328fnl I know there is a raglan in there. It is a
> little annoying because she has you do it in pieces instead of top-down
> one-piece (which is how I prefer doing raglans) but the resulting sweater is
> really cute.

I've not been too impressed with the Debbie Bliss patterns I've seen
so far - I'm emphatically not a beginner and don't want to knit in
stocking stitch or garter stitch if I can help it. I'm glad there's
been a revival of knitting recently, but the emphasis seems to be on
letting the yarn do the work instead of being skilled and making
intricate stitches. I also find it very irksome that patterns are
generally sold in huge books when there might only be one or two items
in the whole book that you actually intend to knit. I will look for
the book in my local library though. Thanks for the tip.


Nickie

[nickieknits]

On Feb 17, 2:29 am, "Vintage Purls" > wrote:
> On Feb 17, 2:13 am, "nickieknits" > wrote:
>
> > When my son was little (25 years ago, so not quite in the vintage era)
> > I knitted him a kind of "sleeping bag" - essentially it was like a
> > jacket with a front zip (can't remember if it had a hood or not,
> > probably not) extended down straight into a bag shape. It seemed
> > quite a practical thing.
>
> I have a pattern for such a thing from the 1970s.
> Find a picture here (bottom item):http://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/images/misc/sleepingSackImg.jpg
> And the instructions here:http://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/images/misc/sleepingSackTxt.jpg
>
> The needle sizes referred to in the pattern are Imperial. Look athttp://www.vintagepurls.net.nz/tools.htmlto find equivalent modern
> sizes.
>
> These come from an Australian Women's Weekly supplement called Knit
> for Baby. They are probably still covered by copyright but you'd be
> hard pressed to find an original copy - it's not something a library
> is likely to carry so I won't leave them on my website for ever and
> although I'm happy sharing them with the group they aren't really for
> public consumption.
>
> VP

Thanks! I can't seem to remember mine having the large chunky overlap
at the bottom. I'll ponder on that for a bit. I understand imperial
needle sizes much better than the modern ones. You're right to be
careful about copyright and I do appreciate your pointing me towards
the information.

I may go out looking for supplies today - wish me luck!

Nickie

[Vintage Purls]

On Feb 17, 10:56 pm, "nickieknits" > wrote:
> Thanks! I can't seem to remember mine having the large chunky overlap
> at the bottom.

Yes, I thought that bit overlap a little odd myself but your could
easily leave it off and just seam the bag at the bottom.

VP

[suzee]

nickieknits wrote:
> On Feb 17, 12:20 am, "Laura J" > wrote:
>> Do you have Debbie Bliss' "baby knits for beginners"?http://tinyurl.com/328fnl I know there is a raglan in there. It is a
>> little annoying because she has you do it in pieces instead of top-down
>> one-piece (which is how I prefer doing raglans) but the resulting sweater is
>> really cute.
>
> I've not been too impressed with the Debbie Bliss patterns I've seen
> so far - I'm emphatically not a beginner and don't want to knit in
> stocking stitch or garter stitch if I can help it. I'm glad there's
> been a revival of knitting recently, but the emphasis seems to be on
> letting the yarn do the work instead of being skilled and making
> intricate stitches. I also find it very irksome that patterns are
> generally sold in huge books when there might only be one or two items
> in the whole book that you actually intend to knit. I will look for
> the book in my local library though. Thanks for the tip.

The Debbie Bliss childrens patterns seem to run huge, from what I 've
heard. It's good to make them a little larger for growth, but hers are
ridiculously big.

sue

[Laura J]

"suzee" > wrote in message ...

> The Debbie Bliss childrens patterns seem to run huge, from what I 've
> heard. It's good to make them a little larger for growth, but hers are
> ridiculously big.
>
> sue

Excellent point, Sue, you are exactly right and I should have mentioned that
in my first post. And actually I have found them to be "short and squat",
i.e. relative to the width they are far too short in length. I know baring
one's midriff is all the range in the tween to teen set but I'd rather not
have my not-quite-toddler sporting the look (now or when she is a
tween/teen!)

LauraJ

[suzee]

Laura J wrote:
> "suzee" > wrote in message ...
>
>> The Debbie Bliss childrens patterns seem to run huge, from what I 've
>> heard. It's good to make them a little larger for growth, but hers are
>> ridiculously big.
>>
>> sue
>
> Excellent point, Sue, you are exactly right and I should have mentioned that
> in my first post. And actually I have found them to be "short and squat",
> i.e. relative to the width they are far too short in length. I know baring
> one's midriff is all the range in the tween to teen set but I'd rather not
> have my not-quite-toddler sporting the look (now or when she is a
> tween/teen!)

Since younger children grow faster in length than width, it'd be better
to adapt a smaller size adding more length to allow for a year or two of
growth.

sue

[Christine in Kent, Garden of England]

Nickie
Please let me know what you think of any of those shops. I've never
actually managed to get to any of them, a trip into London is a major outing
these days unless it's to visit DD2, who lives in Bow. I might manage a
trip if it involved yarn shopping though, I do enjoy fondling nice yarn!
Love & higs
Christine

"nickieknits" > wrote in message
ups.com...
> On Feb 15, 5:59 pm, " Christine in Kent, Garden of England"
> > wrote:
>> Hi Nickie
>> There's a strange thing, I used to live in Honor Oak Road Forest Hill!
>
> It's a small world! :-)
>
> > I'm
>> in NW Kent now though and would say that if you fancy a trip out into the
>> country (if you call Maidstone or Tunbridge Wells country) C&H
>> fabricshttp://www.candh.demon.co.uk/
>> are worth a visit.
>
> Thanks - I've actually used them in Winchester when visiting
> friends ... I'm not sure I can afford a train ride just to go looking
> for a woolshop though. :-(
>
>
>> Quite a wide range of standard knitting yarns, some
>> patterns & books, and helpful staff, at least in the branches I've been
>> to.
>
> Yes, the staff in Winchester helped me to work out how much of a
> substitute yarn I would need to knit a pattern - sometimes the yarn
> specified is not the one I want to knit with, even if it *is* still
> available.
>
>> And of course once you know what you like you can always shop online if
>> you
>> can't get to a proper shop, in which case I can let you have some of my
>> favourite online outlets. Although I still think that we should support
>> proper shops if they're accessible.
>
> Agreed.
>
>> Hope the following help:
>>
>> http://www.iknit.org.uk/There's iknit in Vauxhall, I'm not sure about how
>> much baby yarn they've got, but it's worth a try
>>
>> http://www.loop.gb.com/in Islington
>>
>> http://www.stashyarns.co.uk/ in Putney
>>
>> http://www.desyarns.co.uk/stockists_area.asp?area=LONDONthere's list
>> here,
>> don't know anything about most of them, but some ideas anyway.
>
> Thanks - that's really useful. I was planning on going to Loop, but
> having now spent some time researching the options, it seems that
> Teasels Yarncrafts in Leyton may be more what I am looking for. I'll
> probably investigate the shop in Vauxhall, though I don't know if they
> will carry the sort of yarn I want, but it's kinda sorta on the way
> home from work (in the sense that I could go that way if I wanted to!)
> so it may be a handy place to know about, especially as it seems to
> set out to create a social scene as well.
>
> Cheers,
>
> nickie
>

[nickieknits]

On Feb 22, 4:21 pm, " Christine in Kent, Garden of England"
> wrote:
> Nickie
> Please let me know what you think of any of those shops. I've never
> actually managed to get to any of them, a trip into London is a major outing
> these days unless it's to visit DD2, who lives in Bow. I might manage a
> trip if it involved yarn shopping though, I do enjoy fondling nice yarn!
> Love & higs
> Christine
> Hi Christine,

I posted this after visiting Stash in Putney - under a message header
of London (UK) yarn shop review (I think?)

I went to Stash yarns in Putney yesterday - lovely shop full of
imported yarns, nearly all natural fibres. http://www.stashyarns.co.uk/
Very helpful staff. When I arrived there was a knitting lesson going
on and the five or six chairs in the shop were occupied by that.
There was just about room for me to look at patterns and yarn as well
and one of the owners helped me pick out a couple of very nice
patterns, one for an all-in-one romper or sleep suit - Oat Couture
BB213 if that means anything to anyone, called "rustic rompers" and
another called "pinwheel afghan" BB205, also by Oat Couture. The
patterns are not laid out in quite the way I'm used to and I'm not
sure about the needle sizes quoted, but then I always end up having to
use a smaller needle, so I'll just experiment until I get the gauge
right. Both patterns are for double knit, though the afghan also has
instructions for knitting it in a worsted weight yarn, which I'm told
equates to an Aran yarn in the UK. I decided that I needed
"bombproof" articles, so I wasn't prepared to purchase yarn that
needed to be hand-washed or that couldn't be thrown into a tumble
drier, so I left the shop without yarn, but I would definitely go back
there if I was choosing yarn for myself!

In the end I ordered some Sirdar Snuggly from Angelyarns online - now
that I have the patterns I can afford to wait for the yarn.

My yarn would have been delivered on Tuesday, but the postman just
shoved a card through without ringing the bell, which is fairly
typical these days around here, so I arranged for redelivery today
when someone can be in to listen for it knowing it is on its way.
Hope it is more successful, otherwise I will have to trek to the mail
depot tomorrow to pick it up. I was very impressed with the service
from Angelyarns.

I haven't gone to the Vauxhall shop yet - I suppose I may not now
until I need more yarn? But I will post reviews of any of the shops
you mentioned if/when I get around to going.


Nickie

[Christine in Kent, Garden of England]

Thanks Nickie, yes I read your post about Stash, you never know I might be
over there one day, sounds lovely.
Love & higs
Christine

"nickieknits" > wrote in message
oups.com...
>
>
>
> On Feb 22, 4:21 pm, " Christine in Kent, Garden of England"
> > wrote:
>> Nickie
>> Please let me know what you think of any of those shops. I've never
>> actually managed to get to any of them, a trip into London is a major
>> outing
>> these days unless it's to visit DD2, who lives in Bow. I might manage a
>> trip if it involved yarn shopping though, I do enjoy fondling nice yarn!
>> Love & higs
>> Christine
>> Hi Christine,
>
> I posted this after visiting Stash in Putney - under a message header
> of London (UK) yarn shop review (I think?)
>
> I went to Stash yarns in Putney yesterday - lovely shop full of
> imported yarns, nearly all natural fibres. http://www.stashyarns.co.uk/
> Very helpful staff. When I arrived there was a knitting lesson going
> on and the five or six chairs in the shop were occupied by that.
> There was just about room for me to look at patterns and yarn as well
> and one of the owners helped me pick out a couple of very nice
> patterns, one for an all-in-one romper or sleep suit - Oat Couture
> BB213 if that means anything to anyone, called "rustic rompers" and
> another called "pinwheel afghan" BB205, also by Oat Couture. The
> patterns are not laid out in quite the way I'm used to and I'm not
> sure about the needle sizes quoted, but then I always end up having to
> use a smaller needle, so I'll just experiment until I get the gauge
> right. Both patterns are for double knit, though the afghan also has
> instructions for knitting it in a worsted weight yarn, which I'm told
> equates to an Aran yarn in the UK. I decided that I needed
> "bombproof" articles, so I wasn't prepared to purchase yarn that
> needed to be hand-washed or that couldn't be thrown into a tumble
> drier, so I left the shop without yarn, but I would definitely go back
> there if I was choosing yarn for myself!
>
> In the end I ordered some Sirdar Snuggly from Angelyarns online - now
> that I have the patterns I can afford to wait for the yarn.
>
> My yarn would have been delivered on Tuesday, but the postman just
> shoved a card through without ringing the bell, which is fairly
> typical these days around here, so I arranged for redelivery today
> when someone can be in to listen for it knowing it is on its way.
> Hope it is more successful, otherwise I will have to trek to the mail
> depot tomorrow to pick it up. I was very impressed with the service
> from Angelyarns.
>
> I haven't gone to the Vauxhall shop yet - I suppose I may not now
> until I need more yarn? But I will post reviews of any of the shops
> you mentioned if/when I get around to going.
>
>
> Nickie
>

[Mirjam Bruck-Cohen]

Nickie
you could try and knit the shetland with thin camel threads ,or alpaca
threads they are soft delicate and warm
mirjam

>Can anyone give advice on composition of yarn for baby clothes, a baby
>blanket, and a shawl please? I'm thinking wool should probably be
>avoided because of allergy issues - is acrylic really the best? I'm
>in the UK and need advice on where to source suitable yarn, also. I
>live in London, which you might think would be good, but there seem to
>be very few outlets selling yarn and those that do (John Lewis on
>Oxford St and Liberty's) seem to have very limited selection compared
>to what I used to find in wool shops on every street corner when I was
>a girl. (Yes, that's a long time ago!)
>
>Grateful for advice - I still have a "vintage" Shetland shawl pattern
>that I knitted up in 2-ply pure wool for my own daughter, in 1979! If
>I can find suitable yarn today I might just knit it up again as the
>original is a bit stained and I couldn't give it to a new baby.
>
>Nickie
>

[Richard Eney]

In article . com>,
nickieknits > wrote:

>My yarn would have been delivered on Tuesday, but the postman just
>shoved a card through without ringing the bell, which is fairly
>typical these days around here, so I arranged for redelivery today
>when someone can be in to listen for it knowing it is on its way.
>Hope it is more successful, otherwise I will have to trek to the mail
>depot tomorrow to pick it up.

Is there a window that can be used to watch for the postman, so
the waiting householder can dash to the door (with coat or shawl
to fend off the cold) and open the door just as he approaches it?
Since he didn't ring the first time, just "listening" for the bell
doesn't seem likely to work the second time either.

=Tamar

[B Vaughan]

On Mon, 26 Feb 2007 00:45:29 -0000, (Richard Eney)
wrote:

>In article . com>,
>nickieknits > wrote:
>
>>My yarn would have been delivered on Tuesday, but the postman just
>>shoved a card through without ringing the bell, which is fairly
>>typical these days around here, so I arranged for redelivery today
>>when someone can be in to listen for it knowing it is on its way.
>>Hope it is more successful, otherwise I will have to trek to the mail
>>depot tomorrow to pick it up.
>
>Is there a window that can be used to watch for the postman, so
>the waiting householder can dash to the door (with coat or shawl
>to fend off the cold) and open the door just as he approaches it?
>Since he didn't ring the first time, just "listening" for the bell
>doesn't seem likely to work the second time either.

It wouldn't help, as he almost certainly wouldn't even have the
package with him. A friend of mine once caught a postman in the act of
shoving a card in the box, and confronted him. He admitted that he had
left the package at the post office.
--
Barbara Vaughan

My email address is my first initial followed by my last name at libero dot it.