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ISSUE 6
<strong>BLOCKED</strong> READER DISCOUNT<br />
10% off Anna Knitter's Etsy shop with code MERRYCHRISTMAS<br />
AnnaKnitterYarns - Etsy UK (Discount valid until Midnight 12/31/22)<br />
Editor<br />
Neil of Uknitted Kingdom<br />
For all enquiries:<br />
blockedmagazine@gmx.com<br />
Illustrations<br />
Uknitted Kingdom<br />
Contributors:<br />
Amy (Li’l Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn)<br />
Karen Juliano<br />
Uknitted Kingdom<br />
Yelena of Scythia<br />
The Laziest Knitter<br />
Patterns:<br />
Stephanie Fernandez<br />
Anna Knitter<br />
Uknitted Kingdom<br />
Denise (Big Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn)<br />
Amy (Li’l Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn)<br />
Deplorable Knitter<br />
Yelena of Scythia<br />
Proofers:<br />
Cézanne Pellett<br />
Laura Neubauer<br />
Denise Pettus<br />
Design and layouts:<br />
BS Studio<br />
Unless otherwise indicated the information,<br />
articles, artwork, patterns and photography<br />
published in <strong>BLOCKED</strong> Magazine are subject<br />
to copyright ©2022 <strong>BLOCKED</strong> Magazine.<br />
All rights reserved.<br />
<strong>BLOCKED</strong> Magazine permits the online<br />
distribution of the magazine in it’s entirety.<br />
Distribution of any of the contents of this<br />
magazine are for purposes of sale or resale<br />
is strictly prohibited.
Dearest readers,<br />
Whilst thinking of a subject for this <strong>issue</strong>'s editorial, I realised that Yelena of Scythia had written<br />
the perfect introduction to this <strong>issue</strong>. I echo her words as I'm sure many of you will too. All I would<br />
like to add is my wish that all our readers have a wonderful Christmas (even if you don't celebrate<br />
it!). Thank you for your continued support. Yours faithfully,<br />
Neil<br />
Uknitted Kingdom<br />
Thank You<br />
Not long ago, I received a newsletter from Maria Tusken of Tusken Knits announcing<br />
the closure of her shop and her final grab-bag sale. I was saddened to hear what I<br />
suspected was coming. However, I am incredibly grateful for Maria’s grace and strength<br />
and everything she did for all the “dissident knitters” like me.<br />
Because of Maria, I learned I was not alone.<br />
Because of Maria, I found like-minded knitters.<br />
Because of Maria, I found new friends.<br />
Because of Maria, dissident knitters stand up for each other.<br />
Because of Maria, dissident knitters have a welcoming community.<br />
The vitriol directed towards Maria on various social media outlets has been disgusting.<br />
The celebration is gross. The sheer ignorance is astounding. They foolishly think that bad<br />
things are happening to Maria and that she was abandoned by her customers.<br />
No. Maria is happy. She is happier than her attackers are. We all knew that yarn dyeing<br />
was never going to be a permanent thing for Maria. Her loyal customers were there for<br />
her when she needed us. We helped her move to Montana. We bought out all her shop<br />
updates quickly. Because of us, her final grab bag sale sold out in just over an hour.<br />
That sounds like a shop that was struggling, right?<br />
Maria’s haters are celebrating that she is “getting what she deserves.” Yes, Maria is<br />
getting what she deserves. She is getting happiness and satisfaction in her life. She still<br />
has creative pursuits. She has peace. She is moving forward knowing she did the right<br />
thing.<br />
So, thank you, Maria. You are a shining light in this dark world, and I am proud to have<br />
been a customer. Godspeed.<br />
YelenaofScythia<br />
3
The Lazy Knitter’s Guide to<br />
by the Laziest Knitter<br />
(De)Stashing<br />
It’s that time of year again<br />
when people take a look at<br />
their lives, perform self-assessments,<br />
and then make<br />
resolutions towards self-improvement.<br />
As knitters, the<br />
new year is a great time to resolve to knit more for charity,<br />
to knit more for ourselves, or we may decide to take a<br />
hard look at that yarn stash creeping into all corners of<br />
our homes.<br />
When my yarn stash outgrew its designated space, I<br />
put it in bags and totes and shoved it into the attic and<br />
closets. What was once displayed on open shelves for inspiration<br />
had become a burden<br />
that caused guilt and anxiety. It<br />
invaded spaces that were meant<br />
for other things and other<br />
people.<br />
I’m more of a maximalist<br />
than a minimalist, but it’s hard to<br />
deny that in certain situations,<br />
more isn’t necessarily better. So,<br />
one day I decided to tame my<br />
yarn hoard. It wasn’t easy and it<br />
didn’t come without those yucky feelings of buyer’s remorse,<br />
but I did manage to wrangle it down to a size that<br />
fits in a designated space.<br />
If your own yarn hoard causes you trouble, perhaps<br />
some of the following strategies will help.<br />
What’s the Problem?<br />
One rule of thumb says that when you reach SABLE<br />
(Stash Acquired Beyond Life Expectancy) you might have<br />
a problem. As with most rules, this may not apply to everyone.<br />
Your giant yarn stash may bring much joy, so the<br />
bigger the better. You might just not give a hoot about<br />
what it looks like or what anyone else thinks. If this is the<br />
case, enjoy your stash! As Stephanie Pearl-McPhee explains<br />
in her book At Knit’s End: Meditations for Women<br />
Who Knit Too Much, “Achieving the state of SABLE is not,<br />
as many people who live with knitters believe, a reason<br />
to stop buying yarn, but for the knitter, it is an indication<br />
to write a will, bequeathing the stash to an appropriate<br />
heir.”<br />
However, if looking at your stash elicits feelings of<br />
guilt, shame, or remorse, it’s a problem. When does a<br />
stash become a hoard? When it is a burden. Here are<br />
4<br />
some questions to ask yourself:<br />
• Is your stash interfering with something else that is<br />
more important in your life?<br />
• Are you spending money that you don’t have on<br />
your stash?<br />
• Is your yarn taking over space literally needed for<br />
your family to function?<br />
• Is it isolating you?<br />
• Is it taking up more emotional or mental space<br />
than you are comfortable with?<br />
• Does your stash stress you or<br />
inspire you?<br />
Some people feel very burdened by clutter and<br />
others feel comforted by stuff. The line between<br />
hoarding and having enough is very<br />
different between different people. If you<br />
look at your stash and it stresses you out,<br />
you probably have too much. At the very<br />
least, you may need to organize it.<br />
How Did It Happen?!?<br />
Acknowledging that yarn collecting is a<br />
completely separate hobby that is only tangential<br />
to the hobby of knitting is the first<br />
step towards understanding how the yarn<br />
hoard happened. Shopping for yarn is pleasurable in<br />
many different ways. Studies show that retail therapy is<br />
an easy way to boost your mood, distract yourself, and<br />
get yourself out of the house and among other people.<br />
Shopping for things we want increases serotonin, and<br />
provides a distraction from the stressors of life. In the<br />
world we inhabit, it’s no wonder so many knitters end up<br />
with sizable stashes.<br />
Limited edition colorways and yarn kits also contribute<br />
to hoarding yarn. FOMO (Fear Of Missing Out) is a<br />
real sales motivator. If you<br />
pass up the opportunity in<br />
the moment, you might not<br />
get the chance to acquire it<br />
again. I’m fairly certain that<br />
this is how project bag collections<br />
and stitch marker collections<br />
get started.<br />
Discounted yarn is another<br />
encouragement toward large<br />
yarn purchases. It makes you<br />
feel like a good steward of<br />
Continued on next page...
Lazy Knitter Continued...<br />
your finances to purchase yarn on sale. It stands to reason<br />
that the more discounted yarn you buy, the more<br />
money future you will save.<br />
Use More<br />
If we are honest, there are only two ways to reduce<br />
the size of a stash: use more or de-stash. How do you<br />
use more? You could knit more often or knit faster. But<br />
as human beings with limited time, this is not always<br />
possible. Holding a yarn double or triple while knitting<br />
will eat up more yarn per stitch. Two sock yarns held together<br />
can stand in for a worsted weight yarn, while four<br />
sock yarns held together approximates a bulky weight<br />
yarn.<br />
You can learn a new yarn craft. If you don’t already<br />
know how to crochet, now might be the time. Crochet<br />
uses up yardage faster than knitting (on average) and<br />
can take more yarn per square inch of fabric. Weaving<br />
can also use up yarn faster than knitting depending on<br />
the type of loom and the type of weave that you choose.<br />
I have known knitters who purchased knitting machines<br />
to use up stash yarn. Spending nearly $2000 on an Erlbacher<br />
sock knitting machine isn’t necessarily a budgetfriendly<br />
solution, but if you have the disposable income<br />
and the desire to pick up this hobby, go for it! I found an<br />
antique sweater knitting machine on eBay many years<br />
ago. I can tell you that it uses up yarn quickly but many<br />
of the meditative qualities I enjoy about handknitting<br />
are absent from machine knitting. After knitting a handful<br />
of sweaters on it, I hardly ever pull it out.<br />
De-stashing<br />
If you aren’t interested in picking up a new yarn<br />
hobby or learning to knit more or faster, that leaves you<br />
with the de-stashing option. I can’t tell you that it isn’t<br />
hard or painful to give up yarn, but in the end, I found it<br />
well worth it. What is left in my stash is the best of the<br />
best and it fits into the space that I<br />
have without causing any anxiety or<br />
stress.<br />
One thing about de-stashing<br />
that you will have to accept is that<br />
you will likely not be able to recover<br />
the yarn’s full retail value. In<br />
order to entice others to purchase<br />
your yarn through eBay, Facebook,<br />
or Craigslist and forgo the enjoyment<br />
of browsing yarn at the LYS<br />
(local yarn shop) in person, you will<br />
have to offer a discount—sometimes<br />
a deep discount. After packaging<br />
up the yarn and driving it to<br />
the post office to mail it, I<br />
really didn’t make much<br />
of my money back when<br />
de-stashing on eBay. But<br />
that was okay with me.<br />
The yarn wasn’t in a<br />
landfill and it was going<br />
into the hands of a fellow<br />
crafter.<br />
How does a person even begin to figure out how<br />
and what to destash? Consider the space you have, pick<br />
your favorite yarns and begin to fill the space. When<br />
there is no more room, the yarn without a home is rehomed.<br />
This is known as the “pick the best and dump<br />
the rest” method. Another is to ask yourself how much<br />
yarn you actually need. Do you knit sweaters? If you are<br />
into fades or marled sweaters, those single hanks will be<br />
useable. If not, you may want to hold onto the sweater<br />
quantities and limit the single skeins. How many socks<br />
do you knit in a year and how many years of sock yarn<br />
do you want to stash? Ask the same question for hats,<br />
gloves, and shawls.<br />
If you do not want to take the time to sell your yarn,<br />
consider donating it to a local charity, church, or school.<br />
In the current economic climate, it’s important to acknowledge<br />
that not everyone can afford to buy new<br />
yarn. Your donations could be a real blessing to another<br />
knitter who discovers quality yarn in the local thrift store.<br />
Many thrift stores do accept yarn donations! Your loss<br />
could truly help fellow local crafters.<br />
How Much is Too Much?<br />
It’s wonderful to have stash on hand. When we are<br />
inspired, there is no waiting to get to the store. We can<br />
browse our yarn selection and cast on a project right<br />
away. However, if our stashes are out of control, shoved<br />
into bags and bins, or stuffed into dark<br />
corners and closets, we may find ourselves<br />
going to the store anyway. The stash only<br />
serves to stir up more guilt instead of providing<br />
convenience and motivation.<br />
You may love having yarn tucked away in<br />
forgotten places. When you stumble across<br />
an ancient yarn trove, it’s like Christmas. More<br />
often, I hear knitters talk about their stashes<br />
as burdens, and attempts at organization fail<br />
to alleviate the discomfort. In these Marie<br />
Kondo days, I once heard someone say that<br />
organization is simply efficient hoarding.<br />
There is some truth in that sentiment.<br />
5
CHUNKY SPIRALS<br />
COWL<br />
by Deplorable Knitter<br />
Stitches & Abbreviations<br />
K2, P2 Rib - knit two stitches, purl 2 stitches,<br />
repeat to end of round<br />
LT (Left Twist) - Step 1: Knit the 2nd stitch<br />
through the back loop without removing<br />
stitches off left hand needle. Step 2: Knit the<br />
1st stitch through the front loop. Step 3: Slide<br />
both stitches off left hand needle. This completes<br />
one stitch.<br />
MC - Main Color (ribbing and spiral stitches<br />
CC - Contrast Color<br />
K - Knit<br />
P - Purl<br />
PM - Place Marker<br />
SM - Slip Marker<br />
RM Remove Marker<br />
Sl 1 - Slip 1 stitch purl-wise with yarn in back<br />
Sizing<br />
One size 13” x10” when laid flat<br />
Materials<br />
Main color Super Bulky yarn approx 70 yards<br />
Contrast Color Super Bulky approx 75 yards<br />
US 13 circular needles (9 mm)<br />
Stitch Marker<br />
Pattern Notes<br />
This project is perfect for a quick last<br />
minute project. Knit using 2 colors of<br />
super bulky yarn and size 13 needles it<br />
can be knit in an evening or two!<br />
Pattern:<br />
In MC Cast on 76 stitches using your favorite cast on and size 13<br />
needles. Join for knitting in the round, making sure not to twist. PM<br />
Work in K2, P2 rib for 3 rounds.<br />
SM when you come to it.<br />
Still in MC Knit 1 round. Decrease 1 stitch. (75 stitches)<br />
Switch to CC<br />
Row 1: *Sl 1, K4* to marker. SM<br />
Row 2: *Sl 1, K4* to marker. SM<br />
Switch to MC<br />
Row 3: RM. Knit through back loop of 2nd stitch on left needle. PM.<br />
Knit through front loop of 1st stitch on left needle. Drop both<br />
stitches. *K3, LT* around to last 4 stitches. Knit 4, SM.<br />
Continue with these 3 rows (first two rows in CC and 3rd in MC)<br />
until cowl measures 9” from cast on edge, ending with Row 3.<br />
With MC knit 1 round. Increase one stitch. (76 stitches)<br />
Knit 3 rounds of K2, P2 rib. Bind off.<br />
Weave in ends, and block gently as needed.<br />
COPYRIGHT:<br />
You may not sell my patterns or claim them as your own.<br />
You may make items to sell (i.e. at craft fairs) from my patterns<br />
but I ask that you link back to my blog and provide credit for the<br />
pattern. You are welcome to share your finished product of my<br />
pattern on social media so long as you link back directly to me.<br />
No copy & paste of my patterns will be allowed under any<br />
circumstances.<br />
Deplorableknitter.weebly.com<br />
Deplorableknitter@yahoo.com<br />
©Deplorable Knitter<br />
©MillieKMKnits 2022<br />
6<br />
Yarn Snobbery Continued on page 5
I was only following<br />
By Uknitted Kingdom<br />
ORDERS<br />
In 1961 a Yale University psychologist, Stanley<br />
Milgram, began a series of experiments to help him<br />
understand the psychology of genocide. Milgram<br />
was particularly interested in researching the subject<br />
after Adolf Eichmann, an infamous World War II criminal,<br />
claimed during his trial that “he was merely following<br />
instructions when he ordered the deaths of<br />
millions of Jews” (Kendra Cherry, What Was the Milgram<br />
Experiment, 2022)<br />
https://tinyurl.com/bdzef9vs ).<br />
Milgram set out to ascertain how<br />
compliant individuals would be when<br />
given orders to kill.<br />
Participants were required to obey<br />
authority figures and were led to believe<br />
that they were administering electric<br />
shocks to subjects in another room. The<br />
voltages, if real, would have killed the subject.<br />
Despite all the participants expressing<br />
discomfort and hesitancy, 65% of them administered<br />
what they believed to be fatal<br />
charges to their subjects.<br />
Assuming this experiment is repeatable and<br />
garners the same results each time, you might<br />
be wondering how you would fare in the same situation.<br />
Would you be one of the 65 percent that would<br />
go ahead and kill on the orders of an authority figure?<br />
Or, would you be one of the 35 percent able to<br />
stand up to authority and refuse to kill? We can’t be<br />
absolutely sure of any individual’s response to an<br />
order from a despotic government or a sadistic employer.<br />
However, we do have an indication of where<br />
a person’s strength of morality lies based upon<br />
Covid restrictions and vaccine mandates.<br />
Before getting to the crux of this article I would<br />
like to talk about masks. Ask any yarn dyer if cloth<br />
masks are adequate to stop particles of acid dyes<br />
from entering the lungs. The better-informed dyers<br />
will argue that only N95 or P100 respirators are able<br />
to prevent the dye particles passing through a mask.<br />
Prior to the recent pandemic, medical staff knew<br />
that only N95 masks could prevent virus molecules<br />
from passing through the nose/mouth into the lungs.<br />
Cloth masks, or any mask that doesn’t seal, are not<br />
able to prevent airborne viruses. Virus molecules are<br />
so tiny that they easily pass through the gaps in cloth<br />
fibres. The “science” appeared to change during the<br />
pandemic and many, despite knowing that cloth<br />
masks were useless, did as they were instructed,<br />
wore cloth masks, and insisted everyone else did so<br />
too.<br />
If a person wants to wear a cloth mask they are<br />
entitled to do so. Likewise, if a person doesn’t want<br />
to wear a cloth mask they should not have to. Many<br />
times, when challenged for not wearing a mask, I<br />
said, and heard others say, “Does your mask not<br />
work unless I’m wearing one too?” And, many times<br />
the mask wearer made the asinine assertion that “My<br />
mask protects you, and yours protects me.” My reply<br />
was always, “Wear two masks then, then we’re both<br />
happy.” This usually resulted in anger and I’m sure, if<br />
I could see beyond the mask, much gnashing of<br />
teeth. More than once the mask wearer wished<br />
Covid and/or death upon me or wished that “people<br />
like me” would be quarantined away from the public.<br />
These are the type of people who blindly obey orders,<br />
or turn away, when humans are concentrated in<br />
camps, and executed for disobedience. Those of you<br />
that resisted the wearing of<br />
masks will have similar<br />
anecdotes and will<br />
understand this is no<br />
exaggeration or figment<br />
of my imagination.<br />
For the rest, be<br />
honest, how did you feel<br />
about those that refused<br />
to wear masks? Now turn<br />
the voltage up as we talk<br />
vaccines.<br />
However you view<br />
them, vaccines are an invasive<br />
medical procedure.<br />
Medical procedures must<br />
always be conducted with<br />
7
Following Orders Continued...<br />
the permission of the patient, or the patient’s representative<br />
if underage or unable to make the decision<br />
independently. This is non-negotiable. If you don’t<br />
agree with this fundamental right, then to you, abortions,<br />
organ donations, lobotomies, amputations, genital<br />
mutilation, and any other medical procedure can<br />
be administered without patients’ permission. It’s a<br />
simple concept. Either we all have bodily autonomy<br />
or we don’t. If you believe in “My body my choice”<br />
when it is the separate body of an unborn child, but<br />
don’t believe in “My body my choice” when it comes<br />
to personal vaccines and medicine, then twist that dial<br />
to full voltage!<br />
Much like with masks, I have asked vaccine proponents<br />
if their vaccine doesn’t work if I’m not vaccinated.<br />
The answers are usually mind-bending. It turns<br />
out even the vaccinated admit that Covid vaccinations<br />
do not prevent catching, carrying, spreading, and developing<br />
Covid.<br />
“Why bother?” I ask.<br />
“It makes the symptoms less severe,” they say.<br />
The UK Yellow Card Reporting system states that<br />
2,240 people died as a direct result of being vaccinated<br />
against Covid. https://tinyurl.com/ybf8se6m<br />
The USA VAERS Reporting System is much harder<br />
to decipher from the UK. (https://vaers.hhs.gov/)<br />
Some sources state 4,000, others 16,000, and the outliers<br />
report up to 150,000 deaths as a direct result of<br />
being vaccinated against Covid. I can’t say which of<br />
the USA figures is correct, however, even the lowest<br />
figure of 4,000 deaths means the vaccines are NOT<br />
safe. Accepting the vaccine is, in effect, Russian Roulette.<br />
The vaccine proponents will argue that these<br />
deaths probably involved other factors such as heart<br />
disease for example. However, they believe all the socalled<br />
‘Covid deaths’ were from Covid, and ONLY<br />
covid, not other life-threatening illnesses WITH Covid.<br />
The cognitive dissonance is striking.<br />
Bearing this in mind, get vaccinated and boosted<br />
if you choose. However, others have every right to refuse<br />
a vaccine that has the potential, no matter how<br />
great or small, to kill them.<br />
What has this got to do with knitting? It took me a<br />
while to get here but vaccines have a huge impact on<br />
knitters, crocheters, and fiber-fiddlers of every type.<br />
To find out why, read “The Dropped Stitch, You<br />
Need the Needle to Use Needles Here” on page 10.<br />
Correction Issue 5<br />
"Ugly Cats Shawl", page 23.<br />
Above the header for<br />
"Wedge Style Two (change colour here)".<br />
Ignore/delete point 2.<br />
8<br />
Yarn Snobbery Continued on page 5
EVIL SANTA HAT<br />
by UKnitted Kingdom<br />
Gauge:10 stitches and 9 rows to 4”/10cm.<br />
Needles/Notions:<br />
8mm crochet hook<br />
1 stitch marker<br />
Materials:<br />
200m (218 yds) Drops Karisma DK in color 01. (2 x 50g balls.)<br />
400m (436 yds) Drops Karisma DK in colour 18. (4 x 50g balls.)<br />
Abbreviations:<br />
Ch – chain<br />
Hdc – half double crochet (USA terminology)<br />
Sc – single crochet (USA terminology)<br />
Sl st – slip stitch<br />
PM – place stitch marker<br />
RM – remove stitch marker<br />
Pattern:<br />
With white, held double, ch 53 and join in the round.<br />
Check that the circle of chains fits snugly around your<br />
head. If it doesn’t fit, adjust by increasing or decreasing<br />
chains until it is the correct circumference to fit. Working<br />
into the chain will loosen it slightly so the chain needs to<br />
be reasonably tight.<br />
R1. Ch1. Hdc into every chain. Join in the round with a<br />
slip st. Ch1. (The ch1 is not treated as a stitch so the first<br />
Hdc of each round should be made into the back loop at<br />
the base of the ch1.<br />
R2. Hdc into the loop on the back of each stitch around.<br />
Sl st to join. Ch1.<br />
Repeat R2 for a total of 8 rounds or until you run out of<br />
white yarn.<br />
Sl st to join and weave in your ends. You now have the<br />
brim of your hat.<br />
Turn the brim inside out and upside down.<br />
The starting chain should be on top, your final round at<br />
the bottom, and the ‘wrong side’ facing outwards.<br />
Crown:<br />
From this point onwards you will be working in red, with<br />
the ‘right side’ of the pattern facing outwards, in a spiral.<br />
Join red by Sl1 into the loop on the back of any hdc. Sc1<br />
into the back of the next hdc.<br />
R1. PM. Hdc into the back of every stitch around (including<br />
the sl st and sc) until you reach the marker.<br />
R2. Repeat R1.<br />
R3. Repeat R1.<br />
R4. RM. Hdc the next 2 stitches together through the<br />
back of the stitches. PM into this new stitch. Hdc into the<br />
back loop of every stitch around until you reach the<br />
marker.<br />
R5. RM, hdc into that stitch. Hdc the next 2 stitches together<br />
through the back of the stitches. PM into this new<br />
stitch. Hdc into the back loop of every stitch around until<br />
you reach the marker.<br />
Repeat R5, decreasing 1 stitch per round, in a spiral, until<br />
you have 1 stitch left. Tie off and weave in ends.<br />
Wet block and add a pom pom to the point of the hat.<br />
9
By Uknitted Kingdom<br />
Dropped STitch<br />
You Need ‘The Needle’ To Use Needles Here!<br />
In September 2022, Yarndale held their annual fibre<br />
festival in Skipton, North Yorkshire, UK. I was considering<br />
attending as Skipton is only an hour or so north<br />
east of where I live. My “new normal” involves checking<br />
if events have any medical demands. If an event or organiser<br />
insists on the attendees having received any<br />
kind of medical procedure before admittance, I refuse<br />
to attend. Although Yarndale encouraged visitors to be<br />
both vaccinated against COVID and to wear a mask, I<br />
was pleased to see that the organisers made no demands<br />
on the public. An unvaccinated, unmasked attendee<br />
was as welcome as any other. Yarndale’s<br />
website states:<br />
“We really encourage you, where possible, to get<br />
vaccinated and take a lateral flow test before you<br />
come.”<br />
This was not a mandatory proviso, merely a suggestion.<br />
Furthermore, Yarndale stressed that all visitors<br />
should respect others’ decisions regarding masks.<br />
“Staff will not challenge or ask<br />
for evidence from visitors who advise<br />
that they cannot wear [a<br />
mask] or who make the personal<br />
choice not to. We hope that all<br />
visitors will be respectful of other<br />
people’s decisions.” https://yarndale.co.uk/keeping-you-safe/<br />
It appears that event organisers<br />
in the UK are finally recognising<br />
that the public have<br />
autonomy over their own bodies<br />
and medical care. Bearing this in<br />
mind, I was shocked to hear that<br />
in the USA this is not always the<br />
case.<br />
One event, being held by the<br />
South Carolina Knitting Guild, has<br />
paid for Patty Lyons to attend the<br />
KnitInn 2023 retreat as a guest<br />
Knitting<br />
designer. All well and good you’d think? Read on.<br />
The Guild paid a $1,080 deposit to secure Lyon’s attendance<br />
and signed a contract with her in May 2022.<br />
Within this contract Lyons demands all attendees at her<br />
in-person events are “fully vaccinated.” To be clearer,<br />
this includes anyone that attends the event, regardless<br />
of being a public visitor, an employee, or a student in<br />
her class. No one will get through the door without first<br />
divulging personal medical details to a complete<br />
stranger at the door. Whether this was missed and<br />
therefore overlooked at the time of signing, or whether<br />
the Guild knew it was there in black and white is unknown.<br />
However, Lyon’s policy is not shared by the<br />
Guild and they asked Lyons to remove this clause and<br />
she flat out refused.<br />
Sadly, for the Guild and those attending, if they<br />
break the contract they will lose the deposit. A small<br />
guild cannot afford to lose such a large amount and be<br />
without a big-name guest to replace Lyons.<br />
Before you say that Lyons is<br />
thinking of others and trying to<br />
stop the spread of COVID, think<br />
again. Lyons’ demands are entirely<br />
selfish. Do you really think Lyons<br />
cares if anyone catches, carries, or<br />
transmits COVID in the line to<br />
enter? Or, if they catch, carry, or<br />
transmit COVID on public transport<br />
on the morning of the event?<br />
No. This is nothing more than an<br />
attempt to discriminate against<br />
people based upon their medical<br />
history and medical status.<br />
All humans passing through<br />
the doors of the South Carolina<br />
Guild’s KnitInn retreat 2023 will be<br />
forced to provide the following:<br />
Continued on next page...<br />
10
Dropped Stitch - Continued From page 10<br />
• Proof of COVID vaccination<br />
• A doctor’s letter with a negative test result<br />
At this stage, there doesn’t appear to be any acknowledgment<br />
or acceptance of those that can’t have the vaccine<br />
for medical or religious reasons.<br />
In the UK asking for evidence of this kind is illegal. The<br />
police in England and Wales are prohibited from asking<br />
about your vaccination status, or what condition exempts<br />
you from wearing a mask. I can only hope that The States<br />
follow suit.<br />
Patty Lyons has an agenda. Her Twitter feed shows her<br />
obsession with vaccination and a deep, unhinged hatred<br />
for Donald Trump and anyone who doesn’t share her political<br />
views. Her oldest friend warned her of the dangers<br />
of COVID vaccines. Lyons begged her to be vaccinated<br />
and, I suspect, harassed her so much she had to end her<br />
friendship with Lyons. I have every sympathy for Lyons’ exfriend.<br />
Many of us lost friends and family over the COVID<br />
vaccines. However, a true friend would never expect you<br />
to undertake an invasive medical procedure that has been<br />
proven to cause the deaths of thousands. A true friend accepts<br />
you regardless of medical treatments.<br />
In Lyons’ world, there’s no room for discussion, debate,<br />
or disagreement. She only allows those that fit into her<br />
very narrow requirements to be anywhere near her. It isn’t<br />
by coincidence that most of the people who choose not<br />
to receive the COVID vaccination are those Lyons hates.<br />
She knows that people who made that choice are probably<br />
(but not all) religious, probably (but not all) conservative,<br />
probably (but not all) shunned by Ravelry, and/or<br />
probably (but not all) “wrong thinkers.” She has already<br />
made her stance on Elon Musk buying Twitter known. “If<br />
the asshats banned from Twitter come back because of<br />
rocket boy… peace out.” She openly abuses Trump supporters<br />
and calls them “racist and stupid.”<br />
From a personal viewpoint, I’m glad that I will never lay<br />
eyes on Lyons in the flesh. Her demands would not be legally<br />
enforceable in England, so she’s unlikely to ever<br />
guest at a knitting event here. Likewise, be grateful if you<br />
live in a concealed carry state. Lyons is now demanding<br />
venues prohibit guns or she won’t attend. Forgive this<br />
Brit’s naivety but is a knitter (even one with an ego the size<br />
of Texas) able to ban a constitutional right? If any guest<br />
makes ultimatums “or they’re out,” show them the door!<br />
Almost every fairy tale has a cruel step-parent, an ugly<br />
jealous sibling, and/or a wicked witch/giant/troll. Usually,<br />
but not always, the main antagonist is a toxic matriarch<br />
making self-serving demands at the expense of those<br />
viewed as weaker, less adept, and less cunning.<br />
So it is in real life. Every workplace, every community,<br />
and every hobby attracts narcissistic individuals with overinflated<br />
egos demanding that their personal wishes be<br />
met, regardless of the effects on others, or else. These individuals<br />
are usually very unpopular yet others are often<br />
too afraid to stand against them.<br />
In a world full of wolves and witches, be the woodsman.<br />
Under the skin of every bully is a fragile coward.<br />
Stand up to the witches and watch them melt.<br />
* Several US businesses opened and violated the communist<br />
requirements their government forced on them during the so called ‘heat<br />
of the pandemic’ May 2020. While Walmarts were considered essential<br />
and allowed 100’s of people a day, small private businesses who typically<br />
saw less than 20 a day were forced to be closed. Brave business owners<br />
violated their government and opened. They didn’t die, they didn’t get<br />
sick and they didn’t force medical records of their customers to be presented<br />
at the door. There is one type of government and person who<br />
does something like that to someone else. – A communist one.<br />
-US Source: BS Studio.<br />
Continued on next page...<br />
11
This month’s ‘Dropped Stitch’ is:<br />
Patty Lyons<br />
Forcing a guild to institute a vaccination<br />
policy for their event to all attendees whether<br />
or not they take her class.<br />
Apparenly Lyons does not<br />
believe in<br />
“My Body My Choice.”<br />
©UKnitted Kingdom<br />
12
BREAKING OUT THE<br />
by Karen Juliano<br />
special Yarn<br />
What do you do with that special ball of yarn brought home from a trade show/holiday trip/fiber festival?<br />
What’s your favorite one-skein project?<br />
When I was traveling with a yarn company to<br />
tradeshows and fiber festivals, I started out as the host<br />
of a “yarn tasting” in the booth, where customers could<br />
sit and knit or crochet for a few minutes with some of<br />
the yarn. Besides working with the lovely yarn all day, I<br />
really enjoyed talking to people. It was so fun to chat<br />
with visitors and find out what classes they were taking,<br />
who they came to the festival with, and so on. Later, my<br />
role changed a bit but in the crowded booths I still had<br />
the opportunity to visit with knitters. I was surprised to<br />
hear people say, “Oh, I have a ball of your yarn. I have<br />
it in a special place in my craft room and sometimes I<br />
touch it and then put it back.” I always wondered if<br />
they knew what they were missing!<br />
This idea, that people have a designated spot for<br />
their “special yarn” reminded me of a phone call I once<br />
received. Some friends knew how much I like tea cups<br />
and dishes; they knew someone who had recently lost<br />
their mother, and wondered if I would like her china<br />
set, as no one in the family wanted it. They later<br />
brought over several boxes and we unwrapped piece<br />
after piece of this pristine service with not a single chip<br />
or scratch but covered in a thick layer of dust. It had<br />
been a precious gift that her husband brought back<br />
after serving overseas in the 1950s. So rarely used, no<br />
one had any memories or emotions attached to the<br />
dishes and they gave the whole set away, to me, a<br />
stranger.<br />
A friend once told me, “My husband knows that if I<br />
die, he’s supposed to call my knitting friends to look<br />
through my stash, and not sell my good stuff in a garage<br />
sale.” How sad to think she would save the best<br />
stuff until too late! I do understand, because I also<br />
have special yarn, but I think it’s eagerly awaiting use.<br />
At least, I am eager to use it! I’m searching for the right<br />
project for that<br />
yarn. (Alright, there<br />
might be two or three special<br />
skeins in my stash.) I’m looking,<br />
and thinking, flipping through books and<br />
magazines and posts to find a great project to<br />
get that yarn on my needles! Friends, get that good<br />
stuff out and make a plan. Who cares if your birthday<br />
isn’t a “5 or 0” this year? You’re here, time to celebrate!<br />
A few times a year I get things reorganized. I think<br />
about what’s coming up and make lists – the neverending<br />
to-do list, upcoming birthdays and events,<br />
things like that. My favorite list is “What to Knit!” Do I<br />
need some new mittens? Is there a new design in my<br />
head? Do I know a baby on the way? What about a<br />
new skill I’ve been meaning to try, or a designer whose<br />
work I’ve been admiring? And how about some of that<br />
scrumptious yarn? I’m going to find a project and<br />
break out the special yarn!<br />
13
DISHIDENT #7<br />
by UKnitted Kingdom<br />
PATTERN DESCRIPTION<br />
Each <strong>issue</strong> of Blocked will contain a ‘secret’ pattern.<br />
The design will only be revealed as you knit. The<br />
instructions might uncover an image; a design, or a<br />
word/message.<br />
When using cotton these secret squares make<br />
excellent dishcloths. If you make 4 or 5 of each square<br />
in wool or acrylic they can be seamed together at the<br />
end of the year to make a small Afghan or lap blanket.<br />
GAUGE & MATERIALS<br />
Each dishident uses approximately 41 to 43g of<br />
worsted weight 100% cotton. Follow the yarn<br />
manufacturer’s recommended needle size.<br />
DIRECTIONS<br />
→ Row 1 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 2 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 3 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 4 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 5 [WS]: k3, p1, k5, p2, k2, p5, k2, p5, k2,<br />
p6, k5, p2, k1, p1, k3<br />
← Row 6 [RS]: k4, p2, k2, p5, k5, p2, k5, p2, k4,<br />
p2, k2, p5, k5<br />
→ Row 7 [WS]: k3, p3, k5, p2, k2, p3, k2, p5, k2,<br />
p4, k5, p2, k2, p2, k3<br />
← Row 8 [RS]: k6, p2, k2, p5, k3, p2, k5, p2, k2,<br />
p2, k2, p5, k7<br />
→ Row 9 [WS]: k3, p5, k5, p2, k2, p1, k2, p5, k2,<br />
p2, k5, p2, k2, p4, k3<br />
← Row 10 [RS]: k8, p2, k2, p5, k1, p2, k5, p4, k2,<br />
p5, k9<br />
→ Row 11 [WS]: k3, p7, k5, p2, k3, p5, k7, p2, k2,<br />
p6, k3<br />
← Row 12 [RS]: k10, p2, k2, p6, k5, p2, k2, p5, k11<br />
→ Row 13 [WS]: k3, p9, k5, p1, k2, p5, k5, p2, k2,<br />
p8, k3<br />
← Row 14 [RS]: k4, p16, k5, p16, k4<br />
→ Row 15 [WS]: k3, p1, k16, p5, k16, p1, k3<br />
← Row 16 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 17 [WS]: k3, p39, k3<br />
← Row 18 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 19 [WS]: k3, p39, k3<br />
← Row 20 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 21 [WS]: k3, p1, k16, p5, k16, p1, k3<br />
← Row 22 [RS]: k4, p16, k5, p16, k4<br />
→ Row 23 [WS]: k3, p8, k2, p2, k5, p5, k2, p1, k5,<br />
p9, k3<br />
← Row 24 [RS]: k11, p5, k2, p2, k5, p6, k2, p2, k10<br />
14
→ Row 25 [WS]: k3, p6, k2, p2, k7, p5, k3, p2, k5,<br />
p7, k3<br />
← Row 26 [RS]: k9, p5, k2, p4, k5, p2, k1, p5, k2,<br />
p2, k8<br />
→ Row 27 [WS]: k3, p4, k2, p2, k5, p2, k2, p5, k2,<br />
p1, k2, p2, k5, p5, k3<br />
← Row 28 [RS]: k7, p5, k2, p2, k2, p2, k5, p2, k3,<br />
p5, k2, p2, k6<br />
→ Row 29 [WS]: k3, p2, k2, p2, k5, p4, k2, p5, k2,<br />
p3, k2, p2, k5, p3, k3<br />
← Row 30 [RS]: k5, p5, k2, p2, k4, p2, k5, p2, k5,<br />
p5, k2, p2, k4<br />
→ Row 31 [WS]: k3, p1, k1, p2, k5, p6, k2, p5, k2,<br />
p5, k2, p2, k5, p1, k3<br />
← Row 32 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 33 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 34 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 35 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 36 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 37 [WS]: k3, p39, k3<br />
← Row 38 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 39 [WS]: k3, p2, k35, p2, k3<br />
← Row 40 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 41 [WS]: k3, p39, k3<br />
← Row 42 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 43 [WS]: k3, p2, k35, p2, k3<br />
← Row 44 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 45 [WS]: k3, p39, k3<br />
← Row 46 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 47 [WS]: k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,<br />
p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k21, p2, k3<br />
← Row 48 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 49 [WS]: k3, p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, 1k,<br />
p1, k1, p1, k1, p25, k3<br />
← Row 50 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 51 [WS]: k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,<br />
p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k21, p2, k3<br />
← Row 52 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 53 [WS]: k3, p3, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,<br />
p1, k1, p1, k1, p25, k3<br />
← Row 54 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 55 [WS]: k3, p2, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1,<br />
p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k1, p1, k21, p2, k3<br />
← Row 56 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 57 [WS]: k3, p39, k3<br />
← Row 58 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 59 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 60 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 61 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 62 [RS]: k45<br />
ABBREVIATIONS<br />
CO<br />
k<br />
p<br />
Cast on<br />
Knit<br />
Purl<br />
TIPS<br />
If preferred, slip the first OR the last stitch of every row to<br />
create a neater edge. When purling a stitch immediately<br />
after knitting a stitch; pull the excess yarn out of the purl<br />
stitch before knitting or purling on. This helps to reduce<br />
loose/baggy knit stitches.<br />
NOTES<br />
Occasionally a dishident or secret square might not be<br />
suitable for children and ‘polite company’. Where this is<br />
the case it will be made clear.<br />
If you would like to receive notifications of our next <strong>issue</strong>!<br />
Check out our Patreon!<br />
www.patreon.com/join/BlockedMagazine<br />
15
Lil Sis of Two Sisters and Some Yarn<br />
ACTIVISM VS. ADVOCACY<br />
The New “Dirty” Words<br />
Activist and advocate…unless you’ve lived under a<br />
rock the last few years, you have heard those words in<br />
conversations, seen them in social media bios, and<br />
heard people announce them as if they were professions.<br />
In some cases, it may be their job. But what do<br />
these words mean?<br />
According to Merriam-Webster, the definition of activism<br />
is: “a doctrine or practice that emphasizes direct<br />
vigorous action especially in support of or opposition<br />
to one side of a controversial <strong>issue</strong>.”<br />
Advocate is a little trickier, and for purposes of this<br />
article I’m referring to it as a noun. According to Merriam-Webster,<br />
as a noun it means: “one who defends<br />
or maintains a cause or proposal; one who<br />
supports or promotes the interests of a<br />
cause or group; one who pleads the<br />
cause of another.” Notice the difference<br />
in the fact that not only does<br />
advocate have multiple definitions,<br />
but that the meaning of advocate<br />
certainly SOUNDS much more appealing,<br />
empowering, and helpful.<br />
What about in the real world that<br />
you and I live in? I’ll give you a little background<br />
on myself, and none of this is to<br />
brag on myself, merely to share I do indeed walk<br />
the walk! My history includes being an early childhood<br />
educator, homeschooling parent/teacher, and what I<br />
have always referred to as an advocate. This was never<br />
a dirty word to me. For over twenty years I have considered<br />
myself an advocate. As a teacher, I advocated for<br />
my students in IEP meetings, in the classroom and to<br />
therapists to assure they got the services they were entitled<br />
to. I advocated for and with their parents regarding<br />
custody <strong>issue</strong>s, housing, employment, and much<br />
more. As a teacher, I stayed informed and involved in<br />
all sorts of educational legislation, training, etc. In 2013,<br />
I became intensely involved in opposing the adoption<br />
of the Common Core State Standards (CCSS) because<br />
as an ECE professional, I knew the standards to be developmentally<br />
inappropriate for the early elementary<br />
years. (For the record I have no opinion on the older<br />
grades as my expertise ends at age 8, where Early<br />
Childhood moves into Elementary.) I joined together<br />
with other teachers and parents with whom I was a<br />
frequent presence at the State Capitol for legislative<br />
sessions and in Education Committee meetings. I appeared<br />
on two national television programs in opposition<br />
of CCSS, along with other members of our<br />
bi-partisan group. I worked with politicians, educational<br />
experts, parents, and teachers who crossed every political<br />
belief and lifestyle imaginable.<br />
Due to the CCSS, I decided to homeschool<br />
my children and left teaching for good. As a<br />
new homeschooler, I saw a huge lack in<br />
our area for homeschool support because<br />
almost every group was either<br />
totally secular or tied to a religion and<br />
to join you were required to sign a<br />
statement of faith. Seeing a lack of<br />
neutral, “everyone is welcome” homeschool<br />
support, I not only created a<br />
statewide support group on Facebook that<br />
still maintains 17k members, I also co-created<br />
a local co-op for homeschool families with classes,<br />
field trips, volunteering, etc., that continued for several<br />
years that had over 100 students.<br />
I still to this day, spend many hours volunteering as<br />
an advocate in the areas of homeschool, medical freedom,<br />
and informed consent (albeit in a digital presence<br />
now). I have never, ever, been paid for any of the time I<br />
spent whether it was physical or digital. It NEVER occurred<br />
to me to set up a Go Fund Me or Ko-Fi to beg to<br />
be compensated for something I chose to do, which<br />
would better society and my own family.<br />
So, is there anything wrong with being an advocate?<br />
Why not an activist? Let’s go back to those definitions.<br />
An activist would participate in direct vigorous<br />
16
Activism vs. Advocacy Continued...<br />
action over a controversial <strong>issue</strong>. Now, I surely believe<br />
some controversial things, such as the right for<br />
every human to make their own medical decisions.<br />
But I am not an activist. I am not going to stand with<br />
a sign and yell at people as they go into a drugstore<br />
to get their vaccination. That’s their choice. What I<br />
am going to do is advocate for transparency, safety,<br />
and choice by following legislation, having open<br />
conversations, reading the science, and helping<br />
others learn how to do the same thing.<br />
At the end of the day, an advocate helps others<br />
learn how to help themselves. There is no victim in<br />
advocacy. There are human beings who are perfectly<br />
capable, in their own ways, of<br />
running their lives and making their<br />
own choices, even if they need some<br />
support for a while to get to that independence.<br />
Advocacy creates freedom,<br />
choice, and pride in<br />
accomplishing goals. Activism<br />
shames, guilts, begs, screams, and<br />
controls. Activism pushes down. Advocacy<br />
pushes up.<br />
Are you afraid of saying you are<br />
an advocate? Is it a dirty word to<br />
you? What in the WORLD does this<br />
have to do with knitting? If you don’t<br />
know that, then you probably have<br />
never read this magazine! We are in<br />
a time where we can no longer be silent<br />
when folks spread lies about us,<br />
call us names, or try to cancel us.<br />
Don’t let them. Push back. BE YOUR OWN ADVO-<br />
CATE. Their words mean nothing when you know<br />
they aren’t true. If you believe strongly in a subject,<br />
are you an advocate for it or an activist? Do your actions<br />
make the world better—or worse?<br />
What about knitting? Oh right, this is a<br />
knitting magazine. How can you<br />
advocate for your knitting friends?<br />
1. Do your own research. Do not assume anything<br />
said about someone in our fiber world (no<br />
matter what side of the aisle they vote) is true. Read<br />
and listen to their own words. Discernment and<br />
judgment should not be rendered based on rumors.<br />
Truth<br />
Advocate<br />
Honor<br />
2. Knit the patterns of the so-called “canceled.”<br />
Buy the hand-dyed yarn from those who have been<br />
declared unpersons. Support the charities they support.<br />
Share this magazine with people. When they<br />
say it’s racist, ask if they have read it? Work with creators<br />
you love because you love their work, not because<br />
they check off a box or voted a certain way.<br />
3. Speak up for yourself! I understand we live in<br />
a world where your day job, family, or just your personality<br />
prohibits you from being loud and proud,<br />
but when and if you can, it’s time to do so. We live in<br />
a world where women “Shout their Abortions!” If<br />
they can scream in pride over murder, why can’t you<br />
stand up and publicly support a designer,<br />
shop, magazine, yarn dyer that<br />
you love? It’s long past time for complacency,<br />
quiet, and just toeing the line. As<br />
my Dad used to say, “piss or get off the<br />
pot!”<br />
4. Find your tribe. Yes, I said it.<br />
While I firmly believe that we should<br />
not create a vacuum where we only surround<br />
ourselves with people who are<br />
like-minded, find a tribe of people,<br />
whose beliefs may differ, but are still<br />
supportive of each other, kind, openminded,<br />
and willing to discuss things<br />
reasonably. Contrary to what some social<br />
media accounts would have you<br />
believe, that tribe is out there! I have<br />
met a great many wonderful people<br />
thanks to this magazine and all the<br />
drama that started it! I have great chats with people<br />
across multiple races, cultures and countries, from<br />
Christians to Atheists, and all lifestyle choices. Your<br />
tribe doesn’t have to look or act just like you. They<br />
just need not to be jerks.<br />
Stand up and advocate for your fellow knitters! I<br />
will keep calling myself an advocate even though I<br />
don’t have a cool Ko-fi account. I will never stop trying<br />
to help others learn how to live their lives better,<br />
to use their voices even when it shakes, and to stand<br />
up for truth.<br />
17
CHRISTMAS CAROL<br />
COASTER<br />
COLLECTION<br />
By Stephanie Fernandez<br />
DETAILS & MATERIALS<br />
Gauge:<br />
20 stitches and 24 rows / 4” in stockinette stitch with colorwork<br />
Yarn:<br />
Cascade 220 Yarns (Use superwash or acrylic for easy care coasters)<br />
Minimum of 20 grams of each color to make all 4 coasters.<br />
2401 - Burgundy (Dark Red)<br />
2445 - Shire (Dark Green)<br />
8903 - Primavera (Light Green)<br />
8505 – White<br />
©Stephanie Fernandez<br />
Needles:<br />
Size 6 US 4.0 mm Circular Needle long enough for working Magic<br />
Loop (or size needed to obtain gauge)<br />
Notions:<br />
Tapestry needle for weaving in ends<br />
Pattern Notes<br />
These coasters are worked in the round<br />
using magic loop. However once you begin the<br />
colorwork, the front and back of the coasters will<br />
pull together removing the center hole and<br />
making them flat with a front side and a back<br />
side. When you add a new color, carefully tie off<br />
the ends and stuff them inside so that there is<br />
less weaving in of ends at the end. The tied off<br />
ends will be well hidden inside!<br />
The 23 column charts should be worked<br />
through twice as those two coasters have the<br />
same design on the front and the back. The 46<br />
column charts are worked once, and the<br />
coasters are reversible with a different front and<br />
back. Feel free to split up the charts if you would<br />
prefer 6 coaster designs with the same design<br />
on both sides.<br />
DIRECTIONS<br />
Cast on 46 stitches with the first color of your chart.<br />
Carefully join in the round without twisting using magic<br />
loop with 23 stitches on the front and 23 stitches on the<br />
back.<br />
Work the chart of your choice purling the purl symbols<br />
and knitting the plain blocks. Change colors as directed<br />
in the chart to create the pattern. Carefully carry<br />
your yarn up the right edge of the work. 23 column<br />
charts should be repeated twice, and 46 column charts<br />
are knit through once.<br />
After working the chart, cast off in pattern, tie off<br />
leaving a tail, and whip stitch the top and bottom of the<br />
coasters with either new yarn or any remaining tail if<br />
available. Weave in ends.<br />
18
©Stephanie Fernandez<br />
©Stephanie Fernandez<br />
©Stephanie Fernandez<br />
©Stephanie Fernandez<br />
19
Knitting Patterns, Hand-Dyed Yarns,<br />
Tools, Notions & More!<br />
www.knittymcpurly.com<br />
Hand-dyed yarns, Opal yarns, patterns, tools, and notions.<br />
https://www.etsy.com/de/shop/AnnaKnitterYarns<br />
New Zealand yarn store.<br />
Ships worldwide.<br />
www.skeinz.com<br />
Knitting Patterns<br />
https://www.ravelry.com/designers/liz-clothier<br />
Anne Pinkava<br />
Knitting Patterns<br />
www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/fdba7e1e-93b6-4b6f-9f82-06ef18d0ec8c<br />
Knitting Patterns<br />
https://galilee-life.com/vendor/deplorable-knitter/<br />
20
Amigurumi/Crochet Patterns<br />
http://www.yankeerose.etsy.com/<br />
Wise Owl Knits<br />
Knitting Patterns and Tutorials<br />
www.wiseowlknits.com<br />
Karen Juliano<br />
Blogger<br />
& Knitter<br />
Fabrics, Sewing Patterns,<br />
and Tutorials<br />
littleragamuffin.com<br />
Knitting Patterns:<br />
https://www.lovecrafts.com/en-us/user/maker/647c869e-a568-4b05-8fb4-b8f868600ec4<br />
Knitting Patterns and Tutorials<br />
https://www.ravelry.com/stores/birdie-beanie<br />
Love Stitched<br />
https://galilee-life.com/vendor/love-stitched/<br />
21
By Yelena of Scythia<br />
I dunno...Seems Legit...<br />
TENNEY’S FIBER FARM, MCCULLOUGH FARMS, WOOL HUT, FLOCKOFFLOCKS,<br />
FIBER FARMS, CRABAPPLESHEEP, BASE OF THE MOUNTAIN FARM, FIBER FRIENDS,<br />
DYE HOUSE AND MS. TUTTLE’S SHEEP FARM, AND MARYLANDLONGWOOL AND...<br />
The drama of the Lady Dye situation has continued<br />
and escalated to Ravelry imposing temporary bans on<br />
two of the Demon Troll (DT) moderators. When this<br />
happened, the DT thread on Lady Dye was locked on<br />
Ravelry and discussion moved to Reddit (Deravelled<br />
Trolls subreddit). The ban was apparently due to the<br />
mods posting an image of a publicly available document<br />
which “damaged a business.” Someone obviously<br />
complained to the Forbes’.<br />
There are several potential culprits. Lady Dye has<br />
also been quietly removed from the Vogue Knitting Live<br />
Diversity Action Council. At least one of the pattern designers<br />
she stole from was a colleague from the Diversity<br />
Action Council. Lady Dye has <strong>issue</strong>d some small<br />
refunds. However, Eat Sleep Knit still hasn’t had product<br />
delivered or a refund <strong>issue</strong>d. Lady Dye has missed<br />
hosting at least three Craftivist Zoom Nights. The business<br />
has presumably now moved to Rhode Island and<br />
will continue, but no one has heard anything about any<br />
fourth quarter boxes that have already been paid for<br />
(much less the Q2 or Q3 boxes). It appears that pressure<br />
from the Massachusetts Attorney General and the<br />
City of Boston due to customer complaints is what has<br />
pushed Lady Dye to <strong>issue</strong> some refunds. Lady Dye’s<br />
website is now selling gift certificates, but there is still<br />
no yarn listed.<br />
As promised, this article will focus on Sherry Tenney,<br />
or Sherry Vondorp, or Sherry Tenney Giltay, or Tenney’s<br />
Fiber Farm, or McCullough Farms, or<br />
FlockofFlocks, or Fiber Farms, or Crabapplesheep, or<br />
Sarah Rudacille, or…<br />
The Sherry Tenney situation is an absolute mess,<br />
and this mess has been going on for over five years. At<br />
least. Sherry is a self-described wool/fiber dealer. She<br />
owns at least one sheep farm, which she likes to remind<br />
everyone is a hobby. She also deals in wool from other<br />
sheep farms. She sells fiber through several platforms –<br />
her own website, several Facebook groups, and Etsy.<br />
It all started in 2017. Sherry had been selling wool<br />
in various fiber Facebook groups but didn’t start one of<br />
her own until 2017. She kicked things off with her first<br />
major sale in her own group – Brian’s Birthday Bash.<br />
This sale was described as a celebration of Sherry’s deceased<br />
son, and during the live sale, she said that it was<br />
an important part of her healing process. I’m not going<br />
to argue with her as everyone grieves differently. However,<br />
I don’t particularly like it when anyone uses their<br />
children as a way to market their products.<br />
It didn’t take long for things to start devolving.<br />
Sherry was not remotely organized in her live sale, and<br />
she requested people who had ordered to send her<br />
details of their orders, including pricing, so she could<br />
send invoices. Presumably her business exploded from<br />
this sale event and was receiving phone calls from<br />
other sheep farms and mills.<br />
Not long after the big sale, she started falling behind<br />
with shipping orders. She continued to sell wool<br />
and continued to struggle with shipping orders. Then<br />
customer complaints started coming in, and Sherry, in<br />
her infinite wisdom, decided to complain about her<br />
customers in livestreams. She also readily admits that<br />
she sells so much wool that she cannot keep up. And<br />
this is all within the few months after the Birthday Bash<br />
sale. The entire operation was highly disorganized. It’s<br />
amazing that she managed to ship any orders out.<br />
At some point after selling on Facebook, she added<br />
website sales and sales through an Etsy shop. Sherry<br />
continued to be disorganized and continued to have <strong>issue</strong>s<br />
with sending orders late. Sherry has also shorted<br />
orders that did go out. It seems that she was good at<br />
sending out large orders, but didn’t do as great at<br />
sending out smaller orders. She has even been dismissive<br />
of customers who ask about the status of their<br />
small orders. Sherry has a tendency of blocking customers<br />
who complain about their orders not being<br />
shipped. This has been going on since 2017! It is continuing<br />
to this day!<br />
On top of her poor customer service, there are numerous<br />
reports of her fleeces being shipped while infested<br />
with moth eggs. Sherry has both denied her<br />
fleeces have moth eggs and also admitted that some<br />
22
fleeces have eggs, and said there is no way to avoid<br />
moth eggs, and it is perfectly normal and acceptable.<br />
Being lovers of wool, we all know how awful and dangerous<br />
moth eggs are. The dismissal of any concerns<br />
over moth eggs is low. It is a perfectly valid concern,<br />
and I’m sorry, but if you are in the business of selling<br />
fleeces, you need to take moth eggs seriously.<br />
Sherry has also apparently engaged in dishonest<br />
business practices to damage her competition. She<br />
has allegedly done the following to several competitors:<br />
- Sherry and some of her supporters will join<br />
another shop’s social media group. Sherry and her<br />
supporters then message<br />
people who comment on the<br />
shop’s social media posts, implying<br />
that Sherry has a relationship<br />
with the shop and that<br />
she sells better and cheaper<br />
fleeces. Interested people are<br />
directed to Sherry’s group.<br />
Sherry and her supporters then<br />
block the shop owner on social<br />
media so they cannot see what<br />
she is doing in the shop’s group. Sherry and her supporters<br />
also report the shop and the admins to get<br />
their social media profiles suspended periodically.<br />
Some of the victimized shops have reported that the<br />
customer poaching has been so aggressive, they have<br />
seen sales drop by as much as 50 percent after 6-12<br />
months. The shop owners were baffled as to what was<br />
going on until their customers came to them about<br />
what happened when Sherry didn’t fulfill orders. Imagine<br />
having your own customers ripped off by another<br />
member of the fiber community and coming to you for<br />
advice and apologizing for believing Sherry. It is truly<br />
underhanded to engage in customer poaching in this<br />
way.<br />
- Dishonesty appears to be the modus operandi of<br />
Sherry Tenney. She has multiple shop names and social<br />
media handles.<br />
- She also has unnumbered sock accounts she will<br />
use to poach customers or watch what other people<br />
are doing on social media.<br />
- She goes by Sherry Tenney, Sherry Vondorp,<br />
Sherry Tenney Giltay, and Sarah Rudacille. She likely<br />
has other names that no one will ever know. Business<br />
names or social media handles she has used are Tenney’s<br />
Fiber Farm, McCullough Farms, Wool Hut, FlockofFlocks,<br />
Fiber Farms, Crabapplesheep, Base of the<br />
Mountain Farm, Fiber Friends, Dye House and Ms. Tuttle’s<br />
Sheep Farm, and Marylandlongwool.<br />
When customers follow up with Sherry on late orders,<br />
she strings them along until the dispute window<br />
passes, and the poor customers cannot seek relief<br />
from their credit card company. Stringing customers<br />
along to get out of dispute windows appears to be a<br />
common tactic of fiber scammers. Lady Dye and many<br />
others have done the same.<br />
Once Sherry came to the attention of the Demon<br />
Troll group on Ravelry,<br />
Sherry went ballistic. She<br />
attacked them and<br />
blocked anyone who<br />
would ask about <strong>issue</strong>s<br />
with her business. She<br />
even threatened to sue<br />
them. For what?<br />
The Sherry Tenney situation<br />
has been a huge<br />
focus of Demon Trolls in<br />
2022. There are two official alert threads and one “Just<br />
the Facts” thread. The alert threads have over 20,000<br />
comments. Lady Dye has paled in comparison to<br />
Sherry Tenney on the Demon Trolls. The Pennsylvania<br />
Attorney General has gotten involved. It is astounding<br />
that Sherry has managed to continue her business and<br />
poor treatment of others for over five years and is still<br />
selling wool. We at Blocked Magazine wonder how<br />
long Sherry will be able to string people along.<br />
With the current state of the economy, I cannot<br />
imagine that vendors in the fiber arts community who<br />
treat customers horribly like Sherry Tenney and Lady<br />
Dye will be able to stay in business for long. It really<br />
isn’t that hard to treat others kindly and to provide<br />
good customer service.<br />
There are all kinds of resources for small business<br />
owners to learn how to better run their businesses.<br />
There really is no excuse for poor business practices<br />
and poor customer service in the fiber arts community,<br />
and yet we see it over and over. The sad thing is that<br />
in certain corners of the fiber arts community, major<br />
players look the other way when certain particular<br />
business owners and knitfluencers treat others poorly.<br />
How about just do honest business?<br />
23
DISHIDENT #8<br />
by UKnitted Kingdom<br />
PATTERN DESCRIPTION<br />
Each <strong>issue</strong> of Blocked will contain a ‘secret’ pattern.<br />
The design will only be revealed as you knit. The<br />
instructions might uncover an image; a design, or a<br />
word/message.<br />
When using cotton these secret squares make<br />
excellent dishcloths. If you make 4 or 5 of each square<br />
in wool or acrylic they can be seamed together at the<br />
end of the year to make a small Afghan or lap blanket.<br />
GAUGE & MATERIALS<br />
Each dishident uses approximately 41 to 43g of<br />
worsted weight 100% cotton. Follow the yarn<br />
manufacturer’s recommended needle size.<br />
DIRECTIONS<br />
→ Row 1 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 2 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 3 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 4 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 5 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 6 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 7 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p17, k4<br />
© Karen Juliano<br />
← Row 8 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 9 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p17, k4<br />
← Row 10 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 11 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p17, k4<br />
← Row 12 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 13 [WS]: k4, p7, k4, p1, k3, p1, k2, p1, k4,<br />
p1, k4, p1, k1, p7, k4<br />
← Row 14 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 15 [WS]: k4, p7, k2, p1, k3, p1, k3,<br />
p1, k3, p1, k5, p1, k2, p7, k4<br />
← Row 16 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 17 [WS]: k4, p8, k4, p1, k4, p1, k6,<br />
p1, k4, p8, k4<br />
← Row 18 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 19 [WS]: k4, p8, k2, p1, k2, p1, k2,<br />
p1, k3, p1, k5, p1, k2, p8, k4<br />
← Row 20 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 21 [WS]: k4, p9, k8, p1, k5, p1, k1,<br />
p1, k2, p9, k4<br />
← Row 22 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 23 [WS]: k4, p9, k2, p1, k2, p1, k5,<br />
p1, k7, p9, k4<br />
← Row 24 [RS]: k45<br />
24
→ Row 25 [WS]: k4, p10, k2, p1, k3, p1, k3, p1, k3,<br />
p1, k2, p10, k4<br />
← Row 26 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 27 [WS]: k4, p10, k17, p10, k4<br />
← Row 28 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 29 [WS]: k4, p11, k2, p1, k5, p1, k3, p1, k2,<br />
p11, k4<br />
← Row 30 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 31 [WS]: k4, p11, k12, p1, k2, p11, k4<br />
← Row 32 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 33 [WS]: k4, p12, k4, p1, k4, p1, k3, p12, k4<br />
← Row 34 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 35 [WS]: k4, p12, k3, p1, k9, p12, k4<br />
← Row 36 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 37 [WS]: k4, p13, k1, p1, k6, p1, k2, p13, k4<br />
← Row 38 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 39 [WS]: k4, p13, k6, p1, k4, p13, k4<br />
← Row 40 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 41 [WS]: k4, p14, k1, p1, k7, p14, k4<br />
← Row 42 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 43 [WS]: k4, p14, k5, p1, k3, p14, k4<br />
← Row 44 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 45 [WS]: k4, p15, k1, p1, k5, p15, k4<br />
← Row 46 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 47 [WS]: k4, p15, k2, p1, k4, p5, k1, p3, k1,<br />
p5, k4<br />
← Row 48 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 49 [WS]: k4, p16, k5, p7, k3, p6, k4<br />
← Row 50 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 51 [WS]: k4, p16, k2, p1, k2, p5, k7, p4, k4<br />
← Row 52 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 53 [WS]: k4, p17, k3, p9, k1, p7, k4<br />
← Row 54 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 55 [WS]: k4, p18, k1, p18, k4<br />
← Row 56 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 57 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 58 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 59 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 60 [RS]: k45<br />
→ Row 61 [WS]: k45<br />
← Row 62 [RS]: k45<br />
ABBREVIATIONS<br />
CO<br />
k<br />
p<br />
Cast on<br />
Knit<br />
Purl<br />
TIPS<br />
If preferred, slip the first OR the last stitch of every row to<br />
create a neater edge. When purling a stitch immediately<br />
after knitting a stitch; pull the excess yarn out of the purl<br />
stitch before knitting or purling on. This helps to reduce<br />
loose/baggy knit stitches.<br />
NOTES<br />
Occasionally a dishident or secret square might not be<br />
suitable for children and ‘polite company’. Where this is<br />
the case it will be made clear.<br />
25
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26
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Adventures With Yarn - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbFHj9k5Uxc44g1pnlgiQjg<br />
For all the latest drama in the fibre world – Fun, quirky, and full of energy.<br />
Anna Knitter - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkE2h6s400fRkasl6zyX_jg<br />
A podcast about knitting and crocheting with glimpses of a roman-catholic life.<br />
Blocked Magazine - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCAY880IYHF8gJ8b-UdEWAxQ<br />
For all the latest drama in the fibre world – including what didn’t make it into the magazine!<br />
Deprogrammed - https://www.youtube.com/c/KeriSmithDeprogrammed/featured<br />
Interviews intended to better understand and make sense of her old belief system, Social Justice ideology. Including those in the crafting community.<br />
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Shepherd and ‘woolfluencer’, a sheep to sweater kinda gal.<br />
Knitty McPurly - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCyIInmPUQGqoohNgUj0Zmow<br />
A virtual saint!<br />
Little Ragamuffin - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCaogzXKmOJ9FO8fsjurrEcw/videos<br />
Sewing tutorials of both slow paced and quick speed styles, fun random sewing oddities, Ragamuffin news, and problematic interviews & conversations.<br />
Murder Knits - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCbrSeXmJuT0_BglI_pzi1jg<br />
If your children watch, they'll become serial killers!<br />
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Topical, informative, and fun!<br />
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Take off your ‘gummies’, put your feet up and prepare for a ‘tiki tour’ of yarny goodness!<br />
High Fiber Diet - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCzQ4cCawQzD6RDfwLhlZ0hQ/featured<br />
Thick skinned with no “F’s Given!”<br />
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Knitting Tutorials<br />
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Knitting, sewing and all the things in between!<br />
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Knitting, photography, gardening, quilting, life.<br />
27
© AnnaKnitter<br />
COZY SOCKS<br />
by Anna Knitter<br />
This sock pattern is knit cuff down with double pointed<br />
needles. The stitch pattern is a multiple of 2 and has a<br />
row repeat of 23. You can knit this pattern with fingering<br />
weight yarn as well. Simply adjust your stitchcount and<br />
measurements and knit your sock as you usually do. get<br />
my sock knitting table for all yarn weights and show sizes<br />
on www.annaknitter.com/patterns<br />
DETAILS & MATERIALS<br />
Measurements & Gauge:<br />
23 stitches by 31 rows = 10 cm<br />
Yarn:<br />
150g sportweight (a.k.a. 6ply) sock yarn Yarn I used: Opal<br />
Regenwald 18 color 11212<br />
Needles:<br />
3 mm double pointed needles<br />
Sizes:<br />
EU 36/37 (= UK 3.5/4.5; US 5.5/6.5)<br />
EU 38/39 (= UK 5.5/6; US women 7.5/8; US men US<br />
6.5/7)<br />
EU 42/43 (= UK women 8.5/9.5; UK men 9/9.5; US<br />
women 11/11.5; US men 9.5/10)<br />
For more sizes you can get my handy sock knitting table<br />
for fingering, sport and DK weight yarn on Etsy. It includes<br />
alles sizes between children EU 22/23; UK 5.5/6.5;<br />
US 5.5/6.5 up to men EU 46/47; UK 11.5/12.5; US 12/13.<br />
Abbreviations:<br />
k = knit<br />
p = purl<br />
k2tog = knit 2 together (if the next stitch is a yarn over<br />
treat it the same way)<br />
yo = yarn over<br />
slip = slip a stitch as if to purl<br />
p2tog = purl 2 together<br />
28
CUFF<br />
Cast on 48 (48; 52) stitches<br />
Round 1: *k1 tbl, p1* Round 2: *k1 tbl, k1*<br />
Repeat round 1 and 2 four times or to your<br />
desired length.<br />
LEG<br />
Round 1: *yo, slip1, p1*<br />
Round 2: *k2tog, yo, slip1*<br />
Round 3: *yo, slip1, p2tog*<br />
Repeat round 2 and 3 seven times more.<br />
Round 16: *k2tog, p1*<br />
Round 17: *k*<br />
Round 18: *k1tbl, p1*<br />
Round 19: *k1tbl, k1*<br />
Repeat round 18 and 19 twice more.<br />
Now repeat the leg pattern three times more or<br />
to your desired length.<br />
HEEL FLAP<br />
Knit the stitches from needle 1 onto needle 4 and knit<br />
them as they are (knitting knit stitches and purling purl<br />
stitches). If you knit a contrasting heel change the color<br />
now and knit the heelflap.<br />
Row 1: *slip1, k1* turn the work<br />
Row 2: *p* turn the work<br />
Knit that way until you have knit two rows less than you<br />
have stitches on the heel flap needle in total.<br />
© AnnaKnitter<br />
HEELTURN<br />
Now we have to divide the heel stitches:<br />
8/8/8 (8/8/8; 8/10/8).<br />
With right side facing knit the first 8 (8; 8) stitches. Then knit<br />
the 8 (8; 10) middle stitches until one stitch of the middle<br />
stitches is left. Knit 2 together. Turn the work, slip the first<br />
stitch. Purl to the last of the middle stitches and purl 2 together.<br />
Turn the work and slip the first stitch. You see two<br />
gaps. One before and the other one after the middle<br />
stitches. That shows you where you have to knit or purl 2 together<br />
without counting. Go on this way until you only have<br />
the middle stitches left.<br />
GUSSET<br />
Right side facing knit the 8 (8/10) stitches and with the<br />
same needle pick up on the side of the heel flap as many<br />
stitches as you see slipped stitches on the side. To avoid<br />
holes you can also pick up a few more if you think it's<br />
needed.<br />
With an empty needle knit the stitches on needle 2 and 3<br />
(the instep stitches in pattern). With an empty needle pick<br />
up the stitches on the other side of the heel flap as well.<br />
With the same needle knit the half of the stitches of the<br />
heel stitches. Now you have the stitches seperated on four<br />
needles again.<br />
Knit one round but the picked up stitches knit through the<br />
back loop. We knit the foot in stockinette.<br />
For the following rounds: decrease gusset stitches (picked<br />
up stitches) in every second round until you have the correct<br />
amount of stitches again.<br />
Different decreases:<br />
On needle 1: Knit until you have 3 stitches on the<br />
needle knit 2 together, knit the last stitch.<br />
On needle 4: knit 1, ssk knit the rest of the stitches<br />
After you have finished the gusset you knit the foot<br />
and instep stitches in stockinette. Knit 18 cm/7 inch<br />
(20cm/7.8 inch; 22,5cm/8.9 inch) until you start the toe.<br />
TOE<br />
Decreasing round:<br />
Needle 1: Knit to 3 last stitches, Knit 2 tog, Knit 1<br />
Needle 2: Knit 1, ssk, knit<br />
Needle 3: Knit to 3 last stitches, Knit 2 tog, Knit 1<br />
Needle 4: Knit 1, ssk, knit<br />
Knit 2 (2/2) rounds.<br />
Knit a decreasing round.<br />
Knit 1 (1/1) round.<br />
Knit a decreasing round.<br />
Repeat last two rounds three times or to your desired<br />
length.<br />
Knit 4 (4/5) decreasing rounds.<br />
Cut the yarn, pull it through the remaining stitches and<br />
weave in the ends.<br />
29<br />
© AnnaKnitter
By Uknitted Kingdom<br />
‘Spitklatter’ British RAF Spitfire Hats<br />
September 01, 1939 Germany invaded Poland. As a<br />
direct result, two days later, Britain and France declared<br />
war on Germany. Thus began World War 2.<br />
Denmark, a small Scandinavian country neighboring<br />
Germany, declared itself neutral. Initially Denmark became<br />
a protectorate of Germany.<br />
Although the Danish King and government appeared<br />
to hold power, Germany governed the country<br />
behind the scenes.<br />
In August 1943 Germany placed Denmark under direct<br />
military occupation. They dropped leaflets across<br />
several cities claiming the occupation was to protect<br />
Denmark from a British invasion.<br />
There was some resistance from the Danish army but,<br />
after just two hours, the country surrendered to Germany.<br />
Despite 2% of the Danish population being supportive<br />
of the Nazi regime (some considered themselves<br />
ethnically German) the vast majority of Danes opposed<br />
the Germans and resented their presence.<br />
British Spitfire planes regularly dropped bombs on<br />
military bases throughout Denmark. Danes whose allegiance<br />
was with the Allies saw the Spitfire as a symbol of<br />
resistance and welcomed the bombs. Many secretly<br />
tuned in to BBC radio broadcasts to keep abreast of the<br />
Allies’ news.<br />
In the early years of the War Germany ruled Denmark<br />
with a ‘light touch’. They allowed Danish police to<br />
address crime and keep the peace.<br />
The citizens were rebellious in subtle ways. As a form<br />
of quiet resistance, many began wearing crocheted<br />
skullcaps (some were knitted) that symbolised the roundel<br />
of the British Airforce Spitfires.<br />
These skullcaps were called ‘Spitklatter’ and were designed<br />
to look like the British RAF Spitfire Roundel. They<br />
were quick to make and could easily be removed and<br />
hidden.<br />
Others used different ways to show their allegiance<br />
with the Allies.<br />
Ella Mortensen, told of how she and her classmates<br />
deliberately refrained from binding their English books<br />
in paper. “The cover of the book was a large English flag,<br />
so by carrying the book you could display the English<br />
flag and thus show who you were with.”<br />
Although the ‘Spitklatter’ hats were just as popular<br />
with adults it was mostly children and teenage girls like<br />
Ella who wore the roundel hats. Whereas adults could be<br />
arrested, the German soldiers initially chose to turn a<br />
blind eye towards the youngsters. Very young children<br />
were known to tease the soldiers before running away.<br />
However, this all changed after the full military occupation<br />
in 1943.<br />
https://www.aerotime.aero/articles/23093-spitfire-the-only-fighter-built-wwii<br />
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Royal_Air_Force_roundels<br />
30<br />
Photo: North Jutland Historical Museum<br />
A report from the Germans to the Danish police read<br />
as follows (translated from Danish):<br />
"It is hereby reported that in recent days riots and<br />
disturbances have been arising due to young girls wearing<br />
knitted hats in red-white-blue colors as headgear,<br />
Spitfire Continued on page 31
Spitfire Continued...<br />
called ‘Royal Airforce’. Members of the Armed Forces<br />
have taken the hats from the girls on the street and<br />
brought them to the police station. The soldiers will continue<br />
to confiscate persons wearing the aforementioned<br />
hats and hand them over to the police.”<br />
Hats and displays of anything<br />
containing the British<br />
Air Force roundel were then<br />
banned. Not to be defeated,<br />
the youngsters then started<br />
to wear hats that were variations<br />
of the red, white, and<br />
blue theme to circumvent<br />
https://arkiv.dk/vis/5146434<br />
the ban.<br />
https://samlinger.natmus.dk/fhm/asset/16033<br />
In retaliation the Germans then demanded that the<br />
Danish police enforced a ban on the wearing or displaying<br />
of anything in any combination of the red, white, and<br />
blue colours of the British flag (not just the roundel).<br />
“The armed forces will consider any case where the<br />
colors blue-white-red together, as an anti-German act. I<br />
will give the police the opportunity in the course of the<br />
next 8 days to try to prevent the cases from repeating<br />
themselves. Should it not succeed in the course of the<br />
next 8 days, The armed forces will pursue every case to<br />
the point of prosecution and punishment. After the deadline<br />
has expired, I cannot assume responsibility for the<br />
soldiers' attitude towards emerging situations in the<br />
aforementioned cases."<br />
An example from Holstebro Police in 1943 (translated<br />
from Danish):<br />
"A 15-year-old girl who was brought to the police station<br />
last night by 4 German soldiers because she was<br />
wearing a red-white-blue blouse. However, it is stated<br />
about this blouse that it was sold in a clothing store,<br />
where it has been lying for about 3 years.”<br />
The State Attorney for Special Affairs wrote in a nationwide<br />
circular that (translated from Danish):<br />
"In connection with my circular letter of 06-07-1943 in<br />
which I have, among other things, drawn attention to the<br />
fact that the sale or display of caps in the colors of the<br />
British Air Force is a violation of the prohibition against<br />
demonstration in the Ministry of Justice's Order No. 254<br />
of 09-06-1941, and requested to take action in this regard,<br />
I must also draw attention to the fact that exhibitions,<br />
advertisements with a one-sided use of the colors<br />
in question may contain a demonstration. I must therefore<br />
request gentlemen to also draw attention to, if such exhibitions<br />
were to occur. Where this is found to be the case,<br />
the owner of the company is requested to change the nature<br />
of the exhibition, if the recommendation is not complied<br />
with immediately, a reminder with the necessary<br />
description of the exhibited (or advertising) is requested,<br />
and the matter is requested to be submitted as soon as<br />
possible to me. If there should be any doubt as to<br />
whether a recommendation should be made please submit<br />
a report in a similar manner sent here".<br />
The hats were still worn. Whenever a soldier was in<br />
view the wearer removed the hat and hid it in a pocket.<br />
Three days before VE Day Denmark was liberated<br />
from Germany on 05-05-1945. The popularity of the hat<br />
spread throughout the whole of the country. On 13-06-<br />
1945 those with criminal records and custodial sentences<br />
for ‘insulting German armed forces’ were pardoned and<br />
all fines connected with the wearing of red, white, and<br />
blue were refunded.<br />
To commemorate the ending of the occupation, and<br />
an acknowledgement to the British and the Allies, Danes<br />
continued to wear Spitfire hats each year on the anniversary<br />
of ‘Liberation Day’ 05 May.<br />
I was unable to ascertain whether this tradition has<br />
continued amongst contemporary younger generations. If<br />
any readers have any further information regarding this,<br />
don’t hesitate to contact blockedmagazine@gmx.com<br />
A pattern for a knitted version of the hat is available in<br />
Danish here:<br />
https://nordjyskemuseer.dk/den-provokerende-royalair-force-hue/<br />
You will be able to translate the pattern into English by<br />
clicking on the ‘translate’ button when prompted.<br />
NB. The translated version of the pattern contains an<br />
error (or mistranslation). After the ribbed section it states,<br />
“Continue knitting in garter stitch until the blue piece<br />
measures 6 cm”. This should be ‘stockinette stitch’.<br />
The original hats were crocheted but I was unable to<br />
find a pattern for that version. Following is my interpretation<br />
of the hat.<br />
31
CROCHET<br />
‘SPITKLATTER’<br />
BRITISH RAF SPITFIRE HAT<br />
by Uknitted Kingdom<br />
© UknittedKingdom<br />
Materials:<br />
4.5 mm crochet hook<br />
5 g (10 m ) Drops Karisma DK in red (18).<br />
20 g (40 m) Drops Karisma DK in off white (01).<br />
190 g (360 m) Drops Karisma DK in Navy blue (17)<br />
Sizing and Gauge:<br />
Adult medium.<br />
16 sts x 8 rows to 4” (10cm) using dc.<br />
Abbreviations:<br />
NB. All crochet terms follow USA conventions.<br />
For British crocheters replace ‘dc’ (double crochet) with a ‘tc’ (triple crochet).<br />
ch = chain<br />
sl st = slip stitch<br />
st = stitch<br />
dc = double crochet<br />
dc2tog = double crochet two stitches together (a decrease of 1 stitch)<br />
st/sts = stitch/stitches<br />
BLO/BL = only work stitches in the back loop<br />
Magic Circle/Magic Ring<br />
FPdc = front post double crochet. Work stitch around the front of the post.<br />
BPdc = back post double crochet. Work stitch around the back of the post.<br />
Directions:<br />
With 4.5mm hook and red make a magic circle and ch2. (If preferred ch4 and join into a ring.)<br />
R1. Dc 11 into the magic circle/ring (the ch2 doesn’t count as a st). Join in the round with a sl st.<br />
R2. Ch2, 2dc into all 11 sts around. Join with a sl st. (22 sts)<br />
R3. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next st) repeat around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends. (33 sts)<br />
R4. Join white into any st using a ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 2 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R5. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 3 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R6. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 4 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R7. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 5 sts) repeat around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends.<br />
R8. Join blue into any st using a ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 6 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R9. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 7 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R10. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 8 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
32
Spitklatter Hat Continued<br />
R11. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 9 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R12. ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 10 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R13. Ch2, 1dc into the loop behind each of the sts around. Join.<br />
R14. ch2, 1dc into every stitch around. Join.<br />
R15. Ch2, (dc2tog through the loop behind the first stitch, 1dc into the loop behind each of the next 10 sts)<br />
repeat around. Join.<br />
R16. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 9 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R17. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 8 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R18. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 7 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R19. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 6 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R20. Ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 5 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R21. ch2, (dc2tog into first st, 1dc into next 4 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R22. Ch2, dc into every stitch around. Join.<br />
R23. Ch2, dc into every stitch around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends.<br />
R24. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.<br />
R25. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.<br />
R26. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.<br />
Repeat R26 for a longer rib section.<br />
Once the ribbing is long enough, break yarn, and weave in the ends.<br />
© UknittedKingdom<br />
Beanie & Skull Cap Version:<br />
R1. Dc 11 into the magic circle/ring (the ch2 doesn’t count as a st). Join in the round with a sl st.<br />
R2. Ch2, 2dc into all 11 sts around. Join with a sl st. (22 sts)<br />
R3. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next st) repeat around. Join. Break yarn and weave in any ends. (33 sts)<br />
R4. Join white into any st using a ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 2 sts) repeat around. Join.<br />
R5. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 3 sts) repeat. Join in the round.<br />
R6. Ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 4 sts) repeat. Join in the round.<br />
*R7 (Adult medium) ch2, 1dc into every st. Join in the round.<br />
*R7. (Adult large) ch2, (2dc into first st, 1dc into next 5 sts) repeat. Join in the round.<br />
R8. Ch2, 1dc into every st. Join in the round. Break yarn and weave in the ends.<br />
R9. Join blue into any st using a ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
R10. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
R11. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
R12. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
R13. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
R14. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
R15. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
R16. Ch2, 1dc into every st around. Join.<br />
For a skullcap style, stop here, and weave in your ends.<br />
For a beanie that covers the ears, continue with R17 onwards.<br />
Change to a 3.5mm hook.<br />
R17. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.<br />
R18. Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.<br />
R19 Ch2, (1FPdc around first st, 1BPdc around next st) repeat around. Join.<br />
Repeat R19 for a longer rib section.<br />
Once the hat is long enough, break yarn, and weave in the ends.<br />
© UknittedKingdom<br />
33
V STITCH PRAYER SHAWL<br />
by Amy of Two Sisters and Some Yarn<br />
Notes: I chose this yarn not only because of its beautiful<br />
gradients, availability, and affordability but because it’s a<br />
cotton blend and it is HOT in Louisiana 11 months out of<br />
the year it seems like! This pattern is VERY forgiving, and<br />
you can use just about any size weight, just adjust your<br />
hook as needed, per your usual preferences. This is<br />
more of a recipe than a pattern. Remember thinner yarn<br />
with a bigger hook creates a more drapey and flowy<br />
look, which is the intent of this shawl. You can easily<br />
modify this pattern with different yarns, simply be sure to<br />
have an even number starting chain. If your count isn’t<br />
perfect, just fudge it. This pattern is forgiving!<br />
The shawl is designed to be rectangular and quite long,<br />
to wrap oneself up in it, almost blanket like. I used 4<br />
cakes of the yarn so that I could achieve the gradient<br />
flow. You are welcome to use less yarn, but if using this<br />
yarn and hook sizes, you hold the yarn double.<br />
MATERIALS:<br />
Hook: 5.5 MM and 6.5 MM. (I use the bigger hook<br />
to cast on since I crochet tightly, this is optional)<br />
Yarn: Yarn Bee Rainbow Wrapsody or any fingering<br />
weight yarn. 4 cakes (save some from each cake for<br />
fringe/tassels if you want to add.)<br />
V-stitch = (dc, ch 1, dc) all in one space/stitch.<br />
PATTERN:<br />
YARN HELD DOUBLE!<br />
Row One: Chain 102 in larger hook (if using).<br />
Row Two: Switch to smaller hook, and DC in 3rd chain<br />
from hook. DC across. (99, plus starting chain)<br />
Row Three: Turn and chain 3. Skip turning chain space<br />
and next. In next stitch: (V-Stitch, skip next). Repeat ()<br />
across. DC in last stitch. (48 V stitches)<br />
Row Four: Ch 3. V Stitch in each chain SPACE of the V<br />
stitch below. Repeat across. DC in last. (V-Stitches stack<br />
in a row, they do not stagger.)<br />
Repeat Row Four until you run out of yarn in the first two<br />
cakes.<br />
NOTE: When moving on to second cakes, to achieve the<br />
gradient effect, you will likely have to pull from the cake<br />
opposite of how you started.<br />
Continue in row four in new cakes until you get close to<br />
the end of the cakes, leaving enough to finish the last<br />
row.<br />
FINAL ROW: Ch 3, dc across in the DC’s from V stitch<br />
below – NOT in the chain 1 spaces.<br />
Optional Finishing: You can do one more final row in sc<br />
or hdc if you’d like but I don’t feel it’s necessary. You may<br />
also want to save some yarn for fringe or tassels.<br />
34
LOOKING A<br />
By Uknitted Kingdom<br />
GIFT HORSE<br />
IN THE MOUTH<br />
After the Great Ravelry Purge of 2019, when innocent<br />
people were smeared and labelled ‘racists’ and ‘white supremacists’,<br />
many of us struggled to find a place in the<br />
knitting world that hadn’t been occupied or infiltrated by<br />
Trump Derangement Syndrome, identity politics, and ‘social<br />
justice’.<br />
This was especially true for those of us in the UK<br />
where Brexit had cleaved a divide that is unlikely ever to<br />
heal.<br />
The fibre communities in the UK are riddled with<br />
woke cancer. Knit nights and yarn stores have become<br />
safe spaces for everyone EXCEPT Brexiteers, (c)onservatives,<br />
(C)onservatives, and anyone that isn’t following<br />
and supporting the Social(ist) Justice agenda.<br />
Overnight access to hand-dyed yarn had, effectively,<br />
been cut off. All trust was destroyed. I had already been<br />
blocked by some after openly opposing the ‘Pussy Hat’<br />
nonsense. Regularly appearing on a small conservative<br />
Youtube channel had brought me to the attention of<br />
those who hated the channel’s owner. I couldn’t risk ordering<br />
from dyers not knowing if they would accept my<br />
order or share my personal details on the blacklist circulating<br />
amongst anti-conservatives.<br />
The blacklist contained the names of businesses and<br />
well-known individuals who supported Ravelry’s smear<br />
statement, and more importantly, those who didn’t. In<br />
the USA, especially, there were brave businesses standing<br />
up and opposing the nonsense, or at least declaring<br />
neutrality.<br />
For a long time I stopped ordering hand-dyed yarn.<br />
Choosing, instead, to purchase big brand yarns and knitting<br />
from stash.<br />
Eventually the yearning for hand-dyed yarn returned.<br />
I had remembered a couple of those brave USA dyers<br />
and began intermittently ordering from them.<br />
For quite some time the packages arrived from the<br />
USA without any problems. Then, without warning, I received<br />
a notification through the post demanding a payment<br />
of £12 (≈$15) Customs and Duties VAT charges<br />
plus £8 (≈$10) handling fees for a package. The package<br />
contained yarn I had purchased for £60 (≈$71) including<br />
postage and packaging. I vaguely remember each skein<br />
being worth approximately $25 and the P&P to the UK<br />
was around $20. So in total, after paying the UK Government<br />
her taxes, I paid £80 (≈$95) for 2 skeins of yarn!<br />
Things to consider if you are sending goods into the<br />
UK or receiving goods from overseas into the UK:<br />
Purchasing products online from overseas (UK)<br />
ALL mail-order products bought overseas are subject<br />
to 20% VAT. This isn’t just 20% of the product’s sale value.<br />
20% VAT is also added to the P&P charges. On top of this<br />
a handling fee of at least £8 (rising incrementally based<br />
upon weight and size of the parcel) is charged by the<br />
courier that delivers the package once the fees have<br />
been paid.<br />
For example, a UK resident orders one skein of yarn<br />
from overseas for $25 plus P&P of between $10 and $80<br />
(dependent on courier charges). At minimum, the resident<br />
will be charged an extra $7 VAT plus $10 handling<br />
fees. For one skein the grand total would be $52.<br />
At the higher end the resident could be charged an<br />
extra $21 VAT plus $10 handling fees. For one skein the<br />
grand total could be up to $136.<br />
Gift Horse Continued on next page<br />
35
Gift Horse Continued...<br />
If the value of the goods plus postage is over £135<br />
the recipient will also have to pay duty. For more details:<br />
https://www.gov.uk/goods-sent-from-abroad/tax-andduty<br />
Gifts sent by mail from overseas (UK)<br />
Even sending gifts into the UK can end up costing<br />
the recipient money.<br />
Gifts are only exempt from VAT and handling fees if<br />
the value of the gift plus postage is LESS THAN £39. Any<br />
amount above £38.99 (≈$47) is taxed at 20% and will<br />
incur the handling fee of £8 or more.<br />
Where this gets complicated is when the exchange<br />
rate fluctuates. $47 might be less than £39 on one day,<br />
but more than £39 the next.<br />
If you are planning to send a gift to the UK it might<br />
be worth ensuring the gift, including postage and packaging,<br />
is less than $40 (≈£33) in total. This will ensure the recipient<br />
isn’t stung with VAT.<br />
The value is determined by the amount the sender<br />
writes in the ‘value of item’ box on the postage form plus the<br />
amount the sender pays for postage.<br />
Purchasing products online from overseas (USA)<br />
Generally speaking, any online purchase valued below<br />
$800 (excluding P&P), sent to a US recipient from overseas,<br />
should be exempt from duty and tax.<br />
•Up to $1,600 in goods will be duty-free under your personal<br />
exemption if the merchandise is from an IP (Insular<br />
An example of a United States Postal Service Declaration.<br />
https://www.isdntek.com/postalcustoms.htm<br />
Possession of the USA, such as, U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam,<br />
American Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Islands, and Johnston<br />
Atoll).<br />
•Up to $800 in goods will be duty-free if it is from a CBI<br />
or Andean country. These include: Antigua and Barbuda,<br />
Aruba, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, British Virgin Islands,<br />
Costa Rica, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica,<br />
Montserrat, Netherlands Antilles, Panama, St. Kitts and Nevis,<br />
St. and many South American countries.<br />
•Any additional amount, up to $1,000, in goods will be<br />
dutiable at a flat rate (3%).<br />
Before ordering goods valued above $800 from overseas<br />
it might be worth double-checking the US Customs and<br />
Border Protection guidance. https://www.cbp.gov/travel/international-visitors/kbyg/customs-duty-info<br />
An example of a Royal Mail Customs<br />
Declaration.<br />
https://personal.help.royalmail.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/106/~/help-with-customs-andsending-items-abroad<br />
When your international friends look your ‘gift<br />
horse in the mouth’ please be certain there isn’t a<br />
hidden tax inside waiting to bite them.<br />
36
COVFEFE<br />
BREAK COZY<br />
by Yelena of Scythia<br />
Who doesn’t like to drink a hot cup of Covfefe?<br />
And who doesn’t need a nice cozy for your mug<br />
of Covfefe? This coffee cup cozy comes with<br />
instructions for DK, worsted and bulky weight yarn.<br />
MATERIALS:<br />
• For DK, size 4.5 mm needles.<br />
• For worsted, size 5 mm needles.<br />
• For bulky, size 5.5 mm needles.<br />
• ¾ “ or 1” button<br />
• Tapestry needle for weaving ends<br />
• Tapestry or sewing needle for sewing the button<br />
• Extra yarn, thread or floss for sewing the button<br />
DK Pattern<br />
Cast on 14 stitches.<br />
Knit each row until the cozy measures approximately<br />
9”.<br />
Knit 7 stitches. Bind off 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.<br />
You will have 6 stitches on either side of the button<br />
hole.<br />
Knit 6 stitches. Cast on 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.<br />
Knit 6 more rows.<br />
Bind off.<br />
Worsted Pattern<br />
Cast on 12 stitches.<br />
Knit each row until the cozy measures approximately<br />
9”.<br />
Knit 6 stitches. Bind off 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.<br />
You will have 5 stitches on either side of the button<br />
hole.<br />
Knit 5 stitches. Cast on 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.<br />
Knit 5 more rows.<br />
Bind off.<br />
Bulky Pattern<br />
Cast on 10 stitches.<br />
Knit each row until the cozy measures approx. 9”.<br />
Knit 5 stitches. Bind off 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.<br />
You will have 4 stitches on either side of the button<br />
hole.<br />
Knit 4 stitches. Cast on 2 stitches. Knit to end of row.<br />
Knit 4 more rows.<br />
Bind off.<br />
FINISHING<br />
Weave in ends with a tapestry needle. Block the cozy.<br />
(Or don’t if you don’t like blocking!). Sew button to the<br />
right side of the cozy on the opposite end from the<br />
buttonhole. Make sure you line up the button to the<br />
buttonhole. Enjoy a nice cup of Covfefe!<br />
© Jena G<br />
© Jena G<br />
37
SCARF WITH A CHARMING<br />
BRITISH ACCENT<br />
DETAILS & MATERIALS<br />
Hook:<br />
4.5mm<br />
Abbreviations (US Terminology)<br />
ChChain<br />
SCSingle Crochet<br />
By Unknitted Kingdom<br />
Yarn:<br />
This is a DK weight, crochet scarf, in Drops Puna<br />
alpaca. Any DK weight yarn can be used instead.<br />
Although crocheted on one side only, this is a<br />
reversible scarf with the 'wrong' side being only slightly<br />
different to the 'right' side.<br />
The pattern is crocheted in stripes of 3 main colors<br />
with 2 stripes of an accent color. This is the perfect scarf to<br />
introduce a small 'pop' of color that isn't overwhelming, or<br />
too garish, for even the most conservative tastes.<br />
For the more adventurous, go wild with your color<br />
choices! There are no ends to weave in. Instead they are<br />
trimmed and left to create a fringe.<br />
Charming Scarf Continued on next page<br />
38
Charming Scarf Continued...<br />
With a 4.5mm crochet hook and CC2 (DK weight<br />
yarn) chain for 6 or 7 feet.<br />
Leaving a tail of 4" (10cm). Cut the yarn.<br />
Always working on the right side (RS) rejoin the<br />
yarn and continue from right to left. Leave a 4"<br />
(10cm) tail at each end of every row.<br />
R1. Rejoin CC2, Single crochet (sc) into every<br />
chain. Leaving a 4" (10cm) tail, cut the yarn. From<br />
this point, except for the edge stitches, always sc<br />
into the chain spaces created on the previous row.<br />
R2. Rejoin CC2, Sc2, (ch1, sc1, ch1, sc1, ch1, sc1)<br />
repeat to the last stitch, sc1<br />
R3. Join CC1, sc1, ch1, (sc1, ch1, sc1, ch1, sc1,<br />
ch1) repeat to the last stitch, sc1<br />
Repeat R2 and R3 changing colors as shown on<br />
the chart (read from the bottom up) for a total of<br />
67 rows including the first 3 rows already worked.<br />
Trim the ends, and leave loose, to give the scarf a<br />
tassled edge at both ends.<br />
39
THE LYDIA<br />
SHAWL<br />
Pattern Notes:<br />
by Denise Crawford Designs<br />
This pattern can be made with any size yarn and hook. For a<br />
shawl with more drape, use a hook two to three times bigger<br />
than what is recommended for the yarn you are using. The size<br />
yarn and hook used will also depend on how tight or loose you<br />
crochet. I’m not trying to be vague, but it really does depend a<br />
couple of different factors. As an example, when I used Knit<br />
Picks Chroma Fingering yarn, I used a size I hook.<br />
For a smaller shawlette size, one skein of yarn may be sufficient.<br />
If you want a larger shawl, you may want to use 2 to 3<br />
skeins of yarn, depending on the yardage of the yarn you<br />
choose. Again, as an example, when I used Knit Picks Chroma<br />
Fingering yarn, I used almost two whole skeins.<br />
• Pattern is written using US crochet terms.<br />
• Increases are made on each end and in the chain three space<br />
in the middle of the shawl.<br />
• Turn after each row.<br />
Abbreviations:<br />
sc Single crochet<br />
dc Double Crochet<br />
tr Triple Crochet<br />
ch Chain<br />
Pattern:<br />
Chain 5 and join with a slip stitch in the first chain to form a ring.<br />
Row 1: Chain 4 (counts as first tr)<br />
4 tr, ch 3, 5 tr, in the ring<br />
(Total: 5 tr, 3 ch, 5 tr in ring)<br />
Row 2: Chain 4 (counts as first tr), turn<br />
2 tr in the first stitch (Total: 3 tr in the first stitch – increase made) 1 tr in the next 4 stitches<br />
In ch 3 space, work 2 tr, ch 3, 2 tr. (Increase made)<br />
1 tr in the next 4 stitches<br />
3 tr in the top of the ch 4 from the previous round (increase made)<br />
Lydia Shawl Continued on next page<br />
40
Lydia Shawl Continued...<br />
Pattern:<br />
Row 3: Chain 5 (counts as first tr plus 1 ch), turn<br />
Work 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1- all in the same stitch as the ch 5<br />
(Total: 3 tr and 3 ch all in the same stitch – increase made.)<br />
*Skip the next stitch, then work 1 tr, ch 1 in the next stitch*.<br />
Repeat between * * until you get to the ch 3 space. You should have 1 tr, Ch1, in the last stitch before the ch 3 space.<br />
In the ch 3 space, work 1 tr, ch1, 1 tr, then ch 3, 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, ch1<br />
(Total: 4 tr, 6 ch in ch 3 space – increase made)<br />
In the first stitch after the ch 3 space, *work 1 tr, ch 1*. Skip the next stitch, then work 1 tr, ch1 in the next stitch.* Repeat<br />
between * * until you get to the last stitch (ch 4 of the previous row).<br />
In the top of the ch 4, work 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr, ch 1, 1 tr<br />
(Total: 3 tr and 2 ch all in the same stitch – increase made)<br />
Row 4: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), turn<br />
2 dc in the same stitch. (Total: 3 dc in the first stitch - increase made)<br />
1 dc in each stitch and ch 1 space until you get to the ch 3 space<br />
You should end with a dc in the last stitch before the ch 3 space<br />
In the ch 3 space work 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc (increase made)<br />
1 dc in the first stitch after the ch 3 space and in each stitch and ch 1 space until you get to the last stitch (ch 4 of the<br />
previous row)<br />
In the top of the ch 4, work 3 dc (increase made)<br />
Repeat Rows 3 and 4 until the shawl is the desired size. You will be alternating a double crochet row with a treble crochet<br />
row.<br />
Pattern Note: On the subsequent repeats of Row 3, the final cluster of that row will be worked in the top of the chain 3<br />
of the previous double crochet row.<br />
For those that prefer a chart to written instructions, I have now included this wonderful<br />
chart by the lovely and talented Donatella De Finis. Thank you so much for taking the<br />
time to do this, Donatella, and for graciously letting me add your chart to the pattern.<br />
Lydia Shawl Continued on next page<br />
41
Lydia Shawl Continued...<br />
Suggested Borders:<br />
Option 1 - Double Crochet Border: Chain 3 (counts as first dc), turn. 2 dc in the same stitch<br />
(increase made).<br />
Work 1 dc in each stitch until you come to the chain 3 space.<br />
Work 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc in the chain 3 space (increase made).<br />
After ch 3 space, work 1 dc in each stitch until you come to the last stitch, ch 3 of previous row.<br />
In the top of the ch 3, work 3 dc (increase made).<br />
Continue to work dc’s evenly across the top of the shawl to give a finished edge all the way<br />
around the shawl. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning ch 3, fasten off and weave<br />
in the ends.<br />
Option 2 - Shell Cluster Border:<br />
Chain 3 (counts as first dc), turn. 2 dc in the same stitch (increase made).<br />
*Skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, 5 dc in the next stitch*. Repeat between * *<br />
until you get to the ch 3 space.<br />
In the ch 3 space – 2 dc, ch 3, 2 dc (increase made)<br />
*Skip 2 stitches, sc in the next stitch, skip 2 stitches, 5 dc in the next stitch*. Repeat between * *<br />
until you get to the last stitch, ch 3 of the previous row.<br />
In the top of the ch 3, work 3 dc (increase made)<br />
Work dc’s evenly across the top of the shawl to give a finished edge all the way around the<br />
shawl. Join with a slip stitch in the top of the beginning ch 3, fasten off and weave in the ends.<br />
Option 3 - Single Crochet Almost Picot Border:<br />
Chain 1 (counts as first sc), turn. 2 sc in the same stitch (increase made). *sc in the next 2<br />
stitches, chain 3 sc in the same stitch.* Repeat between ** until you get to the ch 3 space.<br />
In the ch 3 space – 2 sc, ch 3, 2 sc (increase made)<br />
*sc in the next 2 stitches, chain 3 sc in the same stitch.* Repeat between ** until you get to the<br />
last stitch.<br />
3 sc in the last stitch (increase made).<br />
Work sc’s evenly across the top of the shawl to give a finished edge all the way around the<br />
shawl. Join with a slip stitch in the beginning ch 1, fasten off and weave in the ends.<br />
Enjoy your beautiful new shawl!<br />
42
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