Old/New Tools

Old/New Tools - Mom's old tools are now my new tools.

I was at Mom's for Christmas and was surprised I found her knitting basket in the bathroom closet.  She told me she could no longer handle it because of her arthritis.  So she gave it all to me!  What was inside was some yarn, one skein of Caron Simply Soft in the wine country colorway,  two skeins of Red Heart Super Saver in the light blue colorway and two in gold.  Two balls of Lion Brand Fun Fur, one of which was red with no label, the other was labeled lavender.  She had printed a pattern for the Double the Fun scarf calling for these skeins, so I will try to make it for her.

Also in this knitting basket were several 1960s era books and patterns.  It is so interesting to see the prices and store names 50 some years later.  Stores like Woolworth and Woolco, pattern books by Coats & Clark, American Thread and McCall's, 35 page booklets for 35 cents.  Time marches on, and although the colors used are from the 1960s and 1970s, the pattern itself is classic.  Use today's colors and you still have a gorgeous item.

She also gave me several sets of straight knitting needles, both long and short, with a felt needle case, cable and stitch holders, crochet hooks, pattern reading metal board, point protectors, everything you need to get started.  YouTube is my friend.  There are tons of videos showing techniques and stitches.  I did do a bit of practicing before I left up there.  Feeling very awkward and uncertain with my swatch.  Mom said it "looked OK, you just need to practice".  I may try some dishcloths for short, instant gratification, learning pieces. Any first project suggestions?

The wonders of the corn bag

Corn Bag with Cover

Several years ago I had the unfortunate experience of a fall. It happened so suddenly and completely unexpected.  What a shock to my system!   Thankfully I was not seriously injured, but I did need hot and cold compresses on my elbow and knees for a few days.  

I had read at one time that a bag of frozen vegetables, such as peas or corn, work well in a pinch for an ice pack.  It is quicker and easier to maneuver than ice cubes in a plastic bag and towel.  Well, I found a better solution.  Corn bags.  Like rice bags, they mold around the body part, are ready to go at a moments notice, and don't drip! :)  They hold the heat longer than rice too.

Removable Cover

I made mine with cotton muslin and whole feed corn.  The cotton pouch measures approximately 8” by 10”.  I didn't like the look of just plain muslin, so I made a removable cover out of pretty cotton prints.  This is a really good idea, because you don't want to get the corn wet by trying to wash the fabric.  

Another improvement was to add some batting to one side of the cover and quilt it in place.  This will reduce the intensity of the heat or cold on one side.  Want more heat, just flip it over.  I keep a couple of bags, without the cover, in the freezer, and several near the microwave.

Quilted Front

Since I fell, I've made many bags, in many sizes.  They make great gifts and have so many uses. In winter, microwave one before leaving the office and keep warm while waiting on the car heater. Throw one under the bed covers and reduce the shock of cold sheets on your feet. In summer, the moist heat will ease those aching weekend warrior muscles. I've put one in the bread basket to keep the rolls warm on the table.  The cold ones work wonders for hot flashes or a summer relief from the heat.  Kids love them as boo-boo bags.  I'm sure you can come up with many more uses.  Let me know your ideas.

Loom Knitting for all Ages

In the last couple of years I have discovered loom knitting. I have always preferred crochet and it's versatility. Yet there is something special about the fabric created with the looms. Many varieties of gauges and sizes are available. Being the tool collector that I am, of course I have had to purchase several sets. Provo Craft's Knifty Knitter round looms was my first set. I whipped up a hat the first evening.   Blankets, afghans, shawls, bags, mittens, stuffed animals, nearly any thing you can knit, can be made on these looms. Best of all, you don't need the coordination required of using the knitting needles. Children to adults with arthritis have enjoyed making their very own projects.

Hat and Scarf Set

With so many patterns and tutorials available, loom knitting could be your next relaxation hobby. Check out Kristen at Good Knit Kissses.  You will see how easy this craft is to pick up.  It won't take you long to start designing your own loom knit craft.

I would love to see your creations.  You can comment below with your link, or join me on Facebook at JC's Sewing Room.