Readers Ask Questions, Share Tips

We get some very interesting mail from our readers. Sometimes they share their successes, give us great tips or ask questions. Since we can’t answer every letter individually, we like to occasionally share some of our mail.

“I always enjoy your columns and clip them from the newspaper. I keep them in a top-loading plastic sheet in a notebook along with a sample of new stitches. I have so many columns that I have one notebook each for knitting, crochet, cross-stitch and other crafts.” - Nola Miller, Pueblo, Colo.

Nola included a photo of a lovely afghan that she made for the Warm Up America! charity knitting program.

“I read your column concerning using up leftover yarn. Our Arts and Crafts Club of Leisure Village West has used up leftover yarn making lap robes for nursing homes. Since 1977 we have made more than 5,000 afghans. We hope that other clubs or individuals may do similar charity work. Most of our volunteers make ‘granny’ squares. If readers have leftover yarn they’d like to donate, send it in care of the club at: Willow Hall, Lakehurst, NJ 08733.” - Joan Peidl, Lakehurst, N.J.

What an inspiring letter, Joan - keep up the good work!

“I wish I knew who needed some lap robes or whatever other ideas I could help with. I have so many kinds of scrap yarns to use up. I’d also like to know the size to make a lap robe.” - Ruth Geyer, Canton, Ohio

Ruth, we suggest that you write to Joan at the crafts club. We’re sure that she would be happy to have your help.

“When knitting with seven or eight different colors, is there a way to keep them from getting tangled?” - Julia Browning

The easiest way to prevent tangles if you are knitting with a number of colors in the same row is to work with short lengths of yarn rather than attaching full balls of yarn to your piece. If you are using one color more than some of the others, make a small bobbin of that color.

“In a recent column, you made some suggestions about organizing yarn. Here’s an idea that costs nothing. Go to a liquor store and ask for boxes that hold wine bottles. Use the cardboard bottle separators placed on a shelf and store your yarn according to color, weight, etc. Thank you for all the helpful hints and wonderful patterns I’ve been using for years.” - Mary Beth McNulty, Tampa, Fla.

What a creative organizing plan. Thanks, Mary Beth.

Today’s charming kids’ sweater is suitable for boys or girls. Knit with simple stitches and embellished on the front with a whimsical, wooly sheep, it fits sizes 2 to 10. This irresistible item is worked with a soft, washable acrylic/wool blend worsted-weight yarn in a gauge of 4-1/2 stitches to the inch.

MEMO: To obtain directions for making the Wooly Lamb Sweater, send your request for Leaflet No. 041496 with $2 and a long, stamped, self-addressed envelope to: The NeedleWorks, The SpokesmanReview, P.O. Box 419148, Kansas City, MO 64141. Or you may order Kit No. 041496 by sending a check or money order for $21.95 to The NeedleWorks at the same address. Kit price includes shipping charges, full instructions and acrylic/wool worsted-weight yarn in blue heather, slate heather or berry heather.

For kit orders only, you may call 7 a.m.-2 p.m. weekdays: (800) 873-9537.