Adventures with knitting and felting

A long-lived pastime seems to have come back into vogue recently, and not just for adults. Children as young a six or seven are able to understand the basic weaving technique of knit and pearl, and to hold onto the needles. Once they choose their colors, pattern, and knitting needles, their choices are almost endless.

A favorite supplier of mine is Peace Fleece, located in Porter, Maine, accessible online. In addition to the incredible family and business story that supports their existence, you will also find an enticing selection of knitting projects. Put some warmth into your March and check out all of what Peace Fleece has to offer.

Try a simple project at first, like the Chunky Potholder Kit. This requires a basic stitch and shape. Your child will produce an easily washed and dried item you can use daily in your home. Or consider the Learn To Knit Kit-an all-inclusive gift down to the label and needles!

Alternately, take a warm bowl of water, a little bit of dish soap, a handful of wool, and some willing fingers, and you will find felting a wonderful experience. Admittedly, at first I was intimated by this process and read the directions multiple times. But once I got a taste of how fun and easy this project was, we produced some beautiful items from the Earth Ball Kit.

If you want to try something different this spring, and produce a craft that will last for years, try the Felted Chick Kit. All of the felting will require some level of adult supervision. We found that three and four-year-olds had as much fun with the felting projects as the older children. If you are up to squishing warm soapy wool together, and creating shapes with it, give it a try.

Knitting can be taken just about anywhere and can be meditative and calming for some children. If you want to discover more projects, read Melanie Falick's Kids Knitting. This beautifully illustrated book provides directions, material needs, and photographs. It also points out that knitting can be a boy's hobby, too! For the older child in your family, try Teen Knitting Club: Chill Out and Knit, by Jennifer Wenger.