Bookends

Dragon thinks this knitting project is very cool and wants a set for his library.

The pattern is free from Lion Brand Yarn.

Knitting and Harry

I have had this book on my wish list for sometime. It has finally been published. I am a rank amateur knitter (emphasis on "rank") who enjoys knitting blogs and "fiber" links. This article, "Knit if you love Harry Potter," by Molly Millett caught my eye.

Right about now, you might be thinking: Harry Potter? Knitting? Huh? But knitting references are woven throughout the series:

Molly Weasley, the mother of Harry's friend, Ron, gives hand-knit sweaters as Christmas gifts.

Hogwarts headmaster Albus Dumbledore enjoys reading Muggle knitting patterns.

Harry's friend, Hermione, knits hats for house elves.

In the movies, the characters wear lovely, hand-knit scarves, sweaters, socks and hats

In preparation for the book, Alison Hansel did her research.

"I went through all the Harry Potter books again and looked for knitting references, like the socks Dobby the house elf gave Harry for Christmas - one is green with broomsticks and the other is red with snitches," Hansel said. "From there, you have to come up with the details. I also searched the movies. For a Harry Potter fan, any excuse to reread the books or watch the movies is good."

Knitters don't just watch the movies - they study them.

"The knit items in the movie are really nicely made, and knitters will go back and pause scenes to see how the items are constructed," Hansel said.

Check out the Hogwarts Sock Swap. These folks are having too much fun.

I would really like to learn how to knit socks. Sockbug sent me some very good links and directions. One of my goals this summer is to give her suggestions a try.

Alison Hansel blogs at the blue blog.
Charmed Knits Knit-Along