The Alum Rock Library is beginning a brand new Knit and Crochet Club that will meet on Monday afternoons at 4:00 pm. The club will be led by volunteers who have an interest in yarn arts. Not only will this club provide opportunities to pick up new techniques from other enthusiasts, it will also provide opportunities to begin friendships with others with similar interests.

If you are interested in helping out with this club, please come by Alum Rock Library on Mondays at 4:00 pm. A few starter supplies will be provided but you are encouraged to bring any knit or crochet projects that you are currently working on. See you there!

It's hard to believe that school is back in session and fall weather will soon be here. That means that the end of the year holidays are not too far away. Many people are determining that instead of purchasing gifts to give, they prefer to make items for their special someones. Hand-knit items are gifts that come from your heart through your hands into the hands of others. If you are thinking of making hand-knit gifts this year, but are looking for ideas, or you want to learn how to knit, come to your local branch. We have lots of books on knitting, crocheting, as well as many other handicrafts.

The Rose Garden Branch Knitting Circle will donate their finished blanket to Project Linus.

The Knitting Circle volunteer group meets twice a month and is always looking for new members. The next meeting will be June 21st at 6:30pm downstairs in the Rose Garden Branch Library's Community Room. Beginners are welcome!

If you missed the Stitches West Knitters Convention last weekend at the Santa Clara Convention Center, don’t fret. The Rose Garden Library has a knitting circle that meets the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month in the Community Room downstairs and the library has a myriad of knitting pattern titles that provide inspiration for your next creative project. The following titles are the latest to arrive at Rose Garden Branch:

Knitting Green by Ann Budd

Modern Top Down Knitting by Kristina McGowan

Scarves and Shawls for Yarn Lovers by Carri Hammett

A special way to remember your beloved pet is to collect his or her fur and send it off to a "spinner" to have it magically turned into yarn! Now you can knit or crochet a scarf, hat, sweater (for you and/or your pet), or anything else you want to make depending on how much yarn your pet hair created.

Knitting with Dog Hair by Kendall Crolius and Anne Montgomery lists spinners (who will turn your fur into yarn), dog breeds (top breeds for best results), step-by-step instructions on how to collect, clean, and store your pet's fur, patterns for beginner or experienced knitters and how to modify patterns to accommodate pet-spun yarn. There's also instructions on how to make and use a "drop spindle" to create your own yarn. The authors don't really approve of dyeing pet yarn, but do include a short chapter about using natural and store-bought dyes.

So, if you like to experiment with unusual yarns or just create a unique gift for your pet-loving friend or relative, have a look at Knitting with Dog Hair.

Every year in February an event occurs on the West coast which draws hundreds of eager fans. No, it's not spring training. STITCHES WEST 2011 will be held at the Santa Clara Convention Center (off Highway 101, exit Great America Parkway) on February 18th - 20th. The hours are as follows: February 18th (10-6); February 19th (10-6); and February 20th (10-4). During those days, the convention center is filled with a dazzling array of yarns, patterns, accessories such as buttons, and practical items--needles, pins, etc. Even though I don't knit, I love to visit and peruse the aisles, to see the beautiful displays of sweaters, scarves, and even socks, that others have made. Women and, yes, a few men, come from all over the country to see the latest thing in the knitting world. A small admission fee is charged, and there are free sessions for learning how to knit, as well as more advanced sessions (with fees) for those seeking to improve their skills in knitting or crocheting.

Several of the San José Public Library branches have knitting classes, and King Library has a class every Thursday afternoon, on the third floor.