Swatching is about getting to know you yarn. Making friends with it, before you start the "real" project. What if it turns out that you chose the wrong yarn for that stitch? Or the wrong stitch for that yarn? A swatch is a better place to discover that mismatch that halfway through a sweater you … [Read more...] about Hate Swatching? Here are 4 things to consider:
Northern Lights – Shawl
Always up for a good challenge, Laina, a self ascribed intermediate crocheter, yook on the Lost in Time Shawl. With lots of textured stitches to explore, this self striping yarn really plays out perfectly! She says, "Cannot wait for the weather to get cool again so I can enjoy wearing … [Read more...] about Northern Lights – Shawl
Knitting Socks – An Experiment with a Thick Sole Technique
I have knit many pairs of socks in the last 25 years, but I cannot list myself officially as a Sock Knitter. But I do enjoy the opportunity to learn new techniques, and experiment with ideas. This is a sock that has been on my mind for a couple of years, and I finally just decided to grab my … [Read more...] about Knitting Socks – An Experiment with a Thick Sole Technique
Cairns Top
Shandein's daughter wanted to learn to knit by making a sweater. So they found this darling top pattern, and Shandein chose Queensland Cairns for her version.The fun color keeps it interesting for a simple knit, and the cotton acrylic blend chainette yarn makes it light weight enough, given the … [Read more...] about Cairns Top
Uptown DK – Blanket in the Round
Vicki considers herself an intermediate stitcher, and says, "Once I understood the pattern, crafting this throw was easy and enjoyable to finish! The person it was given to LOVES it!" … [Read more...] about Uptown DK – Blanket in the Round
I didn’t always feel welcome in yarns shops
When I was a kid, learning to crochet, then knit, I used to save up my chore money to buy my Red Heart Acrylic Worsted (commonly known now as Red Heart Super Saver, or RHSS) at our local Safeway grocery store! I remember later buying it at Fred Meyer, and JCPenny too! When box craft stores … [Read more...] about I didn’t always feel welcome in yarns shops