Tying a new warp on to an existing warp can be a time saver. Here is Tom's experience.
October 10th is I Love Yarn Day, and we couldn't be more excited to share our love of yarn with you! Every year, the Craft Yarn Council plans a day full of free patterns, inspiration, and events for existing yarn lovers and those who don't know how much they can... Whether you're a knitter, a crocheter, a macrame-er, or an all-around yarn enthusiast, we crafty people all have one thing in common -- a love of yarn. You don't even have to be a traditional knitter or crocheter to enjoy yarn either. Yarnists have a wide range of interests. Our friends at FaveCrafts have gathered some ideas for fun yarn crafts that don't use knitting or crochet! If you already share our passion for fiber arts, here are five great ways you can celebrate I Love Yarn Day! If you love all things crochet, then sign up for our Hooked on Crochet newsletter for all the best free patterns!
The slow, mindful craft of hand knitting is good for the planet and good for the mind. Meditative and fulfilling, it gives crafters a sense of accomplishment as well as a unique final product. In Knit, knitwear designer and ROWS founder Alice Hoyle shows you how to create dynamic pieces with creative and inspiring techniques. Along with 16 gorgeous projects, this book covers: ? Yarn Choice: How yarn choice and colour can transform projects. ? Stash Yarn: How to easily use leftover half balls of yarn from other projects to create amazing things. ? Scrap Yarn: Thrumming technique to use up tiny scraps leftover from other projects. ? Upcycling: Cutting up existing materials to create yarn. ? Reuse: How to unwind an existing jumper to reuse the yarn. ? Interesting and inspiring stitch techniques to use in the projects. ? How to take care of your knitwear, such as blocking, storing, getting rid of bobbles/pilling, fixing holes. Knitting allows people to consciously slow down and make a connection to each piece they make, creating unique stories and imperfections that will be carried around for years to come. There is something incredibly exciting and freeing in the ability to make anything with just your hands, needles and yarn.
Vest No. 1 is a classic slipover that fits perfectly on top of shirts and dresses. While inspired by classic men’s wear, this vest has feminine details, such as the double folded neckline. The vest is worked top down in stockinette stitch. First you knit the top part of the back, then both front pieces, close the yoke in the round and work the rest of the body. Neckline and armhole opening egdes are picked up from existing stitches and therefore no final sewing is needed. SIZES XS (S) M (L) XL (XXL) MEASUREMENTS Length (centre back): 50 (52) 53 (56) 58 (60) cm Bust (circumference): 96 (103) 106 (115) 124 (134) cm RECOMMENDED NEEDLES Circular needle 4,5 mm (80 or 100 cm) Circular needle 3,5 mm (40 or 80 cm) Circular needle 3 mm (40 or 80 cm) GAUGE 17 sts x 26 rows in stockinette stitch on needle 4,5 mm = 10 x 10 cm MATERIAL 200 (200) 250 (250) 300 (350) g Double Soft Merino, Knitting for Olive 50 g / 125 m. Shown in colour Sand. or… 200 (200) 250 (250) 300 (350) g Heavy Merino, Knitting for Olive 50 g / 125 m. or… 50 (50) 50 (50) 75 (75) g Cashmere lace from Gepard. held together with … 200 (200) 250 (300) 300 (350) g Pura Lana from Gepard.
The Mouse pattern is finally finished and is available in the Natty Knits Etsy shop and on Ravelry. It will soon be part of the Knit Picks Independent Designers Program. Here are some hints and tip…
Students in my Beginning Ceramics class have just finished their coil pot assignment. I thought it might be fun to show their pieces in the greenware stage (formed but not fired) and then to show off their finished glazed pieces. The two finished ones on top belong to seniors Eaning Woo and Marina Woo. The greenware pieces belong to from top to bottom, right to left: senior Caroline Ma, senior Karleigh Mercado, junior Celina Chen, junior Crystal Valino and senior Cynthia Tsai. The finished glazeware belongs to: Celina, Cynthia and Caroline. Stunning work ladies!
I use this cast-on for the body, underarms, and front neck. There are other, more involved, methods but I have found this simple cast-on to be the neatest. See the section
Yarn Stash Tracker PDF Printable Digital Download This is a simple way to keep track of the yarn you have in your stash. It may be stored in different places all over your house, but using a tracker to record what yarn you actually have is a great way to keep on top of things. Use it to record any new purchases and note which you have used up. Print off as many sheets as you need! Or store your sheets digitally It helps enormously when you are looking at patterns and wondering if you need to buy more yarn, or can knit up some of your existing stash. And when you are tempted to impulse buy more lovely yarn, the Yarn Tracker reminds you that you may not need more!!
Give kids a taste of engineering with a creative upcycled suspension bridge engineering project and add a new level of fun to their existing toys.
When I first learned how to knit and needed to join yarn in a project, my instinct was to knot the knitted yarn and the new yarn together at the ends. (Hey, I heard that gasp!) Turns out my newbie intuition was waaay off the mark. A knot would, over time, certainly untie itself. Nothing …
Every knitter knows the innate joy of purchasing yarn, and many also know the stress and shame that comes with an out-of-control stash. No longer! Let bestselling author, designer and educator Marie Greene change your outlook on buying, organising and using your yarn for good. With this tried-and-true guide, you'll rediscover the joy in your stash - no yarn diets necessary! - as you learn to find inspiration in the yarn you already have, shop for skeins you'll actually use and organise it all for maximum creativity. Best of all, Marie has designed 10 brand-new patterns to help you use your existing yarn in exciting ways, so you can work through your stash with ease and continue to curate your yarn collection with purpose. Use the colour wheel to whip up creative combos in the Colour Theory Socks or Shawl. Make leftovers look intentional with the Block Party Beanie or Pullover, or double your strands for double the fun in the Marled Stripe Mittens or Mini Mohair Cowl. Soon you'll not only have a satisfying stash system that is clear, tidy and inspirational, but an assortment of gorgeous knitted projects to remind you how truly joyful yarn can be. 60 photos
Tutorial for how to make jeans a little longer by turning down the original hem
Vest No. 1 is a classic slipover that fits perfectly on top of shirts and dresses. While inspired by classic men’s wear, this vest has feminine details, such as the double folded neckline. The vest is worked top down in stockinette stitch. First you knit the top part of the back, then both front pieces, close the yoke in the round and work the rest of the body. Neckline and armhole opening egdes are picked up from existing stitches and therefore no final sewing is needed. SIZES XS (S) M (L) XL (XXL) MEASUREMENTS Length (centre back): 50 (52) 53 (56) 58 (60) cm Bust (circumference): 96 (103) 106 (115) 124 (134) cm RECOMMENDED NEEDLES Circular needle 4,5 mm (80 or 100 cm) Circular needle 3,5 mm (40 or 80 cm) Circular needle 3 mm (40 or 80 cm) GAUGE 17 sts x 26 rows in stockinette stitch on needle 4,5 mm = 10 x 10 cm MATERIAL 200 (200) 250 (250) 300 (350) g Double Soft Merino, Knitting for Olive 50 g / 125 m. Shown in colour Sand. or… 200 (200) 250 (250) 300 (350) g Heavy Merino, Knitting for Olive 50 g / 125 m. or… 50 (50) 50 (50) 75 (75) g Cashmere lace from Gepard. held together with … 200 (200) 250 (300) 300 (350) g Pura Lana from Gepard.
Scheepjes Catona 50gm The perfect go to size for amigurumi! Fibre: 100% mercerised cotton Yarn Weight: Fingering / 4ply Ball Weight: 50gm Length: 125gm Hook or Needle Size: 2.50mm - 3.50mm Gauge: 26 stitches and 36 rows to 10 cm x 10 cm square on 2.5 mm needles. Scheepjes Catona Chroma is a beautiful, multicoloured variation on our popular Scheepjes Catona. Both yarns are identical in fibre content and quality and the eight new colourways of Catona Chroma are based on the existing shades of the Catona series. This makes both yarns perfect to mix and match and gives projects a playful pop of colour. Below you will find an overview of each Catona Chroma colour scheme and which Catona colour numbers are included: AVAILABLE NOW 009 Holly: 105, 513, 515, 390, 517, 244, 110 010 Iceberg : 402, 253, 401, 244, 528, 172 011 Woodland: 257, 503, 157, 162, 507, 506, 404 012 Peony: 409, 523, 238 , 222, 114, 256 013 Meadow: 106, 403, 392, 509, 523, 246 014 Surf: 106, 173, 510, 511, 527, 164, 261 , 509 015 Grassland: 513, 389, 515, 525, 412, 205, 512 016 Sunrise: 394, 517, 516, 252, 249, 189, 390, 258 New colourways - PREORDER ETA with BMY mid August 017 Verbena: 106, 226, 520, 282, 113, 521 018 Buttercup: 106, 101, 522, 280, 208 019 Calendula: 105, 524, 386, 281, 189 020 Chestnut: 517, 396, 394, 526, 257, 406 021 Dusk: 110, 501, 393, 074, 106 022 Rainbow: 113, 201, 397, 389, 208, 189, 516 023 Zinnia: 146, 513, 280, 281, 114, 128 024 Sweet Pea: 510, 508, 282, 226, 253, 385 025 Honeysuckle: 113, 399, 411, 258, 524, 505 026 Hibiscus: 517, 258, 263, 124, 245, 172 027 Autumn: 248, 395, 383, 388, 504, 525 028 Outback: 244, 391, 402, 383, 281, 189 Scheepjes Catona Chroma is a 100% mercerised cotton yarn with a subtle sheen and a smooth and soft finish. This fine yarn (fingering yarn weight) is perfect for crocheting or knitting clothing, amigurumis, fashion and home accessories or children's toys. It carries the EN71-3 quality certification, meaning that it is safe for people with sensitive skin and especially for babies and children. The production uses 95% recycled wastewater, while the remaining 5% is treated with organic matter and it is safely returned to the local environment.
One of the challenges of writing a knitting pattern is that yarn manufacturers are constantly changing their collections - developing new yarns, discontinuing others and creating new colourways in existing yarns. It is impossible to keep up with these changes...
As part of my new resolution to keep my knitwear going for longer and reduce waste (although most of it has been going for many years already and was second hand to start with!), I've decided to try my hand at some visible mending. It's not something I've tried before, and I thought I'd s
Six excuses I tell myself to get out of learning to knit: It will give me carpel tunnel syndrome. I already crochet and suck at it. Do I really need one more thing to suck at? It will allow me to make custom sweaters for my cat. My cat already hates me and the last...Read More
Any Ashford reed inventory (except 48" reeds) is my actual stock on hand, shipping from Kansas. If you don't see your size in stock, contact me, as it may be on the way. I typically restock about once a month. NOTE: Rigid heddle loom reeds are NOT interchangeable across brands. These reeds will only work for Ashford looms. Reed sizes are based on weaving width, not the overall size of the reed's frame nor the width of the loom itself. Not sure which size Ashford loom you have? Scroll down to the bottom for tips. Reeds are available for differing yarns. The 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10dpi (10, 20, 30 and 40/10cm) reeds feature the wide eye for novelty yarns. The fine 12.5dpi (50/10cm) and the NEW extra fine 15dpi (60/10) reeds are also available. Made from strong, durable nylon with Silver Beech rails. The reeds come in 30cm, 50cm and 70cm (12ins, 20ins and 28ins) widths. Knitters Loom reeds have a lacquered finish. -- PLEASE SEE MY OTHER LISTINGS FOR THE EXCITING VARI-DENT REED! Vari-Dent variable dent reed lets you use multiple warp gauges in the same project! (or create small projects in any dpi without purchasing all the individual reeds!) https://www.etsy.com/listing/279495452/ NOT SURE WHICH ASHFORD LOOM YOU HAVE? First off, there are 2 main lines of Ashford rigid heddle looms. The classic Rigid Heddle is a non-folding loom made of bare, natural wood (though it may be finished if you bought it second-hand). There is also the SampleIt range, a small subset of the Rigid Heddle line, also fixed (non-folding) and bare wood. The 16" size SampleIt uses the same reed the regular 16" Rigid Heddle. The other line is the Knitters Loom, a folding rigid heddle loom with a clear lacquered finish. These two lines use a different range of sizes, which means you don't have to worry about getting the wrong reed for your loom if you know the weaving width. Sizing is based on weaving width, not loom dimensions. The easiest way to tell the size you need is to measure an existing heddle (reed) if you have one. Measure across the plastic insert with the holes, not the overall frame (which is larger), then round to the closest number. If you don't have a reed, it's a little trickier, but still pretty easy. Measure across the bracket that holds the reed, then round down to the closest number in your range, keeping in mind whether your loom folds or not. The Rigid Heddle (non-folding) sizes (smaller sizes ="SampleIt"): 8" (discontinued, reeds still available), 10", 16", 24", 32", and 48" Knitters Loom (folding) sizes: 12", 20", or 28" Feel free to reach out if you need further assistance!
***Warning*** This is a very photo-heavy post! Since starting my blog, a few people have shown interest in learning how to recycle sweaters for the yarn. I spent the weekend working on a tutorial…
Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal 50g 10 Ball Value Pack *Pack weight = 17.5oz, 1 ball weight = 1.75oz Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal is a fine tweed 4-ply in stunning shades. This luxurious yarn now comes as a 50g hank, ideal for finer knits, autumn/winter shawls and accessories. If you love Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran, you’re going to love this! While we make the switch to the 50g hanks, you can still purchase the 100g hanks in the existing shade range here. If you love this yarn we know you’ll love Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino or Debbie Bliss Rialto DK. Looking for the single ball?
Errata available: hillcountryweavers.com hillcountryweavers.com
Create a very cute monkey with this free monkey crochet pattern by DIY Fluffies. Easy beginner friendly monkey Amigurumi plushie toy pattern.
Tying a new warp on to an existing warp can be a time saver. Here is Tom's experience.
Learn how to finger knit and then make a finger knitting butterfly! Finger knitting is great for dexterity, fine motor skills & concentration.
I'm definitely a pockets kinda gal and more often than not, I add pockets to my bought garment pieces where there isn't any. To add a side seam pocket to an existing garment all you need is that - a side seam! I've included a template pattern of a pocket that you can download for your own use. Here's how to do it: Obviously unlined garments are easiest, but if your garment does have a lining it isn't really much harder. Measure how far done you would like your pocket to start and mark with a fabric pen. Either download the pattern template or create your own. Cut out and place on the top marker and mark where the bottom of the pocket will end. Undo your side seam with an unpicker past both your markers of where the pocket will sit. A pocket lining fabric will generally be of a lighter weight than your garment so that it sits and flat. Using a contrasting fabric creates a really nice finish. Place the right sides of your pocket pieces onto the right side of your garment. Match up pocket pieces to your markers. Pin If I were making the garment from scratch I would make this seam a little narrower than the main seam as it sets the pockets fabric back a little. But because the seam is existing and there are stitching holes, I'm using the same seam line. Sew pocket onto garment making sure the other side is well out of the way so it doesn't get caught. When you have sewn both pockets onto the garment, place the right sides of pockets together and pin to hold in place. Matching the line of stitching sew around the edges of your pocket finishing on the other side again matching your stitching line. Finish off your side seam, matching up to your pocket stitching. Finish off all seams as per your original garment. And there you have a perfect pocket! Repeat this entire process on the other side. Make sure the measurements are the same. Download this tutorial plus a bonus pocket pattern template.
Since the release of her 2013 book Overdressed, journalist Elizabeth L. Cline has been on a mission to get people to do something about the human and environmental costs of cheap fast fashion. "Of the world’s estimated 60-plus million garment and…
Bamboo Yarn Bowl: So your girlfriend likes knitting things and x-mas is coming soon? Making her a beautiful bamboo yarn bowl that keeps the yarn from getting entangled and unrolls the yarn would be a nice option. -------------------------------------- Materials nee…
Hi Creative Mamas! I am so excited to share with you how to give fabric a vintage look! It’s a little secret that I have been using lately and its helping…
My own little Kuchi Kopi from Bob's Burgers! Once again this is a case of not being able to find an existing pattern for something I want to make so I made it a quick little weekend project of it. Here's a little pattern so you can make one too! (Let me know if you find any mistakes.) Yarns used: for the body: Sugar 'n Cream Hot Green (hook size F/5 3.75mm) for the eyes: Patons Grace Snow (steel hook #1 2.75mm) for the bow tie: Patons Grace Aquifer (steel hook #1 2.75mm) You'll also need 2 black seed beads for the eyes and some stuffing. I used poly-fil. The body is worked from the bottom up and the head is worked from the top down and the two pieces are seamed in the middle. (Leave a long tail on either the head or body for sewing.) The seam is then hidden by the string for the bow tie. Pattern: Body: (Work by joining rows for the flat bottom and then in continuous rounds for the rest.) 6 sc in magic ring. Slip to first sc. (6) Chain 1, 2 sc in each stitch. Slip to first sc. (12) Chain 1. Sc, inc around. Slip to first sc. (18) Chain 1, 2 sc, inc around. Slip to first sc. (24) Chain 1, sc in each stitch around in the back loop only. Don't slip to the first stitch, from here you will work continuously around. (24) Sc 5, inc around (28) Sc 6, inc around (32) Sc 7, inc around (36) Sc around (36) Sc around (36) Sc 4, decrease around (30) Sc 3, decrease around (24) Sc around. Slip to the first sc. There will be a bumpy edge that you will match up with the bump in the head. (24) Head: (Work in continuous rounds.) 6 sc in magic ring. (6) Inc around (12) Sc, inc around (18) 2 sc, inc around (24) 3 sc, inc around (30) Sc around (30) Sc around (30) Sc around (30) Sc around (30) Sc around (30) Sc 3, decrease around (24) Sc around (24) Stuff the body and head and use the tails to sew the two together. They should meet nicely where the bumps line up. Sew about 3/4 the way around and stuff more stuffing in to get the correct amount. Ears: (Make two) 4 sc in magic ring. Slip to first sc. (4) Chain 1, 2 sc in each stitch. Slip to first sc. (8) Chain 1, sc around. Slip to first sc. (8) Leave a long tail and sew the pieces together at the bottom so they have a flat edge to attach to the head. (Don't stuff.) Arms: (Make two) 4 sc in magic ring (4) Inc around (8) Sc around (8) Sc around (8) 2 sc, dec around (6) Sc around (6) Leave a long tail and sew the pieces together at the top so they have a flat edge to attach to the body, just below the bow tie. (Don't stuff.) I also sewed the arms so they lie flat to the body. Eyes: (Make two, working in a continuous spiral) 6sc in magic ring (6) Inc around (12) Sc, inc around, slip to first sc. (18) With sewing thread, attach a black seed bead to the center of the eye. Bow tie: (Make a long chain that spans the neck of the doll, then slip into each stitch back to make the string. Then make and attach the bow tie.) Chain 2, sc in the first chain. (1) Chain 1 and turn. 2 sc in the sc from row 1. (2) Chain 1 and turn. 2 sc in the first, 1 sc in the next. (3) Chain 1 and turn. 2 sc in the first, sc in the next 2 (4) Chain 1 and turn. Sc across. (4) Chain 1 and turn. Dec the first two stitches, sc in the next 2 (3) Chain 1 and turn. Dec the first two stitches, sc in the next (2) Chain 1 and turn. Dec the two stitches. (1) Chain 1 and turn. Sc 1 (1) - 16. Repeat rows 2 thru 8. Use the starting tail and the end tail to tie the ends together. Wrap the ends of the tail around the middle in the thin part to form the bow tie and knot twice on the back side. Sew the bow tie to the string and attach the string to the doll. Finishing touch: I like to add a row of slip stitches to the bottom of the doll on the loops that stick out from working in the back loops only. This acts as a stand so it doesn't tip over as easily.
This Bunny Ear Teether is a classic and functional crochet project. This simple teether takes less than an hour to crochet and makes for a perfect gift.
Vest No. 1 by My Favourite Things is a classic slipover that we love because it fits perfectly on top of shirts and dresses. The vest is worked top down in stockinette stitch. First, you knit the top part of the back, then both front pieces, close the yoke in the round and work the rest of the body. The neckline and
Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal 50g 5 Ball Value Pack *Pack weight = 8.8oz, 1 ball weight = 1.75oz Debbie Bliss Fine Donegal is a fine tweed 4-ply in stunning shades. This luxurious yarn now comes as a 50g hank, ideal for finer knits, autumn/winter shawls and accessories. If you love Debbie Bliss Donegal Luxury Tweed Aran, you’re going to love this! While we make the switch to the 50g hanks, you can still purchase the 100g hanks in the existing shade range here. If you love this yarn we know you’ll love Debbie Bliss Baby Cashmerino or Debbie Bliss Rialto DK. Looking for the single ball?
Errata available: hillcountryweavers.com hillcountryweavers.com
