It's that time of year again. Time to think of what, if anything will I make for family and friends. Even though the temps are 90+* for most of us and the last thing we want to contemplate is holding all that nice warm wool, we can think of what to make and gather patterns and materials. Even I don't do much knitting or crocheting in summer.
Will you do sweaters? Those do need time to complete. Depending on how you work and what you do, a lot of time is required to finish a sweater.
Will you do quick and easy projects for more people? Things like hats and mittens are quick and easy. Slippers fall into this category.
Are shawls and afghans on your hit list for gift giving? Perhaps you have wee ones on your list who might like toys. Possibly you and your recipients are of a practical nature and gift giving is of the use it up variety.
During this month, I will be linking to things of all types that might be on your gift recipients lists. Some sites will require you to register to access the pattern. All are free. Most will want no more than your user name and a password.
To get us started and stay cool for now, try these ideas. Pair them up with new cooking utensils or a set of pans. Add these personal touches to a dinner basket that has all the fixings for a favorite meal for the cook in the family.
Crocheted potholder Knit potholder Don't like these? Try these links for more options. One thing to keep in mind for this type of project of to use either wool or cotton. Acrylic will melt.
More crocheted potholders More knitted potholders
As always, if you need help with a project, either directions in the pattern or a specific technique, check with your local Michaels to see when your Knit or Crochet Instructor is available.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Tuesday, June 25, 2013
A SALE!!!! and Schedules for July thru December
Discover Knit and Crochet Classes are on Sale!!!! 25% off all classes in the book. Here are my classes through the end of the year.
Basic Crochet Classes
Discover Single Crochet All
Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
June 24
July 23
August 19
September 16
October 14
November 11
Discover the Tall Stitches of
Crochet All Classes are 6 –
8:30 pm
July 29
August 26
September 23
October 21
November 18
Discover Granny Squares All
Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
July 31
August 5
September 9
September 30
October 28
December 2
Discover Textured Stitches All
Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 12
October 7
November 4
December 9
Basic Knit Classes
Discover Knit Stitch Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
July 25
August 22
September 19
October 17
November 14
Discover Purl Stitch Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
July 5
August 1
August 29
September 26
October 24
November 21
Discover Pattern Stitches Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
June 27
July 6 (Saturday 9 – 11:30 am)
August 8
September 5
October 3
October 31
December 5
Discover Cables Class All Classes are
6 – 8:30 pm
August 15
September 12
October 10
November 7
December 12
Advanced Beginner Crochet Classes
Discover Baby Crochet Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Rattle July
24
Textured Baby Blanket August 21
Textured Baby Blanket September 18
Baby Rattle October 16
Textured Baby Blanket November 13
Discover Throws and Wraps in Crochet
Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Lacy Wrap August 28
Granny One Piece Throw September 25
Lacy Wrap October 23
One Piece Granny Throw November 20
Discover Crochet Gifts Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 7
September 4
October 2
October 30
December 4
Discover Time to Crochet Classes All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Bavarian Crochet August 14
Tapestry Crochet August 24 9:30 – 12
Crocodile Stitch September 11
Tunisian Crochet October 9
Painted Crochet October 26 9:30 – 12
Broomstick Lace November 6
Hairpin Lace December 11
Advanced Beginner Knit Classes
Discover Baby Knits Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Kimono July 26
Blanket & Booties August 23
Kimono September 20
Blanket & Booties October 18
Kimono November 15
Discover Mitered Knitting Class All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
August 2
August 30
September 27
October 25
November 22
Discover Fair Isle Class/Learn to Fair
Isle All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
June 28
August 9
September 6
October 4
November 1
December 6
Discover Time To Knit Classes All Classes are 6 – 8:30 pm
Short Rows August 16
Knook September 13
Mobius Knitting September 28 9:30 – 12
Entrelac October 11
Knook & Loom Knit November 8
2 Needle Sock November 16 9:30 - 12
I-Cord December 13
I will also be offering the following dates for yarn nights. Those are times when you want to sit and knit or crochet with someone experienced nearby for a quick question, have a question about what yarn to use for a project, how much yarn to use for a project, check a pattern you think could have a problem or explain a complicated stitch pattern you just don't quite understand. Yarn nights will also be including starting in August a stitch pattern of the month for each Knit and Crochet.
July 30 6 – 8:30 pm
August 10 1 – 4 pm
August 24 1 – 4 pm
September 14 1 – 4 pm
September 28 1 – 4 pm
October 12 1 – 5 pm
October 26 1 – 4 pm
November 16 1 – 4 pm
December 14 1 – 4 pm
As an ongoing effort to help those who have less, I am also running joining parties for the Warm Up America movement. We have lots of donated squares. We have lots of need for finished afghans. All afghans will stay local to Lebanon area and be distributed through Lebanon HOPES. Here are the dates for these events.
August 18 2 – 5 pm
September 22 2 – 5 pm
October 6 2 – 5 pm
October 27 2 – 5 pm
November 10 2 – 5 pm
Monday, June 24, 2013
New techniques being offered in fall
I'm offering new techniques in the fall!
In addition to the basic classes and advanced classes I already offer, I will be adding Mobius knitting, Intarsia, Entrelac, Short Rows, I-cord , tapestry Crochet, a 2 needle sock class, Tunisian Crochet (knit and purl variants), Crocodile stitch, Bavarian Crochet, and painted crochet. Yarn Nights will now include a stitch pattern of the month for knit and crochet.
The basic classes being offered have not changed. The advanced classes currently being offered also will not change.
The stitch patterns will come from a variety of sources. If they come from a book Michaels sells, you will know about that book.
In addition to the basic classes and advanced classes I already offer, I will be adding Mobius knitting, Intarsia, Entrelac, Short Rows, I-cord , tapestry Crochet, a 2 needle sock class, Tunisian Crochet (knit and purl variants), Crocodile stitch, Bavarian Crochet, and painted crochet. Yarn Nights will now include a stitch pattern of the month for knit and crochet.
The basic classes being offered have not changed. The advanced classes currently being offered also will not change.
The stitch patterns will come from a variety of sources. If they come from a book Michaels sells, you will know about that book.
Thursday, June 6, 2013
A new take on Summer crochet and knit projects
June seems to be the month for weddings. I know this because Las Vegas is the marriage capital of the world and June is their busiest month. I can't guarantee the capital of the world for weddings but I do know June is the busiest. Getting hotel rooms there can be brutal for the month of June. September, around the SEMA (the premier automotive specialty products trade event in the world) show, is also not too easy. But back to June, I have a son getting married in Las Vegas in June, in just a few days actually.
Bride friendly gifts have been running through my mind for a while. Wedding party ideas have also been swirling through. I'm going to crochet a wedding purse for myself on the plane since I know what my limits are beforehand. It will be a small beaded thing, nothing fancy but pictures will be posted after we return home. I'm also going to make myself a general purpose multi pocketed wallet/purse for times when a purse is needed but not a fancy one and not the tourist fanny pack. Most purses I carry are entirely too large to be airline friendly.
Some bridal ideas include a small clutch, a veil and/or headpiece if she hasn't chosen one yet, a shawl, or a garter. Groom ideas could include boutonnieres for the men to wear.
Check these links for some ideas:
lion brand bridal patterns
Bride friendly gifts have been running through my mind for a while. Wedding party ideas have also been swirling through. I'm going to crochet a wedding purse for myself on the plane since I know what my limits are beforehand. It will be a small beaded thing, nothing fancy but pictures will be posted after we return home. I'm also going to make myself a general purpose multi pocketed wallet/purse for times when a purse is needed but not a fancy one and not the tourist fanny pack. Most purses I carry are entirely too large to be airline friendly.
Some bridal ideas include a small clutch, a veil and/or headpiece if she hasn't chosen one yet, a shawl, or a garter. Groom ideas could include boutonnieres for the men to wear.
Check these links for some ideas:
lion brand bridal patterns
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Can I knit and crochet in summer???
The answer is YES! Yes you can knit and crochet in summer. You just have to choose your projects with a little more thought and care. This is not to say that knitters and crocheters don't do this already, but in summer weather a little extra is required for your comfort.
Summer is the time for working with cottons, linen, bamboo and rafia and tarn. Tarn is yarn made from t-shirts cut into 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inch strips. The t's can be old that have stretched or faded, new ones or the fabric before the shirts are cut out and assembled. Cottons can be the dishcloth cottons that are worsted weight down to the fine crochet threads. Linen, bamboo and rafia are all plant fibers that have many different characteristics, most of which I won't go into. Rafia can also be made from synthetics and have a sheen that borders on shine.
Summer is the time for small projects. In the heat of July and August might not be the time to work on a large wool afghan that was started in the end of winter but didn't get done. You could however, think ahead and if you prefer wool to plant fibers, work on small items like hats and mittens. Mostly though, when I think of summer work, I want to do things like embellish flip flops and baseball hats, dish cloths, small purses, or beach cover ups. I also think to do quick slippers and baby hats for donations. I like quick to finish projects because so much of my time early to mid summer is spent outside.
Here are a few ideas along these lines.
I offer these ideas and can teach these during basic beginner classes. Nothing shown here can't be done after a class or two. Basic stitches, cotton yarn and flip flops are all that are required.
I also think of afghan squares or granny squares. These are quick to make, not too hot to hold and easy for a brain that has been fried in the summer sun. I do them with an eye towards the coming winter and those who are not as fortunate. These blocks also give me a chance to practice techniques I want to learn or re-familiarize myself with.
Have a great summer! Posts will still continue. I'm also going to do a Christmas in July series of posts. Keep checking back.
Summer is the time for working with cottons, linen, bamboo and rafia and tarn. Tarn is yarn made from t-shirts cut into 1/2 inch to 1 1/2 inch strips. The t's can be old that have stretched or faded, new ones or the fabric before the shirts are cut out and assembled. Cottons can be the dishcloth cottons that are worsted weight down to the fine crochet threads. Linen, bamboo and rafia are all plant fibers that have many different characteristics, most of which I won't go into. Rafia can also be made from synthetics and have a sheen that borders on shine.
Summer is the time for small projects. In the heat of July and August might not be the time to work on a large wool afghan that was started in the end of winter but didn't get done. You could however, think ahead and if you prefer wool to plant fibers, work on small items like hats and mittens. Mostly though, when I think of summer work, I want to do things like embellish flip flops and baseball hats, dish cloths, small purses, or beach cover ups. I also think to do quick slippers and baby hats for donations. I like quick to finish projects because so much of my time early to mid summer is spent outside.
Here are a few ideas along these lines.
I also think of afghan squares or granny squares. These are quick to make, not too hot to hold and easy for a brain that has been fried in the summer sun. I do them with an eye towards the coming winter and those who are not as fortunate. These blocks also give me a chance to practice techniques I want to learn or re-familiarize myself with.
Have a great summer! Posts will still continue. I'm also going to do a Christmas in July series of posts. Keep checking back.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Yarn and How Much Do I Need?
As an ongoing part of the series of questions I get frequently asked, How much yarn do I need for X? tops the list right at the same number of times as What kind of needles should I use?
Yarn choices are amazing. There are so many new things out there on the market to try. But this post is to deal with How much not fiber content. Although fiber content can make a difference, weight does make a difference in how much to purchase.
There are generalities I can point to for a quick answer but that doesn't begin to get an accurate number for how much do I need? yarn yardage requirements is a quick link to Lion Brand Company's chart for very basic information for both knit and crochet.
You need to know your gauge with a specific yarn. You need to know how big your project needs to be. You need to know what kind of drape you want your project to have. An example is you don't want a floppy drape-y fiber like alpaca would give you if you are doing a tailored jacket that needs to hold its shape. You also don't want a crisp yarn when your project should be molding to your curves or cuddling baby. All of these have to be taken into account. You should also wash your swatch. Your fiber choice could relax into an ocean sized puddle when gotten wet or shrivel like a prune. Wouldn't it be better to have that happen to a swatch than an afghan or sweater?
But, you say, I'm using acrylic/polyester/super wash wool! Even those fibers can react to water or even just knitting or crocheting in unexpected ways. Please don't ever wash synthetic fibers in hot, hot water and then dry in a hot dryer. You can kill the spring in the fiber.
More will be posted on this topic in the future. This is just to get you thinking. If you have questions, post a comment. It will be addressed.
Yarn choices are amazing. There are so many new things out there on the market to try. But this post is to deal with How much not fiber content. Although fiber content can make a difference, weight does make a difference in how much to purchase.
There are generalities I can point to for a quick answer but that doesn't begin to get an accurate number for how much do I need? yarn yardage requirements is a quick link to Lion Brand Company's chart for very basic information for both knit and crochet.
You need to know your gauge with a specific yarn. You need to know how big your project needs to be. You need to know what kind of drape you want your project to have. An example is you don't want a floppy drape-y fiber like alpaca would give you if you are doing a tailored jacket that needs to hold its shape. You also don't want a crisp yarn when your project should be molding to your curves or cuddling baby. All of these have to be taken into account. You should also wash your swatch. Your fiber choice could relax into an ocean sized puddle when gotten wet or shrivel like a prune. Wouldn't it be better to have that happen to a swatch than an afghan or sweater?
But, you say, I'm using acrylic/polyester/super wash wool! Even those fibers can react to water or even just knitting or crocheting in unexpected ways. Please don't ever wash synthetic fibers in hot, hot water and then dry in a hot dryer. You can kill the spring in the fiber.
More will be posted on this topic in the future. This is just to get you thinking. If you have questions, post a comment. It will be addressed.
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Things are getting back to normal
Over a month ago, my husband was in a car accident. Things are looking up in my household. He's almost back to his previous abilities. In his recovery, I have been thankful that I had my knitting and crocheting. Simple things with simple stitches helped me stay on an even keel in the early days and helped pass the time in waiting rooms. Now I have been developing new classes and projects and trying to finish my classes. I also have put together a knitter's scavenger hunt for my guild's retreat at the end of the month.
My new projects have included learning a mobius cast on to do an infinity cowl/shawl for class in two ways. One way is to teach this technique. Another way is for me to wear it in the winter. I have also been binge-ing on charted crochet patterns I see offered on websites. I have worked a bunch of flowers, saved a slew more to my computer, used a few in classes, and am halfway done with a purse from a charted pattern.
I have also developed a short row class complete with a round dishcloth. I am in the middle of developing a double knitting class. A hot pad will be the project for that. Also in the works will be a machine knit workshop for winter, tapestry crochet, intarsia knitting, and more.
Stay tuned for more information and pictures.
My new projects have included learning a mobius cast on to do an infinity cowl/shawl for class in two ways. One way is to teach this technique. Another way is for me to wear it in the winter. I have also been binge-ing on charted crochet patterns I see offered on websites. I have worked a bunch of flowers, saved a slew more to my computer, used a few in classes, and am halfway done with a purse from a charted pattern.
I have also developed a short row class complete with a round dishcloth. I am in the middle of developing a double knitting class. A hot pad will be the project for that. Also in the works will be a machine knit workshop for winter, tapestry crochet, intarsia knitting, and more.
Stay tuned for more information and pictures.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)