Bindoff
Why are we having such trouble counting stitches in our bind-offs? Did you know takes 2 stitches to bind-off one? That’s key to understanding the knitting instructions and counting stitches. But what does that mean and how can it help us with our knitting projects? Below I share with you three ways to count your bind-off stitches.
Read more “How to Count Bind-Off Stitches”
Designer Life
Last week I a shared with you 9 Questions to Ask Before Frogging Your Knits. You can read it on my blog if you missed it. Today we’re hoping back Into the Frog Pond to talk about a few ways to fix knitting mishaps.
In case you haven’t guessed, probably because I forgot to tell you, Into the Frog Pond is going to be a tutorial series. Today’s post will list some knitting fixes you can try. Very soon you will be able to watch instructional videos and see exactly how to do each method.
Read more “Into the Frog Pond Part 2”
Designer Life
To frog or not to frog? Have you heard of the frog or ribbit stitch? Do you know what it means to frog your work? Do you wonder what knitters are talking about when they say they are going back to the frog pond?
Read more “Into the Frog Pond”
Gift Knitting
I’ve noticed daily postings asking what yarn(s) to use for a chemo hat. They usually say something like:
Read more “Yarns For Chemo Patients”“My friend, brother, or loved one has cancer. What yarn should I use for making them a hat now that they are doing chemo?”
Designer Life
Do you like to knit at the beach or the back deck? I see lots of pictures on social media of the sun ‘n’ sand knitters. I’ll bring a knit with me, but honestly I’m there to relax. Listen to the sounds of the waves, swim, and people watch. Not much knitting happens in the summer sun for me. If knitting while sunning near the surf is your thing, I’ve got some tips for you.
Read more “8 Tips for Summer Knitting”
Gift Knitting
This week’s tip is about the intersection of Earth Day and knitting leftovers. SPOILER ALERT stop giving yarn leftovers to birds and animals. If you read nothing else in this blog post, please read that sentence. Seriously, if you haven’t heard yet, the important part is that you quit putting yarn outside for birds and other animals.
Knitters and Crocheters have big hearts. We love to shower loved ones with handmade gifts. We love our yarn. Wool, acrylic, cotton, milk fibers, silk, whatever – we will kit and crochet with anything that we can get on those knitting needles and hooks. We get giddy over the latest yarn colors and colorwork techniques. Projects that require multiple skeins or balls of various colors are all the rage. However, all this crafting has one unintended consequence: Yarn Waste.
Read more “10 Things to Do With Yarn Scraps”
Yarn
Marling. It’s a yarn craze that’s still very popular. Have you marled your yarn yet? What is marling? Marling isn’t a pattern or a stitch. It’s more like a color system for working with your yarn to get a blended effect. Think of a gradient. You can use it on most any stitch pattern. And it’s less complicated than it sounds. The above is a knit blanket that I made many years ago. I used 4 worsted weight yarns held together. But you don’t have to be crazy like me.
Read more “Marl that yarn!”
Knitting Inspiration
Originally, I designed and knit a cowl that was short and worn close to the neck. It would use the same gorgeous, watery lace pattern as the Ocean Home Shawl. However, when I put it on, all the beautiful lace vanished in a crumpled heap of fabric. Disappointment didn’t last long as I decided to accept the challenge before me. To create a cowl that could fully display the lace.
Read more “Snowy Seas Cowl”
Knitting Inspiration
You spend all that time knitting a lace cowl. You picked the perfect yarn. Now you’re anticipating the oohs and ahhs you’ll get cause that lace is stunning! You put it on and then. . . Oh No!
Read more “Avery Shores Cowl Story”
Knitting Inspiration
You’re gonna love wearing and knitting the Avery Shores Cowl. It looks like a big gorgeous shawl in the front, but surprise – it’s not. It’s so much easier to wear and style than a shawl.
I have spent so much time trying to get a traditional triangle shawl to look good. I can do it, but it takes me awhile and it can get frustrating. That’s one good reason I and my knitters love to wear bandana cowls like the Avery Shores Cowl. Just put it on. No need to fuss with it.
Read more “Avery Shores Cowl”