Stacey | FreshStitches

A Crocheter’s Guide to Pattern Reading- free download

by Stacey on February 19, 2012

Do you know how to crochet, but feel like patterns are a foreign language? You’re not alone! Many of us crocheters learn how to do the stitches from a family member or friend, and don’t learn to read the patterns until much later. And it’s true, reading a pattern can be scary… but well worth […]

Mosman Needlecraft: Sydney, NSW, Australia

by Stacey on February 18, 2012

store: Mosman Needlecraft address: Shop 3, 529 Military Road, Mosman, NSW 2088 Australia website: www.mosmanneedlecraft.com.au/ date of visit: January, 2012 If you’ve read my previous posts about Australian yarn stores, you have probably heard me lament that they aren’t quite the same as American yarn stores. A typical Aussie ‘wool shop’ (and trust me, relatives […]

What does the number in parentheses mean in a crochet pattern?

by Stacey on February 14, 2012

Have you ever looked at a crochet (or knitting) pattern and wonder what those numbers at the end of the line are? Those numbers are the stitch count for that line of the pattern… in other words, how many stitches you should have in that row/round (6 stitches in the above example). Sometimes a pattern […]

Lessons on how to wear a long scarf

by Stacey on February 13, 2012

As you may know, I’ve spent this weekend at the Pittsburgh Knit and Crochet Festival… and I’ve been having a great time. I’ve learned a lot… but do you want to hear the most exciting thing I’ve learned all weekend? I learned a super-awesome new way to wear a long scarf! If you’re like me […]

Punxsutawney Phil vs. Crochet Phil

by Stacey on February 2, 2012

If the groundhog sees his shadow, then it’s 6 more weeks of winter. If he doesn’t, then spring is on its way. Trouble is, which groundhog are you going to believe? Sure, Punxsutawney Phil is famous, but I’m following Crochet Phil! And he predicts that spring is on it’s way! (check the photo for evidence… […]

Guide to Crocheting Dog Toys

by Stacey on January 31, 2012

If you have a dog, you probably think of him as a member of the family… so wouldn’t you want to crochet him a sweet toy? When crocheting for a dog, safety is the top priority! It’s a lot like crocheting for a baby, with a few extra considerations to keep in mind. Don’t use […]

Are crochet hooks allowed on planes?

by Stacey on January 26, 2012

This question came up on the FreshStitches Facebook page recently, and I since I have a lot to say on the topic (because I travel oodles), I thought it’d make a good blog post! The short answer- in US and Australia The quick and easy answer is “Yes, crochet hooks are allowed as carry-on items […]

A shortcut for crocheting stuffed animals more quickly!

by Stacey on January 24, 2012

It’s Tip Tuesday! Today, I’m going to share my trick for cutting down on the crochet-time of an adorable stuffed animal! We’ve all been there before: you have a baby shower/birthday party/event to go to this weekend, you want to crochet an adorable stuffed animal, but you don’t have a lot of time. What can […]

Wrist exercises for Knitters and Crocheters

by Stacey on January 17, 2012

If you knit/crochet a lot… chances are you suffer from some achy wrists! I know that during last week, when I was crocheting up a storm, I certainly did! Here are a few exercises that I do to relieve my sore wrists. Try to give these a whirl every hour or so while you’re working. […]

WIP Wednesday: crocheting at Craftsy!

by Stacey on January 11, 2012

This week, I’m working on one of my biggest works-in-progress, yet… I’m teaching two crochet amigurumi courses at Craftsy! I’m so excited! If you aren’t familiar with Craftsy, it’s a website that features awesome crafting classes, and I’m thrilled to be taking part. I’m teaching an ‘Introduction to Amigurumi’, which includes all of the basics […]