…n addition to just showing you the crochet stitches, Linda shows oodles of examples of ways in which the item could be applied and discusses how different yarn/color selections would work to make a different-looking product. Most importantly, every lesson has a chapter on finishing- which goes beyond what you’d get in a standard crochet pattern. Ever seen a pattern that says, ‘Attach all pieces and block’, and that’s it! As…
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Pledge to Ten (minutes, that is…)
…ject… only to discover that you don’t have the right hook? The best way to guarantee success is to solve all of your roadblocks in advance. Before you begin working on your goal, gather all your materials and tools. This means downloading your pattern, getting your supplies, and even bookmarking resources that you might need. Then, when you need help… you won’t be slowed down. You’re prepared. The Worksheet Now……
Continue ReadingTips for Teaching Kids to Crochet
…ound, but then I figured out what I was doing I found crochet to be a good way to pass the time. Stacey: Do you have any advice for other kids who are just starting to learn a craft? Laurel: Just don’t panic if you make a mistake! If you get tired or frustrated just take a break and, for example, read a book. Then when you are ready, continue or replay the lesson to see it again. And look at Laurel’s fabulous creations! Rock on! Thank…
Continue ReadingCrochet as a tool for combating the perils of modern life
…oals (which when completed, serve to boost satisfaction and self-esteem) a common-ground for community to be developed (and trust me, having friends and chatting is crucial to happiness!) a tactile way of relating to the world, in touching natural fibers like wool and cotton Taking a few minutes out of your day to de-stress and enjoy the benefits of relaxation is something that can be integrated into everyone’s life. But, what was eye-openin…
Continue ReadingLa Droguerie
…hen she walks around the store with you, picking up the items for you. For example, all of the buttons/beads are arranged in little jars, and you are not permitted to open the jars (In fact, I think picking up a jar to get a close look at the contents is frowned upon). You wait for your sales assistant to come to you, and you have her pick the item out of the jar. You do all of your shopping this way, and then she rings you up at the register. The…
Continue ReadingAmi Club FAQ
…ter for the club with a free trial period, you authorize that billing will commence at the completion of your trial period until you cancel. How do I cancel? You may cancel at anytime by logging into your account (click “My Account” in the top right corner), scroll down under “My Memberships” and clicking “Cancel”. When you cancel, you will remain enrolled until the end of your billing cycle, and the membership…
Continue ReadingHow to get started selling at craft fairs
…trolly = dolly/cart gumboots = rainboots bum bag = fanny pack Layby = lay away Phew! Glad all that time I spend in Australia has come in handy! Now that those worries are aside, I can chat about the actual book! Why craft fairs? This is the only book I’ve seen specifically aimed at advice for selling at craft fairs. Sure, many craft-business books include a little section on selling at fairs, but the advice is rarely comprehensive. You may a…
Continue ReadingHow to strand yarn in color changes: a video tutorial
…und or in rows. How to use the stranding technique: the video Stranding is best used for short color changes, and can be used in rounds or rows. Therefore, it’s a technique that comes in handy, often! Here’s the video, where I show you how it’s done! To view the video in a larger screen, press ‘play’, then click the square icon in the lower-right-hand corner of the dialog box! Yarn: Spud and Chloe Sweater, colors iglo…
Continue ReadingDesign Week, day 6: turning a design into a pattern
…into patterns. Which designs become patterns? Not every animal I crochet becomes a FreshStitches pattern. One example that cropped up recently is William: I crocheted William the Hippo for a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art I was taking (William the hippo, if you didn’t know, is the museum’s mascot). I wanted to crochet a William, and one evening, I sat down and did just that. Just for fun. I love him, and I think he’s ador…
Continue ReadingMind’s Eye Yarns: Cambridge, MA
…, there were actual spinning wheels! And entire fleeces! Craziness, in the best way possible. Now, I don’t mean for my rambling about the spinning stock to overshadow the yarn & pattern selection. As you can see in the photo at right, there are many binders of patterns for purchase, and lots of yummy yarns. They stock many of the ‘fine yarn’ standards: Aruncania, Cascade, Noro, Trekking, and more… but they also stock t…
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