…and Mal the Duck. I’ll explain why. All of these patterns have a few common characteristics: They are small, so students can accomplish a significant portion (if not all) of the project in the allotted class time. They are easy-level patterns: students can learn the basics of amigurumi without being overwhelmed by complicated techniques. The patterns are clear and easy-to-follow. It may be tempting to pick your favorite pattern and say, R…
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Online Tools to Help with your Colorwork
…#8230; it’s putting the colors together in an aesthetically pleasing way! Today I’ll share two amazing online tools that will help you plan your colorwork. Thanks so much to the folks in my Ravelry Group for pointing me to these great sites! First, pick your colors For a successful colorwork project, you’ll want to group colors that go well together. We all have our favorite colors, so chances are that a lot of your stash already…
Continue ReadingInterview with Heidi Bears!
…uality. Yes, of course it may just be for a grandchild, but it will be the best bear anyway! I also have plans to release my first shawl pattern this year. It’s for a really unusual geometric pattern that creates a shallowish triangular shawl. I am very excited about it and have started dyeing and testing up yarns and yarn combinations for it… also there is a secret line of new toys that is in the process of being created. This is something…
Continue Reading5 reasons to love your LYS
…go to where there is often an employee dedicated to helping you select the best fiber, thickness and color for the project you envision? That’s extraordinary service in most shops, but more or less standard at LYSs. Samples. I don’t think I even need to say more! A typical LYS has samples of yarns worked up, so you can see an example of a finished product. No getting tricked by weird pooling. No getting fooled by how soft it’ll b…
Continue ReadingFinishing amigurumi: keeping stuffing out of your crochet stitches
…can make the final rounds slow-going. Insert a piece of white felt Another way to keep stuffing out of the way of your stitches is to cut a circle of white felt, and insert it into your work. I tuck the felt circle in at around the 3rd-to-last round. The felt will hold the stuffing on the inside, giving you a clear path to crocheting those last rounds! Which is your fave? It doesn’t matter which technique you choose… as long as it work…
Continue ReadingLessons on how to wear a long scarf
…h you that I took photos of how to do it in the hotel lobby! Super-stylish way to wrap a long scarf First, fold your scarf in half: And then put it around your neck (so far… just like the old way!) Now, here’s where it gets new! Pull only one tail through the loop: Now, scoot that tail up a bit, and twist the loop once. The first tail should be above the twist. Pull the second tail through the loop you’ve just twisted: Pull it al…
Continue ReadingUltimate Crochet Hook Review: anatomy in action
…e depends on your crocheting style. Handles The handle doesn’t need to be made from the same material as the hook. Many hooks have handles that are just an extension of the hook (or are ‘plain). Other hooks have comfort or ergonomic handles for your crocheting comfort. A ‘comfort handle’ is bigger than a plain one, and easier to grip. An ‘ergonomic handle’ is specifically shaped to rest in your hand for maximum…
Continue ReadingAchieve Mindfulness in 7 Easy Crochet Steps
…d a much-needed break from worries about the past and future, allowing the brain and body to both rejuvenate themselves. More About Mindfulness Mindfulness was originally an Eastern spiritual concept but has become widely used by psychologists and other professionals in the Western world. Its popularity is due to the fact that it is widely helpful for people dealing with a diverse array of situations ranging from every day stress to chronic debili…
Continue ReadingHow do you know if a design is original? Follow your gut!
…t. Mrs. Tumnus isn’t the first shawl to use short rows, and if I had come up with the ‘Stacey Shawl’ completely on my own, I wouldn’t look at Mrs. Tumnus and say, ‘geesh, that’s mine in a different size with a different edging’. I would probably publish the pattern, and it would be a case of two designers having similar ideas. Do you see the difference? If you just ‘tweak’ an existing design, t…
Continue ReadingSo much fun at Pittsburgh Knit & Crochet Festival! (and deals for you!)
…until 6pm (EST) March 19th. To grab these deals, you’ll want to head immediately over to the kits page! I’ve added the adorable Nel the Owl kit (introduced at the show!), and also monster kits… which are a show exclusive! The monsters won’t be available after Tuesday! They come in pink & lime and also purple & yellow… so have your pick! You’ll also notice that the Chick in the Egg kit is on sale for on…
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