…ke yarn that you can use. For the remainder of the flight, I thought about freeing those yards of yarn from it’s captive ball-state, and making coasters and beer cozies (from baseball yarn… isn’t that a fabulous idea?!?). So, as soon as I got home, I cut open a baseball. However, I was soon disappointed. As you can tell from the photo at left, it’s a stretch to even call the stuff inside the baseball ‘yarn’. It&…
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A little sale… and spring!
…! It’s so much fun and if you’re on the west coast, you should come. Even if it’s just for a day, the market is amazing. I hope to see you there! And, if you haven’t entered to win this amazing organizer, then do that. I’m currently reading Breathe Mama Breathe. A speedy read and a reminder to enjoy every moment! Great yarn-y links The Every Which Way Crochet Borders blog tour continues… with a chance to win! Oh…
Continue ReadingBehind the Scenes of the Kit Club
…kits How the Kit Club has changed over time And more! If you’d like to sign up for the club, signups are now open! I’d love for you to join! Comments welcome! As always, I want to hear what you think! Questions? Comments?…
Continue ReadingHow to Develop a Thicker Skin
…ight with a headache. We’re human. While it’s impossible to be completely impervious to such comments, I have a few tips that have allowed me to grow from my previously-dissolved-in-tears self to my current upset-but-moving-forward self. Remember that it’s not about you The email that I posted was this customer’s first interaction with me. She came out of the gate angry. There is nothing I could have done to have prevented…
Continue ReadingSchaefer Yarns Outlet: Interlaken, NY
…chaefer Yarns had been in the area, but I didn’t know that the owner opened an outlet after shutting closing her dyeing business. So… I turned off the road (with my fabulously agreeable husband) to check it out. Here is the outlet: And here are the hours: I suppose luck wasn’t on my side, because the shop wasn’t open. But, I did take a peek inside: According to this news article I found, the outlet is leftover inventory, an…
Continue ReadingHow to Sew a Personalized Bunting
…tep 1: Cut out Your shapes Step 2: Cut out your letters and sew on You can freestyle the letters… but if you’re not good at drawing (like me!) don’t fret. I made a template by printing out large letters from a nice font on my computer. I sewed the letters on using a simple running stitch. If you have a fabric that will fray, then you might want to use a zig-zag stitch around the edges. Step 3: Sew your flags Place the right sides…
Continue ReadingTips for Getting Back to Knitting after an Injury
…f work… and forget to ask about other goals you may have. It’s completely okay to say, “I crochet as a hobby, do you have recommendations for improving my fine motor skills?” Vanessa from MMAAC recommends bringing a notebook with you that contains questions you have for your doctor. Accept the ‘New Normal’ For now, I can’t lift items one-handedly (at least, not reliably!) and I find myself relying more on…
Continue ReadingBook Review: Beastly Crochet
…s. Check out ‘A Zombie named Skip’, a marionette who sports an open mouth with beads as teeth! The other critters (including a Frankenstein & his bride and an adorable yeti-type monster among others) feature colorwork, textured stitches, appliques and even felting (the cuties on the cover!). While there are a few patterns suitable for beginners, this book is targeted at crocheters who are looking for innovative patterns and want t…
Continue ReadingHow to use a stitch marker in crochet
…markers come in a few varieties, but the most important thing is that they open and close! Don’t get fooled into buying those ordinary ring markers that are for knitting needles… they don’t work for us crocheters! Do you have your stitch markers ready? Let me get you and your new best friend acquainted! Handy use #1: mark the end of the round The most common problem crocheters have when crocheting in the round is losing track of…
Continue ReadingStitches Midwest and lots of inspiration!
…ect I’ve done so far. I used these torsion hinges which keep the lid open at any angle- it means little fingers won’t get smashed! For this hinge, you need to weigh the lid for proper functioning, I feel very lucky to live near a Rockler Woodworking shop. It’s a lot like the quality assistance you get from a good yarn shop. I finished the box with tung oil, which gives a great finish. It’s good to go outside of your comfort…
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