12/22/2014

Happy Holidays

12/22/2014
Happy Holidays - Top 20 Posts
As the end of the year is fast approaching, I would like to thank you all for your support and kind words of encouragement.
My never ending quest for fresh and new ideas doesn't stop, so keep on reading in the New Year.
For those of you who may have missed a post or two, below are my blog's
ALL TIME TOP 20 - click on the image to read the entire post.
To all a wonderful, safe and happy holiday. See you back here January 5, 2015.

12/16/2014

Needlecrafts - Crochet | Knit | Recycle, Felting Bags

12/16/2014
Needlecrafts - Knit, Fair Isle Hats
What is felting? Well, for me it was an accident when a favourite cashmere sweater went in the wash by accident.
I found out very quickly when I pulled out a miniature version of what was the original size. The fibres constrict together which results in a smaller and thicker fabric.
It is an age old craft that has evolved with local traditions wherever it was used and has become a very popular process in knitting and crochet.
Special "roving" type yarns have been developed especially for this type of craft. The technique for felting is quite easy with a few tips to remember: 1. Make sure that the sweater is made from 100% wool, if possible. Superwash wool will not give you the felted results as it has been processed for machine washing. 2. When felting projects in your washing machine, put the project into an old pillow case and tie the top closed. The old pillow case will catch most of the fibers that come out of the sweater during the felting process so that they do not clog up your washing machine drain hose or pipe. 3. Use hot water for the wash and warm water for the rinse, half the amount of laundry soap and do not use fabric softener 4. Dry project in a pillowcase in the clothes dryer to trap as much stray fiber as possible. Do not completely dry. When still damp, remove project, form to desired shape and lay flat until completely dry. Read further for ideal free knit and crochet bag patterns for felting, how to recycle old sweaters into totes and helpful videos showing you how to felt without a washing machine!

12/08/2014

Holiday Gifts - Keeping Knitters in Stitches

12/08/2014
Needlecrafts - Great Gifts All Stitched Up
Finding the right gift for someone special who knits or is starting to knit is actually easy.
Most serious knitters have a personal library of knitting books, collected throughout the years as different interests arose but there is always one more that would add value to their collection.
Featured above are free patterns for different, traditional styles in knitting and below are suggested books that highlight, educate and help knitters master techniques traditional to each of these styles.
Additionally, a knitter can never have enough accessories. Mine have gone missing from time to time and small stocking stuffers are always appreciated.
If there's a friend or family member starting to knit, there are starter toolkits providing that new knitter with everything but the yarn. It can't get any easier.

Read further for suggestions on excellent knitting books and accessories you can buy for the knitter you know. Who knows, appreciation may eventually be reciprocated with a new hat or scarf.
Click on the images of books and accessories under banners for more information.
Toolkit | Amazon.com - see link below
Stocking | Michael's Craft Stores and Walmart
Needle case | needle case available for purchase here
Storage | bag available for purchase here
For those of you who like to sew, this carryall bag with inside or outside pockets would be be such an attractive and useful gift for any knitter.
The pockets are ideal for needles, patterns, measuring tape and all other accessories you need.
The tote itself carries the project in progress and any extra yarn.
Don't limit it just knitters, crocheters will love it too.