Has this happened to you? You fall in love with a yarn and a stitch pattern and are determined to stay the course even when it's obvious they're not a good match? Perhaps the yarn is too variegated for the stitch, or it doesn't work for the yarn structure, or it's not the right stitch for the maker at this time. That's the fate of my current pair of … [Read more...] about stitch rhythm
technique
the importance of swatching for gauge
Every week, I swatch for fun. But sometimes I need to swatch for gauge. While my fundamental swatches have flexible criteria as to what makes them effective tools, I make sure to work my gauge swatches diligently. There are some truths that are universal for both knit and crochet gauge swatches. Gauge swatches are important and tell me what I need to … [Read more...] about the importance of swatching for gauge
The Apple-A-Day Blog Hop: apple (cores) for the teacher
While I've quilted, it was many years ago. While I've done a bit of English Paper Piecing, it was for hexagons and before I had a chance to read Diane's book. When the schedule to sign up for this blog hop went around I purposely chose a week that I knew would challenge me. I love curves, but I've always avoided them. I knew the type of project I wanted … [Read more...] about The Apple-A-Day Blog Hop: apple (cores) for the teacher
keeping track of WIPs
I record details about projects I'm working on in my notebooks and Ravelry. I take many photos along the way. However, I recently discovered there was one little piece of information that is important for me to keep track of that I was not recording consistently. I keep my current projects in various fabric bags to protect them in general, to make them … [Read more...] about keeping track of WIPs
the simple magic of tubular bind-off
Little details can transform a simple item into something very special. A tubular bind-off can take a humble 1x1 rib edging and turn it into a finished and sophisticated feature. It sounds tricky and complicated, but is straightforward once you break down the steps. One quick word of warning -- you do need to be comfortable grafting! The method I use for 1x1 … [Read more...] about the simple magic of tubular bind-off
make tidy needles and hooks
With curious cats and foster kittens in my house, it's very important that I keep tools tidy and put away. By giving my needles and hooks a consistent home I've also eliminated the time wasted in looking for them and also stopped buying yet another set of size 2mm needles because they hadn't been put away properly (needing another set because I'm working on … [Read more...] about make tidy needles and hooks