Category: tips
a reminder to pause
I’ve felt glued to work for weeks, it feels as if there hasn’t been forward progress on my projects either. This morning, I took myself outside without any swatches or my laptop. I sat and paused to absorb the sights and sound of nature around me. While the heat and humidity quickly became a new…
Using WPI to Substitute Swatch a Special Yarn
Special yarn is often tricky to swatch. I have been intimidated by yarns in my stash. Logic doesn’t always play into it. I know that I need to swatch, I write about it all the time! First, it helps me to understand the fabric in my chosen stitch pattern and needle/hook size, I call this…
Caring for Handspun
I’m often asked how I care for my handspun. I confess I’m perplexed by the question; however, I understand it. Handspun can feel more precious and special than a commercially spun yarn. I care for it the same way I do all yarn and fiber; this post shares how I store, wash, and wind my…
Tips for Working with Silk
Silk is a natural fiber I both adore and dread. The result is always lovely. However, because I’m very rough on my hands and tools, for years avoided working with it at all. My tips for working with silk are simple and effective: hydrate, smooth, select, and swatch. Hydrate & Smooth It seems that I…
crocheting with cats
The other day Dot provided me a helpful lesson. She’s no longer a kitten, but that doesn’t mean I can leave my tools where I drop them. Even if I’m in the middle of working on a project or swatch and need only a moment. Earlier this week, I dropped a ball of yarn into…
Using Mailing Labels to Help Organize Your Notebooks
I love recording information in my notebooks however, I don’t like to repeat myself or handwrite everything. The solution? Blending tools and technology! One of my favorite ways to make sure I record what I need and do so in an organized manner is to use mailing labels. I use different sizes for different needs.…