Easy Slipper Knitting Patterns Are Great For Beginners

Choose easy slipper knitting patterns, they are great for a beginner to learn how to knit. The only stitches required are knit and purl. You can use the shorter needles and this will help you to get use to handling them. With short needles you do not have all that extra length to deal with.

Tips for knitting slippers

First: Choose a simple pattern. Slippers are small so you will finish quickly and have a real sense of accomplishment.

Second: Choose shorter needles. You do not need long needles for slippers. The shorter needles are much easier to handle. Sizes 8 through 10 all are good to learn with.

Third: Choose a yarn that is thick or bulky. I like working with thick yarn when I want a quick project.

Forth: Use the smallest size the pattern says if you are using one with size choices. This way you will not be trying to figure out where you are in the pattern. You will always know the stitches are the first set.

When we first begin to knit we all tend to pull our stitches too tight. That is why I suggest the larger short needles and thicker yarn. You do not need worry about size of slipper to begin with.

My first project was a huge beautiful shawl. I messed it up terribly and did not try to knit again for a long time. I felt like a failure. Had I chose a smaller and easier project to start with this would never have happened. Of course I did eventually get back to knitting but I choose a much smaller project this time.

Knitting pattern, slipper

Slippers are a great gift. Perfect for stoking stuffers, for the new mother or your friend at the office. With knit slippers the size dose not have to be exact for a great fit.

Free slipper knitting patterns can be found easily online. I have a few on my site that would be great for a beginner to get started, they are knit flat so this makes it very easy handling. One pattern is knit on needles and the other pattern is knit on a knitting loom. They are basic patterns and there is a chart to help the beginner to see how to knit them.

Do not forget the charities as they can use slippers also. So if your not sure what size you want to make or the color somebody likes use what you have on hand. There will always be somebody that would love to have a pair of snuggly slippers to warm their feet.

Linda Spangenburg draws on 35+ years from her knitting and crochet business experience, both as a teacher and craft business owner. She is the author behind "Looney for Looms" where you will find patterns for loom knitting. We hope you found the information here inspiring enough to try a craft homebased business? You can find more free information about knitting and crochet for profit at http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Spangenburg

Make a Hawaiian Luau Craft Necklace for Your Party Guests

A Hawaiian luau is a fairly festive event, mostly famous for ham and pineapples. It's not hard to see why you've chosen to hold one. Now, all you need is some kind of crafting project to tide over the guests while the food finishes cooking.

One of the easiest craft projects for a festive party like this is to make a beaded necklace, so I'd recommend making Hawaiian leis. The ingredients are fairly easy to come by, virtually any crafting store that you come across is going to have more than enough beads and string for any number of guests and designs that you could come up with. Although you could always go the traditional style and use flowers to make yours.

Now the method for making these is quite simple, first you'll need to come up with the design for your lei. Such as color scheme, number of small beads to large beads, if you intend to use flowers, etc. Alternatively, it can sometimes be fun to just make it up as you go along; nothing says you have to have a plan.

You'll want to make sure that your string for the lei is long enough to go around your neck and still have plenty of leeway for tying together at the ends. Finally you simply string the beads together and tie the ends of the tread together, you may want to use some glue to either hold the last beads in place or to hold the knot on the string together. Otherwise there is a chance the beads will go flying everywhere if the knot comes undone.

If you want to use some flowers, you'll need to put a hole through them to string them together. However, you should remember that unless you use dried flowers, they will wither and die on the lei. "

Mrs. Party... Gail Leino takes a common sense approach to planning and organizing events, celebrations and holiday parties with unique ideas for luau party supplies and fun luau party games She explains proper etiquette and living a healthy life while also teaching organizational skills and fun facts. The Party Supplies Hut has lots of party ideas with hundreds of free holiday printable games and free birthday party activities. Over 100 adorable Themes including luau Party Supplies to fit your birthday celebration, holiday event, or "just because" parties. Party themes include cartoon characters, sports, movie, TV shows, luau, western, holidays, and unique crazy fun theme ideas.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Gail_Leino

How To Crochet A Simple Afghan - Patterns Of Crochet Afghan For Beginners

Tricot Crochet, Tunisian crochet, Railroad Knitting, Shepherd's Knitting and Hook Knitting are the various names for Afghan Crochet. The day you start learning this art you will be faced with different free crochet designs rather intriguing patterns for instance crochet apple afghan, simple afghan or then instructions for crafting a dual crochet ripple baby afghan. Still all this could be useless if your basic knowledge of embroidery and stitching techniques is incomplete.

Gaining knowledge of any art be it painting or crochet craft will always come in handy and this is a universally accepted that there is no substitute for knowledge. Start with basic and easy to learn stitching techniques and then gradually as you grow in confidence you can upgrade for more difficult and intricate types of embroidery.

Once you have learnt these stitching types you will see for yourself that how many different designs you would be able to create without having to consult others for your own creativity.

There are in access of a dozen different stitching methods, for instance cluster, cross over, Tunisian, cheek, crossed, knot, fence, mahogany, diagonal rib, star, stocking, rib, treble, fan, eyelet, braid and four sided stitch are the stitch you can learn, while knowledge of some of these stitch is a prerequisite before you start.

To help you begin here below are instructions for 2 stitches, this should allow you to begin a project.

TRADITIONAL AFGHAN STITCH:

1. Build a sequence that has equal quantity of stitches.

2. Base Stitch: Place a hook within a second chain, add wool next to the hook and pull one ring through the chain, wool besides hook and pull against one loop, Keep doing till finish. In the end quantity of loops should match quantity of chains we began with.

3. Second row: Twisting the wool should be prohibited round the hook and pull a ring from the 1st loop on hook, Keeping doing this till there remains a single loop remains. The motion of arm would not be left to right side of chain.

4. Third row: Take the first chain, place a hook from right side to left side from 1st standing each standing thread that is there on row to the left. In the end quantity of loops should match quantity of chains we began with

5. Forth row: In line with the second, third and forth rows process is replicated as per requirement. For a more elegant appearance you are free to make use of a dual crochet in the final row.

KNOT STITCH:

The backdrop of classic afghan stitch is suited here. Do the 1st row in a simple manner. On coming back, do the work where knots are necessary, do five chains, place a hook on chain number one, wool besides the hook and pull three loops on that hook.

For instance the first chain, the in use loop on the hook and the to be used stitch running with the row.

Uncover the simple tips and instructions to your how to design my own crochet pattern questions as well as getting the best beginner crochet kit at http://www.beginnercrocheting.com. You can also get the free report on the secrets of crocheting by Jennifer Walter when you join the mailing list on the site.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jennifer_Walter

Sewing Thread - Stitching It All Together

Thread is a tightly twisted strand of two or more ply of yarn used for hand and machine sewing. Some facts about sewing thread:

• The difference between thread and yarn is that thread is used to sew together garments and other products, while yarn is a collection of fibers that is woven or knit into textiles. All threads are made from yarn, but yarn is not made of threads.
• The first 'thread' to be used in sewing was made from animal sinew and plant fibers.
• There are three types of thread, animal, plant and synthetic, based on the materials they are made from.
• Silk is an example of thread made from animal products. The silk caterpillar weaves a cocoon made from silk that it produces. These cocoons are unraveled, and two or more strands are twisted together to form silk thread. Silk makes a very fine, stretchable and strong thread.
• Cotton is an example of plant fibers used to make thread. Fibers of cotton are spun into a fine yarn; two or more strands of yarn are twisted together to make the thread. Cotton thread tends to shrink and is not as strong as silk thread. The thread is singed over an open flame and mercerized (dipped in a solution of caustic soda) to improve its strength and give it sheen.
• Nylon and polyester thread are examples made from synthetic materials.
• Ninety-five percent of all thread of all kinds manufactured are used in industrial and commercial sewing.
• The development of the cotton thread industry in England was the result of a blockade during the Napoleonic Wars in the early 19th century. This prevented raw silk from entering the country, so no silk thread could be made for sewing. Patrick Clark invented a method for twisting cotton together to make sewing thread.
• The original threads made by Clark were not string enough to use in the new fangled sewing machines of the later 19th century. George Clark, a Grandson of Patrick, developed a six-stranded thread with the qualities necessary to be used in sewing machines.

Alan Beggerow owns and operates Cathleen's Bargain Basement, an online business that offers custom made apparel and hand crafted teddy bears by Cathleen, and also offers a selection of jewelry, home decor, Asian motif items, and much more. http://www.cathleensbargainbasement.com

Alan Beggerow is also a free lance writer. Visit his writing services website, Ghostwriter, at http://www.ghostwriterboo.blogspot.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alan_Beggerow

Tips to Embellish Quilts with Beads

If you are interested in tips to embellish quilts with beads, you have come to the right place. Quilts have moved beyond simple coverings to works of art due partly to the addition of embellishments such as beads. This article will explore how you can ensure that your beaded quilt vision comes to life by asking yourself four simple questions.

Is this a good project to embellish?

What kind of quilt are you making? If this is going to be a well-loved and well-washed quilt, I would not suggest embellishing. It will require too much care. Wall-hangings or mini quilts, however, are perfect projects for beading.

How can I improve this quilt?

There is no point in adding beads to the quilt if they will only be a distraction. Everything you do should be to make the quilt more beautiful. Although I love gaudy baubles, this is one time where too much is not a good thing.

The first step to embellishing quilts with beads is to take a good look at your quilt pattern. What can be enhanced about the pattern or the fabric that you are using? Do you want the outline of a star to stand out? Do you want to bead the center of an appliquéd flower? Take a washable making pencil (please be sure to test to make sure that the marks will come out upon washing) and outline where you think beads would look the best. Turn it over in your mind. Get down your beading vision of this quilt.

Are my embellishments in the center of the quilt?

You need to establish what Joan Hawley of Lazy Girl Designs calls an "Embellishment Zone." You do not want your embellishments getting lost in the edges of your quilt or in the seam allowance. Keep them in the center of each block and at least two inches from the perimeter of your quilt.

Do I have the tools to stitch these beads on the quilt?

Just say "no" to glue. I know it is easy. It is also messy and your beads could easily detach. Do it right the first time and stitch the beads to your quilt. This quilt will last a long time. You will feel comfortable knowing that you did your best.

So, are you ready to embellish your quilts with beads? Once you have the right project, the right game plan, place the beads in the right places and in the right way, it is sure to be a winner.

Visit How to Quilt Review for reviews of beginning quilting books, tools and resources to get you started and to keep you quilting!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maybelle_Maddison

Ribbon Embroidery - A Charming Addition To Any Fabric

In the early 18th century, a highly ornate style dominated the decorative arts in many parts of Europe. This style is popularly known as rococo and is characterized by very intricate embellishments. One of the most widespread kinds of this rococo style is ribbon embroidery.

In its early days, ribbon embroidery was considered to be a very elegant art exclusive to the higher classes in society. This is especially true in France where peasants and middle class citizens were not allowed to decorate their outfits with ribbon embroidery. This sort of embellishment was reserved for the use of the more elite members of society.

As time progressed though, the popularity of ribbon embroidery reached other countries in Europe and many areas in the western world. People from all walks of life could be seen wearing outfits decorated with all sorts of ribbon embroidery.

Soon, imaginative individuals began expanding the use of ribbon embroidery to items other than clothing. Practically anything that can be embroidered were decorated with ribbon embroidery - purses, bonnets, scarves and other fashion accessories.

Many people also applied ribbon embroidery to their common house decorations such as lampshades, picture frames, pillow covers and tablecloths. In fact, ribbon embroidery in this form is still very much alive today as it was when it was first introduced in the Middle Ages.

This technique is very appealing to many individuals particularly because of its dainty and delicate nature. Today, ribbons are available in any color, width and texture that you can think of. You can easily avail of ribbons in any textile or embroidery store anywhere.

Traditionally, most ribbon embroidery has been created on silk fabrics but in these modern times, you can actually do your ribbon embroidery on any kind of material you wish, as long as you are pleased with the final results of your project.

Ribbon embroidery can also be accomplished with or without needles. It all depends on what you want your finished product to look like. If you do not want to use needles, you can imitate the style just by tying the ribbon at the right places. If you want to sew the design on the fabric, make sure you choose the right kind of needle that can accommodate the thickness of your ribbon.

If you are interested in learning more about the art of ribbon embroidery, there are many website on the Internet that can teach you techniques in making your ribbon embroidery more professional looking.

You may also head to your local bookstore and select from the many published works on this topic. One of the most famous books among embroidery fanatics is Candace Kling's "The Artful Ribbon". It's a great instructional book that will certainly help you master the art of ribbon embroidery.

You can also find more info on embroidery machines and metallic thread. Allthingsembroidery.com is a comprehensive resource to know more about Embroidery.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Faulkner

Knitting Equipment & Supplies

Knitting needles are an investment and should be chosen carefully. Some knitters like to use long needles regardless of how many stitches they are working while others prefer to use shorter needles. For afghans, my personal favorite is the circular needle. It accommodates a large number of stitches and I like the fact that I can push the work off the needle edge when I am not working on it - stitches rarely fall off my needle this way. As well, I like to be able to spread my work out and check my pattern for any mistakes and it is much easier to view when using these needles. It makes it easier to measure the length of afghans too.

There are many sizes and types of needles - single pointed, double pointed, circular, and cable needles. Single pointed needles are usually sold in sets of two. They are great for making smaller items such as scarves. Double pointed needles are usually sold in sets of four. They are used for knitting socks, hats, and sleeves. Circular needles are great for knitting sweaters or afghans. Crochet hooks, in addition to crocheting items can be used to pick up dropped stitches as well as tucking in the ends of the yarn when the work is finished, by threading the yarn ends through the knitted stitches. Knitting needles are made of different materials such as steel, plastic or bamboo. The darning needle is useful when tucking in those loose ends if you prefer instead of the crochet hook.

When you are ready to get started, you will need a tape measure which will help you keep track of the length of a work. You should always use the same tape measure when making a garment. Scissors obviously are necessary for cutting the yarn, large darning needle or tapestry needle which can be used for sewing seams or for finishing off ends, knitting needles because how can you possibly knit without these. A flat 6" ruler, clear plastic if possible, is easier than a soft tape measure when measuring short distances on the knitting. An aluminum counter is helpful in determining gauge, a crochet hook comes in handy for picking up dropped stitches as well as finishing off those loose ends, safety pins that can be useful to help mark rows as well as hold stitches, and of course, yarn and a pattern.

There are many other items that a person will use once they have decided that knitting is a hobby that they intend to pursue for many years to come but aren't necessary if you are just trying things out. Stitch holders, which come in various lengths and are similar to safety pins, knitting counters are small devices that are slipped over the point of the needle and are very convenient for keeping track of rows, especially for larger items like sweaters and afghans. The counter has a dial that will record a count from 1 to 99. Ring markers are just small or medium size plastic rings and come in handy when working complicated patterns as well as showing where increases and decreases will be made. A knitting bag or case will be useful for holding your supplies and your work together and keep things tidy. This bag need not be some expensive item any medium size cloth bag will suffice.

A notebook can be used to help keep track of rows, for instance when you knit socks or mittens, it is easier to remember how many rows to the thumb or heel if you have it written down. Also, even though you may knit the same pattern a number of times, you will probably make changes to the size and months down the road, it would be convenient to have those recorded. As well, as you knit, you will develop your own style and make notes to yourself for future use.

JoAnn Freeman operates http://www.my-knitting-site.com a blog that is all about knitting. She will be talking about knitting and taking some of the mystery out of knitting terms and patterns. Her newsletter will include information of where to find free patterns.

http://www.my-knitting-site.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joann_Freeman

Got Knitting Questions - I Have Answers

One of the things I love about knitting is that there is always something new to know about! So much information is out there, in magazines, knitting books, websites; it can become confusing very quickly if you don't know just what is basic to your knitting needs.

After all, do you really need to know what brand of lighted knitting needles to purchase or which brand of silk yarn will knit up best with that advanced pattern you found, when you still want not-so-advanced information?

In this article, I've searched my files for the best basics for knitters! When you have this knowledge, so much of the rest will begin to make better sense.

Knitting Needle basics. There are the straight needles we all know and use, but what do you do with double-pointed & circular needles? Double pointed needles come in sets of four or five and are used to make items such as mittens, socks, and other round pieces. Circular needles are used when casting on a large number of stitches, i.e. 100 or more, and then you "knit in the round". When you knit a large afghan or sweater, circular needles are wonderful. They are easy on your fingers, and can be taken anywhere.

Yarn basics. Does it matter which yarn I knit with? It sure does! With so many yarns available these days, choosing what to use can be a dilemma. So, I recommend read your instructions and read the yarn labels. There's a whole host of info on those yarn labels. When knitting baby items, use soft sport yarn or fine or fingering yarn. For sweaters use worsted yarn. For afghans, worsted, wool, DK or Aran yarn works best. For rugs or sturdy jackets, use bulky or chunky yarns. Be sure to find out how much yarn comes with each skein, as each project calls for a specific amount of yarn, and each skein/ball of yarn is different. Always buy enough yarn in the same dye lots, even if you have to buy one extra, just to be sure. In time, you'll have quite a stash of extra yarn and that's when you can use your best knitting creativity to use those all up!

Gauge basics. I see the word "gauge" in every pattern I find. Is it that important? It depends. If you are knitting a scarf or place-mats or other specialty items, then gauge is not that important. But, for items to wear or even afghans, it is very important to know how many stitches per inch and per row, you are knitting with. The required gauge is always specified in every pattern, and before you begin that project, make a gauge swatch to measure correctness. If your gauge numbers are too small, try using larger needles and vice versa. Some knitters knit more tightly than others, so never go by what someone else's knitting produces.

It is mastering the basics, whether they be for knitting, cooking, painting, mothering, or brain surgery, that will make all the rest easy to do!

Remember, when you get to know the basics, you can create a world of knitting magic for yourself, that you will find, is just what you have been looking for! Knitting........enjoy!

Want to use this article for your blog or website? You can, you know, as long as you include this disclaimer in your article: Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories. FR.EE Details ==>http://www.theknitstitch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Seidel

How to Make Your Own Stencils

Stencil art is popular. It is a great way to redecorate your home or create art pieces. Moreover stencil art is fun.

Since stencils are very common there are a lot of templates available both online and at the DIY and hobby shops. However sometimes making our own stencil is what we really want. If you are eager to try creating a custom design, read on to find out how to make your own stencil.

First let's see what tools and materials are required for stencil making. A firm surface is required for cutting the stencils. A cutting board or a piece of thick carton is good enough for this purpose. The cutting is done with a craft knife. You will also need a piece of stiff plastic or another transparent material and a low-tack tape.

Obviously you will need the design of the stencil you are going to create. You can draw it on paper and get it enlarged on a photocopier. If you are not going to draw the design than use an image - just print it and get it into the size required.

Now it is time to cut the stencil. Place the print out (or your drawing) over the cutting board and place the plastic over it. Than use a sharp craft knife to cut the plastic through. If you feel your knife is not that sharp, cut the blade and than continue cutting. It is of utmost importance to use a very sharp knife otherwise the stencil quality will be poor.

Cut one line at a time. You can start with the longest lines or the straighter ones. These are the easiest and will help you get used to cutting. Rotate the cutting board to ease cutting. It is best to use tape so that the print and the plastic do not move.

Once you have cut the whole design, you are done. There is only one thing that should be done - check out the edges of the stencil. If there are some rough edges try to soften them to prevent paint gather in there.

Once your stencil is cut, you can start painting. Use a stencil brush or a sponge to apply the paint. Apply a think layer of paint at a time. It you need to apply a second and even a third layer of paint after the first one is dry. Wash the stencil if you are going to use it again in future and store it flat in a box or between the pages of a book.

Keith Londrie II is a successful Webmaster of http://www.free-pumpkin-letter-tattoo-printable-alphabet-stencils.info, A website that specializes in providing tips on Stencils that you can research on the internet. Visit http://www.free-pumpkin-letter-tattoo-printable-alphabet-stencils.info today!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Keith_Londrie

Candy Crafts - Easter Candy Bouquet - How To Instructions From Incredible Edible Crafts

Materials used for this candy gift basket: an Easter bucket, "Dum-Dum" pops or other lollipops, decorative Easter grass, curling ribbons of different colors, floral foam for silk arranging, a stuffed bunny, chocolate bunnies, stem wire, glue dots or scotch tape, wired decorative Easter eggs (I bought them in Michaels Craft store), and Easter ribbon.

1. Take an Easter bucket and fill it 5/6 full of Easter plastic grass.

2. Cut the floral foam for silk flower arranging and put it on the top of the Easter decorative grass so it fits into the container firmly. Cut and insert filler pieces of foam as necessary. If the foam is loose in the bucket, you can secure it to the walls of the bucket with some floral sticky clay.

Or you can buy foam in the shape of a flat circle, cut it to the desired size and insert it into the bucket.

3. Cover the foam with Easter grass securing it with floral pins as necessary.

4. Set the toy Easter Bunny in the back of the bucket. If the bunny does not want to sit, you can attach a piece of a bamboo skewer to the back of the toy using a piece of clear scotch tape. The bunny is held in place with the piece of skewer inserted in the foam.

5. Make some candy flowers.

a) You will need "Dum-Dum Pops" or other lollipops and curling ribbons of different colors.

b) Take a "Dum-Dum" pop and a piece of matching curling ribbon. Tie a small bow at the base of the pop (where the stick and the pop meet).

c) Using scissors curl the loose ends of the ribbon.

d) That is it. One candy flower is ready. Make several candy flowers of each color and flavor.

6. Insert pops in light and dark green wrappers all around the edge of the bucket. Then insert the rest of the pops around the bunny.

7. The next step is to add the chocolate bunnies to the arrangement.

a) You will need chocolate bunnies, 16 or 18 ga stem wire, and packing tape or scotch tape.

b) Attach the stem wire to the back of chocolate bunnies with scotch tape or packing tape. To stabilize the chocolate bunnies on the stem wire, put a zigzag bend in the wire.

c) Insert the wired chocolate bunnies at the back of the bucket behind the toy bunny.

8. a) Take wired decorative Easter eggs and Easter narrow ribbon.

b) Tie an Easter bow around these Easter eggs and insert them in the foam so they will be in the bunny's hands as though he is holding them.

Enjoy your Easter Candy Arrangement!

If you are interested in learning how to make candy bouquets to start your own business or just to be able to make unique gifts for your friends and family, see my illustrated step-by-step guide How to Make Candy Bouquet for Fun and Profit

Lana Glass - Founder of the Site Incredible Edible Crafts - More Candy Craft Projects

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lana_Glass

You Know You Are a Craft-A-Holic - When

1) If it doesn't move, then you paint it!

2) Your kids bring flower covered scrapbooks instead of binders to school.

3) You wear a glue gun holster... you just never know when something will need hot glue.

4) You house is full of scrap fabrics, papers, threads, wool, beads, broken vases, old wooden boxes, glue gun sticks.... these are not scraps to you, these are potential craft projects.

5) Your side of the table, is piled high with craft ideas, pictures and articles, and half done crafts.

6) No one wants to get your name at Christmas, because they just know they are going to get one of your latest "crafts" for a present.

7) You have a craft supplier on speed dial.

8) You pick your kids up from school, with paint in your hair, on your face, and you wear your painting shirt like its a new fashion statement..

9) You have been called the stencil queen...

10) You will never be fingerprinted, because you have burned your finger tips too many times with the glue gun.

If this is you... then maybe it is time to get serious about your crafts and turning them into money. You probably have enough crafts around your house, that you can open a online store right away! Get some great pictures, I am sure your friends and family will be so excited that you are going to sell your crafts as a business, that they will help you get organized.

What better business to start, then one you are already passionate about?... Rather than unloading them all on your friends and family for every holiday there is on the calendar, try going worldwide, which is what will happen on the internet. You will empty your house and line your pockets!... then you can buy more craft supplies!

http://www.make-crafts-for-cash.com/onlinestore.html open a online store and sell your crafts even while you sleep!.. Article and website by Diane Palmer, who has over 15 years in the crafts business.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Palmer

Discover How to Turn Your Stained Glass or Craft Hobby Into a Money Making Business

Everyone would just love to find out how to turn their hobbies, passions, etc. into ways to earn a living and design their lives. Yes, we are aware that money isn't everything and that isn't the reason we personally do anything. There are bigger forces involved that cause us to want to get money out of the way. Like helping others learn, enjoy, while enjoying ourselves. So, if you're thinking this is just about money, you're mistaken.

When we're kids growing up we dream of miraculous things we want to be. Somewhere along the line our dreams don't always turn into reality and for many of us we turn to becoming realistic instead of optimistic and we settle for doing things that we don't necessarily want to do.

Come on, you mean to tell me you dreamed of being an administrative assistant, a collections agent, or an accountant? (Yes, I'm an accountant and no offense if you are the above - just trying to make a point).

Well in this information packed article, I want to share with you how you can turn your stained glass making hobby or any hobby for that matter into a money making business.

It probably won't be easy and chances are you'll have to learn some new things, but it could be completely worth it in the end. Imagine enjoying your retirement while bringing in extra income instead of working at Wal-Mart. Imagine replacing your income at the job you hate and doing something you love. Imagine dreaming again like when you were a kid. Feel how alive you'll feel instead of the drudgery you feel when you sluff off to work each day. Imagine a part-time income to supplement the job you do love that pays for things you barely are able to save for.

This can all happen, but you are going to need a plan of attack:

Here are some of the things you'll want to jot down and some of the tips that have helped other businesses become successful vs. the ones that don't.

**Why do you want to do this? Your reason(s) why are very important.

**Goals & Dreams. From how much money you want to make to how much time you're willing to put in. Write down your wishes, your dreams, and your goals. Set time-frames. It really does work!

**What types of products/services will you sell? Yes, you'll have your craft products, but what about other types of products? What about your knowledge, tools, supplies, the art itself, etc... There are many ways to bring in money while helping others enjoy your art!

**Is there a need, want, market for what you're offering? How are you going to be different than all the other folks selling their art/crafts? I can't tell you how many festivals and shows I've been to where every other tent is the same type of product. The question you must ask is, what makes me want to buy something over the hundreds of other products being offered? You can sell the same type of product as others, but your service, delivery, price, and other aspects are what makes people buy from you.

**How are you going to set up your business? This is a good time to seek the advice of an accountant or attorney. Don't go spend hundreds of dollars yet. Spend time on some of these other things first before you go setting up shop. You can also start out with just a business name and reseller's license (if your state requires one). This gives you the ability to purchase from manufacturers and wholesale companies.

**How are you going to promote, market, sell, and distribute your products? This section is crucial. If you are doing this in your spare time, you must ensure you set up a system of sorts that will do most of the work for you and enable you to work smart instead of hard.

**Speaking of marketing and selling, what will be your means of doing this? How are you going to let people know that your art is worth buying? There are many ways and many books written on these subjects whether you have zero budget or a large budget to work with. Some here include, shows, fairs, flea markets, auctions, websites, direct mail, joint ventures, home selling, open a store, advertising in publications, writing expert articles, and more. Aside from actually making your art, this is the most fun and exciting part! This part will also make or break your business!

**How about a budget or cash flow? Chances are you're spending money each month or so, on your hobby now. Just allocate that to a marketing and selling budget and work within your means. Allow for the purchase of additional tools, supplies, software, and so forth that will be necessary to make this all happen. You can do things on a shoe-string, but you must plan accordingly. Now is a good time to consult an accountant regarding business set up, taxes, and budgets.

All of this goes for anyone who wants to start a business whether you want to make $100 per month or $100,000,000 per year.

There are entire books, courses, and more designed on this subject. I have read and followed many. It's simple to follow, but not easy to do. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

However, since you're already spending time on your hobby/passion, now you just need to implement some additional steps to turn those pieces of art and your knowledge into a thriving business.

We hope this help shed some light on what you'll need to do to start a successfully, selling company around your art/craft.

We have seen too many folks spinning their wheels trying to make something work when with a little homework, they could've saved themselves a lot of headaches. Don't let that be you!!!

Art, Crafts, and hobbies are fun. That's why we do them! Come and join us to learn the art of making stained glass. Better yet, you can now share what you have made, your tips, your expertise, and art while learning by visiting Create Stained Glass - the number one site on how to learn glass art.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Joe_Collinsworth

How to Make Money with Crafts

Opening an online store for your crafts business, can be a great way to deal with the crafts you have left over after a craft show.

If you are part of the craft show circuit, then you have probably noticed, that certain crafts seem to sell better in certain areas, and there is just no rhyme or reason to this. You think you have made the perfect crafts for this season, and you almost sell them all out at one craft show, and yet are stuck with them at another.

It can be hard to figure out just what to make and what will sell, and what to do with the crafts you have left over after the craft shows.

Instead of banishing them to the basement in bins, or pawning them off on your family and friends as gifts... why not try and get your money out of them?.. Go the next step, and put your craft business online.

A craft that may not have sold well locally, might be just what a customer in Europe thinks is the cats meow!. Your online store will compliment your craft shows, and make sure you make money from all of your products. You can also set up a newsletter with your online store, and have customers sign up for it. You can let them know when your next craft show will be, and offer specials.. The ideas are endless... and will ultimately make you money.

Why banish your hard work to the basement or garage... it just takes a little organization, and a few nice pictures and before you know it, you are advertising to the world.

Put your website on your business card, so that your customers at craft shows, can see what else you have made. It is almost like a "art gallery" online. Online stores are easy to open and get started, you are given steps and templates to use, you do not need to be a computer genius..

Think about it... this could be a second wind for your products, and will get you known world wide.

http://www.make-crafts-for-cash.com/onlinestore.html open an online store to sell your crafts you could be selling 24 hours a day, even while you are sleeping... article and website by Diane Palmer, who has been in the crafts business for over 15 years.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Diane_Palmer

Knitting Patterns for Beginners

How knitting began

Knitters were first believed to have begun their craft in the first few centuries AD. Egyptian artifacts and art have led many historians to credit the creation of knitting as a way to design clothing to the Egyptians. Since the craft is quite simple, it caught on and spread to other cultures rather quickly. By the middle of the 1500s, the first knitting groups had been established in France.

Patterns for knitting: garter stitch scarf

First-time knitters and those new to the craft often start with a pattern like the garter stitch scarf. This simple pattern is quite basic in that is requires only the knit stitch. The end result, however, has a more complicated looking ribbed design and is an attractive fashion accessory that makes an ideal gift for loved ones.

Patterns for knitting: stockinet stitch scarf

The stockinet stitch scarf pattern is one that is simple for even the most novice knitters to learn, and is a good transition pattern for those hoping to graduate from basic to more intermediate patterns. The finished scarves are quite attractive, but tend to curl up on the edges. This can be used as the fashion and design in which these scarves are designed, or try knitting the stockinet stitch scarf with fuzzy yarn.

Patterns for knitting: baby blankets

Many knitters first become interested in the craft so that they can create blankets for their friends and family. Baby blanket knitting patterns are available, and because of the square design, are quite simple for beginners. The baby blanket pattern is highly customizable in both size and design. A baby blanket is the perfect place to practice more complex pattern stitches. And if you decide to go larger, be sure to try to the square afghan patterns. The stitches are much the same as the baby blanket design, but the final product is nearly twice as large.

Patterns for knitting: party wrap patterns

Ready for a knitting challenge? When it's time to move on to a more difficult stitch, try out the party wrap pattern. This design is circular and requires a few more advanced stitches to make it the end product come out correctly. However, the design is especially good for beginners because it helps to hide and camouflage any minor mistakes that are made in the creation of the party wrap.

Patterns for knitting: washcloths

When you want to create some products that offer more functionality and usability, consider checking out a washcloth pattern. These usually utilize the basic stockinet stitch, which makes them ideal for beginners. And with their small size, it will take even a newcomer very little time to complete the project and enjoy that rush of accomplishment and success.

The basics of knitting

Learning the art of knitting is relatively simple, and is enjoying a surge in popularity among new generations. Although machines do much of the commercial knitting necessary in the production of clothing, knitting by hand still has a very important role in modern culture. When knitting by hand, the artist also controls the colors, needles, and overall design of the final product.

There are two kinds of knitting - weft knitting and warp knitting. With warp knitting, only one string of yarn is necessary for each stitch. This type of knitting is most often done by hand. However, weft knitting involves multiple yarn strands and is commonly done by machine as part of commercial knitting.

Why use knitting patterns

Patterns for knitting provide a strong outline and foundation for starting any new knitting project. While knitting patterns can offer suggestions for design and color ideas, it is ultimately up to the artist to decide what the final product what look like.

Most new knitters should start with some of the basic patterns listed above and work on mastering basic stitches. Once you learn the basics of knitting, you will want to continue progressing to more advanced stitches and knitting patterns. You may also want to consider finding a local knitting group or meeting online others who share your hobby. Not only will this provide a nice social outlet, but your new knitting friends may also be able to help you locate and use new knitting patterns and new ideas for knitting projects.

Be sure to try using other available resources, such as local craft and hobby stores. There are often professionals and enthusiasts who can help you find great knitting patterns to start with. You can also find great information about patterns for knitting at online message boards, chat rooms, and knitting Web sites.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been knitting for years. See her favorite knit patterns at Knits and Knitting Patterns, and be sure to visit Knitting for more knitting fun!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Amos

DO YOU WANT TO MEET, DATE, MARRY A MILLIONAIRE

Relationship author reveals "101 Hottest Places To Meet A Millionaire." Gain a competitive advantage in the dating game and meet the man of your dreams. Click below for more information.

http://meet-a-millionaire.blogspot.com/

Yes We Can - Barack Obama Music Video

How to Read a Sewing Pattern

When it comes to sewing, reading patterns can be somewhat intimidating, the first thing we must know is that there are several pattern types and each may have its own design variations or what many people refer to as "views". Beginners may start with basic patterns which show traces which are easy to follow, these starter patterns don't often require people to get too technical as far as measurements, fabrics and designs.

When buying a pattern its is important to pay attention to the front and the back of the pattern envelope. The front may show you the end product or how the pattern would look if you followed all the instructions, there are of course some variations and customizations you can do in order to end up with an original piece, that of course depends of the project you are taking, it could be home decor or clothes.

The back of the envelope shows you important summaries and descriptions which must be read if you want to know what you are getting, sometimes people buy these projects because the picture of the finished product is quite beautiful however the traces within the pattern itself may be hard to decipher. That's why beginners may feel they are trying to understand a foreign language. Another critical part you must pay attention to is the design and the type of fabrics this project require, this will give you an idea of the amount of fabric you must buy.

When buying the fabric you must pay attention to its designs and determine if it has nap, this last concept is met if your fabric has a one way design, fuzzy texture and even or uneven plaid, for instance lets say that you get fabric which has dancing penguins printed in one direction, if you don't buy enough fabric you may end up cutting and sewing parts which don't fit with the rest of the design, for example some penguins will be facing right and others left.

If you will be working with fuzzy texture it is also important to buy more fabric, this is the type of material that when it is brushed in one direction it's smooth but when brushed in an opposite direction it feels rough. When you feel this resistance you can see that the color of the material has turned darker and the color is uneven.

When you open the envelope you will find a set of instructions which must be followed, if you don't understand a certain term you can also use the glossary which most of them have. This is always the first step, do not rush and try to take on the project if you haven't read the instructions, this never bears good results. You will also find the pattern pieces which can be kept for future projects if you buy a piece of pattern tracing material, many people find this useful since they don't want to end up buying the same pattern over and over. You will find that some patterns have been traced on soft paper and others on harder materials, the hard material usually has printed the master pattern which should be laid out on the fabrics as shown on the diagrams included.

It is important that you organize your space and keep all the instructions right in front of you, that way you will follow them without having pieces of pager lying under fabrics and other materials. Remember that you will be dealing with needles and other sharp objects so keeping everything in order will help you avoid any accidents.

Online-Sewing-Supplies offers more information and discount sewing supplies such as easy sewing patterns and sewing machines for sale, visit us today and learn more about sewing!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Ivan_A_Cuxeva

Christmas Robin Tea Cosy Knitting Pattern

The cheery Christmas robin is no stranger to cold bleak winters. He knows how to keep warm and he will keep the teapot warm too. The festive robin novelty Tea Cosy is quick and easy to make and adds Christmas cheer to the kitchen or breakfast table, he also makes for a very unusual gift.

To make the Christmas Robin tea cosy you will need...
5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles,
50g Brown double knitting wool,
50g Red double knitting wool,
25g White double knitting wool
And scraps of felt for the eyes and beak.

Divide all of the balls of wool into two balls so that the yarn can be used in double thickness but knitted up as a single strand.

The Back Using double thickness brown yarn cast on 28 stitches and work 38 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row)

Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later.

The Front Using double thickness brown wool, cast on 28 stitches and work 4 rows in garter stitch.

Break the yarn and change to white (again double yarn) Work another 4 rows.

Row 9: Knit 6 stitches with white, Join Red (double yarn) knit in red to last 6 stitches. Knit 6 with white.

Don't carry the yarn behind the work, instead use separate balls of wool and twist the yarns together when changing colours to avoid leaving holes.

Row 10: K6 white, K16 red, K6 white.
Row 11: K4 white, K20 red, K4 white.

Repeat the last row 21 more times.

Row 33: K5 white, K8 red, K2 white, K8 red, K5 white.
Repeat this row again.

Row 35: K6 White, K6 red, K4 white, K6 red, K6 white.
Repeat this row again.

Work two rows in white.

The Tea Cosy Top Using brown double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as follows...

Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Knit.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew about 9.5cm from the finishing off point down the side seam towards the cast on edge.

At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.

From felt cut out two eyes (Approximately 4cm in diameter) and sew into position.

Cut a 5cm long kite shape from black felt and fold the fabric in half along the long edge and over-sew this edge with small stitches. With the seam at the bottom, flatten out to form a slender pointed beak. Sew into place.

Now the rosy robin can keep your rosy lee piping hot all winter.

This novelty Christmas robin tea cosy fits teapots up to 47cm round and up to 17cm high, a medium sized teapot.

For tea cosy photograph visit http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/christmas-robin-novelty-tea-cosy-homemade-decoration.html S. Roberts writes for http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk a popular Christmas educational resource packed with creative things to do over the festive period including traditional, religious and 21st Century activities. For information about the Christmas Robin visit http://www.santaspostbag.co.uk/christmas-robin.html

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Roberts

How To Make Paper Tissue Flowers

Learning how to make tissue paper flowers is an easy and creative way to spend your time. I was unfortunately involved in a horrific accident a while ago and bed ridden for months as a result of this accident. With all this time on my hands, I decided to read up on different ways to express myself through the art of making them. This hobby is so relaxing that I recommend it to anyone, no matter what their age or creative ability.

There are only a handful of items that are needed to create a paper tissue flower and most of them can be found right around your house. You need some tissue paper and a pipe cleaner, a pencil, a pair of scissors and a ruler. Then you will have everything needed to start and complete your project.

You can begin by folding each sheet the width of a pencil (accordion or fan style). Then lay all the sheets on top of each other making sure all the creases meet. Then fold the whole thing again, and put the pipe cleaner in the middle of the accordion. Now wrap the pipe cleaner two times around the accordion and fold down the top of the pipe cleaner and twist. Then, you will carefully cut off each of the ends of the accordion, making the corners round. Then carefully fan out all the sheets so none are stuck together until a fluffy flower appears.

Whole flower bouquets can be made in a broad range of sizes and colors. The petals can be folded or cut at any size imaginable. You can make larger or smaller flowers depending on your taste.You can use many different types of colored tissue paper when designing these flowers. This will create multi-colored blossoms that will be one of the main topics of conversation at your next house party. Tie-dye or colored splashed tissue paper flowers can be used to bring some color to a dull, dreary room or to cheer up a sickly person.

A couple of months ago, I was visiting a dear, old friend in the hospital when I realized that tissue paper flowers would lighten, and cheer up her room drastically. Because she was deafly allergic to real flowers my tissue flowers were the key. The next day I returned to the hospital and brought a vase full of my multi-colored flowers and gave it to her. She was so happy that she began to cry. Thirty plus years I have known this lady and I never saw her so happy, and it gave me this feeling of warmth all over my body that is unforgettable.

There is nothing better than the feeling you get when you look at the finished product. I cannot begin to explain the satisfaction you will get from this inexpensive old pass time. Our great grandmothers, and their grandmothers made these flowers and now we can enjoy this sensational hobby also.

As I said before, its an inexpensive hobby with numerous amounts of paper tissue flowers that can be created. It very therapeutic process that is used in most nursing homes today. It helps to loosen up the fingers of patients with joint pain problems while keeping their minds working and learning. There are no limits on what the imagination can visualize and the rewarding challenge of making these flowers is one of the ways.

I hope you will consider mastering a skill that is just simply amazing to have. You will be thankful you did.

Erich Simko is an avid and enthusiastic Paper Flower creator, Origamist and Arts and Crafts buff. Learning How To Make Paper Tissue Flowers in particular has helped him through difficult times in his life and he believes it will bring much joy to your life as well.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Erich_Simko

How to Make Amazing Crafts with Kids

Arts & crafts with kids!

There are countless reasons why it is a great idea to do arts and crafts with your kids. For one, working on arts & crafts helps to hone children's creativity. Arts and crafts can also help promote teamwork and sharing, as well as offering the perfect opportunity to bond and find new common interests. Arts and crafts also allow kids to openly express themselves, even at very young ages. Nonetheless, despite all these positives, the best reason for getting your kids involved in arts and crafts is that it is fun! If you are panicking that you will not know how to guide your child through their first craft, there is no need to worry; there are plenty of arts and crafts ideas for all ages from pre-schoolers up through teenage artists.

Best practices for doing arts & crafts with kids

1. Don't ask "What is it?" when you are befuddled as to the identity of your kid's final creation. Just ask your kid to tell you more about their art or craft, and let them explain how they see their creation.

2. There will be a mess. There is nothing you can do about it. As soon as you make that realization, the whole experience will be far more enjoyable. Indeed, sometimes it is even important to make a mess. Take that knowledge to plan ahead. Get a large clear workspace for your kids, and give them the opportunity to be creative without having to worry about getting paint on your new Persian rug

2. Making arts and crafts is supposed to be about using your imagination. For this reason, try not to show your kids a completed craft as an example. Instead, let your kids learn to interpret the instructions as they wish in order to truly be creative. This will also give your kids a good lesson on the best ways to follow and adapt instructions.

4. Making arts and crafts requires a lot of focus. For this reason, it is best to get your kids to calm down a bit before placing them in front of glue and scissors.

Basic supplies for making arts & crafts with kids

Just like your kitchen pantry, a kid's craft drawer should have a few staples. While you may need something more specific for special crafts, for the most part you will be able to get by with the following list: kid-friendly paint, scissors, crayons, etc. It's also a good idea to keep a drawer stocked with construction paper, beads, glitter, paint brushes, glue sticks, and the ever popular "wiggly eyes."

The education benefit of arts & crafts

Arts and crafts can be used to apply hands-on learning to any subject. Using crafts this way helps kids think more in-depth about the subject of their artwork or craft projects. Virtually any subject matter can be taught using arts & crafts with a little creativity. For instance, if you are learning about world geography, you could have the kids make a tissue paper globe.

Learn about holidays, history, and any other topic your kids should study. Even math can be enriched through arts and crafts. Remember that school isn't the only place kids should be learning; your kids will be much more willing and excited to learn if you make learning fun with interactive arts and crafts projects.

Some ideas for kids' arts & crafts

Kids' arts and crafts can be quick and simple to keep the attention of on-the-go toddlers. They can also be sophisticated and complex for older kids who are up to a challenge. To get an idea of the scope of arts and crafts projects out there, take a trip to your local arts and crafts store or teacher's supply shop. These stores will have pre-designed craft kits, including jewelry art, painting kits, and other craft ideas. Each kit will come with instructions and all of the materials you require.

Another good idea, once you have gained some experience, is to walk arts and craft stores to shop for kids' art ideas. Here are some ideas: try straw painting, where kids can create arts and crafts by blowing paint through a straw onto a poster board or construction paper; or let your kids dip marbles in paint and roll them across the painting surface for a messy (but fun!) painting project. If you are looking for something a bit less messy then try pipe cleaner art. This is a great craft because kids of all ages can join in. Young children can use their imaginations to create simple objects out of pipe cleaners. Older kids may enjoy incorporating other supplies such as beads into pipe cleaner art.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been creating amazing projects for kids and families for years. See her exciting new ideas at Arts and Crafts with Kids, and be sure to visit Arts and Crafts for more fun projects!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Mary_Amos

Finding Clothes For Your Barbie Doll

Barbie doll clothes are an important part of the fun of playing with the Barbie doll. When Barbie first came out, the clothes were fashion model outfits. Since then, however, outfits can be worn for almost any occasion or situation. The only limit is the imagination.

Children love to play with the exquisite little Barbie clothes and the fun accessories that came with each outfit. Close attention was paid to the design and creation of these tiny clothes. Barbie Doll clothes have hems, zippers, minute buttons and even linings. &nbspThe quality finish of these dolls clothes was achieved by hand finishing.

The fasteners used on the Barbie doll clothes were miniscule. Mattel had these custom made in Japan. A company called YKK was founded and managed by Yoshida Kogig. This was dedicated to manufacturing fasteners and other miniature accessories which accompanied each set of Barbie clothing. For example, the "Nighty- Negligee Set" #965 1959-1964 contained a baby-doll set of a night gown with a matching robe in the traditional pink. The accessories included pom-pom slippers, a toy stuffed dog, an alarm clock, diary, and an apple for a midnight snack. There are certainly plenty of Barbie clothes to choose from to dress your Barbie doll. Where can you find Barbie doll clothes? Obviously you will easily be able to find Barbie doll clothes at retail stores. These stores will certainly have the latest clothes available. However this isn't the only place to find &nbspdoll outfits for Barbie. A great source to pick up bargains of doll clothes for Barbie is on eBay. Usually the approximate age of the clothes is indicated. You can find vintage or modern Barbie clothes, and they are auctioned in different quantities as well.

Another place to look for Barbie doll clothes is in local garage and yard sales and also thrift stores. You can often find some great bargains, as people's children have out grown them, and will sell them very reasonably priced.

Barbie doll clothes are an important part of the fun of playing with the Barbie doll. When Barbie first came out, the clothes were fashion model outfits. Since then, however, outfits can be worn for almost any occasion or situation. The only limit is the imagination.

Children love to play with the exquisite little Barbie clothes and the fun accessories that came with each outfit. Close attention was paid to the design and creation of these tiny clothes. Barbie Doll clothes have hems, zippers, minute buttons and even linings. &nbspThe quality finish of these dolls clothes was achieved by hand finishing.

The fasteners used on the Barbie doll clothes were miniscule. Mattel had these custom made in Japan. A company called YKK was founded and managed by Yoshida Kogig. This was dedicated to manufacturing fasteners and other miniature accessories which accompanied each set of Barbie clothing. For example, the "Nighty-Negligee Set" #965 1959-1964 contained a baby-doll set of a night gown with a matching robe in the traditional pink. The accessories included pom-pom slippers, a toy stuffed dog, an alarm clock, diary, and an apple for a midnight snack. There are certainly plenty of Barbie clothes to choose from to dress your Barbie doll. Where can you find Barbie doll clothes? Obviously you will easily be able to find Barbie doll clothes at retail stores. These stores will certainly have the latest clothes available. However this isn't the only place to find &nbspdoll outfits for Barbie. A great source to pick up bargains of doll clothes for Barbie is on eBay. Usually the approximate age of the clothes is indicated. You can find vintage or modern Barbie clothes, and they are auctioned in different quantities as well.

Another place to look for Barbie doll clothes is in local garage and yard sales and also thrift stores. You can often find some great bargains, as people's children have out grown them, and will sell them very reasonably priced.

Barbara enjoys writing about Barbie dolls and Barbie doll clothes at Barbiworld.com Check out her Everything Barbie Blog

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Barbara_White

Fabric Paint A Baby Shirt

I was recently invited to a stork party and wanted to take a special gift for the soon-to-be-born baby boy, without breaking the bank in the process. I came across a lovely white tee shirt, and a brown pair of shorts. I decided to do some fabric painting to turn the tee shirt into something special. I chose an African design, but any other design will work just as well.

Materials:
One white tee shirt for a baby ~ I bought one for a baby of 3-6 months.
A light blue water erasable pen to draw the design on the tee shirt.
Fabric paint in two colors: Brown and Orange.
One fine paintbrush.
A few sheets of white paper.
Iron and ironing board.

Instructions for making the project:
1. Before starting with the paint project, rinse the tee shirt in cold water to remove any sizing in the material. Do not add fabric softener.
2. Allow the tee shirt to dry properly and iron it lightly to remove any wrinkles from the material.
3. Draw a design onto the front of the tee shirt, using the light blue water erasable pen. I chose the footprint of a lion ~ but any other design may be used.
4. Add a few clean sheets of white paper between the front and back parts of the tee shirt, so that the paint won't smudge the back of the tee shirt.
5. Paint the lion's footprint with the Brown fabric paint. Use the paint in undiluted form.
6. Allow the paint to dry thoroughly before continuing with the next step of the project.
7. Make a watery mix of the Brown and Orange fabric paint, and use this to color the background.
8. Again, allow the paint to dry thoroughly before continuing with the next step of the project.
9. Add a caption phrase that will fit in with the design. In this case, I added the words "Born 2 B Wild." Finish it off by adding a decorative border around the design.
10. Allow the paint to dry again.
11. Set iron on tee shirt's recommended maximum heat and iron the tee shirt on the reverse side.

This article was written by Benetta Strydom, site owner of Crafter's World Online. Visit her site at http://craftersworldonline.com/ This article may be freely reprinted, as long as the reference to "Crafter's World Online," including the URL to the site, is included.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Benetta_Strydom

Art Quilting - What Is It Exactly

Art quilting has become immensely popular in recent years as more women and men take a step beyond traditional quilting and venture into this very creative field. But what exactly is an art quilt?

An art quilt is most commonly defined as having the basic characteristics of a quilt, i.e. a layer of batting sandwiched between two layers of fabric and held together with stitching, however this is where the similarity ends.

As with traditional painted art, an art quilt comprises the same elements and principles of design and is intended to hang on a wall, but because of the nature of fabric it can be manipulated or cut to any shape or size and has a tactile quality and surface design texture not found in painted art. Further embellishment of the surface of the art quilt can provide additional interest and texture.

Special Techniques

Art quilting requires special sewing and quilting techniques that are used to create the surface structure and texture of the art quilt, some of which include:

• Appliqué: hand, machine, raw edge, turned under, fusible, reverse
• Color Application: hand-dyeing, tie dyeing, stamping, fabric painting
• Embellishing: beading, hand-stitching
• Embroidery: hand, machine, free-standing
• Machine Stitches: decorative, faux hand-quilt, zig-zag, satin-stitch, twin needle
• Piecing: straight, curved, strip
• Quilting: hand, machine, free motion
• Thread: thread painting, free motion embroidery, free motion quilting, bobbin-work, couching

These special art quilting techniques can be studied through books or in live workshops or on-line classes. They are fun to learn and provide the art quilter with their own unique art quilter's palette of skills. There are also many on-line art quilt groups offering information and resources for art quilters who want to stretch themselves further.

Additional Techniques

Additional art quilting techniques can be used to create interesting and unusual textures, shapes and design elements. Some of these techniques include:

• Needle felting
• Photo transfers
• Foiling
• Using a heat gun to distress fabric
• Using papers and plastics as structural elements

Express Yourself

Art has always been an expression of ourselves and our environment; a reflection of our thoughts and dreams, and can be either subjective or objective, and so it is with art quilting. The only difference is the medium - fabric and thread instead of oils or watercolors; batting instead of canvas. Plus the added ability to add further surface embellishment and texture through the use of special art quilting techniques.

The journey into art quilting is addictive and seductive and can be very rewarding. Either as a recreational hobby or a serious art form, it is a great outlet for self-expression.

Linda Matthews is a textile artist, designer and teacher, and her website CreativeTextileAndQuiltingArts.com offers an abundance of inspiration, education and motivation in the creative aspects of textile and quilt art.

Pick up your free 20 page ebook "Quilting Machine Buyers Guide" when you sign up for her ezine "From The Sewing Room". The ebook offers helpful hints and selection criteria for choosing a quilting machine.
... It's all free !!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Matthews

Crochet Flowers - A Great Way to Use Up Your Leftover Yarn!

One problem commonly faced by those who do a lot of knitting and crocheting is the question of what to do with their leftover yarn. These are the bits and pieces -- sometimes a few yards -- of yarn that are left over from the hats, scarves, mittens etc. that you have knitted or crocheted. What do you do with all of this yarn? Just throw it away? Not if you have a lot of it -- that's like throwing money away!

One possible alternative would be to try and group the leftover yarn together by color, matching similar colors together in order to have enough yarn for another complete project. The difficulty here in lies in the fact that yarns purchased at different times, from different dye lots, will not match exactly. But there is another option -- one that I thought I would share with you.

Recently, I came across some old patterns for making crochet flowers. Yarn required for making these flowers can be pulled from your leftover yarn basket, as crochet flowers are typically rather small. Making crochet flowers does not take very long, so this is the perfect project to work on when your time is limited, or when you are in between other, more involved projects.

Here's what I do: After completing a number of more extensive projects, I usually find I have a fair amount of scrap yarn left over. These I turn into a half dozen or so different crochet flowers. It doesn't matter that I may not have an immediate use for these -- I simply save them up in a small box that I keep in my sewing room just for this purpose. These little flowers are excellent projects to work on while I think about (and plan for) my next full-fledged knitting or crocheting project.

I need to emphasize that this is not busy work. The crochet flowers that I have prepared and stored can be used in a multitude of ways when I'm working on other projects . For example if I am knitting a sweater, I can attach a small crochet flower as an accent. The same is true if I am knitting a tassel cap or even a pair of mittens. Occasionally I will pop down to my handicrafts store and purchase a pin backing; I can take a crochet flower and glue it onto a pin and it makes a very nice brooch. I have given several of these away as gifts to my granddaughters and nieces.

Speaking of granddaughters and nieces, a great way to teach them the art of crocheting is to show them how to make these little crochet flowers. Again, because you can use leftover scraps of yarn they are cheap to make, and will not tax the patience of the little ones because they can be constructed pretty quickly. When they are finished, your favorite little girl will have a wonderful item that they can treasure as a keepsake, or save to use when they are tackling their first major knitting or crocheting project. Nifty, huh?

Well, these are my thoughts -- I hope I have given you some food for thought as to how you can be more prudent and economical with your sewing and knitting supplies.

Learn how to Crochet Flowers by visiting http://www.yarn-barn.com where you can also learn about Lambs Pride Yarn

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Simon_Harris

Crochet Hat Instructions And Quick Gift Ideas

Have you been looking for some crochet hat instructions? Do you need it to be a basic crochet for a quick project? Is Christmas coming fast and gift ideas slow? If so the first thing that comes to mind is a granny square hat.

Just about everyone knows how to make a granny square. Granny squares have been made into everything from large afghans to tiny doll sweaters and everything in between.

These are great for quick projects, last minute gifts and using up small amounts of yarn that is leftover from previous projects.

If you can make a granny square you can put them tighter to create just about anything you want. If you do not know how to make one, you will find help on my site. There are step-by-step instructions on making one.

The varieties of colors are unlimited. Make the last round of each square the same color and you will pull them all together in a nice color coordinated project.

To make a Granny Square Hat

This is for a child size hat made using 5 granny squares. For larger hats use more rounds on the squares. Make 4 squares measuring about 5 inches each. These are for the sides of the hat. Make 1 square the same as the others minus one round.

Sew the four bigger squares together side by side to form a circle. Sew last smaller square to the top of the ring of squares. This will form the crown. Crochet around the bottom edge and you are done.

For a Basic Crochet Hat

Another quick hat in crochet can be done in double crochet stitch using a G hook. This would fit an adult, chain 78, double crochet in 4th chain from hook and than across. Chain 3 turn, double crochet in each double crochet. Continue until it is as high as desired. Break yarn with a long tail. Using a large eyed needles gather by running the needle through end just completed.

You can add a pom pom in contrasting color for decoration. Use variegated yarns; make stripes add pom poms or tassels for fun. Do not forget you can always make a matching scarf for a set. You can easily make it larger or smaller just add or subtract rows and /or stitches. That is one of the great things about crochet. It is easy to take out and start over.

A basic crochet hat and a scarf are easy, fast gifts. They do not take a lot of yarn and can be done in the their favorite colors. Do not forget the dolls, from Barbie to the Cabbage Patch. These matching sets are nice for the little mothers to the collectors.

Linda Spangenburg draws on 35+ years from her knitting and crochet business experience, both as a teacher and craft business owner. She is the author behind Looney for Looms where you will find patterns for loom knitting. We hope you found the information here inspiring enough to try a craft homebased business? You can find more free information about knitting and crochet for profit at http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Linda_Spangenburg

Beading Around the World - Africa's Bead Culture

The last week of October is Beads Weekin Ghana in West Africa. Exporting beads has become a major source of income for many in poverty stricken areas of Africa, besides being a major source of cultural exchange between Ghana and Italy and other European countries.

Ghana and Italy have long been linked in history. As early as the 15th century, makers of glass beads began shipping their products to Ghana in Western Africa. The beads were important for increasing the status of Chiefs and Queens and were used in ceremonies that marked rites of passage. Italy and Ghana were united by the common language of artistic beauty and their love of the tiny masterpieces.

Now, in a reversal, West Africa is beginning to export locally made beads to back to Italy.

In another part of Africa, Uganda has a thriving bead export business. Paper beads in all sizes and shapes are helping Ugandan women to rise out of poverty. Women in many parts of Africa have few economic opportunities and in Uganda, women are fleeing the civil war and settling near the Ugandan capital, Kampala. Instead of finding a brighter future, they found HIV, starvation and expensive housing. There is hope for these women-Bead For Life.

The organization called BeadForLife began when two American women watched a Ugandan woman making beads from rolled up magazines. The Ugandan woman explained that there was no market for her beads, so she had to work at a local quarry for less than a dollar a day. When the two American women brought some necklaces back to the US and gave them to some friends, a new market was born.

Paper beads are colorful and beautiful and come in many sizes and shapes. Because the market is strong in American, people purchasing these beads are helping women in another culture to survive and rise above the depravations of deficiency. As a result, a new cultural exchange market has been created.

The paper beads are created from recycled magazines, posters or other donated material that is cut, rolled and finished with a water-proof coating. The products made from the beads range from single strands of beads to delicate three strand necklaces.

More information about beads and beading can be found at The Bead Cottage, www.thebeadcottage.com

Karen Vertigan Pope writes for Ciniva Systems, an award winning Virginia web design company.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Karen_Vertigan_Pope

After Using Sirdar Yarn A Yarn Snob No More

I didn't really notice it at first; it just sort of crept up on me. But, I'd turned into a yarn snob. I found myself only using hand dyed yarn for all my projects and refusing to knit with anything 'down market'. Sirdar yarn showed me the error of my ways.

I've knitted ever since I can remember. When I was a child, my mother would give me odds and ends from her knitting projects, and I'd make do with these yarn remnants; just so long as I had yarn. I think back now to my early knitting days; the sweaters, scarves and mittens knitted together with a mixture of yarn types in a multitude of colors. It never bothered me that I had to use whatever I could get my hands on but as I grew up I could afford to buy my own balls and shanks of yarn, and I would finally knit something that someone else, apart from me, would wear.

A few years back I discovered hand spun and hand dyed yarns. It was love at first sight. Using these beautiful yarns brought so much enjoyment. I would scour every local yarn store and yarn festival looking for rare and unusual yarns. Without really realizing it, I was only using these exotic hand dyed yarns. I would dismiss yarns that I had used years before as being well, rather boring and 'commercial'. In all honesty I'd turned into a yarn snob.

The wake up call when I was asked to crochet slippers for a friend of a friend's wedding. The bride's dress was pure white, and none of the natural fibers I found were 'white enough'. With the sound of wedding bells rapidly approaching I sought, in desperation, a yarn to match. I scurried down to my local yarn store and it was there that it was suggested to me that I try a Sirdar yarn called 'Snuggly Bubbly'. I didn't really know very much about Sirdar yarn, but I learned that the company is English and has been producing yarn for eons.

The color of the yarn matched the wedding dress perfectly. The name of the Sirdar yarn was very apt; it's incredibly soft, easy to handle, and is perfect for making baby hats, blankets, mittens, and booties. It's also a very hypo allergenic yarn that is washable.

Just, so you know, the Sirdar Snuggly Bubbly yarn is 100% nylon and has a DK weight, though you can treat it as a sport weight for crochet work. It comes in a 50 gram ball with a length of 140 yards.

This Sirdar yarn was great fun. There's enough texture to the yarn that it is not as slippery as it could be. It's also slubbed, but unlike handspun slubs, these nubs/bumps are evenly spaced. It was easy to work with - I found it to be a very 'bouncy' yarn, so it was easy on my hands and wrists - and I finished the bridal slippers in no time.

I'll definitely be using Sirdar yarn again sometime in the future and I'll be using other yarns that aren't hand spun and hand dyed. Me, a yarn snob? Never.

Follow the links for more information about Sirdar Yarn as well as hand dyed yarn like Margaret Stove Yarn.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Robin_OBrien

All About Knit Baby Blankets - What You Should Know

If you are looking for the perfect gift for that special newborn baby, why not consider a knit baby blanket? Handcrafted gifts have been looked at as a cheap way out for a long time. But in reality, a handcrafted gift, such as a knit baby blanket, costs a lot more in material and time than the mass produced blankets that you find in the store.

Making a baby blanket yourself or having someone knit one for you is the best way to show your love. When you make your own blanket you can customize it any way you want to make it truly special.

If you don't know how to knit, don't despair. There are plenty of classes available that will teach you how to knit. You can also purchase books and videos that will give you the basics of knitting. It is probably a good idea to start out with something small at first like a kitchen towel, a placemat or a hat. Once you get the basics down, you can move on to something bigger.

The great thing about making a knit baby blanket is that it can be made in any color to fit the color scheme of the baby's room. You can mix and match as many colors as you desire and you can incorporate different designs into your knit baby blanket.

If you choose to have someone else knit one for you, make sure that you ask to see examples of their work. Nothing is more disappointing than to pay for a custom handcrafted product, then receiving something that is not made well. Ask around for recommendations.

There is a large variety of yarn to choose from to make your knit baby blanket. There is all natural handspun yarn made from wool. Then there is the synthetic yarns that are machine made. The handspun yarn will probably be a little more expensive, but it will have a much softer feel and possibly be a little warmer. The synthetic yarn can be found in any craft shop for quite a reasonable price.

However you decide to make your knit baby blanket, you can be sure that it will be a unique gift that should be treasured for years to come. Nothing is better that wrapping your little one up in a knitted blanket and snuggling with him on a cold winter night.

If you are crafty at all, try your hand at knitting a baby blanket. You could find it addicting. Knitting has become very popular in recent years. Why not join the crowd and knit a baby blanket?

By the way, you can learn more about a Knit Baby Blanket as well as much more information on all types of blankets at http://www.BlanketsA-Z.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Terry_Edwards

How To Make A Hemp Necklace The Hippie Way With Insider Tips And Tricks

Materials to make a hemp necklace.

Hemp
Beads
Scissors

Optional materials.

Glue
Shower ring

Step 1. Cut your hemp cord.

a) Cut two cords that are 5 feet 8 inches in length. This is going to be your knotting cord.

Tip - I don't whip out a tape measure every time I need to measure my hemp. I measure it against myself. I pull it out to the width of both my arms spread to their max and cut it their. It's much quicker than measuring it with a tape measure.

b) Cut one thread or thin cord that is 2 feet 10 inches in length. This is going to be your center string. If you are using beads the will go on this string so make sure they fit. I measure it from my finger tips to my neck.

Tip - I like to use more hemp than I need. It's always easier to cut a little bit off than to fix the necklace if their isn't enough.

Step 2. Starting out.

a) Take the two knotting cords they are the thicker and longer cords and tie them together using an over hand knot. To do an over hand knot make a loop go threw the loop and pull tight.

b) Take the shorter thinner center string and both knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot two inches from where you made your first over hand knot.

c) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.

Step 3. Add beads.

a) Add the beads you want to use.

Tip - If it's hard to push the center string threw the beads because they have small holes. Place a drop of general purpose glue on your index finger then position the center string on the glue 4 inches from the end and pinch in place with your thumb. Then pull the string threw your thumb and index finger distributing glue along the final four inches of length. If some areas are still dry repeat. Hang the glued end in the air to dry for thirty minutes to an hour or until hard.

Step 4. Macrame.

Tip - The knots are much quicker and easier to tie if the center string is tight. So I take the loop that I created in step two and put it on a shower ring then I attach the shower ring to a hook or wall. I then take the center string and tie it to one of the belt loops on my pants.

a) Take your two knotting cords. Pull them to opposite sides of the center string.

The basic knot is called a square knot. It can be started from the left or from the right.

Their are two designs that can be created spiral and flat.

The flat design is created when you alternate your knots. Left, right, left, right or right, left, right, left.

The spiral design is created when you tie the same knot. Left, left, left, left or right, right, right, right.

It doesn't matter which knot you start with it matters which knot you follow up with.

Tying a left knot.

a) To tie a square knot starting on the left you take the cord on the left and lay it over the center string creating a loop on the left.

b) Next take the cord on the right and go over the left cord then under the center string and up threw the loop on the left of the center string.

c) Pull tight.

Tying a square knot starting on the right involves the same process started on the right side of the necklace.

When you are ready for a bead move the bead up behind the last knot you tied then tie your next knot on the other side of the bead.

Continue tying knots and adding beads until you get to your desired length.

I usually stop a necklace when the macrame and bead portion is long enough to stretch around my neck and touch ends.

Finish the macrame portion of the necklace by tying all three cords together in an over hand knot.

Step 5 finishing the hemp necklace.

a) Braid all three cords together for about 2 inches. Then tie them off with an over hand knot.

b) Cut off the remaining length of the center string.

c) Take the two knotting cords and tie them together using an over hand knot.

d) Cut off any remaining length and you are done.

Tip - The braided portion and loop on the end is for tying it off. You give them 4 inches of braid and four inches of loop so that they can tie it off to the length they desire and dispose of the rest.

Hi I'm David Depape. You can visit my hemp necklace website at. hemp necklace You can view this article on my website at. How to make a hemp necklace I also make hemp bracelets. hemp bracelets Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_Depape

Knitting Zen

Knit One Purl Two happens to be one of the most well known knitting terms, well known by non-knitters and knitters alike. Repeating it out loud confers some of the meditative experience of knitting. For those of us who knit, there is almost nothing more relaxing than watching a row of neat, organized stitches line up on your knitting needles.

The knitting craze is cyclical. It was very popular in the 1950s and again in the early 2000s. It has slowed somewhat, but its enduring nature is a testament to both the relaxation it bestows on the practitioner, and the joy of craftsmanship. Many people consider it akin to meditation. After all, the first most basic meditation you learn is breath counting; in breath, one, out breath, two. In knitting you are often counting your stitches and focusing on nothing more than the stitches being created and the count itself. Basic meditation.

Of course, the challenge of a complicated pattern, or a technique previously untried requires a bit more focus and can result in "tinking" (also known as un-knitting) or even some serious "frogging" (ripping out more than a few stitches, so called because "rip-it, rip-it" is reminiscent of the frog's "ribbit"). But it is all part of the process, and most knitters, no matter how goal-oriented in their daily lives, face this part of the knitting experience with cool composure and aplomb. After all, it is the experience of knitting that we are seeking, more so than the finished-object.

Knitting teaches you to let go of your aspirations of perfection. There is some merit to leaving the error in place. We've all heard of Arab rug-makers who believe that only God can create something which is flawless, therefore they deliberately weave a mistake (or multiple mistakes) into their works of art in order not to offend God. It can be a humbling experience to the perfectionist. But mistakes can also be a good thing. My very first sweater was knit incorrectly. I knit everything through the back loop, the result a twisted stitch which worked wonderfully with the yarn I was using. I didn't know I had done something "wrong" at the time, but got many compliments on the distinctive nature of that sweater. Your mistake makes your project uniquely yours. It differentiates your work from anyone else's that might be knit from the same pattern.

There is also the cooperative aspect to knitting. There are many websites devoted to teaching / sharing knitting techniques on the internet. Knitting circles abound. The local yarn store will often provide assistance if you are having trouble with your pattern, regardless of whether you purchased your knitting supplies from them or a competitor. The knitting community, as a whole, is a warm, nurturing place.

The fact that knitting is such an easily portable activity also allows for us to mitigate stressful situations. Personally, I like to knit when I am a passenger in the car. Since I'm not the best passenger, this has the added merit of helping to preserve my marriage. If my husband and I are headed out for more than just a quick local errand I've got to have my knitting bag, or we'll both be unhappy. And if I've lost my focus and commented on something going on outside the car, my husband will often ask me why I'm not knitting. I have to admit, though, most of my frogging is a result of knitting while "passengering" -- my attention being diverted away from my knitting to some potential traffic mishap.

Things get better when you just breathe in and out; knit one, purl two.

Jane Wright authors knitting articles, when she can be convinced to put down her needles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jane_Wright

Easy Knitting Patterns - Knit Christmas Gifts

If you choose the right techniques and easy knitting patterns, making your own Christmas gifts doesn't have to be intimidating. Even a beginning knitter can make wonderful gifts that will show your love and creativity!

The key to knitting for gifts is to keep things simple, use quality materials, and, if you want to knit several gifts, consider using one pattern multiple times.

I'm a beginning knitter (or I don't know how to knit yet)

Here's the big untold secret about knitting. If you pick a simple pattern, knitting is really easy! If you're an absolute beginner or just feeling a little lack of confidence, knit up some scarves in chunky, beautiful yarn.

They'll go quickly, winter scarves are wonderful to wear, and a thick "novelty" style yarn hides any little irregularities in your stitches.

If you don't know how to knit at all, pick up a book like Teach Yourself Knitting Visually or a clear, simple how-to-knit eBook like this one

You can master the basics in less time than it took you to figure out how your email program worked.

Finding the time to make handmade gifts

This is the kicker, right? We're all crazy busy, and finding time to make hand-knit gifts might seem completely impossible.

Here are some great opportunities to get some knitting in. Think about your own schedule and see if there are other times you can find.

TV. This is the big one for most folks. If you watch an hour of TV a night, you can get a beautiful gift knitted every week, at least. Two hours a night = two gifts a week. Netflix counts too!
Train or bus commutes. If you usually manage to get a seat, especially on the train or light rail, this is a fabulous knitting opportunity. Again, you can figure an average of a gift a week per hour of commute time.
Waiting on hold. Does your job or home life ever find you waiting around on hold, in a doctor's office, or anywhere else? Perfect knitting opportunity.
Before-bed wind-down. Staying up on the Internet or electronic gaming until right before bed (you know you do it) is rotten for your sleep patterns. Instead, about an hour before you want to turn in, make yourself a cup of non-caffeinated tea, put on a recorded book or some music, and get out your knitting needles. You know what I'm going to say next. An hour a night will equal at least one beautiful knitted gift every week.

Knit for charity

If you live in a warm climate or your friends just aren't winter scarf people, you might consider knitting for charity. You can knit blankets for the elderly in cold climates, "comfort dolls" to comfort children with AIDS in Africa, or hats and scarves for the homeless. Google "knit for charity" to find some great opportunities. You might even consider knitting for charity in a friend's name as a holiday gift, if you're a little short on cash for something like the Heifer Project.

Tips for knitting Christmas gifts without stress

The most important tip is to keep it simple. Even if you're a pretty proficient knitter, this isn't the time to learn a new technique or work with a skinny fingering-weight yarn that will take forever to knit up. Pick an easy knitting pattern for something like:

A winter scarf
A simple winter hat
Fun knit toys
Easy fingerless mittens

I created a Squidoo lens with lots of tips, patterns, resources and ideas--far more than I can link to in an ezinearticle. There are resources there for cute and easy knitted toys, too, and some more charity knitting ideas. You can find it at Knit Christmas Presents

If you find a pattern you like, say for an easy hat or a cute stuffed toy, use it as many times as you can for multiple presents. You'll be amazed at how much faster the second, third, and fourth version of the same pattern can be.

You also will usually want to stick with chunky yarns (this is a good use for "novelty" yarns, which have lots of texture and are usually thick but also light and fluffy), since they knit up quickly so you can make more presents. Remember that a scarf or hat should be made of nice, soft yarn so it feels good against the face. Even a beginner can make a simple scarf with novelty yarn in just a few hours, and have it look just fantastic.

Don't let the idea of knitting Christmas presents intimidate you! Keep it simple, use quick-knitting materials, make use of your downtime, and you'll have 5 or 10 heartwarming home-made gifts to give this year. Happy knitting!

Copyright (c) 2007 Sonia Simone. Sonia is a professional marketing writer and editor who also loves to knit. You can read her blog at www.remarcom.typepad.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Sonia_Simone

Rag Quilt Patterns

Quilting has long been an art with the earliest American women creating beautiful quilts to adorn their homes. For hundreds of years, women all over this planet have been sewing quilts to keep their family members warm. In fact a lot of women would hand down their quilts from one generation to another or make some memory blocks to stitch lovingly all the wonderful milestones in their lives.

Many families use quilts also to celebrate different events of our life like weddings, birth of a baby, Christmas and other festivals and events. When it comes to warmth, there is little that can outmatch a quilt, and when you want something that is aesthetically pleasing, quilts deliver in spades. There is no particular technique for making quilts nor are there rigid rules barring safety and hygiene. People are attracted to quilts by the variety of designs and the many different colors. Quilts can be seen as a reflection of people, places, life and times. One of the joys of quilting is being able to spend your craft time doing various styles or types of quilts. Quilts, what a wonderful way to add that country touch to your décor.

Easy Quilt Patterns

If you are into quilting, then you must have realized that one of the most critical and important parts is actually in choosing quilting patterns to work on. You also need to consider your ability and skill in choosing quilting patterns. One critical thing to remember in choosing quilting patterns is that you have to make sure that the design will complement your home décor.

Start Quilting Business

Sewing has a proven track record as a home-based business in dozens of niches, including upholstery, bridal wear, crafts and quilts. You can often make at least a fifty percent profit on your completed quilts. Whether you want to make a business of quilting, or you just want it as a serious hobby, investing in a quilting machine is a wise decision. Quilting machines allow you to not only create quilts faster but, you can even make a profitable business out of selling them. With a quality quilting machine you can easily make two or three quilts per day.

Quilting Sewing Machines

Good sewing machines for quilting can really help you to enjoy your hobby rather than hindering it. A poor machine will leave you frustrated so it is well worth taking the time to research and choose from one of several good sewing machines for quilting. The needles that fit in the good sewing machine for quilting will also be an extremely important point for consideration. Number 14 needles are the best option for quilting, but not all sewing machines will hold them.

So if you are searching for inexpensive quilting patterns with great designs, using easy to follow quilting techniges then here is your answer.

You can find the best easy quilt patterns review here and the best expert advice available for quilting techniges (techniques).

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Knowles

Knitting Stitches: 5 Most Popular Knitting Stitch Types

Welcome to the wonderful world of knitting! Even if you've been here for a while, there is always something new about this most fascinating craft!

Let me start by introducing you to the five stitch types that I believe are at the very heart of knitting!

Learning to knit, you know, is nothing more than learning different knitting stitch types.

Wherever I roam on the Web, many of the same questions arise. Over and over again, I come across forums and discussions with the same types of concerns.

In this article, I will attempt to explain some of the basic knitting stitches and everything they encompass.

I will talk about 'the knit stitch', 'the purl stitch', 'knit 2 together', 'yarn-over', and the 'stockinette stitch'.

These five stitches, I believe, form the very foundation of knitting. Learn, and perfect, each one of these, and you will be well on your way to becoming an expert in knitting!

All other patterns emerge from these few stitches. So, let's begin!

'The Knit Stitch'. Have you ever looked at something knitted? I mean, really looked? If you have, you will see one side of the knitting looks different from the other.

Knitting follows structures. The knit stitch is formed by making loops which interweave with one another; one after another.

The knit stitch will resemble little "v" patterns when viewed from the knit side of a pattern.

To form a "knit stitch" you use one needle to pull a loop of yarn through the existing stitch on the other needle. (You can knit with more than two needles, but that's a discussion for another day.)

Holding both needles in your hands, insert the right needle, from "front to back" into the first stitch on the left needle. Keeping the yarn at the back, bring it "over" the tip of the needle, counterclockwise. Pull the yarn down, and catch it with the right needle.

Slip the "old" stitch off the left needle and you have a new stitch on the right needle! A knit stitch!

Many times you will be told the knit stitch is the "right side" or RS of your work. But, once in a while, it will be the "wrong side" or WS.

Either way, it's good to know those two abbreviations.

'The Purl Stitch'. The purl stitch will resemble what looks like "brick-face" when viewed from the purl side of a pattern.

Unlike the knit stitch, with the purl stitch, you hold the yarn to the "front" of your knitting.

Insert the right needle from "back to front" into the first stitch on the left needle. With your right index finger, wrap yarn counterclockwise around and down the right needle.

Draw the right needle and yarn backwards through the "old" stitch. Slip off the old stitch. A new stitch forms. A purl stitch!

'Knit 2 Together.' Now, this is easy! Just knit two together! Insert the right needle into the second stitch from the tip of the left needle, making sure to "catch" the first stitch with it.

Bring your yarn over and up, then down, catch your yarn, slip the old stitches off, and you have a new stitch in their place.

You will have only one new stitch from two. Knitting two together is often used to decrease stitches or to create an open-work pattern.

'Yarn-over'. Adding a yarn-over, or YO, is also used when creating open-work designs. To do a yarn-over after a knit stitch, just bring your yarn across your work from the back to the front. Then, knit the next stitch.

You will see an extra "stitch" on the row. When you come to that stitch in your next row of knitting, it will not look anchored like the others. That's because you put it there, all of itself.

Knit it like you would knit any stitch. As you go, you will see that yarn-overs create "holes" or openwork designs in your knitting.

'Stockinette Stitch'. This stitch is knitting's most common. All it consists of is knitting one row, then purling the next, and so on, and so on.

The stockinette stitch is exactly where every knitter should begin. And stick with it until you know your stitches well!

So there you have it! *5* most popular knitting stitch types!

Get knitting!

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories. FREE Details ==>http://www.theknitstitch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Seidel

Should You Buy a Knitting Machine

Knitting machines are great for speed or for making exquisite fine gauge knits but they can also be very expensive. Are they right for you?
Before you buy a knitting machine, you need to realize that they are not necessarily going to be faster or easier or produce better results than you could get by hand knitting. You need to be aware that some complicated patterns are difficult or impossible to reproduce on a machine. Knitting machines limit the size of items that you can produce on them to the number of stitches which that machine can hold; so that you might have to figure out where you can split a pattern and sew it together by hand later. Be aware that you will need to block most machine-knit fabrics because when you remove your fabric from the machine it will be distorted and curled from being stretched and weighted as you are knitting it.

You need to appreciate that knitting machines are complicated and there is definitely a learning curve to machine knitting. Knitting with a machine is very different from hand knitting. An oversimplification of the mechanics of a knitting machine is that it has a row of needles (latch hooks) and a carriage allows the yarn to go through the needles and the machine to produce a knitted piece. It has more in common with a loom that with a sewing machine. There is a lot of set up involved; and they can be temperamental or confusing, especially if you are a beginner.
Think about your reasons for buying a machine. There are several more important reasons to invest in a machine, than its speed.

A knitting machine helps a lot with sustaining an even tension in your knitting. It will allow you to create better Fair Isle projects. A machine will make it much easier to hang several colors than to keep track of them on two needles, for knitters doing intarsia. It is easier to knit lace on a machine than doing it by hand. A machine will save you time and money if you are doing production knitting or charity work. It will make it easier and quicker to rip out mistakes. A machine makes it much faster to knit stockinette; (you can complete the back of a plain, basic adult sweater in less than an hour), which will allow you more time for designing and being creative. A machine can speed up the tedious work of stockinette stitches, while also giving you the satisfaction of hand manipulation. You can still work through a complex chart for lace, Fair Isle, or cables manually.

Keep in mind, though, that some things are easier to do by hand. You can only do seamless socks on a double-bed machine with circular kitting capabilities. Mitered squares are tedious on a machine because you have to remove and re-hang your work every few rows. Entrelac can be done on a machine but it is less interesting. You will probably have more satisfaction doing an intricate aran sweater by hand. Most machine-knit afghans must be pieced together because the knitting width is limited to the number of needles on a machine. You can only do knitting in the round on a more expensive double-bed machine. Knitting and purling in one row, and creating seed stitch or gansey designs is laborious on a machine; although knitting and purling automatically in one row can be done on a higher end machine and a garter carriage, it's not something for a beginner.

Swatching is essential on a machine. Different machines do not knit the same yarn at the same tension or gauge. You will need to, before each project, do a test sample, using the exact yarn you will be using for your project at the precise settings that you intend. You must launder and block the swatch exactly as you would treat the final garment.

Your machine must be cleaned regularly. Routine maintenance after each garment is easy. You will need to remove all the needles and give the machine a deep cleaning every year to keep it performing at its best. Knitting machines don't tolerate static electricity, so you will need to keep the humidity level up, use anti-static tools and ground yourself before touching them. These machines can be noisy too.

Whether a knitting machine is right for you depends on what you want to use it for. There is something special about a hand-knit fisherman's sweater, just as there is about a St John's-style suit knitted on a machine. Machine knitting and hand knitting are different crafts, even though there is some crossover between them. Each of them has its own specialties and its own niches. It still requires human creativity and nimble fingers to create beautiful knits on a knitting machine; so using one could open up worlds of possibilities for you. Have fun.

Tracy Crowe loves creative crafts.
For more information about knitting, visit http://yourknittinginfo.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Crowe

7 Ways you Can Feel Comfortable in a Knitting Group Meeting

Learning how to knit? Bitten by the knitting bug? Now, it’s time to meet more people who are hooked on knitting! Fix mistakes in your knitting also. Get the most out of your knitting group meeting. I’ll tell you what to expect from a knitting group meeting, show you 7 ways you can feel comfortable among experienced knitters. Then, visit this list of knitting groups in Los Angeles, CA or US, to attend a meeting near you. Have fun making new friends to share knitting ideas and projects.

Here are 7 ways you can feel comfortable in a knitting group meeting:

1) Talk with other knitters, don’t stay quiet. Don’t just show up and knit your projects! You can do that at home, right? The first time I went to a knitting group, I thought people just sat together and knit in silence. Was I wrong! It’s more like a group of friends getting together to chat, and they happen to be knitting. You’ll be surprised how the other members in the group want to get to know you. It’s their way of making you feel welcome. You’ll be doing the same when members come for the first time to your knitting group meeting. Be prepared to answer questions like, “how long have you been knitting,” “where do you buy your yarn,” “where do you live,” and “big plans for the weekend?”

2) Ask them what they think of LYSs (Local Yarn Shops). If you’re a new knitter, get a list of LYSs near you to see and touch the new yarn brands, buy yarn or just go to their day-long sales. Bring the list of your LYSs and ask them what they think of a certain LYS. Members in the group are glad to tell you about their shopping experience at an LYS. You’ll hear comments like “the staff was standoffish, the staff is so friendly, too pricy for me, basically same yarn at my LYSs, not worth the trip.” This info is useful when you’re driving to the LYS to buy yarn. If you’ve been to an LYS before, please share with them how you were treated, what you bought, or just what you liked about the LYS. For example, the first time I went to a knitting group, 2 of the members worked in an LYS!

3) Help a new knitter with their project. People go to a knitting group to knit, but also to learn from experienced knitters. For example, be kind enough to put your project down for a second, and help another new knitter with their project, like fixing “holes” or extra stitches on a needle. I remember that my first time at a knitting group meeting, I only knew how to cast on and knit in garter stitch. I had finished my scarf but didn’t know how to cast off. I asked a member if she could show me how to cast off my scarf, and she kindly put down the hat and the 4-needles, to show me to cast off! Wow, talk about being nice!

4) Bring a simple knitting project to knit. You’re at the meeting to meet knitters, share tips, and knit. If you bring long, complicated patterns that require you to count stitches every row and focus too much, then stay at home to do it. The idea is to join the conversation, and be friendly. I recommend bringing a knitting project like a dishcloth, sock, scarf, or shawl that has 1 or 2 patterns or in garter stitch. For instance, a member in one of the meetings said, “I brought something mindless to knit.” It was a long scarf in garter stitch.

5) Bring your list of written knitting patterns. A member or you might get an idea for knitting project at the meeting. If you’re a regular member, a member might even give you yarn as a gift and you would want to knit that moment. Sometimes, you might not be sure of a basic pattern, like a chevron, feather and fan, or horseshoe. You’ll be glad someone or you has a list of basic patterns written down in the knitting bag.

6) Bring some of your WIPs (works in projects). Every knitter struggles to finish a project because there’s always a new more exciting project to start. Encourage them to finish their WIPs. Don’t forget to tell them what’s on your needles! Not just to show off, but to get their opinions and tips. For example, one of your WIPS is a lacy scarf in mohair yarn. They will gladly tell you what they think of the yarn you’re using, compliment you on the idea, and ask you about it days later until you finish it.

7) Meet at upcoming knitting events. If you’re a new knitter, you don’t need to be shy at a LYS event. Why go by yourself to a knitting store sale, event or knitting show? Have fun by going with friends. Planning to go to a knitting event? Ask the members if they’re going and meet them there! After attending a knitting group meeting, you’ll want to go to the next one. I hope these 7 ways will help you feel comfortable in a knitting group meeting. Remember to get to know the members in your group, make a simple knitting project, and meet them at a knitting event. Knitting doesn’t have be a lonely, sometimes frustrating experience. Click here to pick a Knitting Group Meeting in Los Angeles, CA or USA.
http://www.articlesbase.com/hobbies-articles/7-ways-you-can-feel-comfortable-in-a-knitting-group-meeting-204702.html

Mum's Knitting - A Natural Arthritis Treatment Story

Arthritis can cause such a lot of discomfort in so many ways when you get older. It was one thing when mum started to lose her sight a bit as she got older; she still managed to knit things for all her grandchildren, and could do most of it from a good memory. However once arthritis started to cause her the discomfort that it typically does, her knitting needles became something which caused her pain and not pleasure.

Mum has knitted things since she was younger than me. She knitted my school jumpers and I always had some striped something or other from socks to scarves from remnants! Her hands have always been nimble. Arthritis is strange because it makes your fingers painful but they can also swell and become stiff. It is very frustrating to watch somebody try to accomplish something that used to be so easy.

That is when we starting trying some remedies to see if we could help her. I am the one in the family that is more inclined to try natural treatments so I looked into some of the remedies available. There are all different types of arthritis but two of the main ones are rheumatoid and osteoarthritis. Not knowing which one mum had, as there is also another type which appears more with age which is degenerative arthritis, we thought we would try something which has helped many people with the symptoms, so I bought her some omega 3 fish oil. Most people do not get enough of this type of oil in their diet anyway so it was worth a try. Sure enough, it has helped her immensely.

Now? Well she is no longer with us, but I know that she managed to knit right up until she couldn’t sit up. The good part was, her quality of life was helped by a natural arthritis treatment. Who would have thought that a natural arthritis treatment using an oil supplement could bring somebody so much more pleasure and quality of life by relieving some of the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis? I didn't, but now I endorse the use of natural products to all the people I care about who suffer from arthritis.

You are invited to find out more about natural rheumatoid arthritis tretament by visiting our website.

For a products review of natural treatments visit http://www.pozzee.com/review.htm

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Steve_Knowles

Knitting Your Way To Happiness

Alice Seidel
http://www.theknitstitch.com

Life just comes at us, doesn't it, in a million different ways. Every waking minute of our day, it seems as if there is always something waiting for us. Some of it imminent; most of it pertinent; a little of it of no consequence.

Yes, life can be so complicated. Yet, it is in the midst of our daily frenzy that we can find the best solace.

How, you may ask? How, when life's daily expectancies, simply look to overwhelm us. How then, do we make life simple again? How can what I do, any day, every day, all day long, ever begin to make a difference?

Good questions. There are good answers awaiting.

It is simple, quite simple. Just take your passion out. Whatever burns a fire in your heart, whatever soaks through the layers of your life and is sustained in and of itself, when all else makes no difference. Whatever you go back to time and time again; that talent your mother told you you had many times when you were growing up.

Aside from my writing, it is knitting, which has woven its very threads into my being. I can't live without it! I love everything there is to know about being a knitter. The patterns, the creations, the yarns, the needles, the blogs, the websites, the books, the magazines, the shops, the camaraderie of others who share my passion.

But, more than anything else I love the way knitting makes me feel!! It is in the quiet moments, when I hear my needles clicking, and the very best thoughts, which I suspect are being thought by someone else way out there in the universe and picked up by my thoughts floating out there too; just like those wispy dandelion heads which we blew apart as children and watched fly away into the world. Somewhere out there they don't merely fall apart into nothingness; no, they find other wispy seed heads to join up with, to stick to, and become whole wispy dandelion heads all over again.

Whole, from a part. That's the secret to passion. Knowing that you, or I, are only a part of the puzzle. We are not the entire thing! And we never will be. We can only give what we have, and that will do just fine, thank you!

But, there is so much to give! Just take knitting, for instance. In knitting's pleasures are found its treasures. Where can you cast on one sole stitch and when completely done, behold a masterpiece even you didn't think was possible?! Where can you get to know other knitters, some across the street, others across the world, who know just what you know, who think just as you do, who hold the same passions inside just like you?

If your desire is to help people, here we are! Any yarn, any color will do. Caps for preemies, afghans for Afghans, blankies for little ones, shawls for the sick, pretty scarves in furry colors like cotton candy and sapphire blue, to dazzle eyes that never see such fun. Of course, there is always Christmas, birthdays, and don't forget weddings. Nothing makes me feel nicer than to hear all the "ooh's" and "ahh's" when a beautiful wedding afghan that I knitted comes out of its gift box and everyone exclaims all round! Want to make your cat or baby dog extra cozy this winter? We do that too!

Then there is knitting to see my way beyond sorrow and grief. Tell me, who doesn't know that song? Yet, it's ending can be upbeat, or at least, a metered measure closer to feeling better. Or in helping another to find their way through the dark. Because to knit, you have to be in the light.

Don't ever think you don't have what it takes to be the next helping hand, the next inspiration, the next big idea, because if you live and breathe and have your being in this world, then the possibility is there!

Because you are there. Because you are here. Because you have a passion. And the world needs your passion. Because with it you will never go wrong. Because with it is your key to happiness. And that is the only way, isn't it, to open the door to your heart!

--------

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories.
FREE Details ==>http://www.theknitstitch.com

Understanding Knitting Needles

In this brief article we aim to just give a basic understanding of knitting needles, their sizing and what you need to look out for.

Size IS important................

Knitting needles come in different sizes. It is important to know the size of your knitting needles because their size is related to the size of your stitches and, implicitly, to the appearance of the finished work.

Knitting needles are given different numbers according to their measure. Do not think of their length! It is important how big round the needles are. However, these numbers can differ from one country to another. For example, a knitting needle of 3.75 mm is number 5 in American measurement and number 9 in British measurement, or you may see on the bag of the knitting needles you buy it is simply written as a 3.75 mm needle.

Notice that the American measurement has low numbers for needles with smaller diameters , and the numbers can go up to 50 for a larger diameter like 25 mm, while the British measurement has high numbers for low diameters and the numbers decrease when it comes to high diameters like, for example, 000 for knitting needles of 10 mm , Therefore, you need to look up a knitting needle conversion chart to ensure you end up with the correct needle size.

To confuse you still further if you have a 4.5 mm knitting needle, in that case the size number coincides, with both countries calling it size 7.

Understanding Guage ............

In knitting, there is the concept of gauge and it means the number of stitches in a given length. This concept is related to the pattern you have and, if in your pattern it says there are supposed to be , for example, 5 stitches to an inch and you can make only 3, than you should and need to change the size of your knitting needles. Each pattern requires that you knit a certain number of stitches using a particular yarn and a specified needle.

However, it is not necessary to stick to the yarn or the needles specified in the pattern, but it is important to get the correct number of stitches per inch in order to have the right size, length and other characteristics of the pattern.

Different Kinds ..........

You can also choose between circular needles and straight needles. Some people prefer circular needles because they are more comfortable to use and you can knit both in the round or back and forth like straight needles. You can find circular knitting needles, double point knitting needles and also single pointed knitting needles made of different materials such as steel, wood or bamboo. There are also different types of knitting needles like Addi knitting needles, Clover knitting needles, Misc knitting needles, Crystal Palace, Rosewood and HiyaHiya

To find out more pay a visit to a good knitting or haberdashery store & ask for advice.

Toby Russell owns & operates http://www.knitting4beginners.com – an information site dedicated to helping knitters just starting out.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Toby_Russell

Choosing A Knitting Machine

There are lots of options when choosing a knitting machine. How do you determine which one is right for you?

Knitting machines come in three general categories: manual, card punch, and electronic or computerized. With a manual machine, you must move around the pegs by hand when you want to change the pattern. With a card punch machine you input the basic pattern cards they come with (or make your own pattern cards) into the machine and the machine then knows how to change the configuration to make the patterns.

With an electronic machine, there are files stored in its memory for basic patterns (again you can add your own), and it reads the pattern just like a card machine does and moves the needles automatically to make that pattern. Many machine knitters start with a manual knitting machine and then, after they have determined what their needs are, move up to an electronic machine.

Knitting machines come in four different machine gauges. These gauges are determined by the distance between the needles on the machine's bed; the larger the gauge, the thicker the yarn it can deal with. Think about what you'll want to knit with your machine so that you get one with a suitable gauge for the yarn you will be using.

Bulky (9 mm between needles) machines are used to knit the thickest hand knitting yarns. Mid-gauge (6.5 mm) machines handle all types of hand yarns including DK weight yarns, ribbons, novelty yarns, mohair, and nubby yarns. They are the best machines for hand knitters. They are probably the most versatile and most able to produce knits that look handmade. Standard gauge (4.5 mm) machines knit commercial grade fibers (anything finer than DK-weight yarns); typically coned yarns. Fine gauge machines (3.6mm) knit the thinnest, thread-like, yarns, and produce fine, lightweight knitted fabrics.

All knitting machines are available in sturdy, metal models, which start at 700$ and go up to several thousand dollars. Mid-gauge machines are also available in plastic (cheaper) versions. Look for a good, basic mid-gauge machine that will operate easily, enjoyably, and well. You should be able to upgrade a good plastic machine via optional accessories.

Most machines are single-bed machines, i.e. they have one set of needles on a flat bed to knit stockinette stitches. Some metal bed machines are made as double-bed machines which allow you to do ribbing automatically (without hand-manipulating stitches). You can also start with a single bed machine and add on a ribber later.

Metal bed knitting machines are available from Silver Reed (also sold as "Studio" in Canada) and Artisan. Silver Reed offers all four gauges, and is one of the most respected and reputable knitting machine companies. Artisan offers more basic and affordable standard and mid-gauge machines.

Plastic knitting machines are available from Silver Reed and Bond. Bond knitting machines are the least expensive ones available, and retail for $130 to $250. The plastic Silver Reed LK-150 (150 needles on its bed) retails for under 400$. This machine is reliable, fun to use, uses hand knitting yarns, and has many add-on accessories; so it is a great one for hand knitters to start with. You can combine hand and machine knitting by hand knitting the ribbed edges and then machine knitting the body of a sweater. The LK-150, and other basic machines like it, lets you enjoy the challenge of hand manipulating stitches to create an interesting texture. The LK-150 has an optional Fair Isle carriage that is worth the investment for people who are frustrated by Fair Isle.

Unless you are familiar with knitting machines, it would be wise to find a dealer or two and go and talk to them about what you want to be able to do and find out what the various machines in your price range can do. You will need ongoing support while you are learning about your machine and preferably lessons too. If you can, you will want to talk to other machine knitters, and/or attend a machine knitting club (these are usually sponsored by local dealers). A beginner may want to buy a mid-gauge machine so that they can use all their hand-knitting yarns. Good luck and have fun.

Tracy Crowe loves good, creative knitting

For more information about knitting, visit http://yourknittinginfo.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Tracy_Crowe

If you Can Crochet, you Can Make Barbie Doll Clothes

Most people who crochet have made doilies, motifs, edgings or insertions at some time. If you can make these, you can easily convert them into beautiful clothes for a Barbie doll. The wonderful thing about crochet is that you can easily change the size by using smaller thread or a smaller hook. If you have a pattern that you love but find the motif is too large, you can make it smaller, and vice versa. These are ideas I used many times over the years to make doll clothes.

Remember, there are so many varieties of thread; white, ecru, pastels, bright colours, metallic.Beading adds a wonderful look to Barbie's clothes. Ribbon is run through small holes and either tied or you can place a small piece of velcro on each end.Any motif can be filled in or very lacy; simply place the lacy motif over a piece of fabric lining and tack the corners.

Barbie's dimensions are:
Bust: 6"
Waist: 3 3/4"
Hips: 5"

To make a cape:
Crochet any square motif.You will want it an inch wider than Barbie's shoulders.Crochet a beading row and run small ribbon through the beading.Tie around Barbie's shoulders.

To make a skirt:
Each skirt will have either elastic thread around the top to make a full skirt or sew up the back to 1" from the top and put ribbon beading around the top.Remember that the elastic must go over Barbie's hips so it must measure 5 1/2" when stretched.

Also remember to leave enough elastic to tie. After you tie, run the ends back through the top and snip leaving at least 1/2". I put a dab of liquid sewing on the ends to keep from unravelling.Crochet two motifs larger than Barbie's hips and join.or Crochet several small motifs and join (this can be made in different colours for a patchwork look).Crochet a picot or ruffled edging around the bottom.

To make a pinafore apron:
Crochet one large motif for the bottom of the apron and a smaller motif for the apron bib.Crochet beading on the top of each motif and join the two motifs.Run ribbon through the beading for ties.To make an easy top:Use your favourite insertion pattern. Crochet two; each measuring 6 1/2" wide and as long or as short as you wish, depending on whether you want it midriff, waist length or longer. Join the sides to the arm pits and join the insertions at the top with just one or two stitches so it will pull over her head.

A Slinky Dress or Top from Elastic Thread:
Using elastic thread (gold metallic is the fashion right now), crochet a square in sc 5 3/4" wide and choose your length (waist, mini, knee or full length). This dress will be sleeveless and slide onto Barbie. It must be narrower than her bust or it will slide down. Add a gold ribbon around her waist.

To make Beading:

Join thread at corner; * ch 2, sk 2 ch, dc in next ch; repeat from * across.

Run ribbon through beading.

http://www.articlesbase.com/home-and-family-articles/if-you-can-crochet-you-can-make-barbie-doll-clothes-192371.html

Knit Speak - A Knitter's English

Are you a KIP - er? That UFO in your stash, what's that all about? And that pattern instruction, was it WYIF or WYIB?

Huh?

If you knit, then you have probably run into all sorts of abbreviations, especially from knitting patterns. Some, like K for knit, and P for purl are rather obvious indicators of what to do at any given moment; they blaze brightly as beacons of the knitting row and where to go next.

Yet, in this world of instant communication, where IM-ing, and Ipods, and now, iPhones are all the rage, knitting has a jargon all its own, as well!

So, the next time you visit a knitting forum, try a few of the following abbreviations out and see what you get. It's the new patois of the "purlers", if you will.

We all know, or should, YO's and PSSO's, but what about OTN? As in, 'what WIP have you got OTN?' How many WIP's have you got going at one time? I like to complicate my life and have at least 3 or 4 going at one time.

What about that poor UFO sitting there in the corner, unloved and unknitted? Did you run into a problem with the DPN's and don't know what to do? Or, possibly, the pattern said to go TBL or YON and you aren't really sure how to do that!

Did you know there are TOAD's in the knitting world, too? Oh, not the amphibious types that you have to touch, only something which was much loved once upon a time! Probably too much FROG -ing involved, and you just couldn't take it anymore. I know, I've been there, too.

The next time you are in the LYS looking for the MC for your next project, choose yarn that is easy to work with so you don't spend all your time TINK -ing. And, no, I didn't say 'thinking', that's just par for the course.

So, before I end, let me tell you what all these abbreviations mean. KIP is knitting in public, UFO means unfinished object, WYIF is with yarn in front, so WYIB is ......., YON means yarn over needle, DPN is double pointed needle, TBL is through the back loop, while OTN is on the needle. WIP means work in progress, and MC is main color. LYS is your local yarn store, and the dreaded TOAD is trashed object abandoned in disgust! And to FROG is to rip it, rip it, rip it! Which leaves TINK, and that's knit spelled backward, so it's all about un-doing your knitting.

Pretty neat, if I DSSM!

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories. FREE Details ==> http://www.theknitstitch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Seidel

I am a Knitting Addict

If you are a passionate knitter; you know who you are…..you are the person who, just for a fleeting second, wonder if it might be worth taking your knitting into the bathroom with you instead of a magazine. You are also the person who feels a smidgen guilty you spend too much time fondling yarn.

Recently there was a topic thread on a knitting forum I visit asking how much time we all spend knitting every day. I lied. It was a forum; I didn't know any one personally on it….and I lied. I believe I recorded a quarter of the time I actually do knit every day. That was a clear cry for help.





Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


That was also the day I started to think about my knitting passion and how it affects my life.

I am lucky enough to be a stay at home wife. My children are grown and have homes of their own, so I also have a lot more free time than I have had at any other point in my life.

You might think my house is clean, orderly and well run; that I make a point of keeping in touch with good friends; spend time nurturing my relationship with my children and projecting the essence of grandmothering onto my eight grandchildren by making and sending them cookies as a treat. You'd think my husband would be greeted by a delicious home cooked meal every night when he came home from work and that my gardens are visual delights for neighbors who stroll by my home. You'd think……but……I knit. I knit all the time. When I'm not knitting I'm reading about knitting, or I'm in knitting chat rooms talking about knitting.

I don't know how many people out there might be quite as addicted as I am, but it's a serious issue. If I were drinking or doing drugs there would be a number of well intended folks interested in stopping me and helping me to develop a more well balanced and productive life. But, I knit. It looks harmless. I sit in my rocker, and click needles. No apparent need for intervention. There appears to be no hope for a cure either.

I knit a few rows, leap up, put in a load of clothes in the washer, take the vacuum out of the closet and set it in the parlor….then, sit back down and knit. A few rows later I take the clothes out of the washer put them in the dryer and dust the parlor. The parlor gets vacuumed a couple of rows later. Now it's mid-morning and I finally think about taking a shower and getting dressed, unless I'm turning a heel on a sock, which really can't be interrupted Exchange these chores for others and my days all pretty much follow this routine.

It far worse in the warm months when I can sit on the screened porch or out on the patio….hours can pass. Also, during this period I am too far from the house to do any chores.

I have a knitting bag in the car for those long trips to the corner grocery store. I sat in a meeting last week in church trying to work up the courage to ask the minister if he really truly would find it vexing if I knitted during services on Sundays. If he were just going to be a little annoyed….well, then I think I might knit. After all, from time to time he annoys me too.

How do some knitters do it? How do they reasonably allot time to their knitting and maintain the rest of their lives appropriately? I have no will power or self discipline; to suggest I work this out on my own would be like expecting I'm only going to take one potato chip from the bag….right…..that's going to happen.

If my Grandmother was right and we should always look for the silver lining, I do have to say, my husband and I have drawers full of wool socks for the winter, my grandchildren have warm sweaters in every imaginable color and style and even the cats have a hand knit wool pad in their bed.

The dust bunnies under the beds….well….does anyone know if they can be spun and knit?


About The Author

Holly Burnham is a self admitted yarn addict. The addiction will be life long and there is no hope of remission. Her constant knitting has put the cleanliness of her home in peril. Her yarn stashes are havens for generations of moths. Her days are spent in her knitting chat room, her nights in her rocker knitting. At the risk of contracting this affliction, visit her at http://www.knittinghaven.com/.

Anyone interested in some Cedar Plank Salmon? or
how about Increasing
your page rank?.. Well this weekend site called Everyday Weekender
can help you do that, and help you become a cool blog. Check it
out!

Discover Why Knitting Is A Great And Timeless Hobby That You Can Benefit From

Knitting is a great hobby. Many people enjoy knitting because of its many benefits. Knitting is considered as a form of art. A completed piece of knitted item is in fact the creation of a piece of art. The knitter gets to feel a great sense of pride and accomplishment in completing such an item.

Living in a fast paced society, many people need to do something to distress and relax. One of the great benefits of knitting is that it is a splendid stress reliever. It helps to free the mind and hence, it is regarded as a wonderful outlet for an overworked brain. It is no wonder that some people use the activity as a retreat in stressful situations. The craft can slow down a hectic life and enable a person to unwind after a hard day's work.






Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


In a world filled with mobile phones, computers, televisions and videos, escaping for an hour to knit something soft and warm can be incredibly rejuvenating. There are people who even believe that knitting can actually fuel the creative process in other areas of their lives. They believe that the craft allows the creative part of the brain to work more effectively and find creative solutions to other areas of their lives.

Another benefit of knitting is that it is very portable and can be carried along to any place. Unlike other hobbies like weaving or cooking, the craft can easily be thrown into a bag and pulled out anytime when it is required. As such, the knitter can bring the craft along and do it during bus or train journeys, air flights or even in traffic jams. In this way, hours of waiting and traveling are not wasted away as they are used to accomplish something useful.

One benefit of knitting is that there are various choices of items to knit such as hats, socks, sweaters, jackets, shawls, scarves and pullovers. There are plenty of projects and designs to choose from to suit all levels of knitting expertise, time and budget. Besides, these pieces can be created to beautify homes or serve as special gifts for loved ones. Knitwear garments are beautiful and attractive, and many people like them. Presenting them as gifts is always well loved and appreciated.

Crafts go through phases. Many crafts are built more for speed and fad than for longevity. One benefit of knitting is that it can create long lasting items. Home accessories that are hand-knit with love and care often become heirlooms and family treasures. They are always a source of pride and joy. Besides, these invaluable items are inexpensive to make.

What is knitting? It is simply the process of forming a fabric by making interlocking loops from a continuous strand of yarn using two or more needles. Knitting is an easy craft to learn. Besides, it only requires simple materials, which are two knitting needles, some string or yarn, and a little instruction. For certain items, there are some accessories needed. For example, if you are knitting a sweater, then you will need some buttons. The choice of buttons has a great impact to a sweater. They can make the difference between an attractive garment and a stunning one.

Knitting is a popular craft among the young and old. In fact, the pool of knitting enthusiasts keeps growing. Despite the machine age eliminating the need for hand-stitched items, the popularity of knitting still continues. It is evident that many people have experienced its benefits and recognized its worth to want to continue using this craft to enhance their lives.

If you are interested to start knitting as a beginner, there are many resources available with step-by-step knitting instructions to enable you to learn doing simple projects. When you have learned the simple projects, you can proceed to do the more complicated ones. After some time, you can try to create more pieces using your own ideas. Instead of following closely to the selected knitting pattern, you can add something of your own to make the design unique.

Happy knitting!
http://www.articlesbase.com/self-help-articles/discover-why-knitting-is-a-great-and-timeless-hobby-that-you-can-benefit-from-50322.html

Creating The Perfect Christmas Gift Basket

Making gift baskets for Christmas is a lovely way to make gift giving easy and put a bit of your own creativity into a present. Normally, Christmas gift baskets are themed and they'll either reflect the interests of the recipient or, if the basket is a business promotional tool, the gift giver.

If you're making a gift basket for a friend, try to think about his or her interests and include those in the basket's theme. For example, if your sister loves to knit, then make a basket with a knitting theme and decorate it with yarn. If your brother-in-law loves golf, then fill the bottom with tees and start from there. If your co-worker is a music buff, then include some mixed CDs and maybe a pair of headphones. By coming up with a theme, you'll find that putting together a basket is easy and fun.





Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



There are some people though that are hard to pin down. If you're stuck for a theme idea, try going with a food focus like gourmet chocolate, tasty teas, or sumptuous soups. Or, and this is a safe bet, most women (and men!) would love to get a basket full of bath time goodies. Who doesn't like to pamper themselves?

Now, if you're making a hundred gift baskets to send a holiday thank you to your clients, then you're going to want that Christmas gift basket to reflect you and your business, rather than trying to tailor each individual basket to each recipient. Try to include items that represent your company and what you do. If you're a financial advisor, throw in some chocolate dollars. If you run a cleaning business, tie it up with rubber gloves. Christmas gift baskets are a great way to thank clients and show a touch of your lighter side. Remember, be creative, have fun with it, and always put a bit of yourself into the project.
http://www.articlesbase.com/relationships-articles/creating-the-perfect-christmas-gift-basket-178912.html

Yarn Blues - When Worsted Just Isn't Enough

One of the best things about buying yarn for knitting is the absolute profusion of varieties and colors currently available. Walk into any yarn shop and the array of all things woven can be quite overwhelming.

The best part of all is deciding which color to use. Violets, purple haze, tangerine and rose, lime, turquoise or sunflower.(I just know there is a great name for a rock band in there somewhere!)

Yet, some specialty yarns appear too delicate to knit with, and the question arises, just what should I knit?





Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



Keep in mind with so many of the fun fur, boucle, super- bulky, suede, mohair or fun-fetti yarns, if you knit wih just one type, occasionly, (not always) the delicacy of the yarn is just not enough to look like anything sustainable.

So, what to do with all those luscious looking yarns I see on the shelves in the yarn shop?

Here are a few tips that can help you whenever you use specialty yarns:

Tip #1: Remember needle size is important. When you mix yarns, add together the suggested needle sizes. If the first yarn calls for size 6 needles and the second yarn calls for size 8 needles, then start with size 14 or thereabouts until your pattern feels workable.

Tip #2: Needles come in different types. There are metal, wood, coated, or bamboo. Some yarns work well with certain needles, and others can be difficult to knit on. Experiment for what works best.

Tip #3: Experiment with texture. Love those wispy yarns, but don't know what to do with them? Incorporate them with a sturdier, colorful yarn for a knitting surprise! Especially when knitting scarves or purses, be bold; you never know what you'll come up with!

Tip #4: Try an eyelash yarn with a popcorn texture; or a boucle with a ribbon contrast; mohair with something slightly chunky. I like mixing colors that too often don't seem to go together; in knitting, they look fabulous!

Tip #5: When using specialty yarns, knit simpler patterns. Don't get all lacy when knitting with two yarns coming at you, rather then the traditional one skein. Oftentimes, garter stitch is the way to go. And, specialty yarns tend to be a bit pricier than classic yarns, and if knitting anything very large, you can end up spending a lot of money.

So, there you have it! Get knitting!

Keep YOUR knitting on the "Cutting Edge" with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories. FREE Details ==>http://www.theknitstitch.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Alice_Seidel

Knitting - It's All Relative

I must admit that I have never done a survey and my conclusions would be considered unscientific, but I am fairly certain that when any of us think of who taught us to knit, a family relationship or special friendship comes to mind. How many of us learned our knit and purls from our mother, aunt, or grandmother? Should I mention in these days of political correctness, perhaps it was an uncle or grandfather who showed us a wandering cable or two-color knitting?

Possibly, it was when we were about to change or add another title to our life's label, for example from "wife" to "wife and mother" that we began to explore the craft of knitting. "Knitting little booties" is a common expression that describes an expectant mother, assuming that once you have babies you must knit for them. I have it on good authority from a friend who wishes not to be identified, that it was the birth of her daughter that prompted her to investigate the possibilities of knitting. The pattern she ambitiously chose was a "pram set" consisting of a double-breasted sweater, leggings with a drawstring waist, and a hat with pom-poms. Our adventurous mom-to-be had not yet been introduced to the glories of correct gauge and yarn weights. For the selected pattern, written in fingering weight, she bought a worsted weight yarn. Yarn is yarn, right? When finished, she realized that baby would have to wait at least until the first day of elementary school before placing a delicate limb into that outfit. Isn't this how we all learn? Mistakes are never failures, just postponed success and always a darn good lesson.






Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


I learned to knit from my mother who had learned from her mother. My grandmother by all accounts was an avid knitter who would knit a sweater for anyone who asked. I distinctly remember my first project. After patiently learning to knit, my mother sewed the knit sections together as it seemed just too much for a novice knitter to handle. I can't imagine learning how to knit by following a graphic or a photograph in an instruction book. You just need those arms around you, guiding your fingers, positioning the needles, and wrapping the yarn in the right direction to create a stitch.

Didn't those first few stitches seem awkward and clumsy? Did you ever think you would be able to knit in a darkened room or when watching television? I know one thing is certain, you invariably hold the needles and throw the yarn in the same style as the person who taught you. Some methods promise a more even tension or perhaps speedier knitting but once you have learned a certain style, it seems difficult to undo and so it becomes your own knitting style. It takes a concentrated effort to change your knitting technique and as knitters we all want to get on with the next project at hand, not wanting to slow down our productivity with the awkwardness that comes with changing our ways. These knitting styles also follow along cultural lines and ethnic traditions passed down through generations of knitters teaching young family members to knit. These styles also remain particular to geographical areas or countries as styles have come to be labelled as French, Scottish, German, Norwegian, or Greek.

An enthusiastic knitter will likely have no trouble remembering where and how their knitting skill was learned. Taking the time to pass on some of that familial knowledge will surely result in someone who will look back in a few years and remember the kindness shown in demonstrating how to throw that yarn or knit into the back of a stitch. Our knitting skill is a tradition that all of us can attach to a smiling face and a loving pair of hands.

© Maddy Cranley.

Maddy Cranley is a professional knitwear designer, who has created exclusive designs for knitting and craft magazines, authored and published three books on the subject of creating felt garments and projects from handknitting, and produces an ever-expanding line of maddy laine handknitting patterns. For additional information, see http://www.maddycraft.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maddy_Cranley

Knitting faith with action

Knitting faith with action
By SHARMA HOWARD
Norwich Bulletin


As knitting has surged in popularity, so too has interest among church groups in mingling the craft with spirituality. Knitters pray over their handicrafts as they stitch in hopes of sending their positive energy and communal blessings to the recipient.

"We don't pray for the item to heal the person, we pray for the person to be able to find strength and comfort with the item that was made for them," said Cecile Cloutier of Thompson, who two years ago formed the Interfaith Stitchers of Northeastern Connecticut.





Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


The group meets at the Westfield Congregational Church in Danielson and has more than 50 active members, Cloutier said.

Many groups, such as Interfaith Stitchers, have formed in the past two years, drawing women of all ages. Some call themselves prayer shawl ministries, but one thing important to Cloutier is people from all denominations feel comfortable to join.

"We're here to help the needy -- that's why it's interfaith," she said. "I wanted them to know if they were in a Catholic Church, or even if they didn't go to church, that they would feel welcome."

With so many hands available, it's no surprise the women make a variety of items, from quilts to baby clothes, to linings for military helmets to keep them warm when temperatures in the desert drop.

"I contact different organizations and see what their needs are," Cloutier said. Some women, she said, make the popular prayer shawls.

The women not only say a prayer while they stitch the item, they keep in mind the age and need of the person as well.

"The knowledge that you are asking for God's help for somebody and really doing something about it at the same time -- you feel a great sense of service to your fellow man or woman," said Sally Thompson of the Lady Fingers Needle Club of Cook's United Methodist Church in Mount Juliet, Tenn.

Janet Bristow and Victoria Galo began the Prayer Shawl Ministry in 1998 after graduating from the Women's Leadership Institute at Hartford Seminary.

The idea caught fire. In the past nine years, Bristow and Galo have heard from roughly 2,000 groups in every state, plus Canada and various places across the world.

"People want to be able to comfort others in need, as well as celebrate milestones, and show how much they care -- not only to the people in their lives, but to people they don't know as well," Bristow said. "The shawls are tangible symbols of the prayers, thoughts, intentions and good wishes from the shawl maker to the receiver."

In Interfaith Stitchers, Cloutier said, women can request where they'd like their item to be donated to, and they are fortunate to have a person who can send their items to the troops.

Not only has Cloutier been astonished her group of two years has grown so quickly, she also is grateful and amazed it has been well provided for, with all its supplies, from yarn to thread and cloth -- even sewing machines -- donated.

Recently, a fellow stitcher was looking for two pink buttons to put on a girl's dress. Determined to see her vision through, the woman said she would purchase them after a futile search in the supply closet came up empty. A few moments later, Cloutier was moving some fabric and, underneath in a plastic bag, found a supply of pink buttons.

"God supplies," Cloutier said.

Vivi Hoang of the Tennesean contributed to this report.

Reach Sharma Howard at 425-4235 or e-mail showard@norwichbulletin.com
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20070713/LIFESTYLE/707130350

The Knitting Circle Shows Its Chic

TEVA DURHAM is an unlikely idol, a soberly outfitted, plain-talking mother with a passion for quirky yarns. But to her fans, who snap up her how-to-knit books by the tens of thousands, Ms. Durham is the undisputed mistress of stitchery.


From Folksy to Chic Those admirers, often young and aesthetically inclined, follow her patterns — casting on, increasing, decreasing — with unwavering fidelity. As well they might. Ms. Durham’s artfully crafted stockings and skirts, open-work dresses and cardigans vie in style and intricacy with many of their counterparts on the fashion runways.






Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Just a few years ago, the assertion that hand-stitched garments could compete with designer wares would have raised derisive hoots from the fashion set, which viewed the needle crafts as the domain of ladies in buns and harlequin glasses. As Ms. Durham acknowledged mildly, “People still think of knitting as, you know, a homey hobby.”

Well, no. Formerly neglected domestic arts like knitting, quilting, sewing and embroidery are being eagerly embraced, especially by the young. Their passion kindled by the abundance of handcrafted looks on the runways, they are blowing the dust off these folksy skills and lending them the bright sheen of style.

“It wasn’t that long ago that people would cringe at the word ‘craft,’ ” said Melanie Falick, who developed a crafts imprint at Stewart, Tabori & Chang. “Ten or 20 years ago, there were far fewer crafters and knitters, certainly fewer who ‘outed’ themselves. Now it has become a badge of honor.”

And an insignia of chic. The new generation of needle hobbyists, nimble-fingered women in their 20s and 30s, is growing ever more sophisticated, seeking out novel yarns imbued with bamboo or fur, working confidently with elaborate patterns, swapping tips online and emulating styles by fashion designers like Marc Jacobs, Nicolas Ghesquiere of Balenciaga and Michael Kors.

If needlework has been transformed from a homely pastime into a legitimate fashion pursuit, is it any wonder that some artisans are marketing their handwork online and at cutting-edge boutiques? And influencing designers in turn.

“I do think the runways were inspired by people doing crafty things at home and by how inventive this generation is,” said Ruth Sullivan, an editor at Workman Publishing, which publishes large numbers of crafts books. She added that designers may also be looking at the Internet, where rafts of people are designing their own patterns and posting them on blogs.

Visiting an exhibition of quilts from Gee’s Bend, Ala., at the Whitney Museum, Marc Jacobs was sufficiently impressed to introduce whimsical patchwork skirts and dresses into his secondary line for spring 2007. Fashion titans like Fendi are offering bags that might have been stitched by your Great-Aunt Fanny, albeit with a tribal twist. Fendi’s coveted Voodoo bag is a bestseller at Bergdorf Goodman, as are open-work cashmere wraps from Loro Piana and hand-embroidered flats from Emma Hope. Even at the luxury level, shoppers are craving a handcrafted look, said Ed Burstell, senior vice president for beauty, accessories and footwear at Bergdorf.

The revival of these arts also owes a debt to a clutch of needle-wielding superstars: Ms. Durham, whose first book, “Loop-d-Loop,” was a best seller on Amazon; Wenlan Chia, a knitwear designer with an avid following; Diana Rupp, a youthful doyenne of home sewing; and Debbie Stoller, the founder of the popular Stitch ’n Bitch knitting circles across the country, who has been credited with jumpstarting the knitting rage with her popular series of Stitch ’n Bitch books. (Some four million people in the United States have taken up knitting since 2003, Ms. Sullivan said.)

The women — and a few men — who are buying these books march into crafts shops, eager to follow their patterns or to improvise. They also arrive with magazine tear sheets in hand, hoping to copy the styles of their favorite designers.

Ms. Rupp, who teaches a popular sewing class at Make Workshop, her studio on the Lower East Side, cheers them on by displaying fashion magazines and Barneys New York catalogs on cutting tables throughout her workshop.

Needlework hobbyists have become more savvy, said Joelle Hoverson, an owner of Purl and Purl Patchwork, neighboring yarn and fabric boutiques in SoHo. “A lot of that is driven by fashion,” she said. Ms. Hoverson has noticed that designers like Mr. Jacobs inspire her customers. “But they’re also looking at clothes from the ’40s, ’50s and ’60s,” she said. “And they’re looking at each other. It’s very cool.”

The ardent pursuit of the needle arts has fueled a $1.07 billion industry, according to the National Needlework Association. That figure does not take into account mass merchants and chains. “This is no mom and pop retail phenomenon,” said Sherry Mulne, a marketing consultant for the association. “This is big business.”

Sewing is the latest of the domestic arts to be touted as a hipster passion, the rock ’n’ roll of the crafts world. Inspired by television hits like “Project Runway,” aspiring designers have re-energized the industry. The Home Sewing Association says that there are about 35 million sewing amateurs in the United States, compared with 30 million in 2000. And Singer reports that annual sales of its machines have doubled to three million since 1999.

The mushrooming of the needle crafts, which extends even to arcane pursuits like shoemaking and hat design, is also driven by a growing aversion to cookie-cutter mall fashions, by a desire to connect with like-minded sisters and reinforce a sense of community, and by a wish to handle solid, tactile materials in an increasingly virtual world.

“There is a natural need to do something low tech, to get your hands involved,” said Ms. Falick, the crafts editor. Ms. Stoller, an advocate of pleasure for pleasure’s sake, added: “It’s so nice to have something in your life that’s not just about self-improvement — that is, losing weight or advancing your career.”

Needle arts have also received a boost from hobbyists determined to market their one-offs and few-of-a-kind designs. Rachel Antonoff and Alison Lewis, the designers behind the indie label Mooka Kinney, comb flea markets and estate sales for vintage clothing and fabrics.

“We couldn’t get over the wealth of amazing fabrics we found,” Ms. Antonoff said, “so we just started making these dresses.” Today they sell their brightly patterned pieces at stores like Barneys and Satine in Los Angeles.

Sydney Albertini, a painter and ceramicist, sells her whimsically patterned tunics and wrap skirts from her studio in East Hampton, N.Y. “I think to myself, ‘Maybe one of the little girls whose portrait I’m painting would wear this skirt,’ ” she said of the designs she hopes one day to place in progressive boutiques.

Etsy, a two-year-old online marketplace for craftspeople, has 50,000 sellers, many of whom are independent artisans trying a hand at fashion. The online crafts market, initially built on sales of toys and dolls, has shifted to clothing in the last year or two, said Robert Kalin, Etsy’s founder, growing from 2 or 3 percent six years ago to as much as 30 percent.

Online marketers showcase handiwork that can be surprisingly refined, surpassing the cable-stitch sweaters, wrap skirts and tote bags that are the bread and butter of older crafts primers. The wares include items like fishnet funnel-neck tunics, ruched camisoles, intricate cocoon wraps, cobwebby disco dresses and even tulle-edged corsets.

Designers and mass apparel makers keep an eye on the independent craftspeople, Mr. Kalin said. “This is where fashion comes from. The big companies tend to be a couple of years behind in poaching ideas from these little guys, who will always be on the cutting edge.”

Vashti Valentine has yet to explore the opportunities of Etsy, but Ms. Valentine, who attends Make Workshop, has dreams of her own. She inherited a desire to sew from her mother, who died last fall. “In August she was supposed to make my wedding dress,” she said, “but she was so sick that she couldn’t.”

To honor her mother’s legacy, she is learning to use a machine and hopes eventually to design a line with a friend.

Vivian Pan, her classmate and a graduate student in psychology, plans only to acquire enough tailoring skills to whip up decorative pieces for her home.

“I have expensive tastes and a grad school budget,” she said. “But that’s not going to get in my way.”
http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/12/fashion/12NEEDLES.html?_r=1&oref=slogin&ref=fashion&pagewanted=all

How to Make a Pom-Pom

To make a pom-pom, cut two circles of cardboard, the diameter depends on the size of the pom-pom to be made, and should be equal to the size of the finished pom-pom plus approximately ½" for trimming, plus the diameter of the centre hole. eg: For a pom-pom 1½" across, the circles would be 1½" plus ½" plus ½" for centre hole, equals 2½". Cut a round hole in the centre; the size of the hole is approximately a quarter of the finished pom-pom. Wind the wool round and round the cardboard until the centre hole is completely filled up.






Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Place the point of the pair of scissors between the two pieces of cardboard and cut around, keeping scissors between two circles of cardboard all the time. Using a double strand of wool, wrap round between the two circles of cardboard, knot firmly, and take away cardboard - see diagram. Trim pom-pom
http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/tips/pompom.htm

How to Graft Garter and St Stitch

Tired of the bulky seam that irritates the tips of my fingers in my hand-knit mittens I decided to tackle grafting without taking my knitting off the needles and unvented this sure-fire, can't fail method of grafting.

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Here is how I did it:
Abbreviations:
Pways = Put the sewing needle into the stitch purlways and pull the needle all the way through.
Kways = Put the sewing needle into the stitch knitways and pull the needle all the way through.
RS = Right side of your work
WS = Wrong side of your work

Method:
Before beginning any grafting it is important to make sure you have your yarn in the correct place to begin.
Place your knitting on two needles with the points of the needles on your right, and the wrong sides of the knitting facing each other. Your yarn should also be on your right.
Cut your yarn, leaving a long piece to graft the sts together with. I usually leave 3 times the width of the knitting. Thread the yarn onto a blunt needle.
You are now ready to begin grafting.

For Stocking St:
First we need to set up the first two sts.
Put the sewing needle in the first st of the front knitting needle purlways and pull the yarn all the way through. Do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
Next put the sewing needle into the first st of the back knitting needle knitways and pull all the way through. Again, do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
You have now set up the first two stitches.

** Now put the sewing needle into the first st of the front knitting needle knitways and pull the yarn all the way through. Drop the st off the knitting needle.
Put the sewing needle purlways into the next st on the front knitting needle and pull through. Do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
Put the sewing needle purlways into the first st on the back knitting needle and pull through. Drop the st off the knitting needle.
Put the sewing needle into the next st on the back knitting needle knitways and pull through.Do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
Rep from ** to the end of your row.
There! That was easy wasn't it? :)
For Garter St:
For a neat finish when grafting garter st you might like to finish after having just worked a RS row.
First we need to set up the first two sts.
Put the sewing needle in the first st of the front knitting needle knitways and pull the yarn all the way through. Do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
Next put the sewing needle into the first st of the back knitting needle purlways and pull all the way through. Again, do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
You have now set up the first two stitches.
** Now put the sewing needle into the first st of the front knitting needle purlways and pull the yarn all the way through. Drop the st off the knitting needle.
Put the sewing needle knitways into the next st on the front knitting needle and pull through. Do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
Put the sewing needle knitways into the first st on the back knitting needle and pull through. Drop the st off the knitting needle.
Put the sewing needle into the next st on the back knitting needle purlways and pull through. Do not drop the st off the knitting needle.
Rep from ** to the end of your row.
As you can see, grafting garter st is the opposite of grafting st st.

Here is a video I found on google video that shows how to graft stitches together. Heather also has other excellent videos listed on her blog at http://www.lectio.ca/

New Writers Needed

We’re looking for more new writers for our Blogging Network. If you love writing or blogging, I’d like to chat with you.

A couple notes:
• Please send me a writing sample.
• Experience blogging isn’t required, I will train you.
• Some positions are paid, and some aren’t. Please specify in your email whether or not you’ll work for free.

Send an email to williamcoit@yahoo.com .

How to Do the Knit Stitch

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



Introduction
The knit stitch is a fundamental of knitting. This stitch produces a knitted fabric face consisting of a series of flat, vertical loops. It's one of the easiest stitches to learn.

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate

Steps
1Step One
Cast on the number of stitches as required in your knitting pattern. See "How to Cast On in Knitting" (under Related eHows) for instructions.

2Step Two
Hold the knitting needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right. Use the thumb, forefinger and middle fingers of each hand to hold and manipulate needles.

3Step Three

Drape yarn from the knitting needle end over your right forefinger, under your middle and ring fingers, and over your pinky. This positioning of the yarn strand will allow you to manipulate the yarn with your right hand. Keep the yarn behind the right needle.

4Step Four

Insert the right knitting needle tip from front to back into the first stitch on the left needle. The right needle should be under the left needle and the yarn held to the back.

5Step Five

Use your right forefinger to bring the yarn under and over the right needle and position it between the two needles.

6Step Six

Catch the yarn strand with the right knitting needle and pull it down through the same first stitch.

7Step Seven
Slip the cast-on stitch off of the left knitting needle, leaving the new stitch on the right.

8Step Eight
Continue until all the new stitches are on the right knitting needle and none are remaining on the left.

9Step Nine
Place the needle holding the new stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Repeat steps 3 to 8 until the desired number of rows has been formed.

Tips & Warnings
Hold the needles in any way that's comfortable for you and that will promote even stitches. Beginners will need to experiment with hand-needle positioning.
See the Related eHow "Knit Continental Style" if holding yarn in your right hand is uncomfortable for you. This method allows you to control the yarn with your left hand.

Keep your cast-on row of stitches close to the tip of the needle, but not so close that stitches will slip off the end.

Experiment with hand-yarn positions to find the one that works best for you.
Rest the left knitting needle in the crook of your arm if necessary.

Click link to see pictures.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4761_knit-stitch.html

How To Purl

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Introduction
The purl stitch is the reverse of the knit stitch. These two stitches are fundamental movements in knitting and form the basis for all other knitting stitches.

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderate

Steps
1Step One
Cast on the number of stitches required in your knitting pattern. See "How to Cast On in Knitting" for instructions.

2Step Two
Hold the knitting needle with the cast-on stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right. Use the thumb, forefinger and middle finger of each hand to hold and manipulate the needles.

3Step Three
Drape yarn from the knitting needle over your right forefinger, under your middle and ring fingers and over your pinky. This positioning will allow you to manipulate the yarn with the right hand. Keep the yarn to the front of the right needle.

4Step Four
Insert the right knitting needle tip from back to front into the first stitch on the left needle. The right needle should be in front of the left needle, with the yarn held to the front of your work.

5Step Five
Use your right forefinger to wrap the yarn up and around the right knitting needle, right to left.

6Step Six
Bring the right knitting needle back through the first stitch on the left needle. This step will form a stitch on the right needle. Slip the first stitch off the left needle.

7Step Seven
Repeat steps 4 to 6 until all the new stitches are on the right knitting needle and the left needle is empty.

8Step Eight
Place the needle holding the new stitches in your left hand and the empty needle in your right hand. Repeat Steps 3 to 7 until you have the desired number of rows.

Tips & Warnings
Hold needles any way that is comfortable for you and will promote even stitches. Beginners will need to experiment with hand-needle positioning.

See "How to Purl Continental Style" if holding yarn in the right hand is uncomfortable for you. This method allows you to control the yarn with your left hand.

Keep your cast-on row of stitches close to the tip of the needle, but not so close that those stitches will slip off the end.

Experiment with hand-yarn positions to find the one that works best for you.
http://www.ehow.com/how_4762_purl.html

How to Knit a Baby Blanket

Introduction
This blanket is a great first project for the novice knitter. There is no gauge to measure because the finished size is flexible - approximately 36 inches by 34 inches.





Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps
1Step One
Choose yarn in soft, pastel colors. At least 12 oz. of a light- to medium-weight acrylic yarn will work nicely.

2Step Two
Make sure you have size 10 and size 11 knitting needles on hand. Knit one or two practice squares and see which size gives you the look you want.

3Step Three
Have some knitting stitch markers on hand as well.

4Step Four
Cast on 120 stitches (see "How to Cast On in Knitting" in the Related eHows) and knit 10 rows to make the border of the blanket. See "How to Make a Knit Stitch" and "How to Knit Basic Stitches" for instructions.

5Step Five
Do the next rows 1 to 10 in this manner (K stands for knit, P for purl): Row 1: K7, then place a marker here to designate the side border, P to the last 7 stitches, place another marker, then K7. Row 2: K. Row 3: K7, P to marker, place another marker, K7. Row 4: K. Row 5: Same as Row 3 (K7, P to marker, place another marker, K7). Rows 6 to 10: K.

6Step Six
Repeat Step 5 a total of 14 times, but end with Row 5. Knit 10 rows as you did in Step 4 and then cast off your knitting. See "How to Cast Off in Knitting" for instructions.

Tips & Warnings
Purchase more than 12 oz. of yarn if you want a larger blanket. Extra yarn is also helpful in case you make a mistake.

Since K stands for knit, K7 means to make 7 knit stitches. P means purl, and the purl stitch should be made when you see this symbol (see "How to Purl").

How To Knit - Purls of wisdom Knitting can be a relaxing (and productive) use of your time

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!





By Jennifer Babulsky, jbabulsky@altoonamirror.com

Lauri Harris of Hollidaysburg knits a pair of gloves May 25 at Victoria’s House of Needleart in Duncansville.
Where’s Waldo? Or more to the point, where’s Waldo’s wardrobe?


Judy Fradeneck of Hollidaysburg asked herself those questions 17 years ago when her son wanted to be the character for Halloween. Unable to find the entire outfit, complete with knit hat, the now 45-year-old decided to make the costume herself.


“I thought I was relatively intelligent, so I went out and got a book and that’s how I got started,” she said of her love of knitting. “It’s very relaxing. I love doing FairIsle knitting (knitting with two different colors). It’s a nice hobby to have so you can make nice things. Spend some time doing it, and it’s gifts to give away.”


Bookshelves in Fradeneck’s home are lined with books on knitting. But along with books, people gain knowledge on the craft in classes, private tutorials, online and through television programs. Choosing the best method for learning really depends on the crafter, Fradeneck said.


“It depends on your preferences,” she said. “For some, they’d rather do things on their own.”


No matter how a person learns, knitting is a craft that’s become more popular over the years, or at least appears to offer more projects with a modern twist. Current trends, as seen by experts, include merging traditions with newer aspects.


“Several years ago, everyone knitted novelty yarns and scarves,” said Carla Sturgis, owner of Victoria’s House of Needleart in Duncansville. “Now people are back to the basics, and back to socks, classic cardigans and pullovers.”


Sturgis considers herself a sockoholic.


“Socks are a high trend knit item right now, mainly because they’re portable and people can carry the project with you, and there’s quick gratification,” she said. “Once you wear a pair of hand-knit socks, the feel on your foot is unbelievable, and it wears so much better. I made socks seven years ago, and I still wear them.”


A self-taught knitter, Sturgis, 49, picked up the craft in her early 20s after crocheting since childhood. The transition from crocheting to knitting is actually a sensible one, she said, especially given the two types of knitting.


American style involves holding the yarn and throwing (wrapping around needle) yarn with the right hand, while Continental style is when knitters hold the yarn with the left hand and pick. Crocheters are used to holding yarn with their left hand, Sturgis said.


There is also an abundance of thread available to be used in knitting, from yarn made of 100 percent bamboo to 100 percent corn. Knitting is a hobby many can learn, Sturgis said.


“Knitting is not what it used to be because of the yarns available now,” she said. “There are older fallacies. People think wool is itchy, but wools are out now that are so soft. They even make washable wool now. There’s not a right way or a wrong way (to knit). Try different styles and talk to experts.”


Learning to knit doesn’t have to take a long time. Sturgis offers tutorials in both knitting styles.


“They can learn to knit in an hour or an hour and a half,” she said. “It’s not as hard as people think.”


For the past five years, Vickie Howell has been working to promote knitting as an art form and one that can unite people. The 33-year-old from Austin, Texas, hosts “Knitty Gritty” on DIY Network, as well as cohosts “Stylelicious” on the same network.


“We’ll have a punk rock teenager and her 90-year-old grandmother doing the same thing,” she said. “I knew a dad who learned to knit to be closer to his daughter. I’ve been working to promote knitting as a form of creative expression and a way to find balance in life.”


Busy in her 20s, Howell had a hard time sitting still and keeping her hands at rest. That’s when she got serious about knitting.


“You can be on a conference call, but be working on a project or be on the sidelines of your child’s game and be knitting with your needles,” she said. “The key is to find a yarn and project you’re excited about and from there, the possibilities are endless.”

Learn to Knit - Knitter’s quest leads to new yarn shop

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!




Joyce Owen
joyce_owen@link.freedom.com

Snuggled in the midst of Pat’s Porch is a shop that has nothing to do with antiques. It’s a passion that has blossomed into a thriving business. Carol Williams’ store did not begin as a haven for knitters. She originally came to the consignment shop in February to sell antiques, but enjoyed the camaraderie she found there with women her own age and looked for ways she could become a part of the daily experience.
In the spring, she established the Destin Yarn Shop, a retail outlet that has provided a gathering place for experienced knitters and a site for non-knitters to learn the craft.

Williams was 10 when her best friend’s mother taught her to knit. Her first project was an intermediate sweater with a dropped stitch pattern.
While acknowledging knitting can be a solitary hobby, it has become a passion that drives her to knit every day. Her sister knew she spent a lot of time at home knitting and suggested she needed “to get out more.”

“I know what characters on television sound like, but I wouldn’t recognize any of them because I knit while my husband watches his favorite shows,” she said.
Where the big box stores and craft shops may have a larger selection of a few yarns, her eco-friendly materials aren’t readily available at other stores, she said. Her yarns are made from corn, bamboo, soybeans and recycled kimonos. She sells yarns made from saris in Nepal and sarongs from Bali that not only recycle the materials, but also give jobs to women in impoverished countries.

She surfed the Internet to find yarns and called friends for advice on how to run a business.
“I was lost when I started,” she said.
“I called around to yarn distributors and they agreed to sell to me,” Williams said. “I want floor to ceiling yarn.”
As the amount of yarn has accumulated, she has expanded her display area. She hopes to fill two additional walls in her oversized booth that offers easy chairs and a sofa with room for several to sit and knit.
But her shop, with its unique yarns, has attracted a new clientele to the shop. She offers knitting classes at no charge and advises customers on the best yard for their project. A knitting show plays on the television in the corner. She’s been so successful, she might create a separate entrance to allow evening classes and knitting parties.

“Her new business really took off,” Pat Fisher, owner of Pat’s Porch, said.
With her friendly personality, a happiness that is infectious and a desire to teach everyone to knit, customers keep coming back, Fisher said.

Learn how to make a knitted doll

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



Many times, you have some free time to spend and you are confused as what to do then? There are many great ideas to utilize that time efficiently and creatively. One of them is making or designing some craft work. Craft is the art or skill of doing something in an artistic way. There are lots of craft ideas such as candle making, scrap booking, fabric painting, painting projects, knitting etc. Among these, knitting is the most favorite craft work for women and many of them love to knit soft toys such as dolls.

Requirements for making a knitted doll
The knitted doll is very soft and simple to make. You can make it with any soft yarn kept for baby clothing that will really make it a gift for your kid. For making this, you need to have scissors, darning needles, ruler, knitting needles of size 8, cream colored ball of yarn or nay other color of your preference, a piece of 5/16 blue sheer ribbon and 5/16 blue elastic.

Steps to make a knitted doll
1. You need to cast on 34 stitches with the help of soft colored yarn but remember to leave a 5 inch end that you will sew later.

2. You have to knit eight rows so that the bottom of the doll is formed.

3. Then, change the pattern to create the body of the doll and for this you need to knit one row, purl one row till you complete 62 rows.

4. Next, cast off your stitches and cut the knitted piece from the ball of yarn again leaving 5 inch that you will sew later.

5. Now thread your darning needle with any of the 5 inch end and sew the end in the closest side. This will later roll up the sides of the doll such that the stitching is not shown.

6. Again, thread your needle with remaining 5 inch end and sew it to the closest side so that you can roll up the knitted side to form the doll.

7. Once you have the knitted piece complete, you need to roll and shape it up in the form of a doll. You have to lay down the knitted piece front side down on your work surface but keep the backside facing you flat.

8. Next, roll the edges tightly starting from each end so that they meet in the middle but remember to keep each rolled side even in size.

9. Now, turn the knitted piece that you have rolled up over your work surface. This way, the rolled side should be facing your work surface and the other side with eight knitted rows towards you.

10. Then fold the rolled knitted piece almost in half and the edge of the side you have just folded should be touching the top edge of the eight knitted rows.

11. Next hold the folded knitted piece tightly with one hand and wrap elastic twice over the folded area nearly one and half inch down from the top. This will make the head of the doll and also secure the fold you made to form the body of the doll.

12. Now, partially unroll the folded over knitted piece below the elastic but you need to unroll the knitted piece till you get the resemblance of the arms on either side of the body and also knitted areas stretched between them.
13. Now, flip the partial unrolled portion below the elastic over the head. This will make a hood covering the head with rolled up arms near the elastic that divides and creates the neck and hands.

14. You need to cut 15 inch length of sheer blue ribbon and wrap this blue ribbon round the hood from back to front in same position as the elastic. You can tie a bow in the blue ribbon with the bow in front of the doll. You can trim the end of the ribbon at a slant.

Thus, you have a knitted doll that you can gift to your kids or decorate it as a craft work piece.

Going Public - Knitting While Traveling

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



A recent welcome break in routine saw me on an airplane to Philadelphia. This destination may not be everyone's idea of a restful spot, but I happen to like the big city. Philadelphia, with its wonderful historical sites comfortably settled in a busy urban center, is a rather pleasant venue in which to spend a few days. When I travel, with the exception of a long car journey, I purposely do not take along any kind of knitting or craft work. Since I have the distinct pleasure of blurred boundaries between everyday work and hobbies, I deliberately leave needles and yarn at home just to give my hands a break and allow my mind to focus on any novel ideas lurking in the marketplace. There is supposedly an increase in commuter knitting - crafters taking along their projects while they travel to and fro. I decided to make a concentrated effort to notice if there was any commuter crafting happening on the route I was going to travel. I was looking not just for knitting but any type of craft that could be managed in the lap on a wiggling train or swerving bus.

I have had some interesting commuter crafting experiences in the past. Sitting amid the bustle and confusion while waiting for a flight in the San Francisco airport, I once learned the craft of bead weaving. I spotted a woman picking out beads from a boxful beside her and with a needle and thread, fashioning an extraordinary necklace. I approached her, asking if she would mind telling me what she was doing. I was familiar with beading methods but not this one. While we waited, she generously proceeded to teach me the method of this craft. Our flights were soon called and we parted ways. I couldn't wait to get home and attack my stash of beads. I immediately practiced what she had taught me and I still dabble in this method of beading. Another time at Chicago O'Hare, I sat near a woman working on a quilting project. We began a conversation and she kindly gave me a list of great quilting books that she had found helpful. Although I must admit that I have yet to take up quilting on a serious level, I will always have that memory and list of books as an inspiration to start. Both of these women were undoubtedly organized and comfortable while crafting in that hectic environment.

There is no doubt that comfort is a big factor. You must be relaxed in a seat or situation that suits your knitting style. If you knit with elbows that stick out like penguin flippers, you are going to feel restricted. If you have more of a closed-wing approach, narrow seating and cramped rows on airplanes will likely not bother you. While being careful not to poke a seatmate, whispering a few prayers for a minimum of air pockets and potholes would not go amiss. Anticipating the motion of your chosen chariot, you will become more able to weather the bumps and grinds of the road or rail and the stitches will stay on track.

Another point is that you have to be very organized. You must make sure that you pack accessories that you may need along with your needles and yarn. A good knitting bag is essential and should certainly not be one of those popular crocheted pouches, allowing needles to poke through the sides and possibly into those of your fellow passenger. The printed pattern should be small enough to not slide off your lap but with print large enough to avoid peering or squinting at graphs or complicated stitch sequences. Stitch markers and counters are a must to keep your place when your flight is called or your stop is reached.

So did I see anyone doing anything? Nothing at all. With all the thousands of people I encountered or passed in that week, no one was doing anything of a crafting nature. This experience has made me have a change of heart. Just to contribute to keeping a public face on the craft of knitting, not to mention the completion of a few more projects, I have decided to become more organized for the next trip and take along my knitting needles. With a little planning for comfort and convenience, my journeys can become roads less unravelled!

Metallic Yarn – a Brief Introduction

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


The Metallic Yarn Manufacturing Process

Metallic yarns are by and large made from strips of a synthetic film, such as polyester, coated with metallic particles. In one more method, aluminum foil strips are sandwiched amid layers of film. Metallic yarns may also be made by twisting a strip of metal around a natural or man-made core yarn, producing a metal surface. It is made of thin film and supported by nylon or polyester or rayon yarn according to the type of yarn.

Metallic yarns start as rolls of films or laminations 30" or wider. These wide rolls are slit into narrow rolls 2" to 5" wide. These narrow rolls are gang slit across their whole width to micro widths from 1/128" (.0078") and wider and then taken up on plastic spools for shipment to textile mills.

There is a rainbow of colors available from red, blue, green, etc. to gold and silver. Brilliant, reflective colors which add decorative patterns to fabrics.

Metallic Yarn Uses

Metallic yarns are woven, braided, and knit into many fashionable fabrics and trims. For added variety, metallic yarns are twisted with other fibers such as wool, nylon, cotton and synthetic blends to construct yarns which add novelty effects to the end cloth or trim. They create all textiles more eye-catching by adding sparkle.

At one time or another, metallic yarns have been used in just about every variety of textiles. Metallic Yarn is used in manufacturing knitting wears, knit & woven fabrics, embroideries, labels etc. Some end uses have been in automotive fabrics, television front fabrics, bath towels and face cloths, clerical vestments, bathing suits, hosiery, upholstery, hat bands, etc. Also in theatrical clothing, theater back drops, doll clothing, banners and uniforms.

Care of Fabrics with Metallic Yarns

Specialized dry cleaning with perchlorethylene is favored to laundering. Hand laundering with Woolite and cold water is the only suggested laundering method. Never launder with bleach. Fabrics containing metallic yarns should be treated like all synthetic fabrics. Ironing should be at the lowest setting on the iron. If there is no thermostat on the iron, do not use that iron. Do not use steam when ironing metallic yarns.

How to Crochet Slinky Coils for Accessories or Dolls

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Coils are easy to crochet and can be used to make many different accessories and toys. Remember those cute toy dolls with arms and legs like springs.

Different yarns produce different sizes of coils. Use cotton thread, metallic thread or baby yarn to make very thin, delicate coils. Use several thin coils of the same or many different colours to use as Accessories; purse handles, belts, necklace chains, gift wrap ties.

1. Crochet a chain about 5 times as long as you wish your finished coil.

2. Make three stitches in each single crochet; your choice of stitch will determine your width; double or half double crochet stitch.

3. As you work, coil the curls.

4. Bind off.

Wide coils can be assembled to create a Toy Doll using a larger hook (No. 4 or 5) and 4-ply or chunky yarn.

1. Crochet a chain about 5 times as long as you wish your finished coil. (doll body requires about 100 ch (20 rings).

2. Make three stitches in each single crochet; your choice of stitch will determine your width; double for body or half double crochet stitch for arms and legs.

3. As you work, coil the curls.

4. Bind off and run 2 or 3 strand of wool down the middle of the coils to secure; not too tight or they will not be “springy”.

5. To crochet a head, chain 3 and join to form a circle. Two single crochet in each stitch around until you have a circle twice the size of the head size you wish. Bind off. Make another half head and join together.

6. Embroider or paint a face. Add yarn hair if you wish.

Tips:

Use any type of cotton thread or yarn.

Experiment with large and small hooks.

Your doll can be very large or very small by using more or less rings.

If you find you want more rings, simply bind off the last ring; make another chain and tie to the end of the finished ring.

Warning:

Be careful not to add or drop a stitch.

Always leave enough yarn at the end to sew your pieces together.

History of Knitting - How to Knit 6

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



Knitting is technique to turn thread or yarn into a piece of cloth. Knitted fabric consists of horizontal parallel courses of yarn which is different from woven cloth. The courses of threads or yarn are joined to each other by interlocking loops in which a short loop of one course of yarn or thread is wrapped over the bight of another course.

A brief history of knitting

Some of the earliest and definite examples of knitting date from Europe and Egypt in the 14th century. However, some people claim that the knitting technology dates back further into centuries BC. What seems to come forward was this information which states that the first knitting trade guild was started in Paris in 1527, which established the occupation as male-dominated for centuries to come. Soon, knitting became a household occupation with the increase in popularity of knitted stockings. By the end of the 1600s, knitting trade was in demand in European markets. About one to two million pairs of stockings were exported from Britain to other parts of Europe.

Hand Knitting became a very useful but nonessential part of hand craft which was triggered by the invention of knitting machines. Females started to outnumber males as knitting practitioners. Hand knitting has gone been in and out of fashion over centuries, but 21st century marked its revival. In the late 1990s, a 400% increase in the number of knitters under the age of 35. This is the age where the social stigma of knitting being a female job is slowly disappearing and you could see few males in the knitting circle.

How to Master Knitting Instructions the Easy Way - How To Knit 5

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just combinations or variations of these two stitches.

Knitting Instructions for the Knit Stitch

Once you have cast on, hold the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Push the point of the right knitting needle in between the front of the first and second stitches, pointing the knitting needle to the right to feed the point through the first stitch keeping it under the left needle. The knitting yarn should be at the back of the work. Loop the knitting yarn around the right knitting needle from back to front, letting the knitting yarn rest between the needles. Catch the knitting yarn on the end on the right knitting needle and pull it through the first stitch to the front of the work. Slip the old stitch off the left needle. The new stitch is now on the right needle. Now you are getting the hang of the knitting instructions. It is a good idea to keep the knitting yarn draped over the right forefinger, this keeps it to the back of the work too. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches, if they are all there, turn the right knitting needle around and put it in the left hand. This is the first row from your knitting instructions. The knitting yarn will look like it is at the front and you will now take it to the back and start the second row of transferring stitches to the empty right needle.

Knitting Instructions for the Purl Stitch

The Purl stitch will also be in any knitting instructions. Start with the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Your knitting yarn will be hanging in front. Push point of right knitting needle into the front of the first stitch from right to left. Wrap the knitting yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle, crossing over the two needles and hanging once again in front. Slide the right knitting needle down and back taking the new loop of knitting yarn from front to back, through the old stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left knitting needle. If you have followed the knitting instructions you now have a stitch in purl on the right knitting needle and the yarn is hanging, once again, in the front. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches to make sure you haven't dropped any and turn the work around putting the knitting needle with the stitches on in your left hand to start the next row.

I hope you could follow my basic knitting instructions. I have a lot more information about knitting on my Knitting Instructions blog so please join me there to learn more.

Learn to Crochet and Knit – Keys to Success From an Easily Distracted Student - How To Knit 4

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!



I decided to learn to crochet in college. Crazy way for a college student to spend free time? Definitely. I assure you that I was not as big a loser as it might make me sound though. One night, for some strange reason, I found myself on a creative kick. My mom had taught me to cross-stitch as a child but that wouldn't do anymore. I was ready for something new and exciting.

I ended up at Wal-mart late at night (best time to go for a college student!) browsing through the craft aisles and inevitably drawn to all the cool yarns. Ok, so what to do with them? Knitting or crocheting? At the time, knitting seemed over my head and maybe even a bit "granny-ish". Crocheting was so much... cooler. Yeah, that's it.

So for whatever reason, I picked crocheting. I envisioned super trendy afghans and throws adorning my dorm room and great gifts to impress my fiancé's parents. It was something that I could learn to do that could be useful in the future. I could decorate an apartment or house, clothe the children I'd one day have, and even give great cheap gifts to all my friends.

Good in theory, but I never finished my first project -- an afghan. What can I say? I was an easily distracted college student. And my reason for not having finished it since college? Let’s just say I'm an equally distracted adult. But despite my early failure, I did learn to crochet and, later, I even learned to knit.

Overall, there are two big things that I've taken away from my experiences in learning to crochet and knit:

First – you CAN be "self-taught" with the help of a good how-to book. There are quite a few out there. Just take a trip to any store that carries craft materials and patterns. Browse through the books to find one that is most user-friendly for you. One note -- don't be alarmed if some of the books with great instructions have patterns and pictures that take you back to the 70s or 80s. (My first how-to book had some real winners -- cheesy vests and sweaters with terrible color schemes -- but then again, 80s fashions are back aren’t they?)

Also keep an eye out for how-to kits. I started with a kit that included several crochet hooks and tools plus additional patterns -- which were much needed! Except for yarn, these kits should provide you with the basics but don’t walk away from the store yet. It's a good idea to go ahead and buy some additional crochet hooks or knitting needles since not all sizes are included in your kit. Other tools that could come in handy are: counters, markers, stitch holders, point protectors (knitting only).

Second -- it's good to have someone who can help you. This person does not have to be a full-fledged teacher, just a "consultant" -- someone you can turn to when you have questions -- because, let's face it, even the best how to knit or how to crochet book can confuse you at one time or another. In my early attempts to learn to crochet I got stuck on a particular type of stitch. No matter how many times I read the explanation I just could not make it work. It just didn't look right.

Lucky for me, I happened to be home from college on my winter break. I also happened to have what I was working on with me at a friend's house (not sure why -- again, I promise you I wasn't a loser!). Her mother had been crocheting for years and I took the opportunity to ask for her help. She was able to show me exactly what I needed to do. That set me straight and I’ve been crocheting just fine on my own ever since.

My knitting "consultant" was (and is) my mother. After I got my first knitting how-to book, I knew I'd have some questions. I found out that some friends wanted to learn to knit too. So we set up a "knitting night" and all learned from my mom. A good social hour and quite educational! If you’re able to find some people to do this with, I highly recommend it.

Knitting and crocheting are great pastimes. I'm no expert, but I have learned how to do both. There are some great resources out there for anyone else to do the same. Find yourself a good how-to book, and that "consultant" you can turn to when you get stuck, and you'll be well on your way. I never did finish that college afghan but since then I have crocheted several dish clothes, a baby blanket, a girl's sweater, and now I'm knitting another girl's sweater. If I could pull off these projects, anyone can! So go get started! Learn to crochet, learn to knit today!

So You Want to Learn to Knit? - How To Knit 3

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


So have you caught the knitting bug? Have you learned the basic stitches and are now wondering what to do? With a little practice and tips from experienced knitters, you can be creating awesome creations in no time.

Once you learn three basic techniques you will find that there are numerous projects you can learn to knit. The three basic foundations of knitting are casting on, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you master these three techniques you can begin to add more advanced knitting skills.

You can learn the basic stitches from other knitters, online or from a book. You can truly only become a functional knitter from practicing as much as possible.

Starting out you will want to use medium gauge wool yarn which is the easiest yarn to start out with. It may not be the prettiest, flashiest novelty yarn, but it's the easiest yarn to learn how to knit with. You do not want to use cotton since it has no give in it. Wool has just a bit of stretch so it is much easier to learn with.

Your local yarn shop is a great place for both beginners and veteran knitters. It is an excellent place to have your questions answered when you begin to choose your yarns and patterns.

Knitting has always been a social hobby. Similar to scrap booking where women meet to work on their scrap booking in gatherings called "crops", knitters have sessions called "stitch and bitch". Women bring their projects, knit together and chat.

These knitting groups are a great place to learn to knit from experienced knitters. They can give you advice and show you hands on skills. Advanced knitters are also able to improve their skills by watching the talents of others who can share various techniques.

Lessons are a great way to learn basic knitting skills. It is usually worth the money to have someone teach the knit and purl stitches. The local shop usually offers individual or group beginning knitter classes. It will take you just one or two classes before you feel confident enough to attempt an easy project. Of course, outside of class you will want to practice as much as possible.

When you start to knit you will not really begin with a project. Most likely you will learn by knitting a swatch about 2 feet long just for practice. Once you can complete that you will rip it all out, roll it up and start all over again. It is not necessarily fun but you will begin to feel comfortable with the knit and purl stitches. You should not start a real project until you can successfully knit the swatch with no dropped stitches or gaping holes.

The easiest first project is a scarf. It is simple and you really do not have to worry too much about gauge. It is the best project to begin with to practice your skill. If it is summer and a scarf does not sound too appealing, try a decorative scarf in a lightweight cotton yarn that can be used in place of a necklace, or used as a belt.

Knitting is a really fun hobby. You will find it relaxing and enjoyable. You will love all the colors and textures of fibers available. You will love to make things and give them as gifts. Knitting is a great hobby for all seasons and all ages.

About the Author:

Kelli is the owner of Monetina Creations, an online store showcasing her hand-made knitted creations. You can see her unique knitted purses at http://monetinacreations.com.

How To Knit Video

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Stuck in Vermont 13: Craft Mafia




Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Knitted Ferrari



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


backwards knitting




Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


How to knit a cool ipod case




Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


knitting 02



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Knitting Portuguese Style




Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


knitting




Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Knitting 01



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Knitting: Stitch



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


knitting 04

How To Knit Video 1

Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Continental knitting demo




Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Knit brioche rib stitch demo



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


How to cast on (KNIT!)



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


knitting 03


Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Cabling Without a Cable Needle




Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Lions Den: Knitting the Ruffles Frill-Seeker Scarf 1of 2



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Lions Den: Knitting the Ruffles Frill-Seeker Scarf 2of 2



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


The Last Knit



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Real Men Knit Trailer



Knitting Essentials. Discover The Secret That Will Have You Knitting Brilliant, Timeless Designs In No Time At All!

Click Here!

Accelerate Your Knitting Skills Today. Discover A Quick And Easy Way To Master Knitting Techniques...100% Guaranteed!

Click Here!


Lego knitting machine