tips and tricks – Azariahs Fibre Arts

Rowing Out

This a knitting term that you might not be familiar with and that’s completely okay. I didn’t hear the term until I had been knitting almost 20 years. I don’t know if it is a regional thing or what. I first heard from a newer knitter when I joined the knitting guild in Las Cruces,Continue reading “Rowing Out”

I ripped a Sweater!

I ripped out an entire sweater. No, it wasn’t a spur of the moment choice. I thought about it for a while, but when I went back on Ravelry and looked how along ago I had finished the sweater and had only worn it once, it was time to go. I was recently cleaning outContinue reading “I ripped a Sweater!”

I reorganized/re-homed my yarn!

Over the years, I’ve been crocheting since 2002, I have had A LOT of yarn in most of the categories. Currently I have the least amount of yarn I’ve had since 2004. For most of that time, some of my stashed lived in totes and some on shelves. Totes are easy to label, move andContinue reading “I reorganized/re-homed my yarn!”

Blocking Post Stitches

If you have ever worked a crochet piece with a lot of post stitches, you probably find yourself pulling on it from time to time to get a really good look at it. For me waiting until the end to feel all those stitches slide into place is so satisfying. Have you ever thought aboutContinue reading “Blocking Post Stitches”

Long-Tail Cast On Cheat

Mom and I were sitting on my back porch on a sunny southern New Mexico day just hanging out and knitting. She was beginning sock number two of a the pair she was currently working on. I don’t remember what I was working on but out of the corner of my eye, I saw momContinue reading “Long-Tail Cast On Cheat”

My Top Picks for US Made Stitching Materials

I want to share with you my top picks, at the moment, for US made hooks, needles, yarn and notions. We’ve got it all. These are “bigger” small business family owned and operated companies. There are plenty of others out there and I welcome you to share your favorite in the comments. Brown Sheep CompanyContinue reading “My Top Picks for US Made Stitching Materials”

Working into a Foundation Chain

One of the first things you learn as a new crocheter, unless you start out working in the round, is how to work into a foundation chain. Making chains is the first step to crocheting and then learning to work taller stitches into those chains to make the fabric grow the other direction is theContinue reading “Working into a Foundation Chain”

Special Time Project

I have recently learned the value of having a project that is only worked on at certain times, such as the weekend or evenings. As a fiber artist, all of the work I do, both as a designer and an editor, revolves around knitting and crochet. To help me not get bored I need someContinue reading “Special Time Project”

Smoother Purling

When I learned to knit and then purl I was irritated by the difference in my purl stitches on the front side of my work when making stockinette. I tried my hardest to pull those stitches tighter. It got to the point, my mom still makes fun sometimes, that I disliked purling and would changeContinue reading “Smoother Purling”

Carrying Yarn in Rows, Crochet

Some patterns will be more enjoyable, less ends to weave in, if the yarn is carried and not cut. However, you want to do this in a way that doesn’t distract from the beauty of the piece. The easiest way to do that is in a piece that has an edging. It is possible toContinue reading “Carrying Yarn in Rows, Crochet”