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”
Category Archives: tips and tricks
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”
Executing a Project Successfully
How many times have you been so excited to start a new project? I know I have. Especially when I just bought a new book, downloaded a pattern or received some great new yarn. That bug hits when I go stash diving for another skein for a current project and I have to exercise someContinue reading “Executing a Project Successfully”
Carrying Yarn in Crochet
Sometimes when working with more than one color in crochet, I’m thinking stripes, it is more practical, and economic, to carry the yarn and not cut it until you are finished with it. Cutting the yarn creates more ends to weave in, very few of us actually enjoy that, and it often uses more yarnContinue reading “Carrying Yarn in Crochet”
Airing Out Woollies
About once or twice a year, depending on when I think about it, I air out my woollies, refresh the mothballs and move things around. This is to head off the moths, check for damage, deal with an infestation if needed and switch things out for the season. I will post in future about howContinue reading “Airing Out Woollies”
Picking Up Stitches to Knit
Knowing how to pick up and knit/purl stitches is a valuable skill that is pretty simple to learn. Most knitters worry about leaving holes when they pick up stitches. That is a legit concern but there is an easy way around that to give you the assurance and confidence that your finished work will lookContinue reading “Picking Up Stitches to Knit”
Azariahs Fibre Arts 