Size Matters, but All are Useful

Blankets can be made in any size we want, that’s one of the many advantages of making our own things. Sometimes though we want to make sure that the blanket we make is going to fit the item, person or use we are making it for. I want to share with you some guidelines andContinue reading “Size Matters, but All are Useful”

Aloe Wish Hiss Swatches

Sorry it’s been so long in between, this is a slow process. I have completed both the crochet and knit swatches for the adult versions of the Aloe Wish Hiss sweater. I’m not sure yet if I will be using the same swatches for the children’s versions or not. Above is the crochet swatch. SeeContinue reading “Aloe Wish Hiss Swatches”

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”

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”

What is a K/CAL?

KAL is knit a-long and CAL is crochet a-long. When Yahoo groups were a thing this was something that many of the crochet and knitwear designers were doing. My mom and I were part of many “a-longs”. Dishcloths, shawls, even sweaters. It is a great way to learn and have community, usually without ever leavingContinue reading “What is a K/CAL?”

Aloe Wish Hiss

This will be an on-going series in addition to my weekly blog post. The category is “Aloe Wish Hiss” and I will link to it at the beginning of each entry in case you missed something. I am going to design a sweater that is a layering piece. Even though I live in the desertContinue reading “Aloe Wish Hiss”

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”