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”

Where to Start When Learning to Knit (Lefty)

When first learning to knit it can feel very overwhelming. There are so many different kinds of needles and yarn, then the number of tutorial videos to chose from, I can see why some people just don’t bother. I hope that this post will help you to narrow things down and be able to makeContinue reading “Where to Start When Learning to Knit (Lefty)”

Where to Start When Learning to Knit

When first learning to knit it can feel very overwhelming. There are so many different kinds of needles and yarn, then the number of tutorial videos to chose from, I can see why some people just don’t bother. I hope that this post will help you to narrow things down and be able to makeContinue reading “Where to Start When Learning to Knit”

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”

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”

Alternating Cable Cast On and Bind Off

While it is labeled the “alternating” cable cast on, you can use this cast on to make those first stitches on the needle be cast on in pattern. If you have a mix of knits and purls this is a great cast on to use to achieve the look of the stitch needed, where needed.Continue reading “Alternating Cable Cast On and Bind Off”

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”