Love vintage patterns? Think they don’t make them like they used to? If you want to peruse (and possibly make) some patterns from decades past, you must check out the antique pattern library. Tons of old patterns have been put into PDF format for you to download — knitting, crochet, tatting, embroidery and more. I have yet to take advantage of any of these (I already have a backlog of projects I want to do!) but one day, I’m going to make time to go through this extensive list and choose at least a handful of vintage projects. This is perfect for anyone who loves patterns from the past. [Read more]

Here’s a nifty little pattern I recently completed, a bit different than the average square dishcloth (although I did quite a few of those, too). It’s the lace star cloth pattern (link to it; it’s FREE), done in basic Sugar n’ Cream cotton. You start with a circular cast-on…while you don’t have to, this one is so neat. Once you get going on the pattern, you pull the loose end to tighten up the center and it works beautifully. A regular cast on (one you might use to begin a straight edge) can leave you with a gaping hole that’s impossible to pull closed. I didn’t block it, mainly because it’s a dishcloth, not a doily. It’s going to get wet and wrung out over and over anyway, but maybe... [Read more]

With more and more focus on eco-friendly products and talk about sustainability, what can conscientious crafty people do to help the planet? One way knitters and crocheters who want to have less of a harmful impact on the environment can help is to invest in organic yarn. There was a time when organic yarn was hard to find and when you found it, it was very expensive. Nowadays, with more companies (big names like Lion Brand included) trying to get into the eco market, organic yarn is not only easier to find, the price is becoming comparable to traditionally harvested and dyed yarns. It’s no longer cost-prohibitive to knit with it, which is a great thing. The more affordable organic yarn becomes, the more people will buy it, use it and... [Read more]

I love enabling spreading news about sales on yarn and fiber-related goods. Woodland Woodworks is currently holding a sale on bambu, select spindles, eucalan wool wash and some VHS videos now through February 1st.  I haven’t yet been bitten by the spinning bug, but if you’ve always wanted to try, why not buy a spindle at 15% off while you can? Or some wool wash, which you can always use? Image: Woodland Woolworks [Read more]

Have you ever wanted needles that were more pointy or less pointy than the ones in your hands? Now you can buy needles in the degree of pointiness that suits you from Signature Needles. Choose from points labeled blunt, middy or stiletto. You also have your choice in needle size, length and even needle cap. You can customize your needle to almost your exact specifications. This is almost like the Cadillac of needles, when you think about it. I’ve never used them, but I’ve used Addi needles (another Cadillac)…pretty swank. Image: Signature Needle Arts [Read more]