Hankering for Yarn » Del

For you vintage pattern lovers

Del — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 10:15:35 +0000

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.

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Lace star dishcloth

Del — Mon, 02 Feb 2009 10:55:52 +0000

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 next time I make one, I will block it just to see how much of a difference it makes.

Image: © D. Sandeen

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Organic yarn good for the planet

Del — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 14:22:34 +0000

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 that in turn will keep the price down.

Organic wool and cotton rely on different methods of harvesting and dyeing than conventional wool and cotton. Cotton, especially, when grown in traditional ways, has a big negative impact on the environment.

And if you think that organic yarn only comes in one color because you can’t dye with natural ingredients, think again. Not only do wool and cotton naturally come in a range of shades, but natural dyes that come from plants are often used to create a rainbow of colors comparable to traditionally dyed yarns.

Look into these companies for a selection of organic yarn:

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Sale at Woodland Woolworks!

Del — Wed, 28 Jan 2009 10:35:47 +0000

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

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Signature needles for a customized experience

Del — Tue, 27 Jan 2009 10:36:29 +0000

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

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New Vogue Knitting is out

Del — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 10:02:13 +0000

I received my latest Vogue Knitting last week. Lots of cold weather-friendly projects in there. Here’s a few highlights for your enjoyment…

Do you have favorite magazines? I like Vogue for inspiration, but for classic patterns that last beyond the season, I tend to favor Interweave Knits.

However, I love the articles in VK and as an inspiration source, it’s great. If you’ve already received this issue, tell me what you think!

Images: Vogue Knitting

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Do you craft in groups?

Del — Mon, 26 Jan 2009 00:02:10 +0000

Well before the Internet came along and encouraged a virtual togetherness among crafters, people routinely knitted, quilted, tatted and crocheted in groups. Your local yarn shop may have a regular day or evening when crafters get together, over food, fun and fiber.

Do you enjoy craft groups? Do you belong to one at your LYS or do you attend one in someone’s home? If so, what do you like best about getting together with like-minded people?

Image: Photos.com

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Free graph paper designer

Del — Fri, 23 Jan 2009 15:13:59 +0000

If you design projects and following charts is a big part of a particular pattern, using graph paper is important. Now you can always go to an office supply store and get what they have…or you can print your own, created to the exact specifications you need.

ABCs of Knitting provides a free graph paper designer that allows you to input the number of stitches and rows you need. You print it out in a PDF format and voila — easy charts that make your pattern look professional and easy to follow!

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Love-ly projects for Valentine’s Day

Del — Thu, 22 Jan 2009 10:07:00 +0000

I know we have a way to go before February 14, but if you want to make something for your sweetie, you have to plan ahead. Here are some links to FREE patterns, all of them with a heart motif of one kind or another:

Wee hearts

Valentine cloth

Seven of hearts socks

Hearts dishcloth

Hot pad

Chain of hearts bookmark

Lattice hearts dishcloth

Enjoy!

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AslanTrends Knitting Challenge 2009

Del — Wed, 21 Jan 2009 10:01:23 +0000

Attention, aspiring designers! AslanTrends has announced their first knitting challenge 2009.

I’m giving you this much notice (you have until August 10 to get your entry forms and items submitted) because you’ll need to plan; plans may change; you might need to start over, etc.

You can enter in one of two categories:

Full-size garments or afghans
Accessories-sized hats, scarves, bags, baby blankets

What can you win? Prizes include cash, yarn and a year’s subscription to Vogue Knitting magazine.

Visit the AslanTrends site for entry forms and official rules to the contest. Good luck!

Image: stock.xchng

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