Free Crochet Pattern – Granny Square Fingerless Gloves

Granny squares are a great way to use up yarn in your stash. Grannies are simple and versatile with lots of different motifs available, and there are many creative ways to use these colorful squares. This pattern for Granny Square Fingerless Gloves, designed by Clare Webb from the Truly Crochet website, is as simple as … Read more

DIY Summer Outfits for Crocheters

Ok DIY-ers, crocheters, and yarn-lovers…don’t think all your projects have to be winter scarves, hats and gloves! Check out these awesome summer pieces and create your very own chic, unique, summer wardrobe.

Boho Mini Dress

Crocheted summer dress

 

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Free Knitting Pattern – Drop Stitch Swizzle Alpaca Scarf

I love how this scarf turned out! The yarn I used is 100% alpaca so of course it is soft and lovely!  This yarn is hand-dyed.  The color is Academy Blue, one of the nine beautiful shades in the Swizzle line from The Alpaca Yarn Company available at Alpaca Meadows.  The pattern is by Christine Vogel of … Read more

Learning to Knit – What You Will Need

Learning to knit can be a bit overwhelming, but once you’ve learned it can be very enjoyable, calming your mind while your hands stay busy.  What you will need is some yarn, a couple of knitting needles, a pair of scissors, and a tapestry or yarn needle.  As you progress with your knitting you may want to add to your list of supplies, some extras, some fun tools to make knitting more fun, and sometimes easier too.  Take a look at 17 Things Every Knitter Needs.

Choosing Yarn

One of the pleasures of knitting is working with beautiful yarn textures and colors.  That being said, choosing which yarn to use can be puzzling.  Of course, I’m partial to Alpaca Yarn because it is so soft and such a pleasure to work with, and we do raise alpacas.  We have our very own Farm Yarn made from the fiber of our own alpacas, though with our small farm, the amount is limited and we sell out quickly.  For that reason we also carry yarn from The Alpaca Yarn Company from Fingering Weight to Bulky. It is important to choose the right yarn for your knitting project.  This E-guide on How to Choose and Use the Right Yarn Every Time is a very helpful resource and so is Top 10 Yarn Questions

Or take it a step further with a Craftsy Online Class by Clara Parkes called Know Your Yarn: Choose the Perfect Yarn Every Time. The description of this class is as follows: “Join acclaimed author Clara Parkes for comprehensive guidance on identifying and choosing the yarn you need for the project you want! Find out the meaning of fiber terms such as staple, crimp, luster, and micron. Then, discover the benefits and challenges of fiber from sheep, alpaca, goats, rabbits, and other animals. Learn about the advantages and disadvantages of plant fibers: cotton, linen, hemp, and bamboo. Explore the strengths and weaknesses of different silks, as well as for synthetic fibers. Clara will even demystify the different types of twist and why they matter. Finally, get tips for identifying mystery stash yarns, evaluating yarn from your local shop, and much more. Match the right yarn to the right pattern with confidence and create projects you’re thrilled with every time!”

Disclaimer: This post includes affiliate links.

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