Savvy Crafting » Knitting

Finding a Knitting Shop to Feed your Hobby

Author — Sun, 30 Nov 2008 01:33:16 +0000

Most knitters find that once they pick up that first pair of needles and a ball of yarn, they simple can’t stop. There are so many patterns and so little time; knitting becomes an obsession that must be nurtured with more yarn and more accessories. The good news is that you can feed you knitting fetish as much and as often as you like with a large selection of knitting shops today. Whether you are hunting the mom and pop shops, the mega craft department stores, or surfing the Internet, you can find a knitting shop that will supply exactly what you need.

Local Knitting Shops

Nearly every town has one; usually nestled on a quiet lane in the heart of the downtown area. Local knitting shops are a great source for supplies as well as classes, instruction and knitting groups that allow you to share your passion with others. These types of stores will usually feature specialty yarns in an assortment of hues that are just perfect for those fancy sweater patterns that you’ve been drooling over. Many of them will also offer kits that will work for beginners and advanced knitters alike. This is a great way to window shop for high quality supplies and interact with other knitters that might be able to offer you advice for your own projects.

Mega Craft Stores

It used to be that the only type of knitting shop that was incorporated into the mega stores was a single aisle filled with a few basic acrylic yarns, some needles in assorted sizes and a handful of instructional books. That has all changed today, with the larger stores jumping onboard the knitting and crocheting craze to offer a wider variety of yarns at discounted prices and patterns and books that will appeal to all levels of knitters. You can find well know names in yarn like Lion Brand, Patons and Bernat and you can often get them on sale – perfect for the knitter who can’t have enough textiles in her stash!

Online Shopping

Many of the best knitting shops cannot be entered unless you use a click of the mouse, because online shopping is often the medium of choice for the modern knitter. You can find plenty of great knitting shops online that will offer a wide variety of brands and items. Or you can go directly to the brand that you like the best and shop directly from their website for all of your knitting needs. Online knitting shops also make it easy to check around for the best prices and the less popular colors of yarn. You will be amazed to find the huge array of knitting supplies you can purchase by surfing a bit.

Knitting is a hobby that many love to indulge in every chance they get. With the wonderful variety of knitting shops available today, you are guaranteed to find the yarn and supplies you need for all of your favorite projects.

Choosing and Reading Knitting Patterns

Author — Fri, 28 Nov 2008 01:31:53 +0000

Knitting is one of the most longstanding and popular hobbies in the world. Not only is it fun and enjoyable, but as well there are almost endless possibilities in terms of what you can create. Whether you want to make a sweater for your mother or grandmother, or even just knit something like a doily or blanket for yourself, there are some terrific knitting patterns that you can use.

It is going to be important not only that you choose the right knitting patterns but also that you are going to be able to read them. There are a lot of different terms and abbreviations that are going to be used in knitting patterns, and they will seem like code to you if you do not understand them.

Reading a Pattern

If you are a novice to knitting you are going to want to choose easier knitting patterns rather than ones that are complex and which are going to take a long time to complete.

Once you have chosen the pattern you will need to read the instructions at the very beginning, which will advise you as to which type of yarn and knitting needles you are going to need. Choosing knitting needles based on the pattern`s recommendations is very important, otherwise you will end up with something that looks nothing like the image on the pattern.

You will need to make a gauge before you start knitting to ensure the needle size and that the yarn you have chosen is going to result in producing the size and shape of garment you need. You need to follow the instructions row by row, and it may even be helpful for you to check off a row as you are finished, in case you lose your spot because then you may need to start over from the beginning.

Use the corresponding key to interpret chart instructions, and as you get going and start to get the hang of it you will find it very easy. You will then be able to choose more difficult knitting patterns as you are feeling more comfortable, and there are some amazing patterns available for experienced knitters.

This is a hobby that is great to know, because there are so many different things that you can create, and you can even come up with your own knitting patterns if you like. Knitting is a great option if you want to create something beautiful and give it as a gift.

Knitting Needle Sizes And Types – The Difference It Makes

Author — Wed, 26 Nov 2008 01:30:05 +0000

When you start a new knitting project, one of the first things you need to take into consideration is that you have the right kind and size of knitting needles. Most patterns tell you what size of needle will recreate the project as they intended, but sometimes the sizing is in another country’s format, like given in mm instead. If the pattern doesn’t give the sizing for the needles you have (British or U.S.) you will need a needle conversion chart. You can find these on the Internet and in yarn stores.

What’s So Important About The Size?

Your stitches will be larger if you use larger needles, and smaller if you use smaller needles. Depending on the project you are doing, this may or may not matter. If you are making a scarf, using size 8 needles instead of size 6 won’t make much difference. The scarf will have a bit more of an open weave, but the sizing of a scarf is not critical. If you are making a sweater, or booties for your baby, the sizing is critical. Be sure to knit up a swatch to test the gauge – it is worth the time it takes to be sure the item will fit! If your gauge doesn’t match the size the pattern calls for, try needles a size larger or smaller.

The Size Of Knitting Needles

There are three standards for knitting needle sizes. There are the British and American systems, which are opposites of each other. With the American sizing, the smaller the number, the smaller the needle. The British system uses high numbers for smaller sizes, and as the needle diameter goes up, the number goes down. The third method of labeling knitting needle sizes is metric sizing, where the needles are labeled by how big around the needles are – given in mm. The place where the American and British systems overlap is at 4.5 mm – that is a size 7 in both systems. Be sure – if you have to change needles mid-project for any reason – to compare the actual diameters of the needles, don’t just look at the printed sizes.

Types And Sizes Of Knitting Needles

The basic, classic, knitting needles are the ones that are straight, with a point at one end (not as sharp as a sewing needle, however) and a cap at the other end to keep the stitches from falling off the back end. These are the single-pointed needles. They come in various lengths and various sizes around.

There are also double-pointed needles, which have a point at each end. They are used for knitting in the round, like for socks or bags, etc. They also come in many lengths and sizes.

Circular needles look very different. They are made from two needles that have a flexible plastic cord running between them. For circular needles, there are many sizes for these knitting needles available. The length is the length of them including the connecting plastic, from the tip of one needle to the tip of the other. This is often 29 inches, but some are as short as 16 inches, or as long as 32 inches. These are used for knitting in the round, but can easily be used for straight knitting.

News And Views In A Knitting Magazine

Author — Mon, 24 Nov 2008 01:28:29 +0000

Some of the well known magazines for knitting are Knitting Magazine, Vogue and Creative Knitting. Since knitting has suddenly regained popularity, these magazines have ventured to help all those who are beginners or experienced knitters. Each and every issue of any Knitting Magazine is full of tips from experts, exclusive knitting patters for women’s fashions and accessories, babies, children, men and the home.

Some of the Knitting Magazines have won awards and “Knitting Magazine” is one of them. With every issue there is an array of outstanding patterns. The color scheme is chosen, especially to match the season and the occasion. Some suggestions are exotic, like knitting jewel-bright hose socks or multi-colored full length sleeved sweater.

Contents

Just to enjoy the fun of knitting there are videos from a Knitting Magazine, which show you some elaborate and complicated patterns. From cover to cover there are great projects for the beginner as well as for the advanced. Every issue is packed with captivating smart designs, step-by-step instructions, easy-to-understand illustrations and well written lively articles which are sure to inspire you.

Competitions And Classes

Every Knitting Magazine has a competition or two in which you can participate. It gives you readers’ views on several topics related to knitting. Sometimes there are useful suggestions, regarding good yarn, or some good exhibition which you may not have known otherwise.

You can also get information about knitting classes, if you are interested in learning it well, or learning it at all. First of all, it is important to see what others are working on, and secondly, there is always so much to learn, though you may be knitting for years. Besides, classes will get you out of the house, to meet some new people in your neighborhood.

Become A Collector

If you decide to subscribe to a Knitting Magazine, you may get it monthly in your letter-box or even bi-monthly. Just reading it is good enough to inspire you to take up projects for yourself. The fact that you have subscribed to a Knitting Magazine means that you are interested in knitting, but you may not have the time to do enough of it now. Make a collection of the magazines, so that you can choose the project that you like from your own collection, whenever you want.

Almost every Knitting Magazine has a website and it is interesting to read the reader’s views and problems on them. Feel free to contribute your experiences, so that you can share your thoughts with like-minded people. After all, knitting is considered a therapy and can soothe your nerves immensely.

Shopping for Knitting Kits Online

Author — Sat, 22 Nov 2008 01:27:10 +0000

Whether you are a novice knitter or have been doing it for years, one of the best things you will ever buy is a knitting kit. Knitting kits will come with everything that you will need to complete a knitting project. You choose knitting kits based on the pattern that is offered on the front, and inside you will find the yarn, needles, instructions, and other materials required for the pattern.

Where to Shop

If you are interested in buying one of these knitting kits for yourself, the Internet is really going to be your best friend here. With the Internet you are able to browse through literally thousands of different knitting websites in a matter of minutes, and therefore will have the best success in finding the knitting kits that you are looking for, and at the best possible price.

Of the many different websites offering these kits, there are a few in particular which are really going to be worth checking out.

One is Laughing Hens, which is a terrific knitting site that offers not only a variety of kits for you to choose from but as well patterns and materials. They even have a customer service staff who is available and who will be able to help you out if you have any questions or are having problems with your knitting.

Wool Works is another great option, and they have not only the online store but as well a variety of retail stores, everywhere from California to New Jersey. They have a vast gallery of knitting patterns to choose from, so if you are just getting started in knitting you can choose easier knitting projects that are not going to take you long to complete.

Remember that as you start to become more experienced with your knitting and feel more comfortable, you will be able to start taking on more advanced projects. It is just best to start off with easier projects because this way you will not feel lost and end up frustrated and annoyed.

Knitting is one of the most widely loved hobbies in the world, and it is really no wonder why. There are so many beautiful and useful creations that you can produce with your knitting and the options are almost endless so you will definitely not be lacking here and will never get bored.

You may even want to get some knitting kits and get your friends together so you can all knit together and enjoy one another`s company in the meantime.

Great Knitting Projects For Beginners

Author — Thu, 20 Nov 2008 23:58:42 +0000

So you’re learning to knit! Terrific! You’ve probably found someone – maybe more than one – who is eager to teach you the basics and help you learn to love knitting like they do. Or maybe you’re going it alone, learning the basics of knitting for beginners from an online tutorial, or from a book. Either way is fine, they both work. Regardless, you can only knit swatches for so long before you want to try a real project. Lucky for you, you only need to know a few basic things before you can make something using knitted stitches.

Before You Attempt A Project…

First, you should know the basics of knitting for beginners. If you’ve taken a “knitting for beginners” class of any time, you’ve already come a long way! You know that knitting takes two sticks, not just one hook like crocheting, or a needle like cross-stitch. You should know how to cast on – which is putting stitches onto one of the needle so they can be knitted.

You also need to know how to knit, and hopefully how to purl. Other basic skills that can be useful, depending on the project, are to increase and decrease stitches, often using a yarn over stitch. Once you know these and have practiced with them, you’ll need to know how to cast off – which is getting the stitched off the needle and fastened securely. A good way to practice these skills are by making small swatches of knitting, or even by making a potholder, which is a small project.

What Projects Are Good?

There are many good projects for those with beginning knitting skills. These include any basic projects that don’t have a lot of complex things like increases and decreases, or changing of colors. Learning about knitting, for beginners, can be terrific as long as the project is not too difficult. Consider making a scarf with basic knits and maybe purls as a first project.

You will get to cast on and cast off, with knitting and maybe purling in between, but there is no shaping involved. Also, the gauge doesn’t matter on a scarf, so your needles can not be too big or too small, and your stitches don’t need to be as carefully made the same size. A scarf is a perfect first project!

Another great project for someone with beginner knitting skills is an afghan. Though it will take much longer to make than a scarf, for someone with beginner knitting skills it is a way to get a lot of practice on those basic skills. Whether knitting in garter stitch or stockinette stitch, by the time the afghan is complete, the skills will be cemented into the beginning knitter’s mind!

Maybe you don’t want a scarf, or to take on the lengthy project that an afghan would be. The perfect project for some beginning knitters is a washcloth. Made from cotton, these are terrific to use at the kitchen sink or in the shower. The cotton is a wonderful fiber to work with, as it doesn’t tend to split like some fibers.

Whatever level of knitting you are able to do, there is a project for you to increase your abilities, and maybe to learn more skills in the process! Don’t hesitate to try something new.

Coming Up With Knitting Designs

Author — Tue, 18 Nov 2008 23:56:43 +0000

The process of coming up with knitting designs really does not have to be all that difficult, and if you are interested in starting a project, there are a few places in particular that you may want to check out.

Free Vintage Knitting

Anyone interested in finding high quality, creative knitting designs, is going to want to check out the Free Vintage Knitting site. Not only do they offer a wealth of designs but as well valuable information and advice on how to knit and the best knitting techniques.

Bella Online

Another site you may want to check out for knitting designs is Bella Online. They offer a variety of different collections of knitting patterns for you to choose from, including Ashford New Zealand, Blossom Knitwear, Brigitte’s Color Charts, Brown Sheep Company, Canadian Living Craft Club, Circulo Yarns, Coats and Clarks, and Crystal Palace Yarns.

Sunshine Knit Designs

This is another company that offers updated and unique knitting designs for consumers to choose from. They have the warm weather knitter in mind, so you will not see many garments such as sweaters and scarves.

Rather, you will find an array of patterns for short, hand knit cotton socks and short-sleeved and sleeveless tops. Keep in mind that you can always take the pattern for short socks and knit them into longer socks if you want them for winter.

It is important to have fun with your knitting, and the best way to do this is to make sure that you have knitting designs you are going to enjoy. There are literally thousands upon thousands of different knitting designs out there for you to choose from, so you are sure to find the perfect design.

Just keep in mind that if you are just getting started in knitting you are going to want to take it easy to start off and choose quicker, simpler patterns. This is important because otherwise you are going to probably end up getting frustrated and confused and so in order to avoid this altogether you should just stick with easier designs until you have gotten the hang of it.

Remember that there are various resources available out there that you can use to your advantage if you want to get ahead with your knitting and become an old pro. The Internet is really going to be one of the best resources of all here because it offers so much valuable information and is so easy to use.

A World Of Information in Knitting Books

Author — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 23:54:35 +0000

If you want to start knitting and want to know about the different types of yarns, needles and maybe even styling, Knitting Books are a good way to start off. But if you already know knitting, Knitting Books gives you patterns, suggestions, or even directions to knit a certain design.

Project Category

There are many Knitting Books available on the internet, and practically in every bookshop you will find them with plenty of patterns. Basically Knitting Books are categorized according to the projects that you want to take, for example, there are Knitting Books with patterns for new-born babies, socks, ponchos, or just sweaters for men. Choose the category that is of interest for you, and start the knitting.

Pattern Directions

Following a pattern is easy, especially as it gives you the exact amount of yarn that is required, the number of the knitting needles and the number of stitches which you should take. Some people like following patterns, because they may not be able to judge several things. Others prefer to be creative and like to experiment with the knitting. They may like to look at the patterns in the Knitting Books, but make changes according to their taste.

If you are making a complicated pattern, it is easy to follow the direction from Knitting Books. Especially if you have a pattern which involves more than one color of yarn, following directions makes your work simpler. You can work faster, because you are following a definite pattern, and you don’t have to think too much while you are knitting.

Many yarn companies publish pattern Knitting Books made by designers. Also, there are certain yarns for each season, and the books can help you to choose the design options for a particular season or a particular age group. There are designs which can be worn for all seasons as well.

Types Of Yarns

There are silk and merino yarns as well as cotton elastic yarn. Knitting Books will give you all the details, not only the designs and patterns, but also the accessories which you can knit along with it. So you can have socks, pants and pullovers to make sets and also scarves and caps to match your jacket and coats.

Browse into the irresistible selection of books which are best-selling books in knitting, having patterns for the whole family as well as the home. Some young designers show traditional and classic styles for women and children. And sometimes there are terrific and whimsical patterns especially for projects with cotton yarns.

Some Knitting Books have inputs from more that fifty leading specialists and such books cover all fields related to knitting comprehensively. If you need guidance on yarns, needles, tools, basic techniques, specialized applications and of course designs and patterns, Knitting Books can take care of all your questions.

Knitting Accessories that Every Knitter can Use

Author — Fri, 14 Nov 2008 23:53:12 +0000

When you first began knitting, it was enough to have a pair of needles, a ball of yarn and a good instructional book. However, as you got more into your hobby, other needs began to surface in the form of knitting accessories that made your work quicker, easier and more accurate. From row counter to stitch markers, there are all kinds of knitting accessories that will get you through one project more quickly so that you can move onto the next. And in the world of knitting, saving time can mean an extra holiday project or one more afghan for the family room.

For your Yarn

The first knitting accessory you need is storage to keep all those textiles sorted and clean. For your current project, a craft tote should work beautifully. Make sure the bag has at least one zipper pouch inside to keep additional knitting accessories from getting lost. Row markers are another handy device that clips onto the end of the row quickly, making that row easy to see when you need to go back to it. You can find row markers in a wide variety of sizes and styles, so you can choose the design that you love the most.

A stitch counter is another handy knitting accessory that can save you time and headache when you realize halfway through a project that you miscounted and you have to tear out stitches and start again. Some will attach to the top of your knitting needle and others are handheld. There are even designs in stitch counters that you can wear around your neck like a pendant so that it is always available when you need it.

When you are working with multiple colors of yarn at one time, it can be a challenge to keep all of the strands in working order. Not a problem if you have a yarn guide that can fit on your finger and keep each strand of yarn separated an in the right spot. And when it comes time to cut your strands, simply reach for your thread cutter pendant in a lovely floral design. This handy knitting accessory is perfect for the knitter on the go, since it can accompany you on a plane or in the car for quick and easy access.

For your Needles

Knitting accessories for your needles is primarily about safe storage and keeping like sizes together. You can find plastic cases that are just the right size to hold a pair of needles, or coils that will keep the two together in your bag. You can also find lots of fun options of covers that will go over the points of your needles to protect your tools as well as your knitting project inside.

The avid knitter will collect plenty of knitting accessories that will make the projects easier and more fun. With the right collection of accessories in your knitting bag, you can finish projects in high style.

Tips for Learning How to Knit

Author — Wed, 12 Nov 2008 23:51:33 +0000

Knitting is a wonderful hobby that can be used to make gifts, clothing and items for your home. It is an activity that can go with you, and makes the perfect choice when you are waiting at ballet class or in the carpool line at school. It is not terribly difficult to learn how to knit basic items, and as your skill increases you can find patterns that are complex enough to accommodate your growth and hold your interest. But before you head to the craft store to pick up your first pair of needles and a skein of yarn, there are some tips that will make learning how to knit a little bit easier.

You can learn how to knit from a variety of sources, including an instructor, an instructional DVD or a book. It helps if you have someone in your social circle who already knows how to knit, so that you can get help if you get stuck on a particular stitch or technique. There are plenty of great books that can teach you how to knit, but make sure you get one with plenty of illustrations that can help to walk you through the steps. In addition to your instruction, you will need a few basic supplies to get started.

Choosing Needles and Yarn

One of the reasons that many people decide they want to learn how to knit is the glorious array of yarns in an assortment of colors and textures today. However, when you are just starting out, the best yarn to use is wool or acrylic worsted weight yarn of a single shade. This type of yarn is easy to work with because it doesn’t split or ravel easily and you can clearly see your stitches to keep track of your rows. There are many fabulous acrylic yarns that can make up into quite luxurious scarves and sweaters, so shop around at yarn and craft stores for the best selection.

When choosing your knitting needles, you can opt for the traditional wood or go for the sleek aluminum tools. The aluminum can be a bit easier to slide your stitches on and off, but this can also make it easier to drop stitches when you are first learning how to knit. The most important part of purchasing your needles is to get the right size. The best sizes for beginners are generally in the 8-10 range. This is also the optimal size for working with the worsted weight yarns that are recommended for beginners.

Once you have collected your supplies, choose a project to work on. This is a better way to learn to knit because you will feel that you are actually accomplishing something instead of simply creating a bunch of little squares that you will never use for anything. Choose something simple and rectangular, like a scarf or dish towel. After you learn how to knit, you may find that this is a hobby you simply love too much to stop!