Classy Lifestyle Arts and Crafts & Home Supplies: knitting

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Saturday, 27 February 2016

Knitting Instructions - Learn the Basics of Knitting and Beyond

Posted on 02:49by Emman with No comments

I wanted to set out some basic knitting instructions as a refresher so here it is. All knitting instructions use basically two stitches, the knit stitch and the purl stitch. Once you know these two knitting essentials you will be able to follow most knitting instructions which are just combinations or variations of these two stitches.

Knitting Instructions for the Knit Stitch
Once you have cast on, hold the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Push the point of the right knitting needle in between the front of the first and second stitches, pointing the knitting needle to the right to feed the point through the first stitch keeping it under the left needle. The knitting yarn should be at the back of the work. Loop the knitting yarn around the right knitting needle from back to front, letting the knitting yarn rest between the needles. Catch the knitting yarn on the end on the right knitting needle and pull it through the first stitch to the front of the work. Slip the old stitch off the left needle. The new stitch is now on the right needle. Now you are getting the hang of the knitting instructions. It is a good idea to keep the knitting yarn draped over the right forefinger, this keeps it to the back of the work too. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches, if they are all there, turn the right knitting needle around and put it in the left hand. This is the first row. The knitting yarn will look like it is at the front and you will now take it to the back and start the second row of transferring stitches to the empty right needle.

Knitting Instructions for the Purl Stitch
The Purl stitch will also be in any knitting instructions. Start with the knitting needle with the cast on stitches in your left hand. Your knitting yarn will be hanging in front. Push point of right knitting needle into the front of the first stitch from right to left. Wrap the knitting yarn around the tip of the right knitting needle, crossing over the two needles and hanging once again in front. Slide the right knitting needle down and back taking the new loop of knitting yarn from front to back, through the old stitch. Slip the old stitch off the left knitting needle. If you have followed the knitting instructions you now have a stitch in purl on the right knitting needle and the yarn is hanging, once again, in the front. Repeat this process until all stitches are on the right knitting needle. Now count the stitches to make sure you haven't dropped any and turn the work around putting the knitting needle with the stitches on in your left hand to start the next row.

I hope you could follow my knitting instructions. This is my version of instructions for the two basic knitting stitches but I have found that it is hard to use a few written instructions. I have found a great book on the subject, much more in depth than I can be. It really helped me improve my knitting with advice on free knitting patterns, knitting instructions, all the knitting essentials. You can find it on my blog called Knitting Instructions. I really suggest you take a look.

Good luck with your knitting.

I love to knit and to teach people how to knit. I also love to blog. I have been knitting for 30 years and have taught many young family members. You can find more information on my blog at http://knitting-instruction.blogspot.com.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/158024

6 Things To Bring To A Knitting Group Meeting

Posted on 02:47by Emman with No comments

So, you're going to a knitting group meeting. Don't know what to expect?

Do you feel intimated by experienced knitters?
Are you shy around people you don't know?

You can bring something you know about like your knitting gadgets, books, and finished knitting projects. For instance, aren't you:

Curious to know how knitters used a knitting gadget you have?
What they think of the knitting magazine you just read?
Are they thinking of buying a knitting book you already have?

Bringing these 6 things to a knitting group meeting can help you "break the ice." You can start a conversation on knitting, and make you feel more comfortable. You can choose to bring only 1 thing or all 6. They're instant conversation starters. I bring all 6 in a backpack.

Knitting Gadgets
Knitting Books
Knitting Magazines
Finished Unique Knitting Projects
Knitting Accessories You Made
Your current knitting project and open mind

Bring what you're working on to the meeting. Don't just sit there and knit it. You can do that at home. Be open to suggestions from other knitters regarding your current project.
For instance, are you knitting a project with 2 or more colors? Let them know what color technique you're using and what it's supposed to look like when it's done. Do you plan to knit the colors using slipped stitches, fair isle, double knitting, or duplicate stitch? Are they letters, stripes, or monograms to personalize your knitting? Some might tell you they only tried a duplicate stitch or recommend you books or knitters who have knit with color using slipped stitches.
For example, I went to a West Hills, CA SnB meeting and started to knit a blue soccer scarf with the white letters of the team, c-h-e-l-s-e-a. I used slipped stitches to make the white letters but after making the letter "A" the scarf curled up. I also didn't like how the slipped stitches in the back of the letter made the scarf feel bulky. A knitter from the group suggested to make the white letters with double knitting and I'd finish quicker. I proceeded to knit the blue scarf and until the end I'll add the white letters.
Don't forget to kindly ask other knitters what they're working on. See if you or someone you know knitted something similar and tell them about it.
There's no need to feel intimidated at a knitting group meeting. Bringing one of these 6 things to the meeting can help you start a conversation on knitting with knitters.

Monica Silva motivates other young knitters in their 20s, like her, to knit thin scarves and skinny scarves with simple knitting patterns, such as horizontal stripes, diagonal stripes, vertical stripes, and a vertical drop stitch. Silva enjoys turning skinny scarves into belts and also wearing them like a headband. Visit her blog at [http://1knitscarf.com] to get knit scarf ideas and patterns.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/735586

What You Need to Start Knitting

Posted on 02:45by Emman with No comments

Knitting
Of all the different types of needlework, knitting is one of the most popular. Knitting is a specific type of needlework that is identified by the process of looped stitches pulled through one another. Knitting is commonly used to make clothing and accessories such as hats, scarves, sweaters and gloves, as well as blankets and afghans. Most commercially produced knitted items are made with knitting machines; their high speed is indispensable for meeting the demands of the world economy. Knitting machines have not done away with human knitting, however; far from it, knitting has gone through a recent resurgence in popularity as a craft and hobby.

One of the great things about knitting is that you can make a wide variety of items with the same relatively simple steps. Just select a different type of yarn and a different variation in your stitch, and you can come up with a very different end product.

The origins of knitting
Archaeologists have found evidence of knitting as far back as the first millennium. Obviously, knitting has been around for a long time. Indeed, even the ancient Egyptians are known to have knitted colorful socks and other accessories. It is generally thought that the first peoples to use knitting to make blankets and clothing were the ancient Arabians.

The history of knitting was pretty straightforward until the invention of the knitting machine. The knitting machine completely changed the purpose of knitting. Before the industrialization of knitting, it was an essential task for many families, a means to keep warm and clothed. After the knitting machine, blankets and clothing were mass-produced far more cheaply than any one person making it. For this reason, knitting today is primarily a recreational pursuit. Knitters enjoy gathering together to socialize. People love to knit because it can be an extremely relaxing way to pass the time and ease one's nerves. The products of their pastimes are often presented as gifts, which can save you some money as well.

The demographics of knitting are changing as well. Knitting used to be the sole preserve of primarily older women. More and more, however, knitting is becoming popular with younger generations. Indeed, some studies show that knitting has risen in popularity among the 25 to 35 age group by as much as 150%.

Different types of knitting
The two main types of straight-needle knitting are weft knitting and warp knitting. Weft knitting requires only one string of yarn at time, but can be more susceptible to snags and runs. Warp knitting, on the other hand, is usually done by machine, so when most people think of knitting, they are usually thinking of weft knitting. Another important type of knitting that is commonly done by hand is circular knitting. This method uses a circular needle, and creates a "tube" of yarn when completed - great for socks and other tubular garments.
What materials do you need to start knitting?
Knitting is an ancient and rudimentary craft. As such, the materials that you need to knit are fairly basic; when it comes down to it, all you need to knit is some needles and some yarn. You should pay close attention to the type of yarn you use, however, as it will have a significant impact on how your final product looks and feels. For instance, certain yarns are appropriate for stretchy materials, while other yarns will produce less stretchy, more solid final results. The width and thickness of the yarn should be taken into account when selecting knitting needles to use. Picking out the yarn can be one of the more pleasant steps in making an item, as knitting yarn comes in a variety of colors and styles and it is always fun to play around with your imagination. Some are solid colors, others have multiple colors for striping, and others include sparkles and other embellishments.

Knitting resources
The best thing for those serious about knitting is to join a knitting circle. In a knitting circle, members will meet with their yarn and needles at the home of different members or local coffee shop and just knit, share tips, and socialize.

If you are on your own, you can always turn to the Internet for a wealth of knitting resources. Groups, forums, and message boards provide a means of communication and getting together for knitters. Through these avenues, many knitting enthusiasts share tips, techniques, patterns, and tales of successful projects. The Internet is also a great place to order knitting materials and patterns, and can help novice knitters get past some of the challenges that face those new to the craft.

Craft and hobby stores will also carry a robust selection of knitting needles, yarns and patterns. Do not be afraid to ask employees in these stores for help - more often than not, you will be able to find experienced knitters who can offer you some sound advice and tips.

Mary Amos loves arts and crafts and has been knitting for years. See her favorite knit patterns at Knits and Knitting Patterns [http://www.funknitting.com/pattern], and be sure to visit Knitting [http://www.funknitting.com] for more knitting fun!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/931785

5 Knitting Accessories You Need to Have

Posted on 17:21by Emman with No comments

With knitting being a very popular hobby in many countries around the world, there is a huge number of retailers all offering various thicknesses of knitting yarn, along with a variety of knitting accessories that are claimed to be more or less essential for various projects.

One of the first accessories that will become invaluable for you as a knitter is the knitting bag. This type of accessory does not only provide the perfect place to store your unfinished projects, your yarn and your knitting needles, but it will also allow you to transport your materials with you without worrying that they are going to become damaged.

Many specialist knitting bags are also designed to specifically cater to knitters, with inner linings that are tough enough to resist damage from knitting needles or scissors being kept inside. Popular brands of knitting bags include methane, Namaste and Bergere de France, but there is a huge range of stylish and practical designs on the market from many different manufacturers.

Another very practical item to invest is a chart keeper, which is tool that can be used to keep and display patterns and charts, all whilst working on a particular project. The chart keeper can be opened out and stood up to place patterns in for easy reference when working on a project, and then folded up and stored away when not in use.

One top brand that manufactures this accessory is Knit Pro, and this particular manufacturer supplies it chart keeper to retailers around the world, making it easy to get hold of. Knit Pro also has a number of other accessories that knitters might find useful, ranging from sock blockers to needle sizer.

The blocking mat is another accessory that can be extremely helpful for the knitter or crocheter, or even for those who enjoy sewing and quilting. This mat serves for pinning the project to its surface, making it very easy to line up the project, keeping straight edges, hems and seams.

Many of these mats on the market are coated with heat and water resistant material, allowing for steam, wet blocking and pressing. Many mats on the market can simple be rolled up when the user has finished working on their project for the time being and then be stored away safely and securely.
Other smaller accessories that can be particularly useful when working on a knitting project are stitch markers, which can be used to mark particular points in a pattern that you are working on. These often come in the form of small rings which can simply be slipped onto your knitting needles as you knit.

Other types of stitch markers on the market today can be clipped onto you project when needed, and then clipped as required. These allow the individual who is working on the pattern to come back to a certain place in the design later in the project, leading to a great deal of precision in the creation of the project.

Finally, one essential accessory to keep your equipment safe is a set of knitting needle caps, which are designed to be placed over the end of your needles when they are not in use. As mentioned above, needles can cause damage to bags that they are kept in, and can even prove a safety hazard, especially if they fall into the hands of children.

Keeping caps on the ends of your needles can therefore prevent accidents and injuries, as well as avoid causing damage to other material sand objects. From a KnitPro chart keeper to a blocking mat, there are a number of great tools to assist you in your knitting projects; ask a trusted retailer for their own suggestions of tools that can make your hobby easier and even more enjoyable for you.

Little Hound ales Knits is an Aladdin's Cave for knitters, with a huge range of amazing yarns, premium branded knitting needles and fabulous patterns from some of the biggest names in the hand-knitting industry. Established in 2010 in the Yorkshire Wolds, Little Hound ales Knits was inspired by a passion for knitting and the desire to make 'proper wool' available to knitters around the UK. In addition to its range of exclusive Little Hound ales Knits yarns and other luxury wool products, the store also stocks a popular selection of bags, accessories and knitting kits. Little Hound ales Knits also has gift vouchers available for the perfect birthday or Christmas present, and offers free UK delivery on orders over £20. Visit Little Hound ales Knits at: http://www.littlehoundalesknits.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9268689

Basic Knitting for Beginners

Posted on 17:19by Emman with No comments

So, you've decided it's time you learned how to knit. Is it some perplexing and time-consuming art to learn? No! All you need is a pair of needles and a skein of yarn. The needles can be any size that feels comfortable in your hands, or that work with your pattern. Needles can be made with a variety of materials with the most commonly available ones being made of aluminum, bamboo, and plastic. For beginners, wood or bamboo needles might be easier to work with because they catch the yarn more than metal needles do, a trick that leads to fewer dropped stitches. The yarn can be of any color, weight, or material. If you are not using a pattern, try using different materials like bamboo, wool, or acrylic to find the material you like best. If you are using a pattern, use the yarn that is specified or you may need to adjust your pattern to fit with a different yarn. When you are following a pattern it will mention gauge and tension. Gauge is the number of stitches per inch for that specific pattern, a detail which is affected by tension, or how tightly you hold your yarn as you stitch. The size of your stitches will change with different tensions, so try several different tensions until you find the one that works for your pattern.

Casting on
Now that you have your materials, the first thing you must do to start your project is cast on some stitches. A cast on is the edging for your project; it is the root of your knitting. You can cast on in many different ways, with each style producing beautiful effects, but the one of the simplest methods is the loop cast on. Start with a slip knot. Take about 6 inches of yarn and create a loop around your index finger. Place the loop on top of the tail end of your yarn. Pull the line of yarn that is in the middle of the loop up through the loop until you have another loop. Place the loop on your left needle and pull on the length of yarn that is connected to your skein, this is called the working end, until the loop is snug against the needle. The slip knot can be counted as one of your stitches or it can be used as a temporary stitch; it is your preference.

Now that you have a slip knot, you can begin with the cast on. Start with the needle with the slip knot in your left hand and the working end of the yarn in your right hand. Make a loop of yarn around your right index finger and slide your needle through the front of the loop. Pull the yarn until it is tight enough not to slip off, but not so tight that you cannot get your needles through the stitches. Once you have cast on the number of stitches you pattern indicates, it is time to use some of the basic stitches.

Knit Stitch
To make a knit stitch you will hold your needles in the palms of your hands with both points facing up, like you would hold eating utensils. Hold the working end of your yarn in your right hand behind your work. Take your right needle and hook the first stitch from the front left to the back right of the stitch. Wrap the working end of the yarn once around the point of the right needle while keeping the stitch on the left needle. Pull your needle back through the stitch without dropping the wrapped yarn. Slide the stitch off of the left needle and gently tug the working end of the yarn until the yarn is back at the correct tension for your pattern.

Purl Stitch
When you make a purl stitch, your needles are held in the same position as the knit stitch, but the working end of your yarn is held in front of your work. Hook your right needle through the stitch from the front right to the front left of the stitch. Wrap the working end of your yarn around the right needle's point and pull back through the stitch. Slide the stitch off of the left needle and gently tug the working end of the yarn.

When you reach the end of the row, switch your needles to the opposite hands. Your work should be held on the left needle and the working end of the yarn should be held with your right needle. Continue with your stitches until the pattern is complete and then bind off your work.

Binding off
To finish your work you must bind off the last row of your stitches. If you have knit stitches facing you, then you are going to use knit stitches to bind off. If you have purl stitches facing you, then you are going to use purl stitches to bind off. Make the first two stitches like you would to continue your pattern. Using your left needle, pick up the first stitch on the right needle and pull it over the second stitch to drop it off the needle. Make the next stitch and repeat the picking up and dropping off of the first stitch. Repeat this until all of the stitches have been finished and there is one stitch left on the right needle. Cut the working end of your yarn, leaving 6-8 inches of yarn to weave back into your work. Pull the end of the yarn through the stitch on your right needle and tug it gently to fasten off the stitch.

Now you know how to start your knitting project, the two basic stitches, and how to finish your project off. Knitting really is easier to understand than many people think. You just need to know the basics to get started and make some truly beautiful pieces. So go ahead and get started on your knitting adventure!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9242747

5 Benefits of Taking Up Knitting

Posted on 17:16by Emman with No comments

As anyone who enjoys knitting as a pastime knows well, taking up this particular hobby can be very soothing and rewarding. There are many benefits of this craft - some of them unexpected - so here are some good reasons why anyone and everyone should consider picking up some knitting needles and a ball of yarn and getting started.

The first benefit of knitting is that, as a creative hobby, it stimulates the mind and provides a creative outlet. People are drawn to many different creative pastimes, including painting, drawing, singing and learning a musical instrument, yet knitting is not necessarily an option that everyone might consider.
Differing from some other less mentally tasking creative hobbies, knitting actually requires a great deal of skill, and therefore is an excellent choice for those who enjoy mental stimulation along with a healthy dose of creativity. Working to patterns and making alterations requires a good amount of brain work to keep the little grey cells ticking over.

The second major advantage of knitting is that it a very productive hobby to enjoy, and it does not have to be very expensive either. Many friends and family love receiving gifts such as scarves and mittens in winter, and good quality scarf yarns are not necessarily expensive, especially if you find a good retailer to buy from.

Whereas other hobbies may just be for pure pleasure, knitting is actually a way to make unique gifts for loved ones as well. Many good knitting retailers offer designer and budget materials from Aran yarns to scarf yarns at a range of prices too, and it can be a real thrill to shop a sales section for a beautiful yarn and then turn it into a gift that someone will love.
The third benefit of taking up knitting as a hobby is that it is a great stress reliever. Studies have actually shown that this pastime is excellent for the health, and can even ease more severe conditions such as depression.
One of the reasons for this is that it is very meditative in nature, with knitters enjoying the soothing rhythmic movements of creating designs with simple needles and yarn. It is also the opportunity for many who are otherwise very busy to sit down and relax; this kind of sitting relaxation can lower blood pressure and help individuals find peace of mind.
Knitting does not only have benefits for mental health, however, and it is also an excellent solution for those who are suffering - or are starting to suffer - with conditions such as arthritis. Just as the brain needs to stay active to be healthy, so do the joints, which is perhaps one reason why many older people enjoy knitting so much.

Regardless of age, using some knitting needles and a ball or two of yarn can help improvisational skills, warding off future joint problems and strengthening the cartilage in the fingers. As knitting is gentle, it is sufficient to keep things working properly without putting a strain on the hands and joints for those who already have arthritis.

The fifth and final benefit of knitting is that it can be as social as you want it to be, which makes it the perfect choice for those who enjoy mixing with others or prefer to relax alone. There are many knitting clubs and groups where participants can compare patterns, show off projects and discuss the best lace weight or scarf yarns to use for a particular design they have.

On the other hand, others can enjoy knitting as an "alone" pastime that they can do without getting bored. Either way, knitting cannot only be social, but therapeutic, productive, stimulating and generally excellent for the health. If you are looking for a hobby that can bring all this to the table, knitting may very well be the right choice for you.

Little Houndales Knits is an Aladdin's Cave for knitters, with a huge range of amazing yarns, premium branded knitting needles and fabulous patterns from some of the biggest names in the hand-knitting industry. Established in 2010 in the Yorkshire Wolds, Little Houndales Knits was inspired by a passion for knitting and the desire to make 'proper wool' available to knitters around the UK. In addition to its range of exclusive Little Houndales Knits yarns and other luxury wool products, the store also stocks a popular selection of bags, accessories and knitting kits. Little Houndales Knits also has gift vouchers available for the perfect birthday or Christmas present, and offers free UK delivery on orders over £20. Visit Little Houndales Knits at: http://www.littlehoundalesknits.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/9235943

Easy Knitting Instructions For Beginners

Posted on 00:17by Emman with No comments

Posted here are some easy knitting instructions for beginners. I think when people try to learn to knit they choose the wrong pattern and the wrong supplies.
A beginner is naturally clumsy because they are not comfortable with using two needles. So why make it more difficult for yourself by choosing small size needles and tiny yarn to learn with?
It is also best to use the basic knitting stitches, just knit and purl until you are use to knitting. Once you learn these two stitches you will find everything else is just a variation of the knit and purl stitches.
First find a pattern with the some basic knitting instructions; a small flat item really is best. Try a dishcloth, potholder or a square for an afghan. These are all good choices for that very first project. The needles size 8 or larger is easiest to handle. Do keep them about 14 inches long or shorter. I love the new kids needles that are about 7 inches long.
To help you there are many videos and graphics online. If you do not understand the written instructions do check out some of these videos. It also helps to read the written instructions and than watch the videos.
(1) Slip Knot: Wrap yarn over needle from front to back, over the working yarn, and through loop, pull taut but not tight.
(2) Cast On:
(A) With needle in right hand, wrap tail over left thumb and working yarn over index finger
(B) Insert needle up through thumb loop, then draw a loop from working yarn through loop
(C) Release thumb loop, tighten loop on needle by pulling tail forward
(3) Knit stitch: Hold needle with loops in left hand
(A) Insert right needle
(B) Wrap yarn around it, draw yarn through to form new stitch
(C) Transfer stitch to right needle
(4) Purl: With yarn in front of work
(A) Insert right needle into front of stitch, yarn over and
(B) Draw new loop through
(5) Cast off or Bind off: Begin by knitting two stitches loosely
(A) With left needle pass first stitch over second stitch and tip of right needles which leaves one stitch on right needle.
(B) Knit next stitch and repeat process.
(C) Continue until all stitches but one are bound off.
(D) Break or cut yarn and draw end through stitch With these few knitting basics to get you started, you will be well on your way to becoming a knitter.
These few basic knitting instructions are the foundation of any project you will ever knit. Take your time; understand these few items and you will be able to knit anything you want.

Linda Spangenburg draws on 35+ years from her knitting and crochet business experience, both as a teacher and craft business owner. She is the author behind "Looney for Looms" where you will find patterns for loom knitting. We hope you found the information here inspiring enough to try a craft homebased business? You can find more free information about knitting and crochet for profit at http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/762957

Make Your Own Doggie Sweater - Where to Find Free Dog Clothes Patterns

Posted on 00:15by Emman with No comments

Before you make your dog sweater you need to first decide how you will make it. Will you be sewing your clothes or will you knit or crochet it?
Are there other ways to make it? Try using what you already have like a sweater or a sweat shirt.
Once you decide what fabric you want to make, you can start searching online.
The first place to look is on Google.
Enter your description into the search bar. Be specific. If you want a purple frilly sweater let Google know.
Search Results for Purple Frilly Sweater:
- Autumn Blossom Knits - free pattern for the A-line ruffled dog sweater dress (blog)
- Posh Pooch Designs - Sofia dog sweater dress crochet pattern which includes a little bow
- Etsy - a large collection of crochet, knit, and sewing patterns to choose from (paid patterns)
One thing I forgot to enter in my search que was the word free. Be sure to add it during your search.
Aside from Google you can search blogs, photo sharing sites, Instagram, Tumblr, and more.
Groups are another great place to find patterns. Facebook has as many users as the entire country of China so you're bound to find a group that matches your interest.
Another place to search for dog sweater patterns is on Ravelry.
This is a community for "knitters" and "crocheters".
You can search for free or paid patterns. The results I got were 297 crochet patterns, 605 knitting patterns, 2 machine knitting patterns, and 4 loom knitting patterns.
That's a lot to choose from.
Other sites to look for crochet or knit patterns for dogs are:
Lion Brand yarn - look at the pattern index for pets. Here you'll find all sorts of fashion for your dog.
Red Heart yarn - search under free patterns and pets. One I like is the Flashy Dog Sweater and Leash which uses reflective glow-in-the-dark yarn designed by Kj Hay.
Sheep to Shawl - a lovely garter stitch knit pattern designed by Annie Modesitt.
All Free Crochet - curated crochet patterns from around the web
All Free Knitting - curated knitting patterns
CrochetnMore - check out Giget's Pink Ruffled sweater
Crochet and Knitting not for you?
Find a sewing pattern by searching Pinterest.
Here are a few sites I found:
Sew it Love it - teaches you how to measure your dog and has photo tutorials. Some include recycling a sweater, a sweat shirt, and well as other wardrobe necessities.
Sew Doggy Style - show how to make your own pattern. Once you create the master you can reuse it over and over again.
Resweater - a site that shows you how to upcycle a sweater
Now that you have a few sources for patterns, gather your supplies and make your own doggie sweater.

And now I'd like to invite you to join me on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/momwithahook/ and Twitter http://twitter.com/momwithahook where I share crochet patterns from my favorite designers.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8920265

Knitting And Crochet Business I Was Able To Be A Stay At Home Mom With My Craft Business

Posted on 00:12by Emman with No comments

There seems to be a lot of talk about the home-based knitting and crochet businesses. It seems half of the people are saying you can't make any money with a craft business. The other half are trying to convince you that it is so easy you can get rich overnight with no effort at all.
I am one of the middle folks. You probably will not get rich, unless you became a very exclusive designer. But even so you if being a designer is not in your future you can earn a decent income with your crafts. I say this only because I have done it.
Knitting scarfs, knitting hats and Christmas items of all kinds. Creating crochet baby patterns and loom knitting patterns were all a part of my business.
With some baby crochet patterns and a used knitting machine I began knitting hats and to crochet baby afghans to sell. Of course starting out was slow but as time pasted and my items became known my craft business increased.
My business was started in 1986. Yes I am now retired and no I did not get rich. But I did add to the family income. Also I was able to stay home and raise our children and work my hours around our family life.
It was extremely hectic at times and a lot of work but also a great deal of fun. When you do something you love the big dollars are not always your main goal. My goal was to help with the family budget and still be available for our family life and activities.
My children are now grown with families of their own. I do not regret a moment of being at home with them.
We still have many laughs about when the orders would come in so fast, that all four of us would be pitching in. We would have the living room full of pom poms trying to finish up all the orders for the holidays.
I would knit during the day while they were at school. In the evenings I would do the handwork while we all chatted and watched TV.
The kids tell of fond memories of me always being home when their school day was over. We always had enough money for what we needed. My income helped for all the many extras for the family.
Yes I do recommend being a stay at home Mom, if at all possible. But also do try the craft business you have always dreamed about. You will never be sorry you tried, but you will regret never trying at all.
You know what! We are rich from my home-based business. We never went without and we are rich with many fond memories and no regrets.

Written by Linda Spangenburg. I hope you found the information here inspiring enough to try a craft homebased business? You can find more free information about knitting and crochet for profit at http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/727899

Easy Slipper Knitting Patterns Are Great For Beginners

Posted on 07:58by Emman with No comments

Choose easy slipper knitting patterns, they are great for a beginner to learn how to knit. The only stitches required are knit and purl. You can use the shorter needles and this will help you to get use to handling them. With short needles you do not have all that extra length to deal with.

Tips for knitting slippers

First: Choose a simple pattern. Slippers are small so you will finish quickly and have a real sense of accomplishment.

Second: Choose shorter needles. You do not need long needles for slippers. The shorter needles are much easier to handle. Sizes 8 through 10 all are good to learn with.

Third: Choose a yarn that is thick or bulky. I like working with thick yarn when I want a quick project.

Forth: Use the smallest size the pattern says if you are using one with size choices. This way you will not be trying to figure out where you are in the pattern. You will always know the stitches are the first set.

When we first begin to knit we all tend to pull our stitches too tight. That is why I suggest the larger short needles and thicker yarn. You do not need worry about size of slipper to begin with.

My first project was a huge beautiful shawl. I messed it up terribly and did not try to knit again for a long time. I felt like a failure. Had I chose a smaller and easier project to start with this would never have happened. Of course I did eventually get back to knitting but I choose a much smaller project this time.

Knitting pattern, slipper
Slippers are a great gift. Perfect for stoking stuffers, for the new mother or your friend at the office. With knit slippers the size dose not have to be exact for a great fit.
Free slipper knitting patterns can be found easily online. I have a few on my site that would be great for a beginner to get started, they are knit flat so this makes it very easy handling. One pattern is knit on needles and the other pattern is knit on a knitting loom. They are basic patterns and there is a chart to help the beginner to see how to knit them.

Do not forget the charities as they can use slippers also. So if your not sure what size you want to make or the color somebody likes use what you have on hand. There will always be somebody that would love to have a pair of snuggly slippers to warm their feet.

Linda Spangenburg draws on 35+ years from her knitting and crochet business experience, both as a teacher and craft business owner. She is the author behind "Looney for Looms" where you will find patterns for loom knitting. We hope you found the information here inspiring enough to try a craft homebased business? You can find more free information about knitting and crochet for profit at http://www.knitting-n-crochet.com

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Knitting Techniques and the Ways We Knit

Posted on 07:55by Emman with No comments

If you're a knitter, you are either a hobby knitter, making a hat or blanket here and there for gifts, or you knit for the challenge of advancing your skills with every new item. The advanced knitters are interested in learning different skills and are always looking for patterns, charts and techniques. They have their patterns, stash of yarn and supplies neatly organized and ready for action. They frequently have two or more works in progress (WIPs) and find it impossible to be monogamous to one project.
Knitters can create items using various techniques, such as those described below. It is not uncommon to combine methods of knitting, such as constructing the body of a sweater on a machine and then applying a fancy rib by hand.

Hand knitting: When most people think of knitting, they think of the traditional way of knitting with two needles and a ball of yarn. This remains a very popular and common way to knit. Ways to hand knit include using the garter stitch for fast and easy items, as well as using intricate cables, lace pattens, textured stitches and color changes to create cherished heirlooms.

The history of hand knitting dates back to before the 1600s, although this only represents the recording of the art of knitting. There is much controversy about descriptions of items found at archeological sites and in literature about whether they were woven or knit. I am reading A History of Hand Knitting by Richard Rutt. The book does a great job of chronicling the art of knitting and goes in to great detail about the earliest writings and samples of knitted items. The first described hand knit items seem to be stockings made of cotton and silk.

Machine Knitting: Industrial knitting machines seem to have been introduced around 1600 for the purpose of making knitted items faster and more efficiently. The machines were not well received initially because it was thought they would harm the livelihood of poor people who depended on the money they received knitting items at home.

In the early stages of machine knitting, it was apparent that hand knitters had the advantage over machine knitters because hand knitting could more easily change designs with fashion changes. Also, hand knitters could work anywhere at any time. Machine knitters were confined to work only during the daylight hours and had to be in the spot where their machine was.

When those of us who knit hear the word "machine knitting" we think of using either a hobby knitting machine such as the Bond Ultimate Sweater Machine or a more advanced machine such a Brother or Passap to create knitted items. When discussion of machine knitting versus hand knitting arise, there is always someone who mentions their belief that items knitted on a machine are not hand made. Machine knitters are quick to point out that creating an item with a knitting machine most certainly involves setting up the bed of stitches, manipulating stitches for shaping and finishing the items by hand, thus qualifying their items as hand made.

Loom Knitting: Loom knitting appears to be a newer concept, mostly because of the recent development of brightly colored plastic looms found in craft stores and the versatile patterns available to make with looms. However, loom knitting has been around since before the original knitting machines.

Knitting looms were originally known as peg frames. The earliest mention of the peg frame was in 1535. A peg frame is described as a range of pegs on a fixed base arranged in a row or a ring. Stitches are made by treating each peg as a stitch on the needles. Stitches are knitted by winding the yarn twice around the pegs and lifting the bottom loop over the top loop. Stitches can also be knit on a base with the pegs arranged in rows, also known as a knitting board. This creates a fabric that is double sided.

Knitting has a rich and long history. Knitting is still a very popular craft today with various methods of knitting to match the mood and goals of individual knitters.

Melissa Bailey shares her love of all things knitting at http://essentialdogclothing.com and http://knittedgiftideas.com

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