Granny squares are quick and fun to make. While it’s a classic crochet project that has been around for decades, don’t let the quirky name fool you. Using different colors, sizes, and configurations, the design possibilities of these simple motifs are endless! Making granny squares is a great crochet project for any skill level, including… read more
When you block a lace crochet item, your project has a more finished look and the stitch design is enhanced. Blocking knit and crochet items opens up the stitches to give the pattern more definition. You can use blocking to define points for a more distinct shape. It also helps the finished item conform to the expected dimensions. It can help that sweater fit better or… read more
Combining yarn dye lots can lead to some unexpected color shifts in your project. It’s always best to purchase enough yarn of the same dye lot (found on the yarn’s label) so that you make sure you have plenty of yarn to finish your project. When that’s not an option, there are a few ways you… read more
I’ve been playing with a different colorwork crochet technique: intarsia crochet. Intarsia differs from tapestry crochet in that the unworked colors are not carried along the back and crocheted over as you work. Instead, they are left hanging for you to pick back up when you get to the color again. This technique is great for adding… read more
Core spinning involves wrapping fibers around a strand of spun yarn. The fibers cover the strand of yarn, which becomes the “core” of the new yarn. You can use virtually anything for a core: another strand of handspun, thread, commercial yarn… Here I used a commercial fingering weight acrylic yarn that’s been sitting in my stash… read more
I’m so happy with my new Ashford traditional spinning wheel! New to me, that is. The beautiful wheel is older than I am. After referring to Ashford’s timeline for the traditional wheel (which is an interesting read in and of itself), I think it was made in 1975 or shortly after. Well-loved in its early life, it has… read more
Tapestry crochet is a color working technique where you use two or more yarns at the same time to create color patterns and pictures in crochet. Very simple patterns as well as more complicated multicolored tapestries can be created with this technique. One yarn is worked while the other color is carried underneath the stitches.… read more
Interested in learning the basics of macramé? It’s simpler than it looks! Here’s an illustrated guide of the most common knots used in macramé. Generally, when crafting the most common styles of knotted bracelets or necklaces, four cords are used (or two long cords folded in half, creating a loop at one end). The two middle cords, called… read more
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