Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knitting. Show all posts

Wednesday, November 27, 2024

November, A Great Time to Pursue a New Hobby!

 For most of us who live in the Northern Hemisphere, the days are definitely getting shorter and the nights a lot longer.  Well that's what everyone says, but it's not really true.  The days are all still 24 hours long, it's just that when it gets dark at 5 p.m. the day seems that much shorter.

So what are you going to do now that you have more time indoors rather than out of doors?

Might I suggest it's a great time to take up a new hobby, or revive a hobby that you haven't done in a long time?

I'm personally taking up my knitting needles.  Why?  Well, let me tell you!  My mother who you have heard about in other reviews, was a knitter extraordinaire!  She could whip up a sweater in less than a week!  I'm talking about sweaters that had intricate patterns or several yarn/color changes and with long sleeves.  

The only problem was that her knitting was so fast, that neither my sister or I could keep up with her and she would get frustrated by our lack of dexterity!  Whenever we started a project, she would end up finishing it for us.  While we loved that (because we got a sweater faster), it did nothing to help us with our learning skills.  So it was a mixed blessing.

knitting


Actually, I feel kind of bad because I could have seen that she was slipping into dementia had I paid more attention to what was happening between her needles!  But that is another whole story!

Now I know that I will never have another sweater made by my mother, so I have to take up the hobby if I ever want another beautiful cardigan or pullover in my wardrobe. Oh I know the basics and remember them well, but I also want something that has a little pizzazz added! So now I am trolling You Tube channels to find the help and knitting circles at Senior's Centers for some added comaraderie.

knitting


For absolute beginners there are several channels to help you begin.  This is one that I watched and liked and you might like it as well from Frock and Fern!

If you can't stand listening to someone giving instructions, you can also buy books to show you with bright well done pictures so that you can move faster or slower depending on how you are enjoying this new experience.  Here are some great books and leaflets to help you along.

Knitting for Beginners Amazon Page!

You will find everything you need to know to start this new hobby and if you are a Prime Subscriber, you get next day delivery too!  

For myself, I know I will take up the knitting and keep at it, but if you are not sure that this is a hobby for you, you can go to your local Salvation Army/Good Will store and I'm sure you will find yarn and needles there for next to nothing.  If you don't enjoy this hobby you can donate it back to the same place you purchased it.  Nothing lost, just a little of your time.

I know I get lots of inspiration here on RTR (www.reviewthisreviews.com) especially from some of our contributors who make the most fantastic hand knitted and crocheted items. You can find all kinds of beautiful hand made goodies just check out ReviewThisCrafts.com

While I will take up the knitting, there is lots on these pages to help you decide what you are going to do with your extra indoor time now that it is here!  Happy Indoor Crafting Time for everyone!






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, May 27, 2023

The Shell Stitch – A Craft Review

 

She Sells Seashells......


Inspired by the sea shore, the shell stitch is lovely for many projects, either as a basic stitch for an entire item, or as a border, such as for an afghan.


Image of the Shell Stitch in Crochet






The Shell Stitch in Crochet


The shell stitch is a beautiful and easy crochet stitch that you can use for a variety of projects. This stitch creates a lovely textured and scalloped design.


This stitch can be worked in rows, in rounds, or as a border on a larger project.


The shell stitch is created by working a group of 3 to 7 stitches in a single stitch or space.  When complete, the grouped stitches flair out making it look like a fan or a shell. 


There are many tutorials online, both in written form and on YouTube which will walk you through how to do the shell stitch.  Sarah Stearns of SarahMaker has an easy step-by-step tutorial that teaches you how to create the Shell Stitch. 


Examples of Projects Using the Shell Stitch


Shell Stitch Baby Afghan Pattern


Baby Afghan pattern

Sasha of SashaPatterns has created a pattern for a lovely easy-to-do baby afghan crocheted entirely in the shell stitch. 


Baby blanket pattern in shell stitch crochet

Sasha also has a pattern for a baby blanket with a lacy shell stitch border


Both patterns are available in her Etsy Shop.


Baby Sweater in Shell Stitch


Baby Layette in a Shell Stitch Pattern


The shell stitch is not just for baby blankets. This darling pattern from the pattern collection at the Etsy Digital Pattern Shop is for a baby sweater, bonnet & booties done in crochet in the shell stitch. It's a 1960s Vintage pattern to do in a pretty shell pattern with picot trim. The pattern lets you create a pretty baby layette.


Shell Stitch Used as Trim


Plush Baby Dragon toy

Plush Baby Dragon toy with shell stitch scales

I personally used the shell stitch to create the 'scales' on a crocheted plush toy baby dragon.  He's available in my eBay Shop


Baby Dragon plush toy

Here is the baby dragon in a close up view, looking at my 'shell' lamp! :)


Shell Stitch in Knitting


The shell stitch can also be used in knitted projects.  You create the stitch by working elongated stitches into the Stockinette stitch – the knitting stitch which is done by knitting on the right side and purling on the wrong side. Then the elongated stitches are twisted and working together to create the look of a small seashell.


Instructions for the Shell Stitch in Knitting are found at the website KnittingStitchPatterns.com


Summary


Calling all knitters and crochet crafters. Choose a pattern and try out this really beautiful stitch known as the Shell Stitch.




Related Link:


*The Shell Stitch Review is written by Wednesday Elf






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Saturday, October 8, 2022

The Whole Kit and Caboodle

 A Craft Kit Review


Image of a collection of crafts


What's the meaning of the phrase 'The whole kit and caboodle'?

A collection of things. 


Dictionary Meaning of Kit & Caboodle (The words have similar meanings):


  • A kit - is a set of objects, as in a toolkit.
  • A caboodle (or boodle) is an archaic term meaning group or collection. 


In crafting, a kit means having everything you need for your next DIY project in one box or package.  Below are some examples of kits for crafters in a variety of mediums. They are especially helpful to beginners who might not know exactly what they might need to have when learning a new craft. 


Craft Kits


Crochet


Dinosaur crochet craft kit

Start your own Jurassic Park with this dinosaur crochet kit! This kit includes all the materials you need to make 4 different dinosaurs, including a T-rex, Stegosaurus, Triceratops, and Brontosaurus! It even includes instructions for how to customize your dinos with pattern variations. 

Kit includes 

The Yarn (Yellow- Blue- Purple- Pink- White), Plastic Safety Bead eyes x 8, Pipe Cleaners, Stuffing, Darning Needle and Crochet hook (size G6/4.00mm).  The Kit also includes the pattern bundle of 5 unique patterns, each with their own full-length video tutorials so you never miss a stitch!


Knitting


A craft kit to knit a snood

This Beginner Knitting Kit for a snood is a great start for someone who is interested in learning to knit.

You can learn cast on, cast off, knit, purl and sewing thanks to basic illustrations and guidance included in How To Knit manual in this kit while you create a beautiful snood.

Everything you are going to need for your snood is included in the kit. All you need to do is decide which color you would like and whether you want knitting needles or not.


Sewing


A sewing kit to create a dragon

Dragon - Sewing KIT, artist pattern, stuffed toy tutorials, soft animal, soft toy DIY craft kit.

This SEWING KIT includes a printed pattern with easy to follow step-by-step instructions and a link to a video tutorial. Plus, supplies for making this adorable mini dragon toy.


Felt


A craft kit to create a polar bear & penguin in felt for a centerpiece

Create an adorable centerpiece kit for your holiday décor. This POLAR BEAR & PENGUINS FELT APPLIQUE CENTERPIECE KIT comes with everything you need to complete it (Stamped Felts, Cotton Floss, Acrylic Yarn, Needle, and Instructions) except the stuffing. The completed centerpiece measures 11.5" x 9" x 10". Kit can be found in the eBay store House of Sylvestermouse.


Quilting


a craft kit to create a quilted tote bag


Quilted tote bag kit.  


Kit includes Pre-cut fabric of your choice from several designs offered, plus instructions. 

Finished size: 14”x14” with 19” handles


*For more quilting ideas, read this review by Sylvestermouse all about creating a gorgeous wall hanging with a Quilt Magic Kit Wallhanging


Holiday Décor Kits


Create your own bead and sequin Christmas ornaments as Sylvestermouse did. Read her review here to find a variety of kits for many lovely ornaments.


Craft Kits for Kids


Hide & Seek Rock Painting Craft Kit
There are many craft kits made especially for children.  This review of the Hide and Seek Rock Painting Kit by Wednesday Elf is perfect for kids, especially ones who enjoy artistic endeavors like my grandson David does.







Summary


As you can see, there are craft kits in every medium you can name. Whatever your crafting interest is, you will find a kit available. 


Related Link:



See More Craft Reviews at

ReviewThisCrafts.com



*Craft Review by Wednesday Elf






Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Monday, November 5, 2018

Reviewing the Teamoy Tunisian Crochet Hook Case

The Teamoy Tunisian Crochet Hook Case
Organization is not my strong suit. So I'm really happy when I find something that helps me to be more organized. I have found the Teamoy Tunisian Crochet Hook Case and I'm thrilled about how roomy, well-made, and helpful this little case is. Not only does it hold my brand new Tunisian Crochet Hooks, there is plenty of room for my other crochet hooks and other small supplies. 


Teamoy Tunisian Crochet Hook Case


This case is tall and thin; made to hold Tunisian crochet hooks (crochet hooks that are very similar in length and size to a single knitting needle). 

This little soft-sided case has two main zippered sections, Within each of those sections there is a variety of pockets and elastic bands that can organize longer crochet hooks (or knitting needles), traditional crochet hooks, as well as smaller supplies such as my locking stitch markers.

Not only are the crochet hooks held in by elasticized straps, the ends tuck in under flaps. This awesome design is going to prevent my clumsy self from accidentally dumping the contents out onto the floor each time I open the case. At this point, I can't imagine anything falling out accidentally. The zippers seem like quality zippers; not those cheapo zippers that are on many items.

This case is made from a "high quality and durable material, water-resistant and easy to clean up". There are also several colors/prints to choose from. I chose the cute cat print. 

The BEST feature about this case was the small price tag. It cost only $16.99 ! 

The only small complaint I have about this case, and it may be a complaint specifically to me, is the smell of the case when it arrived. It was wrapped in a sealed plastic bag. The smell of the "durable material" was strong when I opened that sealed packaging. It had an oily, "plastic" smell that bothered me (I am very sensitive to some chemical smells). I wiped off the case with a damp, slightly soapy cloth and then let the case air out before I spent time checking out all of the little pockets. There is no lingering odor.

If you crochet (or knit) and are in need of some organization, Teamoy may have a case for you.



If you'd like to see my first Tunisian crochet project (with gorgeous DK Colors yarn) check out my post here

my first Tunisian Crochet on Treasures, Travel, and Tales 




Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


Wednesday, November 11, 2015

Reviewing Knitting Handbooks

Learning To Knit: Will I master the needles?

I have been looking at Knitting Handbooks lately, because I have decided that 2016 will be the "year of the needles" for me. I want to learn to knit or at least become better with what little (very little) skills I have in this hobby. I can do the basic knit stitch and the basic purl stitch but I'm very slow and awkward with the needles and yarn. So, I plan to ask my family for a couple of books that can help me in this journey.

knit sampler and knitting needles
I know from my many years of crocheting that you need to practice, practice, practice in order become proficient in the craft. I am in no way a master in crochet but can hook my way around just about any pattern. In order to get started, I am working on a scarf using the knitting needles and some blue yarn. If it turns out looking good, it will be a Christmas present for my husband; if it turns out looking like a 5 year old did it I can always use it as a dusting cloth. I figure that I won't learn unless I just dive in and work on something. A scarf seems like a good project to start with and I liked this pretty simple waffle stitch since it will give me practice with both the knitting stitch and the purl stitch, counting and working with the needles and yarn. It won't be much different than crocheting a scarf in that you follow the pattern and remember when to do the knit stitch and when to do the purl stitch. I am finding it is a little harder to determine which row you are on unlike crochet where it seems more obvious but that may be a matter of training my eyes to look for certain stitches so that I will know. 

What books should I start with?

I am thinking that the best place to start is with a book or two that covers the basics along with moving on to more advanced knitting techniques. Sure, I could just ask for a book with patterns but until I understand the basics, I know I will just get frustrated. In my search for the right book, this one caught my eye. I liked the title but then I think the book would be very helpful, too.


Not only does the author cover the basics but she goes further in explaining more advanced knitting techniques and she does it with humor which I think I would enjoy. She also tells the reader how to fix mistakes (I'm sure I will make many) and that will be really helpful for my beginner skill level. I think I may be able to join the "chicks with sticks" (knitting needles) in the quest to make some fun and funky along with some traditional knitted items following Debbie Stoller's instructions.

I know when I was first learning to crochet, the terminology sometimes confused the daylights out of me. I might see something like FPDC and think what the devil does that mean? Well, now I know it means to do a front post double crochet stitch and I also know how to do that with my yarn and hook. I am guessing that knitting will be no different. There are going to be directions in a pattern that will at first glance make no sense to me at all. So, this book looks like a wise choice for a beginning knitter like myself.


What I like about this knitting handbook is that it promises to teach in plain English and not in terms that I am going to have to go to a glossary to figure out. I like that idea! Learning the way to use my needles and yarn to make something neat without having a thesaurus next to me to determine just what she is telling me to do. The basics in basic terminology, that sounds pretty darned helpful.

It remains to be seen if I will learn to knit with the same confidence that I have for crocheting. I am determined, though. In the past the using of two needles instead of one hook just seemed to be beyond my capabilities but that was a mental block, I think. So, maybe I have passed the first hurdle...I CAN do this. It will take persistence and practice and I am willing to put in the hours to really learn to knit.

knitting a blue scarf
I have some time left before Christmas morning to find out if my family paid attention and got me at least one of these books. So, in the meantime I am working on my little scarf that may be under the tree for my hubby or it might be in the rag drawer, only time will tell. By the way, the color I chose will look good on my husband and it is the team color for the Indianapolis Colts which is his favorite football team. I figure he might actually wear it, at least on game day, if it doesn't look too amateurish. Here is what I have so far. It is working up very slowly but I don't mind being the turtle in the race, after all that rabbit never wins anyway! I will continue to work with the yarn and needles and keep a piece of paper next to me to mark down which one of the rows I am doing in the repeat of the pattern to make the waffle look and hopefully it will turn out to be something my husband will be proud to wear.



Note: The author may receive a commission from purchases made using links found in this article. “As an Amazon Associate, Ebay (EPN) and/or Esty (Awin) Affiliate, I (we) earn from qualifying purchases.”


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