It's common for non-crafters to think of knitting and crochet as almost the same thing, but we know there's a big difference between the two. Some people are die-hard crocheters, some mix the crafts, and some are passionately anti-crochet in their crafting habits.
This week I'd like to know if which camp you lie. Are you a big fan of crochet? Have you never tried it? Are you ambivalent? Share your thoughts in this poll and in the comments below.
As for me, I'm still in the "just learning" category. I've tried and failed to pick up the craft numerous times; just last year I got the basics down and I think I'm going to like it, but I don't think it will ever replace knitting for me. Sometimes sticking with what you know is a good thing, but it's always good to have a wide ran...
Crochet for Knitters Mon, 08 Mar 2010 11:39:49 +0000 - This month is National Craft Month, so I thought it would be fun to spend some time looking at some other fiber crafts and how they can be used to compliment our knitting.
Working a single crochet around a knitting project, (c) Sarah E. White.
First up is crochet. Knitting and crochet are often thought of as sister crafts, so much so that people who don't know better often confuse the two. A lot of knitters are as passionate about crochet as they are about knitting, while others never pick up a hook.
I'm slowly learning more about crochet and I really like it. It's faster than knitting, and the textures and patterns that can be achieve...
If you're a fan of the Mason-Dixon knitters, you'll be happy to know that their first book, Mason-Dixon Knitting, is now out in paperback. In celebration of that fact, they made a really funny video, "Grey Garments," which chronicles the ladies in 2040 as they share an apartment full of yarn, ramen and cats and look back on some of their less-successful titles (including Three Socks on Two Circs and Knitting for Couples).
Pink Power Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:35:44 +0000 - Most people think of breast cancer awareness in the fall, but where I live the Race for the Cure is in the spring, and this Pink Ribbon Eyelash Scarf would be the perfect accessory for a runner or walker with style.
Pink Ribbon Eyelash Scarf, (c) Sarah E. White.
Though eyelash yarn can be a little fussy to work with, this project is made easier through the addition of a bulkier weight tape yarn that gives the piece more structure. But you can also knit the piece with two strands of the same eyelash yarn held together, ...
It's not often I review a book before it comes out, mostly because I have such a backlog of books, but I got so excited about 60 Quick Knits, from the editors of Vogue Knitting, that I didn't even notice I was writing a review a good month before the book comes out.
60 Quick Knits from the editors of Vogue Knitting. Sixth & Spring Books.
But this book is certainly worth notice, regardless of when it gets that attention. This is a book containing 20 patterns for hats, 20 for scarves and 20 for mittens, all knit from various forms of Cascade 220, that powerhous...
The transition between seasons is a great time for a lot of reasons, but it can be a tough time to know how to dress. The first blush of spring might drive coworkers to turn off the heater before you're ready, or it might still be cool outside and the heater is making it too warm inside.
Eyelet Armwarmer, (c) Sarah E. White.
A great way to deal with the too-cool office or slightly uncomfortable but not so cold you need gloves outdoors is by knitting up some fingerless gloves. I used to wear fingerless gloves all the time when I worked in an office outside the home, and I still use them every now and then on really cold days inside the house.
These gloves keep your hands and arms warm while le...
Knit Your Legs Warm Thu, 04 Mar 2010 14:35:11 +0000 - I have to admit I've never seen the appeal of legwarmers. If you're cold, turn up the heat, thrown on a blanket or wear some knee socks, I always thought. But then I actually took the time to knit some legwarmers and I realized there's something lovely about this knit accessory after all.
Ribbed Legwarmers on my legs, (c) Sarah E. White.
My legwarmers are not slouchy. They're sort of like knee socks without the feet. They're ribbed, so they stretch a bunch and will fit a wide variety of legs, and they're worked by changi...
Knitting in the News: Not Just for Canadians Thu, 04 Mar 2010 09:12:39 +0000 - A recent letter the editor in the Globe and Mail made me laugh, and I'm sure a lot of other knitters will relate. It discussed the Canadian-ness of a woman knitting during the curling final at the Olympics, apparently in close proximity the the prime minister. Sounds like a good way to pass the time to me, regardless of your nationality.
Maybe that knitter knew what so many of us do, that knitting is great for taming tension, bringing a sense of mindfulness and allowing us to help others and Magnificent Mittens Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:07:39 +0000 - Most of the time we probably think of mittens as relatively quick projects. I mean, they're pretty small, right? Hands aren't that big. But it can take an immense amount of time, work and talent to cover them beautifully, as Charlene Schurch illustrates in her recently revised classic Mostly Mittens.
Mostly Mittens by Charlene Schurch. Martingale & Company.
The book explores the fiber art traditions of Russia's Komi people and shares 35 different patterns for mittens (and four matching hats) using their motifs. These projects are definitely for intermediate to advanced k...
New Resource for Charitable Crafters Wed, 03 Mar 2010 08:10:41 +0000 - Lion Brand Yarn has long helped knitters and other yarn crafters who want to give back through its Charity Connection, a serachable database of giving opportunities (complete with links to free patterns you might want to whip up to donate to charity). Now knitters have another option when looking for ways to help others, in the new Bernat Yarn website Bernat Cares.
This site includes a charity search by cause (animals, baby, military, etc.) as well as by zip code, state or country if you want to direct your giving locally or more widely. Signing up as a member of the BernatCares Team gets you access to more information and free patterns for charitable giving. Given the recent earthquakes, it also includes information on giving monetary donations to organizations like the Red Cross and UNICEF.<...
