Looking for Yarn?

I often go to the manufacturer's website directly to look for yarns, sometimes they introduce new, and other times they just might have a good clearance going on.  Bernat, Red Heart, Lion Brand just to name a few. I also sign up for the newsletters by email since you get a heads up on new yarns being introduced , as well as access to  free patterns.

Here is an interesting new yarn that Bernat is introducing... I just love the luscious colors and love working with bright, vibrant self striping colors. 

Introducing Bernat Mosaic - Luxury and Style 

We have a special treat for you today. Introducing Bernat® Mosaic, your new favorite yarn. First - be stunned by the richness of the colors; Second - be inspired by the inventive color combinations; Third - be amazed as the long stripes appear between your fingers; and Finally, enjoy knowing that caring for the finished product is as easy as can be.

Bernat® Mosaic is a worsted-weight yarn, perfect for afghans, garments, and accessories. The color shifts look great in simple stockinette, with textured details, as crochet motifs, and anything else you can come up with. Bright, dark, subtle, bold - jump into your favorite color scheme and go where the yarn takes you. Even beginners can create their own work of art with Bernat® Mosaic. 

 

 

 

There are many yummy colors available to see them click here:

Enjoy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Source:

Bernat Newsletter and Bernat Website: 

http://www.bernat.com/index.php

Window Shopping on a HOT Day!!

I don't know about you, but on some really steamy days when it is actually cooler in Florida than here in the Northeast, I like to spend the hottest part of the day in the air conditioned office just browsing the web.

This is how I find some terrific websites that sell:

• Fabric-Connecting Threads, Fabric Attic Store on Ebay (I've purchased several fabrics from this lady-excellent service, fast shipping, reasonable prices!!) Burkholder's Fabrics (purchase here frequently!)
• Quilting kits- Sun Valley Quilts -quilt patterns and kits as well as fabric, beautiful assortment.
• Yarn- Chain stores -Michael's, AC Moore, but also on a local level you can usually find beautiful natural, unique yarns such as Alpaca at a local yarn shop, (you will also be helping the local economy).
• Books on quilting, sewing, crafting, etc. You can usually find these at any of the above listed stores or on Amazon.com at a reduced price, perhaps even by" going green "at yard sales.
• Patterns for sewing, quilting, other crafts- most fabric stores carry these, but you can also look at specialty online stores, one of my favorites for purse patterns is Jackie's Desighns (I have purchased some very unique purse patterns from this designer, excellent service and fast shipping!)
• Plenty of  other craft items also , just use Google or Yahoo to search for your particular interest, and have fun browsing!

All this sets my imagination to working as to what project I would enjoy doing next. I also like to follow their blogs or join the newsletter list. This way I can keep up with their sales without any effort. Well enjoy the hot weather, the snow will fly soon enough! Till next time, have a good day!

Knitting Techniques for More Successful Knitting

knitting Daily (where life meets knitting).

If you are interested in learning to knit, just learning to knit, or an experienced knitter, who can turn down a great offer like this??

Here you can download a FREE e-book, which you can store on your computer hard drive, or print out so you have a copy in your hand.

Knitting Techniques for More Successful Knitting Help for all Knitters from the Knitting Daily Experts

  Knitting excites us. It puts us at ease. Knitting allows us to express our creativity and construct beauty. Knitting challenges us. No matter what drives you to pick up your knitting needles, no matter what your skill level, this free download is a must-have guide that all knitters will appreciate and enjoy. Keep a copy in your project bag so you can always have a quick reference for casting on, cable knitting, stitches for embellishing or fixing errant colors, knitting finishing techniques, and more! Now expert knitting tips will always be within reach once you download your free copy of Knitting Techniques for More Successful Knitting—Help for all Knitters.

Claim your free copy today...
This is the guide that every knitter will benefit from and use!

Source:

http://www.Knitting Daily.com 

Sewing with Kids. 2July2010. Clothilde.com-Sewing Savvy Newsletter.

Just a note before the newsletter: Clothilde.com has a wide assortment of items for those interested in sewing and quilting. I signed up for their newsletter which normally has some very inspirational ideas.

Sewing With Kids

Kids may show an interest in sewing, but the sharp needles and fast pace of your sewing machine may intimidate them. It's pretty easy to start them out with some string and plastic mesh canvas to get the hang of hand sewing. After that, it won't take long to move them on to needles and scrap fabric, or to replacing missing buttons on their favorite shirts. When teaching kids to use sewing machines, it helps if you have a machine that has multiple speed settings. Pressure pedals will work too; however, just make sure kids can safely reach the pedals and set a nonskid pad beneath the foot pedal. Start slowly and pick a very basic pattern, or just teach kids to sew straight or zigzag stitches in lines on scrap fabric until they are comfortable. As long as kids remember to keep their little fingers away from the needle, they should gain confidence and learn to enjoy sewing on a machine.

Kids are naturally curious and love to learn new things, but they also have very short attention spans. Therefore, it is important to come up with quick and easy projects that they can complete in a short period of time with minimal assistance. Once they see the finished product, they will be excited about more challenging projects.

To get kids excited about sewing, you could take them to the fabric store and let them pick out their own fabrics. Fat quarters are cheap and small enough for kids to work with easily. They will love the bright array of colors and patterns to choose from. Giving kids their own sewing scissors and pincushion also makes them feel like their projects are their own.

Ideas for Kid-Friendly Sewing Projects

• Pillowcases
• Simple blankets for charities

Project Linus Donate homemade blankets you and your kids make to this great charity that gives blankets to hospitals and shelters.

• Shorts
• Scarves or bandannas for pets
• Reusable shopping bags

  Source:
http://www.clotilde.com/sewing_savvy.php?mode=article&article_id=1007&source=SEWNL