Showing posts with label knit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label knit. Show all posts
Thursday, June 17, 2010

"It 's Just Too Darn Hot to Knit/Crochet! " No It Is NOT!

Many people think of knitting and crocheting as a winter or cold weather only activity because of the weight and warmth of the yarn. It doesn't have to be that way.

There are so many wonderful lightweight yarns of luscious beautiful colors and textures out there. Cotton yarns and cotton yarn blends,  are some of my favorites, especially for knitting baby items like this hat I made for my granddaughter this spring. And the best part about it is crocheting and knitting are a take along hobby that is easy to carry with you. You can work on it just about anywhere!


Medium weight cotton yarn, or “worsted,” makes an excellent knitting yarn for washcloths and dishtowels. There are a variety of patterns available, both free and for purchase, that allow the user to customize a project. Using a cotton yarn blend allows for strength and durability when making washcloths that will be used in the kitchen, and using pure, soft cotton allows for a lovely face cloth. 

Finer or thinner weight projects that utilize all-cotton yarn or cotton blends range from socks and shawls to gloves and short-sleeved or sleeveless tops. Cotton sock yarn is generally blended with nylon to give it more stretch and durability, two qualities that pure cotton yarn does not have. Lace weight cotton yarn can make a gossamer shawl look as though it were made of spider silk. For this variety of knitting project, a type of yarn called “mercerized cotton” is used. This type has been exposed to chemical and heat processes to improve the shine and luster of the fibers, as well as increase their absorbency. Tank tops are generally made from mercerized cotton or cotton yarn blended with a more exotic fiber, such as silk or bamboo, to make the finished project feel softer. 

There are also different types of yarn blends that can be used. Cotton blended with silk is common, although cotton can be blended in the manufacturing process with just about any other fiber. There has been an increase in cotton blends, leading those who are sensitive or allergic to wool to take up crafting again with new gusto. Hand-dyed yarns also provide a creative and colorful outlet for knitters. Cotton yarn can be purchased that is already specially hand-dyed from smaller, independent companies, or bought in its natural hue for dying at home.

So don't give up a relaxing, rewarding hobby just because the weather has turned warmer. Get to your local yarn shop or large craft stores in your area such as Michael's  or AC Moore just to name a few.

IF IT IS TOO HOT OUTSIDE FOR YOU TO VENTURE OUT....SHOP ONLINE AND ENJOY YOUR SUMMER WEATHER.

Source:
http://www.wisegeek.com/what-are-the-best-uses-for-cotton-yarn.htm
Thursday, May 27, 2010

Summer Coming On-Good Time to Learn Crafts


Summer will be upon us before we know it. With summer ,comes vacation, and longer days with hopefully a little more time to relax.

If you have been wanting to learn to do some type of crafting, why wait?

Summer is a good time to learn to do different crafts. Take knitting or crocheting for example....with learning to knit or crochet now, you can make yourself a simple scarf or perhaps a simple knitted or crocheted purse to use this fall.

There are many nice beginner's patterns out there as well as simplified instructions on learning how to knit or crochet. The manufacturers of yarns usually have a nice variety of free patterns based on your skill level. You will usually need to register with their website ,to use the patterns, but this is also free. Here a few of my favorites:

LION BRAND Yarn- http://www.lionbrand.com/



BERNAT Yarns- http://www.bernat.com/

These are just two fine examples of websites that offer so much and for free, what better a price in this hard economy.

Learning a new handcraft will give you something to do, especially if you like many others , will be vacationing at home this year due to economic conditions. You will be able to take pride in your own handiwork, and when someone admires your finished product you can proudly say, "Thank you! I made it myself!"

Thank you for visiting Jennie Salinda and stop by again real soon.
 
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