Posted by Katrin on 2005-02-10 22:54:18
Post Subject:
My first knitting projects were purses and tote bags - they're still just squares and rectangles, folded up and/or sewn together. I also made the Fuzzyfeet early on - surprisingly easy, but you get a big sense of accomplishment when they're done.
I recommend Hip to Knit for lots of fun, easy, stylish patterns (Dare I say I like them better than the stuff in Stitch 'N Bitch?). It starts with scarves and purses, and works its way up through several styles of hats to socks and sweaters. Most of the first things I ever knitted were from it, and they all turned out great.
My sister gave me the book for Xmas, not knowing I already had it - I made her keep it for herself instead, and now she's learning to knit too!
Posted by rmeb on 2006-09-21 16:06:28
Post Subject: No Sew Throw Pillows
I haven't posted in FOREVER, but when I needed some craftin' advice, I figured this would still be the place!
I just moved and decided to toss my super old throw pillows and want to make some new ones. The problem? I don't have a sewing machine, and I'm not sure how great I am at sewing by hand. While I do a lot of other crafts (and have finished a few of my knitting projects, so I do know how to do some sewing), it's just not my forte. I was considering getting some of that stuff that you just iron (stitch witchery?) to "hem" the seams, but I wasn't sure if that would work. Any suggestions?
Posted by KnittyMomma on 2005-05-25 08:53:58
Post Subject: Dilemma
So here's my problem. My mom's getting married this weekend (suprisingly thats not my dilemma) and then I am staying down there for a week afterwards. I can't bring my sewing machine and I can't hand sew a straight line to save my life so that's out. I need a craft project I can work on in the car and while at her house during the day. My husband has graciously agreed to take me to Walmart or Michael's or Joann's to pick up something today so I need ideas! Either knitting projects I can do while I'm there or something else. I'm even willing to try a new craft! Hehe.
Posted by Katrin on 2005-01-15 02:24:33
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I've never seen a box for a single wine bottle - where do you find those?
Last time I was at Michaels, they had a whole bunch of them on sale really cheap.
Wine bottle tubes (that's what they're called, right? Tubes? Boxes? Cylinders? Cylindrical tubular boxes?) are so pretty - I love to look at them in stores but always think, I never give wine as a gift so I have no reason to buy them. What a great idea to use them for yarn! It would certainly look a lot neater than the plastic bags I usually end up stuffing my knitting projects in.
Posted by kungfugirl on 2004-07-09 11:39:38
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I think that's a great idea! I know of a few boys who've been interested in knitting, but so many of the really cool knitting projects online are geared toward women. If you do this, make sure to post about it so I can let people know.
Posted by meexie on 2004-12-24 18:35:41
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When I have time to kill, I work on knitting projects (like doing charts, figuring out sizes, knitting swatches) and write lists, mainly things to do or see or get my hands on.
Posted by sallysunshine on 2006-10-28 16:30:22
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I actually think I have some sort of profound emotional block on finishing anything. I have about five knitting projects that just need to be blocked and seamed. And I wish that this problem were limited to the crafty aspects of my life....
Posted by slaster138 on 2006-10-19 13:15:24
Post Subject: anyone with recycled craft ideas???
I work for a refugee resettlement agency and have been thinking of ways for some of our low-english proficient or low (marketable) skill clients to generate some income (for themselves). not long ago my mom made me the coolest bag out of plastic bags (i'm sure a lot of you have seen it/heard of it/ made it-- knit up with a bunch of plastic grocery bags) and anyway, i've been carrying my knitting projects around in that bag-- people always comment on it-- and i started thinking about how a lot of our clients probably know how to knit/sew/etc and wouldn't it be cool if some of the ladies and gents who can't really work a regular job (or work in a low wage job) could make some crafts out of free/recycled or low-cost materials to sell and help generate a little income or supplement their income. i was thinking about the knit-from-plastic-bags bag and a few other things (recycled aluminium cans and wire crafts) but i know you ladies (and gents) must have TONS of other ideas you could share-- so if anyone would like to share their ideas for crafts from recycled objects (including any tips or how-tos) i'd really appreciate it!
Posted by Katrin on 2004-06-02 01:38:39
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One caveat about holding a crafty get-together in a bar/lounge: If smoking is allowed, it's not conducive to knitting or other fabric- or needlecrafts. I left an otherwise kickass S&B group for that reason - didn't like bringing home my knitting projects smelling like smoke.
Posted by xuli on 2004-10-01 14:21:33
Post Subject: cheating on crafts?
So, I've known for awhile that some yarn stores offer services where they'll do all the finishing on stuff that their customers have knitted -- weaving in ends, blocking, seaming, etc.
But then a few weeks ago, I was shocked to learn that my friend's mom, who makes these gorgeous quilts, hasn't actually quilted in years. She does all the designing and piecing, then ships the quilt top, batting and backing to a quilting shop where they quilt it all together for her. I've never met this friend's mom, but her quilts are so pretty. I felt like Sammy Sosa's biggest fan must've felt when they found cork in his bat.
The idea of paying someone to finish my knitting projects might be tempting if I could afford it, but I still think that if I did that I'd never feel OK about telling anyone that I'd made something. But maybe I'm just bitter because I can't afford it, or maybe I'm just a crafting prude.
Posted by Katrin on 2005-07-18 12:39:48
Post Subject: Who's started on their holiday gifts already?
Okay, first I must say that this is totally uncharacteristic of me. I'm usually a huge procrastinator. I almost always end up sending "belated" birthday cards and gifts. My family knows this; they're often the same way, and it's no big deal to any of us.
But here in the middle of July, I've suddenly found myself already starting to amass Christmas presents. I've found some great yard-sale or clearance bargains that will make perfect gifts for certain family members, and I'm currently working on two knitting projects that will either be for Christmas or my dad's and sister's winter birthdays (depending on what other gifts I find for them before then). I'm broke right now, and still I'm thinking up all these things to make out of supplies I already have.
Does anyone else regularly do this? Any tips on keeping the momentum going? What projects are you working on months in advance?
Posted by daisythegorilla on 2005-10-13 21:08:23
Post Subject: Gocco Applications
This is my first post on this site, so excuse me if I'm not doing it correctly.... I've been hearing so much about the Gocco! I read a post somewhere that you can even make fabric labels with it (to put on your knitting projects, etc.) Does anyone know if that would work well? Do you think it can be done on ribbon, so you wouldn't have to sew all the sides? (I'm not YET a sewing person). I would love to make my own "Made for You By" type labels, since most of the ones you can buy are so boring.
Thanks for any input!
By the way - I read that it's pronounced like the word "loco", rather than like "locko", but with a "G" of course. :-)
Posted by Anonymous on 2005-04-18 13:35:48
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I have a 20 month old, and one almost 5, and crafting with them is what got me crafting in the first place. Using cardboard boxes and construction paper we've made a school (to get over going to school fears), a playground and a library. My youngest isn't that interested and toddles aound the house, though he loves to draw already. It's worked wonders with my oldest, though.
I used to embroider, and working with my kids re-inspired me to do that, although I find I need more time than I can usually get. I recently taught myself to knit, and small knitting projects have been the perfect thing. They are easy to pick up and put down, and even with constant interruptions you can finish something in a reasonable amount of time.
I usually get the best opportunities after they are in bed (of course - provided I do not fall asleep immediately), and after some activity when we're having some down time and watching a video. For those who might have TV guilt, there is a lot of great childrens programming available now, both on video and on TV.
Also, I pretty much gave up cleaning.....
My motto - keep doing it and the time will find you!
Posted by stella on 2005-05-28 21:43:40
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slaster138, what's a tireless bake wheel? i can't even begin to conceive of what that might look like.
i'm working on a pair of fingerless mitten things for my sister's friend in this gorgeous red and orange kettle-dyed wool from Uruguay (not Manos, which i find too scratchy, but Malabrigo). i have 3 or 4 other partial knitting projects, but i didn't get *any* knitting done last semester so they've been languishing in obscurity.
Posted by revafisheye on 2005-12-29 16:34:47
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I am starting a new book tonight - Niagra Falls All Over Again by Elizabeth McCracken. It's been on my shelf waiting for me for weeks while I finish my xmas knitting projects. I'm also anxiously awaiting Genius Factory, which I have reserved at the library. It's a nonfiction about the Nobel Sperm Bank and it's creator. Who doesn't love a little mad genius?
I'm supposed to be reading Sheltering Sky for my book club, but I'm suddenly uninterested. (I haven't started it yet either.)
