I’ll be spending this weekend on a trip, hopefully getting some much-needed R&R, and maybe sneaking in a bit of knitting & crochet while I’m at it. I’ve got a couple of ideas in the works for some springier patterns, and I really want to get a sock knit along going! Anybody out there got tips for how to host the chillest, yet most interesting sock KAL around? I knit to relax and want to host this soon-to-happen KAL in that same zen spirit. Please don’t hesitate to email or comment with thoughts on what you think works (or doesn’t) – I’m dying to know!
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Knitting Needle Case DIY
These fun little knitting needle pouches can also be used as a pencil or crochet hook case!
Fun-mazing Jewelry DIYs
Looking at these 6 ideas, aren’t you inspired? Yesterday I shared my take on a DIY jewelry project, these fun little crochet rings. Careful readers might remember my mentioning that I designed that pattern as part of a quarterly collab of 7 bloggers, all of whom have become my internet (and when we can work it out!) real life friends. Isn’t the internet amazing?
Crochet Rings
These simple crocheted rings are made with a fun yarn and just a few rows of single crochet, and they’re completely addictive. Check out my free pattern for them as well as tips for getting started.
Weekly Reader
Easter is super late this year, on April 20, but that just means there’s extra time to fit in some springy Easter goodness! I haven’t usually gone all out on Easter crafts in the past – the closest I’ve gotten are chocolate eggs made in egg shells, and this crazy (yet I love it so hard) astro turf peter pan collar. 2014 might need to be the year I go eggs-out on the Easter crafting!
Stenciled Coffee Table Makeover
I got to try one of the new Stencil1 stencils this week, which I was really excited about because I’m a fan of Ed Roth, the designer behind the line. He’s known for bridging the gap between street artists like Banksy and craft world faves like Martha. In short, this line is right up my alley. I’ve had a sad, sad, sad coffee table lying around for years, and these larger stencils were just what the DIY doctor ordered for it.
How to Block a Knitting Project
Blocking is something I took years to start doing with finished knitting projects. Just like test swatches. It turns out that both can be pretty important as your knitting gets more sophisticated. Especially if you are making a wearable item, testing your yarn by knitting a sample swatch and blocking it is how you’ll establish a good fit. Here are the basics of how to block a knitting project.
These Colors Won’t Run
The basketweave baby blanket knitting pattern I shared recently was made with one of my favorite yarn colors ever. As much as I love the color, I noticed early on that it turned my fingers blue! Using a simple vinegar bath, I was able to keep my fingers dye-free and preserve the yarn color’s vibrance.
Weekly Reader
In the crafting world (more so than my real life Chicago world), this week started to show some lovely and much welcome signs of spring! Some of the sweetest floral project ideas have started sprouting all over the place in recent weeks. I love it so much and am officially DIY inspired for spring. Now if only the weather would be a little more inspired, we’d be all set. For now, check out what’s got me so amped this week.
