Create yarn stars using the traditional God's Eye weaving technique. This is a fun craft for Christmas suitable for older kids.
Let's get crafty.
Learning the basics of crochet is pivotal for your farther development. If you want to become a profound crafts specialist and create some of the
If you're into crocheting, you know that choosing the right type of yarn can make a huge difference in your finished product. There are so many types of yarn out there, and it can be overwhelming to know which one to choose. In this article, we'll break down the most common types of yarn and what they're typically used for. Acrylic yarn is a synthetic yarn that is affordable, durable, and comes in a variety of colors and textures. It's great for beginners and is commonly used for making blankets, scarves, and hats. Wool yarn is made from the fleece of sheep and is known for its softness and warmth. It comes in different weights and textures, making it versatile for a range of projects. Wool is commonly used for sweaters, hats, and mittens. Cotton yarn is made from the fibers of the cotton plant. It's breathable, absorbent, and easy to take care of, making it a popular choice for warm-weather garments and home decor items. Cotton is commonly used for dishcloths, market bags, and summer tops. Alpaca yarn is made from the fleece of alpacas. It's soft, lightweight, and warmer than wool. It's hypoallergenic and comes in a range of natural colors. Alpaca is commonly used for shawls, scarves, and hats. Silk yarn is made from the fibers of the silk moth. It's known for its softness, sheen, and drape. It's a luxurious yarn that's perfect for special occasion garments and accessories. Silk is commonly used for shawls, scarves, and evening wear. Mohair yarn is made from the long, silky fibers of the Angora goat. It's known for its softness, halo, and sheen. It's a lightweight yarn that's perfect for fuzzy and fluffy projects. Mohair is commonly used for scarves, hats, and sweaters. In summary, there are many different types of yarn to choose from, and each has its own unique characteristics. When selecting yarn for your next crochet project, consider the type of project, the yarn's weight and texture, and your personal preferences. Have fun experimenting with different types of yarn until you find the ones that work best for you and your crochet projects. Read more How to read yarn labels Will crochet go out of style?
Let's get crafty.
Have you ever been curious about the difference between a silk/alpaca blend and 100% merino wool? Or...have you ever seen a pattern and thought, “I have the perfect yarn for that!” only to have the project turn out far from what you expected? You followed the pattern exactly, got the same gauge with the recommended needle and yet it just doesn’t look like the photos you’d seen or the image you had in your head. Chances are the fiber content of the yarn the designer used is different from the yarn you used. It's helpful to understand a few basics about the yarn you’re using to make sure you love the projects that you spend your valuable time and hard-earned money creating! There are three primary types of yarn based on what they’re made from - animal, plant and synthetic - and the properties of each type of fiber have a huge impact on the fabric you’re creating. Some showcase textures beautifully and keep their structure, while others have the dreamy softness and drape for your new favorite shawl. It’s also important to keep durability in mind. Is this going to be an accessory for special occasions that you don’t mind hand washing? Or is it a go-to staple that will need to be hard-wearing and machine washable? We know it can be overwhelming trying to find the perfect yarn for each project when there are so many beautiful choices out there. To help you narrow down the options and start your next project off on the right foot, we’ve outlined some popular fibers and their characteristics. We’ve also provided some suggestions for the types of projects they are well suited for. Print out the handy-dandy cheat sheet to help you remember the basics! Download Fiber Guide Animal Fibers Alpaca - Alpaca is a lightweight fiber with a slightly glossy finish. Fabric created with alpaca is soft, durable and retains heat well. This fiber can be found in many different weights, and makes wonderful sweaters and accessories - especially for colder climates! Beware though, alpaca does not have much memory and doesn’t keep its shape as nicely as other fibers. Angora - Angora fiber comes from angora rabbits and is luxuriously soft and thin. This is another very warm fiber that blends well with other types and takes dye well and you'll note many knitting yarns use a blend of angora to achieve extra warmth and softness. This fiber is fluffy and has a tendency to shed and felt as well, so keep that in mind, but it’s a fantastic addition to special items you are willing to take extra care with. Cashmere & Mohair - Cashmere and mohair are fibers coming from goats that are softer than standard sheep wools. They are also lighter than traditional wools and have the same insulating properties making them great for items worn close to the skin like scarves, shawls and cowls. Mohair in particular typically has a halo adding a cozy fluff factor to your projects! Silk - A very strong fiber, silk is usually combined with other fibers to add a bit of shine and stability. On its own, silk yarn will feel somewhat crisp and smooth, and while it will accept dye initially, the color can fade. Silk will also stretch so if it’s not in a blend, watch out for distortion in your projects! Wool - Often used as a generic term, sheep’s wool is by far the most common fiber used for yarn crafting. Wool is heavier, durable and hard-wearing, with elasticity to return to its previous shape when stretched. This is ideal for textured fabrics and also means that wool is wrinkle resistant! Wool can absorb a lot of moisture before feeling wet, but it is susceptible to felting if heat and agitation are applied to damp fibers. There are a wide variety of sheep that produce a wide variety of unique wools, but across the board, wool yarns are going to be workhorses for blankets, sweaters, socks and more. Plant-Based Fibers Bamboo - An environmentally friendly option, bamboo is a lightweight yarn with a nice sheen and soft drape. Good for warmer climates, bamboo breathes well, reflects UV rays and happens to be antibacterial! This fiber will lose some of its natural strength when it’s wet, so it isn’t going to be your best option for frequently-washed items. Shawls, cowls and scarves would be a great choice to try out this renewable resource! Cotton - Heavier than some of its plant-based counterparts, cotton is almost universally available in many different forms. Another great option for warmer climates and anyone suffering from allergies to animal fibers, cotton is stronger wet than it is dry so it can be washed and worn regularly. It does have a tendency to be distorted easily, and the lack of elasticity can alter even the most consistent of tensions. Suitable for home projects and warm weather wear, cotton has one of the widest ranges of applications and exceptional stitch definition. Linen - Naturally heavy, linen fibers are typically formed into thin yarns and/or partnered with other fibers. A 100% linen yarn is going to feel very stiff - even crunchy, but will soften over time as it is washed and broken in. A sturdy fiber, linen is comfortable for hot weather, but does wrinkle easily. Open, breathable sweaters and other tops are beautiful applications for linen and linen blends. Live in a colder part of the world? Try a sleeveless linen top to pair with your favorite cardigan! Rayon - Technically a plant-based product, rayon is a combination of cotton lint and wood chips that are manufactured and processed into yarns. Rayon has a beautiful luster and can handle bright colors and bold dyes. There is no resilience with this fiber, so you won’t want to do ribbed or textured projects with rayon, and if it’s a heavy sweater for example, the fabric will droop and lose its shape. Synthetic Fibers Acrylic - This family of synthetic fibers imitates wool, but doesn’t have the insulating properties of the natural material. Acrylics come in any weight and color you can think of, and is often a go-to for baby products and blankets. These yarns are going to be heat sensitive so take care not to overheat or your project will lose all its shape and end up shiny and sad. Nylon - With incredible durability and elasticity, nylon is the strongest of the fibers you’ll find in a yarn. Nylon products can take any number of different forms and looks, but most common is its use in sock yarns to increase the strength of other fibers. Socks without nylon will wear thin sooner and require darning much more frequently. Polyester - Used in support of other fibers, polyester adds strength and stability to a yarn. It resists wrinkles and has memory to hold its shape. This is a good option to consider for children’s clothing that will be washed frequently and put to the test! Stellina - Want a little sparkle in your project? Stellina has a metallic look - typically silver or gold in color - that doesn’t scratch like other metallic novelty yarns on the market. Often seen in fingering weight sock yarns, stellina is a fun option for a festive look! Do you have a favorite fiber? One you haven’t tried yet but would love to? Or is there one that haunts your nightmares? We’d love to have you share in the comments below! Sources:Alpaca Owners Association Inc How to Knit with Bamboo Yarn The Knitter’s Book of Knowledge Vogue Knitting: The Ultimate Knitting Book
Cotton Gold Tweed Alize Crochet yarn Yarn for knitting Hypoallergenic yarn Summer yarn Hand knit yarn Color choice Cotton-Acrylic yarn Soft yarn Lot of five skeins High quality Sport Cotton Yarn for crochet and handknitting Alize Cotton GOLD TWEED - Turkish Yanr with Cotton, Acrylic and Polyester Perfect for summer knit and crochet. It's great for summer dresses and tops. Fibers: 55% Cotton, 45% Acrylic Meterage: 330 m Unit weight: 100 g Recommended knitting needle size 3,5-5 mm Recommended crochet hook size 2-4 mm Price is per skein. Yarn is made in Turkey. All my yarn are brand new, and all of them come directly from the manufacturers. The color in the photo may slightly differ from the real, it depends on the individual settings for the monitor. If you can not find your desired color, please write to me what color you want to buy, and I'll try to help you. Thank you so much for visiting my shop!
How to have a successful yarn bomb - the top tips on how to yarn bomb anything! From how to start to choosing where and when.
How to Dye Yarn with a Slow Cooker or Crock Pot. Learn how to heat set wool dyes with this slow cooker (or Crock Pot) dyeing technique.
Each listing is for 1 skein of yarn Available in: -75% Superwash Merino 25% Nylon Fingering Weight 100g/464yd -100% SW Merino Sport 100g/328yds -100% Superwash Merino DK 115g/250yds -100% Superwash Merino Worsted Weight 100g/218yds Pictured in 2 ply Fingering Weight and DK MADE TO ORDER... please take note of shipping times This yarn is kettle dyed by yours truly. Please order enough yarn to finish and complete your project so that your skeins are better matched. If you need more than I have available I will make a separate batch just for you. Just send me a message and I will take care of you. While I try my best to maintain consistency with all of my yarns, I ask that you remember that with hand dyed yarns, no 2 skeins will ever be the same!!! This yarn is incredibly soft, squishy and is a absolute dream to knit with. Great for socks, shawls, scarves, hats, fingerless gloves and anything else you can make with fingering weight yarn. Care Instructions: Machine wash gentle. Lay flat to dry. (Hand washing is STRONGLY recommended to maintain the color and quality of your finished piece.) *NOTES - All companies, including companies who purchase dyed yarns from a mill can have a problem with bleeding or transfer of colors. This mostly occurs in blues and teals, but can occur with any very dark and saturated color. Every effort has been made to ensure that this yarn does not bleed. The color in this yarn has been set BUT you may or may not see an insignificant amount of color exhaust in the water during your first wash but nothing thereafter. This is common with most hand dyed yarns and again, hand washing is strongly suggested to maintain the color and quality of your finished piece. Colors may vary slightly from the picture, due to lighting conditions, computer monitor settings and camera calibration.
How to have a successful yarn bomb - the top tips on how to yarn bomb anything! From how to start to choosing where and when.
Overwhelmed by yarn choices? Let's look at yarn by fiber, weight, ply, and color to find the right types of yarn for your knitting.
Choosing the perfect yarn for your knitting project: a comprehensive guide. We help you sort through the various fibers, weights, and more.
yarn for a sekrit project was delivered this weekend. that is all i'm saying.
A handy little masterclass on how to choose yarn in knitting. How to find the perfect ball for your next project the easy way without regrets.
How to read a yarn label. Learn what yarn labels say and what to look for when choosing yarn for your projects. This is a step-by-step guide.
6 Yarn Dyeing Techniques. Learn how to dye yarn with these 6 different color patterns including Solid, Speckled, Variegated and more.
you always keep these too? and i made it into this a while ago i saw on carolyn’s website a recipe for making a paste with which you can make a bowl out of yarn. she used a long piece of yarn…
just want to cuddle up on my couch with a movie and knit this scarf (pattern found here). i’m thinking of kidnapping my pretty sister, lauren, to keep me company.
How to Dye Cotton Yarn at Home. Take your Knitting or Crochet to the next level by dyeing your own cotton yarn. Easy step by step tutorial!
Have fun yarn bombing! It's temporarily covering an object with knitted, crocheted, woven, stitched or wrapped yarn. Make funny, easy or complex yarn bombs.
We take a tour of the bright and colorful craft space of our favorite food crocheter Twinkie Chan in San Francisco, California."I always knew I wanted my craft room to have yellow walls. I picked a yolk-y, extremely warm yellow with a lot of orangey-red undertones. I wanted my room to have a happy, sunshiny feeling." Tell us about your space? My craft space is the second bedroom in my house. It's upstairs and faces the street, and on a (rare) sunny day here, it's one of the brightest and warmest rooms. Sometimes when my BFF is spending the night, we blow up the air mattress and stick her in here amongst the yarn, but other than that, the space is pretty much solely for craft work and solely for me.Is this also your work space? This is also technically my office. My computer is in here, as well as my printer/scanner, my shipping supplies and thermal label printer. Now that my dream of having a separate craft room has come true, I would really love to at least have a separate table for boxing up orders and shipping! Even though my yarn lives in here, I don't do any crocheting in the craft room, since I don't have comfy seating. I do all my crocheting in the living room, parked in front of the TV! I'll do all non-crochet work in here, such as, gluing hair accessories and brooches together, cutting felt for accents, gluing decorations to scarves and other crochet work, beading, photo editing, blogging, emailing, yarn ball winding, and sometimes I'll take photos in here for Etsy if the light is good that day.What have you done to make your space cosy, beautiful or inspiring? I always knew I wanted my craft room to have yellow walls. I picked a yolk-y, extremely warm yellow with a lot of orangey-red undertones. I wanted my room to have a happy, sunshiny feeling. Aside from that, my supplies aka my yarn really provide inspiration to me. I just love the LOOK of yarn, and having my yarn wall is extremely delightful! It can be hard to keep my craft room looking tidy, because I'm so busy most of the time that I don't spend much energy re-organizing or re-decorating. I just let the supplies decorate the room for the most part. I collect a little plush here and there, but don't want to go too overboard. I've been trying to pick up colorful prints made by friends and fellow crafters here and there, but I'm so bad at getting frames for them!How do you keep organized? I recently mentioned on Twitter that it's kind of unfortunate that my crafting is such a messy job. I have to spend so much time cleaning up after my last project, in comparison to, say, a graphic designer who doesn't have to put all the yarn away, or a writer who doesn't have to pick up fabric scraps before starting a new project. I have clutter around me constantly, but you really have to clean regularly before it gets too overwhelming! I have a lot of plastic bins to keep finished projects in. Works in progress are usually sprinkled all over the coffee table in the living room or on tables in the craft room. I am the kind of person who needs to SEE things to remember them, so if I hid the progress projects, I might forget to finish them! I have plans, though, to create curtains for some of my shelves and to hide things under tables. Plastic bins are helpful but a little unsightly! My supply stash is enormous, too enormous, and it's all here in the craft room. (Okay, that's a lie. I had to hide 3 ugly boxes of yarn in the hallway to take photos!) I have some spare shipping supplies down in my garage, but everything I use to create magic is shoved in shelves or tucked into a plastic bin in here. Yarn goes on the yarn wall, and other small supplies are in cute jars and containers on a pink shelf designed and built by my friend or in plastic drawers!Any tips & tricks for organising supplies? To be honest, I am not a very organized person! Or, I just don't choose to spend the time thinking about organization. I try to use plastic bins to separate the little things or get cute containers from places like Target or Daiso. I also have a little wooden card-catalogue-like storage solution for smaller supplies like jewelry findings and pom poms. Everyone asks me what kind of shelves I keep my yarn in, and they are CD shelves from IKEA. This is an easy and obvious tip: but it's crucial for everything to have a place. I experience a lot of anxiety over the fact that things never seem to have a place, so you need to try to create one!Which are your favourite possessions and are there any of your own creations on display?- My ball winder and swift! I used to wind hanks of yarn with my knees and my hands. Having actual tools to do this has been a real time saver, and both were gifts, so that makes them extra special to me. - My glue gun! I know glue guns get a really bad rap because they leave strings and the adhesive is allegedly not so great, but I love mine. I wish they invented a glue stick for the hot glue gun that was for clothing and washable! I want to glue gun everything! If I plan to sell something, I try to tuck it away in a bin to keep the lint and dust off them. I have some craft duds that I'll never sell, and they usually end up being default display pieces, but I try not to have too much of my work hanging about. I'd rather they find homes with other people! I do hang the crochet-paintings on the wall until they are sold, though. I love how they make a space feel cozy.How do you organise your inspiration and ideas? I have a notebook for jotting down ideas, making small sketches, and taking pattern notes. This is separate from my notebook with the day's to-do lists and notes. I also keep a small notebook in my purse. You have to write down ideas before you forget them, because you WILL forget them! That's about the extent of my organization! My life is more like a collage than a filing cabinet.Where do you look for inspiration?I don't usually need to sit down and figure out how to be inspired. I usually have a backlog of ideas. What I lack is the time to execute everything! To be inspired to keep going and walk the walk, I like to read Elsie & Emma's blog, A Beautiful Mess. They seem to know how to make the most of their day. Observing others be productive inspires me to be productive!If you had three wishes, what would you do to make it the dream craft space?1. Separate shipping area 2. Comfy couch 3. A server to take my order for coffee and cupcakes Make sure to check out Twinkie Chan's blog for crochet-goodness »
Like moonlight on a running brook, our newest yarn, Lantern, moves with syncopation and mystery,…
Have you heard of a Magic Ball? It’s a ball of yarn that changes colors and textures as you work. It’s something offered by a number of artisan yarn makers… but it’s also something you can make yourself with your leftover yarn! Besides ending up with an awesomely fun end-product… you’ll finally get to use
you always keep these too? and i made it into this a while ago i saw on carolyn’s website a recipe for making a paste with which you can make a bowl out of yarn. she used a long piece of yarn…
