Recently a friend of mine suggested we get together to form knitting circle. I had about 3 close friends who I knew had active knitting or sewing projects. So we decided to meet every week at my house on a monday morning. Slowly the word spread and we are now a group of between 4 - 8 people who meet every monday and work on our handicraft projects. I am busy knitting a new scarf with afghan wool. She loves the Mile a Minute Afghan patterns Jane is busy making crochet blankets for an overseas charity. Edith is sewing a new quilt for her grand daughter and Christine in knitting a jumper using a vintage vogue pattern for her new boy friend.
The topics of discuss vary every week. Often we discuss the best knitting needles or where to buy the best sewing patternes. Jane buys all hers from eBay as she finds there is a wide range of Simplicity Patterns which is her favouiter. Recently Edith started buying doys clothes patterns from eBay and enjoys making Amigurumi toys and dolls.
Last month we decided also to start a bingo circle as a friend of Lori's recommended the Cheeky Bingo website. She plays bingo regularly we her friends and last month won over 1000 pounds. We have only just started but are already in profit by over 50 pounds. We've decided to put all our winnings into a kitty and then have a great night out or maybe a weekend away at a Spa.
I am also learning new knitting and sewing skills from my knitting circle. Last week Sandra taught me how to make easy crochet edges using a number 2 size crochet kneedle. I enjoyed this and am now making some new table mats using white and pink crochet wool.
I also learnt 5 new secrets about knitting yarns.
Secret #1: Always know what you are knitting with!
Most projects will be knit with "classic" yarns. These are worsted or sport weight, wool, and cotton. All the rest are merely variations on a theme.
If you have a hankering for something fun fur or ribbon-y, eyelash, or wispy lace; save that thought until you know knitting well!!
Secret #2: When buying yarn, always buy by yardage, and not by weight.
Yarns, like people, are of different weights; they can vary all over the place. But, it is the length that is important with each skein; it should be clearly marked and if it is not, then ask for that information.
Secret #3: Always, always, buy enough yarn at one time, for your knitting project! Do not expect to go back to the store two months from now and find the exact color yarn you bought initially.
Yarns are dyed in lots, and when a yarn store runs out of a particular color, they will order it again; but, the dye lot will be different and the subtlety in the color will be very apparent; take my word for it!
So, if you want that pink sweater to look uniformly pink, just buy the yarn, all the yarn!
And check to see that all the "lot #'s" are the same. And, I will always buy that extra skein, and have never been disappointed.
Secret #4: Don't know what to do with all those odd- balls?
Well, let's see, you could knit a few placemats, baby washcloths, mittens, coasters, bookmarks, Christmas ornaments, sachets, doll clothes, knitted pins or fancy little handbags, buttons, flowers, tea cozies, table runners, fluffy wristbands (little girls love these!), a cat collar or dog sweater, a scarf or afghan jumble, and if you can think up anything else, knit away!
Secret #5: Get organized! This is one of my best- kept secrets. Only, not anymore.
Record all of your knitting projects. A simple spreadsheet, or word processor, will do the trick.
Save your labels! This way, when you are finished with your knitting, you can input all the necessary information in order to knit it again, or pass it along to a fellow knitter!
There are even software programs available now, like Needle Trax, to help you keep all your knitting projects organized with simple point and click technology.
Secret #6: A true knitter, like any good craftster, always has too much of everything, and not enough space to hold it all!
Thank goodness for plastic, I always knew there was a purpose for it.
Storage bins come in many varieties, so visit your local shops or even eBay for the best prices around.
Once you have enough storage bins available, then you can sort to your hearts' content! And you will love feeling so harmonious!
Harmony begets creativity every time; so with these *6* yarn secrets, there is no excuse anymore for not being your knitting best.
May your knitting basket always be full!
US $15.99
