Tagged: resolutions

Jan 08

A note on notions

Every January, many of us resolve to organize our lives. And this year, I decided my knitting and crochet supplies were no exception. In the interest of actually accomplishing something, I decided NOT to start with my yarn stash, but with my notions. While not as overwhelmingly out-of-control as my yarn, they were definitely in need of some attention. So I emptied everything from the — ahem — Ziploc bag where I kept them, and took inventory.

I did quite a bit of weeding, based on what I use most. And once everything was spread out on the table, I thought it might be useful to snap a photo so I could talk about my knitting tools. During a recent class I taught, I thought it was interesting to hear what everyone’s favorite notions and tools were. We all have different gadgets that we use for different tasks (some for the tasks they were intended for, and some not so much). At Knit and Stitch, we’ve got tons of really interesting notions and tools. Next time you’re browsing, be sure to visit our notions wall and see what you can add to your toolkit.

Here, in no particular order, is what’s in my newly reorganized notions case. What am I missing? Leave a comment and let me know your favorite knitting and crochet tools.

1. Tiny tool case: This is the little box where I keep my tiniest notions — needles, stitch markers and such. It’s very similar (though not quite as awesome) as the Perfect Notions Case that we carry at the shop. The hinge on one compartment of my case is about to give out, and when it does, I’ll be investing in one of those.

2. Stitch markers: As you can see, I travel with all shapes and sizes. Sadly, that is because stitch markers seem to be almost disposable for me; I can’t seem to hang on to them. I am always losing them between couch cushions, on the Metro, etc. For that reason, I have LOTS. Also because some projects require quite a few — the hat I’m knitting now requires eight to mark the repeats in its chevron pattern. I always have a few removable markers (that’s the one that looks like a little spiral), which I use for crochet projects or to mark the right side of my knitting. The black one in the photo is part of a set of sock and lace markers we sell at the shop. The one in the photo is the LARGEST in the package!

3. Point protectors: I’m not fastidious about using these (though maybe I should be), but I always carry a few. They are really the best way from keeping stitches from escaping off the ends of your needles.

4. Blocking pins: I have a huge pincushion of these that lives near my blocking station (i.e. guest bed), but I always carry a few in my tiny tool case. They’re nice and long, and good for pinning on embellishments (flowers, etc.) that I need to stitch on. I try to avoid seaming, but when I do, I use these to pin pieces together, or pin arms and legs on bodies when I’m seaming toys.

5. Yarn needle: So many purposes — weaving in ends; sewing on pompoms, tassels, etc.; seaming; sewing on large buttons …

6. Safety pins: As you can see, I carry a few sizes. The small ones are good as stitch markers or to pin pieces together for seaming. The large ones are my favorite stitch holders for small projects — they are just right for holding the thumb stitches for a mitten. Also good for threading a drawstring through a waistband.

7. Scissors: I’m not sure where they are at the moment, but I usually also carry a small pair of baby nail clippers, which is what I use for any airplane knitting projects. Just in case.

8. Tape measure: I always carry a tape measure, but recently I’ve also started using a new trick: When I’m working on a pattern that requires precise measurement (socks, for example), I create a small ruler on the edge of the pattern printout. I might mark every inch, but sometimes I might just mark the pertinent measurements (7 inches for a sock leg or 2 inches for a heel flap). That way, if I need to grab a project quickly, I know that if I have the pattern with me, I’ll have a ruler. (Also good to know: a standard-sized business card is 2 inches by 3.5 inches. So if you have one handy, you’ll always have a ruler).

9. Needle gauge: Recently it seems like I’ve been buying a lot of needles that aren’t marked with the size (and the markings have worn off some of my older needles). So I carry this gauge just to make sure I’m using the correct needle size.

10. Crochet hooks: I crochet, so I carry my favorite sizes for “just in case” moments. But I also use these to pick up dropped stitches, or occasionally to pick up stitches along a tight edge.

11. Size 7 16-inch circular needle: I knit a lot of hats, so I carry my all-time favorite needles — a set of size 7 16-inch Addis. I love them very much. I think I carry them so that I know where they are at all times.

12. Scrap yarn: I always carry a small length of scrap yarn in my toolkit. Recently I’ve been knitting a lot of mittens, so I might use this to hold the thumb stitches while I finish the mitten. I switch it out when it starts to look tired and sad.

I have quite a few other gadgets that are stashed in my craft room, but these are the things that travel in my knitting bag. And if I was forced to whittle down my supplies (gasp!), these would be my picks. What are your favorite tool and notions? Maybe I need to add to my stash …

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Posted in Chat, Tools

Dec 30

Crafting resolutions, part 2

OK, more ideas for knit and crochet resolutions. Don’t forget to share yours in the comments!

6. Take a class. Look, first and foremost, knitting and crochet classes are FUN. You sit around for a few hours doing something you love with other people who love the same thing. It’s not algebra class, people. There’s no exam at the end. It’s just a great way to learn something new. And even though these days you could learn to turn a heel by watching an Internet video, you’ll almost always be more successful if someone is standing over your shoulder and helping to guide your needles in the right direction. You can always watch the video when you get home if you need a reminder. We’ve got tons of great classes this winter and spring. Some of them are on basic topics that you might need to improve your work — fixing mistakes, finishing techniques, etc. But some are just classes you can take just for the fun of it — owl mittens, fair isle tam, intarsia, aran knitting. Check out our schedule, and then sign up.

7. Plan your gifting. True, we just came out of the gift-knitting season, and it’s hard to think about it again. But you just might find you enjoy making gifts much more if you start thinking about it well before Thanksgiving. Make a list of all the people you’d like to knit or crochet for next holiday season, as well as other gift-giving occasions, like birthdays, Mother’s Day, etc. That way, you can spread your gift-making throughout the year, instead of doing it all in the span of a few weeks. Or …

8. Give yourself a break from making gifts. My mom (who is also a maker) and I often say that the holidays create a lot of self-imposed stressed for people who like to make gifts. We feel forced to make handmade presents for everyone who crosses our paths, when most likely, very few of them expect it. Decide right now that in 2011, you’ll give yourself a break from making gifts. Or choose one or two worthy recipients, and make really special gifts for them. If you’re feeling guilty, resolve to alternate years — in 2011, you’ll lay off the handmade gifts, and in 2012, you’ll get back to it.

9. Learn to crochet. Yes, it’s a very specific resolution. But it just might be worth doing. I’ve already laid out all my reasons here, so I won’t do it again. This year, we’re adding a new one-session class called Crochet for Knitters. So if you think you’ll never be a full-fledged crocheter, maybe that’s a good one for you. You’ll learn some basic techniques to enhance your knitting, like a provisional cast-on, basic edgings and simple embellishments.

10. Knit socks. Again, very specific, but with good reason. Socks are just plain fun. I taught a socks class earlier this month, and it rejuvenated my love of sock knitting. Socks can be simple, fancy, lacy or cozy. Sock yarns are fun to buy, and don’t take up TOO MUCH space in your stash. And there’s something magical about turning a heel that makes you feel like an absolute knitting genius. Plus, it’s a really good feeling to knit something so useful, something that you or someone you love can wear every day. Take our socks class to get started and you’ll see what I mean.

OK, that’s probably enough to get you started. So tell us, what’s your stitchy resolution for 2011?

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Posted in Chat, Classes

Dec 29

Crafting resolutions, part 1

2011!

Every year around this time, we start hearing much too much about resolutions. Suddenly, commercials for diet plans and fitness equipment are ubiquitous; there’s no escaping the constant drumbeat that seems to say, “Improve yourself. Improve yourself.”

This year, in addition to all those resolutions you’re making about your weight, fitness, friendships or bad habits, why not add one or two that will be really fun to keep? If you truly want to improve your skills as a knitter or crocheter, set a few goals for 2011 that will make it happen.

Last year, I resolved that 2010 would be the year I tackled colorwork. I knit English-style (holding the yarn in my right hand), so I started in January by teaching myself to knit continental-style (that’s holding the yarn in your left hand) so that I could hold one color in each hand. That was slightly painful, almost like learning to knit all over again. But I managed it, and soon, I was knitting stranded colorwork like a pro (almost). Now, it’s safe to say I’m addicted to colorwork, and it was the best year of my knitting life (so far!).

So what will you resolve to do this year, stitch-wise? I’ve come up with a few suggested resolutions (and some ideas for meeting those goals). But I’d love to hear how you’re planning to challenge yourself this year. Please leave a comment with your crafty resolution, and throughout the year, I’ll try to offer suggestions about how to make those goals come true. And don’t forget to check out our new class list — taking a class is one of the fastest and easiest ways to learn a new skill and improve your work.

1. Get organized! I don’t think I’m the only knitter who has multiple WIPs and a stash that is threatening to eat me alive. In January, inventory your in-progress projects and take stock of what you’re working on. Be brutal — are you ever going to finish that lace shawl that you’re knitting on size 1 needles? If you are, great. Put everything you need — yarn, needles, pattern, notions — in one bag and leave it somewhere where you know you’ll pick it up. If not, don’t dwell on it. Frog it and start looking for another project that will use the same yarn. Do this with all your WIPs, putting each in a separate tote so you’ll be able to grab them when you’re headed to a doctor’s appointment or a swim practice. (We’ve got so many cute bags and totes in the shop — come see!) Once you’ve whittled down your projects, you’ll feel much less guilty when you see a new pattern that you MUST cast on for right away!

2. Challenge yourself. No matter where you are on the crafting spectrum — from rookie to super-advanced — there’s always something new to learn. Choose one or two skills that you’ve always wanted to try. For me this year, it was stranded colorwork. For you, it might be lace, double-pointed needles, socks or crochet. Don’t focus so much on choosing a particular pattern right away. Instead, think about the PROCESS — the skill you want to master, instead of the finished product. Once you have that in mind, we can help you make a plan for getting there, whether it’s taking a class or working through a private lesson on your chosen topic.

3. Meet other stitchers. Certainly, knitting and crochet can be solitary hobbies. And that can be a very, very good thing. But there’s also something fun about sharing your passion with others. If you are the only knitter you know, resolve to change that this year. Take a class or join one of the groups at the shop, and at the end, be sure to exchange contact info with at least one person. Make a date to meet for coffee with your needles or hook in hand. Come to the shop not just to grab a skein of yarn and go, but to sit and knit for a while and chat with other customers and staff. Or, if you’re the introverted type, head to Ravelry (or join, if you haven’t already) and join groups based on your interests. Be “friends” with other stitchers whose work your admire. It’s nice to have a forum to chat with other people who are equally interested in whether to use an SSK or SKP decrease.

4. Choose a dream project. Maybe you’ve always wanted to crochet a queen-sized granny square blanket. Or knit a beautiful pair of lacy socks. Or knit an argyle vest for the bookish man in your life. Or create a beautiful heirloom-quality layette set for an important baby (or baby-to-be). This is the year to begin! Choose a project, let us help you select the yarn, and just dive in. If you feel it’s a bit over your head, don’t be afraid to cast on; instead, schedule a private lesson so someone can help you get going. Don’t set a deadline for your project (unless there’s a built-in deadline, like a baby’s arrival!). Deadlines just cause stress, and this project is NOT ABOUT STRESS. It’s about enjoying the process, and anticipating the finished product.

5. Upgrade your tools. If you’ve never worked with a truly beautiful yarn, give it a try this year. It’s not to say you can’t knit amazing projects out of so-so yarn, but you’ll be surprised how even the simplest project shines in a really gorgeous fiber. Walk slowly around the shop and see what yarns seem to call out to you. Even if it’s a fiber you would have never considered before, we can help you find the perfect pattern. Likewise, if you’ve never knit with Addi needles before, treat yourself to a set this year. Or upgrade your project totes from Ziploc bags (guilty!!) to project bags that make you want to pick them up and knit. Invest in a good notions case (the Perfect Notions Case that we carry in the shop is a great one) or a cute measuring tape. Nice tools make your projects more fun, and often, easier and better-looking too.

Hmmm … looks like it’s going to take more than one post to list all my resolution ideas. Check back tomorrow for more suggestions. And don’t forget to leave your resolution in the comments!

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Posted in Chat, Classes