Happy October! ♥ — Bugburry Pond
via Happy October! ♥ — Bugburry Pond
I thought this was SO cute and such a fun way to start October! From one of my long time followed blogs, Bugburry Pond.
🍁Happy October!🍁
What Is The BEST/EASIEST Way to Add a Button Band to a Cardigan?
If you’re an expert knitter, I’m all ears!!! 😉
I’ve been knitting for a lot of years and at this point, still consider myself to be an advanced beginner. That’s OK with me though, I have no interest in tackling really complicated projects. I like to relax when I knit and unwind. 🙂 I don’t want it to be stressful. 😦Yes, I like a bit of challenge but not for the whole project.
And when it comes to finishing sweaters, I sometimes struggle with what works best for those important finishing techniques. And they really CAN “make or break” a project, can’t they?
I am now getting to the end of knitting my first: Walk in the Park Cardie (click to read more about the pattern) which is pictured above and it is looking good.
But now comes the part I haven’t been looking forward to: adding the button/buttonhole band.
As you can see from the pattern, it is a very narrow band on this one and it has a color change too. It is suggested in the pattern to: sew it on as you knit.
I’m wondering what would be the best way to proceed, to make the neatest finish possible?
I have been looking at YouTube videos and blog posts about this subject, a lot of different ideas out there to consider, re: button/buttonhole bands.
If you have experience with knitting a sweater with a band (especially a narrow one like this sweater has) DO let me know what worked best for you.
Thanks if you can help! 😉
Happy Knitting!
It Starts With A Ball of Yarn…
These are just some of the many yarn projects I have completed, in the past few years.
Crafting from yarn is always a joy for me. 🙂
Crocheting and knitting are two of the most rewarding and relaxing hobbies I have ever pursued.
The interest in yarn crafts is at an all-time high right now and there’s no sign of that declining. And for good reason. Crocheting/knitting can be a very meditative experience.Many beautiful and quality items can be made for a reasonable price.
A hand knit or crochet gift is so special. It could even become a treasured family heirloom. Until you’ve experienced the process of taking yarn, working with it, following a pattern (or one you make yourself)and then seeing the finished project, you will only then understand the satisfaction of this wonderful, creative experience. The popularity of yarn crafts for people of all ages is proof of that too!
If you need help getting started there are oodles of free online patterns, instructional videos, classes and knit/crochet groups are gathering in homes and classrooms, all over the world. And a great way to connect with new friends, wherever you live. Lion Brand is just one of many,online resource with hundreds of free patterns, instructional videos, a good selection of yarns, tools and much more.It’s easier than you might think to get started.
When I tried crochet for the first time many years ago, I ended up learning just from practicing and following photos in a crochet book. I didn’t know any other “south-paws” who were “hookers” LOL at the time. When I’d watch a right-handed person crochet, it always looked so awkward and confusing. So with determination and hook in hand, I stayed up most of one night and finally “got it” myself.
The crochet granny square throw (first photo in the collage above) was my first real attempt at crochet. I still have and use this lovely blanket.
Here’s to the Joy of Creating With Yarn!!!
PS: This is a revised version of a previous post I shared at one of my former blogs: Take a Happy Break. I hope you enjoy it for the first time, or as an encore read! 😉
Book Review: Arm & Finger Knitting by Laura Strutt
Have you heard about arm and finger knitting?
I hadn’t until recently, but judging by the number of people (over 8 million!!) viewing this YouTube video (check it out, really well done) about arm knitting, it’s a very popular craft that’s shaking things up in the knitting world and how!
I think this is such a cool idea! 😉
Replacing knitting needles with your arms or fingers, to create beautiful and rather unique knit items. I’ve already got a couple of projects picked out to try, just waiting for some yarn to arrive in the mail.
So, after the basic how-to’s are worked out, where to go to find some really nice arm and finger knit patterns to try out?
ARM & FINGER KNITTING by Laura Strutt
A book that I highly recommend, if you decide to give this fun, new craft a go!
Filled with all kinds of original arm and finger knits, including these two beautiful examples:
Raspberry Ripple Shawl
Cozy Striped Throw
Other patterns included in the book: a travel blanket, that folds up into a pillow when not in use (that’s one I’ve got in mind to make), a two-tone tote bag,several other home furnishing projects including several throws and pillow covers, a couple of really fun vests…and many more.
There are also complete instructions HOW TO arm and finger knit. Arm knitting is for larger gauge projects, finger knits for finer gauge items.
Another thing I like about this book, the author explains how to make yarn from t-shirts that can be used in many of these projects, if you prefer to go that route, rather than using bulky/chunky weight yarns. I like that (repurposing/recycling) idea, a lot! 🙂
If you haven’t heard about arm and finger knitting before or haven’t gotten around to checking it out further, this book is a great way to get started.
Beautifully illustrated throughout with full page color photos.
Instructions are easy for even beginners to follow.
The selection of patterns runs the gamut from home decor items for every room to a variety of edgy to elegant fashion items.
And if you have tried this craft already, do share your experiences! I’d love to hear what you’ve made and how its worked out for you. 😉
♥ Happy Knitting and Weekend ♥
PS: My thanks to Thomas Allen & Son for providing and allowing me to use, the book images above.Check out their website to browse a wonderful selection of top-quality books, in all genres.
On the Needles: Simple Faroese Shawl
I ♥ knitting shawls! 🙂
I recently found out about “faroese” type shawls, which are those shaped to stay on your shoulders without a shawl pin required. Click the link above to read more on Wiki about the traditional faroese shawl pattern, which is the inspiration for many of the newer (and easier) versions of these classic shawls, including the lovely one pictured above.
Is a pattern from the talented: Susan Sarabasha (aka Smokey Blue) and available for download over at Ravelry for only $1.99.
What a bargain and proceeds go to the American Humane Society or local pet shelters, even better!
I’m making this shawl in KnitPicks Stroll Tweed in the Dill Heather shade:
I have 2 skeins of yarn, 460 yds. in total, which is enough to make the shoulder-sized version.
You can easily customize this pattern to make it a full- sized shawl if you prefer. But I like the look of the one in the photo, as it is. I think it’s just the perfect size and what a plus to have a shawl that you don’t actually have to keep a hold of or pin, when wearing! 😉 Shawl wearers, you know what I’m talking about. LOL
A big thank you to Susan for allowing me to share this lovely pattern and photo here.
Stop by Susan’s Ravelry page to see all of her other wonderful patterns too. A great selection to choose from.
What are you making right now?
Happy Knitting and Weekend!
Your Yarn Pattern Suggestions, PLEASE! ;-)
I just completed my: Slice of Autumn/Spring shawl, which I posted about here.
It’s been raining here in BC and I haven’t had the chance to get out and get photos of this and several other finished yarn projects I have to share.
In the meantime, I am “itchin” 😉 to start another knit or crochet project but I can’t decide what to make.
I have 5 skeins of KP Stroll Tweed Fingering in Barn Door Heather shade, that I’d like to use up next.
I thought a short-sleeve cardigan/cardie would be nice in this yarn but I’m open to other ideas for projects too.
Only things I don’t want to make are another shawl or socks.
And, I want to use up all of the 1155 yds. if at all possible, or close to it.
If you have any knit or crochet patterns to suggest, please do! 🙂
And yes, I have checked at Ravelry already but wasn’t able to find anything that was “just right”.
Happy Knitting and Week, G
A Long List of Oh So Cute Baby Hats to Make
This is one of the most popular posts recently at Veggies….and on a consistent basis, with 1000’s of hits to date.
In case you’ve been looking for that perfect baby hat to make , hopefully this list will give you some inspiration!
I still think they are all “oh so cute”. 😉
Have a great day and happy crafting! G
I want to make a couple of baby hats for friends who are recent grans, for the first time.
Of course, the hats are actually for the babies, not my friends. LOL
I’ve been looking at some knitting blogs in search of those oh, so fun baby hat patterns that are “transformed” into things like strawberries, pumpkins…and found this post.
I thought it was very helpful and so nice that this blogger atChemKnits took the time to assemble all these patterns in just one post.
In case you’ve never seen one of these hats, here’s a photo of one fromFlickr
So adorable I think!
And the only time in life any of us would actually look cute wearing a fruit or veggie hat. 🙂
I guess the guys who wear real hollowed-out watermelons at football games would tend to disagree. LOL 😉
Hope you…
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How to Make Sweater Mittens Out of an Old Sweater
How cool is this?? 😉
I love re-purposing clothes and other items, so much better than them ending up in the trash bin.
Happy Crafting and Weekend, G
Ribby Slipper Socks, Completed! :-)
I shared the FREE Interweave ebook that included these easy to make slipper-socks/booties, a while back.
Since then, I’ve made two pairs, these blue ones for me and an orange and brown pair for Joe.
What a fun pattern and definitely easy enough for a beginner to follow. And of- so- toasty warm too. 😉
I like the design of these, with the sock-style cuff. They stay up a lot better than some other booties I’ve made in the past.
If you’ve got cold tootsies and ♥ booties like I do, or are looking for a pattern for someone who does, check this one out.
Children to men’s sizes in this pattern and some other very nice accessories included in this ebook too.
I made mine in Lion Brand Da Vinci yarn (foot) and some “stash” worsted weight yarn( for the cuffs). I only needed one skein of the Da Vinci yarn and I wear size 8 1/2-9 shoes.
As knit booties/slippers have a tendency to stretch, better a bit snug fit to begin with than too loose.
Let me know if you give them a try!
Happy Knitting. 🙂
Top 10: Cable Knit Patterns
I ♥ doing knit cables! 🙂
If you’ve never tried them, they are actually a lot easier than they look.
Hope you enjoy this lovely collection of cable knit patterns, courtesy of Fiesta Cat Yarn Co.
I think the wreath is my fav. 🙂
Cabled Yoke Pullover (Patons)
Cable & Seed Socks (Tina Lips)
Cables & Lace Afghan Square #7 (Kay MacLaury)
Cable Cozy (Brandice Allen)
Cabled Front Cardigan (Kathy Perry)
VEGGIES, YARNS & TAILS 