March 06, 2007
At Woolcrafting.com find explanations and pictures easy enough for even the most nervous beginner to follow. You'll be creating wonderful pieces in no time. Just take your time, take it all in, ask questions if you need to, then give it a try. I'm sure you'll soon be 'hooked'!
March 5th 2007 - Issue # 7
In this issue you'll find...
I can't believe we're into March already. It's almost time for the clocks to 'Spring' forward. Sometimes I wish things would slow down and I could have at least 48 hours in a day. Alas, I just have to squeeze what I can into 24 hours.
Vickie Howell of Knitty Gritty visits Denver
I was lucky enough to snatch a 'girls night out' with a couple of friends and be at the reception at a local yarn store when Vickie Howell of the tv show Knitty Gritty came to Denver. She is touring to promote her new book, talk about the show and introduce her new collection of yarns.
We actually were treated to a discussion with another author too, as Vickie's flight was delayed. What lovely down to earth people they both are.
Vickie's new yarns are called Craft, Rock and Love. They are natural fiber yarns including a new favorite made from Bamboo fiber. Bamboo yarn is so soft, yet I wouldn't have thought so. Other fibers they use are hemp, wool and soysilk. These feel like wonderful yarns, but I haven't yet tried them - they are a little pricey, but beautiful nonetheless.
If you want to find out more you can see the color charts and read about them at soysilk.com
What's New at Woolcrafting.com
The fresh new pages last month on Woolcrafting.com were a glove pattern, and pages on needle felting and needle felting equipment.
What's In Store For "I'm In Stitches" & Half Daisy Stitch Instructions
What's new for "I'm In Stitches"? Well - starting this issue there'll be a new section called "Stitch of the Month". Each month from now on I will introduce a new stitch. I will detail the instructions and give a picture so you can see what your new stitch should look like.
Also included in this new section will be suggested uses for the new stitches you are learning. I'll also be inviting you to join a Crochet-along so that you can get to use your new stitches right away.
The half daisy stitch will be the first stitch you'll need to start your first crochet-along project. It's a "Sampler Poncho". Sound interesting? I'll tell you more once you've learned the stitch.
So, this month's new stitch is the Half Daisy Stitch, and this is how it looks.
Abbreviations you'll need are...
- ch(s) - chain(s)
- prev - previous
- rep - repeat
- sc - single crochet
- st(s) - stitch(es)
This stitch works in multiples of 2.
And here goes with the half daisy stitch instructions...
- Ch an even number of sts (the last 2 chs worked begin the next row), push hook in last ch worked, yo, pull yarn through, *push hook in next ch, yo, pull yarn through, rep from * 2 more times (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through all loops, ch1 (one half daisy completed),** push hook in ch just worked, yo, pull yarn through, push hook in last st of prev half daisy, yo, pull yarn through, (push hook in next st, yo, pull yarn through) twice (5 loops on hook), yo, pull through all loops, ch1, rep from ** to end, turn.
- Ch1, sc in each st to end, turn, ch2 (forms beginning of next row).
- These 2 rows form the pattern repeat. Repeat these 2 rows as required.
See, I told you it was easy. The half daisy stitch is great for working in the round. In fact, if you just repeat row 1 in the round, you'll end up with the Daisy Stitch.
Now for the sampler Poncho details...we'll be working in Worsted Weight Acrylic Yarn. You'll need 1 X 7oz skein in the color of your choice to work 4 10X10 inch squares in the Half Daisy Stitch you just learned. The gauge with an I/9 (5.5mm) hook should be 14sc sts X 11 rows = 4 inches.
You'll need to ch36 (so your square will end up 34sts wide), and work the stitch pattern as above for a total of 28 rows. So, with these 4 squares you'll have the beginnings of your Sampler Poncho. I'll have a photo of the poncho in the next issue.
Also - starting from the next issue, all future issues will be password protected, so you'll need to be signed up for the newsletter to receive the relevant information. Do make sure you're signed up or you'll be missing out on some fun new stitches.
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Comments? Ideas? Suggestions? Feedback? Sock it to me! I'd love to hear what you have to say. Just reply to this ezine and tell me what you think.
Happy crafting, and please drop by regularly to see what fun new ideas Woolcrafting has in store for you.
Now grab that hook and go, go, go....
Best Wishes
from Jill Wright
http://www.woolcrafting.com