Archive for December 3rd, 2009

Can You Crochet Away Depression?

December 3rd, 2009 by Ilana

We received this inspiring and uplifting note from a customer who gave us permission to share it with you.

“I just wanted to let you know how much Lion Brand has changed my life! I have been suffering with Fibromyalgia since 2002, and some days the most I can do is sit still because the pain is so bad. The pain plus the feelings of worthlessness add up to horrific depression over what I can no longer accomplish. However, back in August a friend suggested I learn a “gentle hobby” that I could work on during my flare-ups. I thought of Crochet as a possibility, Googled the internet for the information and quickly found your website. I printed out all the “how to” instructions along with one of the free scarf patterns. It was amazing in that with your help, I was able to learn to crochet in just a few hours. Since then, I have made many scarves and throws as gifts for Christmas, while some people have already requested one of my creations! The best part is that I no longer feel depressed and worthless on my painful days. You have truly changed my life! Thank you so much, I appreciate Lion Brand Yarn more than you will ever know!”

If you would like to learn to crochet or knit or improve your skills we have tutorials on our website including videos and diagrams to help you in theprocess.  It’s all there in the Lion Brand Learning Center

Posted in Community, Crocheting, Lion Brand Yarn Studio, Tips & How To | 39 Comments » Comments

Swatch This!

December 3rd, 2009 by Laura

A Quick Lesson in How to Make a Swatch

Now that I’ve convinced you about the importance of swatching, let’s talk about how to properly make a swatch. If you want your swatch to be accurate and relevant to your project, there are two factors that must not be overlooked: stitch pattern, and size.

The project pattern should tell you what stitch pattern to work your swatch in [e.g., GAUGE: 9 sts = 4" (10 cm) in St st]. Many times this will be stockinette stitch, but do be sure to use the stitch pattern called for if it differs. Lace and cable patterns will often have a quite different gauge than stockinette worked with the same yarn and needles. And remember, you’re not just making a swatch for gauge: you want to see if the beautiful lace pattern you’ve chosen shows up when you work it with that deep purple yarn you fell in love with. Better to find out now than after you’ve completed an entire sweater back!

The size of your swatch is also very important. The standard these days is for pattern writers to tell you how many stitches and rows should equal a 4″ (or 10 cm) square. This does not mean that you should cast on that many stitches and work that many rows and end up with a 4″ square! Edge stitches and cast on/off edges will affect the size of your swatch. You should plan for a few rows and stitches of garter stitch border –- I usually cast on an extra 3-5 stitches total (3 for a larger gauge, 5 for a finer gauge) and work 4 rows of garter stitch at the top and bottom. (You will want to do this even if your swatch is in garter stitch, to allow for the edge stitches.)

Finally, you absolutely must remove your knitting from the needles before measuring your gauge. Don’t stretch your work when measuring (even if it’s ribbing), and be sure to count fractional stitches. A quarter of a stitch doesn’t seem like much, but over several inches it’s going to add up.

Now that you’ve properly swatched, measured, and seen and felt how your finished fabric is going to look, you’re ready to cast on your project. Good luck, and enjoy knowing that you’ve taken steps to ensure that your project is going to be a success!

Related link:

• Swatching: It’s Not Just for Gauge Anymore

Posted in Crocheting, Knitting, Tips & How To | 14 Comments » Comments