Both knit and crochet patterns often feature groups of stitches set apart by parentheses or brackets. When you encounter these groups, there should be an instruction immediately following the parentheses or brackets that will apply to those stitches. You might have something like: (sc, ch 3, sc) in next ch-5 sp All this means is…

August has always been one of my favorite months for one reason: summer vacations. The last month of summer vacation for many school children, August is a month to get out and enjoy free time with family and see new and exciting things together. If you’re like me, this also means planning what projects to…

About two weeks ago I was on the Lion Brand Yarn Facebook page and read a comment from a fan who inquired about crafting a gift for someone who would be giving birth to a Leo. Immediately, I thought, “Awww!” Since I am a Leo myself, I knew I would have to find some lion amigurumi for all…

Remember when you first learned to knit or crochet? Every abbreviation felt new and confusing, but as you got used to them, they became familiar and easy to understand. Looking at knitting & crochet charts for the first time can inspire that same initial feeling of confusion and consternation, and it may seem easier just…

Earlier this summer, I was on vacation and I stumbled upon an adorable looking children’s book called Mischief in the Forest: a yarn yarn in a bookstore. Obviously, as a yarncrafter, I had to flip through it. It was a wonderful story about a grandmother, her woodland neighbors, and what happens to her yarn while…

One of the best things about the yarncrafting community is the stories crafters share. This story comes from author and crafter extraordinaire Michelle Edwards. She relates how while watching her friend Monica (pictured at left with puppets of the Owl Glass Puppetry Center) deftly mend a sock, she learned more about her friend and about…

When it comes to scarves, blankets, and even hats, sizing is pretty straightforward. But when you’re ready for your first sweater, things get a little more complicated. You see, there are really two sets of sizing on lots of sweaters: S, M, L, etc. and then there are the actual measurements. The first type is…

Stitch markers are essential tools to crocheters and knitters alike. They can be used to mark a certain number of stitches, the beginning of a round, where to make a particular stitch, and more. Patterns often call for stitch markers with the abbreviations “pm” (place marker) and “sm” (slip marker). It’s important to note that…

On our radio-style podcast, YarnCraft, my co-host Liz and I often talk about how to customize your knit & crochet projects. In particular, customizing gifts is a popular subject, since many knitters and crocheters like to make things for their loved ones. One great idea that I got from the book, The Prayer Shawl Ministry:…

Did you know that movie star and director Tom Hanks loves to play pranks on his sets? His latest film, Larry Crowne, stars avid knitter Julia Roberts. Hanks decided to surprise Roberts by getting the whole crew to take up her favorite hobby! I’m thrilled to see so many new knitters enjoying the craft, and…