Artisan Handbags and More

I'm selling on Etsy too.

2011-10-19T11:27:00.000-04:00

I have an app. Check it out.

Some Updates

2011-07-06T10:41:00.000-04:00

I've Been Featured on Our Milk Money Blog! Our Milk Money is a national search directory that lists ONLY self-employed parents. We are also a community resource dedicated to helping parents who want to stay at home find financial opportunities and support.
Many thanks to the folks at Our Milk Money! You've made my day!

I've been busy working on an Autism Handbag. The handbag will be covered with knitted brightly colored puzzle pieces. So stay tuned for updates!

Knitting in the Summer Time

2011-06-27T11:35:00.002-04:00

Yes, you can knit in the summer time. Most people think knitting is just for the fall or winter seasons using heavy yarn, or wool. Not so! You can knit with cotton yarn, silk, rayon, and linen are some good choices. These yarns come in a variety of yarn weights and a price ranges.

Cotton makes a good choice for summer wear. It is light and absorbs moisture. So if you are out in the hot weather it will help to keep you cool by wisking away moisture.So try knitting a tank top or skirt. Here are a couple of great free patterns I found.

Arabesque Top

Laurelhurst Shell

Tina's Skirt

Lizzy

The King of natural fibers is Silk. Silk is a natural protein fiber.The best-known type of silk is obtained from the cocoons of the larvae of the mulberry silkworm. Silk's absorbency makes it comfortable to wear in warm weather and while active. Silk yarn is expensive. Here are some yarns that are either silk or have silk with another fiber.

Artyarns Beaded Pearl & Sequins

Silk Garden by Noro

"Recycled Silk" Yarn

Linen made from the fibers of the flax plant. Linen is labor-intensive to manufacture, but when it is made into garments, it is valued for its exceptional coolness and freshness in hot weather.

Linen was sometimes used as currency in ancient Egypt. Egyptian mummies were wrapped in linen because it was seen as a symbol of light and purity, and as a display of wealth. Some of these fabrics, woven from hand spun yarns, were very fine for their day, but are coarse compared to modern linen. Here are some linen yarn sources.

Euroflax - Louet North America

Punta Del Este Yarns: Montoya Beach Yarn

CotLin DK Yarn

Rayon is a manufactured regenerated cellulose fiber (comes from plants). Rayon is known by the names viscose rayon and art silk in the textile industry. It is considered a semi-synthetic or artificial fiber. Some major rayon fiber uses include apparel. Rayon is a very versatile fiber and has the same comfort properties as natural fibers. It can imitate the feel and texture of silk, wool, cotton and linen. The fibers are easily dyed in a wide range of colors. Rayon fabrics are soft, smooth, cool, comfortable, and highly absorbent, but they do not insulate body heat, making them ideal for use in hot and humid climates. Here are some rayon yarns.

Berroco Seduce Colors

Dune Yarn by Trendsetter

"Rain" Yarn

So now you have some yarns to choose from. Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Happy Knitting!

I was featured on the Ahauldri Show!

2011-06-23T08:58:00.001-04:00

My first debut! Gosh I was so nervous! Thanks again to "Ace"!

How I got on Ace's Show. I met Anastacia “Ace” Hauldridge on Facebook and she had been following me for some time. She became interested in my work and one day she asked me to appear on her show. I was really honored to be on her show. Many thanks to Ace and her hard work and tireless promotion of business owners.
Her website is You can check out her other videos and her services that she provides.
Her Facebook page
Her Twitter page

Why make a pattern swatch?

2011-06-10T10:22:00.000-04:00

For every knitting project you ever make, you need to do this critical step. Exact gauge is essential for proper size or fit. Before beginning your project, make the sample swatch given in the individual gauge instructions in the yarn, needle, and stitch pattern specified. Never over look this step it's the difference between a masterpiece and a disaster. Those important words follow after the needle size, or the size needed to achieve gauge.

What is a gauge swatch? A gauge swatch is when you take the yarn and needles mentioned in your knitting pattern and make a swatch of the stitches used in the pattern. For example the pattern says:
Gauge 9 stitches = 4 in. (10 cm) in Garter stitch (knit all stitches in every row). Cast on a bunch of stitches. Then knit the garter stitch swatch and bind off your stitches and lay the swatch on a flat surface or fit the swatch is curling or not laying flat you may have to block it.. Then lay a ruler down and count your stitches within 4 inches. What I do is take my stitch count from different places in the swatch. You may notice that your gauge changes slightly if you measure near the cast on and bind off stitches, this can change especially if you're knitting your stitches too tight or too loose. But don't worry you are just concerned with the stitches in the middle of your swatch.

Well I have a little trick you can use to find out how many stitches per 1 inch. Who can keep track of all those stitches for 4 inches? Here's the formula. Yes a little math is involved. Take your pattern gauge which is 9 stitches divide it by 4 inches your answer is 2. 25 stitches per 1 inch. Yes sometimes you get a weird number. In this case we have 2 and 1/4 stitches. Sometimes you measure your swatch and not get a whole stitch but part of one. You cannot knit a partial stitch. Sometimes designers will round up or down the number of stitches. But for beginners just stick to measuring with your ruler and keep trying until you get the gauge.

Things that can effect your gauge. The gauge of a knitted fabric depends on the pattern of stitches in the fabric, the kind of yarn used, the size of knitting needles, and your knitting tension..Certain knitting patterns affect gauge also. Ribbing and cable patterns tend to "pull in". Even the same stitch produced in two different ways may produce a different gauge; for example, a swatch of stockinette stitch may not have the same gauge as one knit in reverse stockinette stitch.

So now you have a little insight into the mystery of the gauge swatch. I hope this post has given you some helpful information. So if you get the right gauge before you start you'll be a lot happier!

Hate to purl? Try knitting backwards!

2011-06-06T11:38:00.000-04:00

When I teach someone to knit they find the purl stitch difficult then they start to hate it. If you really think about it a purl stitch is just a knit stitch but backwards. The knit and purl stitches are the foundation of knitting. Every pattern is either straight knitting, knit and purl stitches, or any combination of the two.

I knit with either hand. I primarily knit with my right hand, that is I 'throw' or loop the yarn around the needle to make the stitch with my right hand. With my left hand I use the 'knit continental' style of knitting, all that means is holding the yarn in your left hand while knitting the stitches from the left needle onto the right needle. Some how that seems more natural to me. Go figure!

If you hate to purl, have you ever tried knitting backwards? Yes, I said backwards! Never to turn your work around to the back again. This is particularly useful when doing Entrelac knitting.

Here's how:

Cast on some stitches and knit the 1st row. As you normally do.
Do not switch hands, like you normally would. You should have 1 row of knit stitches on your right needle in your right hand. The left needle is empty. Now this is where the fun part comes in.

1. Keep the yarn in the back of the work. With the left needle in the left hand put the needle through the back of the first stitch on the right hand needle.

2. With the left hand, loop the yarn up over the needle. You are bring the yarn toward yourself and over the needle.

3. Pull the yarn through the stitch with the left needle and slide the stitch off the right needle. Now you should have one stitch on your left hand needle.

4. Repeat steps 1-3 until all your stitches are on the left needle now.

**Don't switch hands now knit with your right needle as you usually would, for the knit stitch, until all the stitches on the right needle.

Your gauge may change so if you are working check your gauge and see if it changes. I find with this technique my knit stitch is tight and my backwards knit stitch is loose.

What is Hairpin Lace?

2011-06-01T17:48:00.000-04:00

Hairpin lace is a form of crochet that is by done using a crochet hook and a hairpin lace loom, which consists of two parallel metal rods or prongs held at the top and the bottom by removable bars. Historically, a metal U-shaped hairpin was used, from which the name originates .Fine hairpin work, resembled lace; it was once named Maltese lace, and by combining it with ordinary crochet, very attractive articles could be made.As to the origin of hairpin lace, no one really knows but it was very popular in the Victorian era. I think hairpin lace maybe be related to broomstick lace also called jiffy lace.

Hairpin lace is formed by wrapping yarn around the prongs of the hairpin lace loom to form loops on either side, which are held together by a row of crochet stitched worked in the center of the loom. This creates a piece of lace can be worked to any length by removing the bottom bar of the hairpin loom and slipping the loops off the end of the prong. The strips produced by this process can be joined together to create an airy and lightweight fabric.The loops of one strip are easily joined to the loops of another by a method of intertwining, and they may be crocheted together in numbers of ways; while the crochet stitches down the center of a strip can also be varied

Any type of yarn or crochet thread can be used to achieve different colors, textures and design effects. The design possibilities are endless.You can make items like scarves, shawls, hats, afghans, and other things. Hairpin lace can also be added and sewn on to, knitted and crocheted works or as
decorative accents.

Over time hairpin lace has has had it's popularity in Victorian era and then a revival in recent years. In the 1950's there were numerous pattern books on how to create stoles. Here is one of them.

Here is a good tutorial for hairpin lace if you want to give it a try.

Need something for the kids to do this summer?

2011-05-31T13:21:00.003-04:00

How about knitting or crochet? It's a practical skill, it keeps the kids busy and it's educational. Educational? Yes! Here's why. Kids get to read a pattern, which helps with reading skills. Kids get math. Yes math! You must count how many stitches you need to make the pattern. Increasing or decreasing stitches is like addition and subtraction.

As a knitting teacher, I have taught kids to knit, spool knit and finger knitting. Once they get the hang of it, they really have fun. For young kids 8 years and under, I like to teach finger knitting or sometimes called finger weaving.It's fun, easy, improves hand/eye coordination, and all you need is yarn. You can take it anywhere to the park, in the car on a long trip, or just being at home. It's safe too, no knitting needles. Since I can't be there to teach you myself, here is a good tutorial to get you started, finger knitting.

Spool knitting is knitting with a wooden or plastic cylinder or spool with prongs at the top. Here is an example of a wooden spool.
To use a knitting spool, you wrap the yarn around the prongs on the top of the spool. You use a crochet hook to pull the yarn thru the loops around the prongs. The cord that you start making goes down thru the center of the spool and comes out the bottom. Then the kids can make anything they want from the cord. Here is a good tutorial for the spool knitting.

For children 8 years and older learning to knit may come easier. I was saying earlier that knitting is educational. When a child learns to knit they learn the knitting basics, the knit stitch, the purl stitch, etc., which develops eye/hand coordination. Reading skills come into play because childrren need to read the pattern in order to proceed. Math comes in when the child has to know how many stitches to put on the needle, or to increase or decrease the amount of stitches in the pattern. Increasing or decreasing stitches is like addition and subtraction, and is very important in doing lace knitting, which is all about adding and subtracting.
If you know someone who knits ask them to teach you so you can teach your child. It's a great way for you to spend some quality time with your child. You can also check out your local craft store for knitting classes. Here is an online tutorial you can use if you aren't able to find someone who knits.

One thing I like to do with kids is to tell them to knit squares and all the squares can be sewn together to make a blanket for someone in need. There are many knitting charities to choose from.Here are a few. Check in your area with churches or hospitals to see if they have a program. Or you can start your own!

Binky Patrol
National organization that knits, crochets, sews and quilts binkies (blankets) for children and teens (ages 1 day to 18 years old) who are seriously ill, in hospitals, in foster care, in shelters, abused, homeless or experiencing any type of trauma. We make and give binkies to children and teens, in hopes of bringing them comfort.
Website: www.binkypatrol.org

Caps for Kids
Distributes knitted items to children in homeless, abusive or serious illness situations.

Website: www.craftyarncouncil.com/caps.html

Habitat for Humanity; Greene County, Ohio
Needs quilted, crocheted, or knitted items for annual quilt and art auction to raise money for Habitat for Habitat for Humanity in Greene County, Ohio.
Website: www.greenecountyhabitat.org

Heifer International
Donates animals, trees, and other stock to needy families around the world in the hopes of increasing ustainable self-sufficiency. “Knitting Basket” donation provides two llamas and two sheep to a family for income-producing wool.

Websites: www.heifer.org or http://catalog.heifer.org/basket.cfm

Reach out, Be Fearless!

2011-05-19T10:27:00.000-04:00

I've been gone a while, due to illness and family troubles. While being sick and flat on my back gave me time to think. I slowly started looking hard at my life. As one journey of my life is coming to an end another journey will begin. I know what must be done and it's going to be a rough journey.

It is important in times of need to reach out and have people around you that love you and support you, lift you up in prayer. Friends and family to lean on and most of all my faith. There is an old saying that you find out who your friends are in times of crisis. It's so true! So there has been a lot of soul searching and self discovery. I thank all those who have been there and will be there for me in the dark times and the happy times of my life. Sometimes your support network also helps in taking that first step in a new direction.

So I have returned to what I started long ago teaching knitting. I love knitting and I love to teach. So I have started teaching in my local community. I love seeing in a student's face light up when they finally "get it". Seeing them struggle at first then something clicks and they are like a child at Christmas. It warms my heart. I am a patient teacher, whatever it takes I'm there, knitting should be fun!

I have been an artist for as long as I can remember. Being creative is like air to me I can't live without it. It's a part of me, who I am. My creativity has spilled over into many mediums. Painting, drawing, using the computer, knitting, jewelry and many others.

So if your passion is to teach your talent do it! It takes you to the next level in your development as a person and artisan. You'll never know until you try. Whether your talent is sewing, cooking, jewelry making, knitting, crochet or something else you love, there always will be someone willing to learn. Be fearless!

Some good places to start is right in your local community.
Here are some ideas to get you started.

Make a flyer. Doesn't have to be fancy, just list the information. All you need is the what, where, when and much it costs. Post it in your local shops, ask friends to pass them along.
Have business cards. Again doesn't have to be fancy. You can make them yourself or go to a site like Vista Print and make one up.Also have a few on hand. Just your name, your contact info.

Here's an example:

Jane Doe

Jewelry Instructor

Phone number

website or blog (if you have one)

Go to your local library, community center or craft store and find out about starting a class.
See if you can start a program in your church. For example you could teach crochet and tie it in with prayer shawl ministry, or make blankets for a local nursing home or hats for newborns for the local hospital.

Now you have some new ideas. If you already have established yourself in your own business, why not try teaching?

Be Fearless!

I got a shop on Etsy

2011-05-10T10:19:00.000-04:00

I am on Etsy now too. My shop is called NJ Knits. http://www.etsy.com/shop/NJKnits?ref=pr_shop

So all you Etsy lovers out there can shop for my items there too! :)

New! Knitted Jewelry!

2011-03-15T12:59:00.000-04:00

Yes these beauties are knitted. This pink and black bracelet is knitted with silver colored thread and pink and black glass seed beads. The pattern forms a spiral pattern. There are no clasps to fuss with. The bracelet slips on. So one size fits most. The bracelet has some give to it when you slip it on.
Some of the necklaces have clasps and some are slip on. They vary in length. They are knittinged in the same spiral like pattern.

I have other colors blue, red, clear, purple, and gold. I do take custom orders so if you want a certain color just use the contact page on my site.
These beauties are for sale. Visit the website today!

The Website is up!

2011-02-24T07:56:00.000-05:00

Come Visit the new website! http://www.artisanhandbagsandmore.com
It was a long time in coming but it is now up and better than ever! I now have 2 new categories knitted jewelry and a wedding section.

I will be making wedding purses, purses to coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses, purses for the Mother of the bride and Mother of the groom. I cal also make purse hooks and knitted jewelry to coordinate also. We're open!

I have made a bridal boutique on the site and will have purses for the bride to buy or she can make an order. Custom orders, especially large orders, take time to make so make sure you put your order in in plenty of time for your wedding. We offer a Bridal Special. If the bride places an order for her purse and her bridesmaids purses (2 or more bridesmaids) the bride's purse is free. So spread the word!

I have new Goodies!

2011-02-22T13:06:00.000-05:00

I just put the finishing touches on the website. I now have 2 new categories knitted jewelry and a wedding section.

I will be making wedding purses, purses to coordinate with the bridesmaid dresses, purses for the Mother of the bride and Mother of the groom. I cal also make purse hooks and knitted jewelry to coordinate also. We're open!

I have made a bridal boutique on the site and will have purses for the bride to buy or she can make an order. Custom orders, especially large orders, take time to make so make sure you put your order in in plenty of time for your wedding. We offer a Bridal Special. If the bride places an order for her purse and her bridesmaids purses (2 or more bridesmaids) the bride's purse is free. So spread the word!

Why Buy Handmade?

2011-01-31T10:54:00.001-05:00

For centuries craftspeople were very important to their towns and villages. Townspeople depended upon craftspeople for their goods because they could not get along without them. Talent and skill were a considered a necessity and cherished. The "trade" as it was called gave these skilled craftspeople a chance to train the young willing to learn and earn some money too. The senior craftsperson felt great pride in passing on their skills to keep the trade alive. It was truly a cottage industry.

Today, all artists and craftspeople, including myself, still love and take pride in their work. Although craftspeople do not have their towns depending on them to produce goods, they are always looking for creative and unique ways to bring their art into the world as gifts. Each gift is a priceless treasure that will endure for years to come. Buying unique gifts gives these craftspeople the support they need to continue their work, their craft, their trade, generate interest, and earn a living.

I remember the most thoughtful gift I ever got was a handmade amethyst silver necklace. It was original, unique, beautiful, made with care and attention, featuring the skill and craftsmanship and personal touches that cannot be matched by mass production. Knowing I was the only one to own this precious treasure made me feel special.
Being an artisan, I appreciated the time and skill it took to make the idea in one's head become a reality. Buying handmade makes a statement. It means making a conscious decision to buy handmade products instead of mass produced ones. Buyers appreciate quality, craftsmanship, and supporting small businesses instead of big retail stores.

Most artisans use unique materials. When you buy handmade products you are paying more for a handmade item but it is really an investment. You, the buyer, are helping to support the artist and have a unique heirloom item to be enjoyed for years to come. Meaningful gift giving comes from the heart, what better way to honor someone who is unique with a gift the is as special as they are.

Our society has been encouraged to be consumers, not producers, of our own goods. Mass production has left us with cookie cutter decor, clothing and furnishings. Now with the failing economy more and more people are turning their hobby into a business to earn a living. The cottage industry is now returning. Dining room tables are turned into a work space to cut material used for sewing clothing, stay at home moms are making jewelry while the kids are at school, Knitting and crocheting circles are returning, the artist making paintings that promote a good cause, I could go on.

Just think, back in the remote past craftspeople were needed and appreciated. Today we have come full circle back to our cottage industry roots. Economies were built on the backs of the craftspeople and creative thinkers, until the industrial revolution occurred. Isn't it funny how history repeats itself?

Support your local Artisan today!

Another Wedding Purse!

2011-01-24T16:24:00.000-05:00

I have another wedding purse almost finished. Some reason flowers keep popping up on the purses. I live in the north east and it's been VERY COLD here. I am longing for spring. The body of the purse is knitted and the roses are crocheted.

This is the front

I took this picture with one hand trying to balance it on my lap. I'm holding the flap shut because there is no snap sewn in yet and it will pop open.

Like this. Boing! LOL!

Well anyway.........Here's the side.

Here's the back-below

All I have now is the lining, snap and handle to do. Will let you all know when they go up for sale.

Wedding Purse

2011-01-18T14:36:00.000-05:00

I have been getting a lot of requests for wedding purses. So here's the first one, it's a work in progress.

The roses on top are crochet. The body of the bag is just plain knitting. The lining is a satin fabric that is re-enforced. I put the snaps in. I sewed the knitted piece to the lining, then I assemble the bag. I made a beaded handle. I crocheted a tube shape with seed beads. Now I am sewing on sequins.

New Handbags!

2011-01-06T13:10:00.000-05:00

Black Chenille Handbag with Chenille Roses

Gives the look of suede without paying the price. This roomy handbags measures approximately 16 inches wide by 9 1/2 inches tall and 9 inches deep. The handbag is lined in Maroon colored brocade fabric with floral and paisley designs. Handbag has zipper with decorative zipper pull. The strap is sliver colored chain with black ribbon running through the links.

Faux Blue Leather Purse with Pin

Gives the look of leather without paying the price. This cutie is great for that evening out! The purse is tapered it measures approximately 12 inches at the bottom and 10 1/2 inches at the top. The flap measures approximately 6 inches wide by 5 inches long and is knitted with light and dark blue yarn with silver sparkles. Purse is lined in blue brocade fabric with silver floral designs. The pin measures 2 inches wide by 2 inches. Purse is fastened by a magnetic snap.

Faux Suede Light Purple Purse

This little cuties is great for those who don't want to carry a large purse.
The purse came up bright pink in the photo but it is actually a light purple. I have a detail photo on the website. Hand knitted in a cable design. The purse measures approx 9 1/2 inches wide by 4 inches tall and 3 1/2 inches deep. Has a silver toned plastic heart shaped button. Purse is lined with black brocade fabric with silver butterfly designs. Strap measures 6 1/2 inches each side.

Maroon Shell Stitch Handbag

This handbag is great with jeans or a formal outfit. The yarn is 100% wool and has subtle color changes of different shades of maroon. Bag is crocheted in a shell pattern. The bag measures approximately 8 inches wide by 5 inches tall and 4 3/4 inches deep. Bag is lined in black brocade fabric with silver floral designs. The strap is hand knitted and measures approximately 11 inches each side.

Happy New Year and News

2011-01-04T14:42:00.000-05:00

Happy new year to ya. I wanted to thank all those who bought gifts from my stores. A BIG thank you to you!

I'm working on making more scarves, and of course handbags. Recently, I've had a few requests that I should create some wedding items, like purses, fingerless gloves, that sort of thing. So I'm busy designing.

I've also created a new blog http://independentteambeachbodycoachlisa.blogspot.com Would love you to follow along!

I recently unraveled a sweater and am re-using the yarn. The yarn is a wool that has been treated so it can be washed. I took the yarn and wrapped it around a back of a chair, then used scrap yarn to tie it together. I wet the yarn and hung it in the shower. I attached a small weight to the bottom. I used a weight from my husband's fishing tackle box. Not a really heavy one, just heavy enough to pull the yarn straight. So when it is completely dry I can wind it into a hank.

Reduce, Reuse, Recycle that old sweater!

2010-12-14T14:25:00.001-05:00

We've heard it thousands of times, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle! I have that solution for an old sweater you can't bare to toss out with the trash, because it's worn, has shrunk, or was a hideous gift from someone with good intentions. Well no matter what your sweater's previous life was you can give it a new life as something else.

Let's look at some ideas:

A pillow
A place mat
Draft stopper for a door or window
Tote bag
Seat cushion
Heat pack
Computer laptop, I pad, I Phone, I pod cover
coasters
a stuffed toy
Dog sweater

You don't even know how to sew you can use fabric glue to put these together, but I like sewing them I think it holds better.

A good way to buy your supplies

2010-12-12T19:18:00.000-05:00

If you need to save money of your knitting or crochet purchases here's a good program that I use to save money and earn money at the same time. It's called Big Crumbs. You can shop and save a lot of money or refer your friends and family and earn some extra income. Below I have provided some information about the program and some benefits.

When you join BigCrumbs,

you gain access to exclusive deals and earn
BIG cash back at top retailers and member stores. At BigCrumbs', mission is to help people enjoy better lives, with less financial stress. It's about regaining control of our own destinies, even in tough economic times. It's about working together. It's about opportunity.

BigCrumbs connects you with some of the best Deals & Coupons found online. You'll have access to thousands of discounts up to 80% off, free shipping and more all year around.
We also work hard to bring you exclusive deals at top stores, which will help you save even more money for you and your family. Remember, these exclusives are found only at BigCrumbs.

BigCrumbs Benefits:

Millions of Products - BigCrumbs' merchant partners and member stores feature a huge inventory of products from toothpaste to shoes to automobiles!
Deals & Coupons - Save even more with Special Offers that include discounts as high as 80% off, free shipping and more.
My Favorites - Add retailers to your My Favorites list for quicker access to the stores you love.
QuickCrumb Bookmarks - For retailers that you *really* love, add QuickCrumb bookmarks to your browser. That means easy access from anywhere on the Web!
Community - BigCrumbs has large, active community of people just like you who enjoy trading advice, rating deals, and helping new members.

Refer a Friend

Share the power of BigCrumbs with your friends.They'll get great deals too - and you'll earn cash when they shop...forever.

You can earn even more when your BigCrumbs friends refer their friends! We're not talking about "points" or pats on the back. We're talking real money. Your referral family will continue to grow... and so will your cash.
And remember, the deals just keep getting better as our community grows. We're truly all in it together!

2010-12-05T10:51:00.001-05:00

We Have Purse Hooks Makes a Great Gift!

Did you get your fiber today?

2010-12-01T07:54:00.000-05:00

I mean yarn. Before you knitters and crocheters buy that yarn for holiday gifts keep this in mind. Not all fibers are the same and each one behaves differently.

First a short and quick fiber lesson. Basically there are several types Man made or synthetic fibers and natural fibers.
Natural Fibers are:
Animal fibers: like wool, mohair, alpaca and so on.
Vegetable fibers, Like cotton, soy, bamboo, etc.

Man made or synthetic fibers are:
Synthetic: Include nylon, acrylic, polyester, etc.

It is important to pick the right yarn for your project. Yarns made of wool are stretchy, but
cotton is not. Some yarns, like chenille and decorative novelty yarns, may have no stretch at all.

Learn from my story. If I knew back then, what I know now I'd have a much happier
knitting experience. Well here's my story. I found this pattern in the Vogue Knitting magazine of a cute summer top. Well I went to the store and fell in love with this cotton yarn. It was really soft and I loved the hand dyed colors so I bought it and rushed home to start my project.
After making my gauge swatch, I started my knitting. It took me a while to finish the top as I was an advanced beginner to knitting. I followed the directions to the letter. When my top was done I tried it on. I was very disappointed. The top didn't fit right and the yarn had no give to it, no nice drape like it should have. I was heart broken. I thought I had done something wrong. So in the back of the closet it went.

It was wasn't until years later that I found out about cotton yarn and the fact it had no stretch and no drape. Then I realized it wasn't me, it was my choice of yarn. So when you are substituting one yarn for another pay attention to your yarn choice.

I hope my lesson will show you knitters and crocheters why it's so important to pick the right yarn for your project. That's my daily dose of fiber for you.:)

Blog Party starts Monday!

2010-11-27T19:25:00.002-05:00

Our Online Shopping Mall

Blog Party starts Monday!

November 29th and ends Wednesday December 1st

Come Join In the Fun & Promote Your Stuff!

We’re Having Games, Lots of Prizes & More & Just Great Fun!

See Details & Add Your Websites & Blogs Here

Invite Your Friends & Biz Associates to Join Us

See You on Monday! Let’s Par-Tay!

http://onlineshoppingmall.ismyblogs.name/osm-blog-party-room/

2010-11-23T12:40:00.002-05:00

Sweet! Just in the Cable Purse. This small purse is sure to please! Knitted in an overall cable pattern in 100% wool yarn. Beautiful colorways of dark reds, dark brown, mustard yellow, red and light green. Purse is fully lined with a dark red and gold brocade fabric with bamboo designs. There is a magnetic snap enclosure.

Finally Here! Purse hooks!

What is a purse hook? It is a hook that hangs off a table top to keep your purse off the floor. I crocheted a rose on each one. It has a swivel top and padded bottom and is 4"long.

Our funky little handbag is a hot pink chunky chenille handbag. This bag is an attention getter. Great with jeans and heels. The handbag is knitted with an all over lattice cable pattern in the softest chenille yarn which gives the appearance of suede. Bag measures approximately 9 inches wide by 6 inches tall and 5 3/4 inches deep.The lining is black brocade with gold, pink and purple dragonfly designs and secured with a hidden magnetic snap.

New Products!

2010-11-11T12:17:00.001-05:00

Mauve Purse

I been very busy knitting some new items for the store! Our newest items are a sweet little mauve purse, a blue and purple scarf and wallets.
Our mauve purse is knitted in a thin chenille yarn in a seed stitch pattern. A seed stitch is a combination of alternating knit and purl stitches. The stitch creates a bumpy appearance.

The chenille gives the purse a look of suede. The purse is also fully lined in a silvery brocade fabric and has a magnetic snap.

Our next little purse is the Floral Boho purse. This little cutie does the job when you do not want to carry a large handbag. This bag is crocheted in a tube like form with heavy nylon cord. Crochet flowers of pinks and dark magenta adorn the purse. They are accented with glass beads of matching color. The handle is made from braided rope secured with wooden rings.
The lining is a dark brown brocade with golden dragon designs and secured with a magnetic snap.

Our next item is a Blue & purple lace scarf. Stunning! Hand knitted in a lace stitch pattern. The stitch pattern resembles two leaves side by side. The yarn is 100% cotton and in colors of blue and purple.

I also have some Christmas gifts for that knitter or crocheter, or anyone else on your list, at my Zazzel store.

Chick who knits Ornament by DesignsbyLisa
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Chick who crochets Ornament by DesignsbyLisa
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Pink Angel Ornament by DesignsbyLisa
Make personalized photo ornaments online

Christmas Angel Ornament by DesignsbyLisa
Create a personalized photo ornament at Zazzle.