1) Brand Name: Common brands in chain craft stores include Red Heart, Lion Brand, Bernat and Patons

2) Fiber Content: This details the kind of fiber and if it is a blend how much of each fiber is included. Various fiber blends have different care instructions. Read more about yarn in the Basics 101 section.

3) Weight: Yarn is sorted by weight categories to easily match pattern equivalents. A chart of yarns by weight is available at http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html

4) Color and Dye Lot: Yarn that is dyed in lots references its code on each label. It is best to purchase matching dye lot skeins for a single pattern to prevent color variation.

5) Category: This a commonly used symbol to categorize yarn by weight (if not listed on the label).

6) Recommended Hook & Needle Size: Yarn labels often feature a suggested hook or needle size to obtain the proper 4×4” gauge (often referenced in patterns) when using this yarn. Checking your gauge is an important predecessor to beginning a pattern to insure your project will be the desired size.

7) Care Instructions: These symbols represent various cleaning suggestions based on the yarn fiber content. It is very important to follow these instructions if you do not want to alter the texture and size of the yarn. Some yarns are used with the intent to shrink the fiber and create a new fabric in a process called felting. Felting yarns are 100% wool and often recommend care instructions to avoid felting the fabric on purpose. Find more Yarn Label Symbols at: http://www.skeinlane.com/knittingresources/care/caresymbols.htm

Read more about Unraveling a Yarn Label at http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/unraveling-a-yarn-label.html

As always the Craft Yarn Council of America has an amazing set of resources at www.craftyarncouncil.com. They are to knitters/crocheters as Giles was to Buffy.

I was uber-inspired and quickly grabbed the closest pair of skinny jeans in my closet and got to work. Here is my finished pair:

The jeans I started with were from Express and are a size larger than I currently wear (yay for losing baby weight!) but as I expect to pack on the pounds with another child later this year, I figure I’ll soon be wearing a slightly larger size more often than my current. This is why the finished photos look baggier than intended.

Interested in making a pair? Here is how I did it:

1) Gather skinny jeans, 10-15 pieces of scrap fabric , scissors, no-sew fusible web (a heat and bond material), hand sewing needle, thread and an iron.

2) Cut out pieces of mis-matched fabric and overlap them down each leg of pant, creating a patchwork pattern.

3) Take a picture or sketch that arrangement you are most happy with so you remember where to place them.

4) Attach the fusible web to the fabric patches using package directions.

5) Lay fabric back in desired place use the iron to heat seal them in place.

6) Allow to cool.

7) Use a hand sewing needle and thread to stitch around the edge of each piece of fabric. I tried to purposely making my stitches uneven for an even more obvious patchwork look.

Wash your finished jeans once before wearing to soften up the fused pieces.

That is it! My finished pair of patch-work jeans cost me a total of…NOTHING as these were all materials I already had laying around my craft room. Happy sewing – I’d love to see your finished pair! Comment with a link or email me at stitchtacsew@gmail.com.

Wool is a fiber predominately spun from sheep but is also referenced as “wool” in many other animals such as angora rabbits, cashmere goats, etc. Wool is a protein fiber – meaning it grows on an animal (the exception is silk, derived from silkworms). Once sheered the “fleece” from sheep are spun into yarn or thread. Wool can be felted to create a thick fabric and is ideal for many projects but is not machine washable. Wool blends (wool and acrylic yarn combined) give the look and occasionally similar feel and warmth of wool and some may be washed. I am especially obsessed with Merino wool right and find it is my favorite fiber for most projects. Suggested yarns: Lion Brand Wool-Ease, Stitch Nation: Full of Sheep, Paton’s Classic Wool: Tweeds

Acrylic is the most accessible yarn at chain stores such as Joann’s, Michael’s, Hobby Lobby and even Wal-Mart. Acrylics yarn come in a spectrum of colors and weights and are normally machine washable. I strongly suggest sampling the many acrylic blends available thanks to their inexpensive price tag. I will often make a project from an acrylic yarn prior to investing in more expensive fiber to test out the patterns. Acrylics are often not as breathable as natural fibers and not quite as eco-friendly. Suggested yarns: Red Heart Classic, Vanna’s Choice

Cotton! Cotton is a fantastic go-to-all-weather yarn. Cotton works well on most items – from the smallest of projects (dishcloths, coasters) to lightweight sweaters and hats. Cotton is not stretchy so projects that call for this yarn (especially wearable garments) should be carefully reviewed, especially for more tailored or fitted items. Suggested Yarns: Lion Organic Cotton, Red Heart Eco-Cotton Blend

Soy blend yarn is made from the proteins of the soybean. It is an eco-friendly yarn blend option and creates a soft texture. Most soy yarns are blended with wool. Suggested Yarns: Vickie Howell for SWTC LOVE

Bamboo is available in both blends and individually. Depending on the blend bamboo can have a very nice drape and flow and is wonderful for garments and sweaters. This blend is environmentally sustainable (made from natural resources) and is absorbent and breathable. Most bamboo yarns available in chain stores are a blend. Suggested yarns: Red Heart Bamboo Wool, Stitch Nation: Bamboo Ewe, LB Collection Cotton Bamboo

Alpaca is from alpaca of course, you may have seen these llama-like animals at a state fair or agriculture show. I am told they aren’t very friendly but their fleece is deliciously warm and I am seeing this fiber grow stronger on the name brand market. (I am also hoping they are friendly as I daydream about a cuddly alpaca farm). Suggested yarns: LB Collection Baby Alpaca, Stitch Nation: Alpaca Love

Other big name fibers such as Mohair and Cashmere both come from goats (though different kinds). Cashmere is a luxurious and expensive yarn, but lives up to its ideal soft standards. Mohair is a bit itchy at times but blends of both mohair and cashmere are more affordable. Angora, Silk and even Corn are also used in various yarn blends. Eco-friendly fiber is a big topic right now, as are natural and organic fibers that are now becoming more accessible and are so fun to work with. Knowing the fiber content of a handmade item can tell a story just as much as the process of making it, and choosing the yarn you are working with goes far beyond which color you intend a finished project to be.    

I consulted two wonderful titles when gathering information for this post and both are great reads to further your fiber-education. Both books also are chock full of patterns for any level, worthy buys for your collection! Check out: The Knitter’s Book of Yarn: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing, Using, and Enjoying Yarn and Stitch ‘N Bitch: The Knitter’s Handbook.

It has been a year and a half since that class and I have become plenty acquainted, crafting items for friends, my daughter and my home. I now intend to graduate to more difficult patterns and projects so I decided another refresher was in order. I signed up for Patterns 101 at MAKE and attended it Saturday morning. The basic “how to” of reading, interpreting and properly cutting a pattern filled the first 90 minutes of this class and I was surprised at just how many mistakes I normally made when working with basic materials and patterns. Thank goodness for this course! After the instruction I spent about an hour sewing then returned home to finish my project. I am so happy with the results and will be making another soon!

After my fabulous morning at MAKE, I headed to CITY CRAFT – a new fabric store and sewing studio located in Inwood Village. WOW. I was pleasantly welcomed to a gorgeous Valentines window display and a room of dreamy designer fabrics. Michelle Miller, Anne Marie Horner and Amy Butler prints greeted me from delicious bolts of fabric lining the main wall. The center aisle was a collection of fabulous sewing book inspiration including some of my favorites such as Amy Butler’s Little Stitches
and One-Yard Wonders: 101 Sewing Fabric Projects; Look How Much You Can Make with Just One Yard of Fabric!. The back wall contained even more fabrics in special finishes and décor weights. As I neared the center of the store past a display of patterns was a refreshing display of embroidery goodies – namely harder to find patterns from Sublime Stitching and various books.

The back half of the store is dedicated to small classes in sewing. I look forward to signing up for a class and left with a bag of fabric, patterns and embroidery scissors. What an inspiring day! I am so thankful to live in a growing, crafty community.

A sigh of disappointment. I have wanted to work on the Baby-doll Dress pattern from the book Crochet Me ever since I picked up a copy. I actually first saw the pattern in an excerpt from the book in Interweave Crochet magazine. I was floored by such a gorgeous top. After my yarn stash was sufficiently depleted I was finally ready to invest in the sweater – both the time and funds. I first purchased my yarn from YarnExchange.us and they sent me Brown Sheep Cotton Fine instead of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. I was determined to make an exact replica of the piece so I sent it back and ordered Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece from HalcyonYarn.com. From there I very carefully made a swatch to check my gauge and then began the bodice. I was worried it was running big right away. I chose the pattern for a 36 bust and my first half of the bodice measured 2″ large but I felt I might lose some of the overage in seeming. I then constructed the other side of the bodice and when sewing together realized the method of seaming left a very obvious and awkward seam in the front.

I decided to switch back and forth on several stitches before using a tapestry needle and whip stitch in an attempt to hide my stitches. Once seamed I realized the top was about 4″ too big all the way around. My first instinct was to just rip out the side seams. Then upon further examination I realized how thoroughly disappointed I was with the design element of the middle seams from the bodice assembly. I just couldn’t get over it. Even if I managed to rip the side seams and reattach them the back bodice puckered and then created an odd shape. After another hour of useless attempts I have decided to scrap the project. I feel a bit defeated. Normally I will find a way around my pattern complication or a design element I am not fond of – but in this situation I would have to completely start over.

I looked up the project on http://www.ravelry.com while having trouble and realized a lot of people had encountered similar issues and there were immediate notes to bust measures and calculations being off. After reviewing the finished product that many crafters had executed perfectly (and quite beautifully) I realize this pattern is still not for me and with too many design elements needing changes to suit my personal style choices, it is definitely time to move on!

Meanwhile I now have an extra five skeins of Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece. I checked out Ravelry for suggestions to find a purpose for this yarn. I did like the weight and drape of the material I was creating and would love to use it for a wearable purpose. My favorite find so far is the Aragon Tunic from Interweave Crochet, Summer 2009. It may be interesting completely stitched in the ivory/putty color I have already purchased…and who can beat a name like “Aragon”. It may pair well with a Lord of the Rings marathon.

I guess it is back to Stormtrooper Crafts for the time being!

Oh – and did anyone notice my AWESOME new blog design by http://www.websydaisy.com?! I love it!

In addition to building my ‘crafty education’ I’m seeking out events that involve local designers and artists. I want to learn more about my handmade community and several events coming up feature just that – either handmade artists or up and coming designers and brands reaching out to a fresh audience. All three events are in Dallas and open to the public (though two of them charge admission). I will be writing about my experience at each one and would love to hear your thoughts. Better yet, maybe I’ll see you there?

February 24th & 25th from 5-10PM

SHECKY’S GIRLS NIGHT OUT (Note: 21&UP)
LOCATION: Fashion Industry Gallery (FIG) 1807 Ross Ave. (N. St. Paul & N. Akard Sts.)
ADMISSION: $25 in advance, $35 at the door – but a giftbag full of goodies makes up for it!

Grab your girlfriends and shake off the cold with a little help from Shecky’s! At Girls Night Out, you’ll experience the newest warm weather fashion trends, delish cocktails, plus sensational spring beauty treatments. Throw in a fabulous goodie bag, chock full of freebies, and we guarantee you’ll have a spring in your step in no time! Shecky’s throws Girls Night Out events all over the country – check for your city by visiting: http://girlsnightout.sheckys.com/dallas/spring2010/?rf=SP10_DAL_STS.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

February 25th – THE PIN SHOW

LOCATION: Union Station  next to the Hyatt Regency Hotel and just below Reunion Tower on Houston Street. 
ADMISSION: $12 in advance, $25 VIP

The Pin Show 2010 will take place on Thursday February 25th at the renewed Historic Union Station in downtown Dallas, TX. This fabulous Independent event will feature 26 independent fashion and accessory designers showcasing over 130 – 2010 looks on the runway. Beyond the runway you will witness live photo shoots on two styled sets, mingle with designers and even get the rare opportunity to purchase your favorite look right off the runway before it hits stores.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

APRIL 10th & 11th – URBAN STREET BAZAAR

ADMISSION: FREE
LOCATION: BISHOP ARTS DISTRICT

The Urban Bazaar is DFWsanswer to the alternative art & craft DIY movement sweeping the country.  The demand for hip handmade product is answered with this local shopping experience, so be sure to join us and support these local makers and creators of everthing handcrafted. Whether you are looking for unique clothing, funky jewelry and accessories or that perfect art piece for your pad, this is the place to be, because this sure ain’t your Grandma’s craft bazaar.

CLICK HERE FOR DETAILS

• I am writing a pattern for buttoned wristwarmers. This started as a simple quick wristwarmer pattern and expanded into much more. I’m anxious to write so many patterns but am very preoccupied with…
• Launching SciFiCrafts.com! I have a new blog, beautiful designed by WebsyDaisy. The same company is in process of redesigning this blog.
• Loom Weaving. I am having a wonderful time using the 3 foot loom I purchased last October. I am in the process of making 14 triangles from hand painted wool for a cardi-coat.
• I am indulging in yarn purchases! I have purchased and received the yarn for Crochet Me’s Babydoll Dress , Awareknits Polar Cap Cardi, Awareknits Jute Circle Rug and several skeins for more hooded scarves and various patterns I’m writing.
• I have signed up for a variety of classes at MAKE! I am so excited to attend a few more hours at this awesome establishment that celebrates local artists and buying handmade.
• I have sold a lucky 13 patterns on Etsy.com of my Crochet Baby Pom Pom hat. I’m really elated by this, it is an honor to think someone likes my design/interpretation enough to want to make it as well. Hopefully when some of my projects are complete I can post a few more patterns.

It seems when winter ends many people set down their crochet hooks and knitting needles. I’m an all-year crafter though, I just like to lighten my yarn weights and projects. Both sweaters I have in queue are short sleeved and one uses Brown Sheep’s Cotton Fleece.

Next update I hope to include some finished projects as well as news about the classes I’m enrolled in. I almost forgot to mention my sister and I are going to our first painting class at www.paintingwithatwist.com in February to recreate a painting. It sounds like a lot of fun – it’s BYOB and a unique way to spend an evening with a friend.

Then it happened, I became overwhelmed almost as quickly as I started! Each project in the pipeline seemed more appealing when I felt further away from working on it and I was in a rush to use up my stash as soon as possible. I began this process by cataloging my yarn on Ravelry which was so helpful! I was able to know exactly what yardage I had available which made it easier (and sometimes harder) to select projects. With over half of my stash used in less than a month I was stuck with a few novelty yarns and some sock-weights to master and had hit a wall when it came to ideas. I seem to have too little yardage for the things that interest me and too little patience for those that don’t!

I did successfully use all of my baby yarn making hats for charity. I also used up my coveted handspun making hats as gifts.

Best of all I FINALLY finished the Hourglass Jacket by StitchDiva that I originally began in June. It awaits blocking once I receive my Knitters Blocks which are on back order.

I reserved two skeins of Vanna’s Choice Glamour to make my daughter a short sleeve wrap and 2 skeins of LB Collection Superwash Merino Wool that I am using for more toddler hats. I still have 3 untouched skeins of Karabella Lace Mohair and absolutely no idea what to do with it, though the $50 price tag has me hanging on to it. This was the pattern I originally purchased it for: http://www.karabellayarns.com/patterndetail.aspx?pattID=107. I may attempt another try at it soon, my first go was confusing and I had to unravel my project.

Meanwhile I have packaged up the end skeins I have left and am sending them to Newborns in Need – a charity that makes newborn items and I’m sure could use up the mininal yardage amounts on these skeins for bibs, booties and even more hats.

What’s next? I have to finish these hats and cardigan first, but I’m excited to choose! I know I definitely want to knit a sweater this year, so I plan on using a pattern from AwareKnits: Knit & Crochet Projects for the Eco-Conscious Stitcher. I also want to crochet a round jute rug for my kitchen and check out Debbie Stoller’s new Stitch Nation yarn. Most of all – I want to order Studio Silk for the Endless Cardi Shawl (crochet version). All of these total to more yarn investments so we’ll see where my pocketbook leads me first. For the time being, I have to run to the post office and send off my stash! Goodbye yarn, hello possibilities!

1) I WILL PRESS ALL OF MY WORK!

     All sewing projects that require pressing WILL be pressed and properly! On an ironing board!

2) I WILL INVEST IN A SERGER!

     One goal is to master knitwear and make more of my own clothing and stop shelling out my cash on mass-manufactured goods. Time to focus on making one of a kind pieces.

3) I WILL BUY HANDMADE!

     Nothing says personal more than a handmade gift! For the items I do not make myself I will purchase handmade for as much gift-giving as I possibly can this year.

4) I WILL MAKE MORE GIFTS!

     As a follow up to #3, I made about 1/4 of our Christmas Gifts this year and those were the ones loved best by recipients. I will work hard to begin extra early this year and make as many gifts as possible. Be ready for recycled cotton dishtowels and jute rugs everyone.

5) I WILL KNIT A SWEATER!

     I am a novice knitter (at best) having just taught myself how to cast on a few years ago. My skills are far more attuned to the crocheting I’ve loved for 20 years. Time to study my new skill and finally cast on a wearable sweater.

6) I WILL MAKE AN ENDLESS CARDI-SHAWL!

     I have been admiring Stitch Diva’s Endless Cardi Shawl since the day they released the pattern. Now that I am almost finished (mere stitches away) from finishing the Stitch Diva Hourglass Jacket, I will finally order the materials and make the Endless Cardi-Shawl – as soon as my stash bash challenge is complete.

7) I WILL MAKE AT LEAST 10 ITEMS TO DONATE!

     What better way to continue my stash bash challenge then crocheting and knitting items for charity? I will first focus on newborn hats and see what else my stash will allow me with limited yardage in various weights.

8 ) I WILL WORK ON MY DAUGHTER’S SCRAPBOOK!

     To create another shortcut for myself I ordered a pre-filled baby book by Pearhead from Babies R Us to chronicle my daughters first holidays and the story of her parents. I hope to complete her first year by June (when she will be just over a year).

9) I WILL TAKE MORE CRAFTING CLASSES!

     Crafting is even more fun in a group, I’ll be sure to hit up Make in the Bishop Arts District far more often as well as The Sassy Spinster in Lancaster Town Square.

10) I WILL TAKE A TOUR OF LYS in DALLAS!

     As #9 references two of my favorite crafty meet ups – why not explore all there is to offer in my hometown? Granted Dallas is a huge city and many LYS’s are sprawled out in neighboring suburbs, but this will be a fun way to sample the local fare…or fiber.

All of these “resolutions” will be fun to complete and stick to. Why make the hard “I will work out” goals that no one enjoys? Now if there were a way to crochet and jog at the same time, that is something I’d give a shot! As a bonus resolution:

*I WILL START A CRAFTING CIRCLE!*

I hosted a “craft night” at my home a few months ago to teach my friends to crochet. I would love to continue this on a monthly basis. Any suggestions on how to do so? Should crafts be organized or should people just bring what they are working on? I look forward to reading what everyone else has planned for the new year!

Until 2010…

I then increased my stash with some pretty worsted weights I picked up at my favorite LYS – also know as my mom’s garage. I didn’t break any yarn shopping rules as I didn’t buy anymore yarn, but I did acquire it. It is for a great project though – a gift to celebrate my friend Nikki’s baby boy Miles who is due in May. Definitely worth the ’stash setback’.

As a last minute “white elephant” gift exchange present I also got rid of a skein of LB Collection Cotton Bamboo – a great and gorgeous yarn, but I had a limited supply. Paired with an unopened pair of size 8 needles and new “knitting made easy” DVD I hope I was able to pass on a treasured past-time.

I then found an awesome pattern through Ravelry for a Noodle Hat – here is  the finished product make for my dear friend’s 4 month old Lainey.

The biggest accomplishment of all? I finally listed a pattern on my Etsy shop for my Crochet Baby Pom Pom Hat and I sold THREE copies of this THIS WEEK! I was so surprised and excited. I hope those that are trying out the pattern find it works up easy and will provide feedback. What a fun week! The new few days will be crochet-free as we’ll be celebrating Christmas and hanging with the family. I have made SO much progress on my Stitch Diva Hourglass Jacket though and my goal is to finish by New Years Eve! Wish me luck!