Hi! I’ve been reading a lot about the need for preservatives in homemade products, especially those made with water. I always use either distilled or boiled water and most of what I make is made in batches of 32oz or less. The main exception to that is my laundry detergent and fabric softener which I…
How to be a Fabulous Knitter / Crocheter: Guidelines for 2012
Vera says: Some years ago, I made a resolution not to make any resolutions, and it has been the easiest one to keep, but the freshness of the new year combined with the temptation to list has finally gotten to me, and I’m ready to make a break with tradition. This time around, though, I…
How to Be A Fabulous Knitter/Crocheter–Holiday Tips and Tricks
Vera says: One of the greatest joys of being able to knit and or crochet is the ability to make gifts. No matter what, if you have yarn, needles or a hook, you can make something to give. I recall one holiday season, being yarn rich and cash poor, I made all my presents and…
How to Be A Fabulous Knitter/Crocheter–Talk the Talk
Vera says: Every discipline has its own jargon, and knitting and crocheting is no different. When I first started my blog, my audience was mostly other crafters, so we shared the same language. As my audience expanded, and others read my blog, I only became aware of my lapse into needlespeak when a reader made…
KIPing* Along [Knit In Public]
Vera says: The great majority of my crafting life has been a solitary experience. As a child, I spent many, mostly happy, hours alone with needles, hooks, books, and yarn pouring over patterns, learning and creating. I didn’t know anyone else who knitted or crocheted, but in a house with many siblings, it was nice…
How to Be A Fabulous Knitter/Crocheter–Basic Tools
Vera says: In the Spirit of the Sunday Confessional, I have one to make… I am profoundly addicted to knitting and crocheting tools, and I’m pretty much powerless in resisting their allure. I have put projects on hold because I didn’t have the right needle, hook, gadget, stitch marker, or even– the ruler that I…
Ask The Audience: The Motherload Of Yarn
Ivy says: As I posted before, we have been cleaning out my Grandma’s stuff following her death. By the way, I appreciate all the condolences. It gets easier every day. And some days, I can laugh. This was one of those days. Earlier this week, my uncle asked me if I wanted all my grandma’s…