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Yarn Crafts

Crochet & Knitting Patterns

crochet vs. knitting – updated

Over three years ago, I wrote a post sharing my thoughts on crochet vs. knitting.  You can find that original post HERE.  I had just learned how to knit, so it was perhaps a little premature to make the comparison, but I wanted to share how I initially felt about the two yarn crafts.  I had been crocheting for over a year and was excited about testing the knitting waters.  I’ve now been crocheting for just over four years and knitting for just over three, so I feel like I can make a better comparison and offer some tips, patterns, tutorials, and other resources if you’d like to pick up one or both of these creative hobbies. I’m going to go through the same comparison questions I wrote in my initial post, share my previous answer, and then what I think now. crochet vs. knitting – which one is easiest?

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Crochet & Knitting Patterns

easy crochet bauble garland tutorial (two ways)

I spotted some crochet garlands when I fell down an internet rabbit hole a few years ago, but I never got around to making them and I then got sidetracked by other things.  Then this year, I saw my friend Cheri from This Cottage Life making and selling some and I got the itch to make them.  I looked at a few different tutorials to get me started and then played around with techniques, designs, yarns, and hook sizes until I found a couple I liked.  So, in this post, I’ll share two different crochet bauble garland tutorials (a printed pattern and a video tutorial.) bauble crochet garland tutorial no. one – chunky bauble For this version of the bauble garland, you’ll need Lion WoolEase Thick & Quick yarn (or a similarly chunky yarn), scissors (THESE forged scissors are my favorite), and a 6.5mm crochet hook.  THESE are the ones

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Artistic Endeavors

stitch & fable | small business spotlight

There are times when you know you’ve found a kindred spirit in the online world.  With all of the negative things that come with social media and the internet, that is one of the best things.  You can find people from all over the globe who love the things you love.  Such was the case with Rachel of Stitch & Fable, an antique textile business based in Leicestershire, England. If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ve probably picked up on the fact that I love antique and vintage textiles. Just a bit. And I also enjoy projects that require me to slow down, work with my hands, and have something beautiful to show for that time and work.  I’m not a great seamstress and am probably too impatient to ever produce anything that would be a stellar example of needlework, but I enjoy it. So, when I found Stitch

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Crochet & Knitting Patterns

selbu mitten knitting tutorial | parts three & four

Well, it took me a little while, but I finally got around to editing the final video in the Selbu mitten knitting tutorial.  I really hope this is a helpful tutorial for those who, like me, always, wanted to make something like this.  You learn so many knitting skills when working on a mitten like this, so it’s easy to move on to other projects like socks, more details hats, and (dare I say) even sweaters!  I don’t know if I’ll ever have the patience and perseverance to make a sweater, but I like little projects like mittens and socks that take a few hours and still look pretty impressive. In case you missed it, you can find the first two parts of this Selbu mitten knitting tutorial below… Selbu Mitten Tutorial Part 1 | Materials, Working on Double Pointed Needles, Casting On, & Starting the Cuff Selbu Mitten Tutorial

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Crochet & Knitting Patterns

Selbu mitten knitting tutorial | part two | colorwork

Is anyone knitting selbu mittens along with me?  I spent the weekend working on the mitten I’m filming for the tutorial, which was a nice activity given that I’ve been ordered to stay off my foot.  I gave several pairs as gifts to friends and family this year, but I still have a few more pairs to make, which is why I’m getting a head start as we start heading into fall.  (I wish the weather felt more like fall.  I am over the humidity.)  Anyway, this post and video are part two of the selbu/nordic mitten knitting tutorial.  In this video, we’ll get into colorwork knitting.  I’ll show how to start the pattern and how to make increases for the thumb. You can find the selbu mitten knitting tutorial part one HERE.  In that post and video, we review the materials, cast on, learn how to work on double-pointed

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Crochet & Knitting Patterns

Selbu Mitten Knitting Tutorial | Part One

I started making Selbu mittens last year and several people asked if I could make a comprehensive selbu mitten knitting tutorial, so here it is!  It’s still in the 90s outside, but if you want to make these for yourself or to give as gifts, it’s nice to get a headstart.  Since it’s a process with several steps, I will break this tutorial up into a series of videos and blog posts.  These mittens take me about 6-8 hours to make, but I am not a very fast knitter.  People who have more streamlined mechanics can probably crank these out faster! If you’re new to knitting Selbu (Norweigian/Scandinavian) Mittens, I would suggest checking out this post as a resource before you get started – Making Selbu Mittens |Tips for Beginners. I’ll reiterate some tips and encouragement here, though.  First of all, making mittens might seem intimidating and these selbu mittens

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Artistic Endeavors

embroidery workbook

While getting lost down an internet rabbit hole a few months ago, I found some lovely examples of .  For a time, every school girl had an embroidery workbook to learn basic necessary sewing and mending skills.  In a time when people just had 2-3 outfits and most items were handmade, these were as essential as typing is today.  I actually remember, even in the 1980s, making a cross-stitch sampler in school.  Although, at that time both boys and girls did the project and it was more of a craft than a life lesson. I was able to purchase a series of three antique sewing books from 1902 to1905, all completed by the same school girl.  They are fairly simple, but some of these books can have miniature dresses, aprons, lacework, monograms, etc.  You can see how women in the 1800s turned out such beautiful sheets, tea towels, and other

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making knitted Selbu mittens | tips for beginners

One thing I wanted to do this winter was to make a pair of Selbu/Norwegian-style mittens.  I’ve always loved the style of them and have been drawn to knit colorwork for years.  Over the winter break, I decided it was a good time to learn.  When I started knitting last winter, I thought I might try making a pair of mittens, but I was initially discouraged by the “experienced” label on the mitten patterns in my book.  I am definitely not an experienced knitter.  I’ve made a few hats, a pair of ill-fitting socks, some potholders, and dishcloths.  Certainly not enough to consider myself experienced.  But, I have also learned as I try new things that you just need to learn the principles and then your options expand greatly. My mom taught everyone in our family and hundreds of other people how to play the guitar.  She always starts her

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I’m Marian, a painter, writer, and lover of all things creative. From art and antiques to home projects and everyday life, I share my journey in hopes of inspiring you to embrace your own creativity and make beauty in the spaces you live.

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