Who's Worthy of a Handmade Gift?

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From the Woolery Guy: "It’s that time of year when friends, family, and sometimes even acquaintances might start hinting that they would like (or perhaps even expect) a handmade gift under the tree. Sure, they see you spinning, weaving, hooking or knitting, and they might have some idea of all the time and effort such a request entails – but are they truly worthy of a handmade gift? We’ve created a handy flow chart to take the guesswork out of this process for you so that you can enjoy your fall and winter crafting stress-free."

A printable PDF version of the chart can be found here.

Superwash Wool

Krista McCurdy (Pigeonroof Studios) shares some insights on superwash wool and how the process has revitalized the American wool industry.

To Be or Not To Be a Hypocrite: American Superwash Wool.

Positive Ease

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Positive ease is a phrase that mystifies many knitters. Louet's post (What's a Positive Ease?) explains exactly what positive ease is, and how to choose your ideal garment size based on your personal preferences for fit.

Kitchener Stitch in the Round

Knit Purl Hunter shows how to Kitchener Stitch two ends of a tube. Her tip for reducing the hole or gap at the end is worth watching.

Knitulator Tool

The Knitulator is a free online tool that is a handy and fast way to calculate how to increase or decrease a certain number of stitches evenly throughout a row of knitting. If you’ve ever been stumped by a knitting instruction that reads something like ‘increase x number of stitches evenly throughout row’, simply plug in your starting stitch count, the number of stitches you wish to increase or decrease by, and hit the ‘knitulate’ button.

The Knitulator can be found here

Happy Thanksgiving

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Fremont Fiber Arts Guild 

wishes you and your family  

Happy Thanksgiving

p.s. Crafting Chicks shares how to create the yarn wrapped pumpkins here

Weaver's Guide to Wool Yarn

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Liz Gipson at Yarnworker gives weavers some valuable information on selecting wool for weaving. She reminds weavers that most of the yarn rules regarding looms apply to looms with shafts. Those rules may not apply to the rigid heddle weaver since this loom doesn’t put as many demands on the yarn.

She states that in general, using the simple pinch and pull test will allow a weaver to determine if yarn is strong enough for warp. Virtually any yarn can be used for weft, however, weavers still may want to consider how well it will wear over time and under the rigors of its intended use.

Liz's post, A Weaver's Guide to Wool Yarn, is a good source for rigid heddle weavers. 

Free Knitting Patterns

Looking for an alternative site for free knitting patterns?

Knitting Help  is a good source.

Check the tabs at the top of the pattern page for links to free videos (premium videos are not free), a forum, and a shop.

Faces of Merino - Part II

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An earlier post discussed why merino is the most popular type of wool for crafters.

Part II of the Faces of Merino, reveals why the merino fiber is so special.

Part I can be found here

Eight Tips to Maintain a Drumcarder

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Interweave offers eight tips to keep a drum carder like new. Protect your investment by regular maintenance.

The eight maintenance tips can be found here

Sew a Curly Hem with Fishing Line

The curly hem with fishing line is a really fun effect that adds body and bounce to your hemlines. The video shows how to recreate this technique on a sewing machine.

Sewing Thread Weight

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Leslie from The Seasoned Homemaker takes the mystery out of thread selection for machine sewing, machine embroidery, serging, and hand sewing in her post:
All About Thread Weight

Tatting Patterns

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Since Sue O. gave a demonstration on needle-tatting at the August Guild meeting, some members have purchased supplies and have started tatting.

A good source of free patterns is Mariya's Tatting.

Felting Types

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Patterns for Mini Skeins

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Mini skeins kits are currently popular, but how can they be used?

Over the Rainbow complied patterns on Ravelry in a Favorites board called "Fade" that may provide just the inspiration you need.

What Do You Call That Color?

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Over the Rainbow Yarn's post on yarn colors (solid, semi-solid, marled, heathered, etc.) gives specific information on each type of colored yarn so you can achieve the look you want for your projects.

Corrugated Ribbing

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Finding Patterns on Ravelry

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One of the best sites to find patterns online is on Ravelry, an online community of crafters. Knitters and crocheters can access free patterns as well as patterns to purchase on the site.

Don't know how to find a pattern in the extensive pattern library on Ravelry? Follow the steps provided on this Louet post.

Classes at Pingora Yarns

to Register for any of these classes

  - contact Pingora Yarns - 

Beginning Knitting Class

Have you always wanted to learn to knit, but never had the time? 

 Now is your opportunity! 

Learn the basic skills needed in knitting. 

Learn to knit, purl, cast on, and cast off.

Dawna Hopeman will guide you through this basic skill lesson 

Monday, November 6 from 3-4:30pm.  

New section of Beginning Knitting added!

Exact same class as above, but on Saturday, November 11 from 10:30-11:30. 

One Row Scarf Class

This class will help you refine your basic knit skills to create a great project 

for yourself or someone you want to help keep warm over the winter.

Learn how to read a pattern and learn the steps involved in this 

One Row Scarf class that will meet 

Monday, November 13 from 3-4:30 pm.

Learn to Knit in the Round

Knitting in the round allows one to make tubular garments, 

such as hats, mittens, socks, cowls, etc. 

 Learn the skills involved in this method and make an 

ear warmer for that special someone. 

Learn how to read and follow a pattern and knit in the round. 

This class will meet Monday, November 20 from 3-4:30 pm.

to Register for any of these classes

  - contact Pingora Yarns -

Sewing Needle Disposal

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Becky from Patchwork Posse shares how to dispose of sewing needles safely in her post: Sewing Needle Disposal.

The free printable is available on Craftsy

Stay Sharp and Sew printable

Sewing Organizers

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Karen from Sew Many Ways shares three ways to use an ordinary hardware store items to organize and contain bobbins.

Sewing Organizers

Spinning Heather & Tweed Yarn

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Jillian Moreno, editor of Knittyspin, discusses and illustrates the difference between Heather and Tweed yarn in the Knittyspin Deep Fall 2017 article: Heather or Tweed.