Important Things to Know. . .

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While the article, Fifteen Things You Should Really Know about Yarn, was written mainly for spinners, it contains information that knitters and crocheters can also find useful.

Crochet Seaming

An alternative to mattress stitch for finishing seams.

Avoid Knitting w/Yarn Tail

Have you ever accidentally knit with your yarn tail instead of the working yarn you’re supposed to knit? It happens more often than we’d like to admit! This feels even worse when it happens on the second or third row. 

Interweave presents two solutions to this all too common problem. 

Hand-combed Qiviut

musk ox
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Interweave's article on qiviut fiber is intriguing. As one of the most luxurious and expensive fibers in the world, qiviut has sometimes been called the “golden fleece of the arctic.” It is eight times warmer than sheep’s wool and softer than almost any other fiber.

Unlike sheep, musk oxen are not sheared to harvest their fleece - experienced handlers comb the animals every spring when they’re shedding down naturally.

Read more about qiviut here. 

Create a Neater Crochet Edge

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Starting your crochet project is probably almost everyone’s least favorite part. Chaining all those stitches, then fiddling your hook into that starting chain can be tedious and time consuming. For me, it never ends up looking quite right either.

Most of us were taught to start your first row by crocheting into the front of your starting chain.Instead, try inserting your hook into the bump on the back of your chain. Surprisingly, this actually creates a much neater and smoother edge.

This technique also creates a much more elastic edge and will even mirror your final row perfectly. Since crocheting into that back bump creates a mirror stitch to your last row, it makes seaming and adding a crocheting edging much easier!

from WEBS - Tuesday's Crochet Tip

Choosing the Right Button(s)

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Fiber Flux's post, How to Choose Buttons, gives six guidelines on choosing the right button(s) for your project.

History Podcasts

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If you like listening to podcasts while crafting, the links provided by Interweave may be of interest.  

Sarah Rothberg complied a list of five podcasts that may appeal to those who have a passion for history. The topics range from Spies to Pirates.