Archive for the ‘knitting’ Category

Free Knitting Patterns

Saturday, November 22nd, 2008

Thanks for visiting TheYarnWarehouse.com!   I have taken the time to compile a list of free knitting patterns for your to enjoy from various websites around the internet.  Why buy designs when there are so many free knitting patterns available on the internet today?

Whether you're looking for free baby patterns or patterns for socks, mittens or sweaters, be sure to visit each one of the sites listed below.  Keep checking back as more links will be added over time.

Knitting Patterns Central
FreePatterns.com
KnittingOnTheNet.com
DailyKnitter

Caron Simply Soft Brites

Friday, September 26th, 2008

Has anyone tried this yarn? I want to make a baby blanket with bright colors. Is it actually as soft as it says?

Caron Simply Soft Brites Yarn
Caron Simply Soft Brites Yarn

Price: $2.49

Care:Machine wash and dry * 100% acrylic * 6 ounces 315 yards * 4""=18 stitches on size 8 needles * Suggested crochet hook: H8 * No dyelot.

First Big Knitting Project

Wednesday, September 24th, 2008

Okay, so I'd been knitting for only two weeks, and I decided that I wanted to make something other than dishcloths and scarves. I decided to knit a blanket for my grandmother....the one who tried to teach me to knit when I was a little girl. Her 80th birthday was coming up, and I thought it would be a nice present from her granddaughter.  So, I hunted for a pattern that would be nice, but also easy, since I didn't know much except to knit and purl. I didn't even know where I could hunt for patterns, so I just went to Wal-Mart on a lunch break to see what patterns were on the labels of their yarns.

They carried quite a good selection of Bernat yarns, and I really liked Bernat Chunky.  So I found one in a nice bluey-gray colour called True Denim.  The pattern is only called "knit blanket" but it turned out really pretty. It's almost like a basket weave pattern, so it took a lot of counting between purls and knits.  I worked on it every day (even when I was at work) from November to January. I'm really disappointed that I don't have a finished picture to show you, but Grandma loved it.

Under New Management…

Sunday, September 14th, 2008

....sort of. My husband runs this sight, and since I'm actually the knitter, it only makes sense that I would be the one to post on this blog. I'm new to the blogging world, so you may have to be a bit patient with me, but I thought I'd share with you some of the projects I've completed, some I've started, and some I hope to do.

YarnI've only been knitting since November of 2007. We had a friend over to dinner one night and she brought her knitting with her. I asked her to show me what she was doing and how to do it. My grandmother had tried to teach me to knit when I was younger, and it just never caught on, but this time when my friend taught me, it just kind of clicked. She started me out with a basic diamond-shaped dishcloth pattern, using a cheap acrylic yarn in a pretty eggplant and royal blue color. All in that night, she showed me how to knit, purl, yarn over, increase & decrease stitches. She raved that I was the quickest student she had ever had! Plus, she told me that my stitches were surprisingly even (not too tight or too loose) for a beginning knitter. I still use that first dishcloth - in fact, it's draped over my kitchen faucet as I'm writing.

Since that fateful evening, I have become addicted to knitting....finding out about different types of yarn, different stitches, etc. I still haven't ventured into the world of cable knitting yet (frankly, it scares me) but soon I will attempt it, and I'll share my trials with you all. On my next post, I'll tell you all about my first large and rather ambitious project, considering I had only been knitting for 2 weeks......

Christmas Knitting Projects

Monday, September 8th, 2008

I know it's still summer and you're not likely thinking about Christmas just yet, but if you plan to knit a project or two to give away at Christmas, you might want to get started.  If you're lucky enough to be able to spend a lot of time knitting, then you might be able to get away with starting a little late, but for many with busy schedules, 3 or 4 months is a reasonable time frame.

For all the procrastinators out there, here's how you can get started with your Christmas knitting projects.

1.  Decide who you will knit something for.  Keep in mind that even though you love knitting and spend a lot of time doing it, some people just won't appreciate it and buying them a gift might be better.

2.  Decide on the yarn color and then get to work trying to find a good place to get some discount yarn.

3.  Make sure you have the appropriate needles and anything else the project requires.

4.  Start.

It's not really that hard, is it!  Just get started; The sooner you start, the sooner you finish.

3 Reasons Why Knitting Makes a Great Hobby

Thursday, August 7th, 2008

In the past decade knitting has had a rebirth, which I never saw coming.  We can all likely remember our grandmothers knitting us some really bulky and somewhat ugly sweater for Christmas and have thought that the end of knitting was close.  I might have thought that too!The truth of the matter is, knitting is hotter than ever.  Young women in their early twenties have starting knitting, but with some style mixed in.  No more ugly colored sweaters!  Younger knitters are opting for trendy patterns with fresh colors and textures.

So why does knitting make a great hobby?  Here's 3 reasons why I think knitting is a great hobby:

  1. Knitting is a relatively inexpensive hobby compared to many other hobbies.  Once you've purchased some needles, many yarns can be purchased at discount prices, making many projects very low cost.
  2. Knitting is a social hobby.  Many women get together to knit and talk about things that are happening in their lives.
  3. Many young women have lost touch with the past due to increases in technology.  In the past, women sewed, knitted, crocheted and quilted, both out of necessity and hobby.  Because we no longer need to do some of those activities, a part of our heritage has passed away.  Knitting is one way to keep that heritage alive.

If you haven't yet started knitting, give it a try! Start with a  simple pattern, some knitting needles and some discount yarn and you're ready to go.

Real Men Knit

Thursday, July 31st, 2008

This is a great video that is somewhat humorous yet so true.  Many men knit and it's a great hobby for anyone. Society says that men play football and drink beer while women cook, clean and knit.  Good thing some men are standing up and letting people know that knitting isn't just for women, but men can enjoy knitting as well.

enjoy!

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2jYa_rJyG18

Discount Knitting Yarn

Thursday, July 24th, 2008

If you're an avid knitter and constantly have project on the go, you might have noticed that the cost of your little hobby can really add up.  Between the cost of the needles, yarn, patterns etc. etc., you've now got quite a bit of money tied up.

One of the best ways to keep your costs down is to find a consistent source of cheap knitting supplies, especially knitting yarn.  Depending on the type of yarn that you knit with, some yarns are VERY expensive.  Consider more quality yarns like Alpaca yarn or Cashmere yarn.  Although they do put out a very great product, making a project out of one of these types of yarns can be expensive.

Finding a store to buy yarn online is important.  You'll save a lot of money by buying yarn on the internet, but watch out for the shipping costs or your great deal might not end up being that great.

Learn to Knit - Part III

Thursday, July 17th, 2008

Hope you are learning and enjoy lesson 3!

Part III-Learn to Knit Series

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TZhD_3R68Oo

Learn to Knit - Part II

Thursday, July 10th, 2008

As promised, here's Part II of the series called "Learn to Knit".  I hope you grasped the first lesson and are ready to move onto the second lesson in the series.

Part II - Learn to Knit Series

httpv://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ri9784dMlJk