Saturday, December 31, 2011

cleaning up - getting organized!

Nancy Merkle of Small Impressions Paintings put together a beautiful treasury that will be sure to inspire you to organize your favorite space.



A warm thank-you to Nancy of "Small Impressions Paintings" for including our pattern for the "Oval Cotton Storage Binsin your "Cleaning up - Getting Organized!" Etsy treasury.




kim and tara.


Thursday, December 29, 2011

choosing the right color scheme.




Perhaps the the most enjoyable, yet challenging, part of any new crochet project is finding the right colour combination. We found this "color scheme designer" and we are sure that you will agree that it is the perfect go to tool for helping you decide which colour combination will work best for your project.


kim.

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

new pattern - extreme pom-pom scarf.

My newest pattern has been released!

Extreme is in!! This is a very fun scarf to add to your wardrobe when you are in a playful mood. Omit the pom-poms and you have a more subdued scarf and one that is perfectly suited for a man as well.

This is an extremely long scarf, measuring 100” long and 4” wide. Perfect for winding and tying around your neck.

It is made of super chunky yarn, so it is super quick to whip together and you will be sporting your own “Extreme Pom-Pom Scarf” in no time!




  Enjoy and happy crocheting!



tara.

Tuesday, December 20, 2011

25 ways to wear a scarf.

Tara just posted a sneak peek of her wonderful new scarf pattern the "Extreme Pompom Scarf" and if you are wondering about how she tied the scarf you will enjoy this YouTube clip showing "25 Ways to Wear a Scarf in 4.5 Minutes!"



enjoy!

Sunday, December 18, 2011

sneak peek.


Here's a fun and playful scarf pattern that will be released any day now.  Made of super chunky yarn, it is  very quick to whip up and you can be sporting your new 
"Extreme Pom-Pom Scarf" in no time.



tara.

photo gallery - the glistening pearl's infinity scarf.

We are always so excited when customers share pictures of their finished projects with us and we are delighted with "The Glistening Pearl's" version of the Infinity Scarf. She made the scarf a little longer and wider than the original and we love the results!!! Visit The Glistening Pearls blog to read more and to find out what yarn she used.


You will also want to check out The Glistening Pearl's etsy shop. As you can see from the picture below each unique piece of jewelry is designed to capture the paradisaical coIours and textures of the ocean. 



kim.


Tuesday, December 13, 2011

buttons.

Whether your button is serving as a fastener or if it is strictly for ornamentation we're sure that you will agree that buttons are invaluable for embellishing your crochet work. This is why we have decided to start a series of blog posts called "buttons".

The first buttons that we have chosen to feature are from a fellow Etsian named Orly Rabinowitz. Orly is from Israel and she is the creative force behind "rabinowitzorly". Here is where you will find a beautiful collection of unique, and one-of-a-kind buttons that are all handmade from polymer clay.


The wonderful thing about Orly's buttons is that she uses the millefiori technique, mixing the colors and creating the pattern which produces one-of-a-kind buttons. This method ensures that no one in the world will have the same item as you!


In Orly's own words she says, "I became enchanted with the endless richness of colors and objects Millefiore revealed before me. I enjoy discovering new harmonies between different colors, playing with different shades and trying new combinations. I am constantly amazed at the infinity of the world of colors and the richness of feeling one can convey through them."

We are also excited to share this lovely photo that Orly sent to us!


These are some Cabled Apple Jackets that Orly first crocheted and then embellished with her own creations. If you are interested in purchasing the crochet pattern for the Cabled Apple Jacket please feel free to visit our etsy shop at knotsewcute.etsy.com.

To view more or Orly's amazing work we encourage you to visit www.orlyfimo.com. Enjoy!!



kim.



Monday, December 12, 2011

how to work a 6 post reverse cable.

If you have purchased a crochet pattern from us that features a braided cable in the stitch pattern and you have questions about how to do the 6 post reverse cable then hopefully this tutorial will help you out. Some examples of the braided cable are the Aran Accent Pillow, the Braided Fingerless Mitts and the Two Tone Cable Scarf.

Figure 1

Figure 1:  Skip stitch numbers 1, 2 and 3, work FPtr around stitch number 4, work one FPtr around each of the next 2 stitches.

YO twice, working behind the 3 FPtr just made insert hook right to left around the first missed stitch (stitch #1).

Figure 2

Figure 2: It is easier to see the stitch that you grabbed if you view your work from the top.

Figure 3

Figure 3: YO and pull up a loop (4 loops on hook), (YO and draw through 2 loops on hook) 3 times. Repeat this process for stitch numbers 2 and 3.

 
 
If you have any other questions please feel free to ask away in the comments section or
if you prefer you can contact us anytime at knotsewcute@gmail.com.


kim.


Tuesday, December 6, 2011

new crochet pattern - honey bee scarf by kim miller.






Skill Level: Intermediate

This delicate looking scarf is a beautiful combination of of the honeycomb stitch framed on either side by cables...giving it that all time classic look. Althouth, the cables only show on the front side of the scarf the honeycomb is reversible so it looks great on both sides.

This well written crochet pattern calls for 1 ½ balls of Patons® Lace and the finished scarf measures approximately 6.5” (16.5 cm) wide and 57” (145 cm) long excluding the tassels. The pattern uses the following stitches: hdc, dc, fpdc, bpdc, and fptr.









Monday, December 5, 2011

showing appreciation for handmade.


I left a basket of my crocheted goodies on the couch and it made me smile when I came back and found my fur baby contently snoozing away:)



kim.

Friday, December 2, 2011

first friday freebie.

wild primrose scarf - crochet pattern
by tara schreyer



Skill Level: Easy

This scarf is chunky and rugged yet beautiful. The name is appropriate as the middle section of the scarf is reminiscent of the hardy yet delicate Wild Primrose flower native to North America, Asia, and Europe.

This pattern is simple, calling for stitches such as double crochet, treble, and double treble, and can be completed in an evening, thus making it a great last minute gift for someone special.

Scarf Measurements: 223.5 cm (88") long" x 12.7 cm (5") wide

  


enjoy!

Wednesday, November 30, 2011

don't forget...



We can't believe that another month has flown by so quickly. Already this Friday December 2, 2011 is "first friday freebie". We have a crochet pattern that we will be offering as a free download and it is perfect for this time of year so be sure to check back!



kim and tara.

Monday, November 28, 2011

sneak peek.



Here's a peek at an up and coming crochet pattern that should be ready for release any day now...


kim.

Monday, November 21, 2011

current project.

I try not to purchase random balls of yarn just because I love the colour, texture or what have you. I like to have a plan or a project in mind, but all self control seems to fly out the window when I hear the words "50% off"!

I had no idea what I would do with this giant collection of 12 mini skeins all handpainted in the same gorgeous colours but I couldn't resist:)


The yarn is from Hand Painted Knitting Yarns, and this beautiful skein is a sea of texture, with 60 yards of each yarn, ranging from fine merino to boucle and glitters. At first I thought that I would make a triangle shawl, but because I was concerned about the colour pooling, and the different weights and textures of yarn I decided that I would have some fun and try my hand at free form crochet. I thought that I would start by crocheting a collection of different motifs...


...and when I'm done I will lay them all out and see what they want to be. I am hoping for a shawl. Not much of a plan, but I will keep you posted.


kim.

Monday, November 14, 2011

finished project.

I am not the fastest crocheter so when I get a project done, I am EXCITED! Thought I would share my latest.  This is one of Kim Miller's most recent patterns, called the "Boyfriend Cowl".  I did it up for my guy but I have every intention of stealing it :) Okay, that sounds bad...borrowing it...at least until I have one to call my very own.




I love this pattern! It looks great on girl or guy and created using a simple stitch. The finishing construction is genius and creates this funky cowl.  Love it!

I used approximately 1.5 balls of "Stylecraft Life Aran" in "Granite Marl" to create this cowl.  It is 75% acrylic and 25% wool.  Just the right combination of fiber for our mild winters.
 
To get your hands on this pattern, click here. Thanks Kim, for another great design!




tara.

Friday, November 11, 2011

before and after blocking.

Blocking can play a large part in how your finished project will look and this step is especially important when you are working with lace. If you have never blocked before it opens up the stitches and what looks crumpled and ordinary is transformed into light, airy and extraordinary.

This post is to show the wonders of blocking...


by Kim Miller

Before:



After:



by Lisa Naskrent

Before:



After:




by Lion Brand Yarn

Before:


After:


by Kim Miller

Before:



After:





kim and tara.




Tuesday, November 8, 2011

and the winner is....

We love giveaways as much as you do!! It is such a great way to meet and connect with fellow crocheters and it is so exciting to read everyone's comments. We would like to say a big thank-you to everyone for participating in this months giveaway!!!


Now for the exciting part...and the winner for this month's giveaway for the surprise package valued at over $50.00 is...


TERI...who commented "Nothing better than your patterns and free yarn!"  Thanks Teri and congratulations!  We will contact you via email and we will have the goodie bag sent out to you shortly!!


kim and tara.

Sunday, November 6, 2011

photo gallery - first pair of mittens.

Kim of "MamasFluffnStuff" recently posted pictures of the first pair of mittens that she ever made and she generously gave us permission to to share with you:)


Didn't her mittens turn out absolutely beautiful!!! To meet a fellow crafter/crocheter and to see more pictures of Kim's delightfully charming mittens visit her blog!


kim and tara.

Friday, November 4, 2011

first friday freebie.

Tara has been busy with moving which means that she has also been minimizing and organizing. This of course has inspired me to do the same and to start what I've been calling "31 days of getting rid of stuff".

Now, I know that you are all wondering what this has to do with "first friday freebie"? Well, both Tara and I have been going through our yarn stash and such, and we have put together a wonderful surprise package of various types of yarn, and what have you, for this months giveaway. This surprise bag, valued at over $50.00, is full of all sorts of goodies and will be awarded to one person.


The draw for this surprise package will begin today and will end Monday, November 7th, 2011 at midnight (Pacific Standard Time). The winner will be randomly picked using random.org on Tuesday November 8th and they will be contacted the same day by email. We will also announce the winner here, on our blog, so be sure to check back on Tuesday to see if you are the winner!!

Note: Everything in the surprise package is new and from a smoke free, pet friendly environment.

To enter the draw: 

Just comment to this post, even to say "Hi". Please make sure to leave us your email address in your comment so we can contact you if your name is drawn. If you prefer to keep your email private, just email us at knotsewcute@gmail.com

To receive a second chance to win, simply tell your friends about our blog via facebook, twitter, personal blog, whatever and come back and share the link with us in another comment. Again, please leave us your email address.

Maximum of 2 entries per person. All entries must be in by Monday, November 7th, 2011 at midnight PST to be valid.

Update: Just a quick little note to let everyone know that we will ship internationally:)


kim and tara.

Thursday, November 3, 2011

don't forget to check back on friday.




Just a reminder that this Friday November 4th is "first friday freebie"! We have something special planned so be sure to check back...


kim and tara.

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

photo gallery - "tadaaaaaa...another scarf" from happybee.

Dany of Happybee just completed the Pretty Triangle Scarf and we just had to share pictures of her gorgeous scarf with you! We love it when others share their project pictures with us as we find it to be an interchange of inspiration and creative encouragement!!! Don't these photos make you want to dig out your crochet hooks?


Dany is from Italy and in her own words, "she loves to sew and make quilts, handmade crafts, bags, pouches, crochet lariats, scarves and cowls, pencil cases etc." To see more of Happybee's creative talents visit her etsy shop and have fun browsing:)


kim and tara.


Tuesday, October 25, 2011

measurement bilingual.


I was 9 yrs old and part way through grade 4 when Canada switched from imperial measurements to the metric system. Having been taught both measurements in school I thought that it was just my generation that was "measurement bilingual", but I realize that my grown daughters also have this talent.

As Canadians we seem to switch from one measurement to the other with out any thought. For example, when I go to the fabric store I buy one meter of material and when I get home I sew a 5/8” seam which I trim to 1/4” and I don't even blink. If I was to make a trip to my local lumber yard I would drive 50 to 70 km and hour and once there I would buy 2x4's and 3/4” plywood.

It wasn't until I started writing crochet patterns that I even noticed. When I sat down to write my first pattern I figured that since I am Canadian I should write the pattern using Canadian spelling and measurements. This is what I was taught in school. So, I spell colour with a "u" (even though my word processor tells me I'm wrong), I use metric measurements and I crochet with metric hooks. This was all fine until I added sewing. I have never sewn anything other than a 5/8” seam and I have never heard it called anything else. My daughter had just finished a sewing course in school so I asked her what she was taught, and she also calls it a 5/8” seam. My other daughter was in wood works and she was using imperial measurements. This was when I first realized that in Canada we are still using both systems of measurements, hence the term “measurement bilingual”.

For a while I added both imperial and metric measurements to my patterns, but most of our customers were American and adding both measurements was tedious. I started adding both metric and US hook sizes, but I seem to own some crochet hooks that are oddly sized. For example 3.00 mm and 4.50 mm crochet hooks are missing from the US size charts. As hard as Tara and I were working to remain consistent we were running into problems.

In the end what does all of this mean? Well, although there may be slight variations on some of our older patterns we will do our best to include both metric and imperial measurements. However, a 5/8” seam will still be 5/8” seam and we may or may not spell colour with a "u", but for the most part we will do what we can to accommodate the needs of all our customers. In Canada when we buy a box a cereal the ingredients are written on the box in both English and French so it only makes sense that our crochet patterns should include both forms of measurements and hook sizes.


kim.

Friday, October 21, 2011

new crochet pattern - boyfriend cowl.

by kim miller




Skill Level: Easy

Whether you are just learning or if you have been crocheting for years you will love this quick and easy pattern. Although this cowl is super easy to make the unique construction really adds to its shape and you will be delighted with the results. Also, if you don't want to share...then don't tell your guy that it will look equally as good on him.

This well written crochet pattern calls for 2 balls of Patons Classic Wool and the finished cowl measures approximately 28” (71 cm) in circumference and 12 ½” (32 cm) wide.



Wednesday, October 19, 2011

working in yarn ends as you go.

Whenever possible Tara and I like to work our yarn ends in as we crochet, but what do you do when you are working a granny square? Well, we found this excellent tutorial that shows you how to work your ends in as you go. Enjoy!!!

 


kim.

Monday, October 17, 2011

sneak peek.

"Boyfriend Cowl"

Just a little taste of a soon to be released crochet pattern...


Whether you are just learning or if you have been crocheting for years you will love this quick and easy pattern.


kim.

Friday, October 14, 2011

beginnings.

We were just going through our files when we stumbled across some of our very first etsy photos from 3 and a half years ago. Not only did they bring a smile to our face but some of them actually made us chuckle so we just had to share them with you.

This was our very first banner...


We both really liked this banner but as we evolved we found that it didn't really go with the rest of our etsy shop

This was one of our first icons...


We liked these pictures of the sunhat with our sweet little model but the first few months were all about trying to figure out our look, our branding and how to take photos. This is just one of the looks that we played with.

Is it just me or is this next picture blurry?


When we first started I had little to no experience with taking photos or of editing them. I remember Tara so patiently teaching me how to crop and save photos. Obviously, from this picture of the Market Bag you can see that I was still struggling and had lots to learn. I must have improvised by placing the word "Pattern" half way between the grey and the white so that it would look like I did it on purpose.

This next picture really brings a smile to my face...


I'm not sure what look I was going for here but my model is just a couple of baby fingers away from looking like a gangster! No wonder my children run whenever I bring out the camera:)

All of this retrospect makes me wonder what we will think 3 years from now when we look back.


kim.