Lifelong Learning of Craft

My Stormy Lace Cowl Update… Oh what a disaster 🙁

I managed to sew up the ends of my Stormy Lace Cowl and revel in its glorious softness.

(if you didn’t see last weeks update here is the link for the start of this story)

Then disaster struck! I unwittingly collected my cowl in clothes that needed washing.

When I removed all the clean washing to hang out to dry, I found my cowl, completely felted 🙁

I wanted to weep.

The learning of craft clearly includes making mistakes.

So the lace pattern is no longer able to be seen.

The fabric has completely changed, as Alpaca fibers do when they are put in the washing machine!!

Lessons can be hard to learn.

I am determined to still wear my cowl.

I have unpicked the ends and using a beautiful pin which holds it together around my neck.

Crafty Tools – Making Your Everyday Better

I hope this weekly crafty inspiration Top 10 makes your week just that much more enjoyable.

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Help me out and use my links (at no extra cost to you) next time you shop on Knit Picks, Craftsy, Etsy or Amazon

 

Crafty Top Ten

Lifelong Learning of Craft is something I strongly believe in.

It keeps the mind active and the heart full.

Lifelong Learning is part of a crafting journey.

It is so satisfying when you are learning something new and it actually turns out!

Here are some ideas for your Life Long Learning crafting journey.

Zen Mind Knitting Mind

There are some very interesting correlations made by author Jennifer Urban-Brown between the practice of Knitting and the practice of Zen.

I particularly liked this point “In Zen, emphasis is placed on the act of sitting rather than enlightenment, the end goal.

In knitting, I can also place emphasis on the activity rather than the final product. Read more here.

 

Simple Pumpkin Quilt

Seeing Beverley’s Pumpkin Quilt design reminds us that we will approach the change of seasons.

A colorful and simple strip quilt construction.

Follow the free pattern on Flamingo Toes.

A Good Read – Making Is Not Inherently Creative

Last week I shared an article by author and maker Felicia from The Craft Sessions, about Craft Projects v’s Craft Practice.

The title of this post made me want to learn more.

An interesting take on creativity.

Love to hear your thoughts.

Go Boho – Diana Cowl Pattern

I love the fringe on this cowl.

You will need to know how to work into the back third loop of the half double crochet stitch.

This pattern is worked in the round.

Follow the free crochet pattern on Divine Debris.

End Your Frustration When Joining A New Skein Of Yarn

A great resource for newbies to knitting, who are looking to understand different ways to join a new skein of yarn.

As author Raelynn suggests “ This can happen when you come to the end of your first skein of yarn or your project calls for a color change.

Your project may even require a change of color in the middle of a row!”

Follow the Raelynn’s 3 easy ways on Itchin For Some Stitchin.

Hopscotch Scarf Free Knitting Pattern

The image above shows different ways of wearing the scarf designed by Tammy from Canadutch.

The knitting pattern is given in both written and chart form.

Tammy encourages knitters new to reading charts some helpful advice.

Follow the pattern here.

Learn A Secret Measurement For Substituting Yarn

I am always fascinated to learn new things when it comes to knitting.

Jillian Moreno’s post on “Grist” and how it relates to substituting yarn is a great resource for knitters.

I love her analogy of substituting yarn and the game Mystery Date.

Typo – Words That Inspire Knitting Patterns

The story behind the stitch pattern Typo makes for interesting reading.

Words are offered to designer Naomi Pankhurst by her Patreon followers and after a random selection she chooses the word which will inspire her pattern.

I think this stitch design for the word ‘Typo’ is lovely.

Follow Naomi’s instructions on her blog Gannet Designs.

Choosing Who Is Worthy – A Fun Take On Knitting For Others

This is clever! A flow chart to help you decide who is worthy of your handmade creations.

Great to see the knitting community have a good sense of humor.

It certainly made me chuckle. Take a look here.

Crocheted Rag Doll Inspired By The Sea

The crochet ragdoll sea pattern is very beginner friendly and you just have to know the basics of crochet to make one. There is also no decreases in this pattern!

Follow designer Ragnhild Hynne Uebler’s free crochet pattern on her blog Yarnhild.

Editor’s note: Our readers have said, in their free time, they love going back over previous editions of our roundups.
– So we’ve kept the crafty goodness below from this time last year.

Handy Collection of Knitting Tutorials

Cheryl from Little Church Knits is an avid knitter, instructor and designer.

She has a selection of very helpful videos on different knitting techniques.

Featuring the Long Tail Cast On, Intro to the Magic Loop, Brioche knitting and more. Cheryl’s knitting patterns are superb 🙂

Felt Flower Wreath

Patti at Hearth and Vine has a fabulous way to upcycle an old picture frame. Using felt flowers to create a gorgeous fall wreath.

Escama del Dragon Cowl Free Knitting Pattern

Noble Knits blog has shared a lovely textured cowl pattern, resembling dragon scales.

The yarn suggested is a silk blend, love the feel of silk blends 🙂

No-Sew Patchwork Pumpkins

Sharon at Crafts and Coffee has a step by step tutorial for making these stunning Fall Pumpkins. A lovely feature to add  your home decor 🙂

Slow Knitting: A Journey from Sheep to Skein to Stitch

A beautiful new release for those wanting to add to their Knitting Library.

The author Hannah Thiessen has constructed her book; SlowKnitting into five sections Source Carefully, Produce Thoughtfully, Think Environmentally, Experiment Fearlessly and Explore Openly.

Crock Pot Air Freshener Perfect For Fall

This is a clever use of a crockpot, instead of burning candles to make your home smell delicious! Check out Diane’s recipe at Turning The Clock Back.

Editor’s note: Our readers have said, in their free time, they love going back over previous editions of our roundups.

So we’ve kept the crafty goodness below from this time last year.

Vintage Lace Earring Holder

A lovely and simple tutorial for a Vintage Lace Earring Holder by Julie at Knitted Bliss, using an embroidery hoop (any size) and some vintage lace.

Amigurumi – Just too cute!

Do you love Amigurumi (Stuffed Toy Animals)? These super helpful ‘How to crochet’ video tutorials by Stacey at Fresh Stitches will help you to create gorgeous crocheted stuffed animals.

Love Vintage Knits?

Free Chic Vintage Knitting patterns to be found at Liza’s gorgeous Vintage Knitting blog.

Free Cross Stitch Patterns

Plenty of cross stitching inspiration to be found with lots of free patterns by designer Lynn B.

Delicious Crock Pot Thai Chicken Curry

Cooking Sarah’s Crock Pot Thai Chicken Curry from Repeat Crafter Me looks so delicious and so easy! There is only a little preparation of cutting up some vegetables. The flavor comes from a Thai Yellow Curry sauce in a bottle, that you could easily substitute for your favorite Thai Curry Sauce. Take a look 

Create a Succulents Advent Calendar

A twist on an Advent Calendar using 25 different succulents. This stunning idea is full of gorgeous pics taken by Cassidy at Succulents & Sunshine. A project to put together in the next couple of days.

Easy French Knot

Learn a simple embroidery technique – Easy French Knot. This tutorial by Life Chilli has great pics to guide your through the process and some lovely ideas for simple designs.

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Yours in Craftiness Jodie ?