A Few Recommendations
So I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned it, but I’m a graduating senior at the University of California at San Diego (UCSD), majoring in Microbiology (I know, can’t get much further from knitting can I?). I’m in my last quarter and I’m in quite a load of classes in order to graduate this June. As a result, my time to devote to new projects is scarce. Aside from multiple drink cozies and a purse that I’m almost done with, I don’t have any new projects to post yet. (But the purse is darn cute, I’ll post it as soon as it is done.)
So instead, I wanted to let people in on a few trick of the trade as it were, things that changed my yarn life for the better. They may seem trivial, but they make a world of difference! Hopefully I can enrich your yarn adventures too. (=
Things I Can’t Live Without in My Knitting Bag (I’m a sucker for notions!)
~ Safety pins - especially for crochet! If you are working on a project somewhere, and it’s time to pack up and move, don’t risk losing your progress - slip the working loop onto a safety pin and close - voila! Now your work is safe a sound. They can also double as small stitch holders (when making I-cords, for example) I swear, this safety pin trick has changed my life. (=
~ Thread cutter pendant - I just discovered this a few weeks ago, but it is a circular pendant that is actually a thread and yarn cutter. It is supposed to be airline friendly, which simplifies the process of working on yarn projects in air. I’m so sick of getting my Swiss army knives taken and being stuck in the middle of a project because I can’t cut my yarn. Problem solved!
~ Post-It Notes - So I love sticky notes anyway, but they are absolutely essential when I’m following a pattern. I use one to mark the page of the pattern (if in a book) as well as any other notes I need for help. But the crucial note is the one I use to mark my place. I use a Post-It to mark above the round I’m on - this way, when I glance down at the pattern, I don’t accidentally follow the instructions of the wrong round. Added bonus - helps you remember where you are when you walk away for a while or get distracted and lose track. No worries - the Post-It is there to save you!
~ Split-ring stitch markers - they are simple, yet makes marking things in crochet very easy. Closed ring markers are of no use in crochet, but the split rings can be used to mark the right side of the work, the beginning of a round (so you know where to slip stitch), and the target stitch when you are teaching beginners. I teach crochet, and I find them very helpful in teaching people which stitch is their next one when they get lost.
I have many others I love, but they are a little more mundane: Crochet hook, yarn needles, tape measurer, pen, stitch holders, stitch counters, needle protectors (help keep stitches on your needles during travel as well), and those stitch counters that go on your needles.
Lastly, my new favorite website - it makes yarn substitutions sooo easy!
You can easily search for any yarns, and find out what weight it is, the fiber content, colors, and where to find it. Genius!
Happy Knitting and Crocheting - Hopefully I’ll some good picture to post soon!
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