Handcrafting Inspired by the Ocean Breeze!

Handcrafting Inspired by the Ocean Breeze!

Sunday 29 June 2014

Stocking up for Winter - Part 2: Tools

When I started this blog, I intended to write a new post at least every week. However, sometimes my life as a scientist gets in the way of my life as a knitter; I have pretty busy week days and on the weekends I just want to relax and enjoy life.

But when I get feedback from people, even if it's just a simple message saying that they like my work or read my blog, it reminds me of why I started this blog in the first place and gives me motivation and inspiration for another post. I don't think people realize how much difference they can make in a crafter's life. Just a simple hello when I open my email, a quick message on ravelry or a "like" or comment on my facebook page is enough to make my day. You, dear reader, you matter to me, you are important in my life. And I thank you for being here today, bothering to read these words.

Anyway, mushiness aside! Today I am here to tell you about crafting tools. Tools can make all the difference. A quality tool will contribute for a quality work and make you enjoy it more while you're at it. So, if you're a regular knitter or crocheter, do not be afraid of investing in a better more expensive tool. It will last you longer and make your hobby more enjoyable.

If you've been following my blog, you already know that I am a big fan of KnitPro. You got to love a brand that puts such a big effort in making good knitting/crocheting tools! One of my biggest investments was buying their birch wood interchangeable knitting needle set and it was worth it! The set is so versatile, with all the different knitting needle sizes and cables, that I am set for life! Then I discovered their cubic double pointed needles. I love knitting with double pointed needles (dnps). The first time I saw it was in a book that I bought on amazon to make knitted dolls. My first thoughts were "I am never going to be able to do this!". But I loved the dolls so much that I set my mind to learn it - I love a good challenge! From then on, I use my dpns whenever I can! I find that it's easier to knit with dpns than circular needles and it looks very daunting to other people, so it makes me look like an expert (ahah!). Recently, after reading a great review on the cubic dpns by KnitPro, I just had to try them. And it is everything good they say! They are amazing to work with, they stack on each other making it easier to work on those starting rows without twisting them, the needles don't fall off the stitches (which happened to me a lot in the beginning) and it's also easier to store your work when you pause. And of course, as KnitPro has accustomed us, they are light and the yarn slides beautifully! Unfortunately, KnitPro has not made a set for these needles, so I've been making my own set - stocking up! - with different sizes of needles and different lengths.

In one of my recent posts, I told you about my quest to find the perfect crochet hook. I've been sticking with my good old Pony hooks but I am still hopeful! Yesterday I just found a very promising crochet hook, by KnitPro of course! I discovered their new Waves crochet hooks - aluminium hooks with a soft grip. I am hoping the yarn slides easily on the metal like on the Addi Swing hooks, but the handle is lighter and feels more comfortable. I have ordered one of these hooks to try it out and if they're good, I'll definitely buy the whole kit! I am really excited about these hooks and I will let you know how it turned out! (Disclaimer: I am not in any way sponsored by KnitPro, I am just a user and a big fan and believe their effort in quality should be given credit for).

My crafting tools

You will notice that besides the crochet hooks and the knitting needles I have included in my tools list a wooden spoon. That's because to me crafting also happens in the kitchen - Cooking is the most noble of all Arts! I know nowadays all the food safety standards require non-wooden spoons, but it's my party and I'll use them if I want to! In what's related to cooking, I still prefer the good old traditional way and I am very attached to my wooden spoons.

Saturday 7 June 2014

Stocking up for Winter: Yarn!

Winter has officially started here in my part of the world, both in the calendar and in the feel. Days are much shorter, colder and rainy weekends are frequent. So I've been stocking up in advance for those weekends that are just perfect to stay at home wrapped up in a warm cosy blankie, with a nice hot cuppa' and a fun knitting or crochet project.

I have yarn, of course. In fact, I have lots of yarn and I always feel it is not enough. I cannot resist a gorgeous luxury yarn, with alpaca, angora or silk. I usually get my alpaca and angora yarns from Ice Yarns. Although shipping expenses tend to be high, their yarn is reasonably priced and in the end you pay less than if you bought them in a shop because, for some reason, yarn is super expensive here in Australia. Their yarns are nice and soft and the colours are so amazing that it's difficult to choose!!! Sometimes I go crazy (well... actually more often than I would like to admit!) and just get one each colour. I like the self-striping yarns particularly.

As for silk, I recently bought the most amazing hand dyed mulberry silk yarn from Ann Collins. It is variegated in beautiful sunset tones of red and orange. In fact, it is so amazing that I feel I cannot find that just perfect pattern to use it. The yarn, however, comes with instructions to make two nice lace knitted scarves. Maybe I'll give them a go and take the chance to improve my knitting skills.

Hand dyed Mulberry Silk yarn
by Ann Collins

I am also a big fan of a nice sheep wool. I usually prefer merino wool as it's usually softer and more shiny. I am completely and uttermost in love with Malabrigo Sock but haven't been able to find it in any stores. And what about buying beautiful yarn and helping a kitty cat? That's what Ancient Arts and the Meow Foundation have done, and I must say in a most successful way. I wish I could buy one of each! Can you imagine having a nice shawl with the colours of your favourite kitty? Or all of your favourite kitties!!! I love cats so much I don't think I can decide on only one...

Well that was my yarn indulgence for this Winter. I've also been stocking up on kitting tools, but I'll leave that for another post (hopefully to be written soon!).