Archive | Miscellaneous

Non-Slip Soles for Knit and Crochet Slippers

Non-Slip Soles

Non-Slip Soles for my Crocheting or Knit slippers can sometimes be time-consuming.  Very often I rely on the old faithful puffy fabric paint.  Other times I will sew on those non-slip shelf liners that are used in kitchen shelves to keep your drinking glasses and dishes from sliding off the shelves.  Those options work well but many times they are time-consuming and don’t always look very good.   I never want to give someone a gift that could endanger them and slippery soles can be very dangerous.  I had made a pair for my aunt and mother, so I definitely wanted them to be safe while wearing these comfy slippers.

Knit house slippers

Knit slippers with full knit lining

While at my knitting class my teacher mentioned that she uses a different method.  She said it’s fast and seems to work pretty well   Well, the fast part had me intrigued.  She shared a method of using a quick spray method.  She said she uses a product called “Rust-0leum Leak Seal.”  It is a spray that is used to repair leaks on rain gutters, skylights, cracked cement etc.  She told me it’s easily available at hardware stores like HomeDepot   Armed with this new information I made a quick trip to my local Home Depot store.   I went straight to the paint department and asked the salesperson for assistance.  They took me to the caged area where they keep spray paint and other items which can only be sold to adults.  He unlocked the cage and asked me if I wanted the clear coat or a color coat.   I chose the clear coat so that my slippers could look more natural.   I also bought some blue painters tape.   I rushed home anxious to try out this new method and create Non-Slip soles.

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Learn to Knit – Learn the Garter Stitch

Do you want to learn to knit the garter stitch?

Did you put “Learn to knit” on your 2017 list of goals?  The garter stitch is one of the easiest stitches to use for making blankets, scarfs, and lots of other fun projects.  The garter stitch is made using the basic knit stitch.  Aside from learning to cast on the knit stitch is usually the second stitch knitters learn.  The garter stitch is made by knitting every row.  It is perfect for watching TV while knitting.  You don’t have to worry about counting stitches or getting lost.  In these photos below I will try to explain how the stitch is made.     I used a bulky yarn and a size US 10 1/2 knitting needle ( 6.5mm) below.  Using this size needle and yarn weight I later went on to cast on 35 stitches and made a nice scarf.     *Please note:  I am knitting in the continental style below.  I find this style to be easier for those who crochet (right handed) and want to learn to knit. I think this is because the yarn is held in the left hand.  Since crocheters have already learned to hold the yarn in their left hand and control the tension this is a natural transition.  That of course, is just my own opinion.

 

Garter stitch

Knit Gart Stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Garter Stitch

After you have cast on the stitches called for in your pattern you are ready to begin.

  1. Just as in the knit stitch the yarn will be coming from behind your needle (photo 1)
  2.  Insert your empty needle from the left to right  (Photo 2)
  3.  Pull yarn thru with needle  (photo 3 and 4)
  4. Slip off your needle   (Photo 5)
  5. Repeat for all stitches on your needle  (photo 6)
  6. Turn work
  7. Repeat 1- 6

That’s it!  You are knitting the garter stitch

Photo 1:

Knitting needle

Yarn behind knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 2:

Knit stitch needle position

Inserting needle to work knit stitch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 3:

knit stitch

Getting ready to pull yarn thru needle to knit stitch    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 4:

Knitting

Knitting stitch – pulling yarn out thru front 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 5:

slipping stitch off needle

slipping stitch off knitting needle

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Photo 6:

knit garter stitches

working garter stitches

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If you want to see a video tutorial I have uploaded one to my YouTube Channel  the “All Crafts Channel”  Click below to enjoy it.  Please share this post with others who enjoy knitting or want to learn to knit.   Please leave any questions or comments below.  Enjoy!

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The Craftys Awards – Nominations now open

Craftys Awards time

It’s time for The Craftys Awards and that means nominating your favorite crafter.   The Craftsy Awards were created to celebrate the best of DIY and Crafts.  The categories range from traditional such as knitting, crocheting, sew, and scrapbooking to a category known as “geek crafts.”     The Craftsy awards were launched in 2014.   This is such a great way to recognize our creative community.   Crafters have submitted so many awesome projects that selecting a winner will not be an easy task.

Craftys award

Craftys award

I am so honored to have been selected as one of the judges for this year.  Here is the list of the other judges.  So many talented people on the judges panel.

The Editors of Babble
Marisa Pawelko – Modern Surrealist
Yolanda Soto Lopez – All Crafts Channel
Marly Bird – Yarn Thing Podcast
Beth Kingston – Kingston Crafts
Vickie Howell – DIY Network / HGTV
Ed Roth – Stencil 1
Mark Montano – Big Ass Book of Crafts
Galit Lebow – FoodStirs
Amber Kemp-Gerstel – Damask Love

 

 

 

The best in show winner will receive $1,000 and each category winner will receive $200.

Some of the  Categories include the following.  Please go to thecraftsy.com  to a complete list and instructions/rules to enter:

  • Baby Crafts
  • Craft Blogger
  • Crochet
  • Knitting
  • Decorative Painting/ Mixed Medium
  • Edible Crafts
  • Geek Crafts
  • General Crafts
  • Sewing

The winners will be announced in a Live stream in February 2017 from New York City.  There are so many great sponsors for the Craftsy Awards.   If you are a creator and would like to participate you can nominate yourself or another person for an award.  Please go to the website thecraftys.com in order to enter. and learn all about The Craftys awards.  You will also be able to see the complete list of categories and sponsors.  Each year this event has grown. with over 400,000 votes submitted.

Here is a link with the official rules:  Official Rules

Good luck and get those nominations in.  Let’s do our part to get recognization for all of those awesome crafters out there.

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Bernat Stitch Along, Revealing Clue 3

The Bernat Stitch Along is now in its third week and it’s time to reveal clue 3.  This week’s clue reveal is a beautiful honeycomb pattern.   You may have seen this pattern used in various knitting projects.  Although it isn’t often shared on social media this pattern is really pretty.   The pattern is a 4 stitch repeat.   I have gone back to the color yarn I used in week 1.  The Bernat Stitch Along is really coming along now.

Knit Honeycomb pattern

Clue 3 of the Bernat Blanket Stitch Along

 

Why use a cable needle?  Our instructions call for using a cable needle or hook.   This stitch can be made without using a cable needle however,  the cable needle/hook is an easier and more secure way to ensure you don’t drop any stitches.  (Dropped stitches can be a hassle to pick up).   Some may think that using a cable needle is a slower process but in the end, it can save your from countless dropped stitches and headaches.   If you are an advanced knitter you can create the stitch without using a cable needle or hook.  For beginning or intermediate knitter I recommend using the cable needle.   Once you have mastered the stitch if you want to try creating the pattern without a cable needle that is also an option.   You will just have to be careful that you do not drop any stitches as you work.

This pattern is created by alternating the direction in which the stitches lean.  From left to right and right to left.  By working these stitches in different directions you create the honeycomb pattern.   You can choose to work from either the written pattern of the charts.   Some people prefer to work from written patterns and others from charts.  Either way, we have you covered.   To download all needed info including shopping supplies, patterns, video links or other pertinent information please visit:  Bernat Stitch Along Info   There are some colors that are exclusive to Joann’s Fabric and Craft stores.  You can purchase your supplies at your local Joann’s store or go online to Joann.com

I really like this pattern and it has inspired me to create a knit pot holder.. maybe with a couple of little bumble bees attached to the top.  I am thinking of using some cotton yarn in a honey color.  I think that would make a fun housewarming present.   I hope that you will find the Bernat Stitch Along a great way of adding new techniques to your knitting skills.

It’s not too late to join the Bernat Stitch Along.  The videos and instructions are still available for everyone to download and watch.  Joann’s has also created a special Facebook event page.  That page is being shared by both knitters and crocheters.  On that page you can share photos of your progress, ask questions and be inspired by others.  Visit the page today and be sure to like it.  Here is the link:  Bernat Stitch Along Facebook Page

I have uploaded a  YouTube Video tutorial for visual learners or if you just want a refresher on knitting the honeycomb pattern.   I go stitch by stitch and explain how to create this pattern.   Just click on the video box below to watch the full tutorial.   Be sure to share the video and this post with  your friends and family.

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A Poem I wrote

Since today is Friday I wanted to share something different with all of you.  This is a short poem I wrote a few years ago.  I am no poet but I enjoy putting my thoughts down on paper especially after those “lightbulb” moments.   I hope you enjoy it and that it helps make your day a a little better.  I love you all so much.  You are the reason I keep creating.

The Path
By:   Yolanda Soto-Lopez

The path is clear for I now can see.
This truth has been here all along.
Unknown by most and loved by some,
Yet few will ever really perceive.

I try to deny it or make any excuse, yet now I too can see.
The life that I live, is the life I create….It’s really all up to me.

No one else,  just me…
and the truth of this now sets me free.
No other can go, for I alone
can hear the call  for it is my own.

So I swallow my pride and I conquer my fears
and I try to release all the good that’s within me.

I wear a smile.  I fight back the tears,
for the time has now come to steer my own  ship.

None other can go or plot my course
for that task is for me alone.
Its time to go forth for the truth is now clear,
that time has now come to finally be Me”.

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