Marly Bird's Blog, page 166
May 24, 2017
Stash Podcast, Sonia Ruyts and The Yarn Story Collection
Stash Podcast, Sonia Ruyts and the Yarn Story Collection is a lovely share of another wonderful podcast on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.
[image error] Sonia Ruyts is the founder and creative director of Stash, a brick and mortar yarn shop in Corvallis, OR. As an influencer in the creative community, her mission is to empower others to make time for themselves and to take risks in their creative explorations. Sonia is also the host of The Stash Podcast: Creative Conversations with Makers & Doers where she interviews inspiring people in the creative community.
When she’s not plotting world domination through yarn, Sonia can be found digging in her backyard garden, making a mess in the kitchen with her 2 kids, or in the tub with a good book.
In 2016 Stash embarked on an ambitious yearlong project: The Yarn Story Collection. This collection was a way to showcase the stories behind some of the most talented and passionate makers in the yarn industry today. It was a way to bring you their stories through one of a kind yarn. Sonia says, “I’m a dreamer and as such I have a lot of ideas for big projects. Some stay ideas, close to my heart and others quickly take on a life of their own. Something about the yarn story idea wouldn’t let me go, and I had to see what would happen. Before I knew it, I was making a list of dream dyers I wanted to work with. It was tough to narrow it down to just 12 – we are living in a golden age of yarn and are certainly spoiled for choice!”[image error]
In the end, we partnered with 12 incredible yarn artisans. We worked together to create custom colorways and to share their stories with you. In this all-new ebook, you will be treated to stunning full-color photography, stories, and interviews with the 12 makers who participated in the 2016 Yarn Story Collection. Inside you’ll find interviews with the incredible women behind: Hazel Knits, Spincycle Yarns, The Lemonade Shop, Black Trillium, Republic of Wool, Sunrise Fiber Co., The Neighborhood Fiber Company, Bumblebirch, Huckleberry Knits, Knit Collage, SweetGeorgia Yarns and The Fiber Seed.
Follow Sonia Ruyts through the shops website: www.StashLocal.com , Facebook, Instagram and Ravelry.
If you missed getting to see this live, the video is still on Marly’s Facebook page and the audio is archived as a podcast episode: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/05/25/stash-podcast-sonia-ruyts-and-the-yarn-story-collection
The post Stash Podcast, Sonia Ruyts and The Yarn Story Collection appeared first on Marly Bird.
Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 4
[image error]The Marly Bird Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 4 is sponsored by Red Heart.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links a small portion of your purchase goes to support the blog. Thank you for your support.*
Today Section 4 of the Textured Triangle Shawl video tutorial series has been released! This is the second KAL I am hosting on my blog with Red Heart and includes a full set of HD videos of me demonstrating how to do each step of the shawl!
As we continue to work through the KAL I have been enjoying seeing all of your great progress photos in the Facebook page. If you haven’t joined yet please head over to our KAL Facebook page and request to join. We love sharing and seeing everyone’s progress.
The Date:
The official start date is May 3, 2017 and runs through May 30, 2017. There will be one video released each week along with the pattern instructions for that section. You will find a full schedule at the end of this post with links as they are available.
The Community:
There is a dedicated Facebook group for this KAL that is monitored by me and several of the WONDERFUL sampler knitters that work with me. We are all there to help you with this project. Please join us!
Take progress photos and post them each week to our KAL Facebook page. If you enter your photo before the release of the next video you will be entered to win a $25 prize package from Red Heart Yarns.
Textured Triangle Shawl Materials:
RED HEART Soft Essentials: 3 balls in color of your choice
Susan Bates Circular Knitting Needle: 8mm [US 11], 29″ [74 cm] long
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
FREE Textured Triangle Shawl Pattern
[image error] Textured Triangle Shawl on Ravelry:
[image error]Please be sure to add your pattern to your Ravelry library. Add your photos as you go along so that we can see, and they will stay there for anyone who wants to make the pattern in the future.
Line-by-line Pattern Instructions:
By clicking on the two images below you can print out the line-by-line instructions that I have put together for you. Print them out and cross of each line as you finish to be sure you have completed all of the rows in this section.
TO PRINT INSTRUCTIONS: CLICK THE IMAGE, THEN PRINT THE IMAGE IN LANDSCAPE FORMAT.
[image error] [image error][image error]
Textured Triangle Shawl Section 3 Video Tutorial:
Homework:
Finish section 4 by May 30, 2017.
Once you finish your section be sure to post pictures to the facebook group as there will be a $25 prize package given away from RedHeart.com to one lucky person (who is randomly chosen) that has finished his or her homework during the week of May 24, 2017 – May 30, 2017 @ 11:59pm. Good luck!
Textured Triangle Shawl Video Schedule:
View all of the videos in the call on my YouTube Channel. A new video will be posted each week.
Week 1 Wednesday, May 3
Garter Tab, Set-Up Rows, Section One
Week 2 Wednesday, May 10
Section Two
Week 3 Wednesday, May 17
Section Three
Week 4 Wednesday, May 24
Section Four and Finishing
[image error]OH, One last thing!
Be sure to use the hashtag #MarlyBirdKAL when you post about it on social media so we can find what you are saying.
The post Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 4 appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 23, 2017
How to Crochet the Shark Washcloth Scrubby Puppet
Scrubby is one of Red Heart’s most popular yarns. It is so popular that they have put together a campaign called the 7 Month’s of Scrubby. One of the many FREE Scrubby patterns available on Red Heart’s website is the Shark Puppet Scrubby. For those of you wanting to try the pattern but are worried about working with Scrubby, I have put together a video tutorial to walk you through each step and help you successfully make the pattern.
[image error] *This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links a small portion of your order goes back to support the blog, the price you pay is not changed. Thank you for your support.*
Just incase you haven’t read my past posts, Red Heart Scrubby comes in a few variations. There is the original scrubby, which is used in the Shark Puppet Scrubby pattern, Scrubby Sparkle and Scrubby Cotton. Scrubby Cotton is the newest to join the collection, be sure to try them all and find which one you like the best.
Shark Washcloth Puppet Scrubby Materials:
RED HEART® Scrubby™: 1 ball each 510 Glacier A, 905 Cherry B, and 10 Coconut C
Susan Bates® Crochet Hook: 5mm [US H-8]
Yarn needle
2 yds black worsted weight yarn
sewing needle
white carpet thread
Shark Puppet Scrubby FREE Pattern
[image error]The shark washcloth is worked in sections and then seamed together at the end. Although the pattern has a suggested way to put the pieces together I show you the way that I feel makes it easier to get the placement correct. In my video I walk you through each step so that you can see how I work the pattern.
Join me and make bath time a fun time with this friendly shark washcloth puppet scrubby! Kids will love playing with the shark while getting clean and mom will love the easy care of the machine washable Scrubby yarn.
Red Heart 7 Month’s of Scrubby:
Also on the Blog:
The post How to Crochet the Shark Washcloth Scrubby Puppet appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 22, 2017
Stunning Stitches by Jen Lucas
Stunning Stitches by Jen Lucas, celebrates the return of a true friend of the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.
Jen Lucas has been knitting since 2004 and designing since 2008. You can find her designs in several magazines, including Interweave [image error]Knits, Knitscene, and Love of Knitting. She’s the author of five knitting books, including the best-selling Sock-Yarn Shawls books. Jen has also self-published dozens of patterns on Ravelry. In 2014, after a decade of testing municipal wastewater for a living, she retired her lab coat and safety glasses to work in her design business full-time. When not knitting, you can find Jen crocheting, cross stitching, reading or organizing her life in her various planners. She lives in Fox River Grove, Illinois with her husband, Alex. [image error]
Best-selling designer Jen Lucas puts her special spin on a unique collection of knitwear. Discover seven eye-catching stitch patterns, each used to create three distinctive accessories, such as a sensational scarf, a cozy cowl, and a spectacular shawl. You’ll be amazed by how the stitch patterns add that special something to each project–knit all 21 designs. Close-up photos of all seven stitch patterns are included. This all-new collection includes projects for a range of skill levels.
Follow Jen Lucas through her website: www.JenLucas.com or her blog: www.KnittingLikeCrazy.com, in Ravelry, Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest
Jen has been on Yarn Thing a few times before: Last year, she shared Cozy Stash-Busting Knits, the year before, she shared how much fun she had creating Sock to Shawls (1 and 2!) and the first time in 2013!
If you missed hearing or watching this live you can find the video Marly posted in her Facebook page, or hear the podcast episode as soon as it’s archived: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/05/23/stunning-stitches-by-jen-lucas
PLEASE SHOW LOVE TO OUR SPONSORS FOR THEIR SUPPORT OF US!
The post Stunning Stitches by Jen Lucas appeared first on Marly Bird.
BHooked Crochet Podcast Guest
[image error]Most of you join me each week for the YarnThing Podcast. When you listen to me there I am the host and asking all of the tough questions to the interviewee. The tables were turned when I sat down with Brittany of BHooked Crochet and she asked me questions on her new BHooked Crochet Podcast. Head over to her website, iTunes, or your favorites Podcast player to hear the full episode.
[image error]During our conversation we talked about a lot of things. Red Heart was one of the big topics. As I am sure you all know, I am the National Spokes person for Red Heart. I am lucky enough to have them as a sponsor of my podcast and they are also sponsoring Brittany’s podcast for her first set of episodes. You will have to listen to the full episode to hear all of the details but, you can check out the highlights below.
BHooked Crochet Podcast Topics:
About Marly and her journey from crochet student of Grandma to full time crochet designer and National Spokesperson for Red Heart Yarn.
What her duties are as National Spokesperson.
Various crochet conventions around the US.
Marly’s favorite Red Heart Yarn and why.
Pick a project: what projects are perfect for different Red Heart yarn labels.
Where you can purchase Red Heart Yarn (for the US and those outside the US)
How to handle Boutique Unforgettable – care and the dreaded frogging.
Discontinued yarns.
Red Hearts three brand new products.
If you enjoyed listening to us chat you will love the YarnThing podcast which I host every Tuesday at 10am MST. Each episode is formatted as two friends have a great conversations about the yarn industry. You can listen live on Blog Talk Radio’s website or join us on the Marly Bird Facebook page for the Live video of my conversation. I hope that you join us this week.
Be sure to head over to the BHooked Podcast website to listen to the full episode. A special thanks to Brittany for having me as her guest on her podcast last week.
Also on the Blog:
The post BHooked Crochet Podcast Guest appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 18, 2017
Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird
It’s time for Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird and Red Heart Yarns!
*This post contains affiliate links. If you click on one of the links and make a purchase a small portion will go back to the blog. Thank you for your support*
What can you win in Thursday Trivia:
For you to have a chance to win a prize package of $25 from Red Heart Yarns you must answer this week’s trivia question correctly. Make sure you read to the bottom of the post to get your clue for where to find the answer. Rafflecopter will help us choose a correct answer randomly to win, be sure you enter your email address so we can verify the winner.
Giveaway Timeframe:
You have one week to answer the question.
Winner will be announced the following Thursday at the launch of next week’s question.
Be sure to come back and see if you were the winner.
This Week’s question:
Please comment on this blog post (and enter the Rafflecopter widget)–What Women’s Choice Award did Red Heart win this year?
Spread the word:
Help spread the word about #ThursdayTrivia. You can find each week’s question on the blog under Thursday Trivia.
[image error] FINE PRINT:
The Thursday Trivia Giveaway with Marly Bird and Red Heart Yarns is open to US and Canada addresses only. One winner will win a $25 prize package from Red Heart Yarns. This giveaway ends on 5/24/17 at 11:59 pm Mountain US time. To enter, use the Rafflecopter form below. If you are on mobile and have difficulty entering, please use a desktop computer to enter. You must enter a blog post comment on THIS post and click the Rafflecopter button to be eligible. Click the button below to enter your information to be entered to win.
Also on the Blog:
The post Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 17, 2017
Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 3
[image error]The Marly Bird Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 3 is sponsored by Red Heart.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links a small portion of your purchase goes to support the blog. Thank you for your support.*
Today Section 3 of the Textured Triangle Shawl video tutorial series has been released! This is the second KAL I am hosting on my blog with Red Heart and includes a full set of HD videos of me demonstrating how to do each step of the shawl!
Section 1 was released two weeks ago and Section 2 was released last week. I have been enjoying seeing all of your great progress photos in the Facebook page. If you haven’t joined yet please head over to our KAL Facebook page and request to join. We love sharing and seeing everyone’s progress.
The Date:
The official start date is May 3, 2017 and runs through May 30, 2017. There will be one video released each week along with the pattern instructions for that section. You will find a full schedule at the end of this post with links as they are available.
The Community:
There is a dedicated Facebook group for this KAL that is monitored by me and several of the WONDERFUL sampler knitters that work with me. We are all there to help you with this project. Please join us!
Take progress photos and post them each week to our KAL Facebook page. If you enter your photo before the release of the next video you will be entered to win a $25 prize package from Red Heart Yarns.
Textured Triangle Shawl Materials:
RED HEART Soft Essentials: 3 balls in color of your choice
Susan Bates Circular Knitting Needle: 8mm [US 11], 29″ [74 cm] long
Yarn needle
Stitch markers
FREE Textured Triangle Shawl Pattern
[image error] Textured Triangle Shawl on Ravelry:
[image error]Please be sure to add your pattern to your Ravelry library. Add your photos as you go along so that we can see, and they will stay there for anyone who wants to make the pattern in the future.
Line-by-line Pattern Instructions:
By clicking on the two images below you can print out the line-by-line instructions that I have put together for you. Print them out and cross of each line as you finish to be sure you have completed all of the rows in this section.
TO PRINT INSTRUCTIONS: CLICK THE IMAGE, THEN PRINT THE IMAGE IN LANDSCAPE FORMAT.
Textured Triangle Shawl Section 3 Video Tutorial:
Homework:
Finish section 3 and be ready to start section four on May 24, 2017.
Once you finish your section be sure to post pictures to the facebook group as there will be a $25 prize package given away from RedHeart.com to one lucky person (who is randomly chosen) that has finished his or her homework during the week of May 17, 2017 – May 23, 2017 @ 11:59pm. Good luck!
Textured Triangle Shawl Video Schedule:
View all of the videos in the call on my YouTube Channel. A new video will be posted each week.
Week 1 Wednesday, May 3
Garter Tab, Set-Up Rows, Section One
Week 2 Wednesday, May 10
Section Two
Week 3 Wednesday, May 17
Section Three
Week 4 Wednesday, May 24
Section Four and Finishing
[image error]OH, One last thing!
Be sure to use the hashtag #MarlyBirdKAL when you post about it on social media so we can find what you are saying.
The post Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 3 appeared first on Marly Bird.
Learn the Garter Stitch Bind Off
[image error]To finish off your Beginner Garter Stitch Shawl you will need to learn the Garter Stitch Bind off. In this video not only will I show you this special bind off but I also show you how to do the cable cast on.
I hope that I haven’t lost you by saying that you will be doing a cast on for your bind off. Trust me in how this works and follow along with your almost completed shawl.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on these links and making a purchase a small portion will go back to the blog, the price you pay will not be changed. Thank you for your support.*
If you haven’t started your Beginner Garter Stitch Shawl yet you can view the first video and the FREE pattern on my blog. Once you get through the first video you can join me here to learn how to finish your shawl.
[image error]Red Heart recently came out with a new collection of striping yarn. Super Saver Stripes, Super Saver Ombre and With Love Stripes are a wonderful addition to the Red Heart collection. For each of these yarns you will find a selection of new FREE patterns on Red Heart’s website. Today I want to share my newest shawl pattern featuring With Love Stripes.
[image error]One of the benefits of these new yarns is that they have stripes built in. When looking at the finished shawl many would assume that there are going to be a lot of ends to weave in but in reality the yarn does all of the color changes. With six color options it was hard to choose what color I wanted but I finally narrowed it down.[image error]
This pattern is designed with a garter stitch boarder. While you are working through the project you will see how the boarder forms. As you work to get back down the other side to finish your shawl you will need to add the garter stitch boarder and bind off. I used this technique so that both sides of the shawl would match.
More on the Blog:
The post Learn the Garter Stitch Bind Off appeared first on Marly Bird.
Women’s Choice Award Show
[image error]Red Heart is a proud sponsor of the 2017 Women’s Choice Award. Since I am lucky enough to be the National Spokesperson for Red Heart I am going to be traveling to the event to represent Red Heart. The cause partner for the event is the nonprofit I Am That Girl, and the event will raise money and awareness for the organization.
Red Heart won the Women’s Choice Award again in 2017 for the Most Recommended Yarn Brand. We’ll be sponsoring the awards show on May 17, 2017 in Los Angeles, California to celebrate, and you can follow along!
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small amount goes back to the blog, the price you pay does not change. Thank you for your support.*
TODAY is the day that I am in LosAngeles California for the 2017 Women’s Choice Awards. You were all so kind to help me select the dress that I would be wearing to the event. Below you can watch the ‘fashion show’ that I did on Facebook to show you the options. Watch my page today to see what I am actually wearing. I will try to go live but if I don’t have a good connection I will post pictures.
I am so excited to be attending the event. The list of celebrities is amazing, including the award-winning journalist Meredith Vieira as host of the event. I will be joined by one of Red Heart’s Joy Creators Bethany Dearden from Whistle & Ivy and the blogger Melanie K. Ham. To follow everything that we are doing at the event be sure to follow the hashtag #redheartyarns on all platforms and the Marly Bird Facebook page and Red Heart’s Facebook page.
For more information you can head over to the Red Heart blog and read about the event.
This event really focuses on charities and helping those in need. Red Heart has a great collection of charity projects and organizations that you could donate to if you don’t have something local. Check out their list over on their blog.
Be sure to follow along with the show to see all of the amazing things that happen. Wish me luck!!!
Pick My Outfit-Women’s Choice Award Fashion Show:
Also on the Blog…
The post Women’s Choice Award Show appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 16, 2017
Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Shawl by Marly Bird
[image error]My newest pattern is FREE here on my blog. You can all enjoy the Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Shawl with a FREE pattern and a video tutorial. Join me to learn a new bind off in this pattern as well.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of the purchase goes to the blog. The price you page is not changed. Thank you for your support.*
[image error][image error] Red Heart recently came out with a new collection of striping yarn. Super Saver Stripes, Super Saver Ombre and With Love Stripes are a wonderful addition to the Red Heart collection. For each of these yarns you will find a selection of new FREE patterns on Red Heart’s website. Today I want to share my newest shawl pattern featuring With Love Stripes.
[image error]One of the benefits of these new yarns is that they have stripes built in. When looking at the finished shawl many would assume that there are going to be a lot of ends to weave in but in reality the yarn does all of the color changes. With six color options it was hard to choose what color I wanted but I finally narrowed it down.
To complete this project you will want to watch both of the tutorial videos. The first video, shown below in this post, will show you how to start the shawl and work the body of it. In the second video you will learn how to finish the shawl with a special garter stitch bind off. A garter stitch bind off will allow both sides of your shawl mirror each other.
[image error]Once you get started you will be able to memorize the simple row repeat of this pattern. Make it easier on yourself to know where you are in the pattern by using a removable stitch marker to denote the right and wrong side. By doing this you will be able to work on the project without having to looking at the instructions. Don’t have a removable stitch marker, don’t worry I just released a video on how to make your own! You can also find a video on making knitting stitch markers so that you can have a matching set for this project.
Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Shawl Materials:
Red Heart With Love Stripes (2 skeins) (pattern uses Baroque Stripe E400_1978)
Size 10 (6mm) 36″ Circular Knitting Needles
Removable Stitch Marker (optional) (Learn to make your own in a previous blog post)
Stitch Marker (Learn how to make your own in a previous blog post)
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Let’s Get Gauge:
For this project gauge is not as important as it would be in a fitted garment. I still recommend that you make a gauge swatch so that you know if you will be close to my measurements. The required 2 skeins of yarn for this project are based on the gauge that I achieved.
Final Measurement: 84” long x 18” deep
Gauge: 14 sts and 28 rows = 4” in garter stitch
[image error] Notes:
Shawl is knit flat. Circular needles are used to accommodate number of stitches.
Shawl is knit on the bias. There are increases on one side and decreases on the other strategically places to give the tapered biased shape.
When a new ball is added be sure to match up the same color sequence.
Special Stitches:
knit front and back (kfb): Knit next st but do not remove from needle, knit into back loop of same st and remove from needle.
knit 2 together through back loop (k2togTBL): insert right hand needle through the back leg of the next two stitches on the left hand needle, knit together. This is a 1 stitch decrease, or in the case of this pattern a 1 stitch bind off.
[image error] Let’s Get Started:
Set-Up Rows:
CO 2 sts (using long tail cast on)
Row 1 (WS): Kfb, k1–3 sts
Row 2 (RS): Kfb, k1, kfb–5 sts
Row 3 (WS): Kfb, place marker, k4–6 sts
Place a removable marker to indicate the RS of shawl.
Body Increase Stitches and Bias Shaping:
Row 4 (RS): Knit to marker, slip marker, knit to last stitch, kfb –increase 1 st.
Row 5 (WS): Kfb, knit to 2 stitches before marker, k2tog, slip marker, knit to end –bias shaping, no increase.
Repeat rows 4 and 5 until piece measures 84” or until your desired length. (remember that you will need yarn for the garter stitch edging/bind off.) Make sure you end with a RS row.
Finishing:
(WS): CO 2 sts, Kfb, k2togTBL (one stitch that is cast on and one from the body of the shawl) — 3 sts apart from body.
(RS): Kfb, k1, Kfb — 5 sts apart from body.
(WS): K4, k2togTBL (one stitch that from garter and one from the body)
(RS): K5
Repeat the last two rows until all live stitches are used. Bind off loosely.
Weave in ends.
Be sure to browse the other posts on the blog:
The post Beginner Garter Stitch Bias Shawl by Marly Bird appeared first on Marly Bird.
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