Marly Bird's Blog, page 167
May 12, 2017
How to Make Removable Stitch Markers
[image error]In a previous video I showed you how to make knitting stitch markers. There are times when you need a removable stitch marker for knitting and for crochet. I put together this video tutorial for you so that you could finish your collection of stitch markers. A removable stitch marker is great to dictate the right and wrong side of your work. It is also a great tool in crochet to hold your last worked stitch so that it doesn’t unravel while you put your project aside.
Read to the bottom of this post to see the video for the removable stitch marker tutorial and the video for knitting stitch markers. Let’s learn how to make a removable stitch marker.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on one of these links and making a purchase a small portion will be given back to the blog, the price you pay is not changed. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Making your own stitch markers is an ideal way to make something unique to your style. It can be hard to find large stitch markers which is a great reason to make knitting stitch markers. Once you make your own stitch markers for knitting you should also have some for crochet. The technique is the same for both sets of markers. The difference is in the way that you will attach the marker to your project.
For the removable stitch marker you will use a lobster claw clasp, found in the jewelry aisle of your craft store. The lobster clasp comes in different sizes and colors so that you can customize your marker completely. If you make jewelry, or wear jewelry, you will likely know what a lobster clasp is. This allows you to open and close the marker so that you can move it around as you need it. This is a great option to mark the right and wrong side as well as hold your stitches from unraveling. Be sure to make a variety so that they can each mark something different.
[image error]NOTE: I am NOT an expert in beading and I am not claiming that I know everything about the topic. I have put together this tutorial as a novice in beading, making something simple to fit my needs as a knitter. If you are looking for more information on beading or for inspiration you can check out my two friends, who are AMAZING jewelry designers. Jill Wiseman is an amazing designer and has her own online supply store. My other friend, Candie Cooper, is also a very talented designer. She has a Craftsy class to teach you all of the basics of beading. It is a great class that even shows you how to crochet with wire.
[image error] Supplies for Knitting Stitch Markers:
Beading Mat
Crimp Tubes
Beading Wire
Wire Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Lobster Clasps (missing from the picture above, sorry)
Beads (light in weight)
Video Tutorial-How to Make Removable Stitch Markers:
Video Tutorial-How to Make Knitting Stitch Markers:
The post How to Make Removable Stitch Markers appeared first on Marly Bird.
How to Make Removable Stitchmarkers
[image error]In a previous video I showed you how to make knitting stitch markers. There are times when you need a removable stitch marker for knitting and for crochet. I put together this video tutorial for you so that you could finish your collection of stitch markers. A removable stitch marker is great to dictate the right and wrong side of your work. It is also a great tool in crochet to hold your last worked stitch so that it doesn’t unravel while you put your project aside.
Read to the bottom of this post to see the video for the removable stitch marker tutorial and the video for knitting stitch markers. Let’s learn how to make a removable stitch marker.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on one of these links and making a purchase a small portion will be given back to the blog, the price you pay is not changed. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Making your own stitch markers is an ideal way to make something unique to your style. It can be hard to find large stitch markers which is a great reason to make knitting stitch markers. Once you make your own stitch markers for knitting you should also have some for crochet. The technique is the same for both sets of markers. The difference is in the way that you will attach the marker to your project.
For the removable stitch marker you will use a lobster claw clasp, found in the jewelry aisle of your craft store. The lobster clasp comes in different sizes and colors so that you can customize your marker completely. If you make jewelry, or wear jewelry, you will likely know what a lobster clasp is. This allows you to open and close the marker so that you can move it around as you need it. This is a great option to mark the right and wrong side as well as hold your stitches from unraveling. Be sure to make a variety so that they can each mark something different.
[image error]NOTE: I am NOT an expert in beading and I am not claiming that I know everything about the topic. I have put together this tutorial as a novice in beading, making something simple to fit my needs as a knitter. If you are looking for more information on beading or for inspiration you can check out my two friends, who are AMAZING jewelry designers. Jill Wiseman is an amazing designer and has her own online supply store. My other friend, Candie Cooper, is also a very talented designer. She has a Craftsy class to teach you all of the basics of beading. It is a great class that even shows you how to crochet with wire.
[image error] Supplies for Knitting Stitch Markers:
Beading Mat
Crimp Tubes
Beading Wire
Wire Cutters
Crimping Pliers
Lobster Clasps (missing from the picture above, sorry)
Beads (light in weight)
Video Tutorial-How to Make Removable Stitch Markers:
Video Tutorial-How to Make Knitting Stitch Markers:
The post How to Make Removable Stitchmarkers appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 11, 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)–This is the third month in the 7 Months of Scrubby Campaign, what is the theme for the month of May?
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 5/17/17 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.
The post Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 10, 2017
Superhero Myra Wood
Superhero Myra Wood shared her adventures on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird.
[image error]Myra Wood is an internationally know fiber artist, designer, author and teacher. She teaches a wide range of classes in knitting, crochet, embroidery and beading specializing in all things creative. Her online classes, “The Perfect Fit Seamless Crazy Lace Cardigan” and “Freeform Crochet” are available at Craftsy.com. Myra is the author of Knit in New Directions, Creative Crochet Lace and Crazy Lace along with numerous published patterns in books and magazines. Myra’s been a guest instructor on numerous episodes of Knit and Crochet Now, Knitty Gritty and Uncommon Threads and Knitting Daily on PBS, HGTV and DIY Network.
Myra has been crafting, sewing, knitting and crocheting since she was young and studied fine art painting and drawing at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts and the Philadelphia College of Art. She’s enjoyed a long career in commercial art and lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Page and her Italian Greyhound, The Smunch. Page is also an artist and for much of their careers, they’ve worked side by side, creating art for the entertainment industry. Their work can be seen at Woodworksart.com
[image error] Myra teaching at the recent Stitches United.
“There is nothing I love more than inspiring people creatively through teaching needlearts. I truly believe everyone is creative and I want to help you rediscover the joy and freedom while creating through needlework. I’m definitely “the glass isn’t just half full, it’s full and over-flowing” kinda gal! I feel extremely blessed to live a creatively inspired life. From a very young age my Mom encouraged arts and crafts of all kinds, especially needlearts. Instead of buying typical toys, we’d have numerous projects going on at the same time. We made lots of stuff, especially for Barbie. But most importantly, Mom taught me how to think and play outside the box. More than just teaching techniques,
[image error] One of Myra’s designs, Schknit Happens.
I try to inspire people. I have an incredibly optimistic attitude and can’t help but encourage anyone brave enough to take the creative plunge with me. I see knitting, crochet and other handwork as an opportunity for self-expression, a way to discovery and personal growth. I love the creative process. Part of that process is acting as a guide to encourage your positive inner dialogue and aide you in discovering your own artistic abilities. I’ll help you rediscover your sense of play and wonder using sticks and string. All in all, I’m just plain fun to be around.”
Follow Myra through her website: www.MyraWood.com, Etsy shop for her original pieces, Ravelry Designer page, Craftsy profile and Facebook page. The hat above ‘Schknit Happens’, is available FREE in Ravelry, and in the pattern Myra asks that we ‘Please consider making one of these caps for Halos of Hope http://halosofhope.org/ or drop it off at you local hospital’s cancer center. Chemo patients will definitely appreciate it!’
If you missed this when it was live, you can find the video Marly posted live in her Facebook page, or listen to the original audio podcast at this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/05/11/superhero-myra-wood
The post Superhero Myra Wood appeared first on Marly Bird.
Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 2
[image error]The Marly Bird Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 2 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 2 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 last week and 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.
Section 2 is our first work through of the lace pattern. Section 1 had the basics of what you will need to know for the lace section. The lace in this pattern is made by a purl 2 together and a yarn over. Below you will find the line by line instructions for this section, just like the last. I put this together for you to make it easier to keep track of where you are in the pattern. You can mark each row off as you complete it.
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.[image error]
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
Section 1 Follow Up Notes:
After releasing the section 1 video I received some feedback that my video did not match the written pattern exactly. I should have been more clear when explaining the first video that I did slightly change the way that the pattern is worked to make it easier, in my opinion, for beginner knitters.
In the written pattern you will see that it tells you to kfb, k2 at the end of the row. My video told you to kfb, k1. I decided to do this so that both sides would be a mirror image and would be easier to remember. Either way will give you the same overall result. To make it easier I have added to columns to my line-by-line instructions so you can follow along if you are following my videos or following the written pattern without getting confused. For more clarification you can watch the FB live video that I did below.
Whichever way you decide to work your shawl BE CONSISTENT. Once you start with one increase at the end of the row continue that way throughout the pattern. Otherwise you will notice the difference.
Here is the FBLive Q & A for section 1 I did:
Section 2-Lace Pattern:
Section 2 is shorter than our first section. You will be working the lace section, where you see the holes of the pattern. As you have been working the spine of your shawl you were creating a lace section down the middle. You will continue with the same technique but now it will be across the entire row.
Be sure to watch the video all the way through if you are new to lace so that you can see how to work each row.
[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 2 Video Tutorial:
Homework:
Finish section 2 and be ready to start section three on May 17, 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 10, 2017 – May 16, 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.
Facebook Live Video- Explanation of Pattern Differences:
This is the longer version if you are interested. The edited version is available at this link.
The post Textured Triangle Shawl Knit-along Section 2 appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 9, 2017
Framework: 10 Architectural Knits by Norah Gaughan
Framework: 10 Architectural Knits by Norah Gaughan is the Yarn Thing we discussed today on the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird! [image error]
Raised by artists in the Hudson Valley (her father, Jack Gaughan, was a well known science fiction illustrator in his day) Norah was immersed in both art and the needle arts from an early age. She went on to earn a degree in Biology / Art from Brown University. During the years that followed Norah concentrated on her greatest love, knitting. First as a freelancer for yarn companies and knitting magazines; then as the design director at JCA and more recently, as the design director at Berroco where she headed up the design team and published sixteen eponymous booklets. Norah’s upbringing, schooling and experience coalesce in her two hardcover volumes Knitting Nature and Norah Gaughan’s Knitted Cable Sourcebook. Her most recent publication is “Framework” 10 architectural knits in Quince & Co linen yarns.
[image error]Norah combines her love of geometry and her mastery of innovative construction in Framework: Ten Architectural Knits, a collection of ten breezy pieces worked in Quince & Co’s organic linen yarns, Kestrel and Sparrow. From a summery little neck scarf to a godet-trimmed, shoulder-baring top to a free flowing open cardigan knitted in different directions, Norah’s collection offers ten projects that are a pleasure to knit and flattering to wear.
Framework delves into the underlying structure of her pieces—the simple rectangle—and how various knitting techniques transform this basic shape into new and interesting knitwear. Illustrated tips on essential techniques, such as yarnovers in knit and purl fabrics, short rows, twisted fringe, and more are also provided throughout the book. Print version available at Quince & Co.
Marly mentioned her love of the cable stitch dictionary, Knitted Cable Sourcebook. Find Norah Gaughan updates through her website, www.NorahGaughan.net, Facebook, and her designs listed in Ravelry, plus Instagram and Pinterest.
There is behind the scenes video on Marly’s Facebook page and the podcast audio can be found HERE: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/05/09/framework-10-architectural-knits-by-norah-gaughan
The post Framework: 10 Architectural Knits by Norah Gaughan appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 8, 2017
Dishcloth & Washcloth Scrubby Patterns in Red Heart Yarn 7 Months of Scrubby
[image error]May is the third month in the 7 Months of Scrubby Campaign. Red Heart is featuring dishcloth & washcloth scrubby patterns this month. Patterns in this collection are perfect for gifts for mother’s day, teacher gifts and stocking stuffers.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion of your order will go to the blog. The price you pay will not be changed. Thank you for your support.*
May: Dishcloth & Washcloth Scrubby Patterns
[image error]All of the patterns in this month’s collection are made from Red Heart’s new Scrubby yarn, Scrubby Cotton. Scrubby cotton has the same great texture that you already know and love from Scrubby yarn but now comes in 100% cotton. Scrubby original (100% polyester) and Scrubby Sparkle (100% polyester) can be found in a variety of FREE patterns on Red Heart’s website.
One of the patterns featured this month is the color block back scrubber. This pattern is really an oversized washcloth pattern. On my YouTube channel you will find a video tutorial on how to work up this project. This would be the ideal quick gift to make for mother’s day. You can learn more about the pattern and video in my blog post about the color block back scrubber. Also on my YouTube channel you can find a playlist of Scrubby pattern tutorials.[image error]Be sure to see all six patterns in this month’s dishcloth & washcloth scrubby patterns collection. The previous months are listed below so you can try some of those patterns as well.
[image error]Each month during the7 month campaign I will be on Red Heart’s Facebook page talking about the patterns with Scrubby yarn. Be sure to join me LIVE on May 12th for a Facebook Live on Red Heart’s Facebook page to talk all about the collection of dishcloths & washcloths.
7 Months of Scrubby Collection:
April-Food Washcloth Patterns
March-Animal Washcloth Patterns
The post Dishcloth & Washcloth Scrubby Patterns in Red Heart Yarn 7 Months of Scrubby appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 5, 2017
15 Free Mother’s Day Ideas with Red Heart Patterns
[image error]Mother’s day is just around the corner and making something for our mom’s is a great way to show that we love her. Red Heart has pulled together a great collection of 15 FREE patterns that you could try your hand at for your mom. I am sure that you will be able to find Mother’s Day ideas in this collection of patterns.
*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking on one of these links a small portion of your purchase will go to the blog. The price you pay does not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*
Red Heart sure has us covered with their selection of patterns. You will find shawls, blankets and more. They even have some simple projects that kids could make too.[image error]One of the great simple projects is a keychain with a pom pom and tassel. Kids will love making this project for their mom and it is a great way to use up scraps. We all know there are piles of left over balls just hanging around waiting to be used.
[image error]Another great scrap yarn project is their Shabby Chic wall hanging. This can be customized by the colors that you use and you could even play around with the sizing to be perfect for the spot you want to display it.
When thinking of mom we can’t forget the Scrubby Collection. Red Heart just released a NEW Scrubby yarn, Scrubby Cotton. This is a great alternative to the Scrubby that you know and love. It still has the texture of scrubby but is now 100% cotton. Any of the Scrubby patterns that you find on Red Heart’s website can be substituted with any of the three Scrubby Yarns (Scrubby Original, Scrubby Cotton, Scrubby Sparkle). In this Mother’s Day round up they show the Watermelon wash cloth, which is part of the 7 Month’s of Scrubby Campaign. That is not the only option that you have. I just released a video showing you how to make the Color Block Back Scrubber which would be a perfect gift.
[image error]Shawls are a great gift for mom because as she puts it on it will remind her of a hug from you. There are MANY shawl options on Red Heart’s website so be sure to check them all out. They have options in all different weights of yarn to choose from.
Another gift that will wrap mom in your love is a blanket. I know, I know, you are probably thinking that we are way to close to Mother’s day to start a blanket. Well Red Heart has a selection of bulky weight blankets that will work up quickly yet still look like they took a lot of time.
I hope that you check out all the FREE patterns on Red Heart’s website to find something that will make the perfect gift for your mom!
The post 15 Free Mother’s Day Ideas with Red Heart Patterns appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 4, 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)–How many strands does the beading wire have that I used to make my removable stitch markers?
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 5/10/17 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.
The post Thursday Trivia with Marly Bird appeared first on Marly Bird.
May 3, 2017
Knitting on a Lark with Lorilee Beltman
Knitting on a Lark with Lorilee Beltman is a fantastic retreat opportunity shared with the audience of the Yarn Thing podcast with Marly Bird. [image error]
Lorilee Beltman’s bio (borrowed from her website) says: My experiences as a yarn shop owner taught me the value of delivering an honest answer with kindness. I learned I love helping knitters push through their roadblocks. I also learned that the knitting community is full of interesting people I really enjoy. A knitting video featuring my knitting style has over a million views on Youtube. As a result, I started hearing from knitters all around the world, deepening my attachment to yarny types everywhere.While I enjoy teaching continental to those who want to learn it, I appreciate all knitting styles. I urge my students to try projects that introduce new techniques. My articles or designs have been published in The Ultimate Hat Book (Vogue/Soho Publishing), Blue Moon Fiber Arts Rockinʼ Sock Club, Interweave Knits Magazine, Interweave Sockupied eMag, Twist Collective, and Beyond Toes by Judy Becker. I am a Craft Yarn Council certified knitting instructor, and a TNNA designer/teacher member. Knitty.com is letting me serve the Knitty community as Techniques Columnist starting with the Deep Fall 2015 issue. Tent-camping with my husband and boys has brought me to over twenty National and Provincial Parks. I grew up in Pittsburgh, spent thirty years in west Michigan, and now call Seattle home.
[image error] Bremerton Ferry
Lorilee is making this special visit to the Yarn Thing podcast to share the Knitting On a Lark with Lorilee retreat. Taking place July 6-9 on the beautiful Bainbridge Island, in the Puget Sound of Washington State. This is a rest and relaxation retreat, not heavily scheduled with classes. Guests arrive Thursday, we have all our meals together served family style. Friday will see retreaters in either a morning or afternoon class with the Islandwood Chef on sustainable cooking. They will be visiting the kitchen garden to gather materials. On Saturday we have a real treat. Tina Newton of Blue Moon Fiber Arts will be teaching a natural dye class- going for natural speckle dyes! (Lorilee is especially thrilled about this, she says ‘Tina hired my for my FIRST teaching job outside my Michigan shop for the 2009 Sock Summit’.)
We get to spend time amidst the towering fir trees of the Pacific Northwest. A bit of forest-bathing will do all our guests dome good. According to Wikipedia, Forest Bathing is the practice of taking a short, leisurely visit to a forest for health benefits. The practice originated in Japan where it is called shinrin-yoku. Interspersed will be short knitting lessons from me on topics designed to help people accomplish the retreat pattern which used some of Tina’s yarn. We also get to have s’mores and a bonfire. And we have a “De-stash, Re-stash, No-cash Yarn Bank” so attendees can bring something lovely from home to swap.
Follow Lorilee through her website: LorileeBeltman.com, in Facebook find her Knitting Enabler page. Lorilee’s first visit to the Yarn Thing podcast happened in 2015. CLICK HERE to hear that first visit. If you missed getting to hear or watch THIS visit, you can find Marly’s LIVE Facebook video at her page, or listen to the archived podcast episode at this link: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/yarnthing/2017/05/04/knitting-on-a-lark-with-lorilee-beltman
The post Knitting on a Lark with Lorilee Beltman appeared first on Marly Bird.
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