Star Guidance

update on sessions for the week

2009-10-08T21:33:00.002+08:00

No sessions this week for both Thursday and Saturday. Will be back next week...so see you guys on Thursday 15 Oct 09 or Saturday 17 Oct 09.

Thursdays - 6.30pm to 8.00pm @ Food Court in SingPost Paya Lebar
Saturdays - 2.30pm to 4.30pm @ void deck of Blk 608 Clementi West St 1

Have fun :)

Getting Organised

2009-08-06T12:04:00.008+08:00

Read this article by Kathleen from Knitting Daily and realised that I too am guilty of being disorganised. I could relate to the stuff in her notions bag before organising it...the nailclipper, the paperclip, the receipt, the lost knitting needle, etc...all forgotten stuff that's left in a bag.

"Making Time for Knitting: Organization and Inspiration

Carving out time for knitting has never been a problem for me, until now. I used to knit every evening for two or three hours while watching TV or listening to books on tape (and in between changing loads of laundry).

With my new position here at Knitting Daily and the classes I teach at my LYS, I think about knitting all the time, but I find I'm having trouble finding the time to actually knit! I guess it all comes down to time-management, right? And priorities...

Organization and Inspiration

I decided that the keys to getting my knitting time back are organization and inspiration.

First the organization part. I spent a couple of hours organizing my projects last week, and I ended up with two projects that floated to the top in "I-must-finish-this-before-I-start-something- new" land. I put each of those projects, with all of their accoutrements, in their own zip-up project bag and put them in my fab Kate Walker knitting tote. I carry my tote with me everywhere, and now I can pull one of those projects out whenever I have a moment of downtime.

I also organized and restocked my notions bag, which was a sad state of affairs. Here's what was in there:
-various ends of yarn all tangled together with stitch markers and a paperclip
-nail clippers that I've been using as scissors (they've never been used for their true purpose, only for clipping yarn)
-a dried-up pen
-a receipt with a list of patterns for "the next project"
-a size 13 double pointed needle (no idea why...)
-a paper tape measure from Ikea
-a packet of stitch markers (all types in one packet)

Here's what's in my notions bag now:
-stitch markers, each type in their own little plastic envelope
-scissors
-a real tape measure
-a set of cable needles
-two crochet hooks (a size D for fixing mistakes on small gauge projects and a size G for bigger gauge projects)
-a pen that works
-a little tablet of paper
-two types of row counters (the clicker kind and the kind that fit on circular needles)"

There is it. Looks like it is time for me to get organised as well. I have got bags and bags of yarn and incomplete projects and other crafty stuff all in a pile. Plus loads of books in every corner of the room. Oh boy...it is going to take me more than the couple of hours it took Kathleen to get herself organised. Mine's probably going to take a couple of months??

Shall just look forward to the result of being more productive and reducing the pile of incomplete projects and putting all the balls of loose yarn to a good cause. :)

2009-07-16T23:01:00.002+08:00

Join us on FaceBook...posted some free patterns - http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=26900603056

There is knitting, beading, quilting, jewelry making and peyote. There has to be something for everyone.

Happy crafting...

new craft session in the east

2009-07-11T23:29:00.002+08:00

Yes...finally got started on a craft session in the East. It is on Thursday night from 6.30pm to 8.30pm at the food court of SingPost building at Paya Lebar. Do drop by and have some fun sharing and learning. Do let me know if you any projects in mind and need anything to get started. Most willing to assist in any way. :)

significant update....

2009-05-12T21:02:00.002+08:00

30 May 2009 - YES !! craft session is on at Blk 608 Clementi West St 1 from 2.30pm to 5pm.

My test ends at 11.30am so still can meet up with all of you. After that it's the suspense of waiting for results.

See you on 30 May !

wendyL

2009-04-17T23:13:00.002+08:00

Some updates for April and May 09:

18 April - no session : I will be going for a programme to up my intelligence level - an investment programme
25 April - YES...I will be at Blk 608 Clementi West St 1 plus doing a beginner class for bead-weaving before that. HOORAY!!
02 May - no session : attending an art and craft class
09 May - YES...I will be at Blk 608 Clementi West St 1
16 May - no session : attending an art and craft class
23 May - no session : attending an art and craft class
30 May - no session : taking assessment test after all the art and craft classes...

If I pass the assessment, I will be getting my certification as a trainer!!

Still can call, sms or e-mail me. I will be in touch when i get the opportunity to do so. if need to meet, let me know and we can arrange a convenient time during the week.

I will definitely miss the Saturday sessions. Whatever it is, continue crafting. :)

If you have a FaceBook account, do join us at
http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/group.php?gid=26900603056

a Happy and Prosperous Lunar New Year

2009-01-24T05:04:00.002+08:00

Season's Greetings to everyone.

There wll no get-togethers this week and the next week. We will start again the first Saturday of February. See ya.

WendyL

lace knitting

2009-04-04T20:01:00.002+08:00

For all knitting addicts...follow this link and get 7 free patterns for lace knitting. All very pretty. I was surprised after downloading. It's like a whole book!

http://www.knittingdaily.com/blogs/patterns/archive/2009/03/31/knitting-lace-knitting-daily-presents-7-free-knitted-lace-patterns.aspx?download=true

Have fun lacing. :)

Do-What-U-Feel-Like-Doing Craft Sessions

2008-12-15T21:51:00.027+08:00

A "do-what-you-feel-like-doing" craft session...no fixed project. Choose from what we have or bring your own project. All materials purchased during sessions will be at a 10% discount.

Location: PA Pasir Ris 2-room Holiday Flat, 101 Elias Road, #01-05, Singapore 519886 (Near Car Park E)

Website: http://www.livelife.ecitizen.gov.sg/recreation/pa/hcr_PA.asp

Map: http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=41657143731&h=Tj52k&u=qyW8M

How to Get There: Bus 403 from Pasir Ris Interchange - http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=45538001077&h=yYPFj&u=XNBOC

Sessions / Timing
Charges (exclude materials) : $5 for a 2-hour session or $10 for a full 6-hour session.

Saturday - 2pm to 8pm
Sunday - 2pm to 8pm
Monday - 10am to 4pm

Projects (prices after discount):

Bracelets @ $4.95 (estimate - varies with selection of materials)
Handphone Pouch @ $4.05
Auspicious Goldfish @ $6.20

Golden Cow @ $11.60

Lucky Candy Basket @ $11.60

Prosperity Lantern @ 14.40

Own Project - bring whatever you have

Steps to registration:

click on "send me a message" at bottom right of this message

send in following details

Name
Contact Number
Session / Time
Project

confirmation e-mail will be sent out from us to you... :)

Following are pictures of some projects you can do. Couldn't find any nice pictures for knitting and crochet. Anyway, come join me and do something you have always wanted to do. See you soon. :)

Knitting Needles

2007-05-28T07:23:00.000+08:00

Different types of knitting needles:

Straight Knitting Needles - good for beginners as they provide good support for stitches. Needle size is indicated on the needles itself.

Circular Knitting Needles - works the same as Straight Knitting Needles. It is basically 2 needles joined by a flexible cord. It can be confusing for a beginner to use this for their first project but it is also not difficult to understand how they are used. Most knitters prefer this for their portability....it fits into a handbag!

Double Point Knitting Needles - these are useful for projects that require circular knitting with small number of stitches. Examples are gloves, baby beanies, socks, etc...the next picture will give you an idea of how it works.

the Double Point Knitting Needles doing the work....and YES - you work with all 4 needles at the same time. :) Tricky but fun.

Knitting needles come in various materials. There are the metal ones, the wooden ones and the plastic ones. Each has got their own good points so choosing which ones to use is a personal preference. My preference? A pair of wooden circular needles - light weight and convenient to carry around. Furthermore, the feel of wood gives a warm, cosy feel to the project. All in the mind? Probably but it sure makes me a happy knitter.

Knitting Needles Conversion Chart

2007-06-02T00:44:00.000+08:00

Confused by the numbers on your knitting needles? Fret no more. Attached is conversion chart for your reference... (click on chart to see enlarged view)

The Knit Stitch

2007-06-06T01:45:00.000+08:00

There are basically 2 stitches to learn in knitting - the knit stitch and the purl stitch. For starters, we will learn the knit stitch first. Just as there are many ways to cast on, there are also many ways to do the knit stitch. The most commonly used ones are the American and the Continental methods. Following video shows how to do both methods. Once again, this is a personal preference. For me? I am used to the American method.

Left handed? No problem. Check this out ...

Have you started on casting on yet? Don't wait anymore. Get started because many things can be done with just the knit stitch.

How to get started?

first: select the yarn and get your knitting needles ready.

second: measure one arm's length of the yarn and that is where you start your casting on. To get a hang of it, start off with about 30 stitches or as many as you can do with that one arm's length of yarn. One loop on the knitting needle is one stitch.

third: done with casting on? Now you can start to knit. Hold knitting needle A with the cast-on stitches on with your left hand and the working needle B with your right. Ready? Go!!

When done, all the stitches would have been transferred to needle B on your right. This will be Row 1. Now do a swop. Hold needle B with your left hand and needle A with your right. Start to knit again. This will then be Row 2. Continue doing this and you should see this design forming....

We call this the Garter Stitch.

Congrats and give yourself a pat on the back because continue doing this and you are on your way to working on your first project. On it's own, this can be a scarf. Sew up the sides and it becomes a pouch or sew up both ends to form a circle and it can be a hairband. The options are unlimited.

Will be posting some other stuff you can do with Garter Stitch. For now, keep practising. Need clarification? Send me a message. Ok? Will be back soon....

Projects you can do with Garter Stitch

2007-06-10T17:44:00.000+08:00

some things you can do with what you have just learnt - the garter stitch.

a dish cloth

a backpack

a loosely knitted shawl - get this effect with a really big needle and do the garter stitch. beautiful piece.

one of our saturday sessions.

coming up next - the PURL stitch and something really interesting. how to do both without turning your piece of work.....

patterns for beginners

2007-07-26T22:41:00.000+08:00

Found some really simple to do patterns and will like to share them with all of you. These are written instructions and it will be good to try and understand them.

Feel free to send me a message or give me a call if you need assistance or any clarification.

for starters......

hat

scarf

hairband

for the more adventurous starters...

bolero

ribbed lace bolero

Above patterns are available at http://www.bhkc.co.uk/data/knitpatt.htm

The laced bolero is from here - http://kellymaher.wordpress.com/2007/07/04/ribbed-lace-bolero/

It is important to know that the needle size and number of stitches required varies with the yarn you intend to use.

Want to start but not sure how, what to get or where to get them? SEND ME A MESSAGE or CALL ME @9633 6156. I'll be most glad to help in any way I can.

have fun!!

Crochet - Chain and Single Crochet Stitch

2007-08-29T22:35:00.000+08:00

You've learnt the basics of knitting, now to learn the basics of CROCHET. Crochet works on a single needle with hooks either on one end or on both ends.

Like knitting needles, crochet hooks come in different sizes. Which one to use depends on the thickness of the yarn you will be using for a given project.

Crochet Hook

Following video demonstrates how to start a slip knot, continue with chain stitches and to move up with a row of single crochet stitch. Keep repeating the single crochet stitch and you can make a dishcloth, a handphone pouch, a bag and if it's big enough, sewing up 2 square or rectangle pieces may just become your favourite blouse. Make the piece longer and you have got yourself a dress!! So what are you waiting for, get what you need and start to crochet....

http://www.youtube.com/jp.swf?video_id=w45qDIM5S9Y&eurl=&iurl=http%3A//img.youtube.com/vi/w45qDIM5S9Y/default.jpg&t=OEgsToPDskIB52IpX3D99LFwKHwVNJ1t

Need help on getting the materials, give me an e-mail, a call or just drop by one of the venues for our meetups -

every Thursday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm @ HarbourFront Food Junction (level 3)

every Saturday from 2.30pm to 5.30pm @ Blk 608 Clementi West St 1 (study corner - void deck)

Some projects you can make with the basics of crochet.....a handtowel and a handbag

Pretty Loosely Knitted Shawl

2007-10-30T22:46:00.000+08:00

Saw the above sometime back in one of the websites I was browsing through. Copied it wanting to do it for myself but didn't get down to doing it yet. Thought I'll share it here with all of you. Can't remember which website it is now.

Size 10 mm (U.S. 15) Knitting Needles - using a bigger sized needle than is suitable for the yarn gives the loosely knit effect. you may choose to use a smaller sized needle if you prefer one that's more tightly knitted but do know that the look and feel of the finished shawl may look different from what is shown.

Cast on 55 sts. - number of stitches can vary according to the size you will like to make. tip: increase or decrease accordingly to the number of stitches required to complete a design (refer 2nd Row in this pattern)

1st and alt Rows: (WS). Knit. - i.e. 1st row, 3rd row, 5th row, etc...knit the whole row.

2nd Row: K1. *yfwd. K2tog. Rep from * to end of row. - knit 1 stitch, yarn forward (bring the yarn to the front of work in between the 2 needle tips), knit 2 together and then repeat doing the yarn forward and knit 2 together till the end.

to modify, count the number of stitches in between the * and this will give you the number of stitches required to complete a design for this pattern. in this case it is 2 stitches. therefore to make a wider or narrower shawl, you will need to add or subtract number of stitches in multiples of 2.

remember the 3rd row is a knit row...and it will be the same for all odd rows.

4th Row: *K2tog. yfwd. Rep from * to last st. K1. - knit 2 together, yarn forward and keep repeating till there is only 1 stitch left, do a knit stitch. if you do not have 1 stitch left, then something is wrong...do not continue until it's rectified. look at the row again from the start and check if any stitches were missed out.

Rep last 4 rows until work from beg measures 50-inches [127 cm], ending with WS facing for next row. - start from 1st Row again and work through the 4 rows to form a set. keep repeating Rows 1 to 4 till work measures required length ending with an odd row which is the WS row as indicated in 1st Row.

Next Row: Knit. - knit all stitches

Fringe: Next row: **Cast off first st. *Turn and cast on 10 sts. Turn back and cast off 13 sts. Rep from * to end of row. All sts have been cast off.** - Cast off the first stitch by doing 2 knit stitches and dropping the 1st one over the 2nd one. Cast on 10 stitches onto the right-hand needle. change hands (needle on right to left and left t right) and cast off the next 13 stitches. keep repeating this casting on and casting off of stitches untill there is only one loop left on yuor right hand needle. cut the yarn off at about 4 inches away from last stitch, put it through the loop and pull tight. this finishes one end of your shawl.

With RS of work facing, pick up and knit 55 sts across opposite short end of shawl, rep from ** to ** as given above. - with right side (RS) of work facing you, pick up same number of stitches casted on at start of project along the opposite edge and do the same as above.

Tip:
Size: 25-inches [63.5 cm] wide x 50-inches [127 cm] long (excluding fringe). - this is only indicative as much depends on yarn and needles used - can be modified to your own needs.

Gauge: 11 sts and 15 rows = 4-inches [10 cm] in stocking st. - this is based on yarn and needle used for shawl as shown in the picture. this is especially important when using a different needle size and type of yarn as what is indicated in the pattern. we all this a sample swatch. will elaborate more on this in another post i.e. how to measure and calculate.

Abbreviations:Alt = AlternateBeg = beginningK = KnitK2tog = Knit 2 stitches togetherPat = patternRep = RepeatRS = right sideSl st = Slip stitchSt(s) = Stitch(es)WS= wrong sideYfwd= yarn forward - abbreviations are usually shown in any written patterns. it is a good habit to look through this before starting a project.

Give this a try if you can and do post your progress to share...or if you have any queries of any experience you have when doing this project that you will like to share, feel free to give me a call or drop me an e-mail.

That's all for now folks...will be back.

Simply Knitted Scarf

2007-11-21T19:12:00.000+08:00

anyone tried the shawl in the earlier post? if yes, do share with us your experiences so that we can all learn from it. i am attempting a bead crochet necklace....tough on the eyes. will post a pic once i can get past the first 2 rounds with satisfaction.

for those who have started on the crochet tutorial videos and are itching to start on a simple project, it will be soon as i will be posting something simple in the next post. be patient ok while i figure out how best to present it.

following is a scarf i saw in one of the free patterns site. thought it looked really difficult but is really easy to do. they have indicated requirements for 2 different yarn thickness. i have done some simple explanation next to the instructions for the first 3 rows....try and figure out the rest, ok? feel free to give me a call or send me an e-mail if you need any clarification. :))

Unisex Scarf

Baby Camel 8-Ply Version: Finished Measurements: 6” wide x 53” long
Requirements: 2 hanks of Makalu Yarns 100% Baby Camel 8-Ply yarn Size 10 U.S. (6mm) Straight Knitting Needles

Directions for 8-Ply Version:

1. Cast on 25 sts.
2. K1, P1 to end of row. - Knit one, bring yarn forward to do a purl, continue doing one knit and one purl till end of row - remembering to bring yarn forward in between needles for a purl stitch and backwards in between needles for a knit stitch.
3. P1, K1 to end of row. - Purl one, bring yarn backward to do a knit, continue doing one purl and one knit to end of row.
4. Repeat Steps 2 & 3 (Steps 2-4 are the Seed Stitch). - do row 2 again, followed by row 3
5. Complete Box Pattern, Set 1 as folows:
K1, P1 *K3, P3 to last 2 sts *P1, K1.
P1, K1 *P3, K3 to last 2 sts *K1, P1.
Continue working these two rows for 10 rows.6. Complete Box Pattern, Set 2 as follows:
K1, P1 *P3, K3 to last 2 sts *P1, K1.
P1, K1 *K3, P3 to last 2 sts *K1, P1.
Continue working these 2 rows for 10 rows.
7. Continue working Box Pattern Set 1 and then Set 2 until the scarf measures approx 52” long.
8. Work 4 rows in Seed Stitch and bind off in Seed Stitch.

Baby Camel 4-Ply Version: Finished Measurements: 6” wide x 60” Long
Requirements: 2 hanks of Makalu Yarns 100% Baby Camel 4-Ply yarn Size 6 U.S. (4mm) Straight Knitting Needles

Directions for 4-Ply Version:

1. Cast on 31 sts and work in Seed Stitch for 4 rows the same as the 8-Ply version.
2. Continue working Box Pattern Set 1 and 2 as given for the 8-Ply version until the scarf measures approx 59"
3. Work 4 rows of Seed Stitch and bind off in Seed Stitch.

Pattern provided courtesy of Makalu Yarns.

Easy to Crochet - Fingerless Gloves

2007-12-08T23:00:00.001+08:00

hi all, make a fashion statement with this pair of fingerless gloves. it really looks lovely. make it plain or colourful or glittery by sewing some blings on it.

got this from http://www.myknittingbasket.blogspot.com/ and the owner has kindly agreed to let me share her design with my friends.

This is worked top down.
1. Make enough chains to wrap around your fingers semi-loosely - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OtmOEzm_OXQ

2. Slip stitch to first chain to form a circle - this is used for every round. Always go through the first stitch and pull through all loops on the crochet needle.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_JPGpBxsRto

3. Make one chain and work single crochets on every chain - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OqhaQQajt0U, close with slip stich (as in step 1) after one round. Continue until you have enough to fill the section between the top part and your thumb. Remember to close with slip stitch after every round.

3. After closing of the last row in step 2, continue making enough chains to go around your thumb. Join to 2nd or 3rd stitch of the beginning of the last row. Continue working with single crochets on every stitch including chains round the thumb. Once again, remember to close with slip stitch after every row. Do enough rows to cover your palms.

Give it a go. Probably need only one ball of yarn. This will be a good project to do to use up balance yarns from finished projects.

Ever wondered how they do those "complicated" designs on a knitted piece? Will work on "how to do cable" soon. In the meantime, happy hooking....

cute little minis

2007-12-17T18:06:00.000+08:00

Thought this is really cute as presents. Someone shared this with me and so will like to share with all...

http://www.berroco.com/exclusives/minutia/minutia.html

A Beret to Knit

2008-01-04T17:27:00.000+08:00

Knit this beautiful beret. It is done with 5mm knitting needles. Get the right yarn and the right sized needles and start knitting away. Should be able to get this done real quick.

thinner yarns and smaller needles = smaller beret

thicker yarns and bigger needles = bigger beret

http://www.straw.com/cpy/patterns/taos-beret.html

Joining Yarn and Picking Dropped Stitches

2008-03-03T23:27:00.016+08:00

1. Have included a calendar in the ANNOUNCEMENT section. Regular and ad-hoc sessions will be indicated there.

2. How to pick up dropped stitches

This is the method for dropped knit or purl stitches. By now, you should have noticed that doing a knit stitch shows a purl stitch on the other side of your work and doing a purl stitch shows a knit stitch on the other side of your work. Therefore, the method of picking up a dropped knit or purl stitch is the same. When a stitch is dropped, place a pin on it to stop it from dropping further. Then get ready a crochet needle and pick up the stitch with the "knit" side facing you.

Found these pictures in a How-To website, shows clearly how to pick up the stitches.

Step 1 :

Step 2:

The link to this website is http://home.howstuffworks.com/knitting-instructions9.htm

3. How to join yarns

Besides tieing the end of the existing yarn and the start of the new yarn, there is this one way called SLICING. I have read about it but not tried this method as I find it rather troublesome. I have therefore just did the tieing method and the knitting-in method. However, I was amazed at the results of the slicing method when a friend showed me her scarf. It is totally invisible! I didn't even know where the joining was. This method, however, cannot be used for all yarns.

Click on the following link, it shows clearly how to do it.

http://morcatknits.typepad.com/spitsplicing/2005/03/or_how_to_join_.html

updates

2008-04-29T03:30:00.004+08:00

Hi everyone, have been real busy lately. I've been trying out some new designs and been working on some projects. Following is the latest completed order, a baby's pink vest and another one's a baby's coverall thing with a hood. It's not completed yet but what I want to share is the rib. This is done with crochet and it looks really really nice and it feels just like a knitted rib. I just love it so much.

some really lovely pieces

2008-06-22T00:30:00.000+08:00

These are done by a member of our FaceBook group. Just had to share with all of you as some are not on FaceBook.... :)

this is so pretty right?

and this? another lovely piece she saw at a shop and managed to do on her own.

how to cable knit

2008-11-18T01:55:00.003+08:00

Cables make a knitted piece look real class. Video attached shows rather clearly how it is done.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJQS-XB20SQ

What is done in the video is usually indicated as C6F or Cable 6 Front i.e. take 3 stitches purlwise with cable needle, place at front of work, knit next 3 stitches on left hand needle and go back to knit the 3 stitches on the cable needle. You may do this by working the stitches directly from the cable needle or put them back on the left hand needle and work on them as you would any other stitches.

Try doing a cable by placing the cable needle stitches at the back of work and you will get a cable going in the opposite direction. This will be indicated as C6B or Cable 6 Back.

Do one cable placed in front and another placed in the back and you will get one that looks like a snake. Do two front and two back , one front and two back or in any combination you like and see what comes out of it. :)

Size of cable is determined by number of stitches used. Cable 2 or 4 for smaller cables. You may also mix different size cables in a piece of work.

Go on. Have fun creating different designs.

Feel free to give me a call or sms or e-mail should you need any clarification. ok?

NOTE: there will be no craft session this Saturday as I will be in Expo from Wednesday to Sunday.

next week's schedule...

2008-07-19T20:58:00.002+08:00

I will be away in Malaysia from Wednesday 23 July, to following Monday 28 July.

Therefore next Thursday and Saturday sessions will not be happening. As my phone will be switched off most of the time, feel free to message me if need to and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

Have a week ahead.