Crazy for Ewe
Understanding Yarn Elasticity: Why It Matters in Knitting
You’ve probably heard the word stretch tossed around in the knitting and crochet community. It’s one of those terms that can mean different things depending on who’s using it. Sometimes stretch refers to how much give a particular yarn has, while other times, it’s about how much your knitted fabric will grow once you wear it or block it.
How to choose what size to knit -- set in sleeve pullover edition
Choosing a size in a set-in sleeve pullover is often a very different process than choosing a size for other styles of sweaters.
We have talked about choosing a size for a set-in sleeve cardigan and for a dropped shoulder sweater, but I think this style of sweater offers the greatest challenge when it comes to choosing a size.
How to choose what size to knit - dropped shoulder edition
Sweater fit is super important, whether a sweater is fitted or not. A set-in sleeve sweater has a very precise fit around the armholes and shoulders, so it’s easy to see when the fit is not right. A dropped shoulder sweater has a good bit of ease, so the shoulder area and armholes fit are not so precise, but it should still fit the wearer. The problem is that each wearer can have a different preference on how they like boxy sweaters to fit. So let’s talk about it.
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Knitting and styling your sweaters for fall
As the days grow shorter and the air gets that first hint of crispness, it's time to start thinking about transitioning your wardrobe from summer to fall. For those of us who love to knit, this change of seasons is the perfect opportunity to showcase our handmade creations in fresh and stylish ways that feel fallish.
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Finishing your knitting - here's a tip for easier seaming
Finishing knitting is a special passion of mine. I especially enjoy finishing sweaters. There's something about the whole process of seeing two dimensional pieces come together into a three dimensional whole. I know a lot of knitters hate finishing, and I get it. Seaming can be very challenging, especially if you haven't set yourself up for finishing success as you knit your fabric.
What is stranded knitting?
If you’ve ever admired intricate colorwork patterns in knitting, you’ve likely encountered stranded knitting. This technique allows you to create beautiful, multicolored designs that add depth and texture to your projects. With the upcoming Rowan Knitalong, now is the perfect time to dive into the world of stranded knitting!
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Crazy for Ewe is 20 years old
I remember 20 years ago when I had just opened the shop. Seems like yesterday. My baby was two years old, and I had calculated how much yarn I needed to sell every day to pay the rent. It was pretty scary, but as the saying goes,
If you build it, they will come
Knitting a gauge swatch
Swatching. At the very mention of the topic, most knitters close their eyes, put their fingers in their ears, and say "La la la la, I'm not listening." I get it, but I promise post will be fun and not boring.
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We learn best by doing
I don’t learn by watching. I learn by doing
Seeing something done is great as an overview of the process, but the nitty-gritty learning only happens when I do it myself.
I think a lot of us are like that.
Do you remember learning to knit? I’m sure someone showed you how, and you probably eagerly reached for the knitting, only to realize that practiced hands belie the million tiny aspects of holding needles, tensioning yarn, and making the stitch..