Category: Knitting Notions

1. Designing with Zentangle Doodles & New Zentangle Geometric Buttons!

   Posted on 12:00pm Friday 2nd Aug 2024

   Last night I returned to the creative outlet that has been both relaxing and inspiring: zentangle. I've been feeling particularly stressed with the challenges of dog training, especially yesterday when we met for a 1:1 session with our dog trainer. I've found that taking some time to engage in this meditative drawing practice helped me unwind. Zentangle, with its unstructured patterns and focus on mindfulness, provides a calming escape and a way to channel my energy creatively. What I love about last night's zentangle is that it allowed me to experiment with different knitting stitches and patterns on paper in a completely random and spontaneous way. This freeform exploration not only helped me relax but also sparked some new ideas for future knitting designs. I found that each doodle lead to an unexpected pattern or stitch combination, offering fresh inspiration that I might incorporate into my next project. So here are the Zentangle tiles that I created. I'm not a good artist by any means and my hands are all wobbly (think it's an age related thing) but the whole process kept my mind at rest whilst creating something beautiful in my eyes. Watch this space because more tiles will be produced so I can eventually create my own Zentangled Sweater. Want join in? Send in your tiles or your finished zentangled garment.  Get your own Sweater to Zentangle Get your own Vest to Zentangle Get your own T Shirt to Zentangle Find out more about Zentangling from Sandra A boxy sweater with a patchwork of traditional Nordic knitting patterns.     A beautiful design that does somehow mimic my zentangle thoughts. I just HAD to show you these new beauties that landed in my web site shop.

   Check out our ZENTANGLE BUTTONS Introducing Our Black and White Geometric "Zentangle" Buttons Elevate your crafts and garments with our stunning collection of black and white geometric buttons! These buttons are a perfect blend of modern elegance and timeless style, designed to add a unique touch to any project. Whether you're a knitter, seamstress, or DIY enthusiast, our buttons are the ideal accessory to complete your creations. Why Choose Our Zentangle Buttons? Striking Designs: Our collection features a variety of geometric shapes, from classic circles and squares to edgy triangles and oval shapes. The bold black and white palette ensures that these buttons make a statement, whether they're used on clothing, accessories, or home decor. Versatility: These buttons are perfect for adding a contemporary touch to a wide range of projects. Use them to embellish knitwear, upgrade a plain shirt, or even as a focal point on a handmade bag. Their simple yet striking design complements any color scheme, making them incredibly versatile. Quality Craftsmanship: Made from durable materials, our buttons are designed to last. They are meticulously crafted to ensure smooth edges and a high-quality finish, providing both functionality and aesthetic appeal. Unique Touch: Each button is a mini piece of art, capable of transforming an ordinary piece into something extraordinary. The geometric shapes offer a modern twist, perfect for anyone looking to add a stylish and contemporary element to their creations.   CHECK OUT OUR BUTTONS Novelty Buttons Pre Loved Buttons Wooden Buttons Happy Zentangling Designing or Knitting ! Sandra

2. Why do we use stitch markers?

   Posted on 9:05am Monday 13th May 2024

   For people new to knitting, maybe you've looked at pretty charms like these ones below and thought why do we use them in our knitting? Woop! New products just landed in my web site. Pretty charming handmade stitch markers. Just so happy to see these in my store. I’ll be adding them as extra options with kits etc but in the meantime you can browse and buy now.    Stitch markers are essential tools in knitting and crochet projects used to mark a specific point in your work, helping you keep track of pattern repeats, increases, decreases, or any other significant points. The markers come in various shapes, sizes, and materials to suit different preferences and project needs. Here's a breakdown of the two main types of stitch markers: Ring Stitch Markers: These are circular markers that can be slipped onto the needle. Ring markers are typically made of plastic, metal, or rubber and come in various sizes to accommodate different needle sizes and yarn weights. They're easy to move along the needle and can be used repeatedly across different projects. Lobster Claw Clasps (or Clip-On Stitch Markers): These markers have a lobster claw clasp attached to them, allowing you to clip them directly onto the stitches in your work. Lobster clasps come in different shapes and sizes, but they typically have a small, spring-loaded mechanism that opens and closes the clasp. They are handy for marking specific points in your project, especially when you need to move the marker frequently or when working with delicate stitches. Lobster clasps are also versatile and can be used as progress keepers or to mark the beginning of a round or row or to make the right side of the work. The choice between ring stitch markers and lobster claw clasps often comes down to personal preference and the specific needs of your project. Ring markers are great for general use and can easily slide along your needles, while lobster clasps provide a more secure attachment and are ideal for marking specific stitches or points in your work. Ultimately, both types serve the same purpose of helping you keep track of your stitches and pattern repeats as you knit or crochet. Browse the new stitch markers