Are you looking for Free Crochet Patterns?

If you are in the market for sewing patterns, crochet patterns or quilt patterns you can find them online! Did you know that there are many websites that not only instruct individuals on the techniques of sewing, in all its forms, but that help supply you with the supplies you need? Advice can be found online and so can free patterns!

Are you interested in free cross-stitch patterns? How about free quilt patterns? Maybe you want are looking for crochet ponchos patterns? Maybe you would be interested in free knitting patterns? Whatever you are looking for, you can find it online! There are many that will offer advice to your questions. There are some that sell patterns and some that will tell you where to get them for free! Yes, free. Interested?

To find a website that offers these patterns for free, locate your favorite search engine. An engine like Google or Yahoo will work. Let us say you are looking for free knitting patterns. Type in "free knitting patterns" or just "knitting patterns" in your search box and go! You will undoubtedly receive a bunch of different places to choose from. Browse the list. You may be able to find places that you can go to download the patterns onto your computer to print off later. Forums are places you can join, mostly free of charge, and get to know fellow craftsmen. You will be able to ask questions and get advice. Also, you will get to meet people doing the same things you are. Maybe you will be able to answer their questions! These are great places to find information.

If you don't know what project you want to start, paging through the countless pages on websites will give you many, many options. You will see things you never thought of yourself. You may decide to make something that would look great on your couch or maybe a nice quilt for your friends that are visiting a cabin this winter.

Learn A Life Skill TODAY!

Did you ever watch your grandma knitting?
Wasn't it boring? Didn't it seem to take forever?

Most of us live life in the fast lane. Who needs to buy balls of yarn, search for patterns and spend - heaven forbid - the next three months making a jumper, when we can buy one in the high street for next to nothing.....

So why bother learning to knit?

• the garment you make yourself is special to you or whoever you make it for. Create your own unique 'look'.
• you will NEVER bump into someone wearing the exact same thing. Style and originality in one!
• if you ever thought you didn't have a creative bone in your body - think again. Creating something useful will give you the most wonderful sense of achievement, second only to giving birth!

You don't have time for this?

Yes you do..... knitting can be done in an odd five minutes here and there throughout the day ... during the advertisements on TV if necessary.

Pick up your knitting when the ads come on instead of checking the fridge for chocolate and snacks = less calorie intake = weight loss = joy!

And if you're under the impression that knitting is boring and takes too long to get to the end of anything, think again!

New yarns make knitting much much faster than ever and not only that, patterns are more fun and stylish in these days of superior design.

Children in the Shetland islands ( north of Scotland, UK ) learn to knit as part of their curriculum.

Yes - children can do this. My own children knit and can make unique and wonderful personalized gifts for their friends.

Don't miss out on a life skill. Learn to knit today and gifts for the 'friend who has everything' will never cause another moments worry!

Knitting Basics - Casting On Part 4

We have already looked at a number of different cast on methods including simple one strand as well as two strand methods. Below we will consider some more interesting and decorative cast on methods.

Channel Islands Cast On

This is a more advanced form of a two strand cast on but is much firmer and is great to use if you are going to be doing a single rib pattern. You should follow your preferred two strand cash on but instead:

1. Use both strands of yarn in your left hand

2. Wrap the two strands of yarn around your thumb or index finger, the usual way for the simplified method and the opposite way for the thumb, German and Italian methods.

3. After each stitch wrap the yarn under and up the front of the needle to make another stitch.

Knotted Cast On

This is another two strand method that is very strong and is also great to use as a decorative edge.

1. Cast on 2 stitches using your preferred two strand method

2. Take the second needle in your left hand and insert into first stitch

3. Lift the first stitch over the second stitch and off the end of the needle

Cable Cast On

This is a very firm cast on method and forms an edge like a cord. It is important to work it loosely otherwise you may have difficulties. This method uses two needles and one strand.

1. Make a slip knot.

2. Cast on one stitch using the knitted method (can be found in part 2)

3. Continue like knitted cast on but insert the needle behind the first stitch

Alternate Cable Cast On

This again uses two needles and one strand of yarn and is a variation on the cable cast on that is good for single rib. Follow the cable cast on method except knit behind first stitch and then purl behind the following one and so on. When beginning your rib you should start with purl if your last cast on stitch was a purl and vice versa.

Picot Cast on

This is one of my favourite cast on methods and gives a lovely decorative edge. It uses two needles and one strand

1. Make a slip knot

2. Cast on 5 stitches using cable cast on (stitches will be on left hand needle)

3. Cast off 2 stitches (you should have 2 stitches on LH needle and one on RH needle)

4. Slip stitch from right hand needle to left hand needle

5. Repeat steps 2-4 until you have the correct number of stitches.

There are literally so many cast on methods that I could go on all day listing them. However what I have put together are a number of cast on methods that I like and that you should hopefully be able to try. Don�t be afraid to experiment with casting on your knitting. There is not a right way or a wrong way. Every cast on is different and is good for different things so even if you are an experienced knitter you may be able to find something new to try.

You can find additinal info at the following links:

http://affiliatebigbang.com/ICC/offers.php?ID=134&s=1&t=35

5 Best Reasons To Knit!

It's early August, and I can almost hear sleigh bells. Can't you? Don't look now, but summer is on the wane! Without even knowing it, the days are growing shorter, already! Cool breezes are blowing and some foliage is actually going away.

But wait! There is a solution....instead of getting depressed, you need to do something. Like take up a hobby.

I can't think of anything better than learning to knit!

I don't care about all those other crafts and DIY projects; learn knitting and you can kiss those paintballs goodbye!

If you don't believe me, then let me give you *5* good reasons why:

#1 You can feel just like a knitting apprentice! After all, in centuries past an apprentice was someone learning a craft, and if you are new to knitting, then you're an apprentice! Even the Donald couldn't argue with that!

With knitting, there is a TON of information, and no matter how often you knit, or how much you think you know, there is always something new.

And that's good, because you never want to run out of ideas.

#2 Years ago there was a TV commercial for "Shake N Bake", which featured a little girl in the kitchen with Mom, and all she said was "Shake n Bake...and I helped".

Now, I know that has nothing to do with knitting. However, the best part of that, is when a friend asks you where you bought your pretty little purse, or new scarf, you can say, "I knitted it myself."

Old commercial, same premise. Take it from me, when you knit-it-yourself, it feels good!

#3 The Four Seasons. Knitting is strictly non-committal. It doesn't care what month it is or what holiday is approaching, there is always something fun to knit.

Halloween, autumn, Independence Day, Valentine's Day, graduations, weddings, take-your-dog-to-work-day, christenings, Christmas, you name the day, and there is a knitting pattern out there for it!

Your knitting creations are always one-of-a-kind, not to be seen in any store or mall. So, when you're knitting that Christmas stocking on the train home from work, you never know who you will be inspiring next.

#4 Unless you have been living under a rock or way out past left field, you know how expensive gasoline is getting! Daily, the price goes higher.

So, instead of getting in your gas-guzzling vehicle, and cruising around town, to no avail, take up knitting. Get a neighborhood group together, or start a club in your dorm or condo.

Buy some cheapy yarn, and needles, and download my ebook, "Ready Or Knit, Here I Come!" from www.TheKnitStitch.com and you will be amazed at the fun to be had!

#5 Knitting is good for you! We all live very stressful lives.

If it's not one thing, it's the other; and every-day life can be tough. Sometimes a bubble bath, or mood music just doesn't cut it.

Knitting can help. The mere click of the needles is soothing music.

Knitting one row, then another, creating stitches, patterns, projects, and seeing it all come together makes for satisfaction indeed.

It doesn't all happen at once. Many projects take weeks, and months to complete, if you want to do them right.

But, that's the essence of knitting.

Working with your hands, you are creating something right from the first stitch. You watch it come to life as you go, and little by little, your knitting becomes reality.

Exercise is great, yet, doing something for your soul, is just as important.

So, if you want to slow down, and find meaning in your life again, try knitting.

So, there you have it, 5 best reason to knit!

But, don't take my word for it, try it for yourself!

Copyright 2006 Alice Seidel

Which Knitting Yarns Should You Choose?

Anyone who has anything to do with knitting will know the importance of knitting yarns. For many people one of the most enjoyable aspects of the craft is browsing through the many yarns available in a knitting shop. This is because there are numerous textures of yarn and a vast array of colours to choose from. All in all choosing your knitting yarn is a pleasurable experience.

People who are experienced in the art of knitting know the importance of using the best quality knitting yarn they can get hold of. In fact what type of knitting yarn to use is one of the most important decisions a craftsperson has to make. The choice available is vast and the decision depends on what garment you want to create. So for example, if you are looking to make a scarf or a hat you could look to use �New Fizz' or for a lightweight summer top use �Dune', or for a realistic animal colour use �Foxy'. For general garment creation, one of the best known kitting yarns is �Sirdar'. Often the better yarns are provided with a range of knitting patterns leaflets.

Australia is famous for both the quality and types of knitting yarns produced. Remember to use the knowledge of the yarn supplier so that you can get the best yarn for the job you have lined up. The hand dyed yarns are available in an extensive colour range and those in natural fibres consist of �Merion wool', �Cashmere', �Cotton', �Mohair' or �Alpaca' in addition to �Jo Sharp' pure wool and �Heirloom Alpaca'.

There are some things to remember. Firstly, it is always a good idea to do a tension square as you may need different amounts of knitting yarn. As far as the patterns are concerned you should remember that the pattern and the ply should be the same, so use four ply yarn for a four ply pattern and �Aran' yarn for an �Aran' pattern. Your knitting pattern whilst looking attractive needs to be suitable to the garment you want to knit. A good place to start particularly if you are relatively new to knitting to look for patterns is the yarn skein, which comes wrapped and nearly every one of these will have a pattern on it. This is particularly good as the pattern will be correct for the yarn being used. The other advantage is that these patterns are in effect free. There are old favourites such as books and magazines. Often books give step by step instructions as well as a general knitting overview. Finally, an ever growing source of information on both knitting patterns and the best knitting yarns to use is the Internet. This includes dedicated knitting sites and an increasing number of forums where enthusiasts can ask questions, provide advice and share tips and tricks.

For a sophisticated look choose �Tuscany' fashion yarn for tops and accessories. Other accessories choices include �Firefly' and �Illusion' which are ladder type knitting yarns. If you prefer a sparkling look go for either �Medici' or �Vegas' to improve the look of the garment. To keep warm in winter choose a chunky knitting yarn, some two ply yarns contain fifteen percent wool.

Knitting yarns do not have to be expensive. Good quality yarns at lower cost include �Aran', �Double Knit', four ply, three ply as well as two ply. Fashion yarns include �Milan', �Gypsy', �Amore', �Apache' and Sirocco which comprises of eighty percent cotton. You could even try �Eskimo DK' which is soft and furry and is available in plain colours. So it makes sense to take advice and take your time when choosing knitting yarns.

DIY, Holiday Creative Project

Beautiful baubles

Hands-on time: Less than two hours per dozen.
Total time: Plus 48 hours for paint to cure.
Skill: Easy to moderate.
Cost estimate: Less than $10.00 for a dozen.

Materials & tools:

Clear or frosted glass balls in assorted shapes and sizes
Vitrail and Porcelaine 150 paints
Copper leafing and adhesive size by Renaissance Foil, Detla
Micro beads
Assorted beads
Decorative wire in 22 to 25 gauge
Assorted colourful and white rice papers
Mod Podge by Plaid
Sparkle Glaze by Delta
Iridescent flakes, rhinestones, tassels, gold string and Fun wool for decorative accents
Applicator bottles (small plastic bottles with a nozzle tips)
Basic tools needed; wire cutter, scissors, painter's tape, a sea sponge and assorted paintbrushes, and metal glue
*(all above items are available at arts and craft supply stores)

This year, deck the halls with beautiful ball creations in medleys of rich colours and styles. Make your own holiday ornaments to add among your cherished oldies and to treasure for years to come. Decorating the home with impressive ornaments has never been easier to achieve, utilizing only a handful of basic craft supplies. Glass ball ornaments with sophistication from eclectic to elegant designs are painted with brilliant colours and magnificently decorated with copper leafing, rice paper, beads, tassels and ritzed up with glitz.

Aside from decorating a traditional Christmas tree, ball ornaments make distinguished decorations to beautify an entrance, a hallway, or to grace a mantel. Mixtures of solid colours or striped balls are simply splendid displayed in tall vases, large bowls or incorporated into a spectacular centerpiece.

If you live in a small space, decorating with ornaments is a fantastic way to add wonderment to your decor without incorporating a huge tree. Smaller glass versions are perfect to jazz up tabletop trees and to create stylist floral arrangements.

Preparing the base of the glass ornaments:

Prepare the glass surface for painting by washing the balls thoroughly with soap and water and wipe dry.

Attach a decorative string to the metal cap tips that come with the glass balls. It makes it easier to handle the balls while painting and practical to hang them for drying on an ornament stand or a coat rack with pegs.
Paint the surfaces of the glass balls with a soft bristle paintbrush using Vitrail paints in your choice of colours from emerald, red violet to turquoise blues. I used a rich palette of crimson, brown, and burnt amber. Since these are decorative items only, I used Vitrail solvent based paints because the colours are brilliant and they don't need to be heat set. Once painted hang the balls to air-dry. They will dry within hours and be ready to decorate within a 48 hour period. Use a solvent base cleaner to clean your brushes well.

Eclectic paper collage; Painted glass balls are garlanded with assorted scraps of colourful and white rice papers. Use paper bits and pieces leftover from other holiday projects. Apply a coat of Mod Podge over the surface of the ball. Randomly apply and layer tiny paper pieces around the ball, leaving some areas exposed in order to see its colour. To secure the paper composition into place, apply a top coat of Mod Podge and let dry. Once dry apply a coat of sparkle glaze to make them glitter and glow.

Renaissance: Apply vertical stripes evenly spaced all around the ball with a fine point paintbrush using Porcelaine 150, Vermeil gold. For a majestic look apply rhinestones garnishes over the dried gold stripes using metal glue.

Baroque: Apply narrow painter's tape to create two stripes on the bottom half of a glass ball. Apply adhesive sizing with soft paintbrush to the area between the tape stripes. Set the ball a side to allow the adhesive to become dry and tacky to the touch (15-60 minutes). Place and press copper leaf over the adhesive medium to adhere to the ball. Use a clean soft brush to secure the leafing into place and to remove excess pieces. Top off with a wire length fastened around the cap, bead the ends and add a tassel.

Old world: Apply adhesive sizing randomly around the ball and follow the leafing steps as above. The leafing will only stick to the areas where the medium was applied. Apply a length of Terrifically Tacky Tape around the center of the ball. For a gleaming touch, sprinkle iridescent flakes over the tape and gently pat it.

Glistening swirl: Simply dab a colour of Vitrail paint around a glass ball using a sea sponge. Once dry, apply a band of rice paper with a swirl pattern at the center of the ball with Mod Podge. Apply glitter glaze around the ball. Wrap a piece of coloured wire around the cap of the ball and decorate the ends with beads.

Beaded Rococo: Pour assorted metallic Porcelaine 150 paints into applicator bottles, one for each different colour. Using one colour at a time, squeeze the bottle to release paint along the sides of the ball, letting some of the colours overlap and some areas free of drippings. Let it dry and set for 48 hours. Garnish the ball with a band of colourful micro beads using Terrifically Tacky Tape. For an elaborate cap finish use fuzzy wool and bead accents.

Give older ornaments a renewed look by sprucing them up using the same supplies in order to blend in with your new ornaments. Each year make and add new styles of ornaments to your collection. Make extra ornaments to give as gifts to friends, teachers and relatives.

Variations;

Ribbons and fabric remnants make fabulous ornament embellishments. For a dazzling look use sequins, glitter glues, and old jewellery odds and ends. Modern and minimalist styles of ornaments can be made utilizing materials such as clay, foils, tinsel, wire, and mesh. For special effects make basic geometric shapes using textured or snow paints. For fine details or to inscribe your dinner guests names onto a personalized ornament use Porcelaine liners or markers.


You can find additinal info at the following link:
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Baby Crib Bedding with a Personalized Baby Blanket

A personalized baby blanket is a baby gift idea that is a sure way to comforting, soothing snuggles. If there is one treasured source of security in the life of every child, it is a blanket. Vast collections of silky receiving blankets, fleecy throw blankets, and unique baby swaddle blankets, all in the softest of textures, ensure that you will have difficulty limiting your choice to just one personalized baby blanket!

A baby swaddle blanket is superb for recreating a feeling of womb-like security. For newborns, the Cradle Me Baby Swaddle Blanket offers a removable foam insert for additional neck support during the first weeks. This makes it much easier for younger siblings to hold the baby safely. The convenient velcro strips keep the blanket snugly wrapped, yet easy to open and remove. The Cradle Me Baby Swaddle Blanket is fully machine washable.

If you prefer a baby swaddle blanket without velcro or straps, the Ultimate Swaddling Blanket may be what you are looking for. This generously sized, award-winning personalized baby blanket is manufactured from a superb quality cotton flannel or organic flannel.

Using this baby swaddle blanket is uncomplicated. To make things absolutely clear, the instructions are in picture-form on a label attached to the blanket. A variety of colors and trims are available. The Ultimate blankie will become a well-loved personalized baby blanket.

Personalized Baby Blanket - Security Wrapped Up In A Blanket

A personalized security blanket needs to be fit for multi-tasking! This little blanket has to be the right size for a cozy snuggle at home, a trip in a stroller, or a carseat adventure. Worldly travels, and nights in strange cribs, are also much more tolerable with a trusted personalized baby blanket as protection.

It is clear that these blankets have to be resilient, as they will probably collect lots of frequent-washing miles... Cotton flannel, combined with satin or chenille, are commonly used for personalized baby blankets. Polar fleece is also a cozy, dreamy texture to fold around a baby.

Bring a buddy into the blankie picture with an animal character security blanket, such as Dottie Dot's perky pup, friendly frog, or dainty duck. These creatures by Gund are a delight, and will be lovingly explored by tiny fingers. Alternatively have a look at the Boyds 23" fleecy, personalized baby blankets. Creatures featured include anything from a lovable lavender elephant, to a huggable blue bear.

A personalized baby blanket can be quite functional, as any baby who has discovered a Love Notes Little Taggie security blanket, will explain in no uncertain terms. This blanket offers silky snugness, with an embroidered message and applique. Its unique feature is that it incorporates rows of colorful, tactile stimulating tags, perfect for a 'treasure hunt' by inquisitive little hands, visually hungry eyes, and teething gums. This is a personalized baby blanket that will keep an infant distracted for hours.

Knitted personalized baby blankets are another option. These can often be machine washed. The lettering forms part of the knitting, and will therefore last as long as the blanket. Polar fleece blankets, sporting baby's name and birthdate in embroidery, are another popular choice.

The bottom line is that babies love blankets. So, if you can't make up your mind, buy the whole pile of personalized baby blankets!

You can find additinal info at the following link:
http://affiliatebigbang.com/ICC/offers.php?ID=133&s=1&t=34