It's all about the yarn!

  

At some events, I have offered a Yarn Tasting, it's the opportunity for participants to see and touch different types of yarn.  I started this because I realized that not everyone is aware of the variety of fibers, yarns and threads that are available for yarn crafts.  

In addition to the different fiber content (cotton, acrylic, wool, Alpaca, silk, mohair, cashmere, etc.), yarn also comes in different sizes.  The size of the yarn will determine which size needles or hooks to be used.  The bigger the yarn and needle or hook, the bigger the stitches and the faster the project will be completed. 

One of the things that I share with students in my knit and crochet classes is that when choosing yarn, be sure to look at the yarn in the same way they'll see it while working with it.  While it may look  pretty wound in the skein or ball, it will look different when it's opened and stretched out. 

 

I recently crocheted a puppy and it called for a fur yarn.  I wasn't able to find the type that was suggested so I substituted a similar yarn that would still give it a fluffy look.  

I failed to heed my own advice and didn't look at how the yarn would look as I was working with it.  I made all of the puppy parts (head, body, legs, ears and tail) and realized that it wasn't very fluffy at all.  Then I realized that I was using the yarn the wrong way!  I was crocheting it like a 'normal' yarn, working around the yarn, but was supposed to be crocheting through the top track. Look closely in the picture above to see how this yarn is different from the previously pictured yarns.

Fortunately I had plenty of yarn and was able to start over.  Taking out the stitches from the first parts was nearly impossible.

 

As you can see in this picture, the puppy is light and fluffy as it was intended to be.  And my granddaughter loves it!

  

Four years ago when I began teaching knit and crochet classes at Michaels, we had the opportunity to purchase and wear t-shirts that said Yarn Expert on the back.  I may not be an 'expert' yet, but I sure know a LOT more about yarn and other fibers now than I did then! 

Artist Demonstration @ The Indiana State Museum

I am honored to be included in this event!

                          

Artist Demo:

February 27, 1:00pm – 3:00pm

The Indiana State Museum will be hosting a dynamic artist demonstration by Denise Smith, the Untangled Stitcher.

Visit Indiana Museum for more information about this free event.

      

 

I will be demonstrating and teaching Cardboard Weaving and Finger Crocheting.  If you're in the area, stop by!

~Denise

It's time to (re)learn a new craft

Maybe it's due to it being cold, snowy and kind of dreary, January is when a lot of peope take an interest in learning to knit and or crochet.

You'll find that most craft stores have yarn on sale this month for as much as 55% off.

                           

Many stores are offering discounts on their knit and crochet classes too.  Michaels just had a Classes Open House on Saturday, January 9th and offered all classes for a 50% discount.  So classes that are normally $25.00 were $12.50.  That includes the knit, crochet and kids weaving classes that I teach.

I answered a LOT of questions during the 4 hour Open House and even signed up some new students.  It's always a pleasure to have students return for more classes and that happened too!

  

The Craft Yarn Council provides the curriculum for the knit and crochet classes that I teach at Michaels. We offer Beginner 1 and 2 classes.  With each class the student learns a new stitch and with that stitch they are then able to create a project.  We also provide handouts and patterns.  I teach pattern reading and offer many helpful tips.  

The first thing that I tell students is that there is no right or wrong way, it's what works for you.  As long as you're consistent in your techniques and get the results that you want, you're good !

I hope to knit or crochet with YOU soon!

~Denise

College Ave Stitchers Yarn Lottery

Did you know that we have a Yarn Lottery when we meet the 1st Saturday of each month?

                                

 

                  Two of our past winners with their new yarn!

It's completely voluntary.  BUT if you choose to participate this is how it works....

* Bring an unused skein or ball of yarn.
* Put it in the pot.
* Add your name to the drawing.
* If your name is drawn, YOU get all of the yarn to take home with you right then and there!

The more people who participate, the more yarn to be won.

Remember, it's completely voluntary so only those who want to participate. It's fun!

Our next gathering is Saturday, December 5th 11:30-1:30 at the College Ave Library Branch located at 4801 N College Ave, Indianapolis.

We are a group of yarn crafters (knit, crochet, cross stitch, loom knitters, etc) who get together to learn, teach, share, talk, laugh and meet new people.

You'd need to bring your own supplies.
Let me know if you have any questions.

We hope that you'll join us!
~Denise

FREE Arm Knitting Class

Join ME at the  Avon Michaels (or check your local Michaels store) on Monday, October 26th from 6:30-8:30 for a FREE Arm Knitting Class.  You'll need to provide your own yarn but there is no charge for the class.
The pictured sample is made from Lion Brand Vanna's Choice with Dusty Blue, Grey Marble ad Charcoal Grey.  You can choose a comparable yarn and the colors of your choice.

Each Michaels store is offering FREE classes in each of the creative disciplines - yarn, floral, jewelry, art, paper.  Check the online class schedule or in your local store.

Stitch It Forward

Saturday, October 17th was I Love Yarn Day!  People were encouraged to #StitchItForward and teach someone to  knit or crochet.  

There was also a movement to Yarn Bomb Facebook with images of hand knit and crochet items along with encouraging people to share why they knit or crochet.  

I spent part of Thursday and Friday teaching my 6 year old granddaughter how to crochet.  She's old enough now to take it serious.  I taught her the chain stitch and she made 2 necklaces and 1 bracelet.  

My 6 year old granddaughter's first completed crochet project.
 A necklace for me!

She left my house with her own supply bag, crochet hook and I let her "shop" from my vast supply of yarn.   She's already asked me to teach her how to make all of the things that she's seen me make. I told her she needs to learn more stitches. I told her she can learn a new stitch every week but she has to practice.  

 She said it was like magic! I was so happy to see her excited and am proud to know that someday,  when she's asked who taught her how to crochet (she wants me to teach her to knit too) that she'll say her grandmother :)

~Denise

Back at it!

After finishing my Knit & Crochet Level II Certification requirements, I took some time off from knitting and crocheting. My sholder needed the rest.

My long list of projects hasn't gone anywhere though.  Now I'm rested, not in pain and back at it. 

This week I bought yarn to make the new knit and crochet class projects.  In case you didn't  know, I make each project.  That lets me see any potential challenges for students and allows me to have finished items to be seen and touched.

Michaels is having a Classes Open House on Saturday, September 12th from 11-3.   For all the classes that you register for, either in-store or online, you'll receive a 50% off discount.

Crochet Beginner 1
Dishcloth
ends waiting to be woven in

Knit Beginner 1
Hat with Pompom
in progress

Open House is a good time to meet instructors, ask questions  and see the new class schedules. You can find more information online at Michaels.com/classes-and-events . Enter your zip code to find the Michaels in your area.

My class schedule can be found on my calendar to the right.  Click on each specific date for more details.  You can leave a comment or email me if you have questions. UntangledStitcher@gmail.com

I look forward to knitting or crocheting with you soon!
~Denise

Just what is College Ave Stitchers?

I'm sure some of you have asked yourself this very question.  It is a group of yarn crafters - knitters, crocheters, loom knitters - anyone who works with yarn, thread, fiber OR someone who wants to learn.

We meet the 1st Saturday of each month at the College Avenue Library located at 4180 N College Ave in Indianapolis from 11:30-1:30.

These are some of our regular attendees. 

   

We bring in things that we've made to show off. 

For those who are interested, we have a Yarn Lottery.  To participate, bring a full skein of yarn from a pet and smoke free environment.  Those who do will have their name entered into the drawing and one lucky person leaves each month with new yarn. 

I provide instructions for FREE and each participant needs to bring their own supplies.

What supplies? May be your next question.  That depends on what you want to learn.  For KNITTING I would suggest  size 8 or larger knitting needles and a light, solid colored #4 yarn.
For CROCHETING I would suggest a size H or larger hook and a light, solid colored #4 yarn.

For patterns, I always recommend checking out books from the library before buying them. Children's books are good ones to start with.  You can also get free patterns from yarn labels, yarn websites and  displays in most craft store yarn departments.

One of the things some of us will be doing this fall and winter is making items to donate.  I will donate blankets and hats to the Wheeler Mission.  If you're intimidated by knitting or crocheting a whole blanket you can make blocks and then join them to make a blanket.  We collect knit and crochet blocks at Michaels (where I teach knit and crochet classes for a fee) as part of Warm Up America!  I have donated several blankets that I've joined to University Hospital but will start giving them to Wheeler Mission.

Kitted and crocheted blocks 

Joined into strips

Finshed blanket

Lap blanket I made from leftover yarn

If you have any questons feel free to send me an email at UntangledStitcher@gmail.com

We would love to have you join our friendly, welcoming group!

~Denise

Pssst.... Want a sneak peek?

I mentioned before that there would be new Michaels Knit and Crochet class projects. Since YOU are a a loyal follower of my blog, YOU are getting to see them first here!

Crochet Beginner 1                      Crochet Beginner 2

                           
Dishcloth   Skinny Scarf/Cowl            Crochet Scarf     Tech Cover


Knit Beginner 1                               Knit Beginner 2

                            
Fingerless         Hat with Pompom        Striped Scarf        Coasters
Gloves


I plan to have my new class schedule posted in the next day or so. Be sure to check back here -  my calendar to the right or on my Facebook's event page - UntangledStitcher.

You may also be happy to know that Michaels will be offering FREE classes each month.  You'll have the opportunity to learn Arm Knitting, Jewelry, Painting, Drawing and Floral.  If you receive email and text updates from Michaels you may have already received information about these classes.

As always, I look forward to knitting and/or crocheting with you soon!
~Denise

You may have noticed...

I deleted all of my September Knit/Crochet classes at Michaels.

There is a(nother) change coming!

I will still be teaching at the Avon Michaels but beginning in September, some class days and times will be set by the Michaels Corporate offices.

Once I get final approval I will post my new class schedule that will begin in September.

**My July and August knit & crochet class schedule 

will remain the same**

Finger Crochet Fun at the Eagle Branch Library's 45th Anniversary Celebration

 In the fall of 2014 I was invited to participate in the Eagle Library Branch's 45th Anniversary Celebration on May 30, 2015,  to teach a yarn craft.

So yesterday Meecey and I headed to the library to make new friends and teach finger crocheting.

I was the 1st scheduled event and had barely set up my table when my first participant came over.  I didn't have a chance to put on my apron or set up my sign.

 I also didn't get to take any pictures of my set up or of those who made bracelets or necklaces.  I know that the library staff took a lot of pictures so once they're posted I'll share some.

Fortunately I'd worn my new shirt for the occasion.  Once my crowd was gone and I'd packed up, I  was able to get this special picture to bring attention to the library's Summer Reading Program.

It was a fun and well organized event and I was happy to have been a part of it.   Thank you to those who stopped by to learn how to finger crochet.

Congratulations to the Eagle Library Branch on 45 years.

Thank you to Ellen, LaShonda and all of the library staff for all that you do for the community!
~Denise