Title:
Learn Knitting's 6 Yarn Secrets
Word Count:
649
Summary:
There is nothing like a good yarn, so the story goes! All jokes aside, learning any skill or craft takes time, time you should be devoting to finding out all about it. To learn knitting is no different. Just getting the hang of holding both needles at once, or working with a cable needle, or just perfecting your knit stitch and purl stitch, can take a long time.
Keywords:
learn knitting, how to knit, knitting, crafts, ebooks
Article Body:
Copyright 2006 Alice Seidel
There is nothing like a good yarn, so the story goes! All jokes aside, learning any skill or craft takes time, time you should be devoting to finding out all about it.
To learn knitting is no different. Just getting the hang of holding both needles at once, or working with a cable needle, or just perfecting your knit stitch and purl stitch, can take a long time.
And that's ok; nobody said you have to know it all immediately.
Along the way, however, it is fun to delve into all the secondary ideas and information. Knowing just a little bit about yarn can go a long way!
This article will walk you through *6* yarn secrets; intrigues for even the "craftiest" of knitters.
Secret #1: Always know what you are knitting with! This may sound too simple to be true, but you would be surprised.
Most projects will be knit with "classic" yarns. These are worsted or sport weight, wool, and cotton. All the rest are merely variations on a theme.
If you have a hankering for something fun fur or ribbon-y, eyelash, or wispy lace; save that thought until you know knitting well!!
Secret #2: When buying yarn, always buy by yardage, and not by weight. This is one I didn't even know when first starting out!
Yarns, like people, are of different weights; they can vary all over the place. But, it is the length that is important with each skein; it should be clearly marked and if it is not, then ask for that information.
Secret #3: Always, always, buy enough yarn at one time, for your knitting project! Do not expect to go back to the store two months from now and find the exact color yarn you bought initially.
Yarns are dyed in lots, and when a yarn store runs out of a particular color, they will order it again; but, the dye lot will be different and the subtlety in the color will be very apparent; take my word for it!
So, if you want that pink sweater to look uniformly pink, just buy the yarn, all the yarn!
And check to see that all the "lot #'s" are the same. And, I will always buy that extra skein, and have never been disappointed.
Secret #4: Don't know what to do with all those odd- balls? (And I'm not talking about your relatives, now.)
Well, let's see, you could knit a few placemats, baby washcloths, mittens, coasters, bookmarks, Christmas ornaments, sachets, doll clothes, knitted pins or fancy little handbags, buttons, flowers, tea cozies, table runners, fluffy wristbands (little girls love these!), a cat collar or dog sweater, a scarf or afghan jumble, and if you can think up anything else, knit away!
Secret #5: Get organized! This is one of my best- kept secrets. Only, not anymore.
Record all of your knitting projects. A simple spreadsheet, or word processor, will do the trick.
Save your labels! This way, when you are finished with your knitting, you can input all the necessary information in order to knit it again, or pass it along to a fellow knitter!
There are even software programs available now, like Needle Trax, to help you keep all your knitting projects organized with simple point and click technology.
Secret #6: A true knitter, like any good craftster, always has too much of everything, and not enough space to hold it all!
Thank goodness for plastic, I always knew there was a purpose for it.
Storage bins come in many varieties, so visit your local shops or even eBay for the best prices around.
Once you have enough storage bins available, then you can sort to your hearts' content! And you will love feeling so harmonious!
Harmony begets creativity every time; so with these *6* yarn secrets, there is no excuse anymore for not being your knitting best.
May your knitting basket always be full!
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Laundry Tips From 'The Clothing Doctor'
The average American household does one load of laundry per day -; that's a lot of time in the laundry room. Many people take pride in the appearance of their families' wardrobe, but all that time in the laundry room might be a waste.
Here are some tips on when to spend time and when to save it while doing laundry:
Spend Time: Hand Washing
If you have to hand wash a garment, it is because it's delicate and needs special care. Let all the water drain out of the basin before moving a fragile or loosely knitted garment. Don't squeeze delicate fabrics in a hurry to remove water; they may stretch or tear.
Save Time: Use Shorter Cycles
Ninety-eight percent of soil comes out in the first two minutes of a wash cycle. Your everyday clothing, without stains or ground-in soil, only needs about six minutes of laundry time, so using shorter wash cycles can save water, time and your dark clothing from fading.
Spend Time: Wash Clothes in Smaller Loads
Don't overload your washer. You may get more clothes in, but they won't come out clean. If a washer is too full, clothes won't agitate or rinse enough. Make sure clothing is equally distributed around the tub of the washer to keep the load balanced during spin cycles.
Save Time: Pouring, Spilling and Dissolving Detergent
Most detergents require you to wait for the washer to fill and detergent to dissolve before adding clothes. That's two minutes per load and more than 12 hours a year spent waiting. The OxiClean Detergent Ball sits in your washer, ready and waiting at all times. Drop it in once and it lasts for 25 loads of laundry - eliminating time spent adding detergent every time you do a load.
Due to the advanced technology of OxiClean Detergent, you won't have to worry about leaving residue on your clothes during the rinse cycle. The low suds detergent rinses clean every time.
Sometimes taking extra time is the best thing you can do to keep your wardrobe looking great, but other times it's unnecessary. Knowing when to spend time washing and when to save it can keep clothes looking their best while giving you more time to show them off.
Steve Boorstein, known as "The Clothing Doctor," is a third-generation dry cleaner and the author of "The Ultimate Guide to Shopping and Caring for Clothing." He has appeared on "The View," "Good Day New York" and the CBS news. - NU
Here are some tips on when to spend time and when to save it while doing laundry:
Spend Time: Hand Washing
If you have to hand wash a garment, it is because it's delicate and needs special care. Let all the water drain out of the basin before moving a fragile or loosely knitted garment. Don't squeeze delicate fabrics in a hurry to remove water; they may stretch or tear.
Save Time: Use Shorter Cycles
Ninety-eight percent of soil comes out in the first two minutes of a wash cycle. Your everyday clothing, without stains or ground-in soil, only needs about six minutes of laundry time, so using shorter wash cycles can save water, time and your dark clothing from fading.
Spend Time: Wash Clothes in Smaller Loads
Don't overload your washer. You may get more clothes in, but they won't come out clean. If a washer is too full, clothes won't agitate or rinse enough. Make sure clothing is equally distributed around the tub of the washer to keep the load balanced during spin cycles.
Save Time: Pouring, Spilling and Dissolving Detergent
Most detergents require you to wait for the washer to fill and detergent to dissolve before adding clothes. That's two minutes per load and more than 12 hours a year spent waiting. The OxiClean Detergent Ball sits in your washer, ready and waiting at all times. Drop it in once and it lasts for 25 loads of laundry - eliminating time spent adding detergent every time you do a load.
Due to the advanced technology of OxiClean Detergent, you won't have to worry about leaving residue on your clothes during the rinse cycle. The low suds detergent rinses clean every time.
Sometimes taking extra time is the best thing you can do to keep your wardrobe looking great, but other times it's unnecessary. Knowing when to spend time washing and when to save it can keep clothes looking their best while giving you more time to show them off.
Steve Boorstein, known as "The Clothing Doctor," is a third-generation dry cleaner and the author of "The Ultimate Guide to Shopping and Caring for Clothing." He has appeared on "The View," "Good Day New York" and the CBS news. - NU
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Last-Minute Shoppers Rejoice: The Gift Card Can Save You
Despite their best intentions to finish holiday shopping early, many consumers end up waiting until the last minute: One in five people anticipate they won't finish their holiday shopping until the week before Christmas or until Christmas Eve, according to a survey conducted by Blockbuster.
The gift card, the quintessential last-minute gift, continues to be a popular choice among both givers and receivers.
A survey conducted by Deloitte & Touche found that 80 percent of adults received at least one gift card last year, with most averaging 3.2 gift cards during the holiday season. Additionally, a majority of consumers indicated in a 2004 National Retail Federation holiday survey that they would like to receive gift cards for the holidays.
Most retailers have gift cards available for last-minute shoppers. Entertainment, specifically movies and games, is one area where gift-givers are not likely to go wrong.
This year, Blockbuster is offering several holiday-themed gift cards at its 4,500 locations across the U.S. Seasonal cards include $25 and $15 gift cards, ideal for last-minute gifts for the baby sitter or a co-worker, while a five-pack of $5 cards lets you stock up on stocking stuffers or quick gifts for kids. You also can choose your own amount on gift cards with seasonal designs, such as snowflakes and gift boxes.
Additionally, all Blockbuster gift cards come with their own carriers, letting you address them to your loved ones instead of having to buy a greeting card.
With its large inventory of movie rentals, new DVDs and popular video games, the company is a boon to last-minute shoppers looking for gifts for several people on their list. For ultimate procrastinators, most Blockbuster stores are open every day of the year, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. - NU
The gift card, the quintessential last-minute gift, continues to be a popular choice among both givers and receivers.
A survey conducted by Deloitte & Touche found that 80 percent of adults received at least one gift card last year, with most averaging 3.2 gift cards during the holiday season. Additionally, a majority of consumers indicated in a 2004 National Retail Federation holiday survey that they would like to receive gift cards for the holidays.
Most retailers have gift cards available for last-minute shoppers. Entertainment, specifically movies and games, is one area where gift-givers are not likely to go wrong.
This year, Blockbuster is offering several holiday-themed gift cards at its 4,500 locations across the U.S. Seasonal cards include $25 and $15 gift cards, ideal for last-minute gifts for the baby sitter or a co-worker, while a five-pack of $5 cards lets you stock up on stocking stuffers or quick gifts for kids. You also can choose your own amount on gift cards with seasonal designs, such as snowflakes and gift boxes.
Additionally, all Blockbuster gift cards come with their own carriers, letting you address them to your loved ones instead of having to buy a greeting card.
With its large inventory of movie rentals, new DVDs and popular video games, the company is a boon to last-minute shoppers looking for gifts for several people on their list. For ultimate procrastinators, most Blockbuster stores are open every day of the year, including Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. - NU
Friday, January 27, 2012
Know the Facts Before You Hire Home Help
As Americans work longer hours and live more active lives, more homeowners are turning to cleaning-service companies for help with housework.
Choosing a company can be daunting, as there are nearly 22,000 cleaning-service options in the United States, ranging from self-employed housekeepers to nationally franchised chains. And few homeowners are aware of the legal issues that come with hiring a home service worker.
For example, whether you're paying your neighbor's son to mow the lawn or an independent housekeeper to clean, you may be liable if they become injured on your property. While homeowners' policies may cover medical costs, claims may affect future renewals and premiums. Also, most homeowner policies do not cover lost wages or disability.
Larger providers such as Merry Maids may be more costly than independent home service workers, but they can offer peace of mind and prevent substantial costs in the future. Merry Maids, the nation's largest home-cleaning service provider, diminishes the risk of injury by following cleaning procedures that are in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Merry Maids professionals also carry workers' compensation coverage, which protects homeowners in case of an injury on their property.
To protect yourself from a personal injury suit or other liability, you should:
* Hire vendors that carry workers' compensation insurance.
* Reduce the risk of injury on your property by hiring professional services that comply with OSHA standards.
* Be wary of referral agencies. They may be professional service companies, but they may not directly employ the individuals who clean your home. There is no guarantee of supervision, employee training, proper equipment or supplies, insurance coverage or compliance with immigration regulation or OSHA standards.
Choosing a company can be daunting, as there are nearly 22,000 cleaning-service options in the United States, ranging from self-employed housekeepers to nationally franchised chains. And few homeowners are aware of the legal issues that come with hiring a home service worker.
For example, whether you're paying your neighbor's son to mow the lawn or an independent housekeeper to clean, you may be liable if they become injured on your property. While homeowners' policies may cover medical costs, claims may affect future renewals and premiums. Also, most homeowner policies do not cover lost wages or disability.
Larger providers such as Merry Maids may be more costly than independent home service workers, but they can offer peace of mind and prevent substantial costs in the future. Merry Maids, the nation's largest home-cleaning service provider, diminishes the risk of injury by following cleaning procedures that are in compliance with Occupational Safety and Health Administration standards. Merry Maids professionals also carry workers' compensation coverage, which protects homeowners in case of an injury on their property.
To protect yourself from a personal injury suit or other liability, you should:
* Hire vendors that carry workers' compensation insurance.
* Reduce the risk of injury on your property by hiring professional services that comply with OSHA standards.
* Be wary of referral agencies. They may be professional service companies, but they may not directly employ the individuals who clean your home. There is no guarantee of supervision, employee training, proper equipment or supplies, insurance coverage or compliance with immigration regulation or OSHA standards.
Thursday, January 26, 2012
Kitchen Tables - Not Just For Dinner Anymore
Kitchen tables are the throwback from yesteryear. From a time when people would congregate in the kitchen to enjoy the company and warmth. To all sit down at the table and enjoy the daily feast with the family. They would all sit together to enjoy the meal and discuss all the events of the day. Today, the kitchen table is making a comeback. It may be the family gathering for a meal or friends gathered to chat and snack along the way.
Kitchen tables in a variety of sytles and shapes are now being made to fit almost every space, budget and lifestyle. From the farmhouse traditional cermaic tile top to the elegant granite countertop tables, all are ready in a variety of sizes and styles. You can buy a durable laminated table top or go for the timeless look of wood. There are many wood types to choose from and a variety of finishes available for you today.
The table was originally a place for family meals but has since become a place where people can just socialize around food. Friends come to visit are looking for that home type feel that comes with sitting and chatting in the kitchen. This arrangement also keeps the cook involved with the guests and allows everyone to join in the work. Food preparation is indeed a time of friendship and socializing.
You want to have a table that is inviting to your friends and family. You also want your table to be sized the way you need it. Too large a table isn't as inviting as a small one. Make sure you have enough space for your family and a few extras just in case. And remember your table is more then just a place to eat your meal.
Kitchen tables in a variety of sytles and shapes are now being made to fit almost every space, budget and lifestyle. From the farmhouse traditional cermaic tile top to the elegant granite countertop tables, all are ready in a variety of sizes and styles. You can buy a durable laminated table top or go for the timeless look of wood. There are many wood types to choose from and a variety of finishes available for you today.
The table was originally a place for family meals but has since become a place where people can just socialize around food. Friends come to visit are looking for that home type feel that comes with sitting and chatting in the kitchen. This arrangement also keeps the cook involved with the guests and allows everyone to join in the work. Food preparation is indeed a time of friendship and socializing.
You want to have a table that is inviting to your friends and family. You also want your table to be sized the way you need it. Too large a table isn't as inviting as a small one. Make sure you have enough space for your family and a few extras just in case. And remember your table is more then just a place to eat your meal.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Isn’t It Interesting That You Are Never Bored When Your Head Is In The Refrigerator?
At the age of 70 I retired. Happy days were ahead. I could do what I want, when I want and if I want to do nothing that’s okay too. I watched daytime TV, did the crossword puzzles, read the newspapers, and kept in touch with friends and family through email. I played some games on the computer and checked out the internet. Of course, I ate a lot because the food was there. When I did wander out, it was the mall or the supermarket where I could buy lots of goodies to keep me happy. When you’re retired, wandering aimlessly through the stores, spending money foolishly is not what you want to do. So what do you do? I didn’t want to be one of those old people sitting around waiting to die. I could see myself falling into a depression. Would you say I needed a new challenge in life!
The day of awakening came with a phone call from a friend. “The Parks Department has a Community Center nearby; they have all kinds of classes; let’s go check it out.” Now, I thought, what could I possibly do there? What I did find there was a low impact aerobics class that would help me take off the weight I had managed to put on. I joined the class, had a good time and met some really nice people. They were all discussing the line dance class they had joined and what fun it was. When I was about 10 years old, my brother who was five years older than I, used to practice his jitterbug on me and I grew up dancing during the wonderful era of the big bands. I didn’t get to dance much later in life and forgot how much I enjoyed it,
With a bit of trepidation I joined the line dance class. It wasn’t just country music anymore. They taught Mambo, Cha-Cha, Waltz, and I was in heaven. The only problem, since I was sure I knew how to dance, was thinking this was going to be soooooo easy! It turned out that I was the only newbie in the class and I also realized there’s no partner to lead me around the floor. At first I thought I must have turned stupid in my old age, but then realized that line dancing is mostly memory and my memory was not too sharp anymore. I was going to stick with it! The dances are a number of sets that are repeated during the dance and you have to be aware of the sequence, what steps come next. Fortunately, I did not take myself too seriously. Someone once said “dance as if no one is looking” so that’s exactly what I did. I laughed a lot, persevered and promised myself I would not give up. I finally did it! It all fell into place.
The moral of the story….. dance class is much less expensive than doctors and psychiatrists; it gives you a natural high! I lost weight; I lost inches; I started to eat healthier when I saw the weight loss and my memory has improved tremendously. I’m exercising my brain by learning something new with each dance. I learned so well, that at the age of 75, the Parks & Recreation Department offered me a job teaching line dancing. My students always compliment me on my youthful looks and demeanor; something I don’t mind hearing.
I just read that Socrates learned to dance when he was seventy because he felt that an essential part of himself had been neglected. Isn’t it funny that with all the aches and pains that come with age, I don’t feel a bit of pain when I dance? It must be that ‘natural high’.
The day of awakening came with a phone call from a friend. “The Parks Department has a Community Center nearby; they have all kinds of classes; let’s go check it out.” Now, I thought, what could I possibly do there? What I did find there was a low impact aerobics class that would help me take off the weight I had managed to put on. I joined the class, had a good time and met some really nice people. They were all discussing the line dance class they had joined and what fun it was. When I was about 10 years old, my brother who was five years older than I, used to practice his jitterbug on me and I grew up dancing during the wonderful era of the big bands. I didn’t get to dance much later in life and forgot how much I enjoyed it,
With a bit of trepidation I joined the line dance class. It wasn’t just country music anymore. They taught Mambo, Cha-Cha, Waltz, and I was in heaven. The only problem, since I was sure I knew how to dance, was thinking this was going to be soooooo easy! It turned out that I was the only newbie in the class and I also realized there’s no partner to lead me around the floor. At first I thought I must have turned stupid in my old age, but then realized that line dancing is mostly memory and my memory was not too sharp anymore. I was going to stick with it! The dances are a number of sets that are repeated during the dance and you have to be aware of the sequence, what steps come next. Fortunately, I did not take myself too seriously. Someone once said “dance as if no one is looking” so that’s exactly what I did. I laughed a lot, persevered and promised myself I would not give up. I finally did it! It all fell into place.
The moral of the story….. dance class is much less expensive than doctors and psychiatrists; it gives you a natural high! I lost weight; I lost inches; I started to eat healthier when I saw the weight loss and my memory has improved tremendously. I’m exercising my brain by learning something new with each dance. I learned so well, that at the age of 75, the Parks & Recreation Department offered me a job teaching line dancing. My students always compliment me on my youthful looks and demeanor; something I don’t mind hearing.
I just read that Socrates learned to dance when he was seventy because he felt that an essential part of himself had been neglected. Isn’t it funny that with all the aches and pains that come with age, I don’t feel a bit of pain when I dance? It must be that ‘natural high’.
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Is Your Partner An Alcoholic?
If you are reading this then you are concerned at the possibility and want to know wheat you can do.
Ask yourself these questions?
How important is alcohol to your partner?
How many drinks a day does your partner have?
Does your partner drink alone?
Does your partner drink in the mornings?
Is there less money left at the end of the week than there used to be?
The answers to these questions will help you to face up to the unpleasant fact that your husband or wife has an incurable disease.
You cannot do anything unless your partner also realizes that he or she is an alcohol addict.
Alcohol is addictive. You will find lots of people who will argue with this statement but alcohol fits all the definitions of a harmful and addictive drug;
1. You need to take more and more of it to get the same effect
2. Your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol.
3. People die from alcohol abuse
An alcoholic is someone who has become physically dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism is a permanent disease. It cannot be cured. An ex-alcoholic is simply one who has not had alcohol for a long time. If the ex-alcoholic has one drink they are hooked again and have to go through the whole drying out process again.
Treatment for alcoholism is available, but is expensive, because it means putting the alcoholic into an alcohol free residential treatment center. This will only work if the patient wants to be well again. Your partner will never be free of the addiction, he or she will always be an alcoholic. The treatment center will teach your husband or wife how to live without alcohol.
Alcoholism treatment centers allow the alcoholic to live in a supportive and alcohol free environment while giving up the drug. Psychological advice is available and group therapy sessions help many recovering alcoholics.
Alcoholics Anonymous are one group that holds support meetings for alcoholics. AA has groups in most towns and cities in most countries and many recovering alcoholics find the group sessions to be an essential part of STAYING a recovered alcoholic.
Given the toxic nature of alcohol, if the substance was discovered today, it would never be licensed as a drug or food. It is only the entrenched nature of the alcohol industry and the fact that so many jobs depend on it that make it politically unacceptable to ban alcohol. Does this sound similar to the excuses made by opium producing countries?
Ask yourself these questions?
How important is alcohol to your partner?
How many drinks a day does your partner have?
Does your partner drink alone?
Does your partner drink in the mornings?
Is there less money left at the end of the week than there used to be?
The answers to these questions will help you to face up to the unpleasant fact that your husband or wife has an incurable disease.
You cannot do anything unless your partner also realizes that he or she is an alcohol addict.
Alcohol is addictive. You will find lots of people who will argue with this statement but alcohol fits all the definitions of a harmful and addictive drug;
1. You need to take more and more of it to get the same effect
2. Your body becomes physically dependent on alcohol.
3. People die from alcohol abuse
An alcoholic is someone who has become physically dependent on alcohol. Alcoholism is a permanent disease. It cannot be cured. An ex-alcoholic is simply one who has not had alcohol for a long time. If the ex-alcoholic has one drink they are hooked again and have to go through the whole drying out process again.
Treatment for alcoholism is available, but is expensive, because it means putting the alcoholic into an alcohol free residential treatment center. This will only work if the patient wants to be well again. Your partner will never be free of the addiction, he or she will always be an alcoholic. The treatment center will teach your husband or wife how to live without alcohol.
Alcoholism treatment centers allow the alcoholic to live in a supportive and alcohol free environment while giving up the drug. Psychological advice is available and group therapy sessions help many recovering alcoholics.
Alcoholics Anonymous are one group that holds support meetings for alcoholics. AA has groups in most towns and cities in most countries and many recovering alcoholics find the group sessions to be an essential part of STAYING a recovered alcoholic.
Given the toxic nature of alcohol, if the substance was discovered today, it would never be licensed as a drug or food. It is only the entrenched nature of the alcohol industry and the fact that so many jobs depend on it that make it politically unacceptable to ban alcohol. Does this sound similar to the excuses made by opium producing countries?
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