DIY KNITTING!

I am sharing one of my new-found interests; knitting. When I decided to start working with something from scratch, I actually had a hard time choosing between knitting, crochet, or sewing. Given that sewing takes more investment to start, I decided to narrow the choices (although a sewing machine is on my next year Christmas list!). Ultimately, I chose knitting because of its versatility and the challenge that comes with it.

I will be honest, learning the techniques was difficult. I did not take any formal training or knitting classes so my source was YouTube. I did not want to take any classes until I knew I could get the hang of it.

In the picture above, I have included some of my first projects. This is a perfect time to learn how to do this to make many beautiful and simple stocking stuffers or office gifts.

For first-time knitters and low-budgeters, I have decided to create my list of things to do when you start so you are not completely in the dark. I am still learning myself but I think it is helpful to learn from a person who started from no knowledge when you are in the same place as well.


Step One: Choosing Beginner Yarn

1. It is important to realize that your first project will probably be a scarf. It is straight with no hard patterns and easy to learn repetitions. Therefore, you will
need at least one ball of yarn to begin.

2. There is so much yarn to choose from but it is necessary to consider the weight and the thickness. Beginner yarn should be worsted or 10-ply yarn.

3. You want to make sure your first yarn is very simple and not very sparkly or multicolored so that you can see the stitches well. Plus, you want the yarn not to have multiple strands or bumpy textures. I recommend wool-ease or cotton-ease for first time projects. From the picture above, my first yarn was the blue one. I then moved onto the wool textures and loved it since it was quicker and softer to make.


Step Two: Choosing Beginner Needles

1. When working with something simple like a scarf, you will need single-pointed needles. These needles are sold in a pack and have one end that is pointed and the other end with a knob attached. There are also double-pointed needles, cable needles, and circular needles available for making things like hats, gloves, sweaters, etc. I have no experience with double-pointed or cable needles yet, but I did try circular needles when making a hat. They look like this:

        Basically, two needles attached to a flexible plastic cord. I recommend learning with a single-pointed needles set and then buying this later on if you are interested.


  2. In the picture above, I also have included a small needle big enough for the yarn thread to come   through. These are found in the knitting aisle as well and are very important as a beginning purchase. They help you finish of the scarf in the last steps. Some people prefer a crochet hook for this job and you can buy that as well.

3. It is also very important to consider the diameter of the needle. Basically, the thinner the needle, the tighter and less flexible the stitch. I recommend that a first-time knitter should buy a diameter around 5 mm to 8 mm. The standard size is 5 mm. This will be easier to handle and allow more flexibility without very loose stitches. One thing to understand, each needle has a number on them and that is not the millimeter size. It is the American measurement and is not usually what I follow. However, just to let you know, a size 8 needle is 5 mm and it will usually say that under the number. My first needle pair was 3.75 mm and that was probably what added to my frustration on getting the technique. In the picture below, I have  3.75 mm, and an 8 mm. I liked the 8 mm much better. 

4. There is also the length of the needle to consider. The length should not be to big or to small to allow maximum comfort. I recommend anywhere from 10-16 inches, which is the standard size.

5. Since no one told me about the different needle materials, I went with metal and I really like it. However there are four different materials to choose from; wood, plastic, metal, and bamboo. There are plenty of pros and cons on each so I just say do your research and pick one. I heard good reviews on bamboo because the yarn does not slip and is lighter than metal but they can break if the circumference is to small.   


Step Three: Starting the Projects

1. Like I said earlier, my sources of learning was YouTube. I have included some links that I used to make it easier for you to find the proper techniques.

How to knit (These are a series of different ones)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G9hv44QwQ-A
 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tff3ng-djtk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ONVQCK_-rKc

How to circular needle knit http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8LB__4WhGY4
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L_hl7HGMDy0

2. Local crafting stores hold knitting classes often. They are only one day usually and you can grasp the techniques very fast and effectively. Look into Jo-Ann's or Michael's Store Websites.

3. Know of any friends who knit? Get a group started. Everyone can bring their knowledge to the table and you will build and strengthen in learning together.

Encouraging Closing Statements

Knitting is soo easy once you get the hang of it. It is just one continuous repetition after another. As you get better, you can learn new techniques and use them interchangeably to create pattern on your material. I admit, starting it was hard. I had to rewind videos over and over again because they were going to fast for me to understand it! If you get to frustrated, put it down and try it the next day. I promise as soon as you get the technique down, you will be able to do it with your eyes closed (though I do not recommend it :)).

DIY Inexpensive Chalkboards!

This DIY project is perfect for this season! It makes great gifts for children to play with, mothers to write grocery or chore lists, and a wife and husband to exchange little love notes to each other. There are tons of other things to do with blackboards! The best part is that they are very easy and inexpensive to make. I liked to do it so much, that I made two of them; one for my daughter and one for a Christmas present!

You will need:

1. Chalkboard paint. This paint can be found at any home improvement store like Home Depot or Lowes and most other large stores carry them too. We got this paint at Walmart. This is a spray paint but there is also cans of paint available for those who prefer it. The price is around $3-$5 a can and you can do up to 4 frames that are 16x20. 



  2.   You will need any type of picture frame that is plastic-backed. The chalkboard paint does not say anything about working well on glass but I tried it on glass and it works well too. A good size would be 16x20 but smaller ones like 4x6 are cute and you can pin it in the kitchen for to-do lists.

These picture frames can be found easily. Most people have picture frames stored in the basement or in the garage in hope that they will be used again (but it never happens). Therefore, hunt through the boxes and find some. You can also find some at thrift stores for an excellent price. I had a picture frame that was a little bit scratched up and not very interesting. I had some blue acrylic paint lying around and I used a piece of kitchen sponge and dabs of paint to create a beautiful appearance! My husband also spray painted the frame of another picture the color silver with a spare can he had lying around.

Another possibility would be to buy a piece of plywood from a store like Home Depot and use that instead of  the glass or plastic. I bought a sheet of wood for about $10 and had it cut right at the store. (I can use the extra wood for different projects too). The thickness was about the same as the glass and cardboard patting would be in the picture frame so I took those two out and used just the plywood. Wood is a good alternative if you have children that draw very aggressively on the boards and you do not want them to harm themselves.

Directions:

1. Unfortunately I do not have any pictures of the process (sorry!) but it is a very simple and easy technique. Make sure to do this outside because the paint does smell.

2. Lay out some newspaper or plastic bags on the concrete. Slide out your glass or plastic from the frames (or take your piece of wood) and lay it down. Makes sure you dust of the material before you start spraying. I also recommend sanding the wood a little with some scrap pieces of sandpaper but it is not required.

3.Then, following the directions on the can, spray about 8 inches from the surface in a consistent motion from top to bottom. Repeat about 2 or three times, depending on what material you are using. Plastic usually takes fewer coats and wood takes more. If you are using a paintbrush and wood version, use nice and even strokes following the grain of the wood.  If you can not take out your glass or plastic from the frame, make sure to cover up the frame with tape.

4. Let it dry for about 24 hours before using (or follow directions on the can). Slip it back into the frame and viola! Simple and easy! 

  

DIY Project: Bridal Shower Favors on a Budget

My beautiful friend recently got married and I had the honor to help her bridesmaids with the bridal shower decor. All of my supplies were purchased at the dollar store and created a charming accent to the center table. However, I did buy the candy from a grocery store because they have a better selection.


The items purchased were:

1. Lace circles (12 in a pack)
   
   
   
2. Ribbon in assorted color, which I have a lot left over to use on gifts for other parties and celebrations.
3. Pink shot glasses. These have a different purpose usually, but why not use them for simple decor?

I also decorated candy bars with personalized stickers that you can put through your printer. Microsoft Publisher has the template. (I have publisher 2007). And yes, they were also from dollar tree!

One thing to be aware of at dollar tree is that there decorations and supplies slightly differ for each season. Those shot glasses were available for the summer but not for other seasons. Typically, you can always find something else to use. When I found out about the engagement, it was around Valentines Day. Therefore, there were heart decorations and a lot of pink items. I stocked up on heart confetti, pink streamers and other decor while it was avaliable. Stay tuned for more DIY Projects and Fun!

De-clutter your life! Simple and inexpensive organizing techniques!

Living in a small place with three people is not easy, especially when you hate clutter. I wanted to share tips on how to make things less cluttered, more organized, and better presented. Since I am in the process of organizing, I will add more throughout the week. These are my own personal tips on what I do and I hope you will enjoy.

Tip 1: With the new style of having a different kind of scarf for every kind of outfit, I feel like I have more scarfs than shirts! I used to take a big plastic container and thrown them all in there. The downside? They would get wrinkled, unorganized, and it was time-consuming to dig through them all to find the one you want. Now, I use a simple hanger and tie them on it. One hanger probably hold about 4 to 8 scarfs and it is easier to find with better looking closets. Plus, it takes up less room!

Tip 2: Just when I did not think I could have no more scarfs, I have even more belts. And it doesn't help that every dress, jacket, or shirt comes with one now. But of course I do not throw any away because I justify that they are all cute and will match different outfits. First step: throw the ones you do not need away. Or do some good and give them to those less fortunate. For some of my belts I take a shoebox and roll them  in their neatly. For the ones I use more often or I am afraid to wrinkle, I use special belt clasps that you can buy at any store for cheap and I connect a bunch to one hanger. You can also hang them off an unused key hanger.

My plan it to buy the nicer looking ones for even better presentation. Bed, Bath and Beyond has nice ones, 2 for $10. It works for scarfs as well.

Tip 3: I have recently purchased a tie and belt holder for my husbands various formal attire. I think it is very profitable to spend money on buying a correct organizer for things that take up more room than necessary. I have tried putting them on hangers, various nails, etc. But in the end, this was the best choice. Plus, it is velvet-covered so the cloth does not slip off. And it it so space-saving! I think its time to fill my side of the closet with more clothes now. ;) Another idea is the metal hanger below.  

Tip 4: For shoes, I have a rack to hold two shelves. With my bigger supply of shoes since my daughter is starting to walk, I need more shoe holders that take up less room. I love the over-the-door shoe holders that are available. I prefer the cloth ones over the metal or plastic because they are much more comfortable for me. Even though they have a tendency to bend more than solid ones, I still prefer them for the softness and flexibility.

 There are also under-the-bed shoe holders that are available for even more room. Here is one at Walmart:

Tip 6: A great storage saver in the children's closet are these cloth ones I got at Burlington Coat Factory. They organize all my girl's shirts and pants into one convenient place when I need them so that the dresser isn't overflowing with clothes. I also recently purchased a big storage bin with drawers for blankets and towels that fits perfectly in the closet. And may I say it is also pink :)

Tip 7: I love couponing, and a simple file organizer can help you organize your different gift cards or coupons to save money. I bought this small organizer from the Target dollar section. It has four compartments which I organized as food, body, cleaning, and other. It is convenient because you can have it in your purse, especially for those quick stops to the grocery store that you were not expecting to make.

  

Tip 8: These little plastic organizers help in little areas but make a big impact on your storage. I bought a bunch of them for the dollar tree and I use them for various things such as utensils, hair pieces, yarn and needles, pens and pencils, batteries, envelopes and stamps, candles,etc! The possibilities are endless!