The Secrets of Yarn

A project dedicated to improving knowledge in relation that material we call Yarn

Archive for February 23rd, 2008

Ode to Granny Squares

Posted by camanomade on February 23, 2008

GranniesOk, a lot of people have “issues” with granny squares.  They need to get over themselves, and quickly. Or they can keep their cute little mouths shut. Because, most of the detractors against this staple of crochet, a) Cannot crochet them and B) aren’t authorities on fashion or crocheting fashion.

Granny squares and other motifs are the quilting blocks of our art/craft. These babies are versitile and can be stunningly beautiful. You can make them in thread or yarn…they can be large or small. They come in all shapes and sizes. They are quick and easy to make, and can be put into a billion different kinds of projects!

Once again may I remind you that the yarn has a lot to do with it. You have to use your head when making projects. If it’s a blankey how do you want it to feel? If it’s a skirt do you really want it full of holes? Who knows maybe you do! Planning is always the key. Then there is color.

There are a myriad of tomes on color theory, there are several different color theories out there. I’m quite partial to a european theory that makes Green a primary color. Oh yes  indeed, that exists.

There are no universal acceptances on what makes a color beautiful or ugly. It depends on the culture in which you grew up. Look up color and their meanings some times. In western culture black signifies death, in many parts of asia, it is white that signifies death.

In western society white is worn for weddings, in some cultures it is green, or red, or blue.

Some cultures LOVE orange, some love avacado green (which I do not like, if it’s like the dirty avacodo green, now a fresh un-oxidized avacado has a lovely shade of creamy green.) Some cultures love constrasting elements, and others like colors grouped in the same family group.

I’m in the the shake it up baby line of color use, but I do make analogous (same color family) pieces for my western minded clients.

Half of what goes wrong with motifs and granny squares is a) the yarn choice and b) the color combos.

I like to to do several motifs out of two or three colors, and make equal amounts of squares or motifs in a single (complimentary or matching) color.

 Away with the tired comments about granny squares! I for one and quite tired of hearing it…I find it interesting how people can be so brazenly rude about a craft when they have so little knowledge about that craft. I am often stunned by the comments made by those who’s only knowledge of crochet is doing a picot edging on some project they created with sticks. I do not comment on other crafts of which my knowledge base is slim to none, I wish others were as courteous!

sarasscarf.jpg This scarf was made by my daughter last year out of my scrumblinis (it has every natural fiber you can think of in it, except Quivet)…She was only 13 when she made it! Now, is that not fun! If she can do it, you can do it!

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Scrumblinis… What the heck are they?

Posted by camanomade on February 23, 2008

Scrumblinis are little balls of yarn (anywhere from 10 to 30 yards) of handspun deliciousness made by yours truly (and when orders get really high! Some of my handspinning friends!)…

 Scrumblini is a term I came up with small balls of yarn for free form artists. Don’t let that fool you though! This is a great way to try out new fibers, different styles of yarn, and extend your knowledge of working with other than standard yarns that you can buy in any store!

Scrumblini packs may include: Camel/Silk yarn, wool singles, Spuntastik! Elastik! Yarn, Spuntastik! Chenooly, Spunstastik! Knaughty Yarn, Annspun perfect sock yarn, mohair, beaded yarn, feathered yarn, you name it.

It’s not just for crochet, but can be used for trimming items, decoupage, scrapbooking and much much more.

It’s a real steal for only $9.95 (plus shipping)! Why so affordable? I consider it a grand sampler treat! If you really want to treat yourself order the Free Form Crochet Club (or the CLF Yarn Club! as it is soon be called)…and get the newsletter that accompanies the yarn! MONTHLY!

chennooly.jpg Spuntastik! Chenooly Yarn, One ply Chenille (rayon or cotton), with hand dyed wool!

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