Take a Tour of the Luminos Lamp from the Daylight Company
In case you missed our recent announcement let us start off by saying have signed on as ambassadors for the Daylight Company and their incredible line of lamps. And, while they do pay us to represent their products and produce content for them, we contacted them because we LOVED their products. In fact, when we first met the folks from the Daylight Company we were blown away by the range and quality of their products and now could not be happier to be spokespersons for such a great company.
The Daylight Company has a wide range of lamps from travel lamps to larger workspace lamps that are perfect for fiber artists, and makers of all kinds. In this video, we are giving you a tour of the Luminos Lamp right in one of our main work spaces. We knew the moment we saw it in action that we'd have to get one (or two) (or three) for our studios. And recently we did, WOOHOO! The folks at the Daylight Company sent one over and we both fell in love with it! After a wild thumb wrestling competition (best 2 out of 3 won by Shannon) the Luminos lives in the fiber arts studio upstairs… but there is a special bonus use for this FAB lamp (we show you in the video) that causes it to disappear into Jason's space every once in a while… just sayin'… You need to see it in action to really get why we love this lamp so much. So we created a video tour of the Luminos to really provide you with a detailed look all the great features it includes... not all lamps are created equal and this one stands out above the rest… by far! Click on the video below and see for yourself. Check Out Our Latest Video... All About Flatter Smoothing Spray
Shortly before we became paid ambassadors for Soak we tried Flatter Smoothing Spray for the first time... we were impressed to say the least. Imagine an ironing assistant that is starch free, biodegradable, and actually smells great (you’ll see Our favorite in the video). Oh, it also actually works! It's flat-out fabulous! See what we did there? Flat? Flatter? *ahem* Moving on…
We decided to show Flatter in action so you could see for yourselves why we like it. And, yes, this really is the only thing that can make Shannon do the ironing. Watch and you’ll see why…
Flatter Smoothing Spray is available from selected retailers locally or online. You can go to soakwash.com to see a list of retailers in your area. Special thanks to the folks at Soak for providing us with their products for our studio and for this review!
Stitch On! ​S&J We're Heading Back To DFW Fiber Fest, Y'all!  WOOHOO! We're so flipping excited to announce that not only are we teaching at DFW Fiber Fest 2019, but we have also been selected to be the KEYNOTE Speakers!! OMG! Really, this is such an honor and we have something really special planned for you all. #purplezebra
How to Care for a Soakworthy Handmade Garment with Soak!
We have a lot of handmade items... I mean, a LOT. Many of these are able to be washed in our washing machine - some on regular, others on hand wash or delicate cycles. Others need a little more care. Heirloom quilts, boro'd bags & jackets, and crochet and knit garments and accessories fall into the second category. In fact, the garment you are going to see us cleaning in this video is very special to us… you'll see why in the video.
We get asked the question often by readers and students: "How do I clean my handmade items?" So, we decided to make a quick video to show you how we do it here in the studio... with Soak Wash, a rinse-free wash that comes in a lot of FAB fragrances as well as scentless. We certainly have OUR favorite scents… mmmmm… pineapples…
Clover Tool School Extra Credit, Rotary Cutter Episode, is Online WOOHOO! Our newest Clover Tool School Extra Credit Episode is live on the Clover blog. This month we explore Rotary Cutters and some different ways to use them. From cutting fabric for English Paper Piecing, to recycling denim pants fora boro tote, a rotary cutter is a Shibaguyz's best friend! As always with us, the right tool for the right job!
OMG! Peach Salsa - RecipeYou’ve seen it in the grocery stores. You looked at it with wonder and amazement. You thought to yourself, “Am I really seeing this? OMG! Peach Salsa.” And then you saw it was $9.00 a jar, promptly put it back on the shelf, and sadly backed away. We are here to tell you that you can have that peach salsa and pay your light bill too. In fact you can have it on crackers, chips, chicken, meatloaf, or any other way you like because you can make it yourself and keep it in the fridge for weeks!  Big News From The Shibaguyz We LOVE good tools. Being crafters, the difference between a good tool and a bad one is the same as getting the job done, and getting it done right! From yarn, to hooks, to lighting we look for the highest quality tools to use in our studio. They are an essential part of our studio as much as any other crocheter, knitter, sewer, weaver... maker in general. It is in that light that we want to share with you some THRILLING news. We have just signed on to be national ambassadors for Clover-USA. Through the years we've had the good fortune to be able to work with some of the best names in the crafting world. We're obviously suckers for a well designed craft tool, and have been working with Clover tools for many years now; not just their crochet hooks, which we use exclusively here in the studio as well as in our classrooms, but all their tools. Clover is a brand that covers everything we do... from crochet and knitting, to hand sewing, to quilting and appliqué. It's always a pleasure to find a company that produces great products for something we do... hooks, needles, sewing supplies, etc. But finding one with ALL those tools, and having that all those tools easily available to the masses is rare. We were overjoyed to be able to join forces with Clover. Our friends at Clover put it this way: "If you have one plutonium rod you have one plutonium rod. If you have two plutonium rods you have nuclear fusion. If you have Clover you just have Clover. If you have Clover and the Shibaguyz you have magic. Clover is so happy to have joined into a creative, even magic, partnership with the Shibaguyz."  Coming soon on our website as well as social media channels we will be showcasing some of our favorite products and showing you how to use them in your daily lives. Stay tuned for that!  Complete Crochet Course - Autographed Copy
* indicates a required field From renowned crochet designer Shannon Mullett-Bowlsby comes the ultimate reference manual for the absolute beginner to experienced pro. Filled with step-by-step photography throughout for an easy-to-follow and fully visual experience, this unparalleled guide teaches you how to crochet from the very first stitch—and will keep you crocheting as you gain experience! The Complete Crochet Course explains all the tools, materials, and techniques you need, from choosing a hook and yarn to seaming, working in the round, handling specialty stitches, and adding details. We've included ten patterns, perfectly designed for novices eager to complete their first projects, while intermediates can enjoy mastering even more advanced skills. Filigree Leaf Tunic Crochet Pattern
$7.50
The Filigree Leaf Tunic has been a favorite of ours for for years. The easy fit and versatility of this tunic makes it a FAB piece for any body type and just about any occasion. We've made versions of this design for clients who wore them as wedding dresses, holiday party cocktail dresses, and even beach cover-ups. However, the most popular use for this light and lacy piece is just as a comfortable top to throw over jeans and a tee or tank. Add a belt for a little flattering shaping and you're all set!
This digital download includes the written pattern sized Small through 5X and a chart of the lace stitch pattern. This digital pattern is a PDF and is compatible with all computers and mobile devices. ​SKILLS USED Foundation Half Double Crochet First Double Crochet Back Post Stitches Front Post Stitches Working in the Side of Stitches Blocking End Cap Finishing Stitch Locking Mattress Stitch SIZES To Fit Bust Circumference: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)” FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Bust Circumference: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58, 62)" Finished Bust Circumference: 38 (41, 44, 50, 53.5, 57, 63, 66, 69)" Finished Length From Shoulder : 30.7 (30.7, 30.7, 30.7, 30.7, 35, 35, 35, 35)" Top Line, Cuff-to-Cuff: 38 (39.25, 41, 44, 45.5, 47, 50, 51.75, 53.5)" Main Body Width: 19 (20.5, 22, 25, 26.75, 28.5, 31.5, 33, 34.5)" YARN CYC-1 Super Fine ​1746(1748, 2185, 2185, 2622, 2622, 3059, 3059)yds/1600(1600, 2000, 2000, 2400, 2400, 2800, 2800)m MATERIALS Sample shown in Hand Maiden, Sea Silk; 100g/400m/437yd per skein; (70% Silk, 30% Seacell®); 4 (4, 5, 5, 6, 6, 7, 7) skeins; color Pewter. CROCHET HOOK Size D–3/3.25mm crochet hook NOTIONS Yarn needle BLOCKED HANGING GAUGE 5.12 sts and 1.4 rows = 1" with D–3/3.25mm hook Hanging Length for 49 rows = 35" hanging = 1.4 rows per inch 12 Shells, 2 Half Shells (105 sts) = 20.5" hanging = 5.12 sts per inch ​ Men's Hooded Vest - Digital Crochet Pattern
$7.50
Designed for comfort as well as style, the Men's Hooded Vest promises to be an item that will be worn often by even the pickiest guy. Comfortable and stylish to wear, this crochet vest will help keep the chill off while looking polished. Â It will dress up the simplest t-shirt and jeans into a casual and sophisticated look.
This digital download includes the written crochet pattern sized Small through 3X and a full schematic. This digital pattern is a PDF and is compatible with all computers and mobile devices. SKILLS USED Foundation Single Crochet End Cap Finishing Stitch Locking Mattress Stitch Blocking ​SIZES To Fit Chest Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54)”/86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137)cm Sample Size Small, to fit 34”/86.5cm chest FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Chest Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54)”/86.5 (96.5, 106.5, 117, 127, 137)cm Finished Chest Circumference: 38 (42, 46, 50, 54, 56)”/96.5 (106.5, 117, 127, 137, 142)cm Finished Length From Shoulder: 26.5 (27.5, 28, 29, 29.5)”/67.5 (70, 71, 73.5, 75, 76)cm YARN CYCA 3 Light / DK Weight Yarn Sample Shown In: Bijou Basin Ranch Himalayan Trail (75% Pure Yak/25% Merino; 2oz/56gr, 200yds) 9 (10, 11, 12, 13, 14) hanks Natural Brown Alternate Yarn Suggestions:
HOOK F-5/3.75mm crochet hook NOTIONS Zipper Yarn needle BLOCKED GAUGE 31 sts and 26 rows = 5.5 x 5”/14 x 12.5cm in pattern st. Spring Fling Top Crochet Pattern
$7.50
You know that one piece in your closet you reach for when you can’t decide what you want to wear, but you know it’s going to be a FAB day...? Yea, this is that piece.  Â
Designed for crocheters that are ready to give garment making a try, this easy-going top will be a great addition to any wardrobe. Constructed in two stitch patterns, a main flat stitch and a simple lace panel in the frontwith no shaping the Spring Fling Top allows the stitch patterns take center stage  This digital pattern is a PDF and is compatible with all computers and mobile devices. ​SKILLS USED Foundation Single Crochet Linked First Double Crochet End Cap Finishing Stitch Locking Mattress Stitch Blocking SIZES To Fit Bust Circumference: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)”//96.5 (96.5, 106.75, 117, 127) cm Sample shown in size to fit 34” bust circumference with 4” ease FINISHED MEASUREMENTS To Fit Bust Circumference: 30 (34, 38, 42, 46, 50, 54)”/96.5 (96.5, 106.75, 117, 127) cm Finished Bust Circumference: 34 (38, 42, 46, 50, 54, 58)”/96.5 (106.75, 117, 127, 137.25) cm Finished length from shoulder: 25.5 (26, 26.5, 27, 27.5, 28, 28.5, 29)”/64.75 (66, 67.3, 68.5, 69.75, 71, 72.3, 73.5) cm YARN CYC-3 Light/DK Weight Yarn ​MATERIALS ​Sample uses: Cascade Yarns, Longwood Sport (100% Superwash Extrafine Merino Wool; 3.5 ounces/100g = 273 yards/250 m): in color #18 green spruce (Color A), 2 (2, 3, 3, 4, 4, 5) balls—546 (546, 819, 819, 1092, 1092, 1365) yards/500 (500, 750, 750, 1000, 1000, 1250) m of light weight yarn Cascade Yarns, Longwood Sport Stripe (100% Superwash Extrafine Merino Wool; 3.5 ounces/100g = 273 yards/250 m): in color #510 citrus (Color B), 1 (1, 1, 1, 1, 2, 2) balls— 273 (273, 273, 273, 273, 546, 546) yards/250 (250, 250, 250, 250, 500, 500) m of light weight yarn CROCHET HOOK Size US E-4/3.5mm hook NOTIONS yarn needle BLOCKED GAUGE Solid Fabric: 4.67 sts = 1”/2.5 cm; 42 sts = 9”/23 cm; 2.93 rows = 1”/2.5 cm; 22 rows = 7.5”/19 cm Combo V-Stitch: 4.67 sts = 1”/2.5 cm; 32 sts = 6.75”/17.25 cm; 2.93 rows = 1”/2.5 cm; 22 rows = 7.5”/19 cm ​  It's Week 4 of National Craft Month! |
| What Ya Need: 1 Cup Softened Butter 1 1/4 Cups Granulated Sugar 2 Eggs 1/2 Cup Buttermilk 2 tsp. Vanilla Extract 3 Medium Very Ripe Bananas 2 1/2 Cups All Purpose Flour 2 tsp. Baking Powder 1/2 tsp. Baking Soda 1 tsp. Nutmeg 1 tsp Salt. Optional 1 Cup Crushed Walnuts or 1 Cup Chocolate Chips |  |
What Ya Do:
Attempts should be made to allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slathering with butter and eating. Our record for being able to wait is just over 4 minutes… oh well…
Tip: Few things are harder to eat than dry quickbreads. To ensure you have a moist banana bread; watch your bread carefully the last 10 minutes and remove from the oven immediately when it is just done.
- Preheat oven to 350 Degrees
- Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, cream butter and sugar until fluffy.
- Add Vanilla and Eggs one at a time and beat to fully incorporate.
- Add bananas and slowly increase speed to mix on high for 1-2 minutes until mixture is mostly smooth. There will be some banana lumps, that’s fine.
- Add the buttermilk... mix on low... it will splatter, you have been warned!
- In a separate bowl sift together Flour, Baking Powder, Soda, Nutmeg and Salt
- With mixer on low, add 1/3 of the dry ingredients to the banana mixture. Mix on low until just incorporated.
- Repeat until all flour is mixed in and moist. Do not overbeat. You want this to be a very loose batter. The more you run the mixer the tougher the bread will be.
- Mix your Nuts (or Chocolate Chips) in by hand with a rubber spatula or wooden spoon
- Split the batter between two greased loaf pans
- Bake for 45 min to 55 minutes. Bread will be done when the house smells like banana heaven and a toothpick or knife inserted in the center comes out clean (or with a few crumbs on it).
Attempts should be made to allow to cool on a wire rack for at least 30 minutes before slathering with butter and eating. Our record for being able to wait is just over 4 minutes… oh well…
Tip: Few things are harder to eat than dry quickbreads. To ensure you have a moist banana bread; watch your bread carefully the last 10 minutes and remove from the oven immediately when it is just done.
Want to see more recipes like this?
Leave us a note in the comments below suggesting recipe you'd like us to cook up.
You may see it here on the blog or showcased on our "LIVE from the Kitchen" broadcasts
on Friday and Monday evenings on our Facebook page!
Speaking of our Facebook page, below are links to where you can follow us on social media.
Leave us a note in the comments below suggesting recipe you'd like us to cook up.
You may see it here on the blog or showcased on our "LIVE from the Kitchen" broadcasts
on Friday and Monday evenings on our Facebook page!
Speaking of our Facebook page, below are links to where you can follow us on social media.
Standing First-Stitches
This week we are wrapping up our series of tutorials about cleaning up those first stitches of your crochet rows. We all know what happens when we use those instructions that say "chain 3, count as first stitch of row." Yeah… the result is a wonky edge that looks like it's been gnawed on by a rabid wombat… or two. Not a good look… just sayin'…
This week is all about Standing First-Stitches. Standing stitches are appropriately named because they can stand on their own without being attached to a chain-up at the beginning of a row or to a previous stitch in the middle of a row of stitches. Because of the unique way they are constructed, standing stitches are invaluable when used as first stitches when you are starting a new ball of yarn, a new color, or when you are starting a new section of a garment that is not attached to the section next to it. Anywhere you need to start a new stitch that isn’t attached to your current yarn or work, use a standing stitch!
The key to making a successful standing stitch is the way you wrap the yarn around your hook to make the head of the stitch… so let's start there.
The key to making a successful standing stitch is the way you wrap the yarn around your hook to make the head of the stitch… so let's start there.
 Standing First-Double Crochet, Step 1 | 1. Bring the tail of the new yarn over the hook from back to front. |
Welcome to Week 2 of our National Craft Month 2018 Celebration!
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Welcome To National Craft Month 2018
UPDATE: This giveaway has ended. Sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
Fun Food Friday: Chicken Fingers Recipe
| Last week, our Fun Food Friday edition of LIVE From the Kitchen with the Shibaguyz featured one of our favorite fun foods: Chicken Fingers! Basically, we make fried chicken in little boneless strips that are perfect for kicking back with at the end of a long week. This week included the usual laughter and mayhem, we answered questions from our viewers, and, yes, Jason wore The Apron (if you've seen it, you get it). We also might have climbed up on our soapbox for a bit of a rant about affordable, accessible, local food… so don't miss that! Give these a try and you'll never look at to those nugget things the same again… we promise. |  The Shibaguyz Fun Food Friday Chicken Fingers Recipe |
If you missed last week's show, you can still watch it on our Facebook page here: Shibaguyz on Facebook and leave comments and ask questions there… we answer them all! And don't miss out on another LIVE episode! We're LIVE From the Kitchen every Friday at 5:30pm PT (1:30am GMT) on our page here: Shibaguyz on Facebook
Crochet Wrapped First-Stitches
| It goes without saying that crocheters H-A-T-E that wonky edge that comes from working a chain up and counting it as the first stitch of the row. ACK! In this post, we continue our quest to clean up those edges with better alternatives for the first stitches of a crochet row. If you missed the others in this series, jump on over HERE and HERE to catch up. You go ahead… we'll grab a cup of coffee and hang out until you return… WELCOME BACK! What did you think of those? Pretty nifty, eh? Yeah… we've used those two a lot but those linked first-stitches are the BEST! Right? Okay… moving on… |  |
This week, we're giving you all another option for the first stitches of a crochet row: the Wrapped First-Stitch. Wrapped first stitches start by using chain-ups to achieve the height needed for the next row of stitches then you work a slick little wrap around and a yarn under to put the loops on your hook. Yup… a yarn UNDER… more on that below. The result is a little thicker than a linked first-stitch and is definitely thicker than a regular double crochet stitch. But, with the right weight of yarn and hook size, this could be a viable option for you in a future project. As with all of these techniques, be sure to use your practice swatch to determine what works best for the crochet fabric you are making for your project. One more reason to swatch that keeps you from having an unfortunate mess later on.
In the end, you will have a sturdy stitch that stands up well to sewing and adding on a border and it certainly eliminates the gaps from those chained first stitches… ACK! After you try this one, leave a comment and let us know what you think. And, if you like this one, share it with your friends and on social media… just tag us with @Shibaguyz so we know you like it!
Alrighty then… here we go!
In the end, you will have a sturdy stitch that stands up well to sewing and adding on a border and it certainly eliminates the gaps from those chained first stitches… ACK! After you try this one, leave a comment and let us know what you think. And, if you like this one, share it with your friends and on social media… just tag us with @Shibaguyz so we know you like it!
Alrighty then… here we go!
Fun Food Friday: Pizza Dough!
If you tuned in with us for last week's Fun Food Friday edition of LIVE From the Kitchen with the Shibaguyz, you saw flying dough, our super-special tip about bread proofing boxes, and, of course, Jason's infamous apron. From that episode, we're giving you all our recipe for pizza dough! This could not be easier to make and you'll be SO happy you did. Just do yourself a favor and try it once… then try to go back to store bought, delivery, and frozen pizza. ACK!
You can do this… and, if you need a couple of tips, you can go to our Facebook page and watch a recording of the live show there. Just go here to see it: Shibaguyz on Facebook
And don't miss out on another LIVE episode! We're LIVE From the Kitchen every Monday and Friday at 6:30pm PT (2:30am GMT). We're live at that time but you can see all of them on our page here: Shibaguyz on Facebook
You can do this… and, if you need a couple of tips, you can go to our Facebook page and watch a recording of the live show there. Just go here to see it: Shibaguyz on Facebook
And don't miss out on another LIVE episode! We're LIVE From the Kitchen every Monday and Friday at 6:30pm PT (2:30am GMT). We're live at that time but you can see all of them on our page here: Shibaguyz on Facebook
WHAT YA NEED
- 2 1/2 to 3 cups bread flour, plus more for rolling (Jason's Note: Using bread flour will give you a much crisper crust. If you don't have bread flour, you can substitute all-purpose flour which will give you a chewier crust.)
- 1 cup water, room temp to just slightly above tepid
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 envelope (1 tsp) instant dry yeast
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Crochet Linked First-Stitches
The Steps To Making A Linked First-dc:
Pull loop on hook up to slightly taller than a normal loop, ch 1, insert hook in first chain from hook, yo and draw up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook into first st, yo and draw up a loop (3 loops on hook), [yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 2 times.
Pull loop on hook up to slightly taller than a normal loop, ch 1, insert hook in first chain from hook, yo and draw up a loop (2 loops on hook), insert hook into first st, yo and draw up a loop (3 loops on hook), [yo and draw through 2 loops on hook] 2 times.
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As we showed in last week's Stacked First-Stitches tutorial, wonky edges are easily banished to the far corners of the multi-verse with the wave of a magic wand. What??? You DON'T think your hook is a magic wand?!? Yeah… you know it is. And we're going to show you one more spell for banishing wonky edges that even the students of a certain magical school would be envious of (see how we didn't violate any intellectual property laws or infringe on Ms. Rowling's work?).
Remember that first-stitches are what we use to replace those awful "chain 2 and count as first double crochet of row" instructions. ACK… oh, the wonkiness!! In our series, we're covering the four types of first-stitches and this week, we're talking about Linked First-Stitches. |
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Now, we did say that all four of the first-stitch techniques have their use and that you should use them where fit best as determined by your practice swatch you make before starting a project. That said… linked first-stitches is the technique we go to more often that the others when it comes to making a neat, clean, tidy border on your crochet fabric. Not only does it look FAB when left as a raw edge, but is is SOOOOO easy to work into when sewing seams or picking up stitches for an edging or an accent band of stitches. In addition, linked first-stitches work WAY better than other first-stitch techniques when it comes to taller stitches… more on that at the end of this tutorial.
So, without further ado, here is the step-by-step tutorial for making the Linked First-Double Crochet stitch.
So, without further ado, here is the step-by-step tutorial for making the Linked First-Double Crochet stitch.
You Asked For It, You Got It... Jason’s Mac & Cheese Recipe
Recently, we started doing a twice-weekly live show on our Facebook page called LIVE From the Kitchen. Starting at about 6:30pm PT (2:30am GMT) on Mondays and Fridays, we cook dinner and chat with you all about what we’re making, share cooking tips, and answer your questions about everything from cooking to how to care for cast iron. We even let the Shibakidz in not the fun (when they care to make themselves available) so y’all get a dose of furry faced (theirs… not ours) lovin’ from Apollo, Atlas, and Dallas. And, yes, Jason will wear THAT apron. If you’ve seen the show, you know the one we mean…
If you didn’t catch the show last Friday, you missed Jason’s Mac & Cheese. Seriously y’all… it’s the real deal. Yes, we’ll be posting recipes right here on our website and we’ll start things off with the legend that is Jason’s Mac & Cheese recipe!
We hope you’ll join us for the weeknight edition of LIVE From the Kitchen on Monday or for Fun Food Friday on… ummm… Friday. Oh… have a question about one of our recipes or a show? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page here: Shibaguyz on Facebook
If you didn’t catch the show last Friday, you missed Jason’s Mac & Cheese. Seriously y’all… it’s the real deal. Yes, we’ll be posting recipes right here on our website and we’ll start things off with the legend that is Jason’s Mac & Cheese recipe!
We hope you’ll join us for the weeknight edition of LIVE From the Kitchen on Monday or for Fun Food Friday on… ummm… Friday. Oh… have a question about one of our recipes or a show? Leave a comment here or on our Facebook page here: Shibaguyz on Facebook
Stacked First-Stitches - Your gateway to crochet First-Stitches
Rather than pulling out large clumps of hair or screaming and ranting so that the Shibakidz go running for the hills, we set out on a quest of experimentation that lead us to a happy place full of unicorns, rainbows, cheesecake, chocolate, puppies... and straight edges (mmmm… chocolate cheesecake). We call this land, The Land of First-Stitches. (But let's get back to the chocolate and cheesecake thing soon…)
In order to reach this blissful place of non-wonkiness, we’ve developed a series of stitches we call First-Stitches designed to clean up those edges by replacing the chain ups at the beginnings of rows. In fact, we’ve come up with FOUR different options for first-stitches that we will be sharing with you over the next few weeks starting today! WOOHOO!! In today’s tutorial we'll focus on the first of these 4 First-Stitch techniques: The Stacked First-Stitch.
In order to reach this blissful place of non-wonkiness, we’ve developed a series of stitches we call First-Stitches designed to clean up those edges by replacing the chain ups at the beginnings of rows. In fact, we’ve come up with FOUR different options for first-stitches that we will be sharing with you over the next few weeks starting today! WOOHOO!! In today’s tutorial we'll focus on the first of these 4 First-Stitch techniques: The Stacked First-Stitch.
| As every crocheter knows, turning chains have a habit of leaving large gaps in the sides of your crochet fabric. Especially in the case of taller stitches (e.g. double crochet, treble crochet, and taller), those gaps can be so pronounced as to destroy the look of an otherwise well-made piece. The technical term we utilize to describe the phenomenon of gaped, wavy edges like this is WONKY… yes, it's a highly technical bit of crochet terminology. Please adjust your lexicons accordingly. |  |
Wonky edges occur when a row of pattern instruction starts with a chain-up that is meant to be counted as the first stitch of the row: Chain 3, count as first double crochet of row. Because of how chain stitches sit on the outside of the fabric, these chain substitutes for the first stitch of a row create an unsightly gap where the first stitch should be. We hate that... I mean, REALLY hate that. And, from your emails and questions in classes, we know you're not particularly fond of wonky edges either. The outrage is totally understandable! We spend days/weeks/months working on the perfect crochet fabric; only to have the edges betray us. And don't even get us started on the difficulties these wonky edges create when sewing garment components together. Nope… not gonna go there right now because we're watching our blood pressure.
Breathe in… breathe out…
Breathe in… breathe out…
No More Wonky Crochet Edges!
The Magic of First-Stitches
No More Wonky Edges!
We were all taught it... "work to the end of the row, turn, chain up to the height of the stitches in that row". While this makes sense in the grand scheme of things, it also makes for some seriously wonky edges on any stitch taller than a single crochet. AND, speaking on our experience as designers and photographer for over 300 patterns, few things look worse on a great design than wonky edges! So how does one fix this problem?
Using the correct first-stitch for that row!
Over the next few weeks we'll be sharing 4 different techniques that will clean up your crochet edges. Not only will your raw edges look better, this will make your life SO much easier when sewing seams. SOOOOO much easier!
Get Your Tickets to Our Sew Expo 2018 Classes - A Walkthrough
UPDATE: This event has ended. Be sure to sign up for our newsletter so you don't miss our next big event! NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
It's time to purchase tickets to our classes at this year's Sew Stitch Expo in Puyallup, WA. WOOHOO! We have a LOT of classes at Sew Expo this year including crochet, knitting, math for crocheters and knitters, alterations, taking proper measurements for crochet and knit garments, photography, and two lecture/demo sessions! In addition, we will be presenting two runway shows and will be sharing a booth with the most glamorous shepherdess on the planet, Katrina Walker of the Spoiled Sheep Flock. What a FAB weekend!!
Now we wouldn't want y'all to miss out on a minute of the FAB fun we have planned for you but, occasionally, we hear from folks that they have problems finding our classes and registering online. So this year we thought we'd put up a little walkthrough to help you with the process. The process does take a couple of steps, but is not difficult. Once it is all over, you end up with the best possible prize... a class with the Shibaguyz! [blush]
Here we GO…
First go to www.sewexpo.com
Now we wouldn't want y'all to miss out on a minute of the FAB fun we have planned for you but, occasionally, we hear from folks that they have problems finding our classes and registering online. So this year we thought we'd put up a little walkthrough to help you with the process. The process does take a couple of steps, but is not difficult. Once it is all over, you end up with the best possible prize... a class with the Shibaguyz! [blush]
Here we GO…
First go to www.sewexpo.com
Our Teaching Schedule for 2018! WOOHOO!
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Small Actions… Big Changes
 | Day 1 of 365… for the past few months (as one does as one nears the end of a calendar year) we’ve been thinking about what we could do to create a positive change in the world around us in 2018. What can we do that is real… something tangible that we can take action on every day that will make an actual difference in the world around us. What we’ve found is we keep coming back to a phrase we heard and uttered a lot in our days working in the sustainable food community. For us, “Think Globally, Act Locally” was a focusing mantra that encouraged us to consider how our actions at home affected the global community. We did this by eating food that we grew ourselves or that came from local sources. We taught others how to grow food for themselves and how to give back in their local food banks and community gardens. It was during this time that we felt like we were making a much bigger impact than just growing some tomatoes in our back patio garden or canning salsa. |
This mantra now comes echoing back to us as we think about what we can do to make real change in the world. While 2017 was a FAB year for us in so many ways, we have felt helpless in other way and we wanted some tangible action we could take to make a difference. We want to give back. Make a difference. Take action and be the change. However you frame it for yourself… it is the same message: Actions we take right outside our own front doors have a huge impact on our global family. So, rather than picking a single charity or organization to support or give our dollars, we are starting a campaign of giving and supporting every day right outside our own front door. Our hope is that these small daily actions will lift up the recipients so they can go out and do things that will make the world a better place. Yeah… it’s some hippy-dippy, hand-holding, we-are-the-world sounding stuff… but okay… so be it. We know for a fact that it works so that’s good with us!
Introducing from XRX and Shibaguyz Designz
The Limited Edition Crochet and Knit Collection stitchips
The Fab folks over at XRX have come up with a really cool way to fill your personal library with books, magazines, and pattern collections without taking up space on your shelves.
Introducing stitchips.
stitchips are credit card sized USB drives that are filled with all your favorite crochet, knitting, and weaving titles... all in Rich PDF digital format! stitchips have been formatted for optimal compatibility with as many Mac & Windows (and even some Linux) operating systems as possible.
Introducing stitchips.
stitchips are credit card sized USB drives that are filled with all your favorite crochet, knitting, and weaving titles... all in Rich PDF digital format! stitchips have been formatted for optimal compatibility with as many Mac & Windows (and even some Linux) operating systems as possible.
For the big launch we were asked to be one of two independent designers given our own stitchips! HOW COOL IS THAT?
Of course we jumped at the chance to be involved with this venture and created two Limited Edition Collections; one with all crochet patterns, the other with all knit patterns.
Each stitchip includes 12 FAB patterns in Rich PDF format which includes bookmarks, internal page links, high-res images, and charts. You can print pages and/or sections as you see fit or use your computer, tablet, or even your smartphone as a reader (save the trees!). Also you will find extras folders with links to tutorials, special deals and a whole lot more. These things really are amazing.
Because these are all digital patterns appearing in a collection the price for each is a mind blowing $20.00. Yes, just $20.00 for 12 enhanced patterns and all the extras on a credit card sized drive.
Of course we jumped at the chance to be involved with this venture and created two Limited Edition Collections; one with all crochet patterns, the other with all knit patterns.
Each stitchip includes 12 FAB patterns in Rich PDF format which includes bookmarks, internal page links, high-res images, and charts. You can print pages and/or sections as you see fit or use your computer, tablet, or even your smartphone as a reader (save the trees!). Also you will find extras folders with links to tutorials, special deals and a whole lot more. These things really are amazing.
Because these are all digital patterns appearing in a collection the price for each is a mind blowing $20.00. Yes, just $20.00 for 12 enhanced patterns and all the extras on a credit card sized drive.
To get full details on each of the collections go to shibaguyzdesignz.com/stitchips or click on the link below.
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Shannon and Jason
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