Webigail

Making your own KnitPicks Options needle organizer is actually quite easy. You’ll only need a few things to get started:

1. Fabric of choice – solids seem to be easier to work with, as you need to see where your working lines are.
2. Ruler or tape measure
3. Cord elastic
4. Interfacing – I used a mid-weight, iron-on type, but I doubled it to make the insert super firm
5. Needle & thread
6. Fabric chalk or pencil
7. Straight pins
8. Sewing machine – If you don’t have one, you can sew the seams by hand, but it’s neater and more secure when you use your machine.
9. iron
10. #0 Grommet kit

    Note: Do NOT waste your money (or time) buying the grommet sets found at Joann’s or Michael’s, as the setters, the hole cutter, base and die, make or break the quality of your grommet. I researched and finally chose Set-it-Yourself Grommet Kit by C.S. Osborne, as it comes with everything you need to manually set your grommets without cracking, over curling, and they look machine quality. Also C.S. Osborne’s tools come highly recommended by most people, who use hand tools.

    The other kit that I purchased is Lord & Hodges Grommet Setting Kit, which gives the same quality results.

Steps:

1. Start by measuring one of your plastic inserts from the KnitPicks Options binder. This is what you use to determine the width and height of your needle organizer. My measurements are: 6 3/4 x 6.

2. Lay your interfacing out on a flat surface. Rather than fussing with sewing a front and back panel together, you’re going to fold your interfacing from the top down, so that the height is at least 6 inches. You are going to now cut your interfacing, based on our measurements.

Now, we’re going to move on to the actual binder. Hang on! No cutting yet.

3.You need to add at least a half an inch to the width and height. This allows for where you are going to sew. So, your final measurements will be 7 1/4 x 6 1/2. Again, you’re going to fold the fabric in half, ensuring that there is at least 6 1/2 inches height and you can cut your fabric.

4. Once you have your interface and your binder cut, you can center the two pieces and iron the interfacing in place. The added weight of the interfacing, not only serves to make your binder firm, but it adds strength and acts as a reinforcement to the area holding your elastic.

5. Fold your binder in half with the interfacing on the inside; use your straight pins to secure the edges together and iron the fold, creating a nice crease.

6. Measure about 1/2 an inch on each edge.This will be where you sew, closing up the binder later. You need to determine this area now, because we’re going to create markers for where we stitch our elastic in place.

7. On side A, using the crease as my starting point, I measure 1 1/2 inches from the top, drawing a line across the length of the binder. Then measure 2 inches below that, creating another line.

8. On side B, using the crease as the starting point draw a line across 1 1/2 from the top. Create two more lines: one inch down from the first line, and the last one an inch below the previous.

9. Now, we’re going to create “intersections” to mark where we want to stitch the elastic. Again, allowing at least half an inch from the edge, I start creating dashes that intersect my lines every half an inch, until I have 17 crosses. Make sure that you are creating an intersection on both lines at the same time, to be certain that they will line up when we’re ready to sew our elastic in place.

10. Flipping the fabric over, I start intersecting my lines every inch, starting a half an inch in from my edge, until there are eleven intersection. This side will accommodate the larger needles tips.

Hang on…we’re getting closer to the finish line

11. I used a good old fashioned thread and needle to sew my elastic cord in place. I tried using my machine, but cord rolls, never stays put, so it was easier to sew it on manually. To get started you need to cut five 7″ (or longer) pieces of elastic cord. Now, just stitch your elastic in place, where you have your intersections marked.

12. If you still have your straight pins in, pull them out. Fold your binder inside out, so the interfacing is now on the outside.

13. Starting a half an inch in, sew up the side of the binder; turn and sew the other side. The bottom, opposite side of the fold, should be the only seam left open at this time.

14. Before turning your binder to the right side, fold the hem up, so there is at least a half and inch on both side; pin it down and iron. Now, go ahead and turn the binder back to the right side.

15. With the hem turned in, sew across the last open seam.

16. Now, the grommets might be intimidating, if you haven’t used them, but I assure you that they very easy.

To ensure that you are putting the grommets in the right place, place your plastic binder on top of your new binder, lining it up corner-to-corner. Use your chalk to mark where the first grommet will go. DO NOT MOVE AHEAD!. The reason why you do not want to move ahead, is because although it seems as if you should just be able to mark all holes at one time. I tried this and once the grommets were set, things were off just enough to cause the binder to not line up with the binder rings.

Set your first grommet and re-align the plastic binder with the new binder. Continue this step until all of the grommets are set.

That’s IT! You’re ready to go. Pictures will be coming (as soon as I get them off of my camera).

To all of you, who were nice enough to gently tap me on the shoulder…and to the few, who decided a kick in the fanny was more appropriate, I’ll have the directions for the organizer posted soon.

We’ve had a few family tragedies that have hit one, right after another. There has hardly been a dull moment, but I promise that as soon as things settle down (I pray that it’s very soon), I’ll get the directions posted.

Thanks!

I’ve been working on one project that is about 1/3 done. It just seems to never end.

Part of my problem is the fact that I have had very little knitting time. With work, parental duties and working out at the gym, I have hardly had a moment to participate in my favorite past time.

Um…someone kick me for agreeing to make an afghan! No, seriously KICK ME!!

I’m a one-project-gal. What was I thinking?!!!!

I’m working on my first afghan, but I could not resist ordering some scrumptious lace wool from handpaintedyarn.com.

Their prices are phenomenal. They have an incredible color and weight selection. Alas, they have superb customer service. They make it difficult to not purchase from them.

I thought about this project long and hard. An afghan, unless for a baby, can be quite the undertaking.

My sister-in-law, doesn’t ask for much, but she put in a request for an afghan. How was I to say, “No?”

I cast on 220 stitches, pondering how or if I might ever see the end of this project. I’m not finished, but I’m surprised at the progress after one month in.

Yes, I’m crazy and yes, I’m obsessive, so why would I throw my precious, beloved KnitPicks Options in a flimsy, plastic folder? Well, I wouldn’t.

While I simply adore my KnitPicks Options needles, couldn’t get them out of my mind, until I finally just took the dive, I needed a way to organize my babies. I actually like the zipping binder that comes with the KnitPicks Options set, but I was not at all thrilled with the lack of a needle organizer. I needed a way to keep my needles in sync – I like knowing which needles are where and since the sizes are not stamped on the needles, I knew keeping things from going awry was going to be next to impossible. What did I do? I did what any other obsessive-compulsive in my situation would do…I made my own KnitPicks Options needle organizer.

Tutorial – How to Use Grommets

One Christmas I got my own drill. My husband had it in his mind that I would break his precious Black-n-Decker, so this was my induction into the world of “boy’s toys.”

I’m not afraid to try making or breaking anything, which is why I was not to try grommets. No, grommet is not the name of character of a children’s show, or a horror movie. In fact, if you are into scrap booking, you already know what grommets are. If you make corsets then you too know what grommets and eyelets are. However, I just discovered the beauty of setting grommets.

Now, you may be wondering why I am going on and on about grommets, right? Well, it made a huge difference in my latest knitting project. I recently completed one of my “firsts” and had this brilliant idea (yes, I’m being factitious.) I felted my first purse and this time, in addition to the lining, I wanted to use grommets to lace the i-cord through to create a more polished look for my purse.

I was really proud of myself when I actually found the word grommet, because for about an hour, I googled and searched, not knowing what on earth to call “the brass rings that are used on tarps.” Initially, I came across eyelets(think shoelace, corset, anything that requires lacing), which lead to uncovering the very thing that I wanted….a grom-met.

So, you may be asking what’s the difference between grommets and eyelets, right? Ok, maybe not, but I’m going to tell you anyway. A 1/4″ eyelet and a 1/4″ grommet have the same size hole, but the flange is larger on a grommet. Eyelets and grommets are both a means of support, but eyelets are typically used on clothing: shoes for lacing, corsets, belts and tend to look a little more polished than grommets. Grommets have a more industrial look, but I love them, for some reason and don’t mind the larger flange.

(The one on the left is eyelet, the right is a grommet)

On to projects (I’ll be adding instructional pics really soon)

My first grommet project was a felted purse.

Materials

• #2 Grommet kit (1/2 inch)
• Wooden mallet

That’s it! Now, let me explain before you run out to find your grommet kit. Do NOT, I repeat, DO NOT buy a kit from Joann’s or Michael’s or any craft store, as the kits that they sell are overpriced and the setters do not give your grommets a clean finish. The grommets are squished, flattened and end up splitting terribly.

Grommets come in different sizes, which correspond to a number.

If you want a professional finish, without buying a commercial setter, such as American Tag’s HomePro LR Then you will want to find a good set of hand tools. Believe me, when I tell you that good tools make the difference. For the purse, I ordered my Lord and Hodges grommet kit from Campmor.com along with refills (you may as well get refills, since they’re pretty inexpensive and since you have to pay for shipping.

Let’s Get Started

At this point, you should have already felted your bag, decided where you want the grommets to go and be ready to use the hole cutter. I tested several kits and methods before discovering the key to perfect setting.

1. Find a stable place to set your grommets. I used the cement stair in my basement, as my work table was taking a beating. I set the wood plank on the step,
2. placed my bag on top of the small wooden piece,
3. then placed the cutter directly over the marked area, where I want the grommet to go.
4. Tap the top of the cutter with your mallet (I confess, I used a regular hammer, but I’m getting a mallet, because I don’t want to ruin this set…it works so flawlessly).
5. There you have it! A perfect round hole that was easy to make. No fuss; no muss!
6. Place a grommet the hole of your bag.
7. Set the bag, with the grommet on top of the anvil. It should fit perfectly in the anvil, as each setter is designed to work with that specific size ONLY.
8. Place the plain washer over the grommet.
9. Using your mallet tap the setter once or twice. Check to see if the grommet has rolled down over the washer. If not, tap again, until the grommet is secure and completely rolled down.
10. Repeat steps 1-9, until all of your grommets are in place.

There you have it. You can now lace your lovely i-cord, or any other strap through the grommets.

Not bad, huh?

I bought this book about a month ago and had been perusing the wonderful patterns. When I finally found one that would be perfect for my first lace attempt, I was in for a shock. One of the chart keys was missing. Not only did the missing chart key impact the pattern I selected, but it also affected some of the other lace patterns.

So, being the sleuth that I am, I turned to google. Of course, the errata for ENCYCLOPEDIA OF KNITTING: A Step-by-Step Visual Guide, With an Inspirational Gallery of FinisFinished Works, by Leslie Stansfield and Melody Griffiths, had to be online, right? Wrong!

I searched, searched and searched, found nothing. I finally picked up the phone and started calling every number related to Running Press. Although, very nice, there was nothing that could be done, as Running Press’ customer service is handled by Perseus, which deals only with the distribution of the books.

Finally, I sent off an email explaining the situation, but didn’t get my hopes up to high. Much to my surprise, there was an email with a PDF attachment awaiting my viewing first thing this morning! There seems to be only one mistake in this book and it will be corrected with the next batch, but in the meantime, I’ll share the correction for those, who may already have the book.

The moral of the story is, perseverance prevails when it comes to patterns

I ventured into a new local yarn store, which I shall leave nameless. It’s not a new store, but new to me. Before I could kanoodle the malabrigo, I was feeling a burning sensation on my back. I knew that I should not have turned around, but I did…to be met by three sets of eyes. They were fixed on me, like a cat fixed on its prey.

Finally, a sales rep, who lost the stare-down, asked if she could help me. I told her I was just looking, but the tasty malabrigo caught my eye. She seemed shocked that I even knew what malabrigo was (hmmmph!).

Ok, so the ice was broken. We four all “ooohed” and “ahhhed” over all of the possibilities with the store’s inventory, until I did the unthinkable…I mentioned the enemy’s name…I dared utter the name in the LYS. Damn me! Damn me to hell!! Why didn’t anyone tell me that the mere utterance of KnitPicks would get me banished, sent to yarn purgatory.

Um…so, silence fell and I was in the midst of the she-devils waiting to rip my malabrigo from my clutches. As if that foot weren’t lodged far enough down my throat, I went there, I had to ask,

“Did I say something wrong?!”

I am still deaf in one ear from the hsssing that came from the pretty lady’s mouth as she geered at me and exclaimed, “No one likes KnitPicks! They’re putting everyone out of business. Retailers don’t like them and wholesalers don’t like them!”

Wow. Ok. So, now I HAVE to buy the malabrigo, because I fear for my life.

Sigh. I’m just an enthusiastic newbie.

After my brush with near death, I vowed to stand up for the underdog! I will not allow the yarn snobs to make us knitter-newbies feel guilty for using the (whispering) cheap stuff, because some of those using the good stuff need to buy less yarn and invest in knitting lessons. Oops, did I say that out loud?

This is my first purse. I think I’m running out of “firsts” but I’m having a blast!

I also completed a stranded hat, which will go along with the raglan sweater that I recently completed.

I lined the purse, as to give it some support.