3 Steps to an Invisible Join

If you are like me (a bit of a perfectionist and slightly OCD), then you will love this technique for creating an invisible join when working in the round. The invisible join mimics the "V" look of a regular stitch so that it blends in and you can't see the beginning or end of a round. I use this on all of my hats and amigurumi pieces. 

I'll teach you how to do it in three easy steps!

This replaces the slip stitch normally done at the end of your project.

Step 1 - Cut the yarn tail

Cut the yarn and pull the final loop so that the tail comes completely through. Thread the tail onto a yarn needle so that it looks like the picture below. The length of your tail will be based on the pattern. If the pattern says leave a long tail for sewing, then cut a long tail. If the instructions are to weave in ends, then you can leave a shorter tail.

Step 2 - Mimicking the Front Half of the V-Stitch 

Insert the yarn needle (front to back) through the first stitch in the round. This is the stitch where you would have normally completed the slip stitch.

This step creates the front loop of the Invisible Join.

Step 3 - Mimicking the Back Half of the V-Stitch

Insert the yarn needle from front-to-back into the final stitch of the round. You will go down through the middle space and go under the back loop.

This step creates the back loop of the Invisible Join.

And this is what it looks like:

When to Use This Technique

I use this technique for every edge piece. I used it is here on the tiny coins for my pot of gold. Don't those gold coins look perfect? 

I also use this technique on hats, beanies and photography props so that there isn't an obvious end to the project. I like the edges to be uniform.

How to Use Your Crochet Stitch Markers for Knitting

I made these monster stitch markers for myself a few months ago. The problem is I am multi-craftual and I needed some stitch markers for knitting a pair of socks. But, I didn't want to break out the clay to create a whole new set of stitch markers.

Creating Beauty with Ugly Yarn

I have been working really hard this year to eliminate some of the unwanted yarn from my stash. Originally, I picked some yarns out of my stash that I wasn't exactly fond of:

A few beautiful projects came out of the challenge box. But when I pulled all my yarn from every nook and cranny, I realized this box was not an accurate depiction of my actual challenge yarns.

What Does an Ugly Yarn Look Like?

Well, it's easier to show it than explain it. I tend to take pretty photos of pretty yarn. And, sloppy, discombobulated photos like this when working with a slightly hideous yarn.

You can just look at that photo and tell that I'm not having fun on the project, right?

But, every skein of yarn can be redeemed! I truly believe that even ugly yarn can be turned into beautiful art. That photo above is the WIP photo of this cowl below. I honestly love this cowl and wore it for days after I finished it.

Chunky Braided Cowl

And then there was this yarn...

Image source: TooManyBooks (Ravelry)

Generally speaking, I like earth-tones and muted colors. Why did I buy two skeins of Yarn Bee Whimsy Bulky in the colorway Creamsickle?  I'm really not sure. I bet that I bought it during a retail therapy session where my therapist (that'd be me) thought some rainbowy fiber might cheer me up. I should have gone for a Creamsickle ice cream instead.

But, if I had gotten ice cream, then I wouldn't have this Alien/Monster! 

Ruffle Alien

Those two skeins sat in my stash for over a year before I finally tackled them. I definitely think I won the battle with that yarn and turned it into exactly what it needed to be. My younger son (he's 3) and I both love this guy so much! 

I thought I was going to sell him. Maybe I will at some point, but for now, he keeps watch over the new plushies who are waiting for their forever homes.

Beauty Belongs to the Creator

I hope this inspires you to look at your yarn a little differently. What can you create with that ugly yarn you have been avoiding?

How A Busy Little Bee Picks a Project - 4KCBWDAY2

Today's task for the 4th Annual Knit and Crochet Blog Week is to explain the process of deciding upon a project to make.

Yesterday, I shared with all of you that I am a bee! How exactly does a busy little bee decide on her next project?

For the most part, most of my projects are commissioned. A customer will contact me with an idea and ask if I can do it. My absolute favorite is when someone comes to me with a general theme and says, "What can you do that involves this?"

In true bee form, my mind starts buzzing immediately when I receive a special request. I scour Pinterest, Ravelry and my great big brain of useless information until I stumble upon or remember the perfect project.

Here are just a few examples. I will explain the thought behind my favorite ones below.

Can you make some sort of fish hat with natural fibers or keep it organic?

Hey! It's the year of the dragon and my friend is really into that. I am having trouble finding decorations for a dragon-themed baby shower. Do you think you could make something that is cute and babyish?

My friend's husband is a tennis pro and their house revolves around tennis. Could you make something? Maybe a rattle with a tennis ball on the end?

And this is my all-time favorite!! This message came from a first-time aunt:

My sister is decorating the baby's room in a pale blue with a bird theme. Could you make some things with a bird theme for her baby shower that will match the baby room?

This one was a lot of fun! I immediately created a pinterest board and scoured the net for ideas. I sent the link to my friend and her mom. They replied back and told me which things they liked and which things they didn't. 

I think I had suggested creating a bunting with the bluebird appliques (upper left in photo collage). But, they immediately thought of giving them to guests as party favors. I made 30 of them and attached a magnet to the back. Each guest received one along with a poem written by Caleb's grandmother.

Next, they chose this sweet little birdie designed by LuvlyGurumi. She does not normally allow her finished items to be sold. I asked permission for this one time and she said it was ok. 

Sidenote: I know that designers do not legally have any way of enforcing their "do not sell finished product" policy. I do not want to be despised for disobeying their request. So while I disagree with their policy, I adhere to it.

There were three cupcake tiers at the baby shower. There was a bluebird perched on top of each one with a bluebird sitting on the table between them.

And, last but not least, I made a very special bluebird just for the baby's room. At the baby shower, my friend used him to decorate the gift table. 

Baby Caleb has such a beautifully decorated shower! I love how my little yarn art tied so wonderfully with the place settings, cupcakes and birdhouses decorating the tables.

Hey! Eskimimi asked if I could find a project that represents my Mascot? 

Of course! I treated this just like I would any other request. I created a Pinterest board and searched high and low for bees! Bees knees, bee shoes, honeycomb, etc. Even just some signs that I thought were cute that had to do with bees! Here is a peek at the board. Click on it and you'll be taken to my Busy Bee board.

I pinned several amigurumi pieces, photography props, pillows, inspiring signs and even a sweet little bee created from polymer clay.

You Don't Have to be a Peacock to Rock a Project! 

I admire the peacocks who can totally bedazzle a project. Like my friend Rachel from Silly Stitches who created these adorable bunny bottoms and this amazing underwater themed cape. These are two projects that I will never forget!

I think that all of us have a little bit of each animal as part of who we are. While I may not give you a glammed out (house of peacock) project, I will give you something that meets (and hopefully exceeds) your expectations. The reason I can do this is because I am a busy bee! Always buzzing around the internet pinning to my heart's desire. I know what patterns are available, where to find them and whether I am skilled enough to pull it off.  And, if I can't think of anything, then you can be sure I will find something that will more than please you. 

4 Keys to Unlocking Your Photography Potential

Cartoon Courtesy of What the Duck

With a few keys under your belt, you can achieve professional photos no matter what camera you use!

Key #1: Great Lighting Matters More Than the Camera

Perfectionism...A Few Hours Later

I am making this beautiful scarf as a gift for my co-worker:

Free Pattern from People Webs: Chunky Circle Scarf

I was nearly to the end of the second row when I came across this:

I know not everyone crochets. Basically, those wheel looking things should not have been so far apart (6 stitches apart in this photo and they should have been only 3 stitches apart).

When I make a mistake, I cannot go on.