Chris Hammond's background is a bit different than you'd expect, with degrees in Atmospheric Sciences, Mathematics and Physics. She's been a meteorologist, a high school math and science teacher and, most recently, a professional knitter. But above all else, she is a passionate crafter, dabbling in a little bit of everything. Basically, if it can be crafted, and she needs to procrastinate something much more important, she can do it.
From the August 2015 issue
Hi Melissa,
So, you’ve decided that you want to learn how to crochet – that’s great! You’ve picked out your yarn and learned a few of the basic stitches, but now what? If you are just learning to crochet, one of the hurdles you must overcome is learning to read crochet patterns. While you don’t have
View ProjectFrom the June 2015 issue
Hi Jamie,
Those pesky labels around your new skein of yarn can get in the way, but don’t be so quick to toss them; there is a wealth of information to be found on those little labels! Here’s a quick overview of the most important information included.
1. Brand and yarn name
2. Fiber content, weight and yardage.
From the April 2015 issue
Dear Jenny,
First of all, let me say “BRAVO!” for at least starting with your gauge swatch – this is an important step that many people skip and it leaves them wondering why something didn’t fit. The gauge swatch information, if necessary, is given in the pattern so you will be able to make a product
View ProjectFrom the February 2015 issue
Dear Laurie,
Congratulations! You finished that piece you’ve been working on… or have you?
Maybe not. If you want to add a professional finish to your crocheted piece, you should consider blocking it.
Blocking your crochet items puts a nice finishing touch on all your hard work, and it gives the final product a professional appearance. You’ll set
View ProjectFrom the December 2014 issue
Dear Paula,
My very tongue-in-cheek response is to ask, “Have you shown them the credit card bill?”
Of course, I’ll admit that this would have little effect on me. I am a confessed serial yarnaholic. I have never been able to control my yarn buying, no matter how hard I have tried. If I see a project
View ProjectFrom the October 2014 issue
Dear Stevie,
This is one of the things most beginners struggle with the most, and I’ll admit to still having trouble with it depending on the stitches I am working with. Having nice straight edges on your piece will really make a difference in how it fits and looks. Getting consistently straight edges will come with
View ProjectFrom the June 2014 issue
Dear Linda,
This is one of those questions where if you ask 100 different people you get 100 of the best ideas and solutions ever. Of course, the answer to this question lies in the kind of space you have and your organizational preferences. Do you prefer to see everything you have? Do you just want
View ProjectFrom the April 2014 issue
Dear Margot,
Unfortunately, pain is something that yarn crafters deal with from time to time. Repetitive motions in the hands and/or wrists can often cause cramping or sharp pains that make it hard to finish that big project! Luckily, a lot of pain can be avoided or alleviated with some basic adjustments to your form. By
View ProjectFrom the April 2014 issue
This lacy scarf is a breeze to work up and can be customized to your liking. If you’re looking for a quick and simple on-the-go project, this scarf is just what you need.
View ProjectFrom the August 2014 issue
Dear Carys,
Getting that project done as quickly as possible is always a great motivator, isn’t it? When I was just learning to crochet I would get frustrated with my speed too. Since then I’ve come up with some ways to really get things moving. While these techniques may not work for everyone, I find that when I try them with my students they do well.
View Project
