Last week we talked about making your needlework goals for 2018 S.M.A.R.T.E.R. – and this week, well – it’s time to wrap things up so we can actually start working on those goals and developing your needlework skills! 😉

Let’s recap what you’ve done, so far.

1. You “Kon-Mari’d” your PIPs and prioritized them.
2. You made a list of things you want to accomplish this year – and you turned them into goals.
3. You made your goals S.M.A.R.T.E.R.

Congratulations!!!

You’re doing GREAT! I’m so proud of you for taking the initiative to develop your needlework skills. It’s one thing to say you’re gonna do something, but you’ve proven that you mean business.

Ellen Johnson

Welcome to the new Serendipity Needleworks website!

I’m so happy that you’re here. Please bookmark this page on the new website so you can visit with me regularly.

Let’s take a quick tour around the website and I’ll share a little about what you can expect to see here.

Ellen Johnson

Have you ever worked really hard on a project, only to have your hat (or mittens or, even worse, your sweater!) turn out waaaay too big? Or how about making something that ends up being entirely too small?! Well, that’s exactly what can happen if you don’t check your gauge before you start your project. Now, you may be wondering – what, exactly, is gauge?

Great question! Let’s take a look at it and see why it’s SO important!

Gauge refers to the number of knitted stitches in one linear inch of fabric. (It also applies to rows per inch, but we’ll chat about that another time.) Gauge directly affects the width of your knitted item and, if it’s off (even by 1/2 stitch per inch) can completely wreck your project.

Here’s an example…

Suppose the pattern you’re using states that gauge should be 4 stitches per inch. The pattern also tells you that you need to cast on 60 stitches. When you do the math, that calculates out to a piece o knitting that will measure 15″ wide. (Because 60 stitches divided by 4 stitches per inch = 15″.)

Ellen Johnson

Last time, we chatted about choosing yarns, and today we’re going to talk about — yep — knitting needles! Knitting needles come in an assortment of shapes and sizes and they’re made from a variety of materials. From plastic and metal to bamboo and wood -there are so many options out there that it can make your head spin. But I’m going to share some tips with you that will make choosing the right needle for your project easy-peasy. Let’s get started!

Ellen Johnson

Now that you’re committed to purchasing the best quality supplies you can afford, it’s time to take a look at making the best fiber choices for your projects. Remember in my last post, I told you that I’d be sure and address both knitting/crochet and needlepoint/embroidery? (So you’d have the information for whichever technique you prefer — or both, if you’re a multi-crafter!) Well, while writing this part for knitting and crochet, I realized that it was going to be a wee bit long, so I divided it into two separate posts.

Info about choosing yarn (for knitters and crocheters) is below.

Stitchers, you can find tips for choosing the best fibers for your projects here.

Now, my friend, why don’t you fix yourself a nice cup of tea and let ‘s talk yarn choices…

Ellen Johnson

I’ve been teaching other people to knit, crochet, embroider, and needlepoint for more than 25 years. Throughout those years, I’ve compiled a list of tips that will make you a better knitter, crocheter, or stitcher.

You may already know some of my tips. Hopefully, you’ll learn something that will improve your skills and make you a more confident needle artist. (Because that’s what you are, you know!)

Sound good? Terrific!

Let’s get started…

Ellen Johnson