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Eleanor Swogger, Marketing Manager of KRAEMER YARNS, recently told us that the
reason helmet liners for the troops are to be made from 100% wool is because of its fire
retardant and self-extinguishing properties. The military does not want anyone in a combat zone to wear any type of clothing that will burn...
June 2010 tips & ideas
Knitted baby jackets make wonderful heirloom quality gifts. If you don't know if you
are knitting for a boy or a girl, make buttonholes on both bands. Sew the buttons on the
appropriate side when the baby arrives. Move the buttons from one band to the other for
another child, no matter the gender...
August 2010 tips & ideas
When working with a heavy button closure such as the Kollage Kimono Jacket, Marilee Roney sews a large snap in place behind the button. Simply eliminate the buttonhole, sew the button in place on the top band with the snap positioned underneath it, and you'll avoid the fiber stretching from the weight of a heavy button...
Bind off edge too tight? Try substituting a crochet hook instead of knitting needles to bind off. Use the same size crochet hook as your knitting needle...
*** WASHING ADVICE FOR HANDKNITS ***
Gleaned from KRAEMER YARNS July 2010 newsletter: "Proper care of handknits is important for garments to maintain their shape and surface appearance. We encourage you to read and understand the care instructions on the yarn labels.
All yarns, even easy care yarns such as Perfection and Tatamy, will benefit from being washed in a lingerie bag. Use a gentle soap (note: Kathy's stocks Eucalan and
Soak, two non-rinse wool & natural fiber washes).
Do not wash your handknits in a load with towels, jeans, or other heavy items. If fibers are machine dryable, a short cycle at a low temperature is best, and then lay flat to finish
drying". (re-printed with permission of Kraemer Yarns)
September 2010 tips & ideas
Worried about running short of yarn for your sweater project? Lisa Carnahan of LISA KNITS suggests weighing your yarn on a kitchen or postal scale. If you know the yardage per ounce/grams, then you can project the amount you have left. For example, if you've finished the body and one sleeve, simply weigh the finished sleeve and the yarn. If the yarn weighs as much or more than the finished sleeve, you will have enough yarn to complete the second one. Remember to calculate yardage needed for the neck and any buttonbands.
Kathy's general rule is the "rule of thirds" -- generally, you will need approximately
1/3 of your yarn for the front(s), 1/3 for the back, and 1/3 for long sleeves, plus the bands. If in doubt, finish the body, neck, and bands, then work both sleeves at the same time to the
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