Knitting is good for you...

Well, so a recent newspaper article said.  For two main reasons; firstly as a stress buster and secondly as away of keeping the brain active for older knitters. Relaxing some of the time I agree but not when struggling to learn or following a tricky pattern.

Our own research told us that newbee's often find knitting stressful; they told us that they want simple but not making endless doll's neck ties or small squares for charity blankets. In response the Nesta kit came to be. Simple to do and room for tension variations with easy to follow pattern but the result must be good enough to use, Nesta is just that. The pretty cushion would grace any decor and the process build confidence, as promised crafting without tears.

Nesta is named after a very talented lady, wife of a Snowdonia sheep farmer who transformed an ancient ruin of a large slate farmhouse into one of the most sympathetic and stunning restorations I have ever seen. The cushion would have fitted in a treat with its natural tones, so reminiscent of the sheep they farmed high on their Welsh mountain.

Rosie 

Creative Director SIO

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

© Gail Johnson - Fotolia.com

Craft Tips for Newbies No. 15

Thread looks darker on the spool than it will on fabric. Choose a thread a shade darker than the material you'll be using it on.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 13

Keep a small magnet in your sewing basket. When needles and pins drop on the carpet while you're sewing, retrieve them quickly with the magnet.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 9

Low cost curtain linings: Use budget polycotton bed sheets in co-ordinating colour, lots of fabric for low price, try supermarkets or charity shops or even the back of your linen cupboard.

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 6

Knitting needles come in bamboo, plastic, metal, even milk based. Bamboo is flexi so good for newbies. Metal last a long time and milk is good for those with stiff hands but not recommended for newbies as need special handling. http://ow.ly/c5zR0

Seek It Out: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Your very own Wells Dressing!

Crafting with the kids on this rainy day? Lots of ideas in our making section and also freebies for those registered on the site. http://www.seekitout.co.uk/to-make.html
 
FAMILY CRAFTING IDEA
How about a family craft day to see who can create something amazing. In the Peak District the traditional Wells Dressings use natural products from nature and clay to produce spectacular pictures, the tradition goes back way into history.  The results they achieve are spectacular to say the least.
 
So how about some simple plasticine or similar, even double sided tape (carpet tape - try B&Q), piece of card or board, rice, dried pulses, scraps of fabric, beads, old wrappings, egg shells, flower petals, moss, pebbles or scrunched up paper to create a family masterpiece, does not have to be done in a day so could not be more perfect.  Slip under a bed or on top of a cupboard for safe keeping till done.  Worried it will dry out cover carefully with cling film till done. Check these ideas out bit.ly/M0xPMu  Often religious yours can be anything, people, flowers, Olympics, date in History, even random modern art.... the world really is your oyster

SEEK IT OUT: Changing the world a stitch at a time

Craft Tips for Newbies No 4

Crochet in a round, working the work in one piece to form a tube like structure often used for bags. Use a safety pin to mark row starting points as hard to find start sometimes, move up each row and then you will always know the start point to ensure you do not end up with 1/2 row extra! Our crochet and felt starter kit bag is worked in the round, check it out.

Seek It Out: Changing the world a stitch at a time

CraftTips‬ for newbies No3

Knitting needles come in many lengths, use shorter ones when starting out easier to control.

Seek It Out: Changing the world a stitch at a time

CraftTips‬ for newbies No2

Helpful Craft Tips. Use the wool end from centre of the ball not outside, easier to control ball when knitting, wool jumps around less. 

Seek It Out: Changing the world a stitch at a time

CraftTips‬ for newbies No1

Knitting pins and knitting needles are one and the same.Confusing we know!


Seek It Out Changing the world a stitch at a time

What is the big secret?

Do you ever feel left out, like you’re not part of a secret club whose members somehow know how to do everything? Why do cookery programmes, knitting patterns and so much more just assume we all know the basics? Wouldn’t it be nice if someone gave us a chance to get into something by kindly and clearly showing us the starter steps – after all, we’re grown up enough to know the difference between accepting guidance and being patronised...

Well, that’s something we’re passionate about here at Seek It Out: how can we give people that bit of extra guidance so they can try something new without fear, frustration or embarrassment. What’s more, as we grow and develop, we’ll listen to your feedback and constantly make improvements to the way we guide people – so you can help us help you! 

Is there a particular craft you fancy trying, but are you too nervous about mucking it up?  If so, go and find us on Facebook or Twitter and tell us about it.  Perhaps together we can change the world a little for the better and share the love of craft and creativity, rather than letting it be the preserve of the few…  

Seek It Out and you: changing the world, a stitch at a time!