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 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 12

If you're have trouble threading a needle try holding the needle in front of a white surface so that the eye is more visible.

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

Craft Tips for Newbies No 11

When you're doing Decopatch, tearing pieces is preferable as torn edges blend together better than edges cut with scissors.

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

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

All is revealed

The mystery is solved, hugs lots of them.  The cheeky picture was that of a cotton mug hug wrapping around a lovely Laura Ashley mug.  The magic is that it is not conventional knitting or crochet but French Knitting.  Yes woolly worms carefully worked to make a mug hug.  This is knitting for the totally terrified as not only is it easy with tension a breeze and casting on a doddle we went the extra mile working the pattern in cotton.  Cotton yarn is less fluffy than wool so yet again even easier.  Seek It Out is all about in comfort zone crafting with great outcomes.  Seek It Out wants everyone to be filling the world woolly worm beauty.

The Seek It Out team have created a new kit.  This French Knitting kit contains all you need and more to make up to 9 items.  We give you really detailed and in depth instructions to cover all those questions that never get answered.  We tried many ideas but decided lovely silky cotton yarn was the answer and gives great results.  So have a go, it could not be easier no longer need you be terrified!

French Knitting is the answer to all our woes.

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!