Lost arts of home-making

[Kathryn Ann]

Originally Posted by roselily

-Are you feel more better now, Kathryn?

Ah, Dear Kathryn! Everyone was able to sew if they want, and I will make more sewing.

I pray you get well now.

Keep on enjoying your sewing, Dear roselily, and thank you yes, much better!

[DaniMetzinger]

I'm currently making curtains for my home. It's sad that sewing your own clothes and furnishings isn't as big a saver as it use to be. ( so I'm told) I did manage to save a bunch of money by getting fabrics on sale.

[LemonAndLime]

I'm currently learn to crochet.

I already knit, but I'm not very patient and crochet seems to progress really quickly so I'm enjoying it.

[DaniMetzinger]

I started knitting because crocheting just seemed harder at the time. Now that I can crochet it's my favorite of the two. Not only does it go by quicker it allows for more freedom in what your making. I've made stuffed animals, hats and baby sweaters. When I was knitting all I ever made was scarves.

[LemonAndLime]

Originally Posted by DaniMetzinger

I started knitting because crocheting just seemed harder at the time. Now that I can crochet it's my favorite of the two. Not only does it go by quicker it allows for more freedom in what your making. I've made stuffed animals, hats and baby sweaters. When I was knitting all I ever made was scarves.

I made scarves and have tried to make bigger projects, but I just give up. Yes sometimes the repetativeness is very relaxing and I enjoy it, but I could spend 5-6hrs doing the same pattern and only make 1/4 of a shawl.

And it seems that some of the more intricate/exciting patterns are made using crochet.

[DaniMetzinger]

I agree. The repetitiveness in knitting is soothing. I like to make up my own patterns when I'm crocheting but when it isn't working out sometimes I'll take a break from the crocheting madness and knit myself a scarf. I can knit a scarf with my eyes closed. lol

[LemonAndLime]

Originally Posted by DaniMetzinger

I agree. The repetitiveness in knitting is soothing. I like to make up my own patterns when I'm crocheting but when it isn't working out sometimes I'll take a break from the crocheting madness and knit myself a scarf. I can knit a scarf with my eyes closed. lol

One of the things I really enjoyed knitting was a cushion cover with super chunky yarn. It took me less than 2 hours to knit (and that included several mistakes and having to pull it out) in basket weave stitch.

I can knit a scarf while watching TV without having to look at my needles. Have you ever made a scarf using circular needles? I made one big loop scarf for my mother and sister, and they are wide enough to wear over the head as a hooded scarf. Using extra chunky yarn, very quick as well.

[DaniMetzinger]

I love using extra chunky yarn, but I never thought of knitting a pillow. That's a great idea.

I have circular needles (needles with the cord attaching them) but I can never get them to work properly. I don't have much patience.

[Anne72]

It seems like a person is either predominately a crochet-er or knitter! I have been crocheting since I was small, but it wasn't till a year ago that I learned to knit. I have a pretty good yarn stash (I found some super cheap wool and cotton sweaters at goodwill that I unraveled) so I've been practicing!
The circular needles are a pain at first but once I got the hang of them I made a couple hats that I am happy with. I always seem to make my way back to my crochet hooks, though.

[thewanderer]

Originally Posted by Anne72

It seems like a person is either predominately a crochet-er or knitter! I have been crocheting since I was small, but it wasn't till a year ago that I learned to knit. I have a pretty good yarn stash (I found some super cheap wool and cotton sweaters at goodwill that I unraveled) so I've been practicing!
The circular needles are a pain at first but once I got the hang of them I made a couple hats that I am happy with. I always seem to make my way back to my crochet hooks, though.

That is an amazing idea for a way to get cheap yarn!! I might have to start experimenting with this!!

[Anne72]

Originally Posted by thewanderer

That is an amazing idea for a way to get cheap yarn!! I might have to start experimenting with this!!

It is soooo addictive and wonderful! There are some guidelines-like shoulder and arm seams-if they are serged you won't get a full length of yarn and so it is best to avoid those. Also, after you unravel it's best to gather the yarn in long hanks, tie off, and soak in COLD water then hang to dry so it draws the 'curl' out. Though, some people often just crochet or knit straight from the old sweater as they unravel, Depends on how cooperative the yarn is! There are a lot of articles out there on how to reclaim or 'frog' as it is sometimes called. I typically stick with old cotton or wool sweaters (as long as the wool hasn't felted) and larger bulky yarn. I also avoid acrylic as that yarn is typically cheaper in the stores-but occasionally I will find a really cool color I really must have! It's like a treasure hunt!

[DaniMetzinger]

I've seen fabric at thrift stores before. I just never have a good enough reason to get any.

[DaniMetzinger]

what is a good fabric to use when making a stuffed animal?

[57classic]

There are a couple of really good books to do with cooking/baking; gardening; homesteading
Carla Emery's Old Fashioned Recipe Book and Encyclopedia of Country Living and the Foxfire series

Both were written to mid 60's to mid 70's and might be hard to find but will tell you more than you ever really wanted to know about self sufficiency including what a healthy goat's turds (her words not mine) should feel like and how to skin a bear.

I learned how to make bread and be adventurous at it and how to can from Carla Emery.
From the Foxfire series you can learn to preserve fruits and vegtables, slaughter hogs and make moonshine and that's just from the first book!

[LemonAndLime]

Originally Posted by DaniMetzinger

what is a good fabric to use when making a stuffed animal?

Crochet