RAKJpatterns Book Review

RAKJpatterns Book Review!!

Almost 2 years ago Kristi Simpson and I met "online" because we both loved to crochet, and we both love our faith in God. We clicked instantly, and began swapping emails back and fourth. The great thing about our friendship is that we realize we are both busy so we don't always get the chance to message, but when we do message it feels like no time has passed. A few weeks back she contacted me and we chit chatted, amongst the "catch me up's" she offered me to review her first book!! How sweet!! Not only that she's allowing me to giveaway the book that I review. 

I want to hit my 3 favorite key points to this book that I love and know you will too:

1) 35 designs!!! Really???? She has made them all geared towards babies newborn to 12 months, but they are not all hats. Which is a huge plus! Some patterns you can find in this book are:

2) This book is not your traditional paper back book. The cover is thick and heavy duty and the pages are also thick. This book is NOT cheaply made!

 

3) 18 pages of Stitch Help!!! At the end of the book she has a section jam packed with photos and tutorials on how to make different stitches or techniques used in the patterns. Even an GENIUS way to make a cute tassel that will have all of you "Oooing and Ahhhing"

 

The only thing I would change is the fact that it had about 4-5 of RAKJpatterns original patterns that I already owned, but that is not something that will break buying this book. It is a fabulous book, clean and well written. Kristi made mention that her newer books will be all new designs.

 

Note to Kristi: I love you and your designs. I remember that you were the first designer I found on Etsy a couple years back when I started reading patterns. I enjoy your creativity and work. Keep it coming!

 

Signing off... Nicole Thompson Designer for Boomer Beanies 

 

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How to Knit the Step by Step Tutorial

Step 2: How to Knit Stitch

On the journey of a life time... Just think all this learning we are doing together is just a stepping stone to a life time of more yarn addiction and fun handmade items... Years of enjoyment! 

Be sure to follow the blog posts by steps these will map out a very easy to learn way to knit. Practice... Practice... Practice... 

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Working the basic Knit Stitch (AKA... KS or K)

Materials: You will need 2 Knitting needles size is irrelevant because we are not making anything that requires a certain size... we are just practicing... and Worsted Weight yarn you can use your cast on's from Step 1 if you'd like.

1.) After making as many Cast On's as you'd like from Step one you will need to turn your needle to the other hand with your working yarn up top and stitches facing your opposite hand.

 2.) Insert your other needle (the one with out stitches on it) under the first loop from bottom to top

3.) Wrap Yarn around needle going in front of the needle without stitches on it and between the two needles.

4.) Pull your wrapped yarn through the loop (stitch) you put your needle through in Step 2. 







5.) Pull that New Stitch you just made off your needle and it will automatically transfer to your other needle.

Repeat this process for each Stitch on (my left) needle working a new stitch and moving it over to your other (my right) needle. If you want when you reach the end of the row you can turn and repeat this process.

NOTE: If you find it hard to get your needle in the stitch you may need to get pointier needles... I ended up having to use Hiya Hiya Sharps because I'm such a tight knitter that rounded point needles were hard to place in the stitch

How to Knit the Step by Step Tutorial

Step 1: How to Cast On

I know there are so many crocheters out there who wish they could knit. To start teaching yourself online with youtube videos can be hard since it's not mapped out for you step by step. So I have decided since I'm starting this new adventure it would be fun for everyone to take it with me. As I learn new things I will post new blogs with photos and some videos on how to do it. To be notified of new posts you can either subscribe to my blog or you can follow me on Facebook... Lets take yarn art to the next level!!! 

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Casting on: 

Materials: 1 knitting needle (any size for learning)  and worsted weight yarn

• Make a Slip Knot see photos on how to make this. 

•   Place your Slip Knot on your needle and tighten it (counts as first stitch) Step 5 up above

•  Take working yarn (yarn connected to your ball) and wrap from back to front around your thumb (opposite from hand you are using to carrying your needle)   

•   Insert needle from bottom to top in loop you've created on your thumb.

•  Remove loop (Stitch) from your thumb and tighten on your needle

Repeat this as many times as you please until you are comfortable with it.    

 

I GOT MY SPINNING WHEEL

I got my spinning wheel today; YAY!!!!! I have wanted one for so long! 

I got an Ashford Kiwi (used) I'm a firm believer in not paying full price for something (unless necessary)

 I love the Kiwi Bird on the Treadle (sp?)

I started out spinning on a Spindle (didn't do it much), and I didn't like it much. That same day I first spun on a spindle I also went to a guild meeting, and she had this beauty there. I was able to spin on it before I bought it and I loved it as soon as I tried... I wasn't good and am still learning, but it's so much fun! 

Here is a photo of my 3rd attempt as spinning! 

I love purple it's my most favorite color along with Teal so this skein I'll be keeping for myself. I still don't know what I'll make with it, but it sure is pretty!