AllCrafts.net Free Crafts Update Blog

Framed Heart Wedding Invitations

Simple, yet elegant, wedding invitations using rubber stamps and gold embossing powder. Added to Wedding Crafts and Stamping

Natural Herb Soap Colorant

High tech meets natural living. Learn how to microwave herb mixtures with oils to create natural soap dyes. Added to Soap-Making

Firefighter Quilt Patterns

Five different applique firefighter patterns. They range from beginner to detailed. Added to Quilting

Stamp a Cake

With edible powders, you can stamp a cake. It's just lovely. Added to Stamping

One Skein Wonders - 101 Yarn Shop Favorites Crafts Book Review

One Skein Wonders - 101 Yarn Shop Favorites

Everyone has orphan skeins. Leftover yarn too pretty or interesting or costly to give away. I keep mine in a nice basket, though it's usually overflowing. Sometimes, I wonder why I can't let them go find new homes where they won't be ignored. Sometimes, I feel a little guilty about the clutter of miscellaneous balls of yarn.

Now, I've shed my guilt, and I have a new purpose in my knitting life, thanks to one adorable book, "One Skein Wonders - 101 Yarn Shop Favorites." You, too, can let go of your orphan yarn and make socks, hats, scarves, baby sweaters, belts, jewelry, arm warmers, purses, and much more.

Need a quick gift or an interesting challenge? It's easy to match your orphan (or new) skein to a pattern. The 101 patterns are sorted by yarn weight and type:

• Bulky Weight Yarns
• Heavy Worsted Yarns
• Worsted Mohair Yarns
• Worsted Weight Yarns
• Sport Weight Yarns
• Fingering Weight Yarns
• Novelty Yarns

Oh, did I say buy new yarn? It's just one skein... Maybe some cashmere. Or is that fun novelty yarn calling your name?

With so many patterns in one book that use just one skein or less, there's something for almost every type of knitter:

• Coaster set
• Hats
• Baby Sweaters
• Shawls
• Bags
• Purses
• Headbands
• Socks
• Collars
• Caps
• Gift Bag
• Shells
• Shrugs
• Cell Phone Carrier
• Flowers
• Ponchos
• Ice Scraper Mitt
• Mittens
• Tea Cozy
• Booties
• Cowl
• Home Decor

Browse the 101 patterns by yarn weight or by photo. The table of contents is sorted by yarn weight and color photos are together in the middle of the book. Each photo lists the page number of the pattern. The patterns have small photos of the item for reference. The book is very easy to use and fun to leaf through. See a sampling of free patterns from the book's website.

Yarn shops across the US contributed the patterns, which shows in the diversity of styles, yarns, and skill levels. If you enjoy yarn shops like I do, you'll appreciate the listing and descriptions of all yarn shop contributors. Maybe I can visit one or two on my travels here and there. Must keep this list handy!

If you need to brush up on a technique or two, a handy glossary with diagrams is included.

Overall, a lively and fun knitting book with a diversity of patterns in yarn type, skill level, and complexity. Enjoy!

One Skein Wonders - 101 Yarn Shop Favorites

Needlepunch Four Season Sheep

Needlepunch is a relaxing needlecraft, once you get the rhythm and technique together. The Four Season sheep project is quick to stitch and cute as a button. Added to Needlework

Vintage Patriotic Swag

Just in the nick of time for the Fourth of July, print this vintage patriotic swag on fabric for your barbecue or party. Added to Patriotic Crafts and Computer Crafts