Square Needles and Hooks?

While reading the latest copy of knit today magazine, I saw an advertisement about square knitting needles and crochet hooks...This is some of what I found from Kollage Yarns. Let me know if you have tried square needles or hooks! I'd love to hear your experiences with them!

Square Needle Size

Yes, they really are easier on your hands! Handcrafted to our exacting standards, Kollàge's square knitting needles are designed to be ergonomically suited to your hands, decreasing stress and strain for those who love to knit. The needles are handmade in Vietnam from a hardwood called Forest Palm.

They enable you to knit faster with more uniform stitches. At one of our shows, we had several pairs of square needles out with yarn for people to try. One sample was knit on by over 30 different people, but the stitches were all the same. These will be perfect with those slippery yarns so no more dropping stitches.

We believe, and have been told by many, the square needles are easier to use by those who have arthritis, carpal tunnel, or stiffness in their hands and fingers. You've got to try them!

Just two of many testimonials:

The square needles are a wonderful thing!! I can knit longer!! I didn't believe it but, I am knitting the baby surprise sweater and I started on the squares to give them a try and I was getting a lot of stitches so I switched to the circular and my tennis elbow went nuts....then it dawned on me....maybe it is the needles, so I went back to the squares and no problem. I love them. I need more!!!
Jan from Wisconsin

I was in a car accident 7 months ago. I couldn't even hold my knitting needles for 3 months. Because of the pain, I could not knit for 5 months! I tried these Square Needles thinking...you've got to be kidding...these won't work. Well....I LOVE these Square Needles! I can hold these Square Needles easier than the round ones...And without any pain in my hands! I am adding these to my needle collection.
Jo from New Jersey

Square Circulars and DPNs

The square circulars and dpns will be made out of a high grade aluminum in a coppery brown color. The new K-Kable is like no other on the market. It will not kink, kurl or knot and has virtually no memory. What does this mean for you? Finally, a needle that is ready to knit right out of the package. The round to square size issue has also been addressed. These will be machined which corrects the variations you get with handmade needles. The circular needles will be available in US sizes 0 - 10 (2.0mm - 6.0mm) in 24" (61.96cm) and 40" (101.6cm) lengths. We will also have US sizes 6, 7 and 8 (4, 4.5 and 5mm) in 32" (81.3cm) length. The DPNS will be available in US sizes 0 - 3 (2.0 - 3.25mm) in 5" (12.7cm) and 7" (17.78cm) lengths.

Square Crochet Hooks The crochet hooks have gone through an entire redesign which has enabled us to make an even more comfortable Rosewood handle, while the shaft and hook will be done in the same high grade aluminum for more accurate gauge. There will be two handle sizes while the properly sized shaft and hook will vary according to size. The new Square crochet hooks will be available in US sizes C - J (2.75 - 6.0mm) in a 6" (15.25cm) length.

Fabric Knitting & Crochet has new graphics!

A huge *shout out* to ravelry member, glad2garden, for donating her time and talents to creating this great banner and button for our ravelry group, fabric knitting and crochet!
Don't they look fabulous?

BLOG GIVEAWAY: Pick a Pattern!

This month is National Crochet Month...but, don't worry, if you knit you can win too:)

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*I will be choosing 4 different winners for this contest!*

The rules...Here’s how to enter (there are so many ways):

• Leave a comment to this post to be entered once.Identify which of my patterns you feel you want to win! Which one is your favorite?
  
• To receive a second entry in the drawing, leave a second comment sharing what type of tutorial I have that is your favorite or suggest a new one!
• To be entered a third time, post this giveaway on your blog or homepage, and/or link back to it-- *please* be sure to mention this in your comment.
• To receive a fourth entry Tweet about the Giveaway on Twitter (and Tweet us that you did or tell us you did in another comment)
  
• For a fifth entry mention this on your Facebook page
• For a sixth entry *follow this blog*

This tutorial is a pdf file and will come via email attachment!
The winner will be chosen using random.org!
Anyone in the world may enter for this giveaway as it is an electronic version!

Enter the contest by Friday, March 13, 2009 at 11:59 p.m. e.s.t!
Good Luck!

Free Pattern Wednesday! A trio of 3 bulky belts to knit!

Preppy + Sassy

BELTS, BELTS and more BELTS!

Knitting Pattern bundle for you!

Are you on ravelry? If so, you can buy this FOR FREE using the link below!

Book Feature: Fast Fun & Easy Fabric Knitting

Product Description
Knit strips of cotton fabric, silk, rayon, and more. Create 10 easy, portable projects.

About the Author
Cyndy Lyle Rymer is a long-time quilter who has discovered a new passion for knitting with fabric. Cyndy edited Photo Fun and has written or edited several other books for C&T.

• Paperback: 48 pages
• Publisher: C&T Publishing; 1st edition (April 25, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1571203036
• ISBN-13: 978-1571203038
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 8.3 x 0.2 inches

The March projects are in! Rag Bags and Rag Baskets!

Have you checked out the Fabric Knitting & Crochet group on Ravelry?
If not, please do!
We just voted on our March kal/cal projects and the winners are....
Rag Bags & Rag Baskets
Hope to see you there soon!

March is National Craft Month and National Crochet Month!

National Craft Month

March has been designated National Craft Month by the Craft and Hobby Association (CHA). Major craft retailers, small businesses, and online craft sites are getting in on the action to celebrate a month dedicated to crafting. In addition to taking advantage of special sales and events during March, I thought I would take it upon myself to set some crafting goals. Care to join me? Listed below are a few of the ideas I'm thinking of for the month.

Learn a New Craft

I like to consider myself a well-rounded crafter, but there are certain things I have yet to try. Soap making has always intrigued me but I've always shied away from that because I thought there may be too big of an investment in supplies. Looks like I was mistaken. I found this great eco-friendly soap tutorial online and the materials are relatively inexpensive.

Teach Someone Else a New Craft

I try to do this as much as possible, whether it is National Craft Month or not. When you are passionate about something, it is hard not to share that with others! Teach a neighbor or your child how to make your favorite craft. Write a tutorial for your blog to share your award winning cupcake recipe.

Craft With Someone New

Crafting isn't meant to be a solitary activity. Being able to craft and create with others can be an extremely stimulating experience. Liven things up a bit and find someone new to craft with. Go to a local senior center and find a knitting buddy. Check out a class at your local quilt shop. Join a guild.

Finish What You've Started

If you're like me, you have some projects languishing around the house. Use this month to get them done! Put that binding on the quilt. Finish seaming that knitted sweater. Use that pattern you printed off the internet.

National Craft Month's purpose isn't to cure world hunger or bring about world peace. But, it is anticipated to bring joy to all who choose to participate.

Christy Nelson crafts and when she isn't crafting, she's writing about crafting. You can read more about it at her website, christynelson.net.

National Crochet Month

Get hooked and celebrate National Crochet Month in March with the Crochet Guild of America (CGOA). Local CGOA member crochet guilds, across the nation and worldwide, will be participating in community activities to help promote the fiber craft of crochet. Crocheting has grown in popularity and become a favorite past time for all ages in the past few years. “It is no longer your grandmother’s crochet”. Everything from sweaters, scarves, hats, accessories, dresses, and more have been modeled on New York’s fashion runways. The fashion magazines, craft industry magazines and book publishers all include crochet as a popular craft trend and art form. To join CGOA, go to www.crochet.org for information about the national guild as well as the local guilds worldwide. Membership offers manufacturer discounts, education, opportunities for professional development and a magazine subscription to Crochet! magazine. The main purpose of the Crochet Guild of America is to educate the public about crochet, provide education and networking opportunities and set a national standard for the quality, art and skill of crochet through creative endeavors.