Subject of the Month: 2023

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April's Subject of the Month

Yarn Crafts


Selector: Shannon McDermitt

“It is a peculiarity of knitters that they chronically underestimate the amount of time it takes to knit something. Birthday on Saturday? No problem. Socks are small. Never mind that the average sock knit out of sock-weight yarn contains about 17,000 stitches. Never mind that you need two of them. (That's 34,000 stitches, for anybody keeping track.) Socks are only physically small. By stitch count, they are immense.”

— Stephanie Pearl-McPhee, At Knit's End: Meditations for Women Who Knit Too Much


You can order these books from the Michigan eLibrary Catalog (MeLCat) to be delivered to campus. Select the link to go to the item record in the MeL database and select "Get this from MeLCat"

Knitting Books


Crochet Books


 

Ever want to learn to knit? Join us on Tuesday, April 4, 2023 from 11 AM to 1 PM on the second floor of UGL.

Have you ever wanted to learn to knit but didn’t have anyone to teach you? The library is here to help! We’ll be holding a drop-in Learn to Knit Workshop from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on April 4 on the 2nd floor of the UGL with several of our staff and librarians who are experienced in fiber arts. Beginning knitters will learn how to cast on, knit and cast off through a simple knitted bookmark project. All supplies will be provided but you’re also welcome to bring your own and get advice on your own projects.

No pre-registration is necessary—just stop in to learn and have a good time!

The Pattern

How to knit a simple bookmark by Craftfix

We'll be supplying yarn and knitting needles to construct the bookmark.

The Skills

Longtail Cast-On

Knit Stitch (English/American)

Knit Stitch (Continental)

Casting-off (also called "binding off")

Continental? English? Confused?

Here is a quick YoutTube primer on the two different types of knitting - continental and English/American. It really comes down to which hand you prefer tensioning your yarn with. The videos available above provide more in-depth tutorials of each.

Not the same thing!

PSA: Knitting and Crochet are not the same thing!

Although often mixed up and mistaken as one for the other, knitting and crochet are two different handicrafts. The below video clears up any misconceptions!

Wayne State Community

Wayne State has an amazing student community full of fiber workers! Check out some of our student groups below.

WSU Crochet Club

WSUCC’s goal is to create a safe space for students, to collaborate and learn from each other, and to use our skills to make a positive impact on Detroit.

All skill levels welcome! We will help you learn and provide materials for beginners :)


Knit Lit: Wayne State's Fiber Arts/Reading Group

Wayne State Knit Lit is a group of faculty, students, and staff from Wayne State University (Detroit, MI) who enjoy the fiber arts and reading. Each month, we meet to knit, crochet, do needlepoint or whatever else as we discuss that month’s reading.

Every skill level is welcome, as there are plenty of people on hand to help and to teach, and we usually have knitting and crocheting supplies available, so if you have an interest in fiber arts and reading, come join us!

3D Printing Craft Supplies

Journals

Databases, April 2023

Knitting

Knitting is a method of creating fabric by interlocking loops of yarn with knitting needles. It is a textile craft that has been practiced for hundreds of years, with roots in ancient Egypt and the Middle East. Knitting can be done by hand or using a knitting machine, and can be used to create a wide range of textile products including clothing, blankets, and accessories. The process of knitting involves casting on stitches, working rows of knit and purl stitches to create a pattern, and binding off the stitches to finish the piece.

Knitting 101 - Basic Skills

Beneath each panel is a YouTube video of a basic knitting skill.

Longtail Cast-On

Knit Stitch

Purl Stitch

Join in the round

Join new yarn

Change Colors

M1R (make one right) and M1L (make one left) Increase

SSK (slip, slip, knit) used for left leaning decreases

K2tog (Knit two together) used for right leaning decreases

Knitting Websites

Crochet

Crochet is a needlework technique that involves creating fabric from yarn or thread using a hooked needle. The technique is believed to have originated in Europe in the early 1800s, and has since become a popular hobby worldwide. Crochet can be used to create a wide range of products, from clothing and accessories to home decor and amigurumi toys. The craft involves working with different stitches, which can be combined in various ways to create intricate patterns and textures.

Crochet 101 - Basic Skills

Beneath each panel is a YouTube video of a basic crochet skill. The name of each panel references American terminology for each stitch.

Chain

Single Crochet

Double Crochet

Half-Double Crochet

Treble Crochet

Magic Circle

Crochet Websites

Amigurumi

Amigurumi is a Japanese word that refers to the art of crocheting or knitting small, stuffed yarn creatures or toys. In particular, amigurumi crochet involves creating these cute, whimsical creatures using a specific technique that involves crocheting in the round and often using a smaller hook than would normally be used for the yarn weight.

The resulting dolls or animals are usually made with a combination of simple shapes like spheres and cylinders, and are typically embellished with embroidered details, felt pieces, or other small accents to give them character and personality. Amigurumi has become very popular around the world, and many people enjoy creating and collecting these adorable crocheted toys.

Y2K Knitting & Crochet Books

Public libraries are a notorious treasure trove of craft books - the following selection contains books published between 2000-2010, true golden years for knit and crochet wear publications. With the resurgence of Y2K trends, these books may be of interest to those looking to make a stylish update to their wardrobe.

Shop Spotlight

Crafting for Good Causes

All About Yarn

Yarn is a long continuous strand of fibers that is used for knitting, crocheting, weaving, and other textile crafts. The fibers used to create yarn can come from a variety of sources, including animal hair (such as wool, mohair, or alpaca), plant fibers (such as cotton or linen), or synthetic materials (such as acrylic or nylon).

Yarn can be purchased in a wide range of colors, textures, and thicknesses, and is typically sold in skeins or balls. The thickness of the yarn is referred to as its "weight," and different weights are used for different types of projects. For example, a bulky weight yarn might be used for a cozy winter sweater, while a lighter weight yarn might be used for a delicate lace shawl. Yarn is a versatile material that is essential for many textile crafts and has been used for centuries to create a wide range of clothing, home decor, and other items.

Yarn Websites and More

Yarn (2016) is currently streaming free on Tubi!

Shopping Around

Pattern Websites

Free Patterns

A History of Knitting

Digital Collections

History & Criticism

More Knitting & Crochet Books

Yarn Crafts Beyond Knit and Crochet

Although knit and crochet take up the bulk of everyone's attention, the plethora of yarn crafts in existence could encompass its own guide but here are a few of my favorites for consideration.

Yarn Crafts Beyond Knit and Crochet

Weaving is a method of creating fabric by interlacing threads or yarns at right angles to one another. It's one of the oldest and most widespread textile arts, and can be done by hand or using a loom. In weaving, the lengthwise threads are called the warp, and the crosswise threads are called the weft. The warp threads are stretched taut on a loom, and the weft thread is woven over and under the warp threads to create a pattern.

The process of weaving can be very complex, with many variations in pattern, color, and texture, and it can be used to create a wide range of textile products including clothing, blankets, rugs, and tapestries. Weaving is a time-honored craft that continues to be practiced today, both as a traditional art form and as a modern textile technique.

ojo de dios

Credit: Creativebug

Ojo de Dios, which translates to "Eye of God" in English, is a traditional craft that originated in the indigenous communities of Mexico and the southwestern United States. It involves weaving colorful yarn around a wooden cross or sticks to create a geometric pattern in the shape of a diamond or eye. The craft has deep spiritual significance, with the finished object representing the eye of a god or divine being watching over and protecting the weaver's community or family. Ojo de Dios has become a popular craft activity in recent years, with many people creating their own versions using a variety of materials, colors, and patterns to create unique and beautiful pieces of art.

Pom pom crafts are a popular and fun way to create colorful decorations and accessories. Pom poms are made by wrapping yarn or other materials around a small tool or your fingers, tying it tightly in the middle, and then cutting the loops to create a fluffy ball. From there, the possibilities for pom pom crafts are endless! They can be used to make garlands, keychains, earrings, and even stuffed animals. Kids and adults alike enjoy making pom poms and using them to add a playful touch to their homes and wardrobes. With a variety of colors and textures to choose from, pom poms offer a simple yet versatile craft that can be enjoyed by anyone.

Plastic canvas crafts are a unique and versatile form of needlework that uses a plastic grid instead of traditional fabric. The plastic canvas comes in different shapes and sizes, such as squares, rectangles, circles, and ovals. With a needle and yarn, you can create a wide range of designs, from simple coasters and bookmarks to intricate 3D structures like jewelry boxes and tissue box covers. Plastic canvas crafts are perfect for people who enjoy cross-stitching, embroidery, or knitting, as they offer a similar creative outlet. Additionally, the use of plastic canvas allows for more durability and longevity in the finished product. Plastic canvas crafts are a fun and challenging way to explore your creativity and create unique handmade items for yourself or as gifts for others.

Punch needle crafts are a form of fiber art that involves using a special needle to create loops on a fabric surface. The needle, which has a hollow center, is threaded with yarn or embroidery floss and punched through the fabric in a specific pattern, creating a textured surface. This technique allows for a range of designs and patterns, from abstract to realistic, and can be used to create a variety of items, such as wall hangings, pillows, rugs, and clothing. Punch needle crafts can be done on a range of fabrics, including cotton, linen, and even burlap. This technique has gained popularity in recent years due to its versatility and ease of use, making it a great way for beginners to start exploring the world of fiber art. With a little creativity and practice, punch needle crafts can be a fun and rewarding way to express your artistic side and create unique pieces for your home or to give as gifts.