Today's segment was a first for us. Now only did we show kits, which I usually don't do, but they were all needlework kits. There is no doubt about it. Needlework is once again enjoying a great surge in popularity, and knitting and crocheting are "in" again. To introduce newcomers to these great pastimes, a number of companies have kits that make learning possible if you don't have a teacher close by. First, from Lion Brand Yarn Company is a kit that includes yarn, needles (size #15--which is BIG), and instructions for making a hat and scarf. Because the needles are so large and the yarn is so heavy, once you get the knack of it, the project grows rather quickly. This is a good beginner project. It's very basic, but the end product is very nice looking. The price is $24.95 (figure A). If learning to knit or crochet from looking at pictures and reading copy is too tricky for you. then a CD-ROM is the closest you can get to having a teacher with you. The instruction CDs from Coats and Clark include large, easy to understand drawings as well as a video showing a close-up of someone's hands doing all of the steps while a voice over explains. Both the knitting and the crocheting box include the materials needed to start practicing: size 8 knitting needles and yarn or a crochet hook and yarn. They are each list priced to sell for $39.95 but can be found at various prices from $19.95 on up (figure B). For those of you who are already knitters, there is a kit from On The Surface that might be of interest, and because knitted and/or crocheted jewelry is so popular , this is also very timely. The $16.96 kit contains instructions and a threading needle plus enough metallic thread and 9mm glass beads for making three beaded spiral bracelets of one or two colors. The 0000 knitting needles are sold separately at $3. The directions are very simple, but because the needles are so small and the thread so fine, the kit is not recommended for beginning knitters (figure C). There's no knitting or crocheting involved in the rug kits from Caron. These kits contain the rug backing itself with the pattern printed on the front, the yarn required , the latch hook and instructions. These are not like the latch hook rug kits with the short lengths of yarn that have been available for some time. The method used here is similar to the standard rug hooking done with lengths of wool fabric where the fabric is pulled up to the front of the rug and the loop left on the top--but this time you are working with yarn. The process is easy. It is learning to be consistent that is the trick. A little practice is what makes perfect. A number of different patterns are available, ranging from whimsical for the youngster's room to nautical for the boaters among you. Price is $24.99 (figure D).
RESOURCES :
rug hook kit
Caron International
Washington, NC
USA
Toll Free Phone: 800-868-9194
Email: public_relations@caron.com
URL: www.caron.com
Lion Brand-a learn to knit kit
Lion Brand Yarn Co.
Website: www.lionbrand.com
knitting made easy CD-Rom and crochet made easy CD-Rom
Coats & Clark
Greenville, SC
US
Toll Free Phone: 800-648-1479
Website: www.coatsandclark.com/
spiral knitted beaded bracelets kit
Available at local needleart shops.
On The Surface
Wilmette, IL
US
Phone: 847-675-2520
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