Self Ruffling Yarn

I have found a new product I just love!  Self Ruffling Yarn.  Premier Yarns Starbella comes in many colors and with and without sparkles.  (Who doesn't love a little sparkle?)  When knitting with it you essentially split the yarn.  The label has wonderful instructions and diagrams on the back.  I have made several scarves and I am working on a few pillows.  The uses, however, are limited only by your imagination. 

Button Choice is important

Buttons can make or brake a finished project.  MaryJayne's Swing coat is a wonderful example.  Simple buttons are not at all a bad thing, but if you want to dress up or dress down an item...buttons can change the look of a garment completely. 

The buttons here are more casual and make the coat a better spring garment because of their flower motif. 

These buttons dress up the coat.

Size makes a big difference too.  Obviously you need buttons that fit the holes and the size of the garment.  The larger the buttons the more attention they will receive as well. 

Next time you go to the store to pick out buttons for a finished knitting project...remember the buttons can change the garment.  It may be worth spending a few more dollars to get the right buttons, and the right buttons may not always be the expensive ones.  Don't be afraid to bring your finished project with you to the store and hold the buttons up to the item.

Pattern Testing

Through Ravelry I am having my first pattern tested.  I chose to have my MaryJayne pattern tested because it is a complex pattern, and I wanted to have some additional projects posted for it.  The process is wonderful so far.  Ravelry offers a group where designers and knitters can come together.  As a designer I offer my pattern up, and the knitters apply to test knit for you.  The knitter receives the pattern free of charge, and I receive feedback.  So far all the feedback has been very helpful and nobody has found any glaring errors in the pattern!