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Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp: Team Thoughts on Knitting Lessons Month Two

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Can you believe that we’ve completed more than two full months of Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp: Knitting Lessons for Crocheters? On one hand, we can’t believe it at all. It seems like we just started and didn’t even know what types of knitting needles were out there. On the other hand, we can see so much progress and growth that it definitely makes sense that two months have passed. We have learned so much since our Month One Update. So here’s our Month Two Marly Bird Team Update.

Marly Bird's BiCrafty Bootcamp Team Thoughts

Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp Month Two Summary

This second month of Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp has been all about knitting a sampler stitch cowl in the round. Therefore, we started off learning how to work in the round. We discussed different types of circular needles. Here on the Marly Bird team, we worked with sponsor Prym’s 24″ circular knitting needles. Read our Prym knitting needles review here.

Here were our lessons:

Kathryn’s Progress and Thoughts

Kathryn has had a lot of highs and lows throughout Month Two of Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Boot Camp. She started off finding it challenging to begin working with circular needles again. She really likes those straights! Her first attempts at starting the cowl ribbing were a big mess because she kept twisting her needles while she worked. However, she eventually figured it out. The more she’s worked with the circulars, the easier it’s gotten.

Knitting Growing Pains

That said, she’s WAYYYYY behind on the sampler stitch cowl. She had to start over about two weeks in because that first part was just such a mess. In Week Two of this month (which was Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp Lesson 7, she made some adjustments. She shared in that week’s newsletter: “I took Marly’s advice from last week’s live and re-cast on and started with quite a few rounds of knit stitch first. Of course, working knit stitch in the round means the first part of my cowl is stockinette stitch. (The video from our lesson on working in the round explains why repeating knit stitch in rows is garter stitch but in rounds is stockinette.) In any case, once I got enough rounds of stockinette going, I started back on the K1, P1 ribbing. It’s easier now and I’m getting the hang of it. I’m still making some mistakes. I can’t always read my knits and purls on the ribbing so I think sometimes I’m accidentally making seed stitch when I mean to make ribbing, but I’m getting there.

At that point, Kathryn had also decided to cast on to larger knitting needles. The group is work with size 8 but she went all the way up to size 10. She said, “I know from crochet that when something is hard for me it helps to go up a few hook sizes so I can see the stitches better (they aren’t as tight). I figured it would work for knitting as well, and it has.” So, she expected to get caught up with the group.

Switching Gears

However, a series of things (travel, family stuff, a personal loss) happened that made life hard. As a result, she reverted back to soothing stitching rather than working on learning something new. She really believes in the power of yarn to heal. She was happy to discover that she’s at least comfortable enough with the basic knit stitch that she can now practice that in a soothing, meditative healing way.

Therefore, she cast on a wide merino wool scarf. She used big Prym needles (size 10). Then she just knit garter stitch. She knit on the on the plane, in airports and lines and waiting rooms and long car rides. She knit with others and alone. So, she’s loving that she’s able to do that and didn’t have to revery back to crochet for that comfort.

Prym knitting needles

That said, she’s loved seeing everyone’s completed cowls. (Remember to share on Facebook and Instagram with #marlybird #bicraftybootcamp.) This isn’t a race and she’s not too jelly of everyone’s advancing skills. She’s definitely going to get back to this cowl at some point to learn these stitch patterns. However, she’s eager to rejoin the group where we’re all at this month as we begin to make our first knit hat in the round starting this week.

Cryssi’s Progress and Thoughts

Cryssi also found that it took a little bit of adjusting to learn how to work in the round after our first month of knitting in rows. In the first week of this cowl pattern, she had to frog and re-start three times. She, too, found it challenging to keep her work from twisting. However, she said, “once I was really diligent about it and make sure to double check that I could see my purl bumps, things went smoothly!”

Cryssi's Knit Cowl

By Week Two of this new month, she was really in the swing of things. That was Lesson 7 of Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp. In that week’s BiCrafty newsletter, Cryssi shared: “I am so tickled with this week’s homework! I mean, for the first time, I feel like I can do anything! No, seriously! For some reason as I was sitting working on this week’s homework, I literally thought to myself, “I feel like I could make anything I wanted now.” And really, isn’t that the confidence we deserve in life?! In all sincerity, we know both of the stitches in knitting now, we can knit flat, we can knit in the round, everything else is just some combination of all that. As Marly always says, it’s just sticks and yarn. I hope you left this week feeling as confident as I have!

Cryssi's First Knit Cowl

One of the things that Cryssi was really happy about was her decision to work each new stitch pattern in a different color. The result is beautiful. She enjoyed staying caught up with the group. Of course, she incorporated the extra credit. After all, we want to learn as many of these knit stitch patterns as we can! She did fall behind one week due to life events. That’s going to happen to all of us at some point during Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp. And that’s totally okay!

Cryssi’s Summary of Thoughts on Month Two

She loved having a multi-week project. At first, it felt intimidating. After all, it’s a bigger task than the quick mug rugs we learned in Month One. However, when it was all said and done, she ended up feeling so accomplished. Cryssi loves that she was able to learn so much. She’s excited to have a finished knit accessory that she can wear this fall and winter. Plus, she’s looking forward to incorporating all of these skills into our future projects.

Month Three Goals for Marly Bird’s BiCrafty Bootcamp

Here we are in June. We’re about to begin Month Three. In this section, we’re going to continue working in the round. However, this time, we’ll be making a hat to complement our first knit cowl. You know what that means – by the end of the month we’ll learn how to knit with DPNs! We are thrilled to start a new project, build upon our new knitting knowledge, and advance in our skills.

Prym Knitting Needles Review

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We have been so lucky to get the opportunity to work with some terrific sponsors for BiCrafty Boot Camp; Knitting Lessons for Crocheters. This month, as we’ve been working on our first knit cowl pattern, we here on The Marly Bird team have been trying out the Prym circular needles. These ergonomic Prym knitting needles have teardrop-shaped tips that make them perfect for the crocheter who is learning how to knit.

Types of Prym Knitting Needles

Like with most other knitting tool supplies, Prym offers single point, double point, and circular knitting needles. They do not currently offer interchangeable circular knitting needles.

Prym single point knitting needles

Prym’s straight, or single point, knitting needles are 14″ needles. These come in 9 sizes from a size 2 (3 mm) to a size 15 (10 mm). In addition to the signature teardrop tip, the straight needles also have a unique end on the other side of the needle (to prevent stitches from falling off the back side.) The shape is such that the two needles can be pressed to lock together when not in use which is terrific for keeping the pairs organized in storage.

Prym dpns

Prym’s double pointed needles, or DPNs, are 8″ sets of 5 needles. These range in size from 1 (2.5 mm) to 11 (8 mm).

Prym cable knitting needles

Prym sells two sizes of cable knitting needles: Size 6 (4 mm) 8″ cable knitting needles and Size 10.75 (7 mm) 10″ cable stitch needles. We haven’t gotten to cable stitches or knitting needles for cables, yet, in BiCrafty Boot Camp. However, stay tuned, because those lessons are coming soon.

We worked with Prym’s circular knitting needles. Prym has both 24″ and 32″ circular knitting needles. The 24″ Prym knitting needles range in size from 2 (3 mm) to 10.75 (7 mm). In contrast, the 32″ circular Prym knitting needles range in size from 2 (3 mm) to 17 (12 mm). We worked with the size 8 (5 mm) 24″ circular needles for our first knit cowl in BiCrafty Boot Camp.

What Makes Prym Knitting Needles Unique

Prym knitting needles are designed as ergonomic knitting needles. They have a unique shape compared to other needles. The body of the knitting needle is triangular whereas the shaft is round. This makes the body easy to grip and the shaft, which has slight flexibility that follows the curve of the hand, adds to the ergonomic comfort of the design.

Prym knitting needles

Prym knitting needles also have those unique teardrop-shaped tips. That’s actually a patented design. It’s really helpful for picking up the stitches as well as keeping the stitches from dropping off the needle.

Kathryn’s Thoughts on Prym Knitting Needles

As you know, Marly Bird team members Kathryn and Cryssi are learning to knit right alongside the bootcampers. They’re trying out as many different products from the sponsors as they can. Therefore, they can give you their honest feedback about the products.

Both Kathryn and Cryssi are enjoying working with the Prym knitting needles. Kathryn struggled to get adjusted to circulars again after realizing that she really likes working with straight needles. In fact, although she’s using the Prym 24″ circulars for the cowl (which she’s behind on at the moment), she’s also simultaneously working on a simple garter stitch knit scarf on some of the Prym straights. She’s loving those.

Prym knitting needles

In particular, she likes the unique teardrop-shaped tip that is Prym’s signature. The tip easily grabs the yarn, acting almost like a little crochet hook. While she can now knit without that aid, she finds it makes for a really great transition as a crocheter new to the craft of knitting. Compared with the sharper needles, it doesn’t split the yarn as much.

She also likes the Prym’s plastic material. It’s a little bit slicker than the bamboo needles she had worked with before, so she can knit a little bit faster. However, it’s not as slick as the metal needles she tried previously that were just too fast for her. In one of the live videos, Marly agreed: bamboo is just way too slow for her experienced knitting hands but she didn’t feel like the Prym knitting needles were too slow even though she usually uses metal.

knitting needles by Prym

Cryssi’s Thoughts on the Prym’s

Cryssi also liked the Prym knitting needles. If you’ve been reading your BiCrafty Boot Camp weekly newsletters then you know that the first thing she said was:

“I really didn’t know how I would feel about the Prym needles after developing a love for my bamboo circulars. However, HOLY GUACAMOLE, I LOVE THESE NEEDLES! I was intimidated by that little bump at the tip but Marly was right, the way that bump grips the yarn both when I’m picking it and also when I’m stretching too far, keeps the open stitches from popping off the end of my needle! I mentioned before about my arthritis in my hands, and I have to say that I did notice less hand cramping this week than in previous weeks! I think a mixture of the lightness of the needles and their amazing ergonomic shape has worked wonders for me! I’m definitely a fan!”

Elaborating on that in another newsletter, Cryssi shared that she thinks the lightness of the needles really helps to eliminate the wrist pain that can come about from knitting. Moreover, she said that the ergonomic shape of the knitting needle’s shaft is what really helps prevent the hand cramping of arthritis. Additionally, Cryssi mentioned that she wasn’t sure before trying them whether that ergonomic shaft design would make any real difference on needles that are so thin but was surprised to discover that they really do help.

Cryssi has the arthritis and Kathryn has had hand injury issues. Both have been able to use these ergonomic knitting needles with relative ease, especially for beginners.

Prym single and double point knitting needles

Other Items Available from Prym

Prym also sells ergonomic crochet hooks. These range in size from C (3 mm) to O (12 mm). Furthermore, they sell two sizes off pom pom makers and three sizes of knitting mills. If you’re looking for some fun new craft toys to try out then you might enjoy those.

If We Could Have One Wish

If we could change anything about the Prym knitting needles, we would just want more of them! Specifically, we hope that in the future Prym can offer greater variation in their sizes. For example, we would love 16″ circulars to begin the hat that we’re going to start making next week in BiCrafty Boot Camp. Overall, though, we’re happy with this product. If you’re trying to figure out the right knitting needles for you, then these are definitely a contender worth trying. Everyone’s preferences are different and you have to try various options to see what you like but these should make the short list.

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Seaside Knit Beach Bag

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With summer right around the corner, a beach bag is the perfect next project. The Seaside Beach Bag is a terrific knit beach bag for this summer and beyond. Of course, you can use it on vacation at the beach as intended. However, it also doubles as a terrific market bag, tote bag, etc. Therefore, you’ll get a lot of mileage out of this knit pattern.

This bag can stretch and hold a TON! I simply love it.

*This post contains affiliate links. By clicking one of these links and making a purchase a small portion will go back to the blog. The price you page will not change. Thank you for your support of the blog.*

beach bag knit pattern

A felted bottom creates a sturdy foundation for this fun knit bag. At the same time, the mesh sides will leave the sand at the beach while keeping your toys and snacks secure inside. It truly is perfect for your next outing at the pool or the beach.

When making a bag you want it to be study so that it can hold your belongings. Worked holding two strands of yarn together for base and trim gives more structure to be able to hold all of our necessities. Felting is done after the entire bag is complete. This gives you that stronger, sturdier base.

Felting the Seaside Knit Beach Bag

Felting can be one of those scary knitting techniques that people are hesitant to try for the first time. However, it truly helps make your knit bag sturdier and more secure. And it’s not nearly as challenging as you might think it would be.I

My biggest piece of advice when it comes to felting is TEST! Knit a swatch using the same yarn in the same colors shown and test felt it before proceeding with your project. Just as I recommend doing a gauge swatch before every project, I recommend testing a felted swatch as well. By doing a test swatch you will know exactly how your yarn will react. Therefore, you won’t have surprises as you work your project.

The effects of all washing machines, detergents and local water conditions cannot be predicted. You are felting at your own risk. Felting is irreversible. Please proceed cautiously with the felting process. It is easy to felt “just a little more”, but impossible to undo the effects of over-felting. Even with that in mind, though, you shouldn’t be afraid to give it a try. Take it slowly. You’ll do fine.

Using Double Point Needles (DPNs)

Using double point needles (DPNs) is another “scary” knitting technique for some people. For example, I often hear that knitters don’t want to make socks because they will have to use DPNs to complete the project. The Seaside Knit Beach Bag is a great project to start using DPNs. DPNs are used to start the project at the base. This section will be felted so any inconsistencies will be hidden in the felting. Therefore, you’re going to hide any mistakes.

And really, if you’re new to DPNs, these aren’t that scary. Although you’re working with multiple knitting needles, you’re still only knitting with two at a time. The rest are just holding your stitches like circular cables would. You’ve got this.

Get the Seaside Knit Beach Bag Pattern

Are you ready to knit this great bag? If so, then head over to Ravelry to purchase the pattern.

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7 Free Doughnut Projects Round-Up

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Get free doughnuts everyday — when you make them yourself using Yarnspirations free patterns! Celebrate National Doughnut Day with these crochet and knit doughnut (or donut) patterns.

7 Free Doughnut Patterns
Donuts! Free Knitting Pattern

Donuts!

Knit these classic donuts to make lovely pieces for a play kitchen.

Yarn: Lily Sugar n’ Cream

Download the Donuts! free knitting pattern

Crochet Donut Free Crochet Pattern

Crochet Donut

Crochet donuts and matching donut holes, and add eyes for amigurumi cuteness.

Yarn: Red Heart Amigurumi

Download the Crochet Donut free crochet pattern

Doughnut Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

Doughnut Ornament

Chocolate makes the best topping for a sweet holiday treat!

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Download the Doughnut Ornament free crochet pattern

Dangling Donut Ornament Free Crochet Pattern

Dangling Donut Ornament

Add embroidery instead of beads on this other take of a donut ornament! Both work equally well in a play kitchen if you make them without the loop.

Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver

Download the Dangling Donut Ornament free crochet pattern

Sweet Knit Donut Toy Free Knitting Pattern

Sweet Knit Donut Toy

Doughnuts come to life with this toy that has arms and legs!

Yarn: Caron Simply Soft

Download the Sweet Knit Donut Toy free knitting pattern

Donut Dishcloth Free Knitting Pattern

Donut Dishcloth

Clean your sticky plates off with a matching dishcloth!

Yarn: Bernat Handicrafter Cotton

Download the Donut Dishcloth free knitting pattern

Knit Donut Blanket Free Knitting Pattern

Donut Blanket

Kids and parents with a sweet tooth will appreciate this fun baby blanket.

Yarn: Bernat Baby Blanket

Download the Donut Blanket free knitting pattern

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It’s Time To Complete Your BiCrafty Boot Camp First Knit Cowl! (Knitting Lessons for Crocheters, Lesson 10)

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Congratulations! If you’ve followed along with BiCrafty Boot Camp then you’ve made it all the way to Lesson 10. You are definitely a knitter now! We’ve been working on our first knit cowl. You’ve practiced lots of different stitches. Now it’s time to wrap up this cowl and get ready to begin the complementary knit hat that we’ll start next week. We are all so proud of you!

BiCrafty Boot Camp first knit cowl

Your First Knit Cowl Free Pattern

Just to recap, here’s what we’ve done so far with this first knit cowl free pattern:

Now it’s time to wrap up your first knit cowl. However, you have some options to personalize this and make it your own.

Options to Finish Your First Knit Cowl

Personally, I think that if you’ve finished each of the parts of the knit cowl to date, then the cowl is the right length to finish it up. We’re going to finish it the way that we started it: with 1″ – 1.5″ of knit K1, P1 ribbing. However, if you want to make your cowl longer or to personalize it in any way then here’s your chance. Some options:

  • Repeat all of the previous sections in order to double the length of your first knit cowl.
  • Choose one or more of the stitches that we’ve practiced to add new rounds to the cowl.
  • Find a new knit stitch pattern that you like. Test yourself to see if you can work it on your own. Just remember that the pattern needs to have a stitch multiple that works with our cast on of 140 for this cowl.

Last Portion of First Knit Cowl Free Pattern

When you’re ready, we can wrap up this cowl. And you already know what to do:

Shout Out to Sponsor: Prym

Prym knitting needles

Just a reminder that this month we’ve been working with Prym’s knitting needles here on the BiCrafty Boot Camp team. Look out for a full review post soon. And you’ll also soon see our Month Two BiCrafty Boot Camp Team thoughts post! Can you believe we’ve all come so far?! If you want to get your own Prym knitting needles or learn more about them, here’s their American website.

Prep Work for Next Week’s BiCrafty Boot Camp Lesson

As you know, we’re going to keep building upon these skills. In fact, we’re going to take what we’ve learned making this cowl and apply it to making a complementary knit hat. Here’s what you’ll need in order to work on those June lessons with us:

  • Size 7 16″ circular needles
  • Size 8 16″ circular needles
  • Size 7 DPNs
  • Size 8 DPNs
  • Worsted weight yarn (preferably in a few different colors so that you can work some colorwork on the hat but one color is fine if that’s all that you have.)

Crocheter’s Edge

Crocheters Tips to Learn Knitting

If you’ve worked on a sampler stitch project in crochet then you should have a good feeling about where you’re at with this knit cowl. And if you’ve ever adapted a crochet pattern to suit your liking, then this week you should enjoy being able to pick and choose how you finish your knit cowl in a way that feels right for you.

Also, if you know how to block your work then you should feel comfortable blocking this knit cowl once it’s off your needles if you choose to do so.

Knitter’s Tips for Crocheters

knitters tip for crocheters

There are no big secrets from the knitters this week. The main thing is to remember that binding off is a bigger process in knitting than is finishing a project in crochet. You’ve already done it on your smaller projects, like the washcloth. Therefore, you know what you’re doing. Just take extra care to bind off each stitch as you wrap up this project.

This Week’s Live Video

Additional Patterns and Video Tutorials

If you want to get some extra knitting practice on your own then you might be interested in these videos:

And these knitting patterns:

ALSO, you might want to think about joining the upcoming Marly Bird Yarnspirations KAL for making a steeked cardigan! You can do it! And remember that the BiCrafty Games CAL/KAL is coming up this summer; you can order your supplies box now.

Marly Bird Crochet Purse Patterns: A Handmade Accessory for Every Occasion

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It’s always fun to make accessories designs. Over the years, I’ve made several different crochet purse patterns. There are lots of different styles. Together, they give you the chance to practice a variety of different crochet skills and techniques. Moreover, if you make all of them, then you’ll have lots of different purses for any occasion. Check out all of the Marly Bird crochet purse patterns below. You’ll find free patterns, patterns for purchase, and patterns in books and magazines.

Marly Bird Free Crochet Purse Patterns

Many Marly Bird crochet purse patterns are free. I love to offer you the opportunity to get free patterns through my website whenever possible. In some cases, they patterns are free on another site. Here are all of those designs:

Granny Square Puckered Purse

Granny Square Puckered Purse free crochet pattern

Learn how to turn simple granny squares into a slightly more unique design using the long double crochet stitch. This is a roomy crochet purse pattern that’s relatively easy to craft. Line it for extra durability. The pattern is written with extra details to make it easy for you figure out exactly how to complete each step.

Chic Crochet Handbag with Wooden Purse Handles

wooden handled purse free crochet pattern

It is so fun to pick out different wooden handles for purses. Then you can make the handles the star of the show while still playing with fun crochet designs. This crochet purse pattern uses griddle stitch for a terrific texture. The wooden handles give you a bohemian feeling, perfect as a summer handbag. Use four color of scrap yarn to bust your stash and make this striped purse.

Crochet Bento Bag

Bento Crochet Purse Pattern

This is a quick and easy crochet bag project. And yet, it’s a lot of fun to make because of its unique construction. This is a versatile bag that you can use for everything from gift wrapping to carrying your lunch. I’ve done a full video tutorial for this easy crochet bag.

Firecracker Felted Bag Free Pattern

Crochet Patriotic Party Purse free pattern

If you want to make a really fun party purse for patriotic holidays then this is the pattern you’re seeking. The red, white and blue stripes are ideal for Memorial Day, Fourth of July and summer parties. You get to play with felting and eyelash yarn for a fun make. This is a delightful accessory to add to your wardrobe.

Reversible Felted Crochet Purse with Pocket Free Pattern

free Marly Bird crochet purse pattern

What’s not to love about this felted crochet purse pattern? It’s got a pocket. Moreover, it’s reversible, so you can put that pocket on the inside or the outside. Round bamboo handles are stylish. And felting makes it durable.

Seed Stitch Crochet Purse Free Pattern

free striped crochet purse pattern

The Marly Bag is a free seed stitch crochet purse pattern. It was originally created for Knit and Crochet Now! back in the show’s first season. With a leather belt for a handle and a big button for detail, this striped purse is chic and stylish. It’s one of those Marly Bird crochet purse patterns that has truly stood the test of time.

Felted Fur Fur Crochet Purse Free Pattern

free Marly Bird felted crochet purse pattern

Red Heart Easy Split Tote

easy split tote

I didn’t design this crochet purse pattern but I love it. And I did do a full video tutorial to help you learn how to crochet it.

Other Marly Bird Crochet Purse Patterns

Various publications have shared Marly Bird crochet purse patterns over the years. For example, you can find them in back issues of some magazines. Where they are still available for purchase, I’ve shared them below:

Carry All Tote

Carry All Tote crochet purse pattern-2

This is a roomy crochet tote bag pattern that can serve as a market bag, library bag, project bag and more. It’s got a fun two-color design with undulating circles creating stripes around the body of the bag. You can purchase the pattern on Ravelry.

Tremendous Tote Crochet Pattern

crochet tote bag pattern

This roomy crochet purse pattern is great as a beach bag, farmer’s market tote, library book bag and more. It’s partially felted, very durable, and has a pocket inside to help keep you organized while you’re on the go. The pattern download is available for sale through Interweave.

Snowflake Bag Crochet Pattern

Snowflake Bag Crochet Purse Pattern

This snowflake bag is a big crochet purse made with bulky yarn. It’s obviously great as a winter accessory. However, it’s also a surprisingly smart summer purse, useful for the beach and picnics. You can purchase the pattern as part of the Love of Crochet Holiday 2012 issue, available for download through Interweave.

Red Hot Purse

beaded crochet purse pattern

This date night purse is part of the Love of Crochet, Crochet More 2014 issue. All issues from that year are available for sale from Interweave as a digital edition set. When you purchase the six issues, you get well over 100 timeless crochet patterns including this purse design.

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