Decisions, Decisions!

A tapestry needle is a short needle with a long eye and blunt point (thanks, Merriam-Webster!). For crocheters and knitters, you may also hear the terms yarn needle or wool needle; manufacturers often use these terms (e.g., Clover, Knitter's Pride) for tapestry needles that are designed for working with yarn (i.e., crochet, knit) and not thread (i.e., cross stitch, needlepoint).

Choosing a tapestry needle is relatively simple when crocheting or knitting. For needlepointers and cross stitchers, however, it's a little more complicated because it depends on the canvas or fabric you're using. We'll get into the numerical fun of needlepoint and cross stitch needles next week. Today, let's talk about a few other features, like material and shape.

Tapestry needles can be made from plastic or metal (usually steel or aluminum). Plastic is a better gripper than metal but metal is more durable. You can find straight and bent tip styles; bent tip needles can make it easier to weave in ends, seam a project, or attach motifs (e.g., granny squares). Whether plastic or metal, straight or bent, these needles have relatively blunt tips when compared to sharps, darning, or embroidery needles. (See the John James Needles Guide for more information on different types of needles.) A blunt tip is safer for your yarn, canvas or fabric, because it is more likely to pass between the yarn or threads in your project, rather than piercing or splitting them.

Next week, we'll talk about needle sizes for cross stitch and needlepoint. Until then, enjoy the cool weather while it lasts!

p.s. We're preparing for a future newsletter on craft competitions, such as the State of Texas Creative Arts contests. Do you know of any? Have you participated in any? If so, we invite you to fill out a questionnaire by March 21.

Intermediate Crochet with Moses  - Masks Appreciated, but not required
Take the next step in your crochet journey! You'll learn to design a basic hat and then how to increase and decrease (on purpose!) while you crochet it.
$35 (use your own supplies or buy them at Yarnivore for 10% off)

Stitching Workshop with Nancy - Masks Appreciated, but not required
Bring your needlepoint or cross stitch projects for support, problem-solving, and camaraderie!

$20 (use your own supplies or buy them at Yarnivore for 10% off)

 

 

Upcoming dates & availability-
   Sunday, April 14 at 1 pm - 2 seats available   
   Sunday, April 14 at 3 pm - 2 seats available

Shop News

Featured Yarn & Pattern: Fiesta Garland Kit by Texas Prairie Fiber Co.!

Yarnivores, it's nearly time to Fiesta! Make your own papel picado ("perforated paper") banner with Texas Prairie Fiber Co.'s Fiesta Garland Kit. Each kit has 7 mini skeins, 20g each of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet and 7g of white.

Hours! 

Local Yarn Store (LYS) day, Saturday April 27th.

Private Lessons
In-store and online private lessons are available! Visit us or call 210-979-8255 to schedule a lesson! Wendy, Han, Moses, Nancy, Jackie, & Suzy are all available to help you with your projects! Private Lessons can also be scheduled outside of regular hours at the discretion of the teacher.

The Tip Jar

As you crochet back and forth, do the edges of your crochet project look like waves instead of an even line? Stitch markers are your friend! Markers can be fancy or functional (or both!), but they all do the same job: keeping track of stitches (and sometimes rows). We especially like using a locking stitch marker, like Clover Locking Stitch Marker (#353), to mark the end of crochet rows. We do this by placing a marker on the first stitch of the row. When you've worked the row and have returned on the next row, you'll know the marker is on the final stitch of the return row. If you mark each row this way, then you'll have nicer looking edges! (You can also use scraps of waste yarn, bobby pins, or similar item to mark stitches.)

Do you have a tip idea? We're happy to share it, just reply to this newsletter!

To keep up with our activities and real time announcements, please follow us on social media:
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/yarnivoresa/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/yarnivoresa/
Twitter - https://twitter.com/YarnivoreSA

If you have a question for one of our teachers, you can email us at yarnivoresa@gmail.com. 
You can also email Wendy with knitting or crochet questions at wendy.yarnivore@gmail.com or contact her through her Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Wendy.at.Yarnivore/

We absolutely do not EVER want to spam you. If you don't want to get this newsletter, then we will take you off the list. No problem. No questions asked. There's an unsubscribe link below, or you can just call us.
If you want to read our full privacy policy (it's pretty fun to read, actually), click here - or scroll to the bottom of any page on our website.