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gardengateknitsewcraft - Hints & TipsWE HAVE PUT TOGETHER SOME HELPFUL CONVERSION CHARTS, HINTS/TIPS FOR SEWING, KNITTING, CROCHET...
 GUIDELINES FOR USING FUSIBLE INTERFACING
Interfacing is it a third layer of fabric applied between two other layers to provide shape, stability and structure to garments and to enhance durability. It is used in buttonhole areas to keep them from stretching and distorting, in collars and cuffs to add crispness, and in handmade bags/facings to give stability. In tailoring, it allows the garment to retain the shape that is built in during the construction process. We have a comprehensive range of interfacing available in our shop.
Fusible interfacing is not suitable for all materials – non-fusible interfacing is a better choice for highly textured/open weave fabrics and those fabrics that cannot take the heat of an iron. Most interfacings are not washable, so you may want to wash the fabric first. Applying fusible interfacing requires patience! Fusible interfacing usually has two sides, one that is smooth and one that is not so smooth. Before fusing the interfacing to the fabric, take some scrap pieces of the interfacing and the fabric and experiment to find the timing and technique that works best for you and your project.
For lightweight fabric and interfacing, set the iron temperature a little higher than what is recommended for the fabric – a press cloth will protect it from the extra heat. For medium to heavyweight fabric and interfacing, set iron to wool. Let the iron heat up to ensure it’s nice and hot. Place fabric piece on ironing board wrong side up. Centre the interfacing on top of it, adhesive side down (the adhesive side is usually a shiny side or has raised bumps on it). If you did not pre-shrink the interfacing prior to cutting it out, steam shrink it now by placing your iron over the interfacing piece (without touching it) and steam it for a few seconds. Steam-baste the interfacing in place by touching it in several places with the tip of your iron. This will bond the interfacing lightly to your fabric so that it will not move during the fusing process. Dampen the press cloth using a spray bottle – making it evenly damp, but not soaking wet. Place press cloth on top of the interfacing. Place your iron straight down onto one section of your fabric piece and apply a firm, even pressure. Do not slide your iron around.
For lightweight fabric and interfacing, press and hold for about ten seconds. For medium to heavyweight fabric and interfacing, press and hold for ten to fifteen seconds. After the time has elapsed, lift iron. The press cloth should be dry. If it is not, raise the iron temperature or leave the iron on the fabric piece a few seconds longer. Then place the iron straight down onto the next section to be fused, overlapping some onto the first section. Press and hold for the appropriate time. Lift your iron and repeat this process until the entire piece has been pressed. Then turn the piece over and iron it on the right side.
Leave your fabric piece in place until it has cooled completely. Moving the piece while it is still warm can interfere with the bonding process.  FRENCH KNITTING DOLLIES French Knitting Dollies Have Been Around Forever – Keep Up This Traditional Fun Craft by Teaching Your Child/Grandchild to Knit with a French Knitting Dolly. We Sell Authentic or Modern Dollies, the Choice is Yours and We Have Provided Some Basic Instructions Below: KNITTING DOLLY/NANCY INSTRUCTIONS: French knitting is simple and great fun! You will need some yarn and a French knitting dolly. Begin by threading the end of the yarn down through the top of the dolly, so that approximately 10cm hangs out of the bottom. Wind the yarn twice, anti-clockwise around one of the metal spikes located on the top of the dolly. Try not to pull the yarn too tight otherwise you won't be able to “knit”. Using the wooden “pin” provided with the dolly, hook the bottom loop over the top loop and drop it over the spike into the centre of the dolly. Turn the dolly anti-clockwise so that an empty spike is towards you. Wind the yarn twice around this spike anti-clockwise. Using the wooden pin, lift the bottom loop over the top loop, into the centre of the dolly, turn the dolly anti-clockwise so that an empty spike faces you. Wind the yarn twice around this spike, anti-clockwise. Using the wooden pin, lift the bottom loop over the top loop, into the centre of the dolly. Turn the dolly anti-clockwise so that the fourth and final empty spike faces you. Wind the yarn just once around the spike anti-clockwise. Using the wooden pin, lift the bottom loop over the top loop, into the centre of the dolly. Pull the end of the yarn that hangs out of the base of the dolly, to tighten your work. Repeat the French knitting until the woollen chain is the length required.
 THE ART OF KNITTING
Knitting has never been more popular. There is something soothing, calming and quite magical about creating something out of nothing more than a pair of needles and the woven fleece of a sheep. Knitting something for yourself, or someone else, really is a labour of love. Why not knit something new today! We have a wide range of top brand knitting needles available and the bamboo needles are very comfortable to use if you suffer from arthritic fingers Knitting Needle Size Conversion
The Art of Crochet Crochet is a versatile craft and relatively easy to learn, you just need a hook and a ball of yarn/thread. The art of crochet is simple – you need to hold one hook and work one stitch at a time. There are two ways to hold the hook, a pencil grip where you hold the hook just like you would a pencil or pen, or a knife grip. For left handers, crocheting with the left hand is exactly the same as for right handers, but with the hook and thread in reverse position (hook in left hand, thread wrapped around the right hand). Once you have mastered the basic stitches, you can create some wonderful accessories for your home or garments for yourself. Go on, what’s stopping you! Crochet hook sizes differ depending on country, the brand of hook and even on the age of the crochet pattern. We have a superb range of crochet hooks available to purchase. Our Darice multicolour hooks will add a splash of colour whilst you work, and our Prym plastic handle hooks are very comfortable to use if you suffer from arthritic fingers.
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