Articles written by Renee Blixt

Give the gift of knowledge to someone who has expressed the desire to learn to knit or crochet-or both. Make any holiday extra special.

Apr 28, 2012 - Renee Blixt

Almost everyone can at least occasionally use a hat. Use this pattern to create light-weight hats for everyone and anyone.

Mar 28, 2012 - Renee Blixt

Understanding color helps a yarner choose harmonizing yarns. A rich history of color theory exists to help fiber artists make flattering projects.

Feb 29, 2012 - Renee Blixt

An all-time favorite kind of knitting cast-on is the long-tail method. Here's when to use it and how to do it.

Feb 2, 2012 - Renee Blixt

Each of these little "spinning-star" doily-type pieces can be used in many ways. Connect them to make any sized doily, runner, tablecloth; crochet away!

Jan 3, 2012 - Renee Blixt

Each of these little "spinning-wheel" doily-type pieces can be used in many ways. Connect them to make any sized doily, runner, or tablecloth.

Dec 4, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Fonts surround us every day. Where do they come from? Do we need so many? All the information needed on fonts in included in this delightful-to-read book.

Nov 8, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Good graphic designers work to understand the needs of their clients, especially when the clients are not sure themselves.

Oct 21, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Almost every Buddhist Temple uses percussion instruments in chanting. What are these instruments and why are they used in Buddhism during meditation?

Sep 27, 2011 - Renee Blixt

The AntiCraft is self-heralded as "knitting, beading, and stitching for the slightly sinister," and it means it. Take a very close look before buying!

Sep 6, 2011 - Renee Blixt

The television (TV) has a rich history. Many of TV's breakthrough moments occurred from its inception up until the WWI era.

Aug 20, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Every font has elements that are part of its design process. Knowing these characteristics is essential for graphic designers.

Aug 18, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Each Buddhist Temple has a shrine that is unique. However, certain items are common to all of them. What are these objects and what are their uses?

Aug 12, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Block knitting is wonderful for several reasons. Blocks travel easily, they lend well to shared projects, and they allow for effortless experimentation.

Aug 6, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Create an heirloom that will be treasured by future generations. Pineapple lace is used in this thread table mat. Its beauty is elegant and timeless.

Aug 3, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Depending on whether fringe is added to this item or not, it can serve as a bedspread or a blanket. The choice is up to the crocheter.

Jul 10, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Good interpersonal communication is a two-way exchange in which the receiver understands the message in the same way as the sender intended.

Jul 9, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Make a colorful pillow using all the scrap yarn available! Try the "in-the-round" stitch pattern for a unique look.

Jun 29, 2011 - Renee Blixt

This pillow cover can be made up of exotic colors in bright stripes of single crochets. It is a striking cover for a large floor pillow.

May 28, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Crocheted items are more beautiful when they are finished with edgings, picot, or both. Here are six edgings to try out.

Apr 19, 2011 - Renee Blixt

A crochet stitch pattern can run through an entire project. Many types of crochet stitch patterns are very popular, two of which Basic Shell and Trellis.

Apr 14, 2011 - Renee Blixt

A crochet stitch pattern can run through the entire project. Two types of crochet stitch patterns are very popular: Block Shell and Lacy Shell.

Mar 29, 2011 - Renee Blixt

A crochet stitch pattern is a combination of stitches that, when repeated over and over, makes a pattern that runs throughout a large part of a project.

Mar 19, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Rib stitches are very popular in knitting, partly because they are so elastic. They also create edges that do not curl, so they are perfect for borders.

Mar 5, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Granny squares are popular because of their ease and versatility. The basic granny square pattern can be used to form other geometric shapes, too.

Feb 19, 2011 - Renee Blixt

A knitted hat is almost always cute. A knitted hat with 'ears' is even cuter. Try this all-sizes free knit pattern to stitch up an adorable hat.

Feb 9, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Heart shapes are very popular in both knit and crochet. This beginner pattern is for knitters, and makes an excellent wash-cloth.

Jan 29, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Knit pillow projects are so much fun because of the endless combinations that can be made. Here is a free pillow pattern that screams for creative input.

Jan 12, 2011 - Renee Blixt

Color is great to use in knitting and crochet because it does a lot of the work for the yarner. There are variegated and self-striping yarns to explore.

Dec 30, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Who doesn't love a good old fashioned teddy bear? Crochet one using this free pattern. Explore with favorite colors to make a one-of-a-kind teddy.

Dec 22, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Learn or review how to make three popular knit and crochet finishing techniques: tassels, cords, and fringe. Patience is required, but they are easy to make

Dec 13, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Sizes of crochet hooks and knitting needles are referred to by letters, numbers, or by measurement in millimeters. Patterns can refer to either or both.

Nov 28, 2010 - Renee Blixt

How to convert centimeters to inches using charts, formulas, tools, or an online conversion calculator.

Nov 14, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Learn or review how to convert inches to centimeters using charts, formulas, tools, or an online conversion calculator.

Nov 9, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Most patterns assume a basic knowledge of knit & crochet jargon. Knowing the following jargon will help when working in either of these yarn crafts.

Nov 3, 2010 - Renee Blixt

When American knit and crochet pattern instructions are written out in words without diagrams, abbreviations are typically used. Know their meanings.

Oct 29, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Make a popular crafter's finishing technique: pompoms. Use them in knit, crochet, sewing, and anywhere else in crafting for a whimsical finishing touch.

Oct 24, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Read the review of the knitting book, Vampire Knits: Projects to Keep You Knitting from Twilight to Dawn. Knitters will love it immortally.

Sep 11, 2010 - Renee Blixt

These 5 to 6 inch tall bunnies are a great size that knits up quickly. Make a bunch today for a group of kids, or even as part of a baby's mobile.

Sep 2, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Knit and felt an adorable soft container. This small "boot" can act as a vase for flowers or stand on its own. Make several for different times of the year.

Aug 17, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Lefties face many challenges in this righties' world. Knitting does not have to be one of them.

Jul 26, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Make money in Knit, Crochet, and any other Craft. Use hang tags or labels on saleable knit and crochet items to increase sales and add professionalism.

Jul 16, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Two free patterns make it easy to knit baby booties for boys or girls. Choose a quality yarn to make booties worthy of being passed down the generations.

Jun 27, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Some expressions are directly related to sewing, knitting and crochet; it's fun to see where these familiar sayings came from.

Jun 8, 2010 - Renee Blixt

A prominent example of religious clothing is in that of the Jewish faith. They created the concepts of tzitzit and tekhelet, two symbols of their God.

May 16, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Practical, pretty or both, this pattern provides the crocheter with a bootie blueprint. No knitting is required, and it makes a perfect gift.

Apr 4, 2010 - Renee Blixt

A crafter can be on either side of the copyright infringement coin. Whether you're being accused of stealing or are the one stolen from, know your rights.

Mar 21, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Entire books have been written on the topic of copyrights. But all yarners should have a basic working knowledge of copyright and infringement; it saves a lot of trouble.

Mar 8, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Hats make little girls look even more adorable than they already are. Crochet a hat with a floral accent for an infant, toddler, or child.

Feb 19, 2010 - Renee Blixt

Entertaining usually means music is involved. When celebrating an Anniversay, Valentine's Day, or a Wedding, make sure the music is appropriate.

Feb 18, 2010 - Renee Blixt