New Feature! Ask Purl Bee

2,000 heads are better than one!

Let Purl Bee help you with tricky techniques, curious new materials, and elusive patterns in our new feature, Ask Purl Bee.  Just email your queries to us via our new Ask Purl Bee form, and we'll get to work.  The knitters, quilters, and crafters at Purl will try to provide clear answers and advice to as many problems as possible; then we'll turn it over to the 2,000+ daily readers of the Purl Bee for their wise opinions.  Chances are, at least 300 other people have been working through the same problems you have, right now. 

Remember, there's no question too big or small:

Why are quilting needles so short?
Fabric has grain?
How am I supposed to wash this sweater I labored over?
What the heck is pashmina, really?

These are just a few of the most common questions we hear from customers at Purl.  You can look forward to the answers right here on the Purl Bee!

Comments

[Anna Maria]

Why are you all so darn cute and smart at the same time?

[Christi]

I really want to crochet a blanket that starts in the center and grows by adding rows (similar to a Granny square), but is solid. I know how to create a circle and then work around and around, but is it possible to somehow create a square? Perhaps by working more stitches in corners? Any advice is much appreciated. I make these blankets http://popsiclestick.squarespace.com/popsicle-stick/2006/12/30/stripey-blanket.html already and want to expand my horizons. Thanks!

[purl bee]

Dear Christi,
When you want to make a square, you work increases at the corners in sets of four. Hope this helps!

[Jill]

Does anyone have a pattern or tutorial for a coin quilt? It looks simple enough, but knowing myself, I will need at least a little guidance.
thanks!

[Sharon]

Hi, who's the manufacturer of the luscious mohair/silk yarn pictured in the newest Purl Bee?Thanks, Sharon

[purl bee]

Dear Sharon,
that yarn comes from Habu Textiles. You can find it here:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarndetail/514
Enjoy!

[jen]

what is the best way to weave in ends on a double-sided project, such as a scarf? i always have a hard time "hiding" the end and keeping it from sticking out sooner or later, and if i knot it always shows. is there a secret? thank you!

[knitlit kate]

cool idea! and yeah, i'm over there with anna maria...how did ya'll get to be so darn smart? i lurve ya purl bee!

[Kathy Merrick]

Hey, Jen, are you talking about knitting or crocheting or both?
When I'm crocheting in wool or not-real-slippery cotton, I work over as many ends as I can and don't tie knots. If you're working in sc or hdc this is a cinch. In dc or taller stitches, it's worth separating plies and carefully hiding them into the posts of stitches.

If you're knitting, the same thing generally applies, but I find it best to work the stragglers through with a crochet hook in a diagonal line--they stay better and are harder to see.

Oh, and for something reversible, alternate hiding loose tails on one side and the other.

[jen]

thanks kathy - yes i was talking about knitting. i didn't know about separating plies. that's a good idea, thank you. i'm not sure what you mean in regards to crocheting when you said "i work over as many ends as i can". i haven't learned how to crochet yet so maybe it's above my head right now.
thanks again

[ina and gumby]

... for christie ... check out the babette blanket ... and the granny square post and flicker pool for more insights on how to shape a square filling it all out ... start with small pieces and venture on ... happy days ... mille baci ...

[Heels]

Not a comment, but a congrats: Joelle, fantastic article in Blueprint! Your home is beautiful and your shops look delightful--if only I could come shop in person.

(I've been enjoying mail order a leeeeetle too much. You're my online source for Blue Sky yarn, my all time fave.)

[purl bee]

Thank you Heels! --Joelle

[christi]

This is the greatest idea of all time - thanks guys! and thanks to ina & gumby, too! i second that emotion re: the blueprint story.