Building a community is like trying to write the first few words of a post—you’re full of ideas but unsure where to start. So, I guess the beginning is as good a place as any…

Like many of you, I learned a big lesson during COVID: I took the small things for granted. Local, in-person knit groups—those vibrant gatherings filled with laughter, inspiration, and connection—were suddenly on pause. Online groups popped up, but they often consisted of the little cliques that had already formed locally. Don’t get me wrong; those groups were great for keeping in touch, but… they just weren’t the same.

There’s something truly magical about being surrounded by people who are your tribe. You know what I’m talking about—someone finishes a long-term project and holds it up for the group to see, glowing with pride. Everyone cheers because they’ve been following every stitch of that project’s progress. They’ve shared the excitement, the struggles, the triumphs.

I.Y.K.Y.K. (If You Know, You Know.) It’s hard to put that feeling into words—belonging, shared joy, and connection. So instead of trying to describe it, I built it.

I met someone who told me about this immersive community platform, he and his team created. At first, I was skeptical—too good to be true, I thought. After all, I’d just built a Fiberarts Community server on Discord. If you’ve used Discord, you know it’s a powerful tool (and it’s free), but it’s not exactly user-friendly, especially for something as warm and visual as a knitgroup.

But then came GoBrunch. I didn’t fall in love right away—it probably took three tries—but when it clicked, I was hooked. (Honestly, I’m thinking we’ll need a 12-step program for this soon.) Picture attending a virtual knitgroup where you see the space, interact with people visually, and actually feel like you’re there. It’s not just text on a screen—it’s a full experience.

That’s when the Fiberarts Community was born, and let me tell you, it’s unlike anything else—online or off. I know because I’ve looked.

The community space is open 24/7 and completely free. No emails, no passwords—just pick a name, an avatar, and come on in. When you “walk through the front door,” you’ll find a main community space with a directory and a bulletin board to keep you updated on what’s happening. From there, it’s all yours to explore.

Gather with friends. Meet new ones. Each room offers something unique, with tools like circle cams, presentation screens, and (my favorite) Artybot—your fiber arts assistant. It’s a space designed for creativity, connection, and collaboration.

But here’s the thing about community: you have to start somewhere. I feel a bit like Kevin Costner in Field of Dreams—“If you build it, they will come.” Except it’s not quite that easy.

So I’ve set a date. Starting January 8th, 2025, the Fiberarts Community will host “Knit Happens Wednesdays” every week from 1 PM to 3 PM EST.

I have a friend who started her own initiative—something she truly believed in. She picked a time and just… showed up. Week after week, she sat there alone until, one day, people started joining her. Slowly but surely, her passion built something that added real value to people’s lives.

That’s what I want for Knit Happens Wednesdays. I’ll be there every week—showing up, waiting, ready to welcome you. And don’t think I’ll let you forget about it! I’ll be reminding you in emails, the newsletter, the podcast, and on social media because I believe in this space and its bright future.

Community takes time to grow, but I know it’s worth the wait. I hope you’ll come, pull up a chair, and be part of it.

Let’s make Knit Happens Wednesdays something special—together.

Until next time friends…

In a world where kindness can sometimes feel in short supply, the Facebook group “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” is a breath of fresh air. This vibrant community of crocheters is dedicated to spreading joy one stitch at a time, and their impact is felt from coast to coast.

The group consists of people from all walks of life, united by their love of crochet and their desire to make a difference. From local members in my hometown to participants across Canada, the spirit of generosity and creativity is infectious. These talented individuals create small, delightful crochet items and leave them in public places for others to find, brightening the days of countless strangers

What makes these random acts of crochet kindness so special is the personal touch. Each item is handmade with care, embodying the time, effort, and love of its creator. Whether it’s a cute amigurumi character, a colorful flower, or a cozy little heart, each piece carries a message of warmth and positivity.

Imagine walking through a park, having a rough day, and suddenly spotting a cheerful crochet creation with a note that says, “Take me home, I’m here to brighten your day!” These small tokens of kindness can turn someone’s day around, reminding them that there’s still good in the world. It’s a simple yet powerful gesture that resonates deeply with those who find them.

One of the wonderful aspects of “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” is the camaraderie among its members. The group shares cute little patterns with each other, ensuring that everyone has access to a variety of delightful designs to craft. Whether you’re a seasoned crocheter or a beginner, there’s something for everyone. The shared patterns range from adorable animals and whimsical characters to lovely flowers and hearts, providing endless inspiration for acts of kindness.

But the group is more than just a repository of patterns. Members offer advice and support to each other, creating a nurturing environment where everyone can improve their skills and feel part of a community. Whether someone needs help with a tricky stitch or wants feedback on a new design, the group is always ready to lend a hand. This spirit of cooperation and encouragement strengthens the bonds between members and makes the act of giving even more meaningful.

To make the act of giving even more special, the group has created QR codes and labels that members can attach to their crochet items. These labels often read, “Take me home, I’m here to brighten your day!” and include a QR code that links to the group’s Facebook page. This allows the recipients of these random acts of kindness to learn more about the initiative and perhaps even join in the fun. It’s a clever way to spread the word and grow the community, ensuring that more people can experience and contribute to the joy of crochet kindness.

If you’re a crocheter looking for a way to give back, or if you’re simply someone who appreciates the beauty of handmade crafts, consider joining “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” on Facebook. The group is welcoming and supportive, providing a platform for sharing creations, ideas, and stories of kindness. Whether you’re looking to share your own patterns, seek advice, or simply spread some joy, you’ll find a like-minded community ready to embrace you.

In these challenging times, it’s heartwarming to see how a simple crochet hook and some yarn can create ripples of joy. “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” is proof that kindness doesn’t have to be grand or costly; it can be as simple as a small crocheted gift left for someone to find. So, let’s celebrate these wonderful crafters and the happiness they spread, one stitch at a time.

By participating in this group, you not only get to indulge in a creative hobby but also become part of a nationwide movement that touches lives in the most delightful ways. Join “Random Acts of Crochet Kindness Canada” today, and start spreading some handmade joy!

Until next time friends…

I found it worth the effort to devise a method to keep track effectively. Many knitters have shared their hacks online, but I particularly enjoyed the guidance from The Yarn Queen NZ’s YouTube video—it was a real game-changer for me.

To help manage the colorful sections, I turned to the Knitting Genius app on both my tablet and phone. It’s packed with helpful tools and well worth the annual subscription.

As someone with a neuro-divergent mind, I can hyper-focus on a project but often struggle to remember where I left off if I step away for a while. This was one reason I hesitated to start this project, especially since working with short rows can be confusing and, if done incorrectly, can result in gaps.

My breakthrough came when I received a gift card for a local yarn shop, London Yarns. There, I met Judy, who had just finished her own version of the shawl. It was gorgeous, adorned with purples and pinks and a stunning edging in a crochet stitch known as the crab stitch, which she executed in the main colour. Inspired by her use of German Short Rows—an easier alternative to the traditional method—I decided to give them a try after watching a helpful tutorial by The Blue Mouse Knits.

With a solid plan in place, I began my shawl, although I frogged it several times until I settled on a colour combination that resonated with me. Now, several sections in, I find the process of knitting this shawl addictive. Each section’s texture is more captivating than the last, and it’s the first time I’ve worked with the garter stitch and thought, “Wow, that’s beautiful!”

I have a lot on my plate, so I’m not sure how long it will take to complete the shawl, but I do know that each time I pick it up, it fills me with joy. What more could a fiberartist want?

Until next time friends…

Hey yarn friends!

Ever find yourself scrolling social media, and BAM! Inspiration smacks you upside the head like a rogue ball of yarn (thankfully, way less painful)? That’s exactly what happened to me today. I was browsing the “Textile Fine Art Facebook Group” (a treasure trove of fibery goodness, I might add!), when I stumbled upon a knit shawl that stopped me cold.

This wasn’t your average garter-stitch rectangle, folks. Oh no! This was a masterpiece of texture and colour, meticulously embroidered with tiny beads and thread, transforming the knitted canvas into a breathtaking meadow teeming with life.

The artist, Sue Brown, (Facebook page: Botanical Knitting by Sue) described her piece as an attempt to capture the “micro world of moss and moss plants.” And capture it she did! Each stitch morphed into a miniature mossy hillock, adorned with glistening dewdrops (those beads, people, genius!).

But what truly blew me away was the reaction of the community. Not a single negative comment – just an outpouring of appreciation, amazement, and inspiration. Comments like “This makes me want to burst into tiny flower petals of joy!” and “It is works like these… that are cherished in museums” spoke volumes about the supportive and encouraging spirit of fiberartists.

Sue’s shawl, born from curiosity and a willingness to push boundaries, reminded me of something I’ve dreamt of for years: bringing the natural world I cherish – rolling hills, views from my kayak, vibrant wildflowers – to life through yarn and needles. Sure, I’ve knit scarves and hats, but capturing the intricate details of nature seemed daunting. Yet, seeing Sue’s work lit a fire in my soul. If she could create a miniature moss garden, why couldn’t I stitch a sun-dappled forest or a river’s edge?

So, thank you, Sue, for the inspiration and the reminder that anything is possible with a little yarn, a lot of imagination, and a supportive community of fellow yarn enthusiasts. Now, excuse me while I go dig through my stash and dream up my own little piece of textile nature!

Until next time friends…

Hi all! On Wednesday I had a play date and was able to pick my friend Jackie’s brain about her many sets of quality knitting and crochet needles.

As we were talking about all the pro’s and con’s of each set we discovered that a truly perfect knitting needle would have the pointy but not too pointy tip of the Hiya Hiya, the beautiful, flexible cord of the ChiaoGoo and the “click and stay clicked” connection of the Addi Clicks. What do you think?

Okay, let’s begin with the knitting needles. Jackie owns too many sets of needles to include them all in one post so I’ve decided to split it into two. The second post will feature straight needles, DPN’s, and crochet hooks.

This set is my personal favourite. I love the nice pointy tips but Jackie prefers the slightly less pointy tip of the Hiya Hiya.

The case this set comes in is very nice and well organized. Jackie purchased hers outright but I’m slowly collecting this set as my budget allows. When you purchase an entire set, of any good quality needles, you get the case, all the goodies AND usually save a nice bit of coin. The needles sizes are 2.75 to 8mm.

My only complaint about the ChiaoGoo set is the same as many of the circular needle sets, occasionally the cable will come loose. This is a pain if you don’t catch it before you start your next row. But easily fixed.

We both own the complete ChiaoGoo Mini’s (on the right). This set goes from 1.5mm to 2.5mm. I love them for socks and lace but, always a but, the 1.5mm needle is VERY sharp. I had to change the way I pushed the needle back through the stitches or I ended up with little holes in the tip of my index finger.

One other issue with these tiny needles is how fragile they can be. I’ve had to replace my cord twice. On the plus side replacement was fast and easy. Chiagoo has a very good warranty.

This pretty blue case is home to a set of Hiya Hiya needle sizes 2-8mm. They are beautifully made and feel great in your hands. Jackie says the only con is that the cable isn’t quite as nice as the ChiaoGoo’s, yet it’s soft and pliable just the same.

I haven’t had a chance to use these needles for more than a few rows but I did very much enjoy them.

The red set of Hiya Hiya have sharp tips. I never knew ANYONE offered a nice sharp version for those of us who use them. This set is the Sharp needles sizes US 2-8. These needles are excellent for pieces that have a lot of detail such as lace and shawls. While a sharp needle is great for picking up the stitches, it’s been my, and Jackie’s, experience that you have to be careful not let them slip back off the needles too.

I have never tried these needles but after handling them at Jackie’s I’d say they seem very nice.

I have yet to get my hands on these needles but they are on my “Fiberarts Bucket List”. Being lucky enough to have them in my hands I compared the quality of all three of her sets of square needles and I think the Kollage are the nicest.

These needles excite me! They are becoming one of Jackie’s favourite needles. She’s currently working on the Canada 150 blanket with them. She loves the way they feel in her hands and says they feel much less fatigue. She does however caution that because they slide differently, they are square, that at first your fingers will feel a little rough, almost like building up a callous. There are other brands who offer these square needles, but Jackie likes these the best! The needles in this basic set are sizes US 4 to 10.

I must stress that when using any square knitting needles you MUST swatch for gauge. Often you’ll need to use at least one size larger for your project.

Bamboo Click – sizes US 4 to 11 is yet another nice set of quality needles. We both agree the best feature is the “click”. It’s very rare you have to stop mid-row to fix your connector. These feel nice in your hands and well…they are Bamboo, which is smooth and warm to work with.

I have not knit with these needles but enjoyed playing with them. They are a quality set!

The left picture is the Addi Click Rocket Lace Long Tip set….. that was a mouthful. Beautiful, quality needles. Again the best feature is that Addi “click”. When you’re in the process of knitting large lace pieces the last thing you want to do is stop to fix your needle connection…or GOD forbid you’ve dropped your nupp and have to frog back.

These needles are quality! I could see a set of these in my future….when the price of Hive rockets!

This is a very pretty set. I see Jackie using them semi-regularly and many people rave about them. They do feel like good quality.

I’m the odd person out I guess. I have briefly tried them and they were NICE! BUT…always the but…. after my Knit Picks experience I’m not sure I trust these to last many years. It’s not lack of perceived quality, it’s the fact that those beautiful needles slip into a socket to connect to the cable. When these are a little off you can feel it in the way the wool slides over your needle.

In their defence, many of my knitting friends use these needles and just love them. They come in a very nice, organised box and are sizes US 4 to 11.

This set is hands down Jackie’s favourite bamboo needles. Ranging in sizes US 3 to 15 they feel smooth and warm, the points are nicely sharp and the cable connection is smooth.

I haven’t had a chance to knit with these needles but they are very nice. I compared them to the Addi click Bamboo and find they are a little lighter which in the long run would make them a little nicer to work with.

This set will always have a special place in my heart. This was the first set of needles that I purchased. They come in a great case that allows you see at a glance what’s missing. Being made out of plastic, yes I said plastic, they are light and smooth. Just because they are plastic doesn’t mean they are cheap…in fact the opposite is true. Like most other good quality brands they have a lifetime warranty..

The one reason I changed brands is that they just couldn’t hold up to my active lifestyle. Kids running and blundering about, as well as constantly being packed to take on adventures, was just too much for this poor set. Breaking ensued.

I still have them and at times bring them out to use but I prefer my metal needles. (The second set is the Denise crochet hooks.)

I hope you’ve enjoyed exploring interchangeable circular needle sets with me. Food for thought? I hope so. Please feel free share any of your thoughts in the comments.

Until next time friends…

Tulip Crochet Hooks! These are, in my opinion, the BEST crochet hooks on the market. Drool worthy to say the least. I’ve wanted a set for quite some time but they aren’t cheap. I finally had the money to order them but there was a problem with shipping so they were refunded. The refund ended up in the household budget and I continued to drool.

For my birthday last month my friend, Jackie, surprised me this set of Tulip lace crochet hooks! THANK YOU JACKIE!! She’ll probably shoot me for sharing this pic but honestly it’s my favorite shot of her. She’s quite the Lady.

The hooks themselves are smooth and well shaped. I love the little covers on each hook. This not only protects those tiny hooks but it also keeps them from hooking on items in your project bag. My project notes are now safe from holes and tears from those little hooks.

This sweet set comes with a beautiful roll up case, scissors, a small measuring “stick” and two needles for sewing in the ends. The little accessory pocket also holds my tatting shuttle and stitch markers. The only issue with this set is that it doesn’t come with a 2.0mm hook which is a common size for lacework. This is easily remedied by purchasing one and adding it to the several empty spots in the case. Problem solved.

The Tulip Lace set has a nice range of hook sizes from 0.05mm up to 1.75mm which can be hard to find. My Mother gave me the steel set I’ve been working with all these years and those originally belonged to my Grandmother. Can you tell I’m excited about these hooks?

When I brought these hooks home I couldn’t wait to use them. I took out various crochet cotton threads and played around, loving every second of it. My mind was racing as to what I would create with them. I started thinking about Jackie, how amazing she is and how could I express my thanks, when it hit me that I had the perfect thread to make her a birthday gift.

In the 90’s my Mom made lace edging which she sewed onto a set of sheets for @shadowspub. They were beautiful. When Mom passed I inherited her “stash” which contained a new ball of that earthy, coral color. Perfect! In fact I’ve seen Jackie wear this color tone quite often.

About a year or so ago Jackie and I were looking at lace patterns and one caught her eye. It was “Summer Splendor”. I think the only reason I remember this is that she “oohhed and awwed” over it, talking about what color she would do it in. Somewhere during our chat we moved on and it was forgotten. I printed the pattern off of Ravelry and eagerly began to crochet.

It’s amazing how much more enjoyable a project can be when you are using good quality tools. Between getting to know my hooks and using that beautiful coral color full of memories, I was in heaven.

My next little project was simple lace edging for pillow cases. Using the same coral cotton I found a very old pattern and proceeded to interpret it:

Needless to say my zest for lace making has been renewed. Thank you Jackie! At the moment I’m working on a fun and colourful Unicorn stuffie for my Granddaughter’s 1st birthday. After that? I’ll keep you posted but I’m guessing there’s lace work in my future.

Until next time friends…