Crafts - Creative Expressions

Youve probably thought about blocking shawls, or jumpers, but have you thought about blocking your socks If not, nows the time! Dont let intricate stitch patterns get lost on crumpled socks. Sock blockers even out your stitches and show off lace and cable designs to perfection. In this article, the Gathered team explain how sock blockers can give your knitting a professional finish, and help you choose the best ones for you. What is a sock blocker Blocking is the process of stretching out wet knitting as it dries so that the pattern opens up and the stitches become more uniform. You can get the same effect by pinning the knitting into shape on a blocking board, but sock blockers make the process easier by providing a frame for the socks to dry on instead. Sock blockers are foot-shaped pieces of flat plastic, wood or metal that yo...

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Weve all been there, the frustration of knotted threads and a messy workspace. With these embroidery thread storage ideas, you can be the master of organisation in your creative space. Its well known that an organised space is an organised mind. Anyone taking on a project will work more efficiently in a tidy workspace. Youll know exactly where your kit is and you wont need to untangle your threads. That leaves you more time for the fun part: creating! There are many ways to store your embroidery threads, and were here to help you find the best one for you. Weve listed a few of our favourite embroidery storage solutions and where you can buy them. From luxury storage bags to simple bobbin storage, weve got you covered. Whichever you choose, these embroidery storage ideas will help you keep your kit tidy and organised. Even better th...

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Crochet kits are a great option for anyone who loves or wants to get into crochet! Whether youre looking for a crochet kit for beginners to get you started on your crochet journey, or just want a fun project to throw yourself into, crochet kits are an easy way to get making without having to buy all of the separate items! Weve put together our list of the best crochet kits that we think youll love hooking up, why not take a look and treat yourself (or a crafty friend) to one of these must-buy crochet kits! Weve separated this list into two sections: Best crochet kits for beginners Best crochet kits for more experienced crocheters If youre looking for crochet kits that provide a range of tools to start you out on your crochet journey (as well as some project kits that are suitable for complete beginners), then you can f...

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Sometimes the hardest part of being a knitter is choosing what to knit next, so with our round-up of the best knitting kits for 2023 were here to help! Take all the fuss out of matching the right yarn to the right project and tools with these knitting kits, which have done all the work for you. We have everything from relaxing weekend projects to skill-stretching heirlooms, and plenty in between. Clothing, toys, accessories, homewares� theyre all here in our list. The knitting kits at the top of this list use super-sized yarn and/or simple beginner stitches, while the rest are best for intermediate knitters and beyond. For more starter kits take a look at our guide to knitting kits for beginners , which includes project ideas and tips on all the essential tools you need to get going. Are you ready to cast on your next project Le...

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Buying the best tools you can afford is always a wise choice, and this is particularly true when it comes to scissors. Its best to make the investment up front rather than going through many pairs of poor-quality scissors. There are many different sizes, types and qualities on offer when it comes to choosing a pair of sewing scissors, so its important to know which pair are right for which job. Read our guide to the best sewing scissors to learn more about the different models available, and browse our list of the best sewing scissors to buy. You can also read our round-up of 10 beautiful embroidery scissors. Choosing sewing scissors Firstly, you need to decide what youre going to use them for. Shears are ideal for cutting fabric, and youll need ones with a bent handle if youre cutting out fabric on a flat surface. If youre goin...

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Do you wish you could just sink into one of the squashy armchairs in the Gryffindor common room How about planning your next scheme in the glittering green common room of Slytherin Maybe you just love the colour of Hufflepuff or the secretive nature of Ravenclaw With these Harry Potter diamond painting kits, you can turn your home into the common room of your dreams! Diamond paintings contain thousands of individual gems and are capable of bringing any picture to life. In our round-up, youll find plenty of awe-inspiring designs including the Hogwarts castle, Harry, Hermione, Ron and even Lord Voldemort (one for the Slytherins). If you havent had a go at diamond painting before, youre in luck! Weve got this fab guide to diamond painting where youll find everything you need to know about this relaxing craft. Diamond painting is easy...

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Embroidery design is a funny thing. When youre staring at your fabric thinking about what you want to stitch, sometimes it can be difficult to even land on a project. If youve ever had a blank-page moment, then you arent alone. Embroidery does take a fair amount of time to complete, and of course, you want to absolutely love your finished piece. If youre not fully into the design it can be easy to lose momentum. Thats why taking some time to think about your next embroidery project before you start stitching can help maximise your enjoyment. This article will help you to narrow down your decision and give you the best and boldest embroidery designs to choose from. Where to start with picking your embroidery design Wed suggest thinking about a number of factors; your style, wholl receive the finished piece, your level of stitching...

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