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Festival Archive Discount Decoder
Unlock the Cartographer’s Cipher with Which Way Crafts. Use our interactive festival decoder to translate stitch marker symbols into hidden messages and exclusive rewards. Collect markers at fiber festivals, decode the secret language, and earn tiered discounts. Discover hand-dyed yarn, mystery-inspired crafting, and a unique yarn adventure rooted in vintage explorer aesthetics.

Tess Crawford
2 days ago1 min read


The Cartographer’s Cipher
Unlock the Cartographer’s Cipher with Which Way Crafts. Collect markers at fiber festivals, decode the secret language, and earn tiered discounts. Discover hand-dyed yarn, mystery-inspired crafting, and a unique yarn adventure rooted in vintage explorer aesthetics.

Tess Crawford
2 days ago3 min read


Roe Dubois
Mar 60 min read


Ghost Cable
This was post a while back but realized it wasn't in the blog. Hope this helps someone.
Roe Dubois
Feb 181 min read


Thoughts for today...
As I sit here thinking about this last year, I realize how much I’ve learned — not just about dye, yarn bases, and festivals… but about our fellow travelers. Here are a few truths from the studio: • No one likes dye lots. • Festivals are the most fun. • I absolutely love custom color orders. • I never have enough time to knit samples. • Planning subscription boxes ahead of time is a gift to my future self (and yes — we have the entire year planned… yay!). But the biggest less
Roe Dubois
Feb 161 min read


A Little Note From the Studio (And an Apology) ✨
First — we owe you an apology. We know it has felt a little quiet around here lately. Behind the scenes, though, something big has been happening. On December 15th, contractors began work on what will become our brand-new Midnight Skein Society design and dye space — and it has been a full winter adventure. Construction should be complete by March 15th, and we are finally seeing it come together. (Scroll down for progress photos — the floors are in!) This new space changes ev
Roe Dubois
Feb 111 min read


Stitches, Spirits & Superstitions
The Folklore Origins of Knitting & Crochet Myths (and Why We Still Believe Them) Knitting and crochet have never been just hobbies. For most of their history, they were survival skills, social currency, and—quietly—acts of magic. When your hands shape warmth, protection, and clothing from a single thread, it’s only natural that beliefs grew around the process. Some myths were warnings. Others were blessings in disguise. Many were ways to explain why things sometimes… went wr

Tess Crawford
Jan 63 min read


Follow up on a post that went out for a free shawl pattern on October 31, 2025
Here's a link to a pdf of the pattern and photos consolidated.
Roe Dubois
Jan 51 min read


Travel Journal of Tess:
Advent opening Setting up the adventure! Pattern Download December 1st — The Great Unpacking We’ve cracked open our luggage at last, we unfasten buckles, peer past rumpled maps, and wind our yarn for a most magical beginning. December 2nd -- Chapter 1: Stormy Sea The Crossing of the Atlantic was less crossing and more clinging . Waves rose like irate butlers offended by our luggage choices. Roe swore she saw Poseidon himself snatch her hat—though it was more likely a gul
Roe Dubois
Dec 1, 20253 min read


Charting the Colors of 2026
Join the Midnight Skein Society as we chart the color currents of 2026—rich aubergines, earthy olives, new neutrals, and icy pastels—translating global design trends into hand-dyed yarns inspired by vintage travel, mystery, and Art Deco adventure.

Tess Crawford
Nov 11, 20252 min read


The Secret History of Sock Knitting: From World Wars to Today’s Indie Dyed Yarns
From wartime trenches to indie dye pots, the story of sock knitting is one of devotion and quiet rebellion. Once a soldier’s comfort and now a maker’s meditation, the humble sock carries centuries of craft and care in every stitch.

Tess Crawford
Oct 28, 20252 min read


Wool Wash & Fiber Care 101: Keeping Your Treasures Timeless
Caring for wool is an art in itself. From knowing your base to choosing the right wash, every step preserves the beauty of your handmade treasures. At Which Way Crafts, we finish each skein with Eucalan for lasting softness and colorfast brilliance. Learn how to keep your superwash and luxury fibers as luminous as the day they left our dye pots—ready for years of cozy adventures and timeless stitches.

Tess Crawford
Oct 14, 20253 min read


The Art of Portuguese Knitting: A Gentle Introduction to an Effortless Technique
Portuguese knitting, also known as “around-the-neck knitting,” uses a shawl pin or yarn looped around the neck to create gentle tension. With a simple flick of the thumb, stitches glide effortlessly from the needle—making it one of the most comfortable, efficient techniques for knitters of all levels. Learn how this centuries-old method brings ease, rhythm, and elegance to every project.

Tess Crawford
Oct 7, 20253 min read


A Beginner’s Guide to Knitting Socks: Needles, Techniques, and Tips
Discover the best needles for knitting socks in this beginner-friendly guide. Learn the differences between double-pointed needles, magic loop, and two circular needles, plus tips on choosing the right size (US 0–3) for fingering-weight yarn.

Tess Crawford
Sep 23, 20252 min read


How to Read a Yarn Label: Weight, Ply, and Fiber Explained
A yarn label is more than just a name tag—it’s a roadmap to your project’s success. Discover how to decode weight, ply, and fiber so your next skein doesn’t hold any mysteries.

Tess Crawford
Sep 15, 20253 min read


How Much Yarn Do I Need? A Vintage Explorer’s Guide to Estimating Skeins
How much yarn do you need for your next project? Our Yarn Estimator takes the guesswork out of planning, whether you’re casting on a sweater, shawl, socks, or blanket. With vintage explorer flair and practical accuracy, this tool ensures you pack just the right number of skeins for your creative journey. Read our companion guide for tips on yarn weights, stitch patterns, and why it’s always wise to carry an extra skein.

Tess Crawford
Sep 11, 20252 min read


Yarn Estimator - How much yarn do I really need?
Plan your project with confidence using our Yarn Estimator. Discover how many skeins you’ll need for sweaters, shawls, socks, or blankets—crafted for knitters and crocheters.

Tess Crawford
Sep 11, 20250 min read


The Best Yarn for Beginners: Wool, Cotton, Bamboo, Acrylic, or Blends?
The best yarn for beginners is usually wool—specifically a smooth, medium-weight wool yarn (like worsted). Its natural stretch makes...

Tess Crawford
Sep 2, 20253 min read


Metal vs. Bamboo (and Beyond): Choosing the Best Knitting Needles for Beginners
Choosing the right knitting needles can shape your crafting journey. Beginners often find bamboo or wood easiest, thanks to their gentle grip on yarn, while metal offers speed and precision once you’re confident. Plastic, carbon fiber, and even glass or casein each bring unique qualities to the table. From learning your first stitches to knitting on a plane, this guide explores which needles suit different projects—and how to find your perfect match.

Tess Crawford
Aug 26, 20253 min read


Wool-Silk Socks: A Luxurious Alternative to Wool-Nylon Blends
For decades, the reigning champion of hand-knit socks has been the wool-nylon blend. Wool brings bounce and warmth, while nylon lends...
Roe Dubois
Aug 19, 20252 min read
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