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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


A Guide to Using Stitch Markers in Knitting and Crochet
In the toolkit of every fiber explorer, nestled beside the compass and embroidery scissors, lies a small but mighty ally: the stitch...

Tess Crawford
Aug 9, 20253 min read


The Curious Case of Color Pooling Yarn: A Stitch in Patterned Time
Among the many enchantments found in a skein of hand-dyed yarn, few are quite so bewitching as color pooling . Like the shifting shapes...

Tess Crawford
Aug 5, 20253 min read


Free National Park Service Knitting & Crochet Patterns
Free patterns from out National Park Service!

Tess Crawford
Jul 12, 20252 min read


I Took My Knitting Through TSA So You Don’t Have To
We flew cross-country with three knitting travel kits—First Class, Business, and Coach—to see how TSA really handles yarn, needles, and scissors. From metal tools in a gallon bag to luxe bamboo needles in a labeled pouch, we tested it all. Spoiler: TSA didn’t flinch. Find out what worked, what almost got flagged, and how you can pack smart without buying a thing. Whether you fly fancy or fiber-chaotic, we’ve got the guide (and checklist) to get you there smoothly.

Tess Crawford
Jun 16, 20253 min read


Flying with Knitting Needles: What You Need to Know
Wondering if you can bring your knitting needles on a plane? You’re not alone—it’s one of the most searched questions by fiber artists on the go. In this post, we explore TSA guidelines, airline policies, and international quirks to help you pack smart and stitch stress-free. From circular needles to snip-safe scissors, we break down exactly what to bring, how to pack it, and how to stay calm when a TSA agent gives your yarn the side-eye.

Tess Crawford
Jun 2, 20253 min read


Handy list of Airline Policies for Yarn, Knitting Needles, and Notions
Planning to knit while flying? This guide shares airline policies on bringing knitting needles, yarn, and tools in carry-on bags. We cover major U.S. and international airlines, TSA guidance, and smart packing tips to keep your project safe and TSA-compliant.

Tess Crawford
Jun 2, 20252 min read
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