you say ribbon, i say hello

ribbons aren’t just for wrapping gifts, you know.  ever use them in your creative projects?  they’re a colorful, versatile and distinctive way to add an extra splash of color and interest, and belong in every crafty gal/dude’s arsenal.

ribbons can be used in a variety of ways and can create very unique effects. on cards they can be tied around the fold, with or without a bow, to add an extra element of interest. or they can be stuck down on the edges of a card or scrapbook page to create a colorful or textured border.

if you’re making individual tags or tag books with pull out pieces, you can use ribbons to make the pulls. they’re great with altered projects too, as you can create colorful ribbon details on them.  like what?  well, for instance—if you’re altering a spiral bound journal or notebook, you can tie small pieces of multicolored ribbons all down the spiral – not only does it cover the spiral up, but it also looks so cute!

different types of ribbon

when it comes to choosing what type of ribbon you’ll use, there’s a great array of choices out there. some of the commonly available ribbon types are:

grosgrain – grosgrain is a form of textured ribbon. rather than being smooth to touch, the fibers are woven and you can usually see and feel the line of the weave. they come in all colors and designs, and many designs complement the weave of the ribbon very well. grosgrain ribbons are ideal for using as borders in projects and are very sturdy.

ric rac – ric rac is basically a term used to describe a zig zag or wiggly line! so, you guessed it…ric rac ribbons aren’t straight but cut in a zig zag. they were particularly popular in the 1970s, but are now regarded as rather antiquated.  i love ric rac and use it on my dolls’ clothing.  it comes in a variety of different textures, widths and colors (even variegated!), and adds a fun element to all kinds of projects.

chiffon – chiffon ribbons are lightweight and made from plain woven sheer fabrics such as silk, nylon or polyester. chiffon ribbons are quite delicate to work with, but look very elegant when tied or incorporated in various projects.

organza - organza is another type of fabric that tends to be very thin and sheer. organza ribbons are a plain weave fabric and can be made of fibers such as polyester, nylon or silk. they’re lightweight and nice to work with.  my honey has tied many a mean organza bow!

satin – satin ribbons have a glossy surface and are usually made of fabrics such as silk, nylon or polyester. there are various types of weaves available—such as twill or plain—which give the ribbons a different look. 

velvet - velvet ribbons generally have a nice soft touch feel on one side and may be flatter on the reverse. they’re great for adding additional texture to a project.

silk – silk ribbons tend to be made from 100% silk and have a gorgeous soft, silky feel to them. they’re lightweight and can be used in many ways.

securing ribbons to your projects 

depending on the effect you want to create, ribbons can either be tied, sewn or stuck to projects. if you’re planning on sticking them, you’ll need to ensure that you’re using the right type of glue for the particular ribbon you have in mind.

for example, an all purpose craft glue won’t work well with chiffon or sheer ribbons (as the glue may show through), so you’ll either need another type of glue (such as silicone or a glue aimed at vellum). alternatively, you could design your project in a way that the area you’re sticking won’t show, for example by gluing at the back or putting an embellishment over the glued area.

ribbons can easily be tied down the spine, or fold, of a card. you can also use a few stitches to sew them into place on cards or scrapbook pages, or to sew together a bow that you want to maintain a particular shape.

another fun way of attaching a ribbon without having to use glue is to consider attaching it with a brad. the brad (which is like a paper fastener) can be stuck through the ribbon and the card or paper and secured on the back. brads are often quite decorative themselves these days, and they can add an extra sparkle or bit of color and you can be sure the ribbon is safely secured without the need for glue.  

whatever your project, consider the incorporation of ribbon and enjoy experimenting with the options!

*****

this one’s for the birds

yes indeed, the squirrels are running around again and the birdies are starting to collect treasures to build their nests.  you think it’s a tough world out there…try being a bird!  why not make life a little easier for our feathered friends by helping them out with their building materials?  

it’s simple!  all you’ve got to do is decorate a bare tree branch with some wool roving, and the birds will come runnin.  or flyin, as the case may be here. 

once you’ve got a good branch, put it in a spot in your garden where you can keep an eye on it from a window.  gather up some wool roving and/or fabric scaps…

wrap them around the branches and twigs, and voila…

as the neighborhood birds tell one another about your lovely gift, they’ll all begin to come to check it out…twittering and chirping with excitement at this amazing find, and taking a colorful little bundle away in their beak to build their new home!

so cute to watch.

ribbon rosettes

 

these little rosettes made of ribbon unbelieveably easy to create!

how to: t

hread a large eye needle with a tiny ribbon. don’t knot it, just hold it in the needle with your fingers. then run the whipstitch through a larger ribbon with a wired edge. don’t worry about making a good even stitch…uneven whipstitching will make a lovely flower too!

once complete, scrunch it down into a rose.  voila!

if only real roses were as easy to grow.

easy ric rac magnets

 

materials needed (for a set of three magnets):

three 24” lengths of different colors and sizes of ric rac

thread, the same color as ric rac

needle

three small beads or buttons

three round magnets

glue (e6000 adhesive is the best for this!)

 

 

 

how to:

thread your needle so you have a length of about 8” of thread.  tie a large knot with both ends, leave a 2” tail.

cut a 25” length of ric rac.  take your needle and pull up through the first ric rac point an down through the second ric rac point.

keep going up and down through the points.  push the ric rac down to the knot as you go, making little folds.

when you reach the end, push the ric rac down and tie a knot with the knotted 2” tail and the needle end.  arrange the ric rac around the ring to finish your starburst.  you might need to trim the fray off the ends of the ric rac.

glue your bead front and center.  glue magnet to the center of the back.  make two more to complete your set.  once dry, they’re ready for use!

embroidering photographs

materials needed:

old photo

embroidery thread

patience

yeah, it IS kinda like a spirograph but with thread. 

for those of you not old enough to remember a spirograph, you’re missing out.  go ebay yourself one.

on crochet – part 3 of 3

understanding crochet terms

crochet is a very straightforward craft to learn. like many old and traditional crafts, however, over the years a range of different terms and descriptions have come about which may seem like a foreign language to a beginner!

here are some of the most common crochet terms that a beginner is likely to come across:

blocking

most crocheted items benefit from being blocked, and this is particularly true of lace items. blocking a finished piece of crochet entails gently wetting the item and then pulling it to shape on a flat surface. the item may need to be pinned to stop it from springing out of shape. a crochet pattern will give any special instructions required for blocking.

flat or in the round

crochet is either worked flat or in the round. crochet that is worked flat is worked in rows with the work turned at the end of each row. crochet that is worked in the round is worked in a constant round without turning the work. both types of crochet have their own benefits. crochet that is worked flat is ideal for traditional garment construction. crochet that is worked in the round starts at a central point and is worked outwards, making it ideal for large items.

flat:

 

in the round:

 

crochet hook size

the size of crochet hook will be detailed using one or more sizing definitions. modern crochet hooks are measured in metric measurements, starting at 2mm and going up to sizes greater than 15mm. some old crochet hooks, however, use a different sizing convention and these were measured in numbers. the higher the number,  the smaller the hook.

gauge

crochet gauge is very important. this measures the number of stitches and rows per 10cms. checking crochet gauge is necessary when making an item that needs to be a set size. if there are too many stitches and rows, then the item will be too small and a larger hook should be used. most crochet patterns will give a stated gauge and before starting the pattern, a test square should be worked to check gauge.

motif crochet

motif crochet is the creation of small single crochet blocks that are then stitched together to form bigger items. these are typified by the granny square, however motifs can be highly intricate and delicate designs as well as more basic and bulky versions.

slip knot

the slip knot is at the heart of all crochet and this is how a crochet pattern is always started.

stitch abbreviations

to make the reading of crochet patterns more straightforward, the names of crochet stitches are often abbreviated. instead of repeating ‘chain stitch’ for instance, the abbreviation ‘ch’ is used. this is helpful and makes patterns easier to follow. most crochet patterns and books contain a glossary of terms used including any special or unusual abbreviations.

symbol crocheters

some crochet patterns, particularly motif and lace crochet, are presented using crochet symbols. each stitch has a unique symbol and this is used to show how a design is created. many patterns that feature symbols also have a written version. symbol crochet is useful as it transcends language making a project open to crocheters the world over.

yarn weight

yarn and wools are grouped together according to thickness. this means that all yarns that are double knitting weight will be the same thickness regardless of brand or manufacturer. this standardization of yarn is a useful way to ensure that yarns can be substituted in crochet patterns without altering the finished dimensions of a project.

on crochet – part 2 of 3

one of the great benefits of crochet is the fact that so little in the way of equipment is required.

while many other crafts require special machines or equipment, a crochet hook and some yarn is all that it takes to make a wide variety of handmade items.

here are the essentials required to get started with crochet.

crochet hooks

crochet hooks come in a variety of sizes ranging from 2mm to 15mm or more. the very fine hooks create small stitches which are best worked with a thin crochet cotton. larger hooks are suitable for other types of wool and yarn. as a rough rule, the thicker the yarn the larger the hook size, however the yarn label will give advice as to the size of hook required. many crochet hook manufacturers sell packs of hooks in different sizes as well as individual hooks, and these packs are a good value for money.

crochet hooks are manufactured from different materials. resin or acrylic hooks are attractive because they are low cost and light weight. over recent years, however, wooden hooks have become more widely available. these hooks are extremely lightweight and are very easy to use. many wooden hooks are handmade and are more expensive than mass produced hooks, however many crocheters find them a great investment.

the best hooks for crochet are always hooks that are completely smooth. any rough edges will catch on wools and yarns and cause snags. this can spoil the look of a finished project as well as be frustrating to work with.

yarn

the other key essential of crochet is yarn. there are many different types of yarn and in recent years, fancy eyelash yarns have become popular. many crocheters prefer to crochet with plain yarn as this shows off the stitch patterns. wool is always a good choice for crochet items, however it can be expensive and may also require hand washing. there are many modern manmade yarns that are both inexpensive and pleasing to both the eye and hand.  crochet cotton is used for thread crochet and for making lace items such as doilies, is durable, and is available in a wide range of colors.

“traditional” yarns are graded by thickness and this makes substituting the yarns used in patterns straightforward. a double knitting yarn, for instance, should always be the same thickness regardless of the brand or manufacturer.

in addition to traditional crochet cottons and fancy eyelash yarns, it’s possible to crochet with wire, string or even strips of recycled plastic bags! this versatility is one of the reasons why crochet is so popular. 

crochet patterns and projects

it has never been easier to find interesting and exciting crochet projects! the interwebs has opened up a huge range of opportunities to find crochet patterns and projects . these patterns range from free projects that someone has published on their blog to patterns available for purchase at online stores.

with just a hook, some yarn and plenty of good ideas, some great crocheted items can be created once you understand crochet terms.  more on that tomorrow.

on crochet – part 1 of 3

what is crochet?

crochet is an old needlecraft with its history stretching over several centuries. one of the traditional uses of crochet was to create fine and intricate lace that was used as a substitute for expensive bobbin lace.

over the years the popularity of crochet has risen and waned with its heyday in 1970s. many people will remember the distinctive crocheted items that were fashionable at the time, such as waistcoats and granny square blankets.

crochet became less popular as fashions changed, but no doubt it will become popular again at some point.  everything is cyclical.

crochet today

over recent years crochet techniques and stitches have developed and today, crochet is a highly popular craft that is undertaken by people of all ages. one of the attractions of crochet as a craft is its versatility. crochet is perfect for items such as fine lace trimmings or intricately worked clothing to funky amigurumi dolls or quick to make accessories. many new stitches and techniques are used to create items with attractive surface design, and variations of the same stitch will produce very different results.

yarns have also changed over the years. crochet has traditionally been worked with thin cottons and these are ideal for producing fine lace. in the 1970s, acrylic was popular and although early acrylics were hard wearing and durable, they were also harsh against the skin. the range of yarns available today means that crocheted items can be created to meet every taste. pure cottons or wools, luxury silk or cashmere, or fun and funky yarns are all readily available.

why learn to crochet?

crochet is a great craft for someone looking to create their own unique items. there are a huge selection of interesting crochet patterns available to buy or offered for free on the interwebs. crochet patterns are simple to adapt and even something as simple as changing the yarn color can give a totally different look to the finished project. 

how to get started with crochet

crochet is a very simple craft to start, and little in the way of specialty equipment is required. a crochet hook, some yarn and some basic instructions are all that is needed to get going!

some tips to get you started:

• pick a relatively small but interesting first project – it is much easier to learn crochet when making an actual item than it is to make a simple sample square. there are many excellent projects for beginners that are quick to finish and cover many of the basics.
• use a plain yarn – although it is tempting to use one of the fun and fancy yarns that are available, these can be tricky for a beginner as it is difficult to see the stitches. there are lots of attractive plain yarns that are perfect for beginners.
• find some good instructions – many books, magazines and websites offer excellent instructions explaining the basics of crochet. look for instructions with lots of illustrations as these help to explain how the basic stitches are formed. libraries often have a good selection of crochet books and this can be a great way to learn more about the craft without investing in too many new books. there are an increasing number of good quality free videos available on the interwebs and these are also an excellent source of instruction and are particularly helpful for visual learners.

i’ll give a brief rundown on crochet essentials tomorrow.

mason-dixon knitting

practical advice, real-life knitting instruction, and irreverent humor from kay gardiner and ann shayne, the duo behind  masondixonknitting.com.

the ladies of mason-dixon knitting will take you on an adventure through knitopia, a place where knitting and creativity unite through the craziest knitted items imaginable.

kay and ann reveal that a pattern is like a starting line, a launching pad, the front doors of saks the day after thanksgiving: oh, the potential!

mason-dixon knitting is a collection of patterns, a how-to manual and  hilarious narrative all in one.  kay and ann chitchat their way through more than thirty patterns, drawing creative inspiration from their surroundings:  presenting colorful blankets, sassy nightgowns, a delicate curtain, and much more to reveal that knitting can weave its way into just about every aspect of life.

most of these projects are the epitome of ease, but you can make them as simple or complicated as you like.  use your creative vision to interpret each pattern and give it your own personal touch!  full-color photos accompany each project.

mason-dixon knitting explores the humor, fun, and outrageous possibilities of a realm in which knitting is much more than a craft—it’s a lifestyle.

all knotted up

french knots are a beautiful element of embroidery. you can make them with bulky knitting yarn or fine thread, creating a bright polka dot or a tiny speck.  although they seem simple enough, there is a bit of a technique to making them.

years ago after many frustrating attempts at trying to learn the technique on my own, i asked my honey how to make them, and he was happy to teach me.  now i make them every chance i get!  thanks, yobo.  i never make a french knot without thinking of you!

making french knots is a two-handed job, so if you’re just learning how to make them, it helps to have your fabric secured in an embroidery hoop.  the trick is to maintain a tight grip on the thread with your left hand (if you’re right handed…reverse for lefties) as the needle is drawn through it.  this keeps the thread from tangling and creates a tidy knot. 

french knots are a basic element of embroidery and can be strung together to make lines and shapes, or they can make a field of polka dots. at some point i want to make a little gnome completely out of french knots.  one day he’ll materialize. 

how to:

thread the embroidery needle.

bring the needle up through the fabric from the back to the front. wrap the thread around the needle three or four times counterclockwise. keep a tight grip on the thread as you wrap it.

3. push the needle down through the fabric just next to where it came out, holding the thread tight in your fingers.  pull the needle through the knot to the back of the fabric. 

voila!  gets much easier with practice.  don’t give up.

lacemaking needles

skacel’s addi turbo circular needles have long been a favorite of knitters for their lightening-fast smooth texture and superior construction. skacel’s new product, addi lace needles, are designed specifically for knitting lace. 

these  needles differ from the original aluminum needles in that they have longer and more pointed tips, a raspberry colored cord, and the tip is brass instead of aluminum.

the longer, more pointed tip of the needles help to easily work lace stitches, whether you need to knit into the back of a yarn over, work a left slanting decrease or purl into the back of a stitch.

the smooth needle surface makes stitches glide easily and keep your hands from feeling cramped or tense. 

the flexibility of the cord and the long length of the needle tips also give your knitting added movement…you won’t have to constantly readjust your fingers to inch your stitches along.  

these brass-tip needles could be used for knitting things other than lace, as come in size 1 (2.5 mm) all the way up to size 6 (4 mm). 

have fun and experiment!

embroidered effects

jenny hart gives her fans what they’ve been clamoring for since the “stitch-it kit” was published: new stitches, new patterns, new projects, new techniques, and new transfers, all in her signature sublime stitching style. this book includes projects that go far beyond stitching on plain cloth, such as photo fabric transfers, paper embroidery, embellishing patterned fabric, using glow-in-the-dark or metallic thread, and much more, plus lots of inspirational photos, never before published stitches, and more than 30 reusable iron-on transfers.

if you’ve never tried embroidery it’s really fun…very relaxing in the same way that knitting is, but at the same time it’s much quicker and more free, like doodling. it’s a simple and entertaining way to add beauty to anything from a tee-shirt to a pillowcase to a jacket!

embroidered effects is a thorough exploration of embroidery. it has great how-to’s and whole chapters on tools, methods, and pattern making. it also includes transfers that you can cut from the book and iron right onto your fabric. there is even a little pocket at the front of the book to store the transfers once you’ve cut them out so you can re-use them! good deal.

the gift of yarn – part 2 of 2

a continuation of yesterday’s post regarding great gift ideas for the yarn lover in your life…

for the cashmere lover

• 5 skeins of jade sapphire’s 12 ply cashmere, 100% mongolian cashmere. these colors, from the top, are: pebble beach, hibiscus, mulberry, tea leaves, and deep plum.

• a pair of lantern moons’ ebony straight knitting needles, us size 11

• a moving mud shawl closure (this is a medium size.)
  

cashmere has this unfortunate tendency to spoil knitters. once you start down that road, it’s hard to turn back. if you or someone you know has this problem-you’d-like-to-have problem, a stack of sumptuous jade sapphire 12 ply cashmere will be most welcome. your senses will revel in this amazing yarn’s layers of thick, soft goodness and in its beautiful, hand-dyed shades inspired by nature’s subtle tones.

five skeins is enough for a very generous scarf or a small shawl. the hand blown, tempered glass clasp is a unique finish for a hand knit scarf. it’s the perfect way to hold a garment in a graceful drape around your neck or shoulders.

for the adventurous knitter

• 3 skeins of alchemy’s synchronicity, 50% silk and 50% merino wool. this color is shell.

• 1 skein alchemy’s silken straw, 100% silk. this color is sour grass.

• shibori knits, by gina wilde

gina wilde, the co-founder and creative director of alchemy yarns, has packed her latest book with innovative ideas, sure to inspire the creativity and imagination of everyone on the lookout for something new. wilde explores the exciting interstices of shibori and knitting, where japanese techniques of manipulating fiber meet the traditional craft of knitting.

these yarn suggestions are perfect for the funky hat pictured on the cover of the book. the felted silk and wool synchronicity beautifully contrasts with clusters of crisp silken straw. it’s a knitting adventure waiting to happen!

for the elizabeth zimmermann fan

• 7 skeins of the fibre company’s terra, 60% merino, 20% baby alpaca, and 20% silk. these colors, from the top left, are redwood, cochineal, fustic, acorn, chamomile, wheatgrass and yarrow.

• the opinionated knitter, by elizabeth zimmermann

• a set of crystal palace bamboo double pointed needles, us size 9, 8 inches long

• a lantern moon ebony circular needles, us size 9, 32 inches long

no single person has influenced modern knitting in america more than elizabeth zimmermann. the mother of all knitting to so many knitters, her classic book “the opinionated knitter” is a staple. explorer, storyteller, naturalist, engineer and teacher, zimmermann generously opens the door to a whole new approach to knitting that will have you thanking her forever.

had the the fibre company been making terra when zimmermann was alive it might have become one of her favorites. rustic yet subtle, it perfectly lends itself to her designs, while adding a modern color sensibility.

for the color lover

• a rainbow array of koigu’s premium merino, 100% merino. because koigu comes in hundreds and hundreds of colors (some that are only dyed one time and never again!), these exact colors may not be available. both our web site and our store have huge selections to choose from, so have fun creating your own rainbow!

beautiful as a sock yarn, a loosely knit scarf, or a sophisticated sweater, koigu premium merino has incredible flexibility and wide-ranging function (wonderful for crocheting too!). it is soft, machine washable, magically elastic, and has an immense selection of colors.  from rich rusty pumpkin to soft salmon to vivid lemongrass, these hues inspire all color lovers to kneel down in worship.

lovely little things for all knitters

• lantern moon’s sheep tape measure. a tug on the tail reveals a five foot tape measure, and a squeeze to the stomach retracts it. cute!

• de-fuzz-it: this sweater comb magically (and gently) removes pills from all your knit garments. everyone asks, does it really work? yes! it really, really does!

• needle gauge: no more mystery needles! this needle gauge accurately and conveniently sizes your needles. it also has a handy two inch window for checking your stitch gauge. all that in the palm of your hand!

• blue sky alpaca’s knitter’s little helper a hand balm for “lightening fast knitting!” i’ve heard people swear it smells like lavender, some claim chocolate, others insist on black pepper. whatever the verdict, it smells good!

valentine’s day is right around the corner…and tomorrow i’ll share some great gift ideas for the fabric lover in your life.

 

the gift of yarn – part 1 of 2

i’ve often been told i’m very difficult to shop for.  no idea why.  anyone who knows me knows that i love sewing and all sorts of crafty doodads,   so i’d imagine that would make things very easy in the shopping department.  but no. 

i’ll get stuck with some stupid regifted bookend shaped like a boot. oh, but it’s the thought, right?  not so much. 

got a yarn lover in your life?  know someone who is obsessed with yarn and just can’t get enough of it? then don’t give him or her a boot shaped bookend.  show that person you KNOW them enough and CARE for them enough to give them something that they want and will make them smile.

here are some great gift ideas for the yarn lover in your life. 

for the accessory knitter

• 1 skein of blue sky alpaca’s royal alpaca, 100% royal alpaca. these colors, from the top, are alabaster, cafe au lait, spanish leather, and cameo.
• knot hat pattern from blue sky alpacas

quick knitting projects are just what accessory knitters love.  an accessory knitter doesn’t want to get bogged down with an afghans or sweater that is seemingly endless.  they want projects that are mobile for the gold line or car pool, projects that make wonderful gifts, and something that gives them the satisfaction of having finished something.  but most importantly, a project that will allow them to quickly move on to the next thing!

this makes a great gift for that particular mindset. blue sky’s royal alpaca is a beautifully understated yarn, made from alpaca specially bred for softness.  only one skein of this soft as cashmere, very luxurious fiber is required for this adorable hat, also from blue sky. a perfect winter capper!

for the crafter

• 2 balls of farmhouse yarns’ lamb’s wool roving. these colors are natural and pumpkin.

• little felted animals, by marie-noelle horvath

• a needle felting set by hamanaka

many a crafter are excited about exploring the variety of fiber crafts that satellite knitting and crocheting. needle felting is one of the most popular…it’s very easy to learn and is inspiring in its freedom and fluidity.

this roving from farmhouse yarns, is super soft and lovingly hand dyed (or undyed, in the case of the natural). what with the cute ideas in little felted animals and the felting board and needles you will find in the needle felting set, crafters of all ages will be ready to explore the joys of needle felting!

for the sock knitter

• 1 skein of farmhouse yarns’ fanny fingering, 80% merino and 20% nylon. this color is rose garden.

• a set of lantern moon’s ebony double pointed needles, us size 2

• getting started knitting socks, by ann budd

 

sock knitters are a special breed, always on the hunt for perfect sock yarn: durable, soft, machine washable, and unusual.

amazingly dyed, each skein of fanny’s fingering has its own character and is great for knitting socks. accompany the yarn with ann budd’s, “getting started knitting socks”, and you’ll never buy another sock pattern again! not just for beginners, this book opens up the world of designing your own socks, from simple stripes to complex lace patterns.

the parent-to-be

• 3 skeins of alchemy’s temple, 100% superfine and machine washable merino. these colors are lantern, champagne and rio.

• a pair of lantern moon’s ebony straight knitting needles, us size 5

• set of buttons by fab. these are 13 mm and are brown.

• baby surprise jacket dvd, by elizabeth zimmermann, with meg swanson

elizabeth zimmermann’s classic surprise jacket has confounded knitters for four decades. luckily, it’s a very easy mystery to unravel, and elizabeth’s daughter, meg swanson, is here to help! this step by step dvd covers everything from cast on to cast off, and even includes bonus information about adding a collar, making a matching bonnet and finishing the jacket with an i-cord. the ingenuity and simplicity of the design is astounding. once mastered, there won’t be a baby born within a twenty mile radius of you who doesn’t get a surprise jacket!

three skeins of temple will knit up the perfect jacket. machine washable, super soft merino, it’s the perfect gauge and is dyed in colors that beg for stripes – it’s hard to beat!

more on elizabeth zimmerman and unique gift ideas for the yarn lover in your life coming tomorrow!

now wait just a pima cotton pickin minute

i often wondered how pima cotton differs from plain old cotton.  did a little research, and here’s the skivvy: 

pima cotton is an extraordinarily long staple fiber, over an inch long, full of strength and silken shine.

it is a special blend of American cotton that was first cultivated in the 18th century, and today it is grown only in the US, south america, and australia.

an ideal yarn for summer projects, especially airy scarves, camisoles, and other garments. 

such as skivvies, i’d imagine.