Maker Gifts – Part 1 -Interchangeable Needle and Hook Sets

If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

PIN THIS MAKER GIFTS POST TO YOUR FAVORITE BOARDS

Maker gifts – Tis the season for giving! If you are looking for a complete set of crochet hooks or knitting needles for yourself or a friend, you are in the right place. Read on to find out why you should invest in the Denise Interchangeable Sets!

If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

Keywords:
Gifts for makers, arts and crafts gifts for adults, unique gifts for crafters, best gifts for crafters 2022, gifts for macrame makers, gifts for makers 2021, best gifts for makers, Christmas gifts for makers, gifts for crocheters, gifts for knitters, crochet hook set, tunisian crochet hook set, crochet hooks, knitting needles, interchangeable tunisian crochet hook set, tunisian crochet hook set with cables, best tunisian crochet hook set, chiaogoo tunisian crochet hook set, clover tunisian crochet hook set, tunisian crochet hooks with extensions, Denise Interchnageables Tunisian crochet hook set, Denise interchangeable knitting needles set, knitting needles set, interchangeable knitting needles set

This post contains affiliate links, when you purchase something through the links, I will earn a small commission at no extra cost to you

If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

I recently invested in two very valuable toolsets. I bought the Denise Interchangeable Crochet Hooks set and the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles set. Although bamboo hooks and needles are my absolute favorite, this is a nice alternative set. Once I started designing I knew I needed a complete set. These sets were the most affordable, practical, and durable! I purchased each set for around $50.00 which means that I got 2 sets for around $100.00. Considering that bamboo equivalents are a $100.00+ per set, these Denise sets offer great value for the price! 

Maker Gifts – The Ultimate Gift for Crocheters

The crochet hook set includes:

  • 12 pastel hooks, one each in sizes f5/3.75mm to 19/15mm
  • 7 pink cords: 2 each 3 and 5″ (8 and 13cm) 1 each 9″, 12″ and 16″ (23, 30, 41 cm)
  • Four end buttons to turn any cord into a Tunisian/Afghan hook or stitch holder
  • Two extenders for cord-to-cord connections
  • Hard-shelled 8-1/4x7x1 inch case that holds everything perfectly in place
If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

Maker Gifts – The Ultimate Gift for Knitters

The knitting needle set includes:

  • Ten knitting needle sizes, US5/3.75mm to 15/10mm
  • Six cords: 5, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19 in. (13, 23, 30, 36, 41 and 48 cm)
  • Four end buttons to turn any cord into a stitch holder or to use as an end cap for a straight, flexible needle.
  • Two extenders for cord-to-cord connections
  • Hard-shelled case that holds everything perfectly in place
  • Case dimensions (closed): 7 x 8 ½ x 1 (18 x 21 x 2.5cm)
  • Needles are 4(10cm) long for US5-10 ½ and 4.5(11cm) for US11-15
If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

Why These Sets Offer Great Value for the Price

What I like most about these sets are the organized and neat snap-in-place cases that the pieces come in. There is no chance of losing any of the pieces. Also, the cords don’t get bent out of shape over time because they are made with a thick and durable material. Whether you are working with the hooks or the needles, they are very smooth and do not snag on any type of yarn!

The crochet hooks can be used for regular crochet by adding the shortest cord and a stopper to mimic a normal crochet hook. They can also be used as Afghan or Tunisian crochet hooks by joining more cords for length. The knitting needles can be used as straight needles in the same way by adding shorter cords with stoppers or by connecting a pair of needles to both ends of a cord for knitting in the round.

There are lots of options for cord lengths. Also, the cords, extenders, and caps/stoppers in both sets are interchangeable. There are also multiple color options available. Also, the case is the size of a book and can easily fit in your wip bag.

The best part is the locking system!

The best part is the twist-and-lock system! You just align the hole at the end of the hook or needle with the hole at the end of the cord by twisting. Voila, that’s it!

I have proof that this is a great locking system. The cords never came undone when I was knitting my first holiday knit sweater (designed by Ashleigh Kiser of Sewrella). This sweater was made with the new Color Made Easy yarn by Lion Brand which is a size 5 bulky weight yarn! Once I attached the body and sleeves, I was afraid the cords would come undone because it was such a heavy sweater! I was relieved when I was completing the yoke and nothing happened! 

Maker Gifts - Denise Interchangeable Needles and Hooks Sets

If you’re looking for a valuable and complete set of crochet hooks/knitting needles for yourself or a maker friend, this is it!

YouTube video

Note: You’ll be contributing $5.00 towards Breast Cancer research with each purchase of these pastel theme sets.

Get the Denise Interchangeable Crochet Hooks set on Amazon by clicking on the picture below:

You can also purchase them in grey or brights.

Get the Denise Interchangeable Knitting Needles set on Amazon by clicking on the picture below (these ones are exactly like the pastel ones shown above except these are the knitting needles):

If you’re looking for other smaller maker gifts or if you want to support some great makers this holiday season, head on over here.

SHOP MY AMAZON FAVES

Check out these other Tunisian crochet hook sets from my faves

Clover Takumi Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook Set

Check out the full review HERE

If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

Knit Picks Radiant Interchangeable Tunisian Crochet Hook Set

Check out the full review HERE.

If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

PIN THIS POST TO YOUR FAVORITE BOARDS

If you're looking for the perfect maker gifts. Come take a look at these valuable complete Denise Interchangeable Hooks and Needles Sets.

Pattern Sale for the Black Friday Weekend!

Pattern sale for the Black Friday Weekend! Are you excited?! I am collaborating with a few other amazing makers to give you a major discount on a bunch of great patterns! We will all be offering 50% off of our patterns from Nov. 22nd, 2018 to Nov. 26th, 2018! All you have to do is use the code BLACKFRIDAY50 – the code is the same for all shops! Browse now and be ready to shop this coming weekend!

Pattern sale for Black Friday weekend. 50% off patterns by 8 designers from Nov. 22nd, 2018 to Nov. 26th, 2018. Find the shop links below.
Graphic made by Lisa M. Fox from Green Fox Farms Designs 

You can find all of the shop links below:

Noor’s Knits on Etsy & Ravelry – Mommy and me and children’s knit and crochet designs.

Maria’s Blue Crayon on Ravelry – Women and children’s knit and crochet designs along with some home decor designs.

Teeztopperz on Etsy & Ravelry – Fashionable and trendy women’s and children’s crochet designs.

Snuggly Fox Designs on Ravelry – Amigurumi and children’s crochet designs.

E’Claire Makery on Etsy & Ravelry – Amigurumi and other crochet and cross stitch designs inspired by food and other fun things. 

Raging Purlwind on Etsy & Ravelry – Women’s modern knitwear designs.

Green Fox Farms Designs on Etsy & Ravelry – Colorful and whimsical crochet designs.

Cary’s Custom Crafts on Etsy & Ravelry – Adult and children’s crochet designs.

Happy shopping and happy making!!

If you would like to read more about me and my brand, click here

The Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern is LIVE

The Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern is finally here!!!! 

Pin it now and make it later!

Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket – About the Pattern

This pattern is for a fun Tunisian crochet baby blanket inspired by sweet summer memories. It is worked up in a total of 12 squares and joined together and finished off with a simple border. The border can be customized any way you like and this blanket can even be hung up on the wall as a nursery/kid’s room decor item (a link to written instructions is included). Links to video tutorials for how to complete a Tunisian crochet foundation row and how to do Tunisian crochet colorwork are also included. A color chart is also provided. You can change the size of the blanket by removing or adding squares. Colors can also be customized, keep it gender neutral by using greens and yellows like I have or switch it up as you like!

Here are a few pictures by my wonderful pattern testers! I loved seeing their spins on the Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket pattern, especially the different color selections. I would have never thought to use a black background. The wall hanging idea was so cute too!

Sadia – @miashimo
Saniya – @san_creates
Sarah – @sarahsuehowdoyoudo
Raimee – @knotesandknots
Mihaela – @lensandyarn

Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket – Technical Details

Skill Level:
Beginner

Techniques:
Tunisian Crochet Colorwork (a link to a video tutorial is included)

Yarn:
Size 4 Weight 

Hooks:
6.5 mm Tunisian crochet hook that is 8.5 in. long or with a cord to hold stitches
5.5 mm crochet hook for joining and completing border (optional)

Notions:
Yarn needle
Scissors
Measuring tape

Gauge:
Gauge is 17 st. x 15 rows for a 4 x 4 in. square in pattern

Finished Size:
The finished blocked size is 23 in x 34 in.

If you’d like to win a copy of this pattern, head on over to my Instagram where I will be holding a giveaway until Tuesday Oct. 23rd at 12:00 AM EST. But if you can’t wait to cast on:

Grab the pattern NOW on Ravelry or Etsy!

I hope you enjoy making the Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket as much as I did! If you do make it, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram @noorsknits and use the hashtag #creamsiclecrochetbabyblanket.

You can read more about my inspiration for this design over here.

Bullying – A Much Needed Reality Check

The bullying started for me when I was in elementary school. I was the new overtly different kid since I was the only Indian girl in my class. People didn’t sit next to me. They told me “I smelled gross”. They laughed at me and in front of me. Then, the struggle in middle school was to fit in while in that awkward phase of transitioning into my adolescent self. The self that hurt more because I understood more about myself and about life in general. This was the first time I was physically hurt by someone and then it happened again a few times in high school.

Self-Negativity Born from Hateful Speech

But you know what? It’s not the physical assaults that hurt. I survived those because those wounds healed with time but what I was left with were the real scars. I was left with the scars of negativity: negative views about myself, my life, and about who I was. When someone says hurtful things about you, the words imprint on your mind. The more you think about those things, you start internalizing that hateful speech.

A picture of me wearing my #hatnothate hat and showing my support for the Stomp Out Bullying Campaign

Moving On

Eventually, I pulled myself up and out of that cloud of negativity and found true friends who showed me that there is more to life. They taught me that it’s important to process those negative experiences and move on. Unfortunately, it doesn’t always end this way. There are many children who never find these friends. As a result, they experience varying forms of psychological issues such as depression and in some cases, they may even commit suicide. According to studies by Yale University, bully victims are between 2 to 9 times more likely to consider suicide than non-victims (http://www.bullyingstatistics.org). Let that sink in and keep reading to see what we can do as parents to prevent this from happening.

Awareness as a Parent

Having my own child, it scares me immensely because he could also be on the receiving end of bullying once he starts school. I pray to God that he isn’t but it is a very real possibility. I remember when I was bullied, I did not want to tell my parents because I was shocked, embarrassed, and confused. That’s why, as a parent, it is so important to be aware and pick up on signs that your child is being bullied. Here’s an article by stopbullying.gov that outlines some of the signs that a child is being bullied. As parents, the best thing we can do is learn these signs and watch for them!

Support the Cause – Anti-Bullying Efforts

Today, on World Day of Bullying Prevention, I stand with Lion Brand Yarn in their support for anti-bullying with their #HatNotHate campaign for the Stomp Out Bullying Campaign. When I heard about this initiative I knew I had to help! I made a few blue hats for donation and I also made some for my own little family. Here we are sporting our #hatnothate hats.

If you’d like to support this cause. You can go donate today and/or wear blue to show your support! But before you head over there, let me know what you are doing now to prevent bullying.

Crochet Pumpkin with a Tunisian Crochet Twist

Here’s my first ever crochet pumpkin of the season with a Tunisian crochet twist! I hope you enjoy making it as much as I did!

Pin it now and make it later!

Crochet pumpkin with a Tunisian crochet pattern!

Materials:

  • 5.5 mm. Tunisian Crochet Hook
  • Size 4 Worsted Weight Yarn in 2 colors
    • Color A – Big Twist Baby Yarn in Orange
    • Color B – Caron Simply Soft in Brown
  • Yarn Needle
  • Scissors

Abbreviations:

Sl st: Slip stitch
Ch: Chain
Tss: Tunisian Simple Stitch

Crochet Pumpkin Pattern:

Foundation Row: With Color A, ch 10 and pull up a loop in the back bump of each chain. Complete standard return pass. (10 st)

Rows 1 -20: With Color A, Tss 10. Complete standard return pass. (10 st)

Bind off loosely and do not cut yarn

With the wrong side facing out, fold the finished piece and slip stitch into every other stitch along the bottom and side to close the pumpkin.

Turn piece inside out and add stuffing or scrap yarn. Cut 30 in. of Color B and weave through the top stitches and pull to close the top and tie a knot, do not cut yarn. 

Chain 5 with the remaining strand of Color B, pull up a loop in the back bump of each chain. Complete standard return pass. Sl st. to bind off. Weave in remaining ends into the pumpkin and enjoy!

This is a free pattern but please remember to credit me and link back to this page whenever you make the pumpkin! Don’t forget to share a picture on Instagram by tagging me @noorsknits and use the hashtag #tunisiancrochetpumpkin so I can see your version and share with everyone!

Happy Hooking!

I’ll be adding a leaves pattern soon too. If you would like to be the first to know when it comes out, join my mailing list here.

If you love Tunisian crochet, you can go read about the process behind my latest design, the Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern which will be releasing soon.

Crochet Process – Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket

I sat down with my Tunisian crochet hook and Fall on my mind and before I knew it,  I had crocheted up a creamsicle. Read more about my inspiration behind this design over here.

A finished green creamsicle Tunisian crochet square.

Yarn

I used Big Twist Baby Yarn which is now, unfortunately, discontinued. Does anyone else feel like a lot of good yarns are very transitional? How do you manage to work with these types of yarns/keep the inspiration alive? I honestly loved this yarn. It was super soft and worked up very nicely! Oh well, I do still have some left in other colors! This was a size 4 worsted weight yarn most comparable to Lion Brand’s Vanna’s Choice yarn or Hobby Lobby’s I Love This Yarn.

Crochet Squares and Joining

I was able to crochet up each square in about 15 minutes and really found the repetitive nature of the pattern soothing! I am also a sucker for symmetry and this pattern delivered! After completing each square, I tried to weave in ends as I went and it really helped! Once I completed all twelve of the squares, I had a hard time figuring out how I should join them. I wondered if I should crochet all of them together or if I should sew them together! I tried both and found that crocheting the squares vertically and then sewing rows together worked best for this pattern since my bind off was too tight to get the crochet hook through the loops at the top of each square.

Finishing Touches

I also added a zig-zag stitch like effect horizontally with the stick color for the area where I had sewn the rows together since it looked too bare and lacked the grid-like pattern I was going for. Then I finished off with a simple border using the stick color. I was thinking of doing a multi-colored border but decided the contrast of the stick color would look better! The last step was to block. I initially tried to block each square as I went but I just got too lazy and ended up blocking the whole blanket row by row after joining all of the squares!

If you are interested in the pattern, I will be releasing it very soon! It has been sent out for testing! You can join my mailing list here to get all of my updates and find out when I release the pattern!

Crochet Baby Blanket – Creamsicle Pattern Testers Wanted!

Anyone else feeling like we’re in a limbo between summer and fall? Here I am wearing my buffalo plaid pajamas and joining the squares for my Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket. I recently finished making it and I am so excited because it is finally ready for testing!

Joining the squares for the Creamsicle crochet baby blanket pattern.

This is a fun crochet baby blanket pattern that uses the Tunisian crochet colorwork technique over twelve squares. Each square measures about 7 x 8 in. and works up quickly with worsted weight yarn! It can easily be adjusted to make a bigger or smaller blanket by adding or removing squares! This pattern includes video references for how to do Tunisian crochet colorwork and how to change colors from TL Yarn Crafts Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket Pattern. The best part is that the creamsicles can be pretty much any color, the possibilities are endless!

Pin it now, read it later!

Creamsicle Crochet Baby Blanket Progress and Completed pictures. Pin it now, read later!

Read more about my inspiration for this design here. If you like the pattern, fill out this pattern tester application and I’ll take a look! Testers will be notified within the next 2 weeks! Let me know if you have any questions via e-mail noorsknits@gmail.com or in the comments below! Before you go anywhere, let me know which one you prefer, lime or orange creamsicle? I love oranges so you know which one is my favorite!

Summer 2018 – A Recap of My Summer

An Ode to Summer

Summer rolls around and I am usually that person who keeps saying “ugh, it’s too hot”. Although I prefer cooler weather, there are some things that I do love about summer. I love being able to walk out in sandals and not having to bundle up Bubs in a huge jacket! Sunsets during this season give me all the heart eyes. Since I’m Indian, summer weddings usually each last a week and are full of fun dancing and singing. So naturally, I love dressing up for them.

I am also thrilled that I get to see my family from near and far! Essential seasonal fruits like watermelon and mangoes make me drool. I find them to be so refreshing and delicious! I also love popsicles and ice cream although now I have to share with my little man anytime I eat them. Whenever I have a popsicle or ice cream, it takes me back to my childhood when I used to enjoy these treats with my cousins during the hot summer days while watching shows on Nickelodeon. Speaking of popsicles and ice cream, if you haven’t yet, you should check out my blog post about an upcoming creamsicle baby blanket pattern over here.

Recap of My Summer

Our summer began with Bubs turning 2! 

Summer 2nd Birthday
Bubs turned two and on his birthday we took him out in his new ride!

A few weeks later we celebrated Eid-ul-Fitr, the Eid that follows Ramadan!

Bub's Eid Outfit
Here’s Bubs counting the money he got for Eid-ul-Fitr while sporting the prayer hat I crocheted for him!
Eid outfits
Me and my hubby in our Eid outfits! Yes, I crocheted the prayer hat for him as well!

Bubs and I had many moments of random dances throughout these past few months and I loved each and every one. Whether it was after dinner, before breakfast, or randomly in the middle of the day. However, my absolute favorite dances were the ones under wide open skies with rays of sunshine beaming through while walking the beautiful trail near our home!

Summer Toddler Dances
Here’s a quick snap of bubs and I busy dancing in the middle of the trail!

Those dances were good practice for the wedding we attended! 

Summer Wedding
Bub’s enjoying the singing and dancing at my sis-in-law’s brother’s wedding.

We also took Bubs to the zoo for the first time, that day we just wore a couple of cute hats on a hot day and stared at a lioness falling asleep because I mean how else are you supposed to do summer, right?

Summer First Zoo Trip
Bubs and I enchanted by the sleeping lioness.

Then off to Canada we went to spend the last bit of summer and celebrate Eid-ul-Adha with family and friends!

Eid Outfit Pic
A funny pic from our Eid-ul-Adha photoshoot! Pretty much sums up our relationship!

And we ended our summer by taking a long overdue trip to Niagara Falls!

Summer trip to Niagara Falls
We ended our summer with a long overdue trip to Niagara Falls.

I hope you enjoyed reading a bit about what summer means to me and how I spent my time this season! Don’t forget to sign up for my mailing list here to get updates. 

Crochet Baby Blanket – The Creamsicle Baby Blanket

Creamsicle Tunisian Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern – The Inspiration

It’s funny the way our subconscious mind works. When I sat down with my yarn and Tunisian hook, I knew I wanted to make a Tunisian crochet baby blanket but I wasn’t sure what it would look like. Although I was trying to get into Fall mode, creamsicles were at the back of my mind. I guess I’m not ready to let all summery things go! This along with the fact that I recently made the Sweet Gingham baby blanket (pattern by Toni from TLYarncrafts) and that I have constantly been looking at my book “Tunisian Crochet Workshop” by Michelle from Poppy & Bliss helped the concept formulate in my mind! Completing the Sweet Gingham Baby Blanket ignited a love for Tunisian crochet colorwork and constantly seeing the bright colors that are a signature of Michelle’s work made me subconsciously want to design something with these components!

Below you can see the back of the orange creamsicle crochet square before and after weaving in the ends.

Creamsicle Tunisian Crochet Baby Blanket Pattern – The Details

This Tunisian crochet baby blanket is my first granny square style blanket using the colorwork technique. I used Big Twist Baby Yarn in Dandelion, Cotton Tail, and Lime. This is a 100% acrylic yarn in weight 4. I also used Caron Simply Soft in Bone which is also a 100% acrylic yarn but in a weight 3. Each square measures approximately 7 x 8 in. So the blanket works up pretty quickly. I am still working on joining the squares and making a border. So you’ll have to wait for another blog post soon to see the finished piece. I’ll be looking for pattern testers soon so be on the lookout for an application by the end of next week! Join my mailing list here to get all the updates!

Inspiration in Sweet Summer Memories

This pattern fits in perfectly with the feelings that I have towards summer. When I think of summer, I think of popsicles and ice cream. I still do love eating these treats although now I have to share with my little man anytime I eat them. Whenever I have a popsicle or ice cream, it takes me back to my childhood when I used to enjoy these yummies with my cousins during the hot summer days while watching shows on Nickelodeon. Read more about what summer means to me and see a recap of my summer over here.

Knit and crochet patterns for children – Why I want to design

Knit and Crochet Patterns for Children – The Journey 

I initially opened up shop to sell my finished knitted and crocheted pieces (read more about that here) but never really thought about where it would take me. Over the course of this past year, I have learned so much about the Fiber Arts industry/community. I have learned even more about myself and what my true passion is when it comes to working with all things yarn. My heart is in creating unique knit and crochet patterns for children. 

My contribution to last year's Little Hats Big Hearts Campaing held by the American Heart Association. These hats were made using free knit and crochet patterns.
Here’s my contribution to last year’s Little Hats Big Hearts Campaign held by the American Heart Association!

Knit and Crochet Patterns for Children – The Heart of the Matter

I want to capture all that childhood brings with it and put it out into the world as knit and crochet patterns! I want to be the source of inspiration for other mama-makers to make cute things for her little ones. Something that is fun and exciting for her and will end in a finished piece that she can wrap her little ones in with cozy handmade love. I want this to be true whether she has infants, toddlers, or older children.

Most importantly, as a mom, I know how hard it can be to convince ourselves to take pictures. Matching with my toddler gives me a big reason to smile and get in front of the camera. I want to be that reason for my fellow mama-makers to proudly get in the frame with their little ones!

Knit and Crochet Patterns for Children – Are you Ready to Join Me?

So fellow mama-makers, are you ready to make all the cute things for your lil’ bug(s)?!

Here are Amy and Josie sporting their Mommy and Me set of Butterflies Fluttering by Ear Warmers! How adorable do they look?! Get the PDF pattern on Ravelry or Etsy

Amy and Josie posing with their matching mommy and me set of Butterflies Fluttering By Ear Warmers. Follow along for more Knit and crochet patterns.
Amy and Josie looking adorable in my first published knitting pattern: The Butterflies Fluttering By Ear Warmer pattern available on Etsy and Ravelry!