This year I’m teaming up with Crochet Creations by Christi to host a Happy Scrappy Yarn Challenge. Each month we will issue a challenge to help you use up those yarn scraps & single skeins you have tucked in nooks & crannies around your house. There will be prizes each month as well, so keep reading to find out all the yarny details & the yarn challenge for September – yarn art!
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links which means I may receive a small commission if you buy something through my link or ad. This does not change your cost it just helps keep this blog running. Thanks for your support! See Privacy Policy & Affiliate Deals page for more information.
Happy Scrappy Yarn Challenge Rules & Such
Christi & I will be alternating months. I’ll be sharing the challenge for January & she’ll be sharing the yarn challenge for February. It will go back & forth like that all year long. Whoever is responsible for the challenge that month will also be responsible for the prize. We will share challenges & prizes on our YouTube channels & in the Facebook group. I’ll also be doing a monthly blog post about all the challenges.
For this challenge, we have set up a joint Facebook group so there’s a place to share all your fabulous makes. The first thing you need to do to participate is join the group. You can also follow along on Christi’s YouTube channel & my YouTube channel. Here are some other things to know:
- Challenges will be issued on the first Thursday each month, with the exception of January. This is the 2nd Thursday, but I had a lot going on at the beginning of the year y’all! : )
- You will have until the end of the month to enter your project in the Facebook group. It must be related to the challenge for the month to be eligible for the prize that month. Please only share makes related to the challenge. That’s what the group is for after all!
- If you love yarn, you can participate in the challenge! This challenge is for all yarn lovers – crocheters, knitters, loomers, weavers, etc. The only limitation is that your project should be made mostly with scraps and/or single skeins of yarn & fit the challenge for the month.
I think that should cover all the rules & such. If you have any questions, please let me know in the comments here or on YouTube or in the Facebook group.
Yarn Challenge for September ~ Yarn Art
Many of us use a pattern when we make our yarn creations. Whether it be knitting a sweater or crocheting an afghan, we usually at least start with a pattern of some sort. While that is an art in itself, sometimes it’s fun to try something a little less uniform with our yarn. That’s what this month is all about – exploring non-conventional ways to use your yarn.
Now I know this may make some of you feel squirmy because you don’t like to venture out of your comfort zones. I think you’ll find that this will only improve your skills if you just give it a chance. Of course there are those that just put their fist in the air and said – “YES!” when you read this. I’m completely in the later group myself! : D
I’m including several links to posts I’ve done over the years here on the blog about yarn art. There will also be links to wonderful yarn art across the web which provide great inspiration and tips.
Freeform Crochet & Knitting
I’ve done both of these to a certain extent & I find them quite, well, freeing! Freeform just means you’re not following a pattern & going your own direction. Several years ago, I did a freeform crochet project for my 100 day project. It was a way to use up my yarn scraps & it was really fun to do!
These sites have some wonderful examples of freeform crochet & knitting as well as some great tips.
- Freeform Crochet Basics from Cypress Textiles
- Freeform Crochet Tips for Beginners from Yarnspirations
- How to Freeform Crochet: 10 Beginner Tips from Craftsy
- The Evelution of the Scrumble from Knot Just Knitting
- Freeform crochet on Pinterest
- Freeform knitting on Pinterest
Weaving
When it comes to weaving, I tend to do it in less traditional ways because that’s just how I roll, err, weave! : D
This Framed Weaving project was actually a framed macrame project first. I decided I didn’t like it and made it into something that I enjoy much more.
I liked the framed weaving so much I decided to try Branch Weaving next…
- The weavings from Crossing Threads are a sight to behold!
- Tapestry Weaving: Using a Cartoon – good tips!
- Weaving artists on Pinterest
- Branch Weaving Tutorial from Kristen Chamberlain
String Art
String art is something I remember doing in grade school, but I haven’t done any recently. Although it’s called “string” art, yarn can certainly be used.
- How to Make Your Own String Art from The Spruce Crafts
- String Art on Pinterest
- Okay, string art videos are fun to watch!
- Extreme string art – wow!
Other Yarn Art
This section is for all the fun things I’ve found to do with yarn that don’t quite fit in the categories above.
- Fabric Art Using Yarn ~ Fall Tree – I did a tree for every season & those blog posts are linked in the last one I did for a fall tree. There’s also a video for the fall tree…
- Retro Yarn Art from I Love to Create
- DIY Yarn Art from Oleander + Palm {not exactly weaving, more of yarn hanging??}
- Extreme yarn hanging!
Whatever you decide to make, I know it will be fabulous! Looking forward to seeing all the yarn art in the group. : )
