Photography 101

Hi there!  There are a lot of Puffs who have been commenting that they would like to get better shots for their projects but they just don't know how.  Many think that they need a big expensive camera and tons of lighting equipment - guess what, you don't!  All you need to do is tweak a few things and you can have some awesome shots.  I'll share with you a few things that anyone can do and I promise, there will be hardly any scary technical mumbo jumbo.  Ready?

1. Pay attention to your lighting.  Many of us finish our projects well into the night and take our photographs without natural sunlight.  This is okay to do and sometimes, it's better because you can control where and how it hits your project.  A simple tip to remember - make sure your light isn't blazing on your project and casting a harsh glare or shadows.  Indirect lighting is always best because it gives your projects a nice glow.

2. Focus on your subject.  I know a lot of you are going "Well, duh" but just because we are focused on our subject, it doesn't mean that our camera is as well.  If you are wanting a detailed shot, check your camera for a "macro" setting - generally shown on most cameras as a flower icon.  This allows the camera to focus in when you are super close to get those awesome details.  Also, if you can brace your elbows on something to act as a tripod, along with not holding your breath when you shoot, your images will be crisp and clear.

3. Be mindful of the entire shot.  All I'm really saying is pay attention to the 'noise' around the project.  Is there anything in the frame that is pulling your eye away from the project?  Is it positioned in the frame the way you are wanting?  Do you have the right perspective to show off all the awesomeness of your project?

4. Keep shooting.  I know that I delete about 90% of the photos that I take.  Just because I have my item set where I want it and I'm at the angle I want to be at, I will always take about ten shots because sometimes, I find a surprise.  Thankfully, we live in a digital age so in order for me to get those one or two perfect shots, I've taken about 40 so that I didn't have to settle for 'good enough'.

5. Learn one good photo editing program.  There are a ton of free ones out there - Pixlr, PicMonkey, Picasa and Gimp are just a handful of the ones I utilize.  They range from super simple to crazy complex.  These programs are great at giving your shots the little tweaks that you might not have been able to get in your actual settings... and it's the little tweaks that make your photo pop.

This was taken with indoor lighting and a flash at 10 p.m.  The post process was 3 simple clicks.

I hope these little things help but the most important bit of advice I can give anyone is simply to practice.  Anyone can do these things so the next time you are getting ready to shoot your project, just think of these easy tips and you just might be amazed at the end results. 

Good luck and happy crafting ~ PprmntMochaMama!

Technique of the Week - Splicing

Ok, we've all had that moment where the end of one skein comes at an inappropriate time in the row. What do you do when you are low on that yarn, or it's one of the pricier yarns and you don't want to join a new ball only at the edge? What if you're making a circular shawl?

Try a technique called Spit-Splicing. I've used this in many of my projects and it works great.

Until next week -

Happy Crafting!

Technique of the Week!

Need a quickie Quidditch uniform? ShaylaMyst made it easy for us by just requesting a basic crochet chain or an i cord, if you are 'two needle inclined'.

I used to spend hours with my great grandma chaining random bits of Red Heart while she watched her 'stories' when I was four. If I can do it, you can! This should take a couple of minutes TOPS! Easy peasy and fun! Here is the easiest tut I could find. Check out that hook! Yowza!

Maybe, like me, you are a knit snob and prefer to use more than one needle, no worries. If you don't already know how to i-cord, then I don't believe you. Most likely you did it by accident somewhere along the way to knitting greatness. Such an easy and pretty technique. Practice this then move on to applied i-cord, it'll rock your world!

No offense to the hookers. I will totally admit to being a knit snob and in the same breath I will admit to being too lazy to learn crochet. Plus, it hurts my wrist and I'm a whiny baby. There, there, no need to get your feathers in a ruffle. Someday I'll learn just so I can make this. Maybe someone will be willing to share their amazing hook wisdom???

Technique of the Week

Have you tried casting on for a circular shawl and wanted to stab someone with the dpns before you were finished?

Well, here's a couple different ways to start those circular project and keep your head at the same time.

This one starts you off with a crochet hook and, even though she's using dpns, the hard part is already done by the time you start your stitching. And you can always use a circular needle instead. The second half of the video shows something similar to last week's cast on and will create an even neater beginning. (This is the same MtMom as on Ravelry.) And you can check out her kitty, Chloe.

And here is a cool cast-on for the tops of socks, cuffs of mittens or anything that will be circular, tubular or otherwise cylindrical. (by the way, this is not the same yarndude on Ravelry).

Technique O' the Week

Short and sweet!

Last term I came across a lovely new friend, BrineyDeep of Ravenclaw. We made a little competition between ourselves to see who could knit the most Ysolda Teague patterns during fall term. She CLOBBERED me. Anyway, one day I was looking through striped projects, trying to inspire myself to use up sock leftovers and I came across this tutorial made by my sweet fellow Housecupper. Coincidence? Fate? Won't you join me in a little Walking Stripes love? Could be a nice Divination project, if you are so inclined.

BTW I never did use up those little nubbins of yarn. But I will. Really.

Technique Friday!

Hello lovely Hufflepuffs! What an exciting first week it has been!

One of my favorite things about knitting is learning new ways to make my work more professional looking. Little touches can make or break a project and it's important to utilize the proper technique for the perfect effect.

Nothing can ruin your work like a cast on that is too tight or a sloppy bind off. Here are my favorite methods to start and end ribbed edges.

When I decided to knit Eunny's Endpaper Mitts, I was completely mystified with the Italian tubular cast on. I mean, come on! Like it's that important?!?! What's wrong with a loose long tail? I actually took offense at the suggestion. BUT TRUST ME, this is so much easier than it seems and looks spectacular!

Easy tubular cast on (without waste yarn!!)

Once you get a rhythm going, it's easy peesy!!

Use this cast on for socks and mittens or anytime you start off with 1x1 ribbing. Amaze yourself!

Back to the endpaper mitts... I totally nailed the colorwork. I was so happy with what I had accomplished! It was all even and perfect and I didn't mess up once! What's that? Eunny says to try a different bind off? What?!?! Crap. Another new thing to learn? Ugh. Set up rows? What a pain.

Then I found this

A really cool bind off without set up rows. You know what? I learned this one BEFORE I could even kitchener. It's what got me off my lazy butt to LEARN kitchener stitch, because essentially, that's what it is! Once again, get a rhythm going and it will be done before you know it! Watch your tension though... it might take a few goes to get it perfect.

So there ya have it. My favorite CO and BO. Use them wisely!

Darning Techniques

Here are some videos for learning how to darn your knitted socks. These techniques can be used in a variety of ways... Mittens, gloves, leg warmers... well, everything you might need them on!

Darning One
Darning Two
Darning Three

I hope that helps you all with keeping your socks in good shape. Until next time:

Huzzah Hufflepuffs!