Tools for Crochet

Tools for Crochet The Tools You Need to Crochet ChaptersGetting Started with Crochet: Crochet HooksWhich Yarn Should You Start Crocheting with?Useful Tools when Getting Started with Crochet“Those who think chocolate is addictive have clearly never tried crochet.” - AnonymousAccording to a study Betsan Corkhill, 81% of women feel happier after they’ve been knitting or doing crochet. Knitting and crochet are great ways to reduce stress and they also reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s.Handmade fashion is in a resurgence at the moment and many young adults have found a passion for crafts.Are you a fan? Why not learn how to crochet?In this article, we’re looking at exactly what you’ll need to start doing crochet. RaySewing Teacher 5.00 (6) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors PrincessSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £18/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors AnaSewing Teacher 5.00 (4) £30/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ArianwenSewing Teacher 5.00 (2) £25/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ShaziaSewing T eacher 5.00 (2) £10/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors ZanetaSewing Teacher 5.00 (1) £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors GianmariaSewing Teacher £20/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutors JacquelineSewing Teacher £17/h1st lesson free!Discover all our tutorsGetting Started with Crochet: Crochet HooksTo learn to knit, you’ll need knitting needles. To crochet, you’ll need a crochet hook. So far, so good.You can make a lot of the same things either by knitting or by crochet. (Source: FeeLoona)Wait, just one hook?Of course! Unlike knitting, you only need a single crochet hook. The technique is different from knitting.So before you start making a snood, an amigurumi soft toy, or lampshade, you’ll need to choose the right crochet hook and for this, you'll need a bit of help!There are plenty of different materials, diameters, and sizes, and choosing the right crochet hook is half the battle. Fortunately, we’re here to help you!What Does a Crochet Hook Consist of?Firstly, keep in mind that there are a lot of differences between crochet and knitting. Crochet hooks aren’t like knitting needles, for one.A crochet needle is made up of:A headA shaftA handleThe head has a point at the end, allowing you to hook onto a loop. It can be pointed or flat or anything in between. The pointier it is, the easier it is to hook a loop in a tight-knit. If you want to crochet lace, you’ll want a flat head so that you don’t damage the lace.After the head, there’s the throat, this allows you to keep a hold on the yarn or thread. Choose a throat that the yarn won’t come off of. Above the throat, there’s the lip. This is the part directly above the throat.  You can get an inlined head or a tapered head. For more precision, an inlined hook is recommended.Find sewing classes near me.The shaft joins the head to the handle. This is the part that determines the crochet hook’s diameter. It can be short or long. A short shaft will restrict the number of l oops you can do. For consistent loops, you’ll want a straight shaft.When it comes to handles, you can get everything from minimalist handles to thumb rests, grips, and ergonomic crochet needles. It’s important to consider the handle since it’ll affect the weight of the crochet hook. Thumb rests can be very practical for some and very annoying for others. It all depends on how you hold your crochet hook. You’ll need to try out a few different ones.If you can't decide, you can always get a crochet hook set or a crochet set that comes with crochet supplies.There are plenty of great reasons to crochet.Choosing the MaterialSteel crochet hooks are used for fine work like lace doilies, for example. You can also use an aluminium crochet hook for this.For a tight-knit, you'll need a small crochet hook. (Source: xxolgaxx)For less delicate crochet projects like scarves, jumpers, or hats with thick yarn, you can use bamboo or plastic crochet hooks.  If you want to start making a tablecl oth or a rug, it’s recommended that you work with plastic crochet hooks.To get started, plastic crochet hooks are cheaper but tend to start with a 0.6cm diameter. If your budget allows it, we recommend getting a size 4 or 5 wooden or aluminium crochet hook.Different DiametersJust like with knitting needles, crochet hooks have a number that defines their diameter. A hook with a 4 will be 0.4cm in diameter. Thus, the bigger the number, the thicker the hook is and the bigger your loops will be. When it comes to wool, they tend to mention the diameter you should use. Beginners should opt for 0.4 or 0.5cm diameter hooks so that they can see the loops.  As you gain experience, you’ll be able to tell which diameter you’ll need depending on how tightly-knit you want your project to be.A crochet hook is also smaller than a knitting needle. They tend to be between 12.5cm and 20cm in length and 15cm hooks are recommended for beginners.Look for sewing classes London.Where Can You Buy Croc het Hooks?There are plenty of craft stores where you can buy crochet hooks in the UK. There are also plenty of websites.  You’ll pay anywhere from a couple of quid to around £15 depending on the material and design. You can also get crochet hook kits with several hooks in.Which Yarn Should You Start Crocheting with?The type of yarn or crochet thread will depend on your project. If you’re making an item of clothing, you’ll probably want a soft material.There are plenty of different wools to choose from. (Source: wilhei)When you get started, you should pick a project that you really want to make. Start off with something quick and simple so that you don’t get discouraged like a cushion cover, lampshade, soft toy, or a headband.Choose the yarn according to what you’re making. Most crochet tutorials and patterns will tell you which material and the thickness you’ll need. Buy just what you need so you can see if crochet is for you or not. You don’t need to stock a haberdas hery when you’re just getting started.Even though certain yarns are recommended for certain projects, you should also remember that there’s an element of personal preference to consider. Trust in yourself since the goal is to enjoy yourself, after all. Nevertheless, we’re here to help you get started and it’s better to start off with a simple material that’s easy to crochet.Choose a single colour so that it’s easier to see your work. Forget about thick wool as it tend to unravel and are tricky for beginners to work with. Soft cotton thread is easier to crochet with.You’ll soon get the hang of it and you’ll be able to make whatever you want.Useful Tools when Getting Started with CrochetEven though you can crochet with just a hook and some thread, there are some tools that’ll make your life easier.While a crochet hook and wool are the most important, there are also other important crochet tools you can get. (Source: Semevent)Crochet ScissorsYou’ll probably end up n eeding some scissors when you crochet. Choose a smallish pair of scissors, the same size as the ones you’d have in primary school, for example. These can be useful for cutting your thread at the end.Wool NeedleIf you knit, you’ll know what we’re talking about and you probably won’t need to invest in one. A metal or plastic wool needle is useful for hiding the ends of the wool or thread in your creations.Practical, isn’t it?Stitch MarkersEven if clips or safety pins do the job, stitch markers in different colours can help you differentiate the threads used.  As their name indicates, their job is to indicate the specific parts of your work, such as where you should change thread or increase or decrease.Measuring TapeEvery good seamstress knows that measuring is everything and a measuring tape will help you a lot when you crochet. It’s always a good idea to measure your yarn before you start a project.Now that you know what you’ll need, you’re ready to get started.So wh ich hook are you going to use?If you want to learn more about how to do Tunisian crochet, Afghan crochet, tapestry, embellishment, knitting, or needlework, consider getting in touch with a private tutor. Whether you need help choosing your crochet thread, crochet kits, or craft yarn, they'll be able to help you with choosing a crochet kit and teaching you the techniques you'll need to get started!On Superprof, there are three main types of tutorial on offer: face-to-face tutorials, online tutorials, and group tutorials. Each type has its pros and cons and the best one for you will depend on your budget and goals.Group tutorials are usually the cheapest because you're sharing the cost of the tutor's time with the other students in attendance.Face-to-face tutorials tend to be the most expensive (and cost-effective) as the tutor's all yours for the lesson and they'll be creating bespoke lessons for you.Finally, if you want a one-on-one tutorial for less or can't find a suitable tutor w here you live, online tutorials are great because they can be taught from anywhere in the world. All you need is a webcam and a decent internet connection!

What are the Hardest College Classes

What are the Hardest College Classes If they were asked tocreate a list of the hardest college classes, each student would likely have their own selection of difficult courses that provoked tiresome semesters. While each major area of study has an array of challenging coursework, there are classes that are consistently daunting for many students across multiple college campuses. A few of the hardest college classes include economics, linguistics, and statistics. When preparing for a new semester, its important to understand the difficulty level of various courses so you can plan your time accordingly. Keep reading to answer the question, What are the hardest college classes? Anatomy College students who are seeking degrees in biology or a related field will likely encounter this entry on the hardest college classes list: human anatomy. This course is challenging because of the high level of memorization thats needed. Students will need to memorize the names, spellings, and uses of each bone, ligament, muscle, system, and so on in the human body. Its important to enroll in this class with the intention of setting aside dedicated study time in order to succeed. [RELATED: What is a College Lecture?] Economics College-level economics courses require a particularly careful focus on the complex material being taught. 100- and 200-level economics classes may be divided into two separate coursesmacroeconomics and microeconomicsor your school may offer one class that covers the principles of both. Microeconomics courses cover concepts surrounding economics at the individual or business level. Macroeconomics classes cover concepts surrounding economics at the national or government level. If you enroll in a course covering, for example, the principles of economics, this may cover both microeconomics and macroeconomics topics. Linguistics This class studies the composition and structure of language. Considering the number of languages present around the world, the class can consist of a great deal of coursework, some memorization, and plenty of critical thinking and problem-solving. As a result, linguistics weighs in as one of the hardest college classes. [RELATED: Know the Difference Between In-Person, Online, and Hybrid Courses] Organic chemistry Organic chemistry tends to serve as the course that is the deciding factor for pre-medical students on whether or not this specific academic track is right for them. This course breaks down the makeup and function of organic compounds. Like other courses on the hardest college classes list, students will need a steady focus and motivation to tackle the homework required by the class. Philosophy Philosophy courses prompt students to analyze pieces of writing composed by a number of philosophers and to make connections to the world today. This class also requires students to pay close attention to the meanings behind texts and to decipher what the philosophers were aiming to communicate. [RELATED: 5 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Switching Majors] Statistics Statistics courses involve more than simply understanding and executing math-related problems. Students enrolled in a statistics class will be required to gather data and analyze this data using appropriate formulas and equations. Students will need to understand how to collect sufficient data and deduce which formulas are correct to answer the question at hand. When tackling one or more of these challenging college classes, its important to establish a firm plan of action for your course. Create a calendar of due dates, exams, and scheduled study time. Staying on top of all class-related tasks will set you up for success in your course. Good luck! Any topics you want to know more about? Let us know! The Varsity Tutors Blog editors love hearing your feedback and opinions. Feel free to email us at blog@varsitytutors.com.

Properties of Logarithmic Functions

Properties of Logarithmic Functions Logarithmic functions are the inverse of exponential functions where the function is written as f(x) = log b (a) such that b 0, b = 1 and a 0. This is read as log base b of a. Logarithmic functions have many properties and rule which are used to solve many questions: General properties (where x 0, y0) logb (xy) = logbx + logb y logb (x/y) = logbx - logby logb (xm) = m logb x logb b = 1 Example 1: Given logx 16 = 4, find the value of the base x. Solution: The given equation is logx 16 = 4 Convert this Logarithmic equation to Exponential equation by using the formula, logb (a) = N; a = bN Hence logx 16 = 4 can be written as 16 = x4 Now we prime factorization of 16 = 2 * 2 * 2 * 2 Therefore, 16 = 24. This gives 16 = x4; 24 = x4. Hence x = 2. Example 2: For the equation log3 (x2) = 2, then solve for x. Solution: The given equation is log3 (x2) = 2. According to the formula, we have log (am) = m * log a Applying the above formula, we get log3 (x2) = 2; 2 * log3 (x) = 2 Dividing by 2 on both sides; log3 (x) = 2/2; log3 (x) = 1 Now using the formula, logb (a) = N; a = bN. We get, x = 31; x = 3. Hence x = 3 is the solution.

Engaging Your Child in the Learning Process

Engaging Your Child in the Learning Process If youve ever tried to motivate your child to study or do homework, you probably know that its much easier to be successful when you get your childs input and buy-in. Research shows that students who are more engaged in the learning process, after all, are more attentive and focused, and generally more motivated to learn increasingly challenging topics. Although your childs teacher plays a big role, there are many ways you can encourage your child to become more connected and interested in what he or she learns. Here are several tips on how to do just that: Frequently start conversations about school topics. You can strengthen your childs critical thinking, communication, and other related skills by asking thoughtful questions about school, your childs opinion on an issue, the books your child reads and more. Skip the yes/no questions and instead focus on those that encourage inquisition and thinking from different perspectives. Asking about the why and not just the how will strengthen your childs ability to formulate ideas and foster the active learning process. It will also send the message that learning for the sake of learning is worthwhile. Talk about alternatives. Teachers usually encourage students to learn multiple methods to solving problems or answering questions and give them the freedom to choose the one they understand and like the best. You can reinforce your childs understanding of a subject by talking through alternate viewpoints or ways of solving a problem. If your child is working on a multiplication problem, for example, ask about other ways to get to the same answer and why your child chose a certain approach. Explaining different strategies to you will strengthen your childs understanding and build his or her confidenceactivities that lead to enhanced engagement. Take a supporting role. One of the simplest ways to increase your childs level of engagement is to put him or her in the drivers seatalways. Set ground rules at home that make it clear that you are available for guidance, not answers, and that school is your childs job. That means attempting things before asking for help and being resourceful about finding answers to questions. Your child is responsible for school work and all associated duties. Make sure you send that message with your actions as well as your words. Emphasize learning, not grades. Grades are important, but more important is the effort that your child puts into school. Take note of your childs persistence and hard work more than achievements such as gradesand remind your child that learning isnt always easy. Also, instill in your child the belief that the ultimate goal of school and homework is to acquire knowledge. Children sometimes find school to be difficult, frustrating or even boring, but there are many ways to encourage them to take ownership of school. Embrace these strategies for strengthening your childs academic engagement, and good things will happen. In the end, youll help your child take an active role as a learnera trait that will serve him or her well in college and long after.

Digital Devices, Family Guidelines and Parental Controls

Digital Devices, Family Guidelines and Parental Controls In recent weeks, the Internet has been buzzing with talk about the impact of smartphone use on child and adolescent mental health following the publication of an open letter to Apple from investors asking the company to, develop new software tools that would help parents control and limit phone use more easily and to study the impact of overuse on mental health. As a mental health professional, I am acutely aware of the need for a better understanding of how sticky digital devices and apps (smartphones, social media, games, etc.) affect our children. Improved parental controls on phones and other digital devices are sorely needed, especially for parents of kids who struggle with attention challenges and impulsivity. While we will need to wait for research to be conducted and new parental controls to be released, there are things that parents of kids with ADHD can do now to gain more control over digital device use in their home. Create Technology House Rules. In general, kids (and especially kids with ADHD) are not capable of setting their own reasonable limits around screen time. Just like you wouldnt let your child be fully in charge of deciding how often and how much cake, candy, and cookies he or she can eat, you cannot expect your child to make healthy decisions about how often and how much he or she uses digital devices without parental guidance and limit setting. The best place to start with limit setting is by creating house rules that are discussed and posted at home. This lets everyone know what the rules are in advance, so it doesnt come as a surprise when they are enforced. Deciding on what the rules should outline can be challenging, so set aside some time to really think this through. Consider: (1) how often can your child use devices, (2) how long can your child use devices at any given time, (3) what is your child allowed to do with the device, (4) how will you monitor his or her activity, and (5) what will happen if he or she violates a technology rule? While there arent any hard and fast rules around how much screen time kids should be getting in a day, I generally recommend that parents keep it to no more than 30 minutes - excluding homework-related activities or FaceTime with family members. So, thats 30 minutes to spend watching YouTube videos or playing games each day. Most parents make exceptions for snow days, sick days, or the occasional Saturday or Sunday, but otherwise, its important to be consistent. If 30 minutes seems like far too little time, resist the urge to simply bump it up to 1 hour or more. First, consider alternative activities for your child, whether these are scheduled activities, or things they can do at home. Is there a way to shift the focus of his or her time from devices to non-screen activities? Most of the time, making the shift isnt hard if the activities are things that your child really enjoys. Once youve outlined your technology rules, have a family meeting. Talk about some of the challenges your family has been having with screen time (arguments, less quality time, lack of interest or time for other activities, etc.). Let your kids know that scientists are learning that too much time spent using phones, tablets, and videogames can make kids and adults unhealthy, just like eating too many sweets can take a toll on your health over time. Give your kids an opportunity to talk about some of the things theyve noticed are a problem with digital device use at home. Dont be surprised if they call out your own smartphone use as a problem! Be willing to make some compromises with your own device use, to be a good role model for your kids. In fact, Id recommend reading this recent Washington Post article on this very topic before your family meeting so youre fully prepared for the conversation. Create a Digital Use Contract. It may seem like an unnecessary or formal step, but research shows that when kids (and adults) sign off on something, they are more likely to stick to their commitments. Contracts should include specific guidelines for each child and age group, each device (phones, computers, tablets, etc.), each platform/technology (example: social media, web browsing, etc.) and each situation (example: dinner time, bed time, friends over, etc.). Common Sense Media has some excellent sample contracts on their website. Good contracts also require discussion, compromise and negotiations. Give your child the space to share his or her point of view, and if he or she has reasonable requests, then you should honor them. If your child has some say in the rules, he or she will be even more likely to hold up his or her end of the bargain. Use Parental Controls. Setting restrictions on the devices to protect your child from inappropriate content or off-limit apps and websites is important. While the parental controls that are currently available arent perfect, they do include basic functions that control at least some of what your child does on his or her device. Smartphones and tablets all include built-in features that allow you to lock everything from the Internet browser, FaceTime or Skype, iTunes, app purchases, app access, etc. There are also third-party apps available with some advanced features. Videogame consoles also include parental control functions that allow you to block games by age range or rating and disable in-game purchases. Some videogame consoles even allow you to limit the amount of time your child spends playing in a day once that daily limit has been reached, the console turns off automatically! Managing a childs digital device use is one of the biggest challenges faced by many parents of kids with ADHD (often its second only to dealing with homework time!). Your guidelines, strategies, and rules will need to evolve and adapt as your child grows and technology changes. Fortunately, there are great resources available online that can help you make smart decisions, and set the technology limits that your child needs. Additional Online Resources: Family Online Safety Institute https://www.fosi.org/ Common Sense Media https://www.commonsensemedia.org/ The Social Institute https://thesocialinstitute.com/ ABOUT DR. MARY ROONEY Mary Rooney, Ph.D., is a licensed clinical psychologist in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco. Dr Rooney is a researcher and clinician specializing in the evaluation and treatment of ADHD and co-occurring behavioral, anxiety, and mood disorders. A strong advocate for those with attention and behavior problems, Dr. Rooney is committed to developing and providing comprehensive, cutting edge treatments tailored to meet the unique needs of each child and adolescent. Dr. Rooney's clinical interventions and research avenues emphasize working closely with parents and teachers to create supportive, structured home and school environments that enable children and adolescents to reach their full potential. In addition, Dr. Rooney serves as a consultant and ADHD expert to Huntington Learning Centers. ABOUT HUNTINGTON Huntington Learning Center is the tutoring and test prep leader. Its certified tutors provide individualized instruction in reading, phonics, writing, study skills, elementary and middle school math, Algebra through Calculus, Chemistry, and other sciences. It preps for the SAT and ACT, as well as state and standardized exams. Huntington programs develop the skills, confidence, and motivation to help students of all levels succeed and meet the needs of Common Core State Standards. Founded in 1977, Huntington's mission is to give every student the best education possible. Call us today at 1.800.CAN LEARN to discuss how Huntington can help your child. For franchise opportunities please visit www.huntingtonfranchise.com. This website does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The material on this site is provided for educational purposes only.

D.C. in Crisis Answering Americas Questions

D.C. in Crisis Answering America's Questions source: http://www.artsobserver.com/2012/01/01/graft-tree-by-roxy-paine-ringing-in-2012-with-symbol-of-life-growth-order-and-chaos/ I was not pleased when I found this robot tree in the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery of Art.  Roxy Paine’s sculpture supposedly represents the conjoined nature of order and chaos and the hope of a new year.  However I see this “art” for what it truly is, government mandated robotification of nature and wildlife.  What are their goals? Will the robot trees be used as weapons to enforce tyranny upon the citizens of the U.S.?  Will they be used to watch us? So many questions while so few are the answers. Pictured here is the Washington Monument in its current state of repair.  The Obama administration I am sure is tired of the old stone appearance and will most like plate the monument in chrome, much akin to the metal tree, and use it as a giant robot weapon that will terrorize people up and down the streets like Godzilla enforcing his robo-oppression. The sun sets on the monument, as it does on our great nation.  My fears were all too real. The things that I saw in D.C. left me dumbstruck with fear and doubt.  Some may see the grand ornate architecture of national buildings and wonder at the unwavering principle and respect they represent, but others see the truth.  How could our government commit such unthinkable horrors and house such abominable secrets?  It seems as the though Americas concern about the competency of our leadership is more real a fear than ever.  The only thing that brings me peace in this time of hopelessness is that these old buildings from Americas origins are still standing in a salute to Americas infallible spirit.  A spirit which President Overlord RobO-bama may try to extinguish, or should I say exterminate, in the near future.

Four Effects of Collaborative Learning

Four Effects of Collaborative Learning Collaborative learning is a teaching environment in which students are encouraged to work together. Instead of a typical set-up where lessons and discussions are teacher-led, a collaborative classroom has students working in small groups toward a common goal. Many educators believe that this type of group-directed learning is much more beneficial to students than independent work. Here are four commonly cited effects of collaborative learning: 1. Deeper Learning and Understanding In a group learning dynamic, students must rely on one another to contribute and solve problems. Doing this often requires students to consider problems from different perspectives, which they may not do if they were working independently. Working a problem out by considering multiple angles allows students to grasp the material in a more organic way. 2. Proactivity In a lecture setting, students are told what they need to know. In a collaborative environment, students become more self-reliant. As a group, they must figure out ways to reach their established goals. Additionally, in a peer-to-peer situation, trouble spots are easier to locate. Also, students feel more comfortable asking for help from the group if they need it. 3. Critical Thinking Collaborative learning is not passive. There are no blueprints that students can use to refer to and arrive at an answer. Students are forced to manipulate and examine information as a group, which draws upon a higher level of thinking. 4. Oral Communication In a collaborative classroom, it's just not possible to go to the back and avoid others. Even students who don't usually participate must work and contribute in a collaborate classroom. Learning is more social, and students become good listeners and communicators without realizing it. Shy students who are bright and have a lot to contribute can also benefit, as there is no concern over speaking in front of a whole room. A collaborative setting reduces tension via small groups that work together to help each other succeed.