One of our favorite knitting books, Kids Knitting by Melanie Falick (read our full review), teaches children to knit through the use of rhyme: Under the fenceCatch the sheepBack we comeOff we leap. Each of the four lines represents one step in the process of making a knit stitch: Inserting the tip of the rightContinue reading “Old-Fashioned Knitting Rhymes”
Category Archives: The Skills
Western Swing Guitar Style
Have you ever wanted to learn Western swing? Here’s a superb introduction to the unique chord progressions of this toe-tapping sound, geared toward the rhythm guitarist. Western Swing Guitar Style by Joe Carr offers an excellent step-by-step approach, taking the time to teach you the principles and music theory you need to be able toContinue reading “Western Swing Guitar Style”
The Beginner’s Guide to Microphones
Are you a musician shopping for that first microphone to get your home studio off to a good start? Before you spend any money on a mic, spend just a couple of dollars on some great information—The Beginner’s Guide to Microphones by Brendan Krueger. This book is exactly what it claims to be. It isContinue reading “The Beginner’s Guide to Microphones”
Choosing a Flat Pick for Guitar or Mandolin
Getting into guitar or mandolin picking? One of the first things you will need (besides your instrument) is a good collection of picks. It’s never a bad idea to start out with an assortment—over time some picks will definitely come to the forefront as favorites. Furthermore, until you have a handle on basic flatpicking technique,Continue reading “Choosing a Flat Pick for Guitar or Mandolin”
A Rainbow of Natural Dyes
Craftsy folks frequently share a do-it-yourself ethic. While it’s always easier just to buy cheap, pretty yarn at the craft store, some (particularly homesteaders) prefer to create their own dyes. In fact, if you own sheep or other fiber animals, this may be a logical next step to adding value to your products. You canContinue reading “A Rainbow of Natural Dyes”
7 Guitar String Care Tips
If you play your guitar often, you will find that your strings wear out quickly. Is there a way to extend their life so that you don’t have to replace them quite so often? Yes! Allow us to share a few tips for keeping your strings clean and at their best for as long asContinue reading “7 Guitar String Care Tips”
Choosing Studio Headphones
Whether your headphones are for recording or mixing, attention to quality, shape, and comfort are critical.
3 Guitar Exercises for Finger Independence
Playing the guitar requires flexible fingers. Fortunately, left-hand agility is a skill that can be acquired and improved with practice. These tried-and-true exercises will help you sharpen that skill. Note that you may not be as proficient in these exercises as you might like the first few times out. Always challenge yourself, but respect yourContinue reading “3 Guitar Exercises for Finger Independence”
5 Tips for Left-Hand Guitar Technique
Brushing up on your guitar playing abilities? One area where you might want to put in some work is the left hand. While the left hand is less influential on tone than the right, good left-hand technique is a must for clarity and precision. The left hand is the source of buzzing and incorrect notes.Continue reading “5 Tips for Left-Hand Guitar Technique”
How Acrylic Paints Are Made
The combination of binder and pigment is what gives acrylic paints their unique properties.
