Recycled Crafts

Creative DIY Projects That Turn Trash Into Treasure

Giveaway- AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary: 200 Modern Knitting Motifs

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Giveaway- AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary: 200 Modern Knitting Motifs

Leave a comment in today’s post by August 23, 2017 and you are in the running for this awesome colorwork knitting pattern book! Especially if you like alternative and funky images in your knitting.

Open to U. S. residents only please.

Break the rules–knit outside the lines!

AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary takes an unexpected look at stranded colorwork with 200 new motifs. These non-traditional colorwork charts are perfect for the creative knitter looking to break away from the ordinary. Derived from graphic design elements, these fresh motifs include everything from geometric mountains, waves, and spirals to modern bikes, skulls, and sheep.

Dive into stranded colorwork with confidence with a section on reading charts, working floats, and choosing colors. Learn how stranded colorwork can be used in design with five accompanying projects including mitts, cowls, and sweaters. Plus, use your imagination to modify, deconstruct, and combine the unique motifs to create your own designs.

Be inspired to break the rules and use charts in creative ways with AlterKnit Stitch Dictionary.

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Comments

  1. Fabulous!! Love learning about all the fantastic stitches I’m not clever enough to think of myself!

  5. Wow, some of those ideas have never journeyed through my head! Inspiring:)

    from rainy VT,
    the Vermonster

  6. I’ve been eyeing this book for a while now – looks like a great combination of technique improvement with fresh and interesting pattern offerings. I would LOVE to win this – fingers crossed! And congrats to whoever is the lucky one in case (very likely, lol) it’s not me.

  7. What a wonderful collection of stitches I would never think of myself. Thank you for offering this book!

  10. So excited to find this site – I’m very interested and it’s something my niece and I can do together. She can design and I’ll knit. 🙂 Signing up for the newsletter now!

  19. Wow, what an inspiring book. Makes it easy to really get creative and take your knitting from boring to wow. I love all the possible designs. I would definitely love it.

  20. Just seeing the cover brings a bunch of projects to my wish list….what a great idea for a book….I’d love it!

  26. Just when I thought there could be no new knit stitches, this book comes out. I can think of a lot of ways to use this stitch dictionary.

  31. I’m one of those guys who sees a pattern and thinks “Tha’s nice … but …” and then I create my own design. I love a good stitch dictionary.for the inspiration, and one strictly on stranding is a fabulous idea. Thanks for the giveaway!

  33. After years of crocheting, I’m finally learning how to knit. Would love to incorporate these ideas!

Have you read?

Making Popsicle Stick Playing Cards – Surprisingly Fun and Totally Charming!

Okay, I’ll be honest — when I first saw the Popsicle Stick Playing Cards project floating around on Instructables, I wasn’t entirely sold. Popsicle sticks and playing cards? Sounds like a summer camp throwback, right? But curiosity got the best of me (as it usually does with anything slightly crafty and slightly quirky), and I decided to give it a whirl.

And let me just say: I loved this project way more than I expected to.

At its core, this DIY is super simple. You’re basically fusing old playing cards with humble craft sticks to create chunky, tactile “cards” that are durable enough for little hands — or just to enjoy as a cool novelty set. The end result? A full deck that feels a little bit rustic, a little bit retro, and totally unique.

What I really appreciated about this project was how accessible it was. You don’t need anything fancy to get started — just some basic glue, scissors, popsicle sticks (standard size worked fine for me), and of course, a deck of cards that’s either past its prime or missing a few members. We all have one of those lying around somewhere, right?

I ended up using an old UNO deck that was looking pretty rough around the edges, and it turned out great. The cards stick well to the wood, and once everything’s dry, you get these sturdy, chunky pieces that have such a fun hand-feel. It almost reminds me of vintage tile games or big wooden dominoes.

This would be such a great project for kids — whether it’s as a rainy-day craft, a classroom activity, or even as part of a DIY learning game (think memory matching or number recognition). I can see this also being a hit with older adults or people who need cards with a little more grip or visual clarity.

Plus, if you’re a DIY gift-giver like I am, imagine pairing these with a handmade fabric pouch or wooden box for a personalized twist. It would make a really thoughtful and low-cost present for a game lover or nostalgic friend.

Now, one tiny tip: make sure to let everything dry completely before stacking or using them. I rushed a bit on my first batch and ended up with a few cards stuck together. A bit of sanding or sealing would probably help prevent that too, especially if you want them to last.

Overall, this craft hit all the right notes — easy, upcycled, fun, and surprisingly satisfying to hold in your hands when they’re done. It’s a fantastic way to breathe new life into something old, and I honestly can’t wait to make a few themed sets as gifts.

So if you’re on the fence, give it a try. It’s playful, it’s practical, and hey, it might just be your new favorite weekend project.