Family owned and operated craft store serving Queens NY since 1970.
We have a craft for every age and every season.
80-09 Myrtle Avenue - Glendale NY 11385 - 718-366-6085 - www.CooksCrafts.com
Saturday, May 11, 2013
When a G is not a G
Seasoned Crocheters are usually aware that different companies have different millimeter sized hooks even if the letter naming convention may be the same as other companies. But for the beginner, it can be a little frustrating.
When I teach my beginners I tell them to strive for consistency and worry about matching a gauge later. Once you are able to crochet evenly then start measuring your swatches for their stitch count and change your needle accordingly to match what the pattern is asking for. You may not think that a 1/2 millimeter makes that much of a difference but multiply that by a few 100 and it could mean a lot.
Here is a chart with some of the popular brands and which sizes they sell.
Bottom line: Go by the mm size and not the letter for best results when matching what a pattern asks for and always make a new gauge swatch each time you make a project.
When I teach my beginners I tell them to strive for consistency and worry about matching a gauge later. Once you are able to crochet evenly then start measuring your swatches for their stitch count and change your needle accordingly to match what the pattern is asking for. You may not think that a 1/2 millimeter makes that much of a difference but multiply that by a few 100 and it could mean a lot.
Here is a chart with some of the popular brands and which sizes they sell.
Bottom line: Go by the mm size and not the letter for best results when matching what a pattern asks for and always make a new gauge swatch each time you make a project.
Saturday, April 20, 2013
Turn Jigsaw Puzzles into flowers in your garden

Yep, you read right. When you're done with the puzzle you just soak the pieces in water and then plant them in soil. 16 different wildflowers will bloom recycling your puzzle back to nature.

3 styles to choose from at only $14.99. Each puzzle is 500 pieces with a finished size of 13"x19" incase you want to frame it instead. The pictures are actually made up of more than 2000 mini images making the finished product a true work of art.
What a better thing to do for earth week than to put together a puzzle and then beautify your garden?
Friday, April 19, 2013
Knit or Knot that is the question
A new yarn from Bernat asks an age old question in a new way to Knit or Knot it. This textured yarn has a variety of glittered strands that look beautiful knitted alone, with another favorite yarn or just knotted.
Wednesday, March 13, 2013
Warming up America
OK Customers and Friends, Its on! Some of the members of Glendale Knits & Crochets meetup group have joined a neighboring meetup group called Knit to Give Back. At the last meeting it was decided we would all try and make 4-5 pieces for a blanket to give to Warm Up America. Pieces need to be made with acrylic worsted weight yarn and need to be 7" x 9". They can be knitted or crocheted. We will be meeting on April 16th to put them all together. If you can't come but still want to participate you can bring the pieces into the shop anytime before April 16th.FREE Patterns are available on the Knit to Give Back meetup page, you just need to be a member. But you don't have to use these patterns, you can do any pattern you like as long as the piece is 7 inches by 9 inches.
Thank you.
Friday, March 8, 2013
Knitting to reduce stress
I have an rss feed that I go through every so often that picks up words like Knitting, Crochet, Crafts etc so I can see news articles about it. Today I saw one and thought it should have been in my computer news feed but then, 13 paragraphs into it, there it was, the word knitting. It seems foxconn is offering knitting classes to its employees to reduce stress. Ya never know, maybe that next iphone you buy, might have a stray piece of yarn in it. :)
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/27/business/signs-of-changes-taking-hold-in-electronics-factories-in-china.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
http://www.nytimes.com/2012/12/27/business/signs-of-changes-taking-hold-in-electronics-factories-in-china.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0
Thursday, February 28, 2013
Beaded Bunny Instructions
My favorite craft for kids is this beaded bunny. It can be made into a pin or magnet. The instructions are here but if you have any questions, please come in to the shop and I can show you how quick and easy this are to make.
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Knitting without Needles
When I was a kid, my Grandmother taught me how to finger knit, but then a friend sent me a link to Arm Knitting. Its really neat how you can make a quick cowl with just your arms and some yarn. I will definitely be doing one of these soon.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eClB0RpGBlo&feature=youtu.be
Friday, December 21, 2012
New crochet today!
The march/april addition of crochet today. Time to think of sunny days.
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Black fleck boot toppers
Boot toppers for that spot between your knees and the boots. These are quick to make and great practice for students wanting to knit in the round with 4 needles and cable.
Friday, September 14, 2012
New Buttons Coming Soon!
I am so happy to see these great looking buttons that I will have in stock soon. They are all 1" in diameter so not ideal for baby stuff but perfect for kids and adults.
Let me know which ones you want so I'll make sure to bring those in first!The last ones have a solid center with a white outline which may not be very clear. You can always come in the shop to get a better look.
Let me know which ones you want so I'll make sure to bring those in first!The last ones have a solid center with a white outline which may not be very clear. You can always come in the shop to get a better look.
Thursday, September 13, 2012
Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Sunday, August 12, 2012
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