Teen Hobbies

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Archive for May, 2008

Free Crochet Hat Patterns for Beginners and Skilled Crafters

Posted by teenhobbies on May 26, 2008

Free crochet hat patterns are ideal projects for beginners interested on embarking into the world of crocheting. At the same time free crochet hat patterns are great miniature projects that would challenge even skilled crochet crafters. Crochet enthusiasts can easily search online for complimentary crochet patterns designed specially for hats.

The available projects for crochet hats range from the basic pattern to the intermediate all the way to the intricate patterns for proficient crotchet crafters. The free patterns offered come in various sizes from children to adults. A crochet crafter looking for a specific size of crochet hat pattern can easily find one online without having to resize the dimensions of the blueprint.

Free crochet hat patterns are also available in various designs that are perfect for any time of the year. There are crochet hat patterns with Christmas designs that would make for great giveaways during the holidays. Spring and fall designs are also available in crochet hat patterns. Different styles of hats are also available in free crochet patterns like beanies, ski hats and berets.

More than just Free Crochet Hat Patterns

Craft sites that provide free crochet hat patterns also offer an assortment of services and bonus items that every crochet enthusiast will definitely derive benefit from. Numerous crafting sites offer free crochet patterns not only for hats but also for other types of wearable items such as afghan shawls and baby booties. Even decorative and functional crochet projects like pillows, purses and doilies are available and can easily be downloaded from various craft sites online.
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Posted in Crochet, Crochet How To, Crochet Instructions, Crochet Patterns, Crochet Stitches, Crocheting, Games, Hobbies | Leave a Comment »

Free Scrapbooking Idea’s

Posted by teenhobbies on May 26, 2008

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Scrapbooking Ideas (and Where to Get Them)

Ideas are valuable. Somehow, it seems that people are always underestimating the power of ideas. However, the world today is slowly realizing the importance of ideas and now thrives on trying to turn those ideas into money. That is just the reason why entrepreneurs are the richest people in the world.

A good idea, however, can be hard to come by. You need ideas to fuel creativity. In scrapbooking, ideas can be crucial factors on whether or not you are able to create a viable scrapbook. It is actually best that you come up with your own idea in creating a scrapbook. However, to give you a bit of help, there are free scrapbooking ideas out there.

Here are some places where you can get free scrapbooking ideas:

1) Other people – of course, we all know that all ideas come from people. What this article is trying to point out, however, is the fact that you can try to ask people directly in conversations for some free scrapbooking ideas. In doing so, you can have a brainstorming session and really get good scrapbooking ideas.

2) The internet – the internet is one big resource for all kinds of free scrapbooking ideas. In the internet, there are a lot of different sites which give you free scrapbooking ideas for your use. By checking out the internet, you access the world. This means you not only have access to ideas per se, but you also get to access different types of inspiration boosters. This means that you can actually produce an idea of your own through the internet.

The internet can also provide you with what other people think of this or that idea. Because of this, you can actually gleam what free scrapbooking ideas can work for you. You also get a lot of advice as to how to implement a certain free scrapbooking idea. Because of this, you will have an easier time designing your scrapbook.
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Posted in Games, Hobbies, Scrapbooking, Scrapbooking Ideas, Scrapbooking Layouts, Scrapbooking Supplies | Leave a Comment »

Interesting Boy Scouts of America Facts

Posted by teenhobbies on May 21, 2008

Are you the parent of a young male child who would like to join the Boy Scouts? Or, is your child already a member of a local Boy Scouts Den who is looking for more information on the organization that they are a part of? If so, you may find some of the following Boy Scouts facts interesting and well worth the read.

The Boy Scouts of America welcomes participation from all boys, typically between the ages of seven and twenty. This is done through different membership levels, such as Cub Scouting, Boy Scouting, and Venturing. In addition to welcoming school aged boys of all ages, the Boy Scouts of America also welcomes those with disabilities, including mental and physical disabilities. While the goal is to treat all boy the same, some Den Leaders may make special accommodations or adjustments for those with disabilities.

While a large number of Boy Scouts do so through local groups and councils, not everyone is provided with the same luxury. There are a number of boys who wish to join this well known organization, but can’t. Whether that reason be for transportation issues, weather, or isolation, the Boy Scouts of America has a plan. That plan is referred to is known as the Lone Scout Plan. Loan Scouts will be updated on nearby activities, which they may wish to join in on. They will also be provided with, through mailings, a list of at-home activities that are ideal for Lone Scouting.
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Posted in Camping, Hiking, Hobbies, Scouts, Student | Leave a Comment »

The Top 7 Knitting Yarn Questions Answered

Posted by teenhobbies on May 18, 2008

One of the most important decisions you must make when you knit is what yarn to use for your project. The yarn you choose has everything to do with how your finished project looks and stands up to time and wear. The last thing you want to do is spend hours making something only to have it fall apart in the wash, or look worn out after the second wearing. Taking the time to choose just the right yarn will help make your knitting projects a success.

Here are the answers to your top seven knitting yarn questions:

1. How do I learn about all of the different yarns? The easiest place to learn about yarn is by simply reading and comparing labels. Yarn labels include such information as the brand name, the fiber content of the yarn, the color name and number, the dye lot number, the number of piles or strands, the weight classification of the yarn, the knitting and crochet gauge, cleaning instructions, and the length of the yarn itself. By reading the labels and comparing them to each other, you can easily learn all you need to know about yarn.

2. Why do I care about yarn weight classification? The term “yarn weight classification” does not refer to the actual physical weight of the yarn, as you might have guessed it would. Rather, the yarn weight classification refers to the diameter of the yarn strand. The smaller the strand, the smaller the weight, and vice versa…

3. Can I use a different yarn brand than my pattern calls for? Generally the answer is yes. You will want to knit a test swatch and make sure your gauge is correct before knitting your entire project though.

4. What is yarn gauge? Gauge is the number of stitches and rows in every inch of knitting. Gauge is specified on patterns to assure that the end project is true to size. Because everyone knits differently, it is very important to make a test swatch with your project needles and yarn to check to make sure your gauge matches that of the pattern you are working with. Gauge is especially important when working with clothing.

5. Can I substitute one yarn weight for another one? Generally the answer is no. Because your yarn weight has a lot to do with the finished size and look of a project, by using a yarn of a different weight you risk your project coming out the wrong size. Generally you cannot substitute yarn weights unless you are making something like a blanket or scarf where it will not matter as much and you can easily adjust your project for the change in size.

6. What is a dye lot and why do some yarns have one and others do not? Dye lot numbers refer to the batch a skein of yarn was in when it was dyed at the factory. Because dying is not an exact science, the same color yarn, from different dye lots, can appear to be two different colors. This is why you should always purchase enough yarn to complete your project all from the same dye lot if at all possible.
Some yarns and fibers do not list a dye lot number because the fibers are colored first and then the yarns are made. This means there are no dye lots available for the yarn.

7. How do I care for my knitted fabrics? The easiest way to know how to care for a knitted fabric is to check on the laundering instructions on the yarn label. Generally you will want to hand wash all of your hand knitted items in a mild detergent and then dry them flat. If you do not have a yarn label, you can sometimes find similar yarn at your local craft store and read that yarn’s label for care directions.

Posted in Crochet, Crochet How To, Crocheting, Education, Fabric, Knitting, Learn Crochet | Leave a Comment »

Should You Let Your Child Join the Boy Scouts?

Posted by teenhobbies on May 18, 2008

Are the parent of a male child? If you are, your child may come across a local Boy Scouts group that is looking for new members. If your child is like many others, their interest may peak. While a large number of parents give their boys permission to join the Boy Scouts of America without any thought, you may be looking for more information. If you are, you will want to continue reading on, as a number of Boy Scout benefits are outlined below for your convenience.

When examining the Boy Scouts of America, you will find that they have a code that they aim to live by. These codes are commonly referred to as the “Aims of Scouting.” For instance, you will find that the Boy Scouts have a motto, slogan, oath, outdoor code, law, sign, and salute. Each of these are adapted to instill values in your child. For instance, when examining the outdoor code, you will find that it prompts Boy Scouts to be conservation minded and careful with the outdoors, especially where fires are concerned. These are values that all children can benefit from.

In keeping with values, your child can also learn the value of leadership and teamwork, when joining the Boy Scouts of America. The Boy Scouts participate in an unlimited number of activities, both on the local and national levels. These activities may include community fundraisers, sporting events, and camping trips. Each activity has a specific goal and moral behind it. For instance, with community fundraisers or community volunteer projects, your child will learn the importance of staying active in the community, as well as the importance of helping others in their times of need.
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Safety of Home Appliances

Posted by teenhobbies on May 18, 2008

Whether it is electrical or electronic, all appliances come with cutting edge inbuilt safety standards. Safety features differ from one brand to another, but almost all brands follow certain general safety measures. This includes low resistance earth, to protect the user from getting a shock from electricity. Those electrical home appliances without earth will have double insulation to avoid electrical shocks. Appliances like toasters, kettles and hair dryers come with different types of switch technologies that detect any fault in the appliances and cut the power supply automatically. Popular brands such as Electrolux and Whirlpool come with different type of child safety features. There are safety features that include dryers that have a latch on the inside door that protect children from being locked inside, and some ovens are equipped with locks on the outside of the door to prevent children from opening a lit oven.

In spite of all the safety built in features, one has to be cautious when using appliances. Never touch metal or stand in water while using electrical appliances. Check cords, outlets and switches of the appliances at regular intervals. Always turn off the electrical appliances and unplug them when not in use. Some of the most commonly used gas appliances are gas grills, fireplaces, vent free and vented gas logs, lights and more. All gas appliances must be kept in a properly ventilated space. The cooking surface of any gas must be keep free of dust and dirt to prevent dangerous clogging.

Though people are aware of all these safety features, they do not pay much attention. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has estimated that each year more than a thousand people get injured by electrical or gas appliances. This is mainly caused because people overlook safety features.
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