Craft Gossip

Independent craft blog since 2007

Product Review – STEAM Science Kits

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STEM Science Activities

Set-up Your Own Science Laboratory with the Tools Every Young Scientist Needs. Kit $34.99

This is the perfect STEAM Science starter kit that’s guaranteed to get your young scientist hooked. Every aspiring scientist wants to set-up their own laboratory with test tubes, colorful liquids, bubbling potions and the tools needed to make their own discoveries. Mad Scientist Laboratory features hands-on activities and STEM projects that introduce children to basic concepts of volume, measurement, color mixing, chemical reactions, water-absorbing polymers and an unforgettable lesson in density. The big ideas and the leading questions all guide young scientists to colorful discoveries and new ways to think about the science of color. The big finalé is a chemical reaction where your young scientist will make their own test tube lava lamps… guaranteed to get oohs & ahhhs!
Find amazing science toys and projects at Steve Spangler Science.

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Combine Knit and Crochet with this Cute Checkers Set

I used to be a knitter exclusively, and it took me many, many years (and finally learning how to knit while holding the yarn in my left hand) before I could crochet at all. But once you get it, it’s not hard, and there are some things that are easier or faster to do in crochet when compared to knitting. 

It’s also fun to be able to combine knitting and crochet in one project, like this cozy checkers set from Lion Brand Yarn. The game board and the drawstring bag to hold the checkers are knit, while the checkers themselves are crocheted. These flat circles are done in just three rounds, so even if you’re not super confident in your crochet skills you should be able to do it. 

The game board is worked from the bottom up, starting with the border that is worked with a bit of fair isle/stranded knitting and intarsia to make the diamonds. The playing area is worked in a single color alternating squares of stockinette and reverse stockinette. Then the top border is knit, and you pick up stitches on each side to work the side borders. The colorwork is charted only.

The project calls for worsted weight yarn, specifically Vanna’s Choice, which is a great option because it’s acrylic so it’s machine washable, and it comes in a ton of colors. 

The bag is worked with the same colors in stripes from the top down and features a crochet chain drawstring. 

It sounds like a lot, and I’m a little dubious that this is skill level rated beginner +, but if you’ve worked stranded knitting and intarsia before and are comfortable working from charts, it’s not really that difficult. The hardest part might be picking up stitches evenly so that the side borders match the rest of the project. 

Still, this looks like it would be a lot of fun to knit and to have available for picnics, beach time, or just playing with in the backyard or on the living room floor. 

You can grab the free pattern (email registration required) from Lion Brand, or you can buy all the yarn and other supplies you’ll need while you are there. 

[Photo: Lion Brand Yarn]