Crochet/Knit

[phillygirl]

Okay, I finally broke down and learned how to crochet. I will be making an afghan at some point in the next couple of weeks. Nothing fancy, probably just a chunky single crochet one. I'm excited to go find some "real" yarn rather than the acrylic crap that I currently have.

Ginger, I know you knit and make some gorgeous things. Would you be willing to share some of your faves? I would love to see how you work some of the, what I'm sure, are beautiful yarns and designs.

[Gingersnap]

Okay, I finally broke down and learned how to crochet. I will be making an afghan at some point in the next couple of weeks. Nothing fancy, probably just a chunky single crochet one. I'm excited to go find some "real" yarn rather than the acrylic crap that I currently have.

Ginger, I know you knit and make some gorgeous things. Would you be willing to share some of your faves? I would love to see how you work some of the, what I'm sure, are beautiful yarns and designs.

Good for you! What yarn you get kind of depends on your ambition. Were you thinking of something warm and fluffy for watching TV or something more structured to show off the stitch pattern?

Generally, newbies enjoy working with thicker yarns since they are easier to hold and faster to work. A thick and kind of multicolored yarn will disguise uneven tension. It's not a fine wool but Lion Brand's Homespun yarns are very popular for prayer shawls and lap blankets. It washes well and you won't cry if you buy 5 skeins and screw something up.

If you want a smoother yarn that will allow you to clearly see and appreciate individual stitches, then any worsted weight yarn will work. I like Patons, Canadiana, and Plymouth a lot. But consider types like like Wool-Ease and Lion's Amazing. They are arcyrlic/wool blends and they work up very nicely.

I would stay away from some yummy things like alpaca, silk blends, novelty yarns, mohair, etc. until I got more experienced. Those yarns are wonderful but often frustrating even for experienced people.

Do you have a pattern? Are you on Ravelry yet?

[phillygirl]

Good for you! What yarn you get kind of depends on your ambition. Were you thinking of something warm and fluffy for watching TV or something more structured to show off the stitch pattern?

Generally, newbies enjoy working with thicker yarns since they are easier to hold and faster to work. A thick and kind of multicolored yarn will disguise uneven tension. It's not a fine wool but Lion Brand's Homespun yarns are very popular for prayer shawls and lap blankets. It washes well and you won't cry if you buy 5 skeins and screw something up.

If you want a smoother yarn that will allow you to clearly see and appreciate individual stitches, then any worsted weight yarn will work. I like Patons, Canadiana, and Plymouth a lot. But consider types like like Wool-Ease and Lion's Amazing. They are arcyrlic/wool blends and they work up very nicely.

I would stay away from some yummy things like alpaca, silk blends, novelty yarns, mohair, etc. until I got more experienced. Those yarns are wonderful but often frustrating even for experienced people.

Do you have a pattern? Are you on Ravelry yet?

I am probably going to just do a simple afghan first, and looked at a pattern that used the Lion Homespun as it appeared very pretty. Good to know to stay away from the other ones you mentioned, as I did see a shop near me that had gorgeous yarns, but at $20/skein, I would hate to waste it. I have a 6 foot scarf that I did sc that turned out nicely stitch wise...but I had the color and the material, so it was just a good exercise to practice on. I have no idea what I'll do with it...either pull it apart or donate it to some kind of charity.

[Gingersnap]

I am probably going to just do a simple afghan first, and looked at a pattern that used the Lion Homespun as it appeared very pretty. Good to know to stay away from the other ones you mentioned, as I did see a shop near me that had gorgeous yarns, but at $20/skein, I would hate to waste it. I have a 6 foot scarf that I did sc that turned out nicely stitch wise...but I had the color and the material, so it was just a good exercise to practice on. I have no idea what I'll do with it...either pull it apart or donate it to some kind of charity.

If it's nice looking, just give it to someone. Everybody eventually has to frog items but reusing "budget" yarns is un-fun; they tend to mat and get weird the second time around.

Homespun is an extremely popular yarn for a reason: it's easy to work with as long as you choose simple stitches, it feels pretty nice, and it comes in a bewildering array of colors. You will want to go up a hook size (probably) to make it easier to grab the fuzziness.

Lion Brand has a comprehensive website that offers many simple patterns using their yarns. I have been a member for many years and it's worth joining their community but they have some patterns that anybody can download for free. Joining is free and they seldom bother you via email.