Yarn thread...

[icebear]

So, fiber arteests, knitters, crocheters, tatters, pros and amateurs...

What is your favorite yarn/thread to work with and why?
What are you working on now for projects?
If you aren't working on anything, do you have plans for the next one?
Have you gotten any yarns that you found you did not like at all when you tried working with it?

This time of year i tend to start playing with the crochet hook again and though i haven't progressed much in skill at all, i enjoy talking about the hobby and hearing about projects others are doing. So i was hoping to try and get a new thread going for this.

Right now i'm fiddling around with making a small blanket for my youngest. Its basically a granny square blanket that is one big square worked round after round until it reaches whatever size i decide to let it reach.
I made my oldest daughter one of these last year and it took me forever because i kept starting and stopping and running out of skeins. I think the blanket ended up being 47 (or 74- i forget though i had counted when it was done) rounds and was about 6 feet square. I made that out of Caron Simply Soft yarn- which is becoming one of my favorite yarns.
The blanket i am making for my youngest has started out with Bernat Baby Boucle' "Fancy Free" is the color. I'm not sure i like how it is coming out, the yarn is a bulky type, and its so fluffy that the blanket has no drape to it. Its not crunchy or anything, but it looks stiff because the edges seem to have no weight to them. I bought only one big skein of this color and i figured i'd use it for the center of the square and then edge it with another type of yarn, but i think it will have too much texture contrast. So it will be interesting to see how it turns out. I do have another big skein of this yarn in pure white so i might use that. Maybe i could finish the edges off with a fancy eyelash yarn if i feel confident enough.
But its definitely keeping my hands busy while i am stuck on the couch.

[Longing2cJesus]

Hi icebear

I use all kinds of yarn from the smallest bedspread thread to the worsted weight and 4 ply kinds.

My favorite is Alpaca because it is so soft.

I switch between crocheting and knitting.

I just finished 10 bookmarks out of Size 10 bedspread thread for the library to sell to raise money and before that I made 18 Squiggly bookmarks out of a skein of yarn for the library to sell.

My next crochet project is to make an afghan for my bedroom in Sea Mist blue/green and Chocolate Brown and I have a couple of scarfs in production I am knitting.

I usually skip from project to project to keep from getting bored

I have a yarn shop close to my home that I go to (but not too often) that has some of the most luxurious yarns from all over. They are a bit pricey (a skein there can cost upwards of 15.00 to 25.00 dollars) so that is why I don't go there too often. Occasionally I find yarn there in the 5.00+ range per skein.

I usually buy most of my yarns at Hobby Lobby when they are on sale.

I like all kinds of yarns as I like to work all kinds of patterns. I have made bedspreads, pillow cases, afghans, shawls, neck scarfs, bookmarks, curtains, clothes, tablecloths and scarves for furniture. I like working on the larger items in the wintertime cause the bigger they get the warmer I get

At Hobby Lobby, I recently found on sale 2 skeins (4.99) each of Yarn Bee Andes Alpaca in Mulberry which I will knit into a neck scarf and 2 skeins (2.99) each of Naturally Caron Country Merino Wool Blend in Claret which I will also knit into a neck scarf.

The last time I went to the knit shop I bought 2 skeins of Berroco Comfort Knitting Worsted Weight which is a 50/50 blend of Nylon and Acrylic in a varigated green for $6.40 a skein with a project in mind of crocheting reusable grocery bags that can be washed and dried with no shrinkage. But then again I may just find another pattern and make something else with this yarn.

The weather here is getting a bit cooler, we started the day in the 60s and will go into the 80s and the rest of the week the mornings will start in the 50s and go to the 80s and for here in SE Texas that is cool. So Fall is in the air and crocheting, knitting and baking are on the agenda.



Ann

[Acts5:41]

For the truly bored, a video about my crafting.

I learned to crochet when I was 8, learned to knit back in 2006.

I like pretty much all weights of yarn. I made my husband a hat using bulky yarn (Knitpicks Cadena), and I'm knitting Mom a shawl using #2 weight (laceweight/fingering) yarn.

My current favorite yarn is Patons Lace. I like it a lot, I like the colors, I love the soft fluffiness, the soft fabric, it's fun. It can form hairballs as I pull it out of the skein, and then I have to detangle, but to me that's OK. It's very reasonable at $6 for 3 ounces, I'm pretty sure I will only need 2 skeins for my project. It is machine washable too.

I also like alpaca/acrylic blends, but my cat goes into rabid killer mode. I have to lock it up.

I am considering making myself a vest in Wool-ease. Mostly acrylic with some washable wool.

I have tons of Red Heart, my standby afghan yarn. Good old SuperSaver and I have made many an afghan together.

I like a good wool yarn for hats. I used Plymouth Encore for gift projects, because it is washable.

I dislike Simply Soft, it is to pilly and splitty. I don't feel like it's a good value or very durable, so I refuse to use it.

The giant 1 pound skeins can devolop some horrendous tangles, so I'm not fond of them either.

I knit continental (left hand) because it is very similar to my crochet method. I prefer to work on a circular needle, even for "flat" projects, as it travels better.

[Musician in His house]

I've only just learned to knit in the past 6 months or so, but I'm not very skillful as yet, probably because I only do it "when the spirit moves me." I have not yet attempted purling, but I'm gaining some skill at knitting. What I hate is when I screw up, because I can't go back to the screwed up part, fix it, and then go on. I pretty much have to unravel and start over. I don't know "which way" I knit, but I hold the needle I'm taking off of in my left hand and the needle I'm putting onto in my right hand. I can MAYBE knit a scarf, if I can keep from having a screw-up and then learn how to cast off when I'm done. I've got a book that shows everything, got it in a kit along with needles and yarn.

My grandmother could knit, crochet, and quilt. I have several quilts and afghans she made. My mom does cross-stitch, which I do, again, "when the spirit moves me." I haven't done ANYTHING on any of my cross-stitch projects in AGES. I like those cross-stitch kits you used to be able to get at Wal-Mart (they don't carry them anymore). They come with everything you need -- embroidery floss, canvas, needle, and pattern. They're still available on the Internet. If you're going to try cross-stitch, though, I suggest you invest in accessories like an embroidery hoop (though I manage quite well without), and a flat magnetic piece of metal and a magnetic strip to hold the pattern flat and help keep your place. Constantly looking for the right row as you go back and forth between canvas and pattern can be very confusing and potentially screw-uppy.

[Acts5:41]

That's Continental style, the way I do it.

To purl, I stick through the front so the tip points up at 11 on the "clock". I bring the yarn between the two needles, wrapping it forward and down. Then I pull the loop through.

My medication renders cross-stitch impossible. I can't do even a simple item.

I knew I could have serious side effects with my medication, so I asked God, nicely, if He could "Please let me knit and crochet". My hands can be shaking so bad i can't pick up a quarter, but I can always do my knitting.

[Lynn]

icebear, thanks for starting a thread about YARN. I love yarn!!! Alpaca is wonderful. This past spring, I knit a pair of alpaca socks for one of our son's birthday. He lives in MN, and I thought the fiber would be great for his socks. The other son lives in Greece, and his are made of a year-round wool. Both socks turned out really comfy and soft. Since they each have foot problems, that's a must.

Currently, I'm knitting my granddaughter a pair of self-striping socks in purple, blue and white main color yarn. In May, I knitted my daughter-in-law purple baby alpaca socks.
(I didn't know baby alpacas were purple ) Just kidding, but they turned out to be very warm. I love baby alpaca!!!
The best online web site for purchasing yarn is www.knitpicks.com They have great silk, cashmere, alpaca, etc., for reasonable prices, not the sky-high prices found in local yarn shops. I love reading what others are making, either knitting or crochet, though I don't crochet yet.

[Acts5:41]

Knitpicks... oooh.

The nice thing about them, they are a LOT cheaper than the yarn shop. The dye-your-own yarn is interesting, too.

[icebear]

Hi icebear

I use all kinds of yarn from the smallest bedspread thread to the worsted weight and 4 ply kinds.

My favorite is Alpaca because it is so soft.

i have heard that it is some of the best stuff. i wish i could have an alpaca to provide me with some good yarn lol

I switch between crocheting and knitting.

my sister can knit, she's more advanced in knitting than i am in crochet. i chose crochet cause its one less implement to have to handle. i;m too clutzy to be able to hold 2 objects and the work.

I just finished 10 bookmarks out of Size 10 bedspread thread for the library to sell to raise money and before that I made 18 Squiggly bookmarks out of a skein of yarn for the library to sell.

i have the materials to make nice, small things like that, but for some reason i never just dive in and do it. its a great idea to make things for donations. i did that once with some simple scarves i made from fleece remnants. i donated them for sale, they sold pretty well and i was thrilled.

My next crochet project is to make an afghan for my bedroom in Sea Mist blue/green and Chocolate Brown and I have a couple of scarfs in production I am knitting.

oh, i love the blue & brown combinations, especially when the brighter tones of blue are used with the rich coffee or chocolate browns.

I usually skip from project to project to keep from getting bored

i get into trouble doing that. (nod smiley) i have to keep myself in check so i strive to only have one or two things going on at any one time or i'll go mad trying to finish them all in one day.

I have a yarn shop close to my home that I go to (but not too often) that has some of the most luxurious yarns from all over. They are a bit pricey (a skein there can cost upwards of 15.00 to 25.00 dollars) so that is why I don't go there too often. Occasionally I find yarn there in the 5.00+ range per skein.

I usually buy most of my yarns at Hobby Lobby when they are on sale.

i used to work at a Jo Ann's and that is where i got most of my yarns in my stash. I had so much yarn a while ago that i actually gave a ton of it to my sister when she came for a visit. we filled a large shipping box of yarn, packed tight. i used to take advantage of the closeout yarns and my employee discount. Sometimes i could get a $6 skein of yarn for about 60 cents- and i'd load up on whatever was left in stock. one of the jokes my fellow employees had for me was that i should have the company convert my paychecks into yarn and fleece remnants. "Will work for yarn", "will work for rems"
i loved working there. (smile)

I like all kinds of yarns as I like to work all kinds of patterns. I have made bedspreads, pillow cases, afghans, shawls, neck scarfs, bookmarks, curtains, clothes, tablecloths and scarves for furniture. I like working on the larger items in the wintertime cause the bigger they get the warmer I get

i like that too. its nice to be cozy with the project you are working on

At Hobby Lobby, I recently found on sale 2 skeins (4.99) each of Yarn Bee Andes Alpaca in Mulberry which I will knit into a neck scarf and 2 skeins (2.99) each of Naturally Caron Country Merino Wool Blend in Claret which I will also knit into a neck scarf.

The last time I went to the knit shop I bought 2 skeins of Berroco Comfort Knitting Worsted Weight which is a 50/50 blend of Nylon and Acrylic in a varigated green for $6.40 a skein with a project in mind of crocheting reusable grocery bags that can be washed and dried with no shrinkage. But then again I may just find another pattern and make something else with this yarn.

The weather here is getting a bit cooler, we started the day in the 60s and will go into the 80s and the rest of the week the mornings will start in the 50s and go to the 80s and for here in SE Texas that is cool. So Fall is in the air and crocheting, knitting and baking are on the agenda.



Ann

i'd love to do a bed spread some day. i found some great older crochet magazines at Goodwill a few weeks ago. I bought them all (2/$1.00) and they have some beautiful bedspread patterns in there. maybe some day i'll have the dedication and the confidence to try making one.
a prized possession of mine is a scrapghan bed cover my great grandmother made for me before i was old enough to know. she intended for me to have it when i got married- and i waited until i was married before i took it home from my parent's house. i love scrap type afghans, all the colors and textures.

i have seen some of the plastic bag patterns for rugs and other things. i end up with so many plastic grocery bags- though i try to reuse them- i really should try to make something with them. i wonder if i could crochet those reusable grocery bags out of the plastic grocery bags themselves? Hmmmm....!

Our weather up here is definitely getting cooler, we did have one rogue 80 degree day this weekend, but its been pretty dreary this week, supposed to be rainy and misty until Friday. Perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and a craft project.

For the truly bored, a video about my crafting.

That was great! Your hubby is funny. "Cause its cold in Texas!" lol

i'm with you on the bright colors, i love them. Orange, red, brilliant yellow...

I learned to crochet when I was 8, learned to knit back in 2006.

i actually learned how to crochet when i was small too, but i went so long without doing it, i forgot. i also seem to have some sort of mental issue that makes it very difficult for me to remember patterns and keep track of the different stitches. I know it is challenging for most anyway, but there's something with me that makes it severely difficult. i can do the same project over and over, but each time i have to relearn it.

I like pretty much all weights of yarn. I made my husband a hat using bulky yarn (Knitpicks Cadena), and I'm knitting Mom a shawl using #2 weight (laceweight/fingering) yarn.

My current favorite yarn is Patons Lace. I like it a lot, I like the colors, I love the soft fluffiness, the soft fabric, it's fun. It can form hairballs as I pull it out of the skein, and then I have to detangle, but to me that's OK. It's very reasonable at $6 for 3 ounces, I'm pretty sure I will only need 2 skeins for my project. It is machine washable too.

I also like alpaca/acrylic blends, but my cat goes into rabid killer mode. I have to lock it up.

I am considering making myself a vest in Wool-ease. Mostly acrylic with some washable wool.

My sister shops at knit picks, i have browsed them. they do have good prices. i have a hard time buying yarn that i can't touch because i really need soft yarns. when i worked at JoAnns, even the Wool Ease was rough feeling to me, but most of the ladies considered it a soft wool. I don't think i am allergic, but wool makes me itch just thinking about it. Eep.

I have tons of Red Heart, my standby afghan yarn. Good old SuperSaver and I have made many an afghan together.

i love Red Heart for the colors it comes in. I wish it were a softer yarn though, but its a great standby yarn for just about everything. I have a ton of the variegated assorted colors.

I like a good wool yarn for hats. I used Plymouth Encore for gift projects, because it is washable.

I dislike Simply Soft, it is to pilly and splitty. I don't feel like it's a good value or very durable, so I refuse to use it.

i have heard that many people have problems with it. i can't say i have though. I adore the stuff. For me, it works up similar to RHSS, but has a softness that RH can't have. I machine wash and dry the Simply Soft with no trouble... no pilling in any of my old pieces yet. Its too bad you have had dismal luck with it. It's my standby yarn.
As for it splitting- i don't have any more trouble with it than any other type. I have a really tight hand though, maybe it has something to do with that. I see the more advanced and experienced crafters have a more moderate hand than i do. I hold my hook so tight sometimes i actually get blisters on my pinkie finger.

The giant 1 pound skeins can devolop some horrendous tangles, so I'm not fond of them either.

i haven't tried any of the One Pound yet- but the one yarn that IME has the worst reputation for tangled yarn pukes is the JoAnn Sensations Rainbow Boucle. Its a big puffy skein- i used to be able to get those pretty cheap and i think i tired 3 or 4 skeins and less than 1/3 of the way through i got into such a tangled mess that i couldn't get out and i wasted a lot of work.
Its too bad cause it worked up really nice and was even compatible with my Ultimate Sweater Machine.

I knit continental (left hand) because it is very similar to my crochet method. I prefer to work on a circular needle, even for "flat" projects, as it travels better.

My sister likes the circular needles too, she got the rainbow wood exchangeable tip set from Knit Picks a while ago and she really likes it.

I've only just learned to knit in the past 6 months or so, but I'm not very skillful as yet, probably because I only do it "when the spirit moves me." I have not yet attempted purling, but I'm gaining some skill at knitting. What I hate is when I screw up, because I can't go back to the screwed up part, fix it, and then go on. I pretty much have to unravel and start over. I don't know "which way" I knit, but I hold the needle I'm taking off of in my left hand and the needle I'm putting onto in my right hand. I can MAYBE knit a scarf, if I can keep from having a screw-up and then learn how to cast off when I'm done. I've got a book that shows everything, got it in a kit along with needles and yarn.

My grandmother could knit, crochet, and quilt. I have several quilts and afghans she made. My mom does cross-stitch, which I do, again, "when the spirit moves me." I haven't done ANYTHING on any of my cross-stitch projects in AGES. I like those cross-stitch kits you used to be able to get at Wal-Mart (they don't carry them anymore). They come with everything you need -- embroidery floss, canvas, needle, and pattern. They're still available on the Internet. If you're going to try cross-stitch, though, I suggest you invest in accessories like an embroidery hoop (though I manage quite well without), and a flat magnetic piece of metal and a magnetic strip to hold the pattern flat and help keep your place. Constantly looking for the right row as you go back and forth between canvas and pattern can be very confusing and potentially screw-uppy.

My Memere taught me how to crochet. Every now and then i have to call upon her to rescue me from some project i have entrapped myself in.
She can do just about everything. She has made my kids some sweet little dresses without using patterns and measuring by eye. She can also knit and crochet without patterns and she can figure out the pattern for any knitted or crocheted item you lay in her hands. She also used to tat, though she hasn't for years. Amazing women.

I can't knit for the same reason you have trouble. i can't seem to get the concept well enough to correct errors properly. It ends up being more frustrating than rewarding for me.

I have a bunch of cross stitch kits that i'll likely never use (maybe you might want some?). I used to enjoy doing it but the delicate strings and needles are probably not a good thing to have around my youngest. At least until she learns to leave things alone.
When my local Walmart was phasing out their cross stitch kits, guess who was there to buy up all the clearance stuff.

I also have the first and second books of Favorite Hymns cross stitch patterns. I began the "Just as I Am" pattern about 8 years ag, had all the supplies, the hoop and hoop stand, the metal and magnet pattern marker and everything. But i messed up one tiny little count and i haven't had the heart to start it over.
I used to cross stitch as a kid when my mom was available to pester every 5 minutes when i got myself confused or tangled. lol

That's Continental style, the way I do it.

To purl, I stick through the front so the tip points up at 11 on the "clock". I bring the yarn between the two needles, wrapping it forward and down. Then I pull the loop through.

My medication renders cross-stitch impossible. I can't do even a simple item.

I knew I could have serious side effects with my medication, so I asked God, nicely, if He could "Please let me knit and crochet". My hands can be shaking so bad i can't pick up a quarter, but I can always do my knitting.

i am so glad i get to crochet, it goves me something to do while i am stuck on the couch. a good and bland repeat pattern like a big granny square is mentally soothing for me when my mind is going in circles.

icebear, thanks for starting a thread about YARN. I love yarn!!! Alpaca is wonderful. This past spring, I knit a pair of alpaca socks for one of our son's birthday. He lives in MN, and I thought the fiber would be great for his socks. The other son lives in Greece, and his are made of a year-round wool. Both socks turned out really comfy and soft. Since they each have foot problems, that's a must.

i'm convinced. i'll have to try this alpaca yarn.

Currently, I'm knitting my granddaughter a pair of self-striping socks in purple, blue and white main color yarn. In May, I knitted my daughter-in-law purple baby alpaca socks.
(I didn't know baby alpacas were purple ) Just kidding, but they turned out to be very warm. I love baby alpaca!!!
The best online web site for purchasing yarn is www.knitpicks.com They have great silk, cashmere, alpaca, etc., for reasonable prices, not the sky-high prices found in local yarn shops. I love reading what others are making, either knitting or crochet, though I don't crochet yet.

i love socks! i used to wear toe socks all the time until recently. i have a leg problem that makes sock wearing difficult- but i have always wanted to learn how to crochet socks. i have seen nice pattern books for this, but have yet to buy one. i have found some free patterns for it but i have trouble learning patterns by reading them- i'm a visual learner so i'll have to find a person on you tube that is teaching socks.
I wish i could handle wool- i have dry heels and i think a couple lanolin rich wool socks would do my feet a world of good.

I'll have to make an order at Knit Picks for some nice cotton sock yarn to try.

Ohhh, this is a fun thread so far!





oh, i have collected a lot of older doily patterns and the bed doll patterns in crochet, if anyone is looking for something, let me know and i could look through my books and magazines scan them.

[Lynn]

icebear, I don't know anything about crocheting socks, but in knitting socks, the needles are really small, kind of like 'knitting with toothpicks' and I read somewhere that there are over 20,000 stitches in a pair of knitted socks. Sock knitting is a very portable project for riding in a car or waiting for an appointment. They are quicker to do than a sweater by far, and the socks are so much better than anything available in retail stores. This way, the actual fiber and color are chosen specifically for the recipient, and I like that.
The best online resource for knitting help that I've found is www.knittinghelp.com
Amy has some online video demonstrations and also CD available, which I have. Her online video demonstrations can be viewed in either continental or English style of knitting.
I've learned so much from her.
Any pictures of projects, icebear (or anyone else) who might like to share what they've done?

[Longing2cJesus]

I sat down last night and went through all my crochet and knitting patterns to pick out some to work on this Fall. I have some pattern books from the 1950s that cost .10 cents each with 8 to 10 patterns each. (love the good old days of low prices)

I love shopping thrift stores to pick up patterns and books. I also get the pattern books on sale at Tuesday Morning or Hobby Lobby.

If I can figure out a way to take pictures of some of the items I still have I will take them and share them with you all.

Most of the things I have made I gave away as gifts or "just because" (a "just because" is something I make or buy and give to someone just because I love them)

I learned how to crochet when I was 30 years old and have loved it ever since. I often times make up my own pattern when I want to make something special or something I need.

I taught myself how to knit about 10 years ago and put it down because I found it difficult to do the counting and some stitches. I picked it back up about 5 years ago and have been making scarfs and bookmarks. I have a pattern for a shoulder shrug/cape that I bought the yarn to knit. The yarn I bought for this project is Lion Brand, Vanna's Choice 100% Acrylic in Taupe.

I have 2 skeins of Cascade Yarns, 220 Superwash, 100% Superwash Wool, that cost $10.15 a skien, that I want to use but I want to make something special it.

I am going to use the Red Heart Soft to make my afghan for my bedroom. It feels so nice and soft.

icebear, thanks for starting this thread. It is so nice to hear from others who enjoy crocheting or knitting or cross stitch or embroidery.

Occasionally I do a bit of cross stitch and embroidery and I also do beading. I like to draw freehand on denim jackets and hand bead the artwork. I have also done free hand drawing on sweat suits and painted it with acrylic paints. I once beaded a sweat suit that I wore

I have some jewelry making items to make some earrings with. If I can't find something I want I try to make it.

Thank you all, ladies who have shared on this thread, your choices of yarns and photos and videos, I am enjoying this so much.



Ann

Edited to add: thank you all who shared the websites and info on them. I often go to the Lion Brand website and utilize their lessons on Crocheting http://learntocrochet.lionbrand.com/?learnToCrochet=1
And lessons on Knitting http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/faq...nToKnit=1&V2=1

[atruckersprincess]

I taught myself to crochet almost a year ago and love it. I don't know alot, but I can do single, double and triple stitches as well as a double half stitch. I learned to do granny squares which are so easy once you get the hang of it.

First project last winter was a blanket for my 1st grandson. It was all single crochet stitches and took awhile LOL:





Right now I'm working on a granny square blanket for my husband. Almost done, just have 12 squares left. Been working on that one since spring. It's camoflauge center, tan border and put together with a sage green. Then I will be working on a granny square blanket for my 2nd grandson. I started a couple squares to see if I like the pattern and do, but I don't like working with the white yarn that has a shimmery strand through it. It gets tangled up alot, so I might get a different white yarn.

I don't knit, but do love doing plastic canvas.

I don't know much about yarn except that I like the baby yarn cause it's so much softer. I just have been buying it at Walmart since we don't have any hobby stores close.

[RuntheRace]

Right now I'm doing a baby afghan out of Pound of Love.
I'm piecing together an afghan that I did all the squares for.
Got yarn to make several prayer shawls I'm using Lion Brand Homespun for that
Then gonna make the dog a sweater and a blanket
Got some nice cotton for some dishcloths

My earliest project that I still have is a red white and blue afghan. DH and I know it's here but where?

I knit and crochet. I do like Red Heart for scarves but like something a little softer for most things.

I usually get what I can find at Hobby Lobby or Michael's- those pricey yarns are well pricier than I'll usually go.

I gave away a good deal of my stash a while back. But I have enough that if I quit my job NOW and crocheted full time AND didn't buy any more, I might use it up before we get raptured or I die

[Acts5:41]

Before I got medicated for bipolar I had a bad problem with yarn stashing. I have a couple of trashbag's worth.

I have trouble with most patterns now, except for simple things like fingerless gloves. I am not at the IQ level to start with the "good" yarn and the double pointed needles. I think I will practice and make something acrylic first. First I have to finish Mom's thing.

The nice thing about the Alpaca yarn - a lot of it is machine washable.

Most of the knitpicks yarn is really nice; the laceweights are very glamorous. I have a whole box of them. Wool of the Andes is a little rough, but the washable wool yarn is very soft, but I have heard a bit pilly.

I do OK with Redheart if I wash in warm water and fabric softener. I made pretty much every caregiver Ron had, an afghan, after he got hurt. 2 strand grannies on an N hook! He actually bought me the hook for our 10th anniversary - it was handcarved.

It was nice to get a handwritten note from the heart surgeon who "did' him twice.

[RuntheRace]

Heather I'm gonna have to try that knitpicks yarn.
And think of something to make with the laceweight- give that a try. And some of the wools and wool acrylics you use

[atruckersprincess]

Before I got medicated for bipolar I had a bad problem with yarn stashing. I have a couple of trashbag's worth.

I have trouble with most patterns now, except for simple things like fingerless gloves. I am not at the IQ level to start with the "good" yarn and the double pointed needles. I think I will practice and make something acrylic first. First I have to finish Mom's thing.

The nice thing about the Alpaca yarn - a lot of it is machine washable.

Most of the knitpicks yarn is really nice; the laceweights are very glamorous. I have a whole box of them. Wool of the Andes is a little rough, but the washable wool yarn is very soft, but I have heard a bit pilly.

I do OK with Redheart if I wash in warm water and fabric softener. I made pretty much every caregiver Ron had, an afghan, after he got hurt. 2 strand grannies on an N hook! He actually bought me the hook for our 10th anniversary - it was handcarved.

It was nice to get a handwritten note from the heart surgeon who "did' him twice.

I don't have a clue how to even begin to read a pattern lol I can't even read a book to learn the stitches. I learned the few things I know by watching YouTube videos and practice, practice, practice

When you talked about the warm water and fabric softener, were you meaning with washing them after they are done? Do you put them in the washer? I am using the regular cheap walmart yarn for DH's blankie and wanted to soften it up some as it's a bit rough and didn't want to see all my hard work fall apart in the washer

[Acts5:41]

Oh, the Red Heart yarn is really durable. I have an afghan I made almost 20 years ago with it (it has a little wool-ease in it, too).

I use a regular cycle, warm water, and fabric softener. Then I dry it on low for about 20 minutes and a dryer sheet.

Our donut guy's house was destroyed in the hurricane a few years back. For almost a year, the whole family lived in a tiny room. Teenage son, 7 year old, Mom, Dad, and infant.

I made her an afghan in Red Heart's "Ocean" (the very restful blue/lavender blend). I washed it as directed and it was very nice. I also made her a little layette when Ron told me she was expecting. I figured nobody makes anything nice for #3.

They were both a BIG hit. I donate 'most everything I make to one cause or another. My family is all strutting around in Heather original hats.

[Lynn]

Our donut guy's house was destroyed in the hurricane a few years back. . .
I made her an afghan in Red Heart's "Ocean" (the very restful blue/lavender blend). I washed it as directed and it was very nice. I also made her a little layette when Ron told me she was expecting. I figured nobody makes anything nice for #3.

They were both a BIG hit. I donate 'most everything I make to one cause or another. My family is all strutting around in Heather original hats.

Heather, your generosity is very heartwarming. What a Christ-like example you set for others when you give away your hand-made items like this. What an act of love!

[Rainyday]

I love to knit and do some crochet also, and I wonder if you are aware of the Ravelry website?
http://ravelry.com
You can join for free, and there are tons and tons of patterns, projects, groups, etc. there. You can keep a virtual notebook, with all your projects, which becomes part of a searchable database of thousands of projects. Want to make a sweater? You can search by pattern name, or yarn, or style and see thousands of projects (most with photos) so you can see the finished product in different yarns, and on different size people. I have learned so much there, and found some really wonderful patterns I want to make. Right now I am working on "The Great American Afghan"--a sampler of squares in different styles--in Cascade 220. I also love to make lace shawls, socks, hats and mittens. Sweaters, not so much. I'm of a certain age, and I get too warm! I did make sweaters for my grandsons, but they're still waiting to grow into them!

[Longing2cJesus]

This is an afghan I made a few years ago that has individual squares that are weaved together to make the pattern. It took me forever to finish but I just love the way it turned out.



This is a tablecloth that I made about 10 years ago for my Mom. She used it till she could no longer live alone.



This is a bedspread made with a Rose motif (yes I love Roses) that is on the bed in one of my spare bedrooms. I also made Window Valances to match but have not put them up yet.



This is an afghan I made in a white yarn. It is so toasty warm on my bed in the wintertime.



This is a pillowcase I made with the Rose motif for a small travel pillow.



This is a bookmark I just made recently. I sometimes work on projects while listening to programs online or doing computer maintainence.



This is a furniture scarf to match the bedspread in a Rose motif.

Please forgive the photography as I am technically challenged You should have seen me trying to take the pictures and then trying to figure out how to share them on here

Most of the afghans I have made are now in the possession of family and friends.

[Lynn]

I love to knit and do some crochet also, and I wonder if you are aware of the Ravelry website?
http://ravelry.com
You can join for free, and there are tons and tons of patterns, projects, groups, etc. there. You can keep a virtual notebook, with all your projects, which becomes part of a searchable database of thousands of projects. Want to make a sweater? You can search by pattern name, or yarn, or style and see thousands of projects (most with photos) so you can see the finished product in different yarns, and on different size people.

Rainyday, the ravelry web site is a good one, for sure. Thanks for posting the site for others who may not be aware of it.
Ann, your hand-made creations are stunning!! Such beauty!! Thank you for sharing your pics with us. Seeing these is almost like visiting you in person and seeing your home.
It appears to me that you are a fine photographer as well as fiber artist.