One of the best things about buying yarn for knitting is the absolute profusion of varieties and colors currently available. Walk into any yarn shop and the array of all things woven can be quite overwhelming. Yet, some specialty yarns appear too delicate to knit with, and the question arises, just what should I knit?
One of the best things about buying yarn for knitting is the absolute profusion of varieties and colors currently available. Walk into any yarn shop and the array of all things woven can be quite overwhelming.
The best part of all is deciding which color to use. Violets, purple haze, tangerine and rose, lime, turquoise or sunflower.(I just know there is a great name for a rock band in there somewhere!)
Yet, some specialty yarns appear too delicate to knit with, and the question arises, just what should I knit?
Keep in mind with so many of the fun fur, boucle, super- bulky, suede, mohair or fun-fetti yarns, if you knit wih just one type, occasionly, (not always) the delicacy of the yarn is just not enough to look like anything sustainable.
So, what to do with all those luscious looking yarns I see on the shelves in the yarn shop?
Here are a few tips that can help you whenever you use specialty yarns:
Tip #1: Remember needle size is important. When you mix yarns, add together the suggested needle sizes. If the first yarn calls for size 6 needles and the second yarn calls for size 8 needles, then start with size 14 or thereabouts until your pattern feels workable.
Tip #2: Needles come in different types. There are metal, wood, coated, or bamboo. Some yarns work well with certain needles, and others can be difficult to knit on. Experiment for what works best.
Tip #3: Experiment with texture. Love those wispy yarns, but don't know what to do with them? Incorporate them with a sturdier, colorful yarn for a knitting surprise! Especially when knitting scarves or purses, be bold; you never know what you'll come up with!
Tip #4: Try an eyelash yarn with a popcorn texture; or a boucle with a ribbon contrast; mohair with something slightly chunky. I like mixing colors that too often don't seem to go together; in knitting, they look fabulous!
Tip #5: When using specialty yarns, knit simpler patterns. Don't get all lacy when knitting with two yarns coming at you, rather then the traditional one skein. Oftentimes, garter stitch is the way to go. And, specialty yarns tend to be a bit pricier than classic yarns, and if knitting anything very large, you can end up spending a lot of money.
So, there you have it! Get knitting!
OddBalls. . . 5 Best Tips for Using Up Leftover Yarn!
Well, isn't it always the way. Buy the required amount of yarn for a favorite project, then end up with at least an entire skein that has not been used. Which means, after a year or two, there is a lot of leftover yarn hanging around!
3 Best Tips for Creating A Knitter's Workspace
Knitting is the best of hobbies. Just think of all the parts that make up the knitting "whole." We have knitting needles, beautiful, colorful yarns, accessories galore, and too many patterns and books to name! . . before you know it, you can have quite the knitting mess on your hands. So, what to do?
The Tao Of Knitting
I think anyone who knits and loves to knit, will tell you they love to knit for a variety of reasons. At their core, those reasons all hold the same essence. Passion. Another word for it would be fulfillment. There is something beyond money, beyond fame, beyond ego, that has us knitting. That something I like to call "the tao of knitting."
