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Yarn
Buying yarn online:- I have ordered from here a lot awhile ago. Shipping is the actual cost. Never had any problems.
- http://www.martinsyarns.8m.com/
-- Linda from NY - Don't forget Smileys. I have heard good things about them (but no personal experience on this one so maybe someone else can expand). http://www.smileysyarns.com/No matter what, enjoy the yarn you get!! -- Alexandra
- I have ordered from Smileys. Had good service and very quick. I ordered the Jiffy. But this too was awhile ago. -- Linda from NY
- I have never ordered from Aunt Mary's because they informed me that they couldn't pick out certain colors. Merle, at Martin's (http://www.martinsyarns.8m.com/), on the other hand, I have sent her patterns and she makes up a box with enough of the right colors for the pattern. That seems a bit above and beyone, but I'm thankful!
Smiley's (http://www.smileysyarns.com/) will send what colors and quantities you order, but Merle will actually go through her stock and pick out what will work, just like I would do if I could go there. I don't drive so have to order mail order; did not much care for the attitude at Aunt Mary's. Enjoy! -- Brenda in Onalaska, WA USA
Keeping yarn on the hook:- Rubber band or hair band on the end -- ???
- Little happy face ball that goes on your car antenna -- ???
- Hold your hook at the end with your hand, heel resting on the colored surface, by doing this you stop the loops from coming off and you use your wrist and hand less. It is like using a long lever. I know that it feels awkward at first but, after some use, you will find that it is easier than doing it the other way. You aren't supporting the weight of the hook and the afghan this way. -- Valerie OKC
- If you are holding the hook all the way to the end, you won't lose stitches at that end. As far as the hook end goes, here's a couple tips.
- When I am going right to left (Opposite for you lefties) I put my thumb just left of the vertical that I am about to go under, it slides under my thumb with the nail holding the vertical out of the way.
- Going from left to right I hold the afghan between the next 2 stitches (after I yarn over) so when I pull the loops off the hook I am only taking off the 2 loops right by my thumb, 1 to the left of it and 1 to the right of it. It helps to keep those extra loops from following by mistake.
Everyone knows that this type of crochet is done "overhand," right? Underhand, I'm afraid, would be a real killer; if you do it overhand, it pretty much balances itself with the counter balance of the afghan weight. -- Val
Using multiple strands of yarn:
When Jacqui says she's using 2 strands with her red hook or black hook, it is because her yarn in Australia is 1/2 the size of ours. She sent me the most beautiful skeins of Australian wool and it is 8 ply, but barely the size of our 4 ply. You can continue to use single strand up to the blue hook, which is where you start using multiple strands. -- Valerie
How much yarn do I need?:- The red hook comes out to 4 inches per stitch. That's part A and part B; I did 20 stitches of afghan stitch, about 5 rows, and measured as I ripped it back out. Pick the graph you want, count the stitches, multiply by **your** gauge with the hook and yarn you will be using and have at it. Mighty mighty handy to know how much yarn to put on a bobbin or cut off the skein or whatever for each color patch, too. -- Brenda in Onalaska, WA USA
- It depends on if you are changing colors or doing a solid color project. I have done twin with 3 skeins of 8 oz and the King would be about 6, so the double and queen around 5. Better to take one extra skein and have enough, I say. -- Val
What does weight mean for yarn?:
It means how thick the yarn is. There are a number of standard thickness' for yarn, including the following: - Fingering Yarn: A loosely spun, very lightweight yarn used for babywear, socks, and other delicate items.
- Sport Yarn: A medium weight yarn used for babywear, sweaters, and lightweight afghans/throws.
- Worsted Weight Yarn: The most popular weight for knitting and crocheting. An ideal weight for afghans/throws.
- Chunky Yarn: Heavier than worsted weight, chunky yarn works up quickly and easily for such things as hats, scarves, and afghans/throws.
- Bulky Yarn: A very heavy yarn, about twice as thick as worsted weight.
What are yarn equivalents?:
One method of approximating yarn equivalents (US yarn):
Two strands fingering equal one strand sport.
Two strands sport equal one strand worsted.
Two strands worsted equal one strand bulky.
Three strands worsted weight equal 1 strand of super bulky or chunky.
What is a yarn bra?:
- A yarn bra is something new to keep your skein of yarn in place. They are available in craft stores or via mail order. A yarn bra is made out of plastic net that expands to fit your skein of yarn and collapses down as you use the yarn. Or you can make your own yarn bra by taking an old knee-high stocking and placing it on the skein. People usually use old ones that have runs and have washed out well before using as a yarn bra. You need to make sure that the pull strand is at the TOP of the stocking and then pull the stocking up onto the skein of yarn. They work well due to the elastic band at the top of the stocking and doesn't cost much since you are recycling something that you would probably otherwise toss out! -- Cheryl
- Go to a cheap dollar store and find bath scrubbies. Usually you can find 2 to 4 for a buck in a package. Untie the scrubbie and you have a long "yarn bra". Cut it into whatever length you need and tie the bottom.
-- Virgi (from Crochet Partners)
What is "eyelash" or "fun fur" yarn and where can I find some?:
- It's a novelty yarn that has a feathery/furry or eyelash look to it. You can use it for trim or make an entire project or combine it with other yarns for a different look.
- One brand to look for is Lion Brand "Fun Fur" Yarn. Go to the Lion Brand web site, click on the link that says "Our Yarn" and look for the Fun Fur name there to find out more about this yarn along with the variety of colors it is available in and how to wash/dry it.
- Herrschners also has some different brands/types available through their web site such as the following: Adornaments-Funfibers 3.25 yds, Bernat® Boa, Berroco Zap, Fun Fur, On-Line Linie 176 Lunetta.
- Mary Maxim offers Salsa Yarn as their novelty eyelash yarn.
- You can also find some novelty yarn at Joann.com or you might like to check out this site for eyelash yarn, too: Yarn Forward Inc.
HTH!
-- Cheryl (a.k.a. Cinnaminn)- It is just like regular yarn, only a lot thinner & it has coming from the yarn just little straight pieces all the way down the length of the yarn. If you can imagine your eyelash as the bottom lid being the long strand & the eyelashes are the pieces that stick out. Hope I am making myself clear - it is quite expensive here to buy in Canada. I know that Jacqui can get it in Australia so I imagine the more upscale yarn stores carry it as you can't get it in WalMart here.
-- Jean in Canada- Only specialty yarn stores seem to carry it. I got mine at a small shop in Kingston NY. I know they have an email addy and web site. Here it is: Amazing Threads: http://amazingthreads.com/
-- Linda- You can see a great example of something made with eyelash yarn here, and below a couple of places where you can buy it. Hope this helps.
Trendsetter Eyelash and Charm Scarf - Discount Yarn at YarnXpress: http://yarnxpress.safeshopper.com/107/cat107.htm?674 -- Gail
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