Knitters find themselves to be considered savers and experienced savers at that. If you’re like me, you check out every sale and every store scouting out the best prices and the newest colors and yarns available. We’ll make our purchase, leave that particular check-out and go back through just to be able to use two coupons at the same store! Have you seen some of the new yarns today? Have you felt them? The textures are to die for!

Ok, you find all those wonderful fibers at wonderful prices. The typical knitter buys their stash and then takes it home and stores it someplace. It’s a game we all play but shouldn’t. We should dig that stash out and use it! What are we saving it for? Ok, maybe you’ve stashed it away so good, you can’t find it. Hey, and then when you DO find it, is a wonderful surprise!

Ok, you found your stash. Now what? Feel it, squeeze it, smell it. Dream about what you can create with it. What would that particular yarn be best used for? Wait, did you buy enough? That’s a problem sometimes, too, so take that into consideration. Don’t think too hard about it or you’ll be putting that yarn right back where you found it…..unused! Just think, if you’d use it, you can go buy more!


Have you ever taken that skein of yarn and after squeezing it and smelling it, decided what you want to make with it, finding out you don’t have quite enough; don’t dispare! Many yarns can be combined with other yarns of the same thickness or need the same type of care. Don’t forget that yarns you use need the same care when combined with other yarns to keep your garment or project easy to clean and care for. Let your imagination fly. Different yarns can create stripes or maybe contrasting cuffs or bands.

Don’t hang on to your yarns too long. They can deteriorate and even get moldy if not properly stored. And some yarns do get outdated in they’r look. Remember trendy yarns come and go.

We don’t know what yarns are coming up in the next season so use that yarn and enjoy your project now. It’s most certain that newer yarns and textures will come along and that their place so get it out and use it.

Another thing that dates a yarn, is it’s color or color combination. If you ever get to see a manufacturers sample card take a close look at the colors that are featured first or as their “new” colors and their combinations. What colors are placed together? They have already figured it out for you as to what colors go well together. I always like to use colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel. Check that out.

There are some classic yarns and yarn types that’ll always be “in style” for common projects like afghans but remember home décor changes, too. But don’t forget that older yarns don’t make a great fashion statement. Use that yarn before you find yourself sitting for that yarn and/or color to make a comeback. Then was that such a good bargain?

Chain Stitch for Crochet Afghans

Hobbies: There is a World Beyond the Chain Stitch for Crochet Afghans





(Wed Dec 31st, 2008, by Jack Logan)





True crafters get bored with what they know so they try new things that brings us new patterns and peaks our creativity. We learn so much from crocheters who “try new things” or see if “they can copy” that pattern we get new ideas for our own projects.





The chain stitch is the most basic stitch in crocheting. But a combination or variation of this basic stitch can turn into some fabulous designs. So it heeds us to take stock and learn new stitches so we can create our own masterpieces.





Advanced stitches are what teachers of crochet call, well, advanced stitches. But actually they’re just a combination of the basic chain stitch. Its how you use them and in what order you use them that makes them advanced.





If you’re following a pattern just keep following until you get it down but if you’re creating you own stitch, now that’s a little harder. I found when I create my own designs or new stitches if I have a video camera over my shoulder I can see where I made any mistakes or see how I created the stitch—in case I don’t remember.





Everybody, even beginners can make their own stitches or own designs. What one person considers advanced may be the beginnings for another. So don’t be scared of trying new stitches or designs.>BR>


Some other stitches that can be made into other (advanced) stitches are the double treble, hairpin lace, crochet cables, filet crochet, afghan stitch, bullion bauble stitch and the tulip. Scary, isn’t it? But don’t worry they’re all combinations of the basic stitch. And if you can do the basic stitch you can do the advanced stitches.

Knit Crochet Needlework Just Have Fun!

Please check out the archived patterns for filet crochet along the right side of my blog. There are several to choose from along with a FREE bunny baby afghan pattern. These are filet crochet patterns.



Here's an article I thought very interesting and everyone may enjoy. Please visit the web site if you're interesed in reading more articles or come back here often to read more.



Crochet Supplies: Do You Have Everything You Need? by: Terry Roberts



There are many supplies used when crocheting and the specific kinds depend solely on the type of patterns used. There are many basic items that beginners need but when using more complicated patterns and designs it can be essential to expand on the crochet supplies used. Yarn and a crochet hook are the most basic supplies but also used are knitting needles and a wide variety of yarn types amongst other items. More than one hook and needle set is needed as they can be left in an unfinished part of the crocheted item while another area is concentrated on. Patterns are a necessary part of the process, especially for beginners or if the person is creating something for the first time.


Anyone learning how to crochet may also need supplies of books or magazines full of tips and patterns. Depending on the type of pattern, other crochet supplies may be needed such as ribbon or lace. Ribbon can be run through certain areas of a crocheted design and lace can be a necessary addition to many designs. When making clothes, materials that can be layered under the yarn may be an important part of your crochet supplies. Sewing needles, threads, beads, sequins and other accessories can all form part of a crochet supply box as they can add decoration to a crocheted piece. There is so much that can be done with crocheted materials that the lists of possible crochet supplies are enormous.



Crochet Yarn Supplies


One of the most significant parts of crocheting is the types of yarns used. There are a huge number of different yarns used for crocheting; the texture and thickness of the yarn is most important. Yarn can have a lot of variations: some are thick, others are thin; yarn can be soft, fluffy, hard and come from many different animals. Yarn can be either natural or synthetic and the five basic types are baby/fingering, sport/baby, worsted weight, chunky and bulky - and they all have different uses.



Fingering weight is mainly used for light items such as socks. Sports weight is heavier and used for items like sweaters. Worsted weight is for much heavier and warmer items. Chunky and bulky are used for very heavy and warm items. Some of the most popular fibers used in yarns include acrylic, alpaca, camel hair, cashmere, chenille, lambs wool, mohair and even silk. The types of yarn depend on the item of clothing and the pattern used. So, as you can see, you’ll need to get yourself a big box to keep all the crochet supplies you’re going to need!



About The Author
Terry Roberts is a professional translator and linguist, with a wide range of interests. To read more about chocolate, please visit his website: http://www.crochetfornovices.com/ more articles can be found at http://www.articlecity.com/