Shopping for Yarn?

Question

Hi, I'm making a list of yarn colors I'd like to buy at Michaels. I already have the colors red, blue, and pink. The colors I'm putting on my checklist are orange, yellow, green, purple, white, brown, and black. Did I forget any other colors? I'm buying yarn to learn how to crochet.

Is there a specific yarn for crochetting that is different than knitting yarn?

I'd like to crochet many different stuffies. Is there a specific sized hook that is used for crochetting most patterns? What two sized hooks should I buy?

I have another question...

How many yards of yarn am I looking for to make several projects with? I have to know how much yarn is enough. Recently, I was knitting my mom a scarf and I ran out of yarn. I know, silly mistake. She has half of a scarf now, hehe. But don't worry, I'm not crochetting a scarf any time soon. I just want to crochet little stuffed animal dolls.

Answer 1

Before you buy a bunch of different yarns, you should decide what you are going to make. The pattern will tell you how much yarn of what colors you will need. .

If you're just starting out find a beginners type pattern book and pick a project. Buy the amount of yarn the pattern indicates and the size hook.

Sometimes it's a lot cheaper to buy a whole set of hooks. At one time or another I've used all of my hooks to make an afghan -- even the littlest one. But I use J and G the most.

You should also check the scale indicated in the pattern. Sometimes you have to use a larger or smaller hook to get the right scale.

Oh and make sure you get yarn that doesn't have dye lots. I think most acrylic yarns are. It's a real pain having to match dye lots.

Answer 2

Being a knitter and a crocheter for many years, I would suggest first that you do a little research. The Internet is a wonderful source of patterns for almost any project and once you find the one you want to try it will tell you what size hook, what type of yarn and how much you will need. I suggest you start out with something small and easy if you are new to crocheting or knitting, like a scarf, then something larger like an afghan, moving on to slightly shaped things like hats/caps and then to sweaters, plushies/stuffies. Also, trying different patterns can be challenging; making cables or following charts can keep you on your toes. It can be very rewarding to create your own items, showing them off when you wear them and knowing that you have created a one of a kind item that no one else has. Another rewarding thing you can do is form a group, or join an existing one that makes small items for less fortunate children and adults, donating them to local hospitals and charities. Caps, scarves, shawls and afghans, or even squares for them are always welcome and you can often find more experienced people who are willing to help you learn and teach you things that would be more difficult to tackle on your own. Good luck with your projects and I hope this was of some help to you.

Answer 3

Hook size depends of the diameter of the yarn and how loose or air-y you want the result to be. The opposite of "air-y" is hard or firm.

Excessive hard or firm crochet *can* stress wrists ... please do not "court" carpel tunnel syndrome. Such is both painful and expensive.

Firm crochet, particularly old-fashioned crocheted lace, is usually done with tightly-spun thread or yarn. Scarves are normally done with things more loosely-spun. (You might frog the 1/2 scarf and re-do it half as wide and twice as long.)

If you used cotton, you could dye stuff as needed or after assembly. Accents of black or brown could be done with acrylic, which wouldn't "take up" the dye. The new Lion Brand organic cottons may be used for garment-type knitting or crocheting but do not seem suitable for lacework.

Answer 4

Good colors. Here is the Michaels link. http://www.michaels.com/art/online/displayproductlist?categoryid=88325&pageNumber=1 And, some projects call for different needle size.