I finished up last week’s scarves, and started up this one which I’m hoping will be part of a scarf and mitten set. The last scarf I finished had such thin yarn that this stuff feels so bulky, even though I’m only using 6mm needles – funny how everything is relative. This yarn was a score from the outdoor market where we used to live; they were selling discontinued styles in bundles of six skeins. Wish I’d have bought up more! I love it, but it is a little more scratchy than the pink and white.
Hey, experienced knitters/crochet artists out there – how much yarn to you buy when you see some you love but have no real project in mind? A few skeins?
Do you have any new W.I.P.s in the works? We would love to see what you’re up to! Snap a shot of your “in progress” masterpiece and add it to the W.I.P. Wednesday Flickr Pool. Whatever your works-in-progress, have a crafty week, and don’t forget to see what the other Wipsters are working on.
Musings From The Fishbowl 
Totally missed this post – I’m in the process of trying to learn to crochet, too. Ugh – I taught myself to knit, but that just isn’t happening when it comes to crochet.
About the yarn – if I see a yarn that I absolutely love, I buy as much as I can afford. I’ve had skeins sitting in my stash cabinet for years, but when that perfect project comes along…it’s so worth it!
ps. I think I should add that 1000yds is plenty for xs-s size garment if it’s a simple one (e.g. no complicated stitches, no cable, no hood). I tend to buy an extra skein or two just in case:)
ps2. I got to be able to read your les vendredis francophone posts someday!
Thanks, Jun! And woot for reading French!
I just got an embroidery book and a sewing book! I’m really excited, but I have no idea what I’m doing or where to start. I’ll just jump in and see what happens!
That’s so exciting! I totally remember the first craft book I bought, it was so liberating to know I could do it if I wanted to (even if I had no idea what I was doing…).
wow this black/white variegation is beautiful!
The amount of yarn I buy without any projects in mind largely depends on the cost of the yarn LOL If it’s rather expensive, I’ll go for 100-150g and try to find a small project for it like fingerless gloves, hats, some home accessories etc.
If I can afford it and there’s a chance that it becomes a garment, I’ll snap probably about 1000-1200yrds. I should be able to find something in that range for my size (xs-s in knit garments).
And if there’s an odd ball of yarn left, I can always turn it into amigurumi:)
this is my big rule of thumb, but I hope you can get something out of it:) Happy knitting!
That is a great rule of thumb! Thank you so much for your inmput, Jun!
Pingback: W.I.P. Wednesday : More Knitting… | Musings From The Fishbowl | Knitting Network
I have an idea of how much yardage I will need for a cardigan or sweater in my size so I try and buy around that amount. It does depend on how thick the yarn is though, you’ll need less thick yarn than thin yarn for a project.
It’s worth having a look at a few patterns that you’d like to make and seeing what the yardage requirements are, that way when you see yarn you like you’ll be able to buy enough for something. Or keep a note in your purse with specific yardage requirements for certain things you have in mind to make.
Ravelry is brilliant for finding projects for yarn you don’t know what to do with. You can search by how thick the yarn is and how much you have and it will show you patterns that you can use.
Wow – great advice! Thank you , Anna! You really do need to come for a week of all-expenses-paid holiday chez moi in exchange for knitting lessons!
Wow, you’ve been a busy scarf bee! This one looks adorable!
buzz, buzz! Did most of the knitting watching Jermaine & Bret…I don’t have any real “sit down do nothing” activities so I can knit!
if i have no project in mind i usually never get enough
Haha, so it’s not just a newbie problem! I thought it was just me. 😉