Hook Heaven

Crochet hooks.  Such a simple looking item.  Most of us use the aluminum hooks found at all craft stores for a dollor or two.  Others are made of different woods or bamboo.  Acrylic or hollow plastic are common, especially with larger size hooks.  I've even seen glass ones.  Some are very functional and others are minature works of art. 

I am often asked which hook is best.  For years, I always said the classic aluminum style.  When I can find them, I love vintage Hero hooks.  I have one that I've used so much that the color is worn off around the hook and thumb grip.  Otherwise, I prefer the Boye brand.  I like the shape of the hook head.  Recently, I've found a new brand.  My new favorite hook is the Clover Soft Touch.  The handle is kind to the hands, making it possible for me to stich much longer without fatigue.  I love the finish on the hook head.  All types of yarns glide smoothly and I swear I stitch faster.  My only complaint is that they don't make it in sizes larger that J at this point.  Here's a link on Amazon - take a look.  http://www.amazon.com/Clover-Soft-Touch-Crochet-2-25mm/dp/B0021UKF1Q/ref=sr_1_11?ie=UTF8&qid=1410804870&sr=8-11&keywords=clover+crochet+hook  If you are an avid crocheter, invest in a set.  You won't be sorry.

What about the long hooks for tunisian crochet?  I have always avoided those projects because I hate the traditional long metal hooks.  They are akward and tire my hands.  Since I invested in the Denise Interchangable crochet hook, that problem is gone.  The cable attaches to the hook and is very light and flexible.  More of the weight of the work can be supported by your lap instead of by your hands and you stitch.  My only complaint is that they are plastic and some yarns can drag a bit.  I hate all plastic hooks so this is more of a personal preference.  http://www.amazon.com/DENISE-INTERCHANGEABLE-CROCHET-HOOK-SET/dp/B001IAHNCE/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1410805174&sr=8-1&keywords=denise+crochet+hook+sets

And is case you are wondering, I am not getting paid in any way for these recommendations.  Just wanted to share my opinions.  What hooks do you like?

Orange Lace Scarf

Here is the scarf I made for my Mom using the simple lace pattern.  The scarf was made with sock yarn and has been blocked in this photo.

Don’t Be Afraid of Knit Lace!

I taught myself to knit from books.  My first project was a knit stole using only knit and purl stitches.  I liked my stole so much that I decided to make a lace stole using a vintage pattern I found in my stash of books.  I was half way through the project when I found out that most knitters consider lace a more advanced form of knitting.  In this case, ignorance was bliss.  Lace patterns can be tricky.  If you miss a yarn over or drop a stitch, the fabric can be very unforgiving.  It is also a good idea to use needles with long tapered ends so working stitches together will be easier. With those warnings, give lace a try.  I have the perfect pattern for you.  I used this pattern to make my stole and a scarf for my Mom, both with sock yarn (pictures below).  Just adjust the number of stitches for the desired width.  I also added a seed stitch border all around each project so the ends will lay flat. 

 

Knit Stole - Unblocked Fabric

Simple Lace Pattern

Work border bottom in either garter or seed stitch for desired number of rows.

Lace Row 1 – Work border stitches for desired with of side border.  Purl in each stitch of lace section, end with border pattern stitches.

 Lace Row 2 – Work border stitches, in lace section work *knit 3, yarn over, knit 3 together,  yarn over, repeat from * across row and end with knit 3.  Work border stitches.

Lace Row 3 – Work border stitches, in lace section work purl across row.  Work border stitches.

Lace Row 4 – Work border stitches, in lace section work *yarn over, knit 3 together, yarn over, knit 3, repeat from * across row ending with a yarn over, knit 3 together, yarn over.  Work border stitches.

Repeat rows 1 - 4 for desired length.  Complete project with border rows and bind off.

 

 

 

Red Heart Sashay Yarn Review

Let me start by apologizing for the long delay between posts to this blog. I had a medial issue that required major surgery. I was afraid of what I would write while I was on pain killers! All is well now and I am recovering nicely.

This past weekend, I saw a couple of colors of Red Heart's Sashay yarn on clearance at my local Walmart. I am not usually a fan of novelty yarns (eyelash, chenille, ribbon, etc.) but the price was right ($2.00 per skein) so I decided to take a chance. I liked that one skein would make a ruffled scarf and the instructions were on the label.

I purchased the color Diamonds which is a variegated yarn with white, mid-grey and charcoal grey with a silver metallic thread running throughout. The yarn is a ribbon type with a thick edge on one side and a fish-net stocking texture for the rest of the width. All stitching is done in the top part of the mesh (on the right side of the yarn in the picture below), NOT on the thick side. The yarn comes off the skein compressed together. Before starting stitching, I suggest that you unwind the yarn, spread it out and wind it so it lies flat. Investing the time (10 to 15 minutes) to prepare the skein makes the stitching much more pleasant.

 

The pattern calls for a size 9 needle and that's what I used for my scarf. Gauge is not important for the pattern. For a long scarf, the pattern says to cast on six stitches but I used only five stitches and was happy with the diameter of the ruffle.
Stitching with Sashay is tricky. The stitches are worked in alternating mesh squares. The yarn is very slick and the mesh holes are large so it is very easy for stitches to side off the needles. If you drop a stitch, it is absolutely impossible to pick up the stich and work up to the current row. I strongly suggest that you count your stitches at the end of each row so you will immediately know if you dropped a stich. The stitching is also much slower than traditional yarns but the short rows and easy stitch (garter stitch) balance out the pace. It is possible to complete the scarf in an evening or two which makes it a nice, quick project.

The first few rows of the scarf don't look like much but have faith. The scarf will soon take on a nice ruffled look that is very attractive. Here id s picture of my scarf. The colors didn't photograph true to the actual shades but I am very pleased with the results. The silky yarn gives a luxurious feel to the scarf. Although this is a very easy project from a stich standpoint, the texture of the yarn and unique structure make it challenging to work with. I recommend this yarn for intermediate to experienced knitters. Would I purchase this yarn again? Yes!

Below are a couple of videos I watched on You Tube before starting this project.  Watching them really helped me. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tuBfzPape-4

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NAF63GfvbXY

 

Picture Perfect?

You’ve just completed your project.  You breathe a sigh of satisfaction and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment…..until you compare your end result with the picture on the pattern.  Your project looks completely different.  Why? 

 After years of helping new knitters and crocheters figure out “what went wrong”, I have compiled a list of the most common reasons for disappointing results.  They are (in no particular order):

1.       Gauge – there is a reason every pattern tells you to work a gauge swatch before you start on your project.  Adjusting your needle/hook size to match the pattern will help ensure that your project matches the dimensions of the pattern.  I am a tight stitcher and can easily work up a swatch that is bullet-proof.  To counteract my stitch style, I regularly have to increase my needle/hook size up two sizes.  Yes, two!  If I use the hook/needle size called for in the pattern, I end up with a significantly smaller item that is much stiffer than the designer intended.  Work your gauge swatch.  The investment of time now will save much heartache and frustration later.

2.       Yarn Selection – Switching out yarn is a fact of the stitcher’s life.  So many of the yarns called for in patterns are expensive.  If you are like me, you want to use up your stash as much as possible.  When substituting yarns, you must pay attention to the gauge.  A lace pattern worked in a fine DK will look very much different if worked in a thick worsted weight.  Yarn texture is a big factor, too.  A fuzzy or textured yarn will not show off the fancy stitches the pattern uses.  Fiber content can definitely affect in how your finished product behaves.  For example, cotton yarn is stiff and lacks elasticity, nylon yarn is strong but slightly stretchy, acrylic has good elasticity and holds up well to frequent washings.  Understanding the size, fiber content and texture of the pattern yarn will help you make good choices when selecting a substitute yarn.  On the other hand, don’t be afraid to experiment with a totally different type of yarn - gauge swatches are a great way to try something new.  You might love the results.  Years ago, I used a crochet thread edging pattern on an afghan made with worsted weight yarn.  The results were unique and very beautiful. 

3.       Pattern Error – Believe it or not, sometimes, there are errors in the pattern.  The publishers and designers work very hard to make sure their instructions are 100% correct but no one is perfect.  Fortunately, this is a rare occurrence.  If you suspect there is an error on your pattern, do a quick Google search and see if an update is available.  It might be from the publisher or a posting on a forum from another stitcher. 

4.       Personal Style – A pattern is a guide, not the law.  Minor adjustments to the pattern that accommodate your personal stitching style are completely OK.  For example, if I chain 3 for a turn on a double crochet row, I end up with an unsightly bulge on the end of my rows.  Most of the time, I only chain 2 so keep my ends super straight.  I also like neat edges on my knitted items so if the pattern allows, I cast on a couple of extra stitches so I can use the slip-1-stitch at the beginning of the row method to give me the nice, neat edge.  I will comment more on stitch and pattern adjustments in a future post.

5.       Stitching technique – even if you use the same yarn, match the gauge and follow the pattern faithfully, your finished project will never look just like the pattern example.  Every stitcher’s work is unique, just like their signature.  Embrace your style and rejoice that no one will ever have a scarf (sweater, hat, etc.) just like yours.  This uniqueness is part of what makes knitting and crocheting such a joy.

What other obstacles have you run into when trying to get your project picture perfect?

Estate Sale Find

I love estate sales.  Last weekend, I found 15 wonderful vintage knitting pattern books, a big bag of circular needles and accessories and a HUGE bag of georgous yarn (most of it mohair), all for $10.00.  While estate sales make me a little sad because I know someone has passed on, I like to think that they would be happy to know that another stitcher is thrilled to have part of their stash and will put it to good use.  At this same sale, I also purchased two completed needlepoints.  I plan to turn them into pillows.  This woman was seriously talented.  I would have loved to see more of her work.

Needlepoint Canvas

One of the many vintage pattern books.
Love the hair and makeup

 

 

Elann Yarn - RIP (Retire in Peace)

Back in May 2014, I created the post below praising Elann Yarn.  A few years later, they started selling their yarn exclusively through Amazon.  About a month ago, they announced their retirement and put their remaining inventory on sale.  Although there were an online retailer, I felt like another LYS was lost.  The yarn still sits my my stash with the pattern, waiting to make it to the top of my project list.  With Elann's demise, this project is on my mind.  I know that when I do start it, there will be a tinge of sadness as I stich.  

The Kimberly Scarf pattern was designed by Maggie Tietjen and is available on Ravelry.  She designed several of Elann's knitting patterns.  It's nice to know her work is still available.  

Kimberly Scarf Pattern

Originally Posted May, 2014  If you are looking for quality yarn at good prices, check out Elann, based in Canada (they have US pricing on the site).  I recently ordered their Silken Kydd in the cranberry color.  Absolutely beautiful.  I can't wait to get started on the Kimberly Scarf pattern (knitting) I found on their website.  They have tons of wonderful free patterns.

Summer is here!  Here's a little inspiration for you crocheters out there.

Knitting vs. Crochet - Which is Easier?

Welcome to Yarn Skills, my spot to discuss all things related to crocheting and knitting.  Who am I?  My name is Jill Brightwell and I am an avid crocheter and intermediate knitter.  I am a published pattern designer and have won many awards at state and county fairs.  Over the years, I have taught countless people stitch techniques, interpreted patterns, fixed errors and recommended yarns and tools.  After much encouragement from my sweet husband, Richard, I am (finally) entering the Internet age!

In the yarn arts world, seems like people are either Team Knit or Team Crochet.  I have met very few who are equally comfortable with both.  I am definitely more skilled with crochet since I have been doing it since I was a child.  When people want me to teach them, most ask, "Which is easier, knitting or crocheting?"  Many assume my answer will be crochet because it only uses one needle.  I have two answers - the easy one and the real one.

The Easy Answer?  Knitting!  Why?  The tension.  In knitting, the stitches are interconnected and the stitch size will adjust with its neighbors and produce a more even fabric.  In crochet, each stitch is much more self-contained and does not adjust very much.  I have had many more people give up on crochet because they became totally frustrated with mastering the yarn tension needed to produce even stitches.

The Real Answer?  It depends!  On what?  Your personal preferences.  Knitting has many different techniques and a very large range of stitch options.  It also uses about 1/3 less yarn than crochet so a scarf made with that uber expensive alpaca becomes much more affordable.  On the other hand, crochet fabric can be very sturdy which perfect for afghans, edgings and heavy use items.  Plus, it is a snap to rip out stitches to fix an error.  Irish crochet produces some of the most beautiful projects I have ever seen. 

Which do I prefer?  I love them both but when I want to do something to help me relax, I always turn to crochet.  With time, practice and patience, I hope to building my knitting skills to a point that I can say I am Team Crochet  and  Team Knit.