# Can we talk yarn stashes? Current projects? Maybe? Yes? Yarn! **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [November 16, 2010, 7:25pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897 "2010-11-16T19:25:43Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 5
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [December 12, 2010, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/81 "2010-12-12T03:08:14Z")
It’s dead easy. Do it! Come to the dark side!!! I taught myself to crochet off teh internets because I wanted to make fabric crochet rugs like my great-grandma made. [How ya like me now?](http://phatlewt.wedge.net/bbs/download/file.php?id=68) (BTW the yellow fabric in that rug is a set of hideous mustard floral pattern sheets my friend got for her wedding in 1968.) ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2010, 5:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/82 "2010-12-13T05:48:00Z")
That is amazing! I’d love to do something like that. I’m still in a hat phase at the moment. I’ve ordered some gray angora yarn that I’m planning to use for a lacy scarf and hat, and some thick gray wool to knit my boyfriend yet another hat - hopefully this one will cover his ears properly. I already started his hat but ran out of yarn. On Elizabeth Zimmerman’s advice I used the brioche stitch instead of just a regular rib and I LOVE it - it produces a really nice, thick sort of rib that’s perfect for winter hats. ---
**Author:** ![Green\_Cymbeline](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/green_cymbeline/32/9244_2.png) [@Green\_Cymbeline](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Green_Cymbeline)\ **Post date:** [December 13, 2010, 7:59am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/83 "2010-12-13T07:59:13Z")
I just got my stash out of storage, and it’s all over the floor. It’s out of control! I did find what I was looking for, a sock-weight yarn that I am knitting an iPhone cozy for. I am also going to start on various things for my impending niece. I will start with a cap for her to wear in the hospital. ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 12:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/84 "2010-12-16T00:48:41Z")
I finished [my hat](http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x163/faeriehazel/briochehat.jpg) and [my scarf](http://i181.photobucket.com/albums/x163/faeriehazel/saroyanscarf.jpg)! Now I’ve started this [scarf-and-hood thingy](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/heelhead-scarf) - I’ll probably regret it because it looks like it’s going to take forever. Also I’m regretting not doing reversible cables, but I’m too lazy to start over again. ---
**Author:** ![Hello\_Again](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/85e7bf/32.png) [@Hello\_Again](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Hello_Again)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 1:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/85 "2010-12-16T01:48:08Z")
I love the scarf!!! ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 4:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/86 "2010-12-16T04:39:03Z")
That scarf hoodie thing looks nice, you’ll have to share pics when you’re done! It’s an idea for me too actually, something cozy… I am currently blocking [Pretty Thing](http://www.flickr.com/photos/flibbertigibbetknitter/5264875587/), which is a gift for my BFF, and I have to sew up the [Willie Warmer](http://hearthwench.tripod.com/cwwconst2.html) for my Dad (not mine, but the creator’s), then I think I shall cast on a [tea cozy](http://knitty.com/ISSUEwinter04/PATTkureyonkozy.html) for Mom (ten days enough to do one in? It’s not that hard actually, I’ll just make sure to bring it to work so I can work on it at lunch.) Then I need to finish up my [Mr Greenjeans](http://www.flickr.com/photos/flibbertigibbetknitter/3799323741/in/set-72157621852200939/) and then I’ll figure out where to go from there. Probably I should finish my [Fiddlehead mittens](http://www.flickr.com/photos/flibbertigibbetknitter/4357177149/in/set-72157621852200939/) (that’s just the outer shell of the first one, I need to do the second outer, block and then knit the inner lining). ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 4:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/87 "2010-12-16T04:51:44Z")
Needed a hat to go with my alphabet scarf – [so I made one](http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g161/twickster/crafty%20crap/002.jpg). Improvised the pattern. I’m happy with how it turned out. 😃 ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 6:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/88 "2010-12-16T06:07:30Z")
> [@Hello\_Again](#): > > I love the scarf!!! Thanks. 🙂 I’m very proud of my first lacy scarf effort - hopefully the next one will be better - I made a few mistakes in the leaf pattern. > [@Flutterby](#): > > Then I need to finish up my [Mr Greenjeans](http://www.flickr.com/photos/flibbertigibbetknitter/3799323741/in/set-72157621852200939/) and then I’ll figure out where to go from there. That yarn looks lovely. > [@twickster](#): > > Needed a hat to go with my alphabet scarf – [so I made one](http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g161/twickster/crafty%20crap/002.jpg). Improvised the pattern. I’m happy with how it turned out. 😃 Nice hat! I tried a cabled hat but my cables turned out very odd. ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 6:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/89 "2010-12-16T06:13:16Z")
That’s a cozy looking hat _twickster_. I need to do another one, I love mine but it’s a tad loose in places (a first attempt on large DPN’s and cabling… maybe a second time would work a little better). Thanks Hazel. That yarn is Sirdar Tweedie Chunkie, a mix of wool, acrylic and alpaca and I love working on it (it knits up fairly fast) but I’ve been _really_ lazy when it comes to finishing bigger things. I have to keep kicking my butt to finish them, I finally managed to finish my Mystic Waters shawl just before we went to the ocean because I decided I _had_ to have it for the trip… Maybe I just work better under a deadline. ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 6:19am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/90 "2010-12-16T06:19:12Z")
Speaking of shawls, one day I will attempt [this one](http://knitty.com/ISSUEspring09/PATTshipwreck.php), oh yes. ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 1:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/91 "2010-12-16T13:13:03Z")
I knit that one last year–it took me the better part of three months. [shipwreck](http://ravel.me/Eurekas/f5kcf) It always gets me compliments when I take it out in public. Here’s the [unphotogenic sweater I was working on earlier in this thread](http://ravel.me/Eurekas/2uoxu) I’ve now moved on to a cabled sweater for me. ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 3:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/92 "2010-12-16T15:06:11Z")
> [@Eureka](#): > > I knit that one last year–it took me the better part of three months. [shipwreck](http://ravel.me/Eurekas/f5kcf) It always gets me compliments when I take it out in public. No wonder, it’s gorgeous! But it looks rather intimidating. I think I’ll try to knit it for my mother’s Christmas present next year. ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/93 "2010-12-16T15:24:02Z")
Question - my Saroyan scarf tends to curl in on itself around the borders - does that mean I blocked it wrong? Or maybe knitted it too tightly? ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 3:32pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/94 "2010-12-16T15:32:31Z")
Shipwreck is on my shawl list, but what I really want to do that intimidates me is Isis. I know it will take forever but I have this scrumptious skein of Bunny Love (angora and silk) and it just screams at me that that’s what it should be. Hazel, it could be either but my understanding is stockinette has a tendency to curl, can’t look up the pattern atm but is it stockinette? I’ve seen a number of patterns that use a few rows of garter stitch to stop this from happening. ---
**Author:** ![twickster](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/ec9cab/32.png) [@twickster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/twickster)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 3:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/95 "2010-12-16T15:41:35Z")
Seed stitch will also work to prevent curling. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 3:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/96 "2010-12-16T15:43:19Z")
> [@Flutterby](#): > > Hazel, it could be either but my understanding is stockinette has a tendency to curl, can’t look up the pattern atm but is it stockinette? I’ve seen a number of patterns that use a few rows of garter stitch to stop this from happening. [Saroyan](http://feministy.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Saroyan-v1.pdf) is predominantly stockinette but has a garter border and a pattern edging. It probably shouldn’t be curling, but, not having ever knitted the pattern, I don’t know for sure. Garter border and a non-stockinette edging _should_ prevent curl in the stockinette, though. ---
**Author:** ![Flutterby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/6f9a4e/32.png) [@Flutterby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Flutterby)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 4:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/97 "2010-12-16T16:00:07Z")
Hmm… Maybe it just needs to be blocked again? I’m not really sure, I haven’t don’t much blocking. ---
**Author:** ![C3](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/c3/32/3108_2.png) [@C3](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/C3)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 4:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/98 "2010-12-16T16:10:16Z")
[Near Solstice](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/near-solstice) is the outrageously complicated shawl pattern that is on my list of things I want to do. I guess it’s not really that complicated, just big. The haiku that’s knitted into it is: At winter’s dawning Birds are dancing on my snow To silent music. Instructions begin: Using whichever provisional method you prefer, cast on 599 sts. ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 4:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/99 "2010-12-16T16:11:48Z")
> [@C3](#): > > Instructions begin: Using whichever provisional method you prefer, cast on 599 sts. I’m 39 years old. Even assuming perfect health, I don’t have enough time left to knit that thing… ---
**Author:** ![Sattua](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/sattua/32/11906_2.png) [@Sattua](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Sattua)\ **Post date:** [December 16, 2010, 4:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/100 "2010-12-16T16:21:36Z")
In my experience, blocking is only a temporary fix to a permanent problem with all hand-knitted goods. They just aren’t going to be crisp and flat, if you do anything with them but take pictures. One more reason I mostly knit socks and hats, really. Scarves are so unsatisfying because of the blocking-lasts-five-minutes issue. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897.md?page=4) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897.md?page=6)