# 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:** 7
**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:** [January 2, 2011, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/121 "2011-01-02T17:44:32Z")
> [@Eureka](#): > > What is it about us crafters that makes us want to point out minor errors in our projects we are otherwise pleased with–and that the viewers don’t neccessarily look closely enough to catch? [like the cables here.](http://www.flickr.com/photos/27186885@N07/5215830809/) Haha, I COULD NOT find the error in your cables, they are lovely – but it did provide a few minutes of entertainment looking for it – I think for us crafters it’s like those “magic eye” posters: endless fascinating to us, pointless and inscrutable to others. 🙂 Somehow the little errors are something great, to me. If we were perfect our work would be the same as machine-made! I started in on a handbag I’m going to felt. I got the wool on sale from Knitpicks, it’s brown with one of the plies going red-orange-gold ($1.81 per 50g!!!, I bought 4). I hope I have enough yarn for the base I’ve done so far. Although I’ve already decided if I don’t I’ll get some brown or red wool and add a contrasting panel at the top, so it’s all good. ---
**Author:** ![Eureka](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/74df32/32.png) [@Eureka](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eureka)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 5:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/122 "2011-01-02T17:53:19Z")
The error in the cables is that I skipped a few rows, so if you look at the top or bottom cable at about the orange/yellow line on the block, there’s no “little bump” cable sticking out. Just two big bumps, one after the other. ---
**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:** [January 2, 2011, 7:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/123 "2011-01-02T19:37:44Z")
> [@Eureka](#): > > The error in the cables is that I skipped a few rows, so if you look at the top or bottom cable at about the orange/yellow line on the block, there’s no “little bump” cable sticking out. Just two big bumps, one after the other. Hold on, I’m going to have to go get my glasses. I ended up doing some marathon knitting last month (the baby blanket I was making had to be rushed - baby born 4 weeks early! and I decided to make my dad some fingerless gloves at the last minute). But, phew!, I’m done and now I’m going to spend some time finishing up some WIPs. I have a green cardigan that I’ve had on the needles for about four years. I only have the sleeves to do, but I messed up the decreases in one and I stalled out because I hate ripping stuff out. I will finish it this month. I will. Really. I also have to do the sleeves on a sweater for my son and I have another sweater for me that I set aside after only knitting about three inches. I’m actually looking forward to cranking these things out. Just think, I’ll be able to say I finished three sweaters in one month! ---
**Author:** ![Rhiannon8404](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rhiannon8404/32/17929_2.png) [@Rhiannon8404](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rhiannon8404)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 7:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/124 "2011-01-02T19:57:19Z")
I managed to get all my Christmas projects done in time. Yay! I have one shawl that needs blocking, but that’s going to have to wait until I finish the baby blanket I am working on for my cousin. Coincidentally, the very first baby blanket I ever made (when I was 13) was for her when she was born. Now I’m making one for her soon-to-be-born baby. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 8:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/125 "2011-01-02T20:14:42Z")
Well, my simple hats and scarf went down well with the relatives. I now have a scarf for me, a scarf for irishfella and my massive patchwork throw to complete. irishfella’s scarf is [this](http://www.cogknition.org/patterns/red_herring_scarf/) in navy. Mine is a simple rib with garter border I made up myself. ---
**Author:** ![Ruby](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/13edae/32.png) [@Ruby](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ruby)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 9:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/126 "2011-01-02T21:20:59Z")
> [@alice\_in\_wonderland](#): > > \One of my friends who makes her living as an artist had the nerve to be annoyed when I told her I would trade her knit wear for art. I mean, come on - her time and skill is valuable, but mine I should give away. :rolleyes: I do this with a photographer friend of mine. She shoots newborns so I make her small baby blankets, hats, and hammocks for her studio. In exchange, she shoots portraits of my family and “babies” (dogs) for me. Your friend was being a putz. 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 9:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/127 "2011-01-02T21:22:30Z")
> [@Eureka](#): > > The error in the cables is that I skipped a few rows, so if you look at the top or bottom cable at about the orange/yellow line on the block, there’s no “little bump” cable sticking out. Just two big bumps, one after the other. OMG - I stared at that for 10 minutes and could not find an error until you pointed it out and then BOOM - there it is! I think if a bunch of knitters have to stare at a piece for anything over a minute and a half and can’t find the error until you show it to them, it’s not really an error - it’s a _FEATURE_. 😃 FWIW, I’m currently working on the Cables & Lace Hoodie pictured [here](http://www.patonsyarns.com/patternbook.php?PBS=500877). (2nd from the top). I’ve never done cables before and I’m surprised at how well it’s going. Sadly, it’s going so well that hubby has now asked for a cable knit sweater as a gift. :(:mad::(:mad: My knitting is all supposed to be for ME!!! 😃 ---
**Author:** ![the\_Lady](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/bb73d2/32.png) [@the\_Lady](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/the_Lady)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/128 "2011-01-02T21:42:04Z")
You get to knit for yourself? I’ve got to work on that part. I forgot to mention the two crochet hats that got “commissioned” Two of the daycare staff were admiring my daughter’s. They both requested one. Vera said “I’ll pay you for it!” and Agnes said “I won’t!” They make up super fast, and it’s Bernat Softee Chunky they are made of, for a whole $2.47 a ball 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![aceplace57](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/aceplace57/32/3500_2.png) [@aceplace57](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/aceplace57)\ **Post date:** [January 2, 2011, 10:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/129 "2011-01-02T22:23:03Z")
I’m thinking about asking a relative to make this French Bulldog for me. I don’t want to ask her if it’s too time consuming or difficult. would this black & white bulldog be easy or hard? I smile every time I look at it. I just don’t want to ask mu aunt if it’s a lot of trouble. > **[This item is unavailable - Etsy](https://www.etsy.com/listing/61781931/)** > > Find the perfect handmade gift, vintage & on-trend clothes, unique jewelry, and more… lots more. ---
**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:** [January 2, 2011, 11:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/130 "2011-01-02T23:03:44Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m thinking about asking a relative to make this French Bulldog for me. I don’t want to ask her if it’s too time consuming or difficult. > > would this black & white bulldog be easy or hard? I smile every time I look at it. I just don’t want to ask mu aunt if it’s a lot of trouble. > [http://www.etsy.com/listing/61781931/french-bulldog-puppy-pdf-crochet-pattern](http://www.etsy.com/listing/61781931/french-bulldog-puppy-pdf-crochet-pattern) Doesn’t look too hard, on its face – however you can’t tell from the picture if the pattern is well written, which makes a difference. That is assuming your relative crochets. Lots of people think everyone who knits or sews, also crochets, and vice versa, but it is not the case. They are fairly different skills. ---
**Author:** ![alice\_in\_wonderland](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/alice_in_wonderland/32/176_2.png) [@alice\_in\_wonderland](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alice_in_wonderland)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 1:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/131 "2011-01-03T01:20:10Z")
> [@aceplace57](#): > > I’m thinking about asking a relative to make this French Bulldog for me. I don’t want to ask her if it’s too time consuming or difficult. > > would this black & white bulldog be easy or hard? I smile every time I look at it. I just don’t want to ask mu aunt if it’s a lot of trouble. > [http://www.etsy.com/listing/61781931/french-bulldog-puppy-pdf-crochet-pattern](http://www.etsy.com/listing/61781931/french-bulldog-puppy-pdf-crochet-pattern) It’s looks fairly straightforward - although I don’t crochet - if it were knit it would be straightforward I think. If she’s an avid crocheter she may enjoy doing something a bit different. If she only ever makes pot holders - well, she may wind up frustrated and sad that she’s disappointed you if it doesn’t work out. I think it would be OK to ask, and also provide the materials assuming she agrees. ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 2:30am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/132 "2011-01-03T02:30:31Z")
> [@zweisamkeit](#): > > - Cerus scarf (also from Knitty, I think). I highly recommend this pattern! Linen stitch is addictive. I made it for my husband, who asked if I could make him a scarf that was still warm while being less bulky\*. I used Berrocco Ultra Alpaca Light in a light heathered grey. The right side of linen stitch looks woven and the wrong side looks like seed stitch. It’s fabulous! I want to make one for me with some obnoxious hand-painted yarn. Since Cerus is worked lengthwise and it has slipped stitches every row, hand paints that would normally be overwhelming are tamed. I saw that pattern on Ravelry and marked it for later use . . . although there was another one - [Henry](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/henry) - that I also think would be nice for my dad or the boyfriend or any other male that I consider deserving of a scarf. ---
**Author:** ![limegreen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/82dd89/32.png) [@limegreen](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/limegreen)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 2:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/133 "2011-01-03T02:49:38Z")
I am reading these posts with antsy speculation. I learned basic knit/ purl stitches over the Christmas break. I am teaching a beginner’s class next week for half a dozen 12/13 year old girls, but we’re just making a simple headband in garter stitch. I really want to learn more and have a long-standing yarn fetish from years of weaving. ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [January 3, 2011, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/134 "2011-01-03T03:14:35Z")
> [@limegreen](#): > > I am reading these posts with antsy speculation. I learned basic knit/ purl stitches over the Christmas break. I am teaching a beginner’s class next week for half a dozen 12/13 year old girls, but we’re just making a simple headband in garter stitch. I really want to learn more and have a long-standing yarn fetish from years of weaving. I just started last spring, and although I still consider myself a beginner, I’ve learned that most patterns just take patience. There are so many resources online nowadays - I like to find new patterns with a few stitches I haven’t learned yet, look them up, and learn as I go along. ---
**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:** [January 4, 2011, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/135 "2011-01-04T00:07:50Z")
Yarn crisis! Remember that felted bag I so blithely started a few posts ago? Well it has become apparent that I don’t have enough yarn for the size I made the base. And that brown yarn I thought I had in my stash? I was wrong, it’s grey. I could: a)order more yarn from Knitpicks AGAIN, which is annoying because I’ll have to pay shipping again. But I would be pretty much guaranteed a color match at a reasonable price. Plus shipping. b)rip back all my work to the very beginning and start over, making the base smaller. Which is annoying, because, yaknow, ripping out _the entire thing_ is a bummer. c)go to this [wack yarn store](http://www.newyorkminknit.com/2007/05/06/school-products/) I’ve been wanting to hit, where I may or may not find something suitable, and may or may not get overwhelmed and confused. Help me yarnies, you’re my only hope! ---
**Author:** ![HazelNutCoffee](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/ac91a4/32.png) [@HazelNutCoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HazelNutCoffee)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/136 "2011-01-04T00:58:59Z")
What better excuse to hit a wack yarn store? 😉 I always buy my yarn online - no convenient store nearby - and they give free shipping on orders over $40, so I always make sure to buy a bunch of yarn at once. ---
**Author:** ![gardentraveler](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gardentraveler/32/3576_2.png) [@gardentraveler](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gardentraveler)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 1:18am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/137 "2011-01-04T01:18:30Z")
If in doubt, the correct answer is always: go to the wack yarn store. 😃 ETA: **limegreen** : **Hazel** is right; with so many online resources, it’s easy to go from beginner to quite experienced quite rapidly. Good luck with the class! ---
**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:** [January 4, 2011, 2:12am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/138 "2011-01-04T02:12:19Z")
yeah but what if the mean old man is there? 😕 what if he tries to upsell me to cashmere _and succeeds_? :eek: Knitpicks is no shipping if order over $40… yeah except I ordered from them twice times this month and paid shipping everytime (oh, I just need ooooonnnneeee skein) :smack: and I got some yarn on ebay too (it was for a project! I swear!) ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 2:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/139 "2011-01-04T02:35:30Z")
> [@HazelNutCoffee](#): > > I saw that pattern on Ravelry and marked it for later use . . . although there was another one - [Henry](http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/henry) - that I also think would be nice for my dad or the boyfriend or any other male that I consider deserving of a scarf. I actually went back and forth between Cerus and Henry. 🙂 I decided on Cerus because there have been a _lot_ of people who have had issues with Henry, especially with it curling (even after blocking!). Also (not that I’ll point out anyone specifically), when I looked at the projects pages for both of them, I noticed that Henry had _far_ more finished projects that… well… didn’t look that great, IMO. :o I may make Henry eventually, though. ---
**Author:** ![zweisamkeit](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zweisamkeit/32/4360_2.png) [@zweisamkeit](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/zweisamkeit)\ **Post date:** [January 4, 2011, 2:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897/140 "2011-01-04T02:39:08Z")
> [@limegreen](#): > > I am reading these posts with antsy speculation. I learned basic knit/ purl stitches over the Christmas break. I am teaching a beginner’s class next week for half a dozen 12/13 year old girls, but we’re just making a simple headband in garter stitch. I really want to learn more and have a long-standing yarn fetish from years of weaving. Welcome to the knitting cult! Let me repeat the mantra that was drilled into my head when I was like you: Knitting is made up of two stitches: knit and purl. Everything else is just variations/tweaks of these. If you know those two stitches, you can do anything! The other mantra I will drill into your head: If you see a project you _really_ want to do but are afraid, think: what is the worst that will happen? You’ll mess up. And? You can fix it or start over. It’s just sticks and yarn, not Middle East peace negotiations. 🙂 If you like a project, go for it! [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-we-talk-yarn-stashes-current-projects-maybe-yes-yarn/560897.md?page=8)