Handknitting and the cost of yarn

ktpie

I love knitting and have had a go at crochet but have been put off by the price of wool, going to have a look at the websites mentioned on here, they look like just the sort of thing I have been looking for. Thanks!

For free patterns, tutorials and inspiration on what to make try www.craftster.org they have knitting and crochet sections, along with all sorts of other crafts. I have used a few tutorials from the sewing section recently and made a couple of lovely bags. It's a great site to trawl through if you have a bit of time, I always end up with a massive list of things to make, shame I haven't got time to tackle it all!

plumduff55

Hi, My DD is still wearing a jumper I knitted her about 14 years ago (when she was 13). I think it is a magic jumper as it has grown with her - or maybe it's just my knitting ! LOL

DD has lived and travelled abroad now for 3 years , yet everytime she comes home she brings this unbelievably tatty jumper with her- and still wears it!

Anyway, I have just bought very simliar wool from ebay (costing £7.30 inc postage) and am going to knit a copy jumper for her (excluding the holes and pulled threads , of course).

She is coming home for her first Christmas in 3 years and I will hopefully surprise her with a new jumper and if I am really successful BIN THE OLD ONE !!!

Happy knitting.

Hardup_Hester

I knit & crochet & love both, I find crochet easier for traveling, I'm making pot covers, with beads round the edges & find the easy to do even on a crowded train.

Ishtar

Hi all
Just thinking about the discussion about expensive vs cheaper yarn. I've been sorting through DDs clothes and have noticed how many of them are starting to sag. She has a lot of cardigans and jumpers that have been knitted by members of my family and by myself.

Many of them have been knitted with the 'correct' yarn and others using cheaper wool from Wilkinsons, and I have to say that the stretching is pretty much across the board.

It got me thinking that perhaps longevity of garments is dependant on factors other than price, such as how often it has to be washed (DD is 3 in December, so they get washed a lot). I have quite a loose tension and this has probably not helped them keep their shape...

Then again, I've got a couple of jumpers I made myself, using the 'right' (ie. expensive) yarn, which have lasted ages - but which don't get washed (or worn) nearly as often. So perhaps this is a good reason to splash out occasionally?

Who knows what the answer is - all I know is that I've got to get knitting or else she'll have nothing for the winter!! (Yet another excuse to go wool shopping...:j)

D.

(Who's now got too many things on the go: Scarf for MIL xmas pressie, Thomas the Tank Engine jumper for DD, Toy pirate for DD xmas pressie, innocent smoothie hats...)

mocolo

Ishtar wrote: »

(Who's now got too many things on the go: Scarf for MIL xmas pressie, Thomas the Tank Engine jumper for DD, Toy pirate for DD xmas pressie, innocent smoothie hats...)

but isn't that normal for knitters! I have a teapot cosy, scarf, hat band to finish off and some felting projects all on the go at the moment. You help me to feel normal!

sticher

Hi, I have recently taken up knitting again after many years and am currently knitting a heart shaped cushion for my nieces Xmas pressie, using eyelash yarn.

I have bought quite a bit of wool from Yarnparadise (on Ebay) and the eyelash is working out to less than 60p per ball including P&P.

ktpie

I popped into my local instores today and they had some clearance packs of yarn. Some stuff called funky knit (which I believe is like the "eyelash" type, not sure) packs of 3x50g balls reduced from £3 to £2 in various colours. I got a lara lamb beanie kit which is 3 balls (50g) of some feathery edged yarn (don't know what you call it!) 2 balls of black and one of grey and it has a pattern for making a beanie, I think there were some other kits (might go back and have another look tomorrow!) this was also £3 reduced to £2. I also picked up a pack of baby soft double knit wool (4x50g) for £2 which is the normal price. Probably not the best quality stuff but I got a big bag full for £10 so this should keep me busy for a while!

ampersand

Just discovered this:

http://www.yarndex.com/yarn.cfm?yarn_id=2250 -

Although this seems to be an American site, it has allowed me at last to correctly identify my sock wool.

Works as a yarn index - really useful.

Ches

Littlebean wrote: »

I'm in the Cambridge/Essex area if anyone knows of any.

For all wool, fabric and other handicraft supplies try Franklins of Colchester, Chelmsford, Dovercourt and I think Ipswich. Also the co-ops in most of those places.

taralou

A big hi to everyone on this thread!!! I realise it is a couple of years old but have just come across it!!!! So hoping some of you are still out there!
I have recently taken up knitting again and am really enjoying it, making kiddies stuff and toys etc.:T After reading some of the threads about the price of yarn/wool it had made me wonder what we all REALLY want?? Do we want expensive one off's or loads of cheap items (from e bay) that knit up really well and don't worry about the cost. I too am having problems with the cost so can anyone tell me if e bay is the best place to go?? or am I better going to a good wool shop?