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Post by SweetieBugs on Apr 21, 2017 16:34:24 GMT
Thanks pjaye and gillyp. I'll kick it around in my mind today and try to decide. I'm glad to hear your perspectives that it should have a dark background. I really do LOVE the colors and it would look really nice in my bedroom as a bedrunner or in our formal living room draped on the couch or hanging on a "blanket rod" or similar display.
Pjaye, I've purchased some more yarn to start a Sophie as well as I'm going to try a Charlotte's dream square and hope to make that blanket all using DK weight (the PaintBox Cotton DK for the sophie and some Scheepjes Softfun Aquarel for the Charlotte) so I'm hoping to get more comfortable with what are to me "lighter weight" yarns. It's really all perspective as I learned using the I Love This Yarn and virtually all my projects so far have been using that aran weight. It's so fun to have so many things to look forward to. Something about working with pretty yarns really boosts my overall spirit. Please keep posting your projects as I always enjoy seeing them.
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Post by baylorgrad on Apr 21, 2017 18:38:39 GMT
I haven't picked up my crochet hook or knitting needles for several weeks now -- just haven't been motivated. I have a hat nearly completed except for closing the top -- which means the Kitchener stitch, according to the pattern. That might be one of my tasks this weekend.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2017 19:40:50 GMT
I'm attempting this Victorian Lattice with the Paint Box cotton. I went down to a 3.5 hook as it looked too loopy with the 4, happy with how the first square has turned out  |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 21, 2017 19:53:26 GMT
I'm am truly amazed by how fast some of you complete projects. I did five rows this week on my ripple and I am feeling pretty accomplished. Ha. If only I could bring in my projects to work on when work gets slow I might actually be able to get stuff completed.
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Post by disneypal on Apr 21, 2017 20:08:34 GMT
I'm am truly amazed by how fast some of you complete projects. I did five rows this week on my ripple and I am feeling pretty accomplished. Ha. If only I could bring in my projects to work on when work gets slow I might actually be able to get stuff completed. Same here - although work is NEVER slow but it would be nice to knit or crochet while I am in a meeting that I don't feel like I really should be in anyway - LOL!! After work, I go to the gym on most days and that only leaves a couple of hours a day (at most) to work on what I really want to I am making progress (finally) on my knitted shawl though - I don't know how many pattern repeats to do (you just knit it for 6 feet). I've done 8 pattern repeats now and am getting a little bit faster with it. But still...not a lot of time to work on it so it takes a while to do. Have you been able to work on your sweater? Save |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 21, 2017 20:21:47 GMT
I've just had a rough week emotionally this week. Parenting teens is tough. So I've defaulted to working on my ripple afghan because it's pretty mindless. I plan to work some on my sweater on Sunday while DH watched NASCAR.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2017 21:05:37 GMT
So I tried the mandala madness and promptly quit. There were too many starts and stops in the first 7 rows. I don't want to spend so much time deciding the instructions.
I am just going to work a afgan that I have been knitting on for 2 months.
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2017 21:15:23 GMT
I'm am truly amazed by how fast some of you complete projects. I did five rows this week on my ripple and I am feeling pretty accomplished. Ha. If only I could bring in my projects to work on when work gets slow I might actually be able to get stuff completed. I'm so slow it's ridiculous, it literally took me three hours to make one square! Lord knows when it will be a full blanket. Save |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 21, 2017 22:09:17 GMT
I'm am truly amazed by how fast some of you complete projects. I did five rows this week on my ripple and I am feeling pretty accomplished. Ha. If only I could bring in my projects to work on when work gets slow I might actually be able to get stuff completed. I finally finished 11 brain hats for my mil and her friend. I started them in Feb. But to be fair, I didn't focus on them and made 30+ pillows and a bunch of other stuff. Stupid me forgot to take a picture of the pile. Hopefully Mil shares a picture tomorrow. |
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Post by gillyp on Apr 21, 2017 23:08:41 GMT
I've had that Victorian Lattice saved for a while. It's so pretty. Hope you will show us how it comes on lainey |
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Post by pjaye on Apr 22, 2017 2:23:04 GMT
m attempting this Victorian Lattice with the Paint Box cotton. I went down to a 3.5 hook as it looked too loopy with the 4, happy with how the first square has turned out 
I haven't seen those squares before, they're lovely!
Are you going to do them in all the colours you have or just a select few?
I find that making one whole square takes longer...but doing them production line style is faster because you do the same part over and over again your brain gets to know the pattern and you don't have to count so often. I'd do several of the center circles first, then move on to the first 'loopy' row or two for all, and then finish them all off.
I also find it more relaxing doing it that way because I can get into a rhythm and don't have to keep looking at the pattern.
My star blanket only took me a week, but there's almost no counting in that and every row is the same. |
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 22, 2017 2:47:53 GMT
pjaye, how did you do a blanket in a week? So envious. I can't even imagine. I am a three projects going at once kind of girl so I don't get bored. My goal for this year was to finish two afghans and a sweater. I finished four afghans in 2016. That's about my limit.
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Post by pjaye on Apr 22, 2017 3:30:36 GMT
pjaye, how did you do a blanket in a week? Sorry, I mis-typed, I meant the star blanket (posted in this thread) not the full ripple blanket Those do work up fast I find. Plus not having kids or a husband helps a LOT in terms of crochet time available! |
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Post by Deleted on Apr 22, 2017 8:51:10 GMT
m attempting this Victorian Lattice with the Paint Box cotton. I went down to a 3.5 hook as it looked too loopy with the 4, happy with how the first square has turned out
I haven't seen those squares before, they're lovely!
Are you going to do them in all the colours you have or just a select few?
I find that making one whole square takes longer...but doing them production line style is faster because you do the same part over and over again your brain gets to know the pattern and you don't have to count so often. I'd do several of the center circles first, then move on to the first 'loopy' row or two for all, and then finish them all off.
I also find it more relaxing doing it that way because I can get into a rhythm and don't have to keep looking at the pattern.
My star blanket only took me a week, but there's almost no counting in that and every row is the same. The plan is to use all the colours, we'll see how far I get! I always lose patience with making squares, I'll try the production line style and see if I get on any better. This is my first square, it's a bit wibbly and much more peachy in the flesh  Save |
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Post by KelleeM on Apr 22, 2017 9:08:23 GMT
lainey ...I love that square! I'm sure your blanket will be gorgeous! I received my order from Wool Warehouse this week. I'd like to thank the crafty Peas who have sung their praises. The Special DK yarn is lovely and I really enjoy working with it. I started the hydrangea blanket last night and am going to attempt to make it throw size. I ordered 7 extra skeins hoping I can make two throws.
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Post by shelledpea on Apr 22, 2017 18:02:33 GMT
Just finished this Quilt of Valor for my son who is currently deployed. It's been kind of like a prayer shawl as it seems like I was worrying and praying for him the whole time I worked on it. I'll give it to him when he returns in August. (Don't know why it turns sideways when I click on the pic. lol.) Attachments:
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Post by jeremysgirl on Apr 22, 2017 18:11:17 GMT
Just finished this Quilt of Valor for my son who is currently deployed. It's been kind of like a prayer shawl as it seems like I was worrying and praying for him the whole time I worked on it. I'll give it to him when he returns in August. (Don't know why it turns sideways when I click on the pic. lol.) It's beautiful! Excellent job. |
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Post by KelleeM on Apr 22, 2017 19:41:02 GMT
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Post by gillyp on Apr 22, 2017 23:15:48 GMT
shelledpea, that's beautiful. What a lovely gift. I'm sure your son will treasure it.
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Post by KelleeM on Apr 22, 2017 23:57:20 GMT
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Post by SweetieBugs on Apr 23, 2017 1:04:45 GMT
I swear sometimes I'm losing my mind!!! I was sure I had placed an order with Wool Warehouse and never received a confirmation email. I logged onto my account and there was nothing pending. I chalked it up to me being an air head and went ahead a few days later and placed my order. I received two packages last week on two separate days...labeled 1 of 2 and 2 of 2. Tonight dh and I came home and there's another package at my door labeled 1 of 2. I thought for sure they made a mistake but checked my credit card just in case...no mistake on their part! I will probably receive my other package on Monday and will then have two full hydrangea blanket kits and 16 extra skeins of various colors from the kit (two each of 6 or 7 colors). I'm glad I really like this yarn...and now I'll be busy for quite some time!!    |
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Post by SweetieBugs on Apr 23, 2017 1:11:38 GMT
Can you experienced yarn ladies give me some advice? I am wanting the pros and cons of using 100% wool vs 100% acrylic vs 100% cotton vs a cotton/acrylic mix. I received some new yarn I ordered from Wool Warehouse--Scheepjes Soft Fun Aquarel. It is 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. I am finding it pretty hard to work with as there is virtually no "give" to the yarn and it "sticks" to the crochet hook instead of sliding so you tend to fight with the yarn quite a bit.
I've played around with some Drops Merino Extra Fine yarn which is 100% wool and I found it very easy and nice to work with. The stitch definition is really nice and it slides on the hook and have a nice, but not too much, give to it.
I want to make a Charlotte's Dream blanket and think it would work best with the Drops Merino Extra Fine 100% wool. I have 2 to 3 skeins of at least 12 different colors and there is a very nice cream, light grey and then 3 different purples and 3 different blues that would look really nice in this blanket (of course, I'd need to order lots more grey and cream).
So, my question is, if I want to make a good effort to make a really special blanket, is it a bad idea to use this yarn? I really don't know anything about the performance and benefits/drawbacks to using wool so I'd really appreciate some advice from some that have that experience. Thanks.
ETA I do want to say that the color variation in the Scheepjes Soft Fun Aquarel is really pretty, especially the light grey and dark grey (Cloudescape and Cityscape).
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Post by pjaye on Apr 23, 2017 5:33:34 GMT
It is 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. I am finding it pretty hard to work with as there is virtually no "give" to the yarn and it "sticks" to the crochet hook instead of sliding so you tend to fight with the yarn quite a bit. Cotton is a plant fiber and therefore has less give than either wool or acrylic. However I've worked with it while it is a little firmer, I've never had it stick to a hook...it might be the type of hook you are using, or maybe you need to loosen up on your tension. Plus as you've already said, you've had a preference for a certain type of yarn, so there's going to be a period of adjustment when you start with a different type of yarn but as you use it, you'll work out how to handle it to make working with it smoother. The main differences in the yarns are the cost, and how to wash it. Doing something in pure wool or pure cotton will be more expensive than in acrylic. Also acrylic you can wash in the washing machine and therefore is often more practical if an item will get dirty and need to be washed more often. With wool you run the risk of it 'felting' in the washing machine so it's often hand wash only. Cotton will be heavier than either wool or acrylic and will be harder to work with if it's a large item and will end up being really 'heavy ' when washed as well. That's why they often add acrylic to wool and cotton, to make it less expensive and also lighter to use and more practical to wash. Basically there's no right or wrong, it's all about personal preference. If you love the wool and the cost isn't prohibitive, then make it in wool, but be aware that you'll probably have to hand wash it. Personally I'd probably persevere with the Soft Fun Aquarel if you bought all the colours and just try a different hook and work with it until you get used to it. Why did you get the Soft Fun Aquarel when the original oaten is in the Stonewashed? It's very similar and a bigger range of colours. I would probably have gone with the Stonewashed for this if you want to make it like the original. I used the stonewashed for my shawl and like working with it, although it isn't easy to frog. |
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Post by JoP on Apr 23, 2017 6:23:42 GMT
I went to Wonder Wool yesterday - it's an exhibition and show. I may have come home with 30 balls of wool and a new crochet hook đđ.
I've finished a vintage inspired continuous granny square blanket for my sister and have started the hydrangea blanket. I'm struggling to post pictures from my ipad grrr
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Post by Deleted on Apr 23, 2017 11:21:16 GMT
I went to Wonder Wool yesterday - it's an exhibition and show. I may have come home with 30 balls of wool and a new crochet hook đđ. 30 balls What did you get? KelleeM I think that's what they call a happy accident  SaveSave |
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Post by KelleeM on Apr 23, 2017 11:36:31 GMT
I went to Wonder Wool yesterday - it's an exhibition and show. I may have come home with 30 balls of wool and a new crochet hook đđ. 30 balls What did you get? KelleeM I think that's what they call a happy accident SaveSaveI sort of agree...LOL! I looked at my account on WW again this morning and the first order still doesn't show up. I've emailed them to let them know of this glitch. |
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Post by JoP on Apr 23, 2017 12:37:47 GMT
I went to Wonder Wool yesterday - it's an exhibition and show. I may have come home with 30 balls of wool and a new crochet hook đđ. 30 balls What did you get? KelleeM I think that's what they call a happy accident SaveSave more style craft special dk đđ |
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Post by SweetieBugs on Apr 23, 2017 14:51:21 GMT
It is 60% cotton and 40% acrylic. I am finding it pretty hard to work with as there is virtually no "give" to the yarn and it "sticks" to the crochet hook instead of sliding so you tend to fight with the yarn quite a bit. Cotton is a plant fiber and therefore has less give than either wool or acrylic. However I've worked with it while it is a little firmer, I've never had it stick to a hook...it might be the type of hook you are using, or maybe you need to loosen up on your tension. Plus as you've already said, you've had a preference for a certain type of yarn, so there's going to be a period of adjustment when you start with a different type of yarn but as you use it, you'll work out how to handle it to make working with it smoother. The main differences in the yarns are the cost, and how to wash it. Doing something in pure wool or pure cotton will be more expensive than in acrylic. Also acrylic you can wash in the washing machine and therefore is often more practical if an item will get dirty and need to be washed more often. With wool you run the risk of it 'felting' in the washing machine so it's often hand wash only. Cotton will be heavier than either wool or acrylic and will be harder to work with if it's a large item and will end up being really 'heavy ' when washed as well. That's why they often add acrylic to wool and cotton, to make it less expensive and also lighter to use and more practical to wash. Basically there's no right or wrong, it's all about personal preference. If you love the wool and the cost isn't prohibitive, then make it in wool, but be aware that you'll probably have to hand wash it. Personally I'd probably persevere with the Soft Fun Aquarel if you bought all the colours and just try a different hook and work with it until you get used to it. Why did you get the Soft Fun Aquarel when the original oaten is in the Stonewashed? It's very similar and a bigger range of colours. I would probably have gone with the Stonewashed for this if you want to make it like the original. I used the stonewashed for my shawl and like working with it, although it isn't easy to frog. |
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suzastampin
Pearl Clutcher
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Post by suzastampin on Apr 23, 2017 17:47:24 GMT
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Post by SweetieBugs on Apr 23, 2017 21:50:57 GMT
suzastampin, your blanket, sweater and hat are so cute and the colors are wonderful (it is amazing that you used 2 different brands of yarn for these as they certainly looks like a matched set).
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