What project will you work on?

I am curious what project and yarn each of us is going to try and why.

Do you need help picking a first time project and yarn? Here are some tips:

Yarn

- worsted weight is great for beginning projects because it is easy to see the
stitches and "read" your work.

- cotton/silk/bamboo/acrylic re NOT a good fiber choice for first
project. They don't have much give so any inconsistencies in stitches
tend to show up more. Wool/alpaca/blends are more forgiving and will also respond
well to blocking to even out stitch gauge and shaping.

Pattern

Balance the complication - simple stitches or single color with more advanced
shaping OR several stitch types or colors with simple shaping. Since all
crochet stitches are based on the chain, don't be afraid of trying a pattern
with more than single crochet and double crochet stitches. We can help
you through the tricky parts.

Most of all, pick a yarn and pattern that you really love to invest your time
and talent in!

Tags: choosing project, crochet pattern, crochet yarn, first time crochet

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Marilyn Monroig on June 7, 2010 at 6:31am

Hi
I think I would try the Granny Shrug too. It is simple yet an interesting way to create a garment. But in a worsted weight yarn for my daughter, she is almost 8 years. I guess that the size could be done as you crochet and try it on.

Permalink Reply by KnitterGirl39 on November 24, 2010 at 9:23am

That shrug is just to cute to not try. How many of the Shine worsted skeins do you think would be needed if double stranding them? I am not to good at substitution of yarn.

Permalink Reply by Kim on June 5, 2010 at 1:41pm

I'm tackling a crocheted lace shawl... Diamonds Shawl from the upcoming book from Interweave, Crochet So Fine -- this book will be available first part of July... awesome projects! Gives me a new perspective on crochet... I'm using Stroll Tonal in Gypsy - a gorgeous red... a rather ambitious project but I'm so excited to get going on it! I'll update you as the project moves along... I'll post pictures next week...

Permalink Reply by Allison Harding on June 7, 2010 at 12:16pm

Kim this book has so many amazing projects I can't wait to get a copy. Kristin Omdahl is one of my fav designers. She is very innovative.

The Diamonds shawl is spectacular. I'd like to try the belted shawl as well.

Permalink Reply by Kim on June 7, 2010 at 12:24pm

I was eyeing the belted shawl as well, it's gorgeous! - and it's in my color!!!

Permalink Reply by Angela on June 7, 2010 at 8:30am

I'm going to try to make a few of these lamps with different colors of CotLin. I bookmarked this blog post ages ago, hopefully the CAL will give me the motivation to get 'em done!

http://resurrectionfern.typepad.com/resurrection_fern/2008/07/croch...

Permalink Reply by Karen J on June 7, 2010 at 8:50am

Angela, those are so cool!

Permalink Reply by Kim on June 7, 2010 at 8:51am

those are so cool... I might have to take a look at those too!!!

Permalink Reply by Allison Harding on June 7, 2010 at 12:13pm

These are really beautiful! I have done similar just dipping different string/yarn in modpodge and wrapping around the balloon. I REALLY like the idea of them being crocheted. Thanks for sharing these.

Permalink Reply by Jennifer Greiner on June 7, 2010 at 12:23pm

I am going to do a backpack pattern i found on Lion Brand. I have a HUGE roll of Sensations brushed yarn that someone gave me and i havent thought about what to do with it. The color is Berry rainbow and it is 100% Acrylic. I like the acrylics but since i have been introduced to merino and alpaca, i am trying to get away from it. lol I just have to wiat till next month to afford it. :D

Permalink Reply by Allison Harding on June 7, 2010 at 12:43pm

Acrylics are great for things like backpacks that you want to be durable and washable. Thank goodness for KP making more yarns affordable and accessible to us!

Permalink Reply by Jane Spaulding on June 7, 2010 at 2:34pm

Jennifer, I have tons of acrylic yarn and use it for anything that I want to be easy care and hold up forever. Things like amigurumi's and purses are really great in good old Red Heart Super Saver. There are some very nice, soft acrylic yarns too and they can be used for lots of other things.

That being said, I have been doing some research because so many people (me included) love baby items made from soft acrylic because it holds up and can be machine washed. However, anyone who uses it for garments should know that it is extremely dangerous around flames and even the best baby yarns I have been able to find are not treated to be flame resistant.

I have been looking for a way to change that, maybe something you can spray on or wash the fiber in to make them flame retardant.

Do any of you on the staff here have any thoughts on this?