Yarn 101 – What YOU Need to Know

Have you ever been in a yarn shop?

No, I’m not talking about a big box store OR a craft store where you find an aisle or two of yarn and knitting supplies. NO, not them. Although I’m partial to A.C. Moore, I must say!

A traditional spinning wheel

A real live yarn shop. Have you been? Put one on your bucket list because it really will lift your spirits! They are some of the nicest places you’ll ever find.

And a real-live yarn shop is a find. There is just something about opening the door and wandering in; be prepared for a shock to your senses. The further in you go, the more enticing it becomes. Usually the store owner has a real penchant for design; and there will be yarn falling out of crates or draped over shelves. More yarn will adorn corners and little nooks. Windows will be dressed in some of the most beautiful colors you’ve ever seen.

I’m thinking of a yarn shop I used to frequent.  It was in Milford PA. It’s closed because the owner moved away. Just the fact that it was in an historic building in a corner spot made it just that much more appealing. Opening the door you were usually greeted by the owner’s little dog, complete with her own knitted sweater. Then it was on to the yarn.

The store was chock full of yarn and finished projects and knitting gadgets, magazines, knitting needles and an area in the back with a great big wooden table where you could come in, drop your knitting on the table, grab a chair and get comfortable.

I recall the day we left Pennsylvania and I drove me and my dogs through Milford on our way to Ocean County NJ. We were stopped at the red light (the only one in town) and I looked over at the yarn shop; the open sign was outside the front door and I said to myself, “one of these days I’ll come back, just to visit!” Little did I know that the owner had plans of her own.

All manner of yarn.

I just LOVE buying yarn. It’s one of my favorite things to do! Knitting, of course, is so therapeutic and you can read more about that right here.

white basket with colored yarns and knitting needles

When you learn how to knit, chances are you’ll buy some yarn, any yarn, and try to learn the two basic stitches, knit and purl. It’s LOTS of practice, so if you’ve done this before, and weren’t successful, grab your yarn and needles and try again.

Over and over and over and over again.

I love posting pictures of things I’ve knitted over the years. Here’s the link to my Etsy store. But, here’s the thing!

Not every thing I knit turns out so well. Not everything over the years, looked so good, so perfect. I can’t begin to tell you how many times something went wrong; maybe my inattention to the instructions, or just making a silly mistake and not realizing it until it was too late, or

JUST TAKING ON A PROJECT THAT WAS WAY TOO ADVANCED FOR ME.

Now, that’s the biggest culprit, and even today I like to stick to my easy patterns. And here’s why:

Because with the right yarn and colors, whatever you knit will look absolutely beautiful!

Like my Lilac afghan.

Lilac afghan

Now, tell me, is that not pretty? And the pattern is SO simple, and to sit while you’re babysitting or watching a movie, or TV or talking with friends or family, this is what you can create, too!

When you go looking for yarn, how do you know what to buy? What yarn is right?

Huh?!

Are you wondering what’s the difference between fibers? Why should you buy from one company as opposed to another? Have you looked at the price tag on some yarns? Pretty pricey!

When you look through any knitting magazine, you may find yourself getting more confused. Pretty yarns, and gorgeous patterns, and what should I buy?

Well, here’s a short list of yarns that are VERY popular and usually the ones you’ll find yourself knitting with over and over. They just do a good job.

Cotton Yarns.

There are a variety of companies that produce cotton yarns. Some of the most popular name brands are Sugar ‘n Cream, Peaches ‘n Creme, Lion Brand, and Bernat Handicrafter yarns.

Cotton yarn is different from anything else you’ll knit with. For me, cotton yarn is easy to use. Especially when you have to backtrack! (And, trust me, if you knit, you’ll backtrack.) Cotton fabric is popular for summer tops or curtains, and other items you’ll want to knit for your home. Like placemats.

Placemat in cotton yarn

Pretty!

Cotton yarn is so versatile. You can make many different things with cotton yarn. Some items to knit with cotton yarn are summer tops, dishcloths, headbands, wristbands, baby blankets, pet blankets, small handbags, coasters, cellphone or water bottle holders, Christmas ornaments, and curtains.

Soft Acrylic Yarns.

This type of yarn is THE most popular of all. When I first starting knitting, all you found was acrylic yarn. And it was so scratchy and icky, that I wouldn’t knit anything to wear.

Now, acrylic yarn comes in so many varieties and so any yarn companies put them out. My favorites are Red Heart and Caron Simply Soft. I defy you NOT to find a color that’s gorgeous!

Most of my afghans and sweaters are knit in soft acrylic. Besides feeling so soft against your skin, they are priced right.

Ocean Bue Afghan

Soft acrylic yarn feels so good and looks so good!

Acrylic yarns come in many different name brands. Some of my favorites are Caron Simply Soft Red Heart, Vanna White, and Lion Brand.

Funny thing is, you may not find these particular brands in yarn shops. Yarn shops like to awaken your senses with yarns like Noro, Malabrigo yarns, Skacel yarns, Filatura Di Crosa yarn, and many local yarns which have been hand-spun. Colors are like nothing you’ve seen before, but they can be costly per skein or ball.

Then again, if you want something really special for that treasured someone, yarns such as these will make that impact. I’m telling you, as a long-time knitter, that you will use the cottons and acrylics more than anything.

Of course, don’t let that stop you from wandering through that yarn shop in town. You’ll find there’s a spot usually in the back where you can bring your yarn and knit, or learn how to knit. Lots of knitters, lots of good talk, lots of just feeling like you belong.

That’s knitting!

Just another way to use “Homekeeping Inspirations for Crafting Your Best Life!”