Crocheting:
I have finally started my Cath Kidston inspired granny square blanket. I've been wanting to make one of these for awhile, but just never found the time. Although I have two other large Christmas projects in the works, I figured I start this one too. It is a really simple project. Once the first few rows are complete, it is smooth sailing. It doesn't require much thought either, so I should be able to whip up this blanket in no time.
One thing I have learned while starting this blanket is that the yarn is super important. I prefer acrylic yarn, which I know a lot of crocheters and knitters frown upon, but I like it (plus it is cheap)! I started out using all Red Heart yarn, which is so not a good yarn for a large granny blanket. It was too stiff and didn't allow the corners to shape well. I switched to include Lion Brand Vanna's Choice (my absolute favorite yarn), and it has worked so much better. As long as I put the Red Heart yarn in between two rows of Lion Brand it is fine.
Reading:
Late last year I won a $25 gift certificate to Knit Picks. If you've been on the website then you know how awesome it is! I had a really hard time deciding how to spend my $25, but after much deliberating I chose 2 skeins of peach yarn and Granny Square Love by Sarah London. I absolutely love this book. It includes some of the granny projects that I've been wanting to try, like a granny lampshade and a granny headboard. It also has a super cute pattern for a granny tea cozy, which I think is going to be my next granny square project!
Linking to Yarn Along and WIP Wednesday.
You have no idea how much I want to crochet. My attempt to teach myself didn't go too well. Your work is beautiful. It's so nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteYou can't go wrong using any yarn on never ending granny square ghan. I like Red Heart after it's been washed it's really not stiff; just a bit so when working with it. But, Caron is my go to WW acrylic yarn and is much softer then Red Heart. Buying it in the pounders is the cheapest way to go. They wash up and hold up well. Vanna I think is over priced, considering the skein are smaller and it's really not any better quality.
ReplyDeleteThis makes me want to take up the hook again. I don't think I've crocheted anything since December. Looking forward to seeing your progress on the blanket!
ReplyDeletereally pretty!
ReplyDeleteI don't think there's anything wrong with acrylic yarn! I use it all the time, am yet to make a blanket with it yet though.
Seamlessdays: Thanks so much! I taught myself via the internet. I can't remember the site that I used, but there are a lot of great ones. I'm a very visual person, so try the Knit Witch on YouTube. She has tutorials for all of the basic steps! Once you get the hang of it, you'll be crocheting all of the time.
ReplyDeleteSandy: I'm so glad to hear about the Red Heart yarn being softer after washing. That makes me feel better. You are right about Vanna being expensive. I only buy it when I have a coupon or the store is offering a deal.
Molly: Yes, pick up your hook. :) Maybe we'll do a simple crochet a long in the fall. Scarves are easy to whip up!
Omlair: So glad to see another acrylic yarn lover! I'm always chastised by my fellow yarnies for using acrylic yarn. :)