Yarn ?

[maciec]

I have just been taught how to knit. My girlfriend started me out on a skein of Lion Brand Yarn, however, I have used it all up. I am going to get more so that I can finish my first scarf. I would like to go on to make a queen sized blanket for my bed.

Here are my questions:

1) how many skeins do I need to make a queen size blanket?
2) what brands do you recommend?
3) where is the cheapest place to buy yarn? is e-bay? what should I look for when buying off of e-bay should this be the route I choose?

I don't know any of the knitting terminology so please be gentle why replying so that I will understand.

Thanks!

 

[piratesmate]

I can't answer most of your questions, but wanted to say be careful to buy all you need at the same time & check the dye lots! It always amazes me at the difference between lots. It's not like buying paper, where every time you go back for a ream of rose or blue you get stuff that matches.

For something the size of a queen sized bed, you could end up with stripes if you don't get it all at the same time.

 

[RumpleMom]

I second the importance of buying all of the yarn at once because of dye lot. Some yarn will say no dye lot, but don't take the chance for such a large project that will take a long time to complete.

Might I make a suggestion, since you are new to knitting, are your stitches uniform? I would suggest doing a smaller project like a scarf before the bedspread. This will give you practice and a feeling of success for completing something. This way you could measure your gauge( measure how many stitches you get to every 4 inches) and calculate the yarn from that. Good luck

Knitting is my stress relief, well, second to the DIS!

 

[WDW Poly Princess]

I'm just learning, too. One important thing that I just learned is that there's a little picture on the yarn label that tells you what size needles to use. (Obvious, I guess, but I didn't know!).

I am in looove with Lion Brand chenille yarn- it's beautiful and soft, and because it's so thick, I can make a scarf with it in no time! Plus, with the thickness, you can't see mistakes much at all!

 

[Reenieny18]

MACIEC.. go to LION BRAND.com web site.. they have such a helpful site... If you have a MICHEALS, or AC MOORE near you they always have books and afgans books that can help you. You need to know what gauge needle you are using to tell how many skeins you need. And you are right that you have to be sure about the DYE LOTS...

I went to a few classes too.. that helped tune up what the books didnt tell me..
Have fun.
Doreen

 

[maciec]

Classes? Didn't know there were classes! Sounds great where do I sign up? Thanks for the help!

 

[Reenieny18]

Yes go to LION BRAND.com and they have how to crochet and knit.. and most craft stores have classes too. In fact my son learned to knit today better than I did..

Use the internet too..
Doreen

 

[maciec]

Thanks for the info about the website. I checked it out a little and it looks as if it will help me a lot!

 

[Tink the Rock Star]

I crochet... and I am an addict. I've found Walmart to have the cheapest yarn, and a very wide selection. I like using Red Heart, but I have recently started using Bernat as well. I made a Double size blanket for my bed, a blanket for my boyfriend and one for my grandmother. I like to use baby soft yarn, again, both Red heart and Bernat are amazing. Since this would be something on your bed and you and your girlfriend would probably like to snuggle up together with this blanket, go for baby soft yarn. Baby soft yarn is exactly that, Soft! However, it usually only comes in pastel colors. If such colors are what you were thinking about, then your good to go. But if you wanted deeper, richer colors try TLC Ultra Soft (TLC would be located with Red Heart yarn since its a branch of that company). I found TLC Ultra Soft just like baby soft, plus is had a texture that is a bit more silky. It comes in beautiful colors, right now I'm using this yarn in a deep Saphire color for a sweater I'm making.

So, I have been a bit long winded..... but my main point is... when your making something that will be in close proximity with your skin, make sure its nice and soft and doesn't irritate the skin.

I hope I've been some help!

Have fun knitting!

Jen