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La Tricoteuse
Warming Up
52 Posts |
 Posted - 07/27/2003 : 6:17:39 PM
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Hello knitters all,
Sitting here in the sweltering heat I have been consoling myself with the thought that surely winter must come eventually. To reassure myself of this fact I've been planning my winter clothes. Since I've just moved from Florida to a place that actually has winter, goody!, this has been very interesting. However, I've come to the realization that there's no way I can afford to knit all the things I'd like to. Sigh. In fact I can barely afford to use anything pricier than your standard Wal-mart fare. But I'm determined to use wool, even if it means sitting in the dark a lot. Which (finally) brings me to my query.
How do you keep the cost of knitting down, but still use good quality yarn?
I've been thinking that if I stuck to one style (Aran, fair isle, or whatever), then that might be less expensive, less books to buy, etc. Along the same lines, if I mostly used the same brand (or at least the same weight) of yarn then I would need fewer needles, and would have an easier time using up leftovers. Would that work? Does anyone else do this?
Which brings up another question. I just love the complicated and intricate things like Aran, Fair Isle, and Scandinavian knitting, but it seems to be that these use a lot more yarn that plain-er knitting. I know cables take up extra yarn, good for warmth, bad for budget. I've not yet made any Fair Isle things, but it seems like they would take twice as much yarn as a one color sweater, is this so?
Any thoughts or ideas would be much appreciated! |
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orange
New Pal
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 6:43:28 PM
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| Iknow exactly where you are coming from. When I started knitting, I only bought yarn at Wal*Mart or Hobby Lobby. The thing is that you can make some really nice stuff out of Lion Brand Yarn-they have wool-and as far as instruction goes, I got most of my stuff off the 'net. Absolutely free! They have patterns, instructions, everything on various websites around. That is how I did it. I still don't spend a whole lot on yarn or patterns. |
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orange
New Pal
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 6:43:28 PM
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| Iknow exactly where you are coming from. When I started knitting, I only bought yarn at Wal*Mart or Hobby Lobby. The thing is that you can make some really nice stuff out of Lion Brand Yarn-they have wool-and as far as instruction goes, I got most of my stuff off the 'net. Absolutely free! They have patterns, instructions, everything on various websites around. That is how I did it. I still don't spend a whole lot on yarn or patterns. |
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orange
New Pal
USA
8 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 6:43:28 PM
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| Iknow exactly where you are coming from. When I started knitting, I only bought yarn at Wal*Mart or Hobby Lobby. The thing is that you can make some really nice stuff out of Lion Brand Yarn-they have wool-and as far as instruction goes, I got most of my stuff off the 'net. Absolutely free! They have patterns, instructions, everything on various websites around. That is how I did it. I still don't spend a whole lot on yarn or patterns. |
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achrisvet
Permanent Resident
USA
5986 Posts |
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achrisvet
Permanent Resident
USA
5986 Posts |
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achrisvet
Permanent Resident
USA
5986 Posts |
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mtchen
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
564 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 8:05:33 PM
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It's definitely hard to compromise the cost of yarn these days, especially since I tend to gravitate toward expensive or luxury yarns. I always try to buy yarn I want on sale or from EBay where I know for sure I'll get it at a discounted price. I have no problem hunting down the best price for any given yarn, even if it takes me a couple of days. But when all is said or done, knitting is still a pretty expensive "hobby" for me to have...
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mtchen
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
564 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 8:05:33 PM
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It's definitely hard to compromise the cost of yarn these days, especially since I tend to gravitate toward expensive or luxury yarns. I always try to buy yarn I want on sale or from EBay where I know for sure I'll get it at a discounted price. I have no problem hunting down the best price for any given yarn, even if it takes me a couple of days. But when all is said or done, knitting is still a pretty expensive "hobby" for me to have...
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mtchen
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
564 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 8:05:33 PM
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It's definitely hard to compromise the cost of yarn these days, especially since I tend to gravitate toward expensive or luxury yarns. I always try to buy yarn I want on sale or from EBay where I know for sure I'll get it at a discounted price. I have no problem hunting down the best price for any given yarn, even if it takes me a couple of days. But when all is said or done, knitting is still a pretty expensive "hobby" for me to have...
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Dot
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
350 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 10:27:55 PM
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I'll second Anita on the Paton's Classic Wool. The 100 grams is a whopping 223 or 224 yards. Merino. Knits nicely and comes in lots of colors. Beehive, which Anita mentioned, sells a swatch card which is worth buying, I think. http://www.beehivewool.com
I've ordered from them and found both the prices ($4 and change a ball when I ordered on the Paton's) and service excellent.
There are some nice patterns in Paton's own booklets using this yarn. Also, Kirsten Cowan specifies this yarn in several lovely patterns in "Irrestistible Knits."
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Dot
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
350 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 10:27:55 PM
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I'll second Anita on the Paton's Classic Wool. The 100 grams is a whopping 223 or 224 yards. Merino. Knits nicely and comes in lots of colors. Beehive, which Anita mentioned, sells a swatch card which is worth buying, I think. http://www.beehivewool.com
I've ordered from them and found both the prices ($4 and change a ball when I ordered on the Paton's) and service excellent.
There are some nice patterns in Paton's own booklets using this yarn. Also, Kirsten Cowan specifies this yarn in several lovely patterns in "Irrestistible Knits."
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Dot
Gabber Extraordinaire
USA
350 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 10:27:55 PM
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I'll second Anita on the Paton's Classic Wool. The 100 grams is a whopping 223 or 224 yards. Merino. Knits nicely and comes in lots of colors. Beehive, which Anita mentioned, sells a swatch card which is worth buying, I think. http://www.beehivewool.com
I've ordered from them and found both the prices ($4 and change a ball when I ordered on the Paton's) and service excellent.
There are some nice patterns in Paton's own booklets using this yarn. Also, Kirsten Cowan specifies this yarn in several lovely patterns in "Irrestistible Knits."
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lizknit
Permanent Resident
USA
1179 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 10:38:45 PM
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quote:
However, I've come to the realization that there's no way I can afford to knit all the things I'd like to. Sigh. In fact I can barely afford to use anything pricier than your standard Wal-mart fare. But I'm determined to use wool, even if it means sitting in the dark a lot. Which (finally) brings me to my query.
How do you keep the cost of knitting down, but still use good quality yarn?
Like you, I prefer to use wool when I can but there are some pretty nice blends out there which contain some wool but are generally less expensive than pure wool. As others have mentioned, eBay has some good bargains if you're patient. And two of my favorite online yarn stores, Smileys http://www.smileysyarns.com/ and Elann http://secure.elann.com/frames.asp both specialize in closeouts and oddballs. Their selection isn't as great as other stores but their prices are fantastic, more than making up for that shortcoming. If you decide to go that route, check the sites often because they're constantly introducing new merchandise.
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lizknit
Permanent Resident
USA
1179 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 10:38:45 PM
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quote:
However, I've come to the realization that there's no way I can afford to knit all the things I'd like to. Sigh. In fact I can barely afford to use anything pricier than your standard Wal-mart fare. But I'm determined to use wool, even if it means sitting in the dark a lot. Which (finally) brings me to my query.
How do you keep the cost of knitting down, but still use good quality yarn?
Like you, I prefer to use wool when I can but there are some pretty nice blends out there which contain some wool but are generally less expensive than pure wool. As others have mentioned, eBay has some good bargains if you're patient. And two of my favorite online yarn stores, Smileys http://www.smileysyarns.com/ and Elann http://secure.elann.com/frames.asp both specialize in closeouts and oddballs. Their selection isn't as great as other stores but their prices are fantastic, more than making up for that shortcoming. If you decide to go that route, check the sites often because they're constantly introducing new merchandise.
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lizknit
Permanent Resident
USA
1179 Posts |
Posted - 07/27/2003 : 10:38:45 PM
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quote:
However, I've come to the realization that there's no way I can afford to knit all the things I'd like to. Sigh. In fact I can barely afford to use anything pricier than your standard Wal-mart fare. But I'm determined to use wool, even if it means sitting in the dark a lot. Which (finally) brings me to my query.
How do you keep the cost of knitting down, but still use good quality yarn?
Like you, I prefer to use wool when I can but there are some pretty nice blends out there which contain some wool but are generally less expensive than pure wool. As others have mentioned, eBay has some good bargains if you're patient. And two of my favorite online yarn stores, Smileys http://www.smileysyarns.com/ and Elann http://secure.elann.com/frames.asp both specialize in closeouts and oddballs. Their selection isn't as great as other stores but their prices are fantastic, more than making up for that shortcoming. If you decide to go that route, check the sites often because they're constantly introducing new merchandise.
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Waffles
New Pal
United Kingdom
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2003 : 01:02:22 AM
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Hi there,
Dont know how you feel about ordering on line, but Colourway in the UK (www.colourway.co.uk) do excellent sale deals on Rowan and Jaeger, and there's no tax on orders sent outside the UK. They do shade cards too, and most of R & J yarns are top quality wools and cottons
Hope this helps,
Kathleen
xXx |
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Waffles
New Pal
United Kingdom
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2003 : 01:02:22 AM
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Hi there,
Dont know how you feel about ordering on line, but Colourway in the UK (www.colourway.co.uk) do excellent sale deals on Rowan and Jaeger, and there's no tax on orders sent outside the UK. They do shade cards too, and most of R & J yarns are top quality wools and cottons
Hope this helps,
Kathleen
xXx |
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Waffles
New Pal
United Kingdom
5 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2003 : 01:02:22 AM
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Hi there,
Dont know how you feel about ordering on line, but Colourway in the UK (www.colourway.co.uk) do excellent sale deals on Rowan and Jaeger, and there's no tax on orders sent outside the UK. They do shade cards too, and most of R & J yarns are top quality wools and cottons
Hope this helps,
Kathleen
xXx |
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OryxRun
Seriously Hooked
USA
625 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2003 : 02:46:40 AM
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La Tricoteuse, Welcome to the Forum. Where were you in Florida and where did you move to?
If those great ideas don't work...I've saved a lot by getting patterns through the net and I visit the library a lot. If there is a book I really really want I will check a second hand book store, Amazon (if the price is right), I'm sure you know how to shop for a discount. The only thing I really wanted to learn was how to make socks and I finally ordered a video (i am a visual learner). Well anyway, I hear it said here that some equipment like knitting pins (i like that term) can be made or some times found at the Good Will or some other thrift store (the stores by me haven't had any). Some of the ladies have recycled their yarn. Or you could always make a wish list. Whenever a holiday or gift giving occasion rolls around make sure the important people around you know what you want.
Mary
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OryxRun
Seriously Hooked
USA
625 Posts |
Posted - 07/28/2003 : 02:46:40 AM
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La Tricoteuse, Welcome to the Forum. Where were you in Florida and where did you move to?
If those great ideas don't work...I've saved a lot by getting patterns through the net and I visit the library a lot. If there is a book I really really want I will check a second hand book store, Amazon (if the price is right), I'm sure you know how to shop for a discount. The only thing I really wanted to learn was how to make socks and I finally ordered a video (i am a visual learner). Well anyway, I hear it said here that some equipment like knitting pins (i like that term) can be made or some times found at the Good Will or some other thrift store (the stores by me haven't had any). Some of the ladies have recycled their yarn. Or you could always make a wish list. Whenever a holiday or gift giving occasion rolls around make sure the important people around you know what you want.
Mary
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