Crocheting with Dollar Store Yarn

 

Not too long ago, I was checking out Dollarama's craft section when I found what seemed like a treasure: a soft, seemingly decent quality, chunky ball of yarn in a colour I loved. The only problem was that there was just one, and it didn't have a label. Sigh.

I know, I know-- dollar store yarn. The thing is, I'm allergic to animal fibres. I'm also not super familiar with all the alternatives. I do know that cotton doesn't work for every project, and bamboo can be hard to find in stores (and never seems to come in colours I like). So, acrylic is my go-to. Problems with acrylic aside, it's soft and I love working with it. And as someone with fairly amateur knitting/crocheting skills, I appreciate not spending too much on my experiments.

Anyway, I couldn't put that yarn down, so I decided to risk it and figure out something I could make with it. The colour matches a hat and mittens I already have, but I didn't think the yarn would be enough for a scarf, so I decided to see if I could find a pattern for an easy cowl to make.

I also tried finding more of the yarn at a different Dollarama, and ended up finding what looks like the same kind of yarn--but only in two other colours. Since the pattern I found is for a striped cowl, I went ahead and got the other colours (a black and a blue so light it almost looks white). And then I decided to use the new yarn to make a practice cowl first.

Oh, and it turns out the yarn is "Knit It!" Cable Knitting Yarn in 100% polyester (I'm honestly not sure if that's the same as acrylic or not). 

So I...

• Used the new yarn meant to supplement the original yarn without it
• Used knitting yarn in a crochet project
• Used the wrong size hook (a 6mm instead of an 8mm) because that was the biggest hook I had, and I didn't feel like getting another one

See why it's better that I don't use really nice yarn? Here's how it went...

The sad beginning (I thought I did something wrong, so I re-did it. It looked the same): 

 Looking a little better as I added in the second yarn:

Coming along. Look at all those ends that need weaving in (the one thing I hate about crocheting/knitting):

 

Looking much neater now. It also ended up narrower at the end than when I started out. I have no idea how that happened. 

It's cowl shaped!

 

So, what's the final verdict?

Working with the yarn was fine, mostly. I noticed it kept losing strands as I went. Not a lot, but it does make me wonder how much the cowl will shed over time. The yarn also split (separated from itself) as I was crocheting. It didn't bother me, and doesn't seem to have affected the cowl, but I know that's not generally a good thing. 

I really like the feel of the finished cowl-- it's soft and cozy. But it's also stiff. I hope the yarn will "relax" a little after I wash the cowl a couple of times. I also expect it'll pill like crazy.

I think this yarn would make a nice blanket with some good weight to it. But again, the pilling would be a problem (not to mention finding enough yarn to make a blanket in the first place).

Based on my very limited experience with it, I think dollar store yarn (at least this one) is perfectly good for a quick and easy project, like this cowl, or for anyone who wants to hone their skills before investing in better, pricier yarn. Have you tried dollar store yarn? What was your experience with it?

By the way, don't forget to get my books! I promise I write better than I crochet (links below)...

For anyone interested in making their own cowl, here's the (free) pattern I used: Sweet Bee Crochet 

Cheers,

Aspasia 

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(Links take you to all available stores. Books marked * are free everywhere other than Amazon. Love Lies Bleeding and Bleeding Heart are also available in paperback.)

 

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All photos by Whimsy Bower/Aspasia S. Bissas

 

 

 

Getting Dishy

I'm a bit weird when it comes to crochet. I don't do it regularly like most crocheters (or knitters), but I get sudden urges to try a project. I taught myself to make granny squares when I woke up one day with the desire to make a blanket like the ones my mom and grandmother used to make. A couple of weeks ago I decided I *needed* to crochet some dishcloths. So, what could I do but give in? Crafting--it's a sickness (a fun, relaxing sickness).

I made one cloth out of each colour and had plenty of yarn left over.

Some Notes:

1. The dishcloth patterns I've looked at all call for cotton yarn (although I wonder if bamboo might also work). They also all seem to use worsted weight yarn.

2. The finished dishcloth does a nice job, but it takes a long time to dry. I need to wring it out really well and drape it over the faucet to encourage it to dry faster. I much prefer a fast-drying dishcloth, so I'm debating whether I want to make more dishcloths in future.

3. The one thing (so far) that these cloths are not good for are serrated knives. The loops keep getting caught on the blades--I'm afraid it'll ruin the cloth over time.

4. If I make any more dishcloths, I'll either wash them a couple of times before using them, or I'll use a natural, unbleached cotton yarn. These ones bleed dye like crazy, turning the dish water blue. So much for cute colours.

5. I found the pattern made very large cloths. Since my preference is for a smaller dishcloth, I crocheted fewer rows than the pattern called for.

This is the pattern I used.

Feel free to share any questions or comments below. Happy Crafting :)

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Blanketed 2

Those of you who've been following this blog for a while may remember a post a while back about my second attempt at crocheting a blanket. I was making it for my cousin and his wife with the main criterion being "bright colours." Well, after much time, blood, sweat, tears, and cat hair, the blanket is complete! It now covers the couch at my cousins' place, where, as they put it "everyone can see it." I guess it was worth the wait :)

Crocheting the squares is really what took forever. Once I finished them (168 total), the blanket came together relatively quickly. In the meantime I stored them in a chest we use as a coffee table/foot rest/scratching post (technically the cats are the ones who use it for that last part).

This pile of squares made one row of the blanket

Coming together...

I used a variegated yarn to join the pieces together. This one blended well with the colours I used in the squares.

It was pretty cozy working under all that :)

Shadow regularly showed his appreciation for my work by napping on it.

He's less impressed, however, with my sticking a camera in his face. Yes, he is sticking his tongue out at me.

Hoping I'll just go away. His brother, Wraith, would usually sit on my blanket-covered lap as I worked on it. And that's why the blanket got washed before I gave it to my cousins (it still probably had a ton of cat hair on it--sorry, guys...)

All done

For the granny squares I used this pattern.
For the joining technique I used the Flat Braid Joining Method (instructions here).

[Edited to update links. Follow me on my official site: AspasiaSBissas.com] 

In Stitches

Thought I'd share my latest completed needlepoint project. I'm happy with how it turned out, although I think the colours ended up being a little too cool.

Wraith steals the show

Nox was keeping us company too. He's sitting on the cat tree, enjoying the view out the window.

And Shadow was just below, trying to nap in peace :)

 

My next project is actually an old one--I've resumed working on the blanket I'm making for my cousins. I'm probably about halfway through making the granny squares. Hopefully I can focus now and finally get it done. The downside of crocheting for me is weaving in the ends--hate that part. I don't suppose anyone knows a way around it?

What projects are you working on? Share in the comments.

 Photos ©Whimsy Bower

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Review: Get Started Crochet and Get Started Knitting

DK's Get Started Sewing is one of my favourite sewing books (and it really did get me started), so when I was given the chance to review the Crochet and Knitting books in the Get Started series, I didn't hesitate. What I particularly enjoy about the Get Started books is that they methodically take you from the basics to more elaborate techniques and projects in a natural progression. As you complete one project and move on to the next you'll painlessly pick up new skills until you've mastered the craft.

For those of you unsure what the difference is, Knitting and Crochet are both ways of turning yarn into decorative objects, blankets, clothing, and other items. The main difference is that knitting generally uses two needles (sometimes more) to complete projects, while crochet utilizes a single "needle" with a hook on the end instead of a point. The tools used affect technique and results. Both Get Started Knitting and Get Started Crochet feature similar information and chapters, though obviously specific to each craft. The books aren't interchangeable, so don't get one expecting you'll be able to apply it to the other skill as well.

Both books have some great projects. Personal favourites that I'll be making include a phone case, leg warmers, a stuffed monkey, and nifty cushion covers in Get Started Knitting; and towel edging, toy balls, a clutch bag, and a lacy scarf in Get Started Crochet. There are cute baby projects too, for those of you who want to tackle booties, hats, and wee cardigans. Bonus: there are numerous fancy stitch patterns also offered in each book, including lace, filet, and fair isle. These can be used for a variety of larger projects but I could have fun just making swatches of them.

Where I felt these books dropped the ball was in the how-to for basics like casting on. As a mostly self-taught knitter and crocheter I know the importance of clear instructions and good photos, but I found the photos in these books confusing. Not enough close-up shots and annoying squiggly arrows (attempting to show what you're supposed to be doing) just gave me a headache as I tried to figure them out. The written instructions, luckily, were clearer, and using those along with the photos as a reference, I could probably manage. My recommendation to anyone who has never tried knitting or crochet is to find someone who can show you the first steps. Once you've actually made a slipknot or knit a few stitches, it becomes much easier to decipher more complicated directions. Besides, it's more fun to have someone with whom to share a love of crafting. 

Other than that quibble, both books have plenty of good information on types of available materials and tools (including the wide variety of yarns). There are also yarn weight charts (with helpful photos), conversion info (a size 6 needle does not mean the same thing in Canada, the US, and the UK), pattern abbreviations, and stitch-symbol charts. Basically, whatever your ability level (except maybe for the pros) these books have you covered (and if you can figure out the instructional photos better than I can, then you won't need any further help to learn how to crochet or knit).

I'm happy to add Get Started Knitting and Get Started Crochet to my shelf, and I expect to be consulting them frequently and having a great time making the projects. If you've been wanting to learn knitting and/or crocheting, or if you want to expand your skills or get some new project inspiration, these books are a solid choice. Even better, DK is having a March Break sale. If you have some free time, why not grab yarn and a pair of needles or a crochet hook and save money while getting started on something new.

Get Started Knitting and Get Started Crochet by DK.

[Edited to update links. Follow me on my official site: AspasiaSBissas.com]

Apron Strings 4

Before I get to my latest project, an update: the SO, the kitties, and I are still living in the condo our insurance company set us up in (we've been here since late December). It is too small, too beige, and too dark. We're all desperate to leave, but since the insurance company is dragging its feet on actually fixing our house (now that the emergency measures are all complete) and the sale is still unable to close, we're stuck here for a while. As for my beloved house, it turns out that not one but three pipes burst during that wretched ice storm. I think the house was trying to commit suicide. Maybe it's for the best, given what I found out about the plans the buyers have for it. Every unique and beautiful detail that's been there for a century (and wasn't destroyed by water), from the leaded windows to the only remaining gumwood trim, is going to be removed. Typical Toronto--buy an amazing old house and gut it to get a generic modern look. I cannot wait to leave this city.

So how am I keeping myself going while I wait to finally be able to move? Crafts, of course. I have two ongoing projects: a sky scarf, where every line of the scarf corresponds to the colour of the sky each day for a year; and another blanket I'm crocheting (this time for my cousins). I'm also sewing whenever I can. I used this post as inspiration for a reversible cafe apron, which was lovely to work on and I can't wait to use. Bonus: it actually adds a bit of colour to this place.

Sky scarf. The more recent lines are at the top of the photo. Thankfully, I'm having to use less grey lately.

Completed granny squares for the blanket-in-progress. When I asked my cousins what colours they like, they both simply said "bright." Done.

The fabrics for the apron I just completed (all from Dragonfly Fabric). The two on the left were used for side 1, the two on the right were used for side 2, and the fabric piece in the middle was used for the waistband and ties.

I really love all the fabrics I chose, but the tangerine and aqua fabric makes me happy every time I see it. Orange was always my least favourite colour, but lately I'm finding myself more and more drawn to it. Funny how that happens.

Getting ready to attach two pieces.

Side two, pieces attached.

I added a line of ribbon to cover the seams between fabric joins. I also discovered that satin ribbon is a pain to work with.

I originally had picked out green ribbon for side two but it blended too well. Turquoise ribbon provided much-needed contrast.

The apron is folded so you can see both sides, as well as one of the ties.

I added a button to each corner of the turquoise ribbon on side 2. Because I didn't like the way the corners turned out and buttons are cute :)

Side 1

Side 2. Because of the way it's folded you can't see that the green accent fabric goes along both sides of the apron, as well as the bottom.

 Photos ©Whimsy Bower

[Edited to update link. Follow me on my official site: AspasiaSBissas.com]