Your Kind Of Yarn™

Yucky Yarns: Why Some Yarns Are Just Not Worth It I initially 💜loved💜 the color of this purple confetti. ... but I didn't love the fraying and unravelling of the four-ply in particular. 💔 Hey there, fellow yarn enthusiasts! Today, let’s dive into the world of yarn and talk about something that can really put a damper on your crafting vibes: yucky yarns . You know, those skeins that look promising but end up being a total letdown? Let’s explore some of the reasons why certain yarns are just not good to use, so you can avoid those crafting disasters! 1. Quality Matters First off, let’s talk about quality. Not all yarn is created equal, and using low-quality yarn can lead to a frustrating experience. Some yarns lack structure and can easily pull apart, making your hard work unravel faster than you can say “knit one, purl two.” If you’re investing time in a project, it’s worth it to choose yarn that feels sturdy and reliable. 2. The Dreaded Dye Issues Ever had a yarn bleed dye all o...

     Hey there, lovely readers! 🌟 Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to many hearts: World Bipolar Day. This day, celebrated on March 30th, aims to raise awareness about bipolar disorder and eliminate the stigma surrounding it. But what if I told you that a simple craft like crochet can play a significant role in managing mental health? Let’s explore how these two worlds intersect! What is World Bipolar Day? World Bipolar Day is all about spreading knowledge and understanding about bipolar disorder, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide. The vision behind this day is to: Raise Awareness: Educate the public about the symptoms and challenges of living with bipolar disorder. Eliminate Stigma: Break down the misconceptions and stereotypes that often surround mental health issues. Encourage Support: Foster a community where individuals feel safe to share their experiences and seek help. This year, let’s not just talk about bipolar disorder; let’s...

Hey there! 🌟 I find myself reflecting on a journey that kicked off when I was just 15 years old. That’s when I stumbled upon the wonderful world of crochet. What started as a fun hobby quickly became a vital outlet for my creativity, especially during some tough times. At 17 , life threw me a curveball when I was diagnosed with relapsing remitting sclerosis . This chronic illness changed my daily routine, but it also deepened my love for crochet. It became my sanctuary—a way to express myself and connect with others who share similar experiences. Despite the ups and downs of my condition affecting my ability to crochet, my commitment to this craft has never wavered. I’ve found joy in creating Rollator and Wheelchair covers . These projects not only serve a practical purpose but also aim to bring a little comfort and personalization to those who use them. It feels great to give back to the community! Now, I’m on an exciting journey to start my own crochet business. I know I have a...

Hey there, crafty friends!  Ready to dive into the wonderful world of crochet? It's a super fun and rewarding hobby, and with the right tools, you'll be creating amazing things in no time. So, you're ready to get started, but what do you need? Don't worry, I've got you covered with the essentials for your very first crochet kit! Let's talk hooks! Start with a 4mm (G/6) hook. It's like the Swiss Army knife of crochet hooks – versatile and perfect for a wide range of beginner yarns.  As you get more comfortable, you'll want to expand your collection with different sizes for different projects. Yarn is your canvas! For your first projects, go with 100% acrylic yarn. It's super affordable, easy to work with, and comes in a million colors (I'd go for variegated yarns so you don't even have to change colors)!  Once you've got the hang of it, you can explore fancier yarns like cotton or wool. Don't forget the basics! (What should go in your ...

  Hey there, fellow crafters! 🌼It’s time to embrace the arrival of spring! And what better way to welcome the season than with a good old-fashioned spring cleaning? This year, let’s focus on our craft areas—those magical spaces where creativity flows and ideas come to life. For those of us living with chronic illness, organizing and decluttering can be a bit of a challenge, but it’s also a fantastic opportunity to refresh our creative environments. So, grab a cup of tea, and let’s dive into some practical and mindful tips for sprucing up our craft rooms, yarn stashes, and notion bags! 1. Start with a Plan Before you dive headfirst into the chaos, take a moment to assess your space. Here’s how to get started: Empty and Edit : Clear out your craft room completely. This might feel overwhelming, but it’s essential to see everything you have. As you do this, start sorting items into categories: keep, donate, and toss. Make a Plan : Think about how you want your space to function. ...

Hey there, fellow crafters! 🌍✨ Today, we’re diving into a topic that’s close to my heart and super relevant—Global Recycling Day! This day is all about raising awareness about recycling and encouraging us to rethink how we use our resources. And what better way to celebrate than by getting crafty with crochet? Let’s explore how we can reuse items that would typically end up in the trash and turn them into something beautiful and functional! Why Recycle in Crochet? Crochet is not just a fun hobby; it’s also a fantastic way to express creativity while being eco-friendly. By reusing materials, we can reduce waste and give new life to items that might otherwise be discarded. Plus, it’s a great way to save some cash while crafting! So, let’s get into some creative ideas for reusing everyday items in your crochet projects. Creative Ways to Reuse Items for Crochet Here are some fun and practical ways to incorporate recycled materials into your crochet: Paper Towel Rolls:  These are perfe...

The Seven Stages of Grief (with Granny Squares) Stage One - Shock: Imagine you're halfway through a vibrant granny square, meticulously following the pattern. Suddenly, you realize you've forgotten to change colors at the crucial point, resulting in a jarring mismatch of hues. You stare at the square, feeling a jolt of disbelief. "Did I really just miss that?" you think, unable to comprehend how such a simple detail could slip your mind. Stage Two - Denial: "It's not that bad," you convince yourself. "I can easily fix it. Maybe I can just add a few more rows of the right color, and it'll blend in." You try to rationalize the mistake, hoping to avoid the reality of having to start over. Stage Three - Anger: You slam your hook down on the table, frustration bubbling over. "This pattern is ridiculous!" you exclaim. "Why are there so many color changes? It's impossible to keep track!" You're angry at the pattern, t...

  Celebrate National Children’s Craft Day with Crochet! Hey there, crafty friends! 🎨✨ March 14th is   National Children’s Craft Day —a day dedicated to unleashing creativity in kids of all ages! This special day is all about encouraging children to express themselves through various crafts, and what better way to do that than with the timeless art of  crochet ? What is National Children’s Craft Day? National Children’s Craft Day is a fantastic opportunity for kids to dive into the world of crafting. It’s a day that promotes creativity, imagination, and hands-on fun! Whether it’s painting, drawing, or building something from scratch, the goal is to inspire children to explore their artistic side. This year, let’s shine a spotlight on crochet—a craft that’s not only enjoyable but also incredibly inclusive. Why Crochet? Crochet is a wonderful craft that can be adapted for children of all abilities. Here’s why it’s such a great fit for National Children’s Craft Day: Accessib...

 Celebrating National Button Week: A Crochet Lover's Delight! Hey there, fellow crafters! 🎉 As we dive into the cozy world of crochet, let’s take a moment to celebrate something that often gets overlooked but is oh-so-important in our crafting journey: buttons! And what better time to do this than during National Button Week, which runs from March 10-17. This week is all about appreciating the humble button and its role in our creative projects, especially for us crochet enthusiasts. So grab your yarn and let’s stitch together some thoughts on how buttons and crochet go hand in hand! What is National Button Week? National Button Week is a fun celebration dedicated to the versatile and often underappreciated button. It’s a time to recognize the many ways buttons can enhance our crafts, from adding functionality to providing that perfect finishing touch. This week encourages us to explore the history, creativity, and utility of buttons in our projects. Why Buttons Matter in Crochet ...

When Gauging Goes Awry: It's Not You, It's the Chain! Hey crocheters! Let's talk about that frustrating feeling when your gauge just won't cooperate. You know the one: You're happily crocheting along, then you whip up a gauge swatch, and... bam! It's way off. "What's wrong with me?" you ask yourself. "Why can't I get this right?" Don't beat yourself up, my friend! It's not always your fault. Sometimes, the culprit is hiding in plain sight: your foundation chain. Think about it: The foundation chain is the very first row of your project, the one that sets the tone for everything that follows. If that chain is off, your entire project will be off! Here are a few common culprits: Hook size: You might be using a hook that's too small for your yarn. This can lead to a tight chain that throws off your gauge. Try going up a hook size for your foundation chain and see if that makes a difference. Forgotten stitches: It happens to...

Marching for Awareness      (as if I could walk that far) March is a month for many awareness campaigns, including colorectal cancer, brain injury, and self-harm awareness. It is also the month for developmental disability awareness. Raising awareness is a constant effort, but it's especially crucial for those whose struggles are often overlooked or misunderstood, those who live with what we call " invisible illnesses. " Within this month of March is Multiple Sclerosis Awareness Week, the 9th through the 15th. The Invisible Stitch in My Sides: Crocheting with Multiple Sclerosis Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is often called an "invisible illness" for a reason. While the impact on our lives is very real, the symptoms are often hidden from view. This can make it challenging to explain the struggles we face, especially when it comes to activities that require dexterity and focus, like crocheting. For many, crocheting is a beloved hobby, a way to unwind, create, and expre...

The Flight of the Hook:  Unlucky Launches, Laughter, and a Love for Crochet Ah, the life of a crochet enthusiast with a flair for the dramatic—who knew that a simple hobby could turn into an Olympic sport of hook tossing? Picture this: one moment, you’re blissfully crafting a cozy blanket, and the next, your crochet hook has launched itself into the stratosphere, perhaps aiming for a new career as a javelin. It’s a bit like a game of crochet roulette, where the stakes are high, and the only prize is the occasional yarn tangle. Now, let’s be honest. The tremors that come with MS can turn even the most serene crafting session into a slapstick comedy. One might think that crochet hooks are designed to be thrown, given how often they seem to fly from my grasp. It’s as if they have a mind of their own, plotting their escape from my clutches. I can almost hear them whispering, “Freedom!” as they soar across the room, landing with a clatter that echoes my own exasperation. But fear not, f...

 I find myself unable to look away from variegated yarns. Do you ever see that one skein of yarn that you just have to have? The color calls to your soul. You buy just the one skein and go on your way. You work with some and decide you really like it and need more. Going back to the store you struggle to find the same yarn again on the shelf. You eventually find the "proper" color, but it looks totally wrong. Two batches of the same type of yarn can have VERY different colors. What is a LOT Number? A LOT number is a unique identifier assigned to a batch of dyed yarn during the manufacturing process. It helps track the dyeing process and ensures consistency. Why Do Colors Vary? Dyeing Process: Even within the same dye lot, variations can occur due to differences in the dyeing process, the materials used, or even the time of year. Hand-Dyed Yarns: If you're working with hand-dyed yarns, expect even more variation, as each batch can be unique. Tips for Managing Color Variati...