PTC Libraries Getting Started with
Knitting
The Tools
Yarn
Needles
Scissors/Yarn Cutter
Tapestry Needle
Ruler
Needle Gauge
Organizer/Tote
YarnsFibers
Plying
Weights
Hank
Center-pull ball
Outward-pull ball
Form vs. Function
Cost / Investment Ratio
FibersAcrylic - manmade, cheap, easy to find, greatest variety in colors, textures, and sizes, great for most patterns, hypo-allergenic, can be rough or feel "cheap" or uncomfortable
Cotton - not quite as cheap as acrylic, easy to find, colors aren't quite as vibrant, less variety in textures, hypo-allergenic, great for kitchen purposes and for summer clothing
Wool - easy to find, great variety of colors and textures , varies in price, as with most things: the higher the quality, the higher the price, varies widely in quality and texture, super warm while still light weight, mostly softer and less "scratchy" than popularly believed in the past, great for winter clothing and accessories, known allergen
Alpaca - a lot like wool, but fibers are longer so the yarn is generally softer, harder to find, more expensive
Mohair - actually from Angora goat, really light and airy while staying warm, very soft, hard to find, expensive
Angora - from Angora rabbit, extremely soft, light and airy, extremely expensive, super delicate, definitely hand wash only
PlyingRoving
Single Ply
Double Ply
3-Ply or more
http://knitty.com/ISSUEfall05/FEATwhyply.html
Yarn WeightLace - Extra Fine
Fingering - Sock
Sport - DK - Double Knitting
Worsted - Aran
Heavy Worsted
Bulky - Chunky
Super Bulky - Super Chunky
Wraps per Inch
Numbering System - 1-6
Reading a Yarn Label
Form vs. Function&
Cost / Investment
Needle
Material
Size
Length
Cost
Single point, double point, circular
Scissors,Yarn Cutters,
Tapestry Needles,Rulers, Tape Measure
Organizers, Totes,Swifts, & Yarn WindersBlunt, sharp, bent, straight, collapsable, cheap, or super expensive is totally up to you and can vary with the situation.
TSA RegulationsScissor blades have to be shorter than 4"
Yarn Cutters are NOT allowed
There were restrictions on the materials a needle could be made out of and length of needle, but those have been dropped. To be on the safe side, you might want to keep the needles short and wooden or plastic.
Jury duty - just because the TSA says it is ok does not mean the guard at the courthouse will agree. Be prepared to put it back in your car and grumble the whole way.
Local Yarn ShopsThe Yarn Mart
5711 Kavanaugh LRMichael's
4126 McCain NLR 11400 Markham LR
Hobby Lobby 4701 JFK NLR 12201 W Markham LR 150 E Oak Conway
Jo-Ann2637 Lakewood NLR
Online Yarn Shops
Knit Picks - www.knitpicks.com
Jimmy Beans Wool - www.jimmybeanswool.com
Yarn Market - www.yarnmarket.com
Tons of others
Online CommunitiesRavelry - www.ravelry.com - great online community focused on knitting and crocheting - has lots of great free patterns and you can join specific forums
Pinterest - www.pinterest.com - great for "Pinspiration"
KAls/CALs - popular in the crafting blogosphere and on Ravelry
Free PatternsRavelryBlogs in generalPinterest Yarn Companies
Knit PicksLion BrandLily (Sugar n Cream)BernatRed Heart
iPhone/iPad AppsGoogle Drive
Michael's
Jo-Ann
Hobby Lobby
StitchMinder
Yarma
Wooly
Most mags have iPad versions
Knitting for Charity
Warm Up America
Knitting for Noggins
Knots of Love
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