Archive for January, 2010

This is a re-post (the old one got deleted) of a previous blog entry on the yarn substitutions I am doing for the Moorish Mosaic Afghan – from Interweave Crochet, Fall 2009.

The original pattern calls for Mission Falls 136 Merino Superwash, with a total value of AUD$220 – making it a very expensive project.  The colours are unique, though, which makes it harder to match colours.  at any rate, I have been posting yarn substitutions featuring various yarns that I stock, from budget (Red Heart Super Saver), to average (Lion Brand Wool-Ease), to high-end (Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece).

This post features Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece – a wonderfully light cotton/wool combo – perfect for our warmer climate – similar gauge to the Mission Falls (DK/8 ply) – but a much lighter yarn to work with.

So, for all you Aussies who love afghans, take a look at these gorgeous colours:

1.  Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece – 80% cotton, 20% wool, 113g skein, AUD$11/skein – 197m

Main Colour – new Age Teal: 3 skeins

Contrast colours: 2 balls of each of the following -

Rue

Putty

Peridot

Terracotta Canyon

Hearty Merlot

Total Cost of Project = AUD$143.00

The new issue of Crochet Today – March/April 2010 has lots of fab patterns in it, but I really want to make “Grandma’s Rose Throw“.  The pattern calls for Red Heart Soft Yarn, which is beautiful in itself, but some of my customers prefer a natural fibre.  So with this in mind, I have some substitutions:

1.  Lion Brand Wool-Ease – though not strictly 100% natural (it is 80% acrylic, 20% lambswool), it still gives the feel and luxury of wool, but with the washability of acrylic.  Each 100g ball is $5.50.  Total cost of project is $77.00

For this pattern, you would need:

9 balls of Grey Heather -

5 balls of Seaspray -

3 balls of Black -

2.  Brown Sheep Company Lamb’s Pride Worsted:

80% wool, 20% mohair – 100g skein – 190 yards per skein.  $11 per skein – Total Cost of project is:  $187.00

Yarn colours suggested are:

9 balls of Grey Heather

5 balls of Seafoam

2 balls of Onyx

Obviously the more natural fibres are more expensive – it really just comes down to your budget and preferences.

Yay!  The new issue of Crochet Today – March/April 2010 arrived by courier today.  I have it listed ready for purchase – 4 copies only.  Crochet Today will be a regular item from now on.

I am loving the “Grandma’s Rose Throw” pattern – so kitsch, so retro!

The pattern requires Red Heart Soft yarn in the following colours:

Light Grey Heather

Seafoam

Black

Red Heart Soft is a super-soft and shiny acrylic in a worsted-weight.  This yarn is very economical and produces a lovely result at minimum cost.

However, if you wanted a natural fibre, I would recommend a pure wool or wool blend such as Lion Brand Wool-ease or Brown Sheep Lamb’s Pride for a more traditional, though heavier, afghan.

See my yarn substitutions category for some ideas in natural fibres for this pattern.

Happy Crocheting!

I’m so excited!  My book “Encyclopedia of Tunisian Crochet” by Angela Grabowski arrived today:

“Arnie” Grabowski is a genius!  After struggling for so long to find a good book on this wonderfully versatile crochet method, I was thrilled to have found this one.  It covers EVERYTHING you need to know about Tunisian crochet and Arnie’s writing style means the instructions are clear and easy-to-follow.  The only comment I would make about this book (currently in its second printing) is that the next edition would be better in colour.  If you love Tunisian Crochet and would love to expand your skills and knowledge in this area, then this book is the perfect place to start!

I have a TV to watch in the shop and usually I can’t get Channel 10 ‘coz the reception is so crap here, but yesterday managed to see something decent which is good ‘coz the only other channel I can get is Seven and watching tennis for me, is akin to watching paint dry!

Anyhoo….was watching 9 am with David and Kim and saw this really cool guy doing acrobatics with a giant hula hoop!

The troup is called Les 7 doigts de la main – The 7 fingers – and they are currently touring Australia:

Hula Hoop Acrobatics

Congrats Rachel, from Brisbane – my copy of Crochet World is on its way to you.

Happy Hooking!

Was browsing Ravelry today and came across this blog from Web-Goddess – she is one seriously entertaining and funny chick!

Good morning readers!

I have one copy of “Crochet World” to give away to the first reader who e-mails me with the answer to this question:

Which of my yarn brands has the colour called ‘Painted Desert’?

Please write to:  info@americanyarns.com.au with your answer and postal address to win.

Happy Stitching!

Gabrielle

Congrats to Stacey from Victoria who has won a year’s subscription to Interweave Knits or Interweave Crochet.  Stacey will receive 6 issues, valued at AUD$70.

Our December Giveaway was a big success!  Look out for other giveaways and prizes happening throughout 2010.

Me – American Yarns  – is sponsoring the January giveaway run by Salihan Crafts.

Answer a couple of questions by clicking on the link at the top right of her blog  to be in the running to win a $20 gift voucher from www.americanyarns.com.au

Good Luck!