I've been inspired to create a 'yarndex'. This is a folder with details and samples of all the yarn in my stash. I had a lot of it catalogued on the computer, but it's not the same as being able to fondle the actual yarn! Anyway, here's what it looks like:
The top three pages are things I always need to look up: needle conversions from US to metric; yarn weight conversions from US to UK; yarn weights including gauge ranges and needle size ranges. These are laminated because I know they'll get used a lot!
On each sample card I record: Name and maker of the yarn; fibre content; yardage/meterage; ball/skein weight; recommended needle size and gauge; weight (DK, aran etc); washing instructions; colour/dyelot; details of projects using the yarn and date I added to the yarndex.
Now I must say this was not my original idea at all, I was inspired by a very organised knitter from the Angel Yarns forum. Instead of handwriting the cards though, I've used Word to print them. That way I can easily update things, and copy similar details to a new card quickly. Also my handwriting would just be messy! One last thing I will add is dividers to separate the pages into groups of similar weight. So it should be easy then to try and find subs when looking for yarn for a particular project.
Socks
I've finally gotten around to having a serious go at socks. I thought they would make brilliant presents, as they shouldn't take too long to make. Although I do find 4 ply a bit of a slog on stocking stitch! Anyway, some lovely yarn arrived this morning:
This is Opal Rainforest sock yarn, 4 ply in Tiger; Bee and Blue Frog.
This is Regia sock yarn in 4 ply: Las Vegas and Polar. Unfortunately I ordered 6 ply so it will have to go back!
So here is my first actual sock. I decided to make trainer socks as it was really the technical bits I needed to try - turning the heel and doing the gusset. Both worked really well and I'm very pleased so far.
The yarn is Soup Dragon, Country Garden (55% merino, 15% cashmere, 15% silk, 15% angora). Very, very nice to knit with. Nothing but the best trainer socks for me! ;-)
