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! ;-)
2 comments:
I love your yarndex idea. Yarns to fondle and all the important info at the beginning. It's great for a newbie like me. You have me inspired...may have to make one after my exams are over. It'll def save me time time looking up US/UK equivalents. Well done!
Hi, I'm the 'organised knitter' from the Angel Yarns forum. What a coincidence I surfed across your blog :-) I can't see the pics of your yarndex on this computer but it sounds beautiful, hope it gives you lots of hours of happy browsing. Come over and see me some time at http://beelzebubknits.blogspot.com
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