Linda's Crafty Chronicles

Volume 1, Issue 5 - June 2000

This is a small issue as I am getting ready for a new grandson due the beginning of July(maybe sooner or later - you never know with kids). I have 2 articles and 2 new patterns. I am beginning the next newsletter next week so I won't have too much to do but upload and email it. I hope you enjoy the information and the patterns.

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In This Issue:
Tips for Buying Yarn
Basic Crochet Rules
2 New Patterns

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Tips for Buying Yarn

Most knit or crochet projects represent a substantial investment in time and money. It pays to be an informed consumer when purchasing yarns.

  1. Check yarn labels for the dye lot number. And purchase all yarn of one color from the same dye lot. Each number represents a different dye bath and may differ slightly from another.
  2. Buy enough yarn of the same dye lot to complete the article. This is an instance when too much is better than not enough. Some stores will accept the return of unused skeins within a reasonable time. You can check this possibility at the time of purchase.
  3. Check the yarn label for washability and other care information. If none is given, you should wash and block your gauge swatch to see how the yarn responds to these procedures.
  4. If a yarn label gives gauge information, the needle or hook size mentioned is the one recommenced for that particular yarn. It is wise to stay within two sizes of the recommendation.
  5. To duplicate the appearance and fit of your chosen pattern, you should always buy the yarn recommenced for it, though you can, of course, choose a color other than the one shown.
  6. If you choose to substitute another yarn for the one recommenced, select yarn as close as possible to the original in weight and type. It is good to buy a single skein first and knit or crochet a swatch to see how the gauge and appearance compare with those of the pattern.
  7. Should you need to convert ounces to grams or vice versa, use this formula: 100 grams = 3.52 ounces. For example, if 16 ounces of yarn are called for and you are substituting a yarn weighed in grams, divide 16 by 3.52 and multiply times 100. The quantity is 454 grams.
  8. Before each purchase, check a yarn's recovery. Stretch and release a 6" length. If it does not return to its original size, you cannot expect the crocheted or knitted article to hold its shape.

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Basic Crochet Rules

These are just a few to help improve your crocheting experience.



  1. The chain on the hook is never counted as part of the foundation row. For example, if directions say to chain 18, you should have 18 in addition to the one still on the hook.
  2. Always insert hook into a chain or stitch from front to back. *
  3. Always insert hook under the top two loops of a chain or stitch. *
  4. There should be just one loop left on the hook at completion of the stitch or sequence.

*unless otherwise noted in pattern

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2 New Patterns

This months patterns are for a Snowberry Coaster and a Granny Frog Square with a 6" and 7" variation.

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Linda Bohrn
Linda's Lists
smile@idsely.com







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