Answer: It doesn't matter. Buy the yarn while you can get it. Because if you don't, you will find the pattern perfect for it, run down to the yarn shop, and that gorgeous yarn will be gone. That is especially true of sale yarns.
I used to be the type that would find a pattern and then look for a yarn that I could use. It's still a good way to do it and I still do it that way - sometimes.
But working in a yarn store means that I'm around yarn all the time. ALL THE TIME. Yarn diet? Forget about it. That's like going to Italy and not eating pasta. I guess it can be done, but why put yourself through the torture?
But there is a handy dandy tool to find the perfect pattern for that yarn that you did break down and buy. We use it all the time in our store. It's called Ravelry.
Most of you are nodding your heads, already full time long life members of this evil website that sucks up your time. Although, you can knit and drink coffee and eat chocolates while you surf, so it's not all a time waste.
Some things I've discovered you can do with Ravelry:
Find patterns - what do you do with 400 m of sock yarn besides make socks? Look on Ravelry. Important! Use the sidebar that narrows things down for you. Believe me, you'll want to narrow things down. Even putting in the word "shawl" will bring four billion five hundred and sixty five returns. It doesn't matter how much coffee you have, you will never see them all.
Find yarn - that pattern you have calls for a yarn that you don't have access to, can't wear, or is too expensive. You can look up the yarn - even long discontinued yarn - and find out what it's made from, what the weight is, and how many meters in a ball - enough information to make a substitute. Suddenly all those old patterns that Grandma hung onto are new again. See, the old lady wasn't just a crazy pattern hoarder. She was a clairvoyant who could see the future.
Database - This is my favorite part. You can record all your yarn, all your patterns, all your needles, and it will keep track of this for you. You can set up a list of projects including the yarns you will use for it. Once you've put everything in, you can search your own database without yanking stuff out of the closet, under the bed, from the cookie jar, inside coat sleeves, behind the books on the bookshelves and from the old unused aquarium hiding in the garage. When you find a pattern, it will make suggestions for yarn from your own stash. You can put in your magazines and books. No more paging through piles of patterns when you can look for them instantly on your database. Okay, I know that's relaxing and fun, and you can still do it - you just don't have to. The only drawback I have with this, is that other people can see your stash too, and they will want it and ask you for it. Do not give in! Just because someone wants something doesn't mean you have to say yes. I wish there was a privacy setting for this because ...
She might be carted off in a white jacket.
Designers - Have a favorite designer? Look for them on Ravelry. You can see what else they've designed and how to get it. You can even send them a message and ask them questions. Believe me, designers want to hear from you. They don't get to walk red carpets or get noticed at restaurants and airports from people who want pictures and autographs. They work in their little caves making patterns for you to use and would love to know that there are people out there in the world who know they exist.
Groups - Find other people with the same interests. Join a knit along or a challenge group. Ask questions. Discover that there are other people as crazy as you are. Admit it. You are crazy. Best to accept the fact and quit fighting it.
So why do I bring this up on a sale blog?
Because sometimes people look into our sale bin and say "It's a great price. What do I do with it?"
Now you know.
Our sale this week is a selection because none of them alone have enough color choices for you. So we've combined them to make a really nice sale. All are worsted weight and all have a tweedy look about them, just in different ways.
75% OFF SALE
BERROCO YARNS!
REMIX (SELECT COLORS)
100% Recycled Fibers
30% Nylon, 27% Cotton, 24% Acrylic, 10% Silk, 9% Linen
100g, 216 yds, 200 m.
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REGULAR PRICE: $14.30
SALE PRICE: $3.57
BLACKSTONE TWEED
65% Wool, 25% Mohair, 10% Angora
50 g. 130 yds. 119 m.
REGULAR PRICE: $13.00
SALE PRICE: $3.25
FLORET
75% Acrylic, 25% Cotton
50 g. 109 yds. 100 m.
REGULAR PRICE: $9.50
SALE PRICE: $2.38
Posted by Anna Maria Junus (happy employee who would love to go to Italy and eat pasta).
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