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I have some basic crochet skills, and would like to make a blanket/afghan to give as a gift next Christmas. I want it to be as soft as possible, and maybe squares, but not the kind with too many holes, as they are so "drafty"
Does anyone have any suggestions for type of yarn to use, I have access to craft stores, Walmart etc, and even a high end store here in my town - I would like to use a nice wool/yarn, but not go too crazy on the price... Maybe something in the mid range. What about patterns? There are so many websites, I wouldn't know where to start.
Have you considered Caron Simply Soft? It comes in lots of colors, they have it at Walmart and most places that carry yarn. I've used it for a couple of things and it was pretty decent yarn, is very soft and has a nice sheen. Redheart has a Soft Yarn now too. I haven't used it but it feels very nice.
Joann.com has user reviews on all the yarns and Ravelry does too. I guess what I'd do is go to the store, look at the colors and feel the yarns available there and then make a selection.
Lion Brand's website has oodles of free patterns. Annie's Attic has a free pattern every day and often has afghan patterns. I think one of the easiest ways to find patterns is to go to Ravelry and search the patterns there. You can select to search only for crochet patterns and then look for afghans. And you'll usually be able to see multiple photos of the pattern in various colors and yarns posted by Ravelry members.
Crochetville also has a section on its board where members post photos of finished projects. You could check the afghans section and see if there's anything you like. Most of the time they say what pattern they used. They have crochet along projects too if you want a little company when you crochet.
thanks for the advice, and yes, that daffodil pattern is very pretty - however, the afghan will be for a man who probably doesn't even know what a daffodil is...but my mother loves them, so great idea for a future afghan!
I received a wonderful throw from a fellow DGer. I think it would be a great pattern for a man. I sent her a dmail asking her to check here or to send me the pattern to forward. I'll let you know when I get and answer. Here is the throw she sent.
Hart, I stopped in Walmart yesterday to check out the Caron simply soft, and you are right, it is very nice, and within my budget. I live in a town with a historic "village" which was the original town center, lots of great shops, and a few yrs ago they put in a high end knitting store. It's a great store, with couches and people meeting there to knit together, little yorkie mascot bouncing around, but good Lord you should see the prices. Unbelievable! Funny, though, when you are standing in that store with it's wonderful atmosphere, looking at all the unbelievably beautiful and rich colors and feeling the soft texture of the yarn, you can almost justify paying $30 a skein! (Some are even more!)
Actually, there are two or three stores that I know of in my area like this one - the above one in Medford Village, one in Cherry Hill, and another in Mt Holly. The Mt Holly store sells alot more already made items as well as supplies.
perhaps you want to check out http://www.Herrschners.com for afghan ideas and yarn. I like using Paton "decor" fiber wool/acrylic. Caron is ok, does not hold shape for any length of time. Joann sometimes has Paton "decor" on sale. I have made many afghans over the years and like Paton 100 wool or "decor". Helene
