The Tension Ring and Novelty Yarn I Wasted Money On

I'm a person who likes to have patterns of all sorts and kinds. I also love any new crochet books that come out. I love to support the designers.

I tend to buy a lot of books. I think I've told you that I like to go to thrift stores. In addition to rescuing old crocheted items, I collect old crochet books.

Not just any old book, but ones that look appealing to me.

Sometimes I will resell them on eBay, but most often I keep them for myself. I have some very old crochet books that someone might look at and think they are out of date. Most patterns can be modernized just by changing the colors.

Anyway, back to the topic at hand. What I spend in a normal year on crochet-related items. When I started thinking about this, I didn't think I spent very much.

But when you think about January through now, October, that's quite a bit of paydays. I usually buy a little something each payday related to crochet, whether it's a skein of yarn or a new crochet hook.

This year, I'm estimating that I have spent probably around $250 so far. With my heavy purchasing months ahead of me due to Christmas projects and gifts.

The Tension Ring That Kicked Around My House

For me, the one thing I felt was a giant waste of money was a tension ring. Some people swear by them, but they didn't really work for me. I didn't really spend a lot of money on it, but it did not work right from the get-go, and who wants to return a little item like that?

So, it kicked around the house for an eternity.

I have also wasted my money on one skein of some novelty yarn. One skein is usually not enough to make something. What do I do with it?

I do this with a lot of yarn, and I'm trying to be better about it.

Why Aluminum Hooks Hurt and Dollar Stores Help

The best thing I think you can invest in under $20 would be a really good crochet hook. The aluminum crochet hooks just do not cut it with me. They hurt my fingers.

I prefer something a little more ergonomic.

Also, you want to invest in a great project bag. That really helps to organize your supplies. You can use pretty much anything to hold your crochet things in, and it doesn't need to be expensive.

Really, you can buy most crochet supplies at the dollar store. They sell yarn, hooks, scissors, and pretty much anything you'll need to do a basic project.

The Bamboo Blocking Board I'd Pay Full Price For

If I had to pay full price for a crochet supply I already own, I would definitely pay full price for my blocking board. It's bamboo and has little pins that stick in the holes, and I love it. It's small and folds up neatly, and works like a charm.

I would also pay full price for a good crochet hook. You just can't beat comfort, and your fingers need to be comfortable while you're crocheting.

Fringe, Sparkles, and Yarn That Won't Rip Out

Oh, there are many yarns I would never buy again. I have bought some novelty yarns that were horrific. They usually had a lot of fringe fur or sparkly things.

Usually, the yarn would split or be impossible to rip out. Or just be a general nightmare.

Generic Amazon yarns usually aren't a good bet for me. But there are always exceptions to the rule.

How I Came Around on Yarn Bowls

I have to confess I used to think that yarn bowls were silly. That is, until I got one. I love it.

Not only is it cute, but it really is nice to keep the yarn in one place and not rolling around on the floor.

I feel bad that I mocked yarn bowls for so long. I also enjoy row counters. They help in a pinch.

Stitch markers are a must-have also.

Squeezing Yarn in the Aisles at Michaels

I mostly shop at big-box stores like Michaels, Hobby Lobby, Walmart, and used to enjoy Joann's. I will order online sometimes if the price is right or if I'm looking for a particular yarn and can't find it in the store.

I'm kind of an instant gratification person. I enjoy walking the aisles and feeling and squeezing the yarn like a weirdo. Luckily, I live in a big city, and it isn't too far to my nearest big box store.

But if it were a long distance, I would drive to the ends of the earth for my lovely yarn!

A Tulip Amour Starter Kit With Hand Lotion

If I were going to spend $100 and make a kit for someone to begin crocheting, I would buy them a nice ergonomic crochet hook set, probably Tulip Amour.

I would buy them a little box of stitch markers, a tiny pair of travel scissors, one skein of worsted-weight yarn in a cute color, and a cute, inexpensive tote bag to put it all in.

If I had any left, I would buy a cute little measuring tape and small travel-size hand lotion. Crocheting can make your hands dry.

Keep reading

• The $250 of Bulky Yarn I Ended Up Giving Away
• 7 San Francisco Yarn Stores
• Why My Tulip Etimo Beat Out a Drawer Full of Hooks