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Knitting & Crocheting

Any ideas for what to knit with chunky yarn

19 years ago

I just acquired 200+ lbs of bulky cotton yarn. (Yes, I am obsessive...) I've decided to knit a few rugs, thanks to Red Confetti and Anne B.

Does anyone have any ideas of other projects besides rugs or bathmats for this type of yarn? This yarn is 2-ply, 100% cotton, thick, muted colors and there is a LOT of it. This yarn was being used as doll hair, to give you an idea of the consistency of it. (It's like the stuff used for Raggedy Ann hair.)

THANKS SO MUCH for your help and ideas!

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Comments (10)

donna_loomis
19 years ago
I have seen patterns for sweaters made of chunky cotton. How about a sweater-coat?
lindac
19 years ago
Two hundred pounds?????? Of yarn????! Holy needles Batman!!
I think I would devise a pattern for an entrance mat, and package up the pattern and the needed amount of yarn and sell the kits on ebay!
200 pounds????
Linda C
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Pris had something too (along with the gauge and swatch thing)...you can't "agitate" wool/natural fibre, but can acrylic. Many wools will felt. SO... 1. check weight of yarn (DK, Fingerling, lace, etc). THEN 2. Check gauge and yardage (only for amount to purchase) 3. Then when you buy the yarn, do a swatch, you may need to adjust your needles. When the swatch is right, you can begin. ALSO remember...Cotton is MUCH heavier than a wool or acrylic. So that yarn will make something VERY HEAVY (i.e. an afghan that you can barely lift, compared to wool/animal fibre or acrylic) If you are NOT a person to hand wash....make sure you check that too on the lable. Ask when/if you have more questions. Vickey-MN
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I am a crocheter - did some knitting but never took the time to perfect it. Crocheting seems to go faster but uses more yarn. I rather spend money on the yarn and finish sooner! You could use a very simple stitch I am currently using the Sweet Stripes for a baby blanket so I guess it depends on the colors you selected if it is too babyish. If you bought the Splash - blue/green combo I think you are fine. I think the blue/white should be OK but the others signal "baby" to me (maybe others think differently). Another option is using Homespun from LionBrand since it is very soft yarn and a mixture of colors to add some richness to the scarf. They have some patterns for "short" scarves using only one skien and a few others also. Check their site and they also have instructions posted on how to knit/crochet. There is one major drawback for a new knitter/crocheter in using either sweet stripes or homespun - they are a curly/wavy type of yarn and it is harder to distinguish where the stitch actually is. I think a smooth yarn is easier for a beginner and would suggest using a sport weight if you want a light, softer scarf. A solid color is easier to work with for a beginner but the Bernat Softee Baby in Baby Denim Marls has just a hint of color so it is easy enough to work with. I like the His Jeans Ombre but even ombres are harder for beginners. Guess it really depends on whether you have a live resource to help you if you get stuck. Keep the first one simple and then build up your skills.
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tami ... i know how astounding it is to have grandchildren .. they are so very precious. however, i still remember the horrendous process of selecting a name for a baby. there is so much pressure. you have to stay away from names of the bully people of you and your mates' lives. you have to consider how the name will do for a baby AND an adult .. pressure pressure pressure. believe it or not, i happen to spend this morning making lists for my friend who is adopting a new puppy this coming weekend! even with a dog, naming it is difficult. however, the baby will be named and you will all be charmed and delighted, i am sure! nope, got no labels when i received the yarn. and, frankly, it does look like it's going to be a strain to knit with it. however, it's incredibly soft and yummy! again, congratulations diane :-)
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jana_ks
19 years ago
okay, 200 pounds............. and I weigh....... never mind......... THAT'S A LOT OF YARN................ wow....
barb_from_pa
19 years ago
You could knit wall-to-wall carpeting for your home!
HollyBerry47
19 years ago
I can't even imagine how much room #200 of yarn would take up let alone how long it would take to knit it up. have you given any thougt to teaching knitting to the poor with it? They could make their own scarfs, caps and mittens. While learning something useful. There are also Indian schools, 4-H groups, Girl Scouts, Blue Birds and schools for the disables who could use the yarn for crafts or to learn to knit or crochet with.
rmturtle
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks for all the suggestions. I think I might do that eBay idea. And maybe once I make a portion of my money back, I can donate some kits to some schools or something. The reason I would not do that first off is beacuse it did cost me quite a bit to buy the yarn and to have it transported.

Then again, it was almost worth the money, just to hear all your reactions! ;)

Chunky sweater-coat would be nice, but the colors are somewhat muted. It seems more an "industrial grade" yarn than something nice to knit up... That was a really nice idea, though. Thank you.

Well, So now on my list I have rugs, bathmats, and kits. I probably could make wall-to-wall carpeting, but at this point, I can't even see my floor to take measurements ;)

Any other ideas? It's a LOT of yarn...
Wendy_the_Pooh
19 years ago
How about a ton of quick hats for donating to charities? Or you could make tote bags.
socks
19 years ago
Since you said it is sort of "industrial grade," slipper socks would wear well.
Maureen Janda
19 years ago
How about some of those string or net shopping bags like the French use? I've been reading that some groceries are threatening to charge for their bags.

Too bad you can't felt cotton.
newontarionian
19 years ago
are you a member of any knitting groups .. online or otherwise? you could offer a game where the winner (out of all the people who email you back from the letter announcing your 'contest') gets some of your stash.

guess what??? this morning i happened to find out that i am the winner of my knitting group's contest. wow, eh? :-)

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