Yarn comes in different types of fibers and weights. There are great charts in the internet so I won't repeat them here; here's a link to a good one: http://www.craftyarncouncil.com/weight.html
The Doctor Who Scarf website indicated the use of US Needle size 6, so lacking corresponding weight information I used the chart above, and I figured I would practice on 3 weight yarn. Not much luck in finding this stuff in many colors at JoAnn or Michaels. For some reason they have a good color selection in weights 1 and 4+, but hardly any in size 3. Why is this? Is everyone is knitting heavy, warm, fluffy stuff in Orlando, FL? I don't get it.
I did find some close colors though in 3 weight (the middle three skeins), and 4 weight (outer skeins):
The 4 weight actually appear to be very close to the 3 weight, so I'm hoping it's just a difference in fabricators. These are just for practice, relatively cheap, and if they don't work out very well I won't be too disappointed in my choice, and I could use them for something else. Eventually I'll need to purchase the recommended skein colors/manufacturers as indicated in the Doctor Who Scarf website (http://www.doctorwhoscarf.com/season16.php). Which should be soon as the clock is ticking till Halloween.
I bought size US5 and size US6 needles to start with this yarn. I also bought some thicker yarn in weight 4 (heavier than that above) and weight 5, and some heavier needles in US9 and US13 for practice as well.
Needles shown are from left to right, US5 (circular), US6 (two pair), US9 (two pair). These are all from the same name brand and are crafted from aluminum ("Silvalume"). Why are there slightly different shades within the same size needle, is it intentional? Seems like someone needs to check this out this in their manufacturing Quality Control department. At least explain it on the product packaging as a benefit or something. To me it's confusing.
Next post will discuss casting on using the Long-Tail Cast On method.
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