Last month the Knit&Note team got to attend Vogue Knitting Live in New York. It was a fantastic event with loads of amazing vendors. When I go to a big crafting event where people typically buy loads of yarn, it always makes me wonder: which comes first, the yarn or the pattern.
What I mean by that is, do people:
- purchase yarn to match a particular pattern that they have in mind, or
- buy the yarn for the sake of the qualities of the yarn itself, and find a pattern to use later.
Personally, I tend to lean more towards the first option. I buy with an exact pattern in mind. Typically, I try to make sure that the yarn is a suitable weight and fibre for that specific pattern. I always have such a long list of patterns that I can’t wait to make. That makes me feel like I owe it to my list to make sure that I can use my new yarn to make one of those items.
As for the second option. I would have a hard time buying large quantities of yarn for an unknown project. Although I see people happily doing this all the time. Maybe I’m too much of a planner to live so spontaneously. However, I have been known to buy a single skein of a particularly beautiful yarn that I just can’t resist. That way I can always knit it up into a pair of socks, a hat, or a small scarf.
Which type of yarn shopper are you: a pattern planner or a spontaneous yarn purchaser?
5 thoughts on “Which comes first, the yarn or the pattern?”
I would like to say I buy yarn with a pattern in mind buuttt I’m a bit of both. Mostly just hoard yarn and wait for inspiration to strike, then usually end up needing to buy more. 🫣😂 Love these blog posts!
I think a lot of people can relate! Thank you for your feedback, that’s really motivating. We’ll keep them coming ☺️
Yarn buyer here..I can then have an attached memory from a travel..I usually pick up a skein of Sock Yarn..good for socks or a shawl! And it looks lovely sitting all skeined up too..I don’t get mine wound till I use it!
I have to admit I’m a bit of an addict when buying yarn. I always know that I can use 1-2 skeins for socks or a hat and hope that if I pick up a larger quantity that it is enough for a scarf or sweater…and if there is a skein left over it’s back to socks. Sometimes I just can’t resist and my wants overrule my brain.
I don’t think you’re alone in that!!