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October 28, 2024


In this issue:  Tech Talk!   Upcoming Classes & Events   Shop News   Tip Jar   Contact info

What Crochet Hook Material is Best? 

October Tech Talk: Crochet Hooks, Part 1

It’s time to discuss crochet hook materials! The three most common hook materials are metal, plastic, and wood. There are several qualities that affect your choice in hook materials: durability, affordability, weight, and texture. 

 

Plastic hooks

Durability: Medium to low (best durability at larger sizes)

Affordability: Usually most affordable (e.g., Susan Bates Luxite) but some manufacturers have nicer hooks in the mid-price range (e.g., Prym Ergonomic). The more expensive hooks have ergonomic handles.

Weight: Among the lightest weight hooks, making them less tiring to use. The weight difference is especially noticeable in the larger sizes, like US L-Q (8-16mm).

Texture: Warm to the touch and tends to have more friction than other materials, which can improve gauge but slows you down. Not ideal to use when there’s high humidity.

 

Metal hooks (aluminum or steel)

Durability: Extremely durable, especially steel

Affordability: Varies from very affordable (e.g., Susan Bates Silvalume) to mid-price (e.g., Boye Ergonomic, Clover Soft Touch) to expensive (e.g., Addi Swing). More expensive hooks have ergonomic handles. 

Weight: Steel hooks (e.g., Clover Soft Touch Steel hooks) are heavier than aluminum, so these tend to be available in the smallest sizes, US 14 – 0 (0.5 – 1.55mm). 

Texture: Cool to the touch initially and slippery, which helps you crochet faster but also makes it harder to get consistent gauge. Crocheters with concerns about fatigue or pain will want to choose a style that comes with an ergomic handle (e.g., Boye Ergonomic, Clover Amour, Clover Soft Touch, Prym Ergonomic) or use a removable handle like Susan Bates Cushion Grip

 

Wood Hooks (includes bamboo, which is technically a grass)

Durability: Less durable than other materials, more prone to breaking if you sit on them (!)

Affordability: Ranges from mid-price (e.g., ChiaoGoo BambooLykke Driftwood) to expensive (e.g., Lemonwood)

Weight: Some woods are denser (and therefore heavier) than others. It’s important to hold a wooden hook before you buy it, especially in the larger sizes.

Texture: Wood hooks have a nice texture when holding them, plus they're gorgeous! Wood is stickier than metal but more slippery than plastic; bamboo is about as sticky as plastic.


If you need help picking out a crochet hook, let us know! We can help you find the best hook for your yarn, project and ergonomic needs. Stay tuned for more information on crochet hooks in future newsletters!

Happy hookin' y'all!

-Caryn and the Yarnivore Crew 

P. S. Bashful Armadillo will be in-store on Saturday, November 2 11a-4p. This south Texas indie dyer has hand-painted yarns with a Texas accent!


Upcoming Classes
Click the title to learn more and to register.
Space is limited, so sign up now! Class fees due at time of registration. You can find all available classes on our Calendar.
 

 

Beginning Crochet
Get started crocheting with Moses! You'll learn the four basic crochet stitches (chain, single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet) and the skills to do them well.
Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Saturday, November 2 & 9, 1pm - 1 seat available

 
two colorful stranded/fair isle christmas stockings on a green background. The left stocking is in shades of green and has a leaf pattern. The right stocking is in rainbow colors and has a heart patternFair Isle Christmas Stocking - Masks Required
Make a family heirloom and learn new skills! Should have basic knitting skills; no previous sock knitting experience needed. Class is three 2-hour sessions.
Thursday, November 3, November 17 & December 1, 2pm - 3 seats available
 
 
 
a group of people putting their hands in the center, as if a team.Knitting Workshop with Suzy 
Bring your projects and questions; Suzy will answer your questions and will break down the principles involved so that everyone can learn! Class is one 2-hour session.
Tuesday, November 5, 12 pm - 4 seats available
Tuesday, November 12, 12 pm - 4 seats available (see class description for more dates)
 
 
Beginner knitters who have mastered the basics (cast-on, knit, purl, bind off) will enjoy learning several new skills as they make the French Market Bag, including working in the round, magic loop and kitchener stitch.  Class is two 2-hour sessions.
Thursday November 8 & 22, 5:30 - 3 seats available
 
 
a comic showing Lucy from Charlie brown, but with pink hair, sitting at a lemonade stand type booth, with text that reads Knitting Help 5 cents. The Doctor is IN
Knitting Workshop with Wendy - Masks Required
Come knit with Wendy! This is for knitters of any skill level with any kind of project! Learn with others in a friendly, supportive environment! Each class is one 2-hour session.
Monday, November 11, 2 pm - 3 seats available
Monday, November 25, 2 pm - 3 seats available (See class description for more dates.)
 
A close up of an intarsia christmas stocking showing santa's faceIntarsia Christmas Stocking - Masks Required
Even if you've never made a sock, you can make this colorful Christmas Stocking! Pick your holiday design and learn fun new skills! Class is three 2-hour sessions.
Thursday, November 14 & 21, December 5, 5:30 pm - 4 seats available
 
  
 
Project CPR aka Hooker Helpdesk with Moses - Masks Appreciated, but not required
Come pick Moses' brain in this workshop-style class. Get some helpful tips to make your hook happy and your project beautiful! Each class is one 2-hour session.
Saturday, November 16, 1 pm - 4 seats available
 
   
Bring your needlepoint or cross stitch projects for support, problem-solving, and camaraderie! Each class is one 2-hour session. (See class description for additional dates.)
Sunday, November 24 , 1 pm - no seats available  
Sunday, November 24, 3 pm - 2 seats available (See class description for more dates.)
 
 

Shop News - Featured Yarn: Lang Yarn Astra & Paillettes

Working on a holiday project that needs a little sparkle? We love Lang Yarn Astra and Paillettes! Double strand either of these with your main yarn to create holiday or bedazzling projects! Astra is a surprisingly soft metallic yarn in gold or silver and Paillettes is a sequined yarn in a variety of colors. 

Lang Yarn Astra   Lang Yarn Paillettes                        

Hours! 
11-5 Monday-Tuesday
11-7 Wednesday-Friday
11-5 Saturday & 12-5 Sunday
 
 
Upcoming Events
 
colorful cat holding a ball of yarn  Crawl After Party, Friday November 1, 5a-7p. Join us for this informal sit & stitch to start your next project!
 
 
 
 

 

Bashful Armadillo logoBashful Armadillo Trunk Show, Saturday November 2, 11a - 4p.

 

 

 

Spinner Saturday, November 16, 12p-4p! Bring your spinning wheel or spindle, and join others who like to turn fluff into yarn! 

Black Friday November 29th & Small Business Saturday November 30th! Stay tuned for details

 

Zorn Junction Trunk Show July 13, 2024Zorn Junction Trunk Show, Saturday November 30, 11a-4p. This south Texas dyer specializes in boutique batches of unique colors! 

 


Private Lessons
Learn 1x1 or in small groups with your choice of project or technique! One-on-one (one student, one teacher) Personal lessons are $25/hour & group private lessons are $15/person per hour. Visit us in-store or call 210-979-8255 to schedule. Fees due at time of scheduling. 


clip art of a clear mason jar with three balls of yarn inside, one red, one green, one purple. The label on the jar reads Tip JarThe Tip Jar

If you want to add sparkle to a project by double stranding a yarn like Astra or Paillettes with your main yarn, be mindful of your gauge. A yarn like Astra won't add much density but Paillettes might. Either way, we recommend working a gauge swatch to see if you need to increase your needle or hook size. 

 

Caring for metallic yarns starts with handling them carefully as they're more delicate than most plied yarns. Once you've finished your project, hand was in cold water, even if the main yarn is machine washable. Cold water washing will preserve the shine!

 

Do you have a tip idea? We're happy to share it, just reply to this newsletter!

To keep up with our activities and real time announcements, please follow us on social media:
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If you have a question for one of our teachers, you can email us at yarnivoresa@gmail.com.