I’ve been having so much fun crocheting, I decided to up my game and go into Purl in the Pines. I wanted to stock up on the types of yarns I was enjoying, and explore some new yarn types folks were talking about online.

One of the things I was seeing online were slow color-changing, or slow striping, yarns. The effect when used in flowers, granny squares, and other small pieces was fantastic. I picked up three different slow-striping yarns to try out.

I’d seen some references to Mini Mochi yarns, and decided to pick up a color called “Jungle.” It’s a blend of Merino wool and nylon, and is wonderfully soft.

I couldn’t wait to give it a try. Here are two Japanese Flowers I crocheted right away. So far, each flower changes through two colors. Using a 2.35mm hook, my flowers are 7cm. I figure if I do a couple a night, I’ll have a scarf or shawl in a few weeks. I’ll post more when I get a bouquet’s worth.

Another recommendation Purl in the Pines gave me was Noro sock yarn. I really liked the texture. It’s a blend of wool, cotton, silk, and nylon. I haven’t cracked it open yet, but I can’t wait to try it.

I found the Jojoland Melody Superwash merino wool yarns fun and appealing. The different colored plies really caught my eye. The color I got is MS39 Ripe Lychee.

My Lion Brand Bonbons are running low, and I’m really enjoying working with a sock/fingering weight cotton for doing flowers and critters. I decided to start building a stock of good cotton, and got several skeins of Cascade Ultra Pima fine yarn to try.

I also hit Walmart on the way there and picked up some different sizes of crochet thread to try. I’ve been really enjoying the size 10 crochet thread, so I picked up some size 20 to try out for jewelry, plus a ball of some size 5 that was on clearance.