Inexpensive Yarn?

A Yahoo Answer Question:

I recently taught myself to knit and it's proven to be quite an addiction.. I recieved some free yarn from my boss but it's going quick, and looking at the price of yarn, it can be awfully expensive... does anyone know anywhere to buy cheap yarn? I'm not looking for wool, or anything like that, just decent quality.

Also, thus far, I have made quite a few scarves and more dishcloths than I really need... each have their own design, so I still enjoy making them, but I would like to learn to knit something else.. so, does anyone know where I can find free, easy to understand knitting patterns?

My Response:

Ooooh, you make me want to pick up my needles just reading this question!

I am not a big fan of "cheap" so much as I am of VALUE. I want good yarn at a good price. Cheap makes me think of fire-engine red acrylic yarn - which has it's place, I'm sure, it's just not good for everything!

If you really want cheap, then go to WalMart, Michaels, JoAnn, etc. (they almost all send out 40 or 50% off coupons regularly.)

My favorite value yarn shop is knitpicks.com. They have great needles (I am on a sock frenzy and have their nickle-plated DPNs and circulars) It sometimes takes a minute to figure out how many balls you need to order, but I've had great success with all of their yarns.

For decadent luxury, find a local yarn shop - google "yarn shop" plus the name of your city. Then visit, touch, and ask questions if they're as friendly as most knitters - they'll love having you stop by!

Lion Bran yarn has tons of free patterns. I have found that I really like the specialty books like "Sensational Knitted Socks" or "Getting Started Knitting Socks." I search Amazon and see which ones look good, then request them from my library!

Also, added value at that local yarn shop - many of them have "home-grown" patterns with samples worked up. You can see/ touch/ feel the finished product AND get a free pattern PLUS appropriate yarn all in one stop. See how wonderful those expert knitters are!!

Have fun! Welcome to the Knitting Adventure! (Go ahead ... read a bit at www.yarnharlot.ca while you're at it. She's the best. With Crazy Aunt Purl!) (google - you'll be glad you did!)

Happy Knitting!