In the last few years, I have begun to explore the many techniques associated with yarn. You can spin your own yarn. With yarn you can crochet, weave, and knit. Just as many of my crochet projects are inspired by the yarn itself as are chosen because I fall in love with a particular garment.

Green Chai Cardi, Interweave Crochet Fall 2011

As yarn lovers, we are fascinated by the different ways luscious fiber can be transformed into fabric. I am currently exploring the difference in fabrics created with crochet and knitting.

Let's look at two cropped short-sleeve cardigans—one crochet and the other knit.

The Green Chai Cardi by Jill Hanratty is crocheted with a broomstick lace yoke. Lacy cluster shells make up the remainder of this top, showing off one of crochet's best features: Crochet stitches create beautiful, intricate lace with ease.

	Peony Cardigan, Interweave Knits Spring 2012

The Peony Cardigan by Cecily Glowik MacDonald is an easy, one-piece sweater that uses raglan shaping and stockinette. Stockinette is a simple stitch that, with a little practice, can be created without looking, making it perfect for low-light situations like movie theaters! At the hem and down the front, moss stitch provides a subtle texture and elegance. Knitting can create fabulous fabrics that aren't too dense and yet are not at all see-through.

Crochet will always be my first love. The appreciation of yarn I learned with hook in hand has allowed me to appreciate the projects that can be created from a skein of yarn. And through that realization, I have learned to knit and value the fabulous projects that are created with this innovative use of yarn. Explore knitting and add one more fiber talent to your skill set by subscribing to Interweave Knits today.

Best wishes,