Does the yarn suck or is it just me? (Caron SS)

[Muria]

I don't know if you do it or not, but when you're drawing the hook through, I always twist the hook so that the hook part is lined up with the bottom (since stitches are shaped like loops, there's a rounded side and a pointed side, so if you twist the hook so the hook matches the point, it eliminates the hook getting caught on the yarn). It doesn't help with YO's (since they're not teardrop shaped), but it's quite useful with the rest of it.

I don't know if it's a widely known trick, or if I just picked up on it, but it might be worth a shot if your yarn is splitting.

[Aelita]

Oh I love Caron SS it does split but I still love the feel and the way it shines. I too only use aluminum hooks, the plastic are for my youngest God daughter when she comes over and tries her hand at crocheting. I started out with the plastic but once I used aluminum for the first time, I never went back to plastic. I use Caron SS and Red Heart SS alot. I never had Caron pill on me yet after being washed, I wonder why that happened.

[leppardess]

Actually, I love this yarn.  And it loves me too, so there!!!!     It's crochet that hates me.   

(((((((((((((SabrinaJL))))))))))))))))))) I felt the same way about knitting when I first started that. The biggest thing that helped me was... relaxing. I was so paranoid that I was going to do something wrong that I tensed up and had a death grip on the needles.

Give it a try when you're relaxed and remind yourself not to grip the hook so tightly. That right there helped me a whole lot when I was learning something new *hugs* Also, if you're feeling frustrated, take a break from it and come back to whatever it is that you're working on later.

[SabrinaJL]

lol. *hugs* the crochet just has to get to know you better. Keep attempting to make friends and eventually your hook will give in.
I took me a long break to be able to get it.

Maybe crochet is just playing hard to get.  I will continue to pursue.    Also I was thinking of buying some Addi crochet hooks.  Everyone says the Addi knitting needles are so great and slick, maybe the crochet hooks will be the same. 

The break was good advice.  I set it down and started knitting a baby blanket.  I think I've mellowed enough to pick the crochet back up.