Premier Big Ball brand.Before you buy it check the end to see if the yarn comes out of the ends otherwise you have to rewind the whole ball from the out side yarn or put the yarn in a big bag and use the yarn from the outside. I wouldn't buy it if the yarn doesn't come out of the ends .

the 1000 yards is kind of an average - it depends on the gauge, your crocheting style, and the density of the 'fabric' you're making...

the 'best' way? is to reel off 20 yards or so, and work a swatch that's one or two repeats wide (or 4-6" wide, depending on the pattern) and see how far that yardage gets you... it also lets you see if you like the feel of it, do you want it softer? tighter?

once you get your sample down, measure it, calculate how many square inches, and compare it to the whole.

1000 yards is kind of an average, figuring worsted weight yarn, medium density, medium tension, somewhere around 36" square.

for the fancy, hand-spun stuff? I love granny-square patterns for that, because it allows me to do part of it in something cheap and easy, and part of it in something rich or exotic without it looking like I'm scrimping : )

Doucanue, unless I get up and go find a crochet pattern (lost in the abyss!) I can't answer your question, but I would like to welcome you to the knit/crochet forum! I am used to seeing you over on the cooking forum.

Tami