Skein

[aladdinsane]

I feel a little silly asking this
I have bought some wool - it is not in balls but skeins do I have to roll in into a ball before I can use it?

I would. I think technically it's possible to knit/crochet from the skein but it's far easier to wind into a ball so it doesn't tangle.

Thank you OP: You just evoked some happy memories of holding a skein while granny rolled it into balls....!

Don't let anybody tell you that it is possible to knit or crochet from a skein, it will be the most awfl mess. If you have no one to hold it for you put it on the back of an upright dining chair and wind it from there.

Thank you, I can remember sitting holding wool for my aunt- arms aching!