Yarn Reviews

[crochetme]

Let's talk yarn! I'm still working on my very first crochet project, but I'll let you know about the yarn I'm using when I'm done.

 

Let's use this space to tell about yarns we've used, in terms of texture, softness, durability, weight, etc. so when we want to order something online we'll have a better idea of what we'll be getting...

[BklynVonne]

I use mostly 'soft' acrylics, like Red Heart Soft and Caron Simply Soft for charity work; also regular Red Heart and Caron in solids and variegateds, as they are easy to care for and hold up well.

 

For myself, I've branched out into using higher quality fibers, like mercerized cotton, tape/ribbon and rayon.

[Guest PamCrochets]

Mmmmmm... yarn. This is one of my favorite subjects right now, because I've started trying yarn that I've never tried before. Here's what I have so far:

Lion Brand Wool-Ease (worsted weight) - A blend of acrylic, wool, and polyester. It's one of my favorite yarns because it's soft, feels good, and comes in great colors.

Red Heart TLC Essentials (worsted weight) - I never really liked Red Heart because I found it rather stiff and rough, but I'm really liking their new TLC line. I usually go for the blends because they're softer than the 100% acrylic yarns, but still machine washable. I was surprised when I read the label on this yarn. It's 100% acrylic, but it's a nice yarn. It also comes in some yummy colors. I bought some Water Lilly, and Autumn Leaves for a couple of sweaters. Yes, sweaters. 100% acrylic, and I think it's soft enough for a sweater. Next time you're looking at yarn, give it a squeeze.

Lion Brand Micro Spun (sport weight) - I love this yarn! I'm using it for the first time, and I'm in love. I was looking for a yarn that I could make summer tops with. I went to Michael's to buy some Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. I didn't like the way the Cotton-Ease felt, so I was looking around the store for something else when I found the Micro-Spun. It's so soft, and get this ... it's 100% acrylic! I read an article not to long ago that said acrylic yarn has come a long way, and people should give it another chance. They are so right!

Lion Brand Imagine (worsted weight) - A blend of acrylic and mohair. I don't know how this actually works up because I haven't used it yet, but I just bought some for a sweater. It's a nice, soft, yummy yarn. I just know it's going to make a nice sweater. I'll let you know when I actually start working with it.

I think I got a little long winded, so I'll post about sock yarn in another post. I bought three different brands, and so far I've used one. Has anyone else had any experience with sock yarn?

 

~Pam

[Ambersafghans]

I have used Lion brand Wool Ease for a scarf (custom order) and it was really nice!

TLC is what I think I used for glove/mittens. (Also a custom order)

I use a lot of Caron one pound. That's what my Lap afghans are made out of. http://www.yourcrafts.com/Ambersafghans.htm

I also use Jamie baby pompadour for my baby blankets. I really like that!

Amber

[enmac]

I just bought some <a href="http://www.patons.biz/frameset.asp?link=yarns.asp" target="_new">Patons Zhivago</a> which is a mix of acrylic and tencel. I just love it. It's really soft and it has a bit of a sheen, and the colours are really rich. I'm making a cardigan out of it and it's working up really well. Only time will tell how well it wears though.

 

The picture on the web site does not do it any justice.

[jennmwalsh]

I had no idea that Australia had different yarns by Patons than we get...I just looked at Zhivago, and thought it was gorgeous. It would probably look really good with the shawl I'm planning, but we don't appear to get it around here! BLAH!

[enmac]

<img border=0 src="http://www.ezboard.com/images/emoticons/happy.gif" /> Normally it's me feeling envious of all the brands I've never even heard of that you all can get.

[crochetcrazy]

Wow:eek so many choices and so little time!

 

I love Lion Brand also and have used the cheniel(sp) on scarf that turned out great and warm, too.

 

I used red heart angel/baby soft for a scarf for my daughter and it's soft and lovely baby blue.

 

I've never used micro spun but looked and looked at the yummy colors;) Now, I'll have to give it a whirl.

 

I like the new fun fur in any color and am currently making the shawl using posh by skacel what a textural treat. I picked up some good quality cotton yarn (sock type, I think, it's thin) and am practicing the 'in the round'.

 

I love that new multi-strand eyelash called Whiskers. It's beautiful and I made a scarf with it and a multi-strand called primary.

 

?What would be a good, light yarn in white for an open weave-look poncho/shawl?

[jennmwalsh]

That's one of the things I've been semi-researching lately...good shawl yarnd. I've found alot of stuff I'd WANT to use, but I guess my first question back to you would be, what weight do you want it in? What pattern are you planning on using?

[crochetcrazy]

Am still looking for 'the' pattern. I saw a poncho on sale at Anne Taylor Loft in white with a great open pattern and nice fringe.

 

I'd like it to be light, cool white, and soft but not heavy as I'm thinking of this as a summer type poncho. It would be nice if the yarn had a shimmer, glimmer or something added to it to give it a big of glamour but not itchy or stiff.

 

Any ideas, anyone?

[Guest morici]

well if you're on a budget, there's glimmerspun by lionbrand. unfortunately they don't have white but they do have silver. that would be kind of fancy

 

and then there's lionbrand jamie pompadour -- that has shimmery stuff, and since it's for babies you know it'll be soft.

[eneilei]

Can anyone tell me what I can substitute for Lionbrand Wool-Ease Sportweight (80 percent acrylic and 20 percent wool). It's too hot in Hawaii to use wool but most of the yarns a looked at do not have the "bumpy look" of wool. Thanks for the help. :think

[CraftyShannon]

Speaking of Wool Ease Sportweight, what exactly would be good to make with it? I've never crocheted with anything but cotton or regular acrylic, but got a bunch of the wool east sportweight at Tuesday Morning. Didn't realize it was sportweight when I bought it, and at the store, I was thinking I'd make a scarf set. Would this be okay? If not, any other suggestions?

[megan]

Speaking of Wool Ease Sportweight, what exactly would be good to make with it?

 

There's a pattern at the Lionbrand website for a hooded scarf out of WE Sportweight, um, here. I made one for my mom last Christmas, and she loves it. Frankly, I do, too