It was the best of yarns, it was the worst of yarns.
The point of today's post was to look at two yarns that you love or hate and talk about the specific aspects of each. But, since we're talking about contradictions here, I think I'm going to start with two yarns that I've used and loved at some point. One, I think many of you will agree with and the other, well, let's just say I hope you don't take me off your blog roll after this.
One of my all-time favorite yarns has to be Malabrigo Silky Merino.
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| Topaz: isn't this color just gorgeous!? |
I can never get over the sheen and drape of this yarn! In case you've never used it, Silky Merino is a single spun blend of merino wool and silk. It has excellent drape and the colors are so rich and vibrant.
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| Diana's Blossom Scarf. Don't ask me who Diana is. I have no idea. |
I was so excited when I was able to use Silky Merino in my design for Interweave Crochet. I had suggested this yarn because of the drape and its lightweight-ness. I think it's perfect for a fall or spring scarf.
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| Cedar Leaf Shawlette |
I think one of my Silky Merino dreams would be to knit a sweater in it but I'm afraid it might pill. That scares me. It also wet blocks out big. Like, a scarf can go from 50" to 70". Crazy big. So maybe a sweater isn't such a great idea. It's just so soft and lightweight I love the thought of having a whole garment. But maybe another Cedar Leaf Shawlette is called for instead?
Overall, Silky Merino is my go-to scarf yarn. I think I'll be making a yarn order after this.
The other yarn that I tend to use mainly for blankets that will be gifted is... wait for it... acrylic! (Cue ominous music)
Yes, I've said it. I use acrylic. My reasoning is that I generally don't trust my recipients. Afghans are big. Who is going to hand wash one? Not me. Superwash wool, you say? I'm on a tight budget and as much as I'd like to make myself an afghan out of Cascade 220 superwash, it's not quite in the cards right now.
But it's not as bad as you think. I've started finding acrylic and acrylic blends that are inexpensive and actually soft.
Berroco Comfort comes in all weights (sock, sport, DK, worsted, and chunky) and is a blend of nylon and acrylic. It is super soft (honest!) and for around three dollars a ball (about 200 yards each) it's a great price.
The other acrylic I found to be really soft was Caron Simply Soft. I was a little hesitant with this one but it was really a nice yarn to work with. It washes like iron and is even softer afterward (at least I think so). Also, the price was great. I think I ordered 7 skeins for an afghan (about 300 yards each) and my price with shipping was about $27. Not bad, not bad.
I like to think that all yarns have a place. There are definitely more I'd like to try. I did a quick rummage through my stash and found seven skeins (some with partners!) that I haven't used or even tried before.
