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Grace&Chaos
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I've been crocheting and enjoying it for over a year now. I've simply gone to my local Michael's and Joann's for yarn. No offense to either but I really would like to try some other yarns...let's say a treat for my projects this fall.
The feel of different brands got me thinking about what their made off and honestly I never thought of all the possibilities out there. There are so many  I'm almost dizzy trying to figure it out. Most of my projects have been wearables: hats, scarves, fingerless gloves and I'm just branching into simple sweaters. I'm not a fan of bulky at all, but I've liked a heavy sport/fingering or light DK/worsted. My favorite needle sizes so far are 4.0-5.0 mm
What are your favorites out there? Where do you get the best deal? Where do you shop for yarn?
A few good links would really help me out  . Thanks ladies 
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Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
Grace in Loving Chaos
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Amber-v
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I have been happy with Knit Picks as an online source for yarn. I buy most of my yarn locally at a non chain craft store. I like the Brown Sheep brand - nice colors, nice yarn, made in the US, reasonable price (for what it is).
Right now I am working through a stash of cotton yarn I bought a while ago, making dish cloths and scrubbies. I am looking forward to working with a wool or wool blend again at some point - cotton gets kind of annoying after awhile!
Amber
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Amber
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Betsy
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Are you on Ravelry?
This is the best place online to be for knitting and crocheting! They have a great data base for patters and yarn. This is my go to place to study what I want to get before I buy.
My blanket statement to people who what an good yarn brand with out being overwhelmed is Berroco.
They have many different types of yarn and weights and a lovely color selections. The price is reasonable for better yarn. This is my work horse brand. I have other favorites, but that is my best all around choice.
Also, I do usually find the pattern first and then I get the yarn. My stash yarn was starting to grow with yarn that I brought with only an idea in mind. So, I stopped doing that.
Sorry, if this seems scattered. It's been a crazy few weeks and I can't seem to get my thoughts organized. However, I didn't want a yarn question to go unanswered.
Let me know if you have more questions......
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Grace&Chaos
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Amber-v wrote:
I have been happy with Knit Picks as an online source for yarn. I buy most of my yarn locally at a non chain craft store. I like the Brown Sheep brand - nice colors, nice yarn, made in the US, reasonable price (for what it is).
Right now I am working through a stash of cotton yarn I bought a while ago, making dish cloths and scrubbies. I am looking forward to working with a wool or wool blend again at some point - cotton gets kind of annoying after awhile!
Amber |
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Ooh, I'm so excited I just ordered a City Tweed from Knit Picks last night. That's why I'm here asking about yarns because I couldn't decide and want to make sure I'm on the right path 
So is the cotton not really meant for a wearable? Everyhting I read about it sounded more like for the projects you describe.
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Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
Grace in Loving Chaos
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Grace&Chaos
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Betsy wrote:
Are you on Ravelry?
This is the best place online to be for knitting and crocheting! They have a great data base for patters and yarn. This is my go to place to study what I want to get before I buy.
My blanket statement to people who what an good yarn brand with out being overwhelmed is Berroco.
They have many different types of yarn and weights and a lovely color selections. The price is reasonable for better yarn. This is my work horse brand. I have other favorites, but that is my best all around choice.
Also, I do usually find the pattern first and then I get the yarn. My stash yarn was starting to grow with yarn that I brought with only an idea in mind. So, I stopped doing that.
Sorry, if this seems scattered. It's been a crazy few weeks and I can't seem to get my thoughts organized. However, I didn't want a yarn question to go unanswered.
Let me know if you have more questions......
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Thanks Betsy. I did sign up for an account there but I found myself a little overwhelmed  . I kept going from one thing to another. I'm not giving up. I'll get the hang of that sight yet  !
I'm definitely checking out your other source. I also have to agree on having a project in mind. I have a stash going from my usual sources because the colors all seemed so nice  but I'm really wanting to try nicer feels rather than cool colors; if that makes sense.
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Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
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violingirl
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My favorite wool/acrylic blend is Berroco Vintage. It's washable, soft, beautiful to knit with... I've made many a baby project from it. you can also get it in both DK and worsted weight. I also order quite a bit from knitpicks.com for larger projects. I've been especially happy with their laceweights.
I use ravelry to explore yarns since I usually order yarn online since I don't have a close local yarn shop. I read through user comments and that really helps me narrow down my options. It's so very important to get the right yarn for the project.
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Betsy
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Jenny....Ravelry can DEFINITLY be overwhelming. Just stay in the pattern and yarn area until you get use to it.
Also, when you look up yarn you can also see who is selling their yarn. I have gotten some good deals on yarn that I wanted that people were selling.
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Amber-v
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I think the cottons could be used for wearable projects - and I know I have seen patterns on Knit Picks' site for that... But I just have small amounts of several non matching colors, so scrubbies and dishcloths seemed like the best way to use it up!
And I have been admiring that City Tweed for awhile! I almost bought it for a gift project, but decided to go with the Brown Sheep because I didn't want to wait for it to ship! 
Amber
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JennGM
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Grace&Chaos wrote:
I've been crocheting and enjoying it for over a year now. I've simply gone to my local Michael's and Joann's for yarn. No offense to either but I really would like to try some other yarns...let's say a treat for my projects this fall.
The feel of different brands got me thinking about what their made off and honestly I never thought of all the possibilities out there. There are so many I'm almost dizzy trying to figure it out. Most of my projects have been wearables: hats, scarves, fingerless gloves and I'm just branching into simple sweaters. I'm not a fan of bulky at all, but I've liked a heavy sport/fingering or light DK/worsted. My favorite needle sizes so far are 4.0-5.0 mm
What are your favorites out there? Where do you get the best deal? Where do you shop for yarn?
A few good links would really help me out . Thanks ladies |
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Jenny, are you crocheting or knitting? I was confused by your "needle size"?
My first love is crochet. I taught myself crochet and loved it. I ended up loving doing thread crochet, making fine thread crafts like doilies.
But I also knit.
I'm a big natural fibers fan, but I can't tolerate animal fibers -- so flax, cotton, silk or mixtures of those is what I tend towards. Acrylic is does not breathe, nor does it retain heat. I look for combo yarns that have majority natural fibers, and maybe some added manmade for some texture and strength.
Betsy mentioned Berrocco, and I just finished knitting the Tasha Tudor Shawl in Berrocco Remix which was a little more manmade than I originally wanted, but I was really pleased with the yarn. It wasn't too hot, and it breathed (I was knitting outside in the sun during baseball games). This was my first knitted project for me since I was single -- so this was a big deal.
Do you have a local yarn store that you can browse and talk yarns? This is where I get my inspiration for good yarns. I pick a pattern and bring it in, discuss the difficulty, discuss what kind of yarn, etc. While the internet is so great, nothing can substitute to personal interaction, feeling the yarns, talking with experienced crafters and getting inspired.
I don't buy yarn from the big box stores usually unless it's for some quick cheap project. The nicer yarns and projects I reserve to buy from my local craft shop. There have been times some yarn wasn't carried anymore and I ordered online, but that has been rare, as they can order for me. It's a personal choice, but I wanted to support a small personal business.
I have really liked Tahki Yarns, especially Cotton Classics. The colors are amazing, but I have to admit I just used a gray to make my son a Crocheted Chain Mail Hood, adapting this pattern a bit. I wanted his hood to be breathable and not get too hot. I have some more hanks here to crochet my other son one, too. The yarn is so soft.
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3ringcircus
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Yarn.com has some really good clearance prices, so I can enjoy trying new things w/o a huge investment. The Cascade brand has quite a few different choices for middle-of-the-road quality and prices. Definitely a step up from local chain stores.
I like Tahki, too.
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asplendidtime
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Just when I thought there was finally a thread here I could participate in, I then realized I can't! I do buy mainly acrylics because they are affordable and washable. I live in Alberta, it's terribly cold here and we almost never wear any wool whatsoever, we do stay warm though, because acrylic yarns are warm! 
I never have bought yarn online ever, although I am rather fascinated with Knit Picks Chroma in Lolipop! Might have to break down and order it sometime.
I'm not trying to rain on your parade, definitely understand your question, I was so excited to see this thread only to realize, I shouldn't be!
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JennGM
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asplendidtime wrote:
Just when I thought there was finally a thread here I could participate in, I then realized I can't! I do buy mainly acrylics because they are affordable and washable. I live in Alberta, it's terribly cold here and we almost never wear any wool whatsoever, we do stay warm though, because acrylic yarns are warm!
I never have bought yarn online ever, although I am rather fascinated with Knit Picks Chroma in Lolipop! Might have to break down and order it sometime.
I'm not trying to rain on your parade, definitely understand your question, I was so excited to see this thread only to realize, I shouldn't be! |
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Aw, no, your input is great! I had heard about a study that illustrated acrylics didn't keep heat, but your personal experience makes it helpful!
I'll have to find that study.
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Jennifer G. Miller
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Grace&Chaos
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JennGM wrote:
| Jenny, are you crocheting or knitting? I was confused by your "needle size"? |
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I mean crochet. The needles I have read US-Letter-#/another number in mm. This is the one I go by because that's what all my needles have in common. Some don't have the letter others don't have the regular number. Anyway, I'll learn what that means soon too.
I've tried knitting but can't get the hang of that yet. I do keep practicing .
I also went online this week to see if I could find a local yarn shop of sorts. I found three within driving distance so I do plan on visiting them and feeling them out. My first instinct was to wait until I could get to one before I start buying nice yarn but with the kids that could be a while 
I'm getting excited about trying out/feeling these different blends.
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Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
Grace in Loving Chaos
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Grace&Chaos
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asplendidtime wrote:
Just when I thought there was finally a thread here I could participate in, I then realized I can't! I do buy mainly acrylics because they are affordable and washable. I live in Alberta, it's terribly cold here and we almost never wear any wool whatsoever, we do stay warm though, because acrylic yarns are warm!
I never have bought yarn online ever, although I am rather fascinated with Knit Picks Chroma in Lolipop! Might have to break down and order it sometime.
I'm not trying to rain on your parade, definitely understand your question, I was so excited to see this thread only to realize, I shouldn't be! |
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I'm actually glad you did! You bring up some good points: weather, money and care.
I'm in CA and really my projects are not because I need to keep super warm. They are for the feel of the material and if I get any good the style of the project
I should also consider what happens when one of the kids/dh accidently puts a project in the wash
I can splurge a little but will have to show restraint on cost too.
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Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
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JodieLyn
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I would think anything which holds air will hold heat.. so while the fiber might not hold much heat.. something made with acrylic yarn will hold heat because it does trap air.
I've used crocheted acrylic afgans all my life and they DO keep you warm
I've played a bit with some of the fun yarns in make things like scarves. I'm not big on doing patterns so mostly I make dish clothes with cotton yarn and afgans, my favorite it to use a big crochet hook with double strands of yarn (oh the color combo possibilities! ) and do an endless grannysquare. Oh I also use netting cut into strips for crocheting scrubbies but that's hard on your hands if you do too much all at once.
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oh and btw speaking of staying warm.. a crocheted afgan in between two other blankets is definately the way to go.. it's nice and heavy and molds down around you and with the blanket on top it holds in the warm air that's in all the holes of the afgan.
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Jodie, wife to Dave
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Betsy
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I agree with all of the sources/information/yarn brands above!
Here are a few other brands that I use and love. Some are every day brands and some are more to dream about, iygwim!
Shelter by Brookland Tweed. The story of this yarn is amazing. It was a guy who wanted a Made in American yarn (wool and spinning) and made it happen. His pattern support is awesome too.
Great Northern Yarns. Here are some really beautiful fibers (cashmere, yak, mink) at affordable (well, somewhat) prices. They guy who runs this doesn't have any middle men to keep the prices more reasonable.
ColourMart. Best place for cashmere and lace yarns. They use left overs from high end clothing manufactures to bring us beautiful high quality yarn.
Unique Sheep. This is a local to me hand dyer. I have meet the owner/dyer a few times. I love the gradiant collection!!
Peace Fleece. This company has a great story of combining us wool with russian wool during the cold war. This is REAL wool. It's a bit scratchy for next to skin...but I can personally testify that you will not be cold when you wear it!!! I have a wholesale account and the minimum oder is $100 and brings the price per skien down to $4.75 (I think), if any one is interested in a group order.
I will post more if I think of them....
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KC in TX
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My absolute favorite splurge yarn is Sunshine Yarns. Gorgeous colors and sooooo soft.
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Betsy
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Another fun place to look for yarn is Dizzy Sheep. They have a new yarn up every day. If you frequent Revelry, they often have a 10% off coupon on top of that and only $1 shipping. I have order a few times (most notably Berroco yarns) and been very satisfied!
Oh, and another good place to look for deals is Little Knits. They often have good deals on a variety of yarns.
P.S. KC the link is working slow for Sunshine yarns at the moment. When it's quicker I will definitely check them out!
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ImmaculataDesigns.com
When handcrafting my work, I always pray that it will raise your heart to all that is true, modest, just, holy, lovely and good fame!
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Grace&Chaos
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Betsy wrote:
Another fun place to look for yarn is Dizzy Sheep. They have a new yarn up every day. If you frequent Revelry, they often have a 10% off coupon on top of that and only $1 shipping. I have order a few times (most notably Berroco yarns) and been very satisfied!
Oh, and another good place to look for deals is Little Knits. They often have good deals on a variety of yarns.
P.S. KC the link is working slow for Sunshine yarns at the moment. When it's quicker I will definitely check them out!
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Betsy, do you have a referral code for Dizzy Sheep? Just checking before I sign up; looks fun
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Jenny
Mom to dds(00,03) and dss(05,06,08,09)
Grace in Loving Chaos
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: What's your favorite yarn?
