Monday, March 28, 2011

A Tale of Two Yarns - 2KCBWDAY1


Is this not cool?  Bloggers all over the globe are participating, so this gives all of us a chance to find new knitting and crocheting blogs.  Such fun!

Today's topic is A Tale of Two Yarns (2KCBWDAY1)  Ignore that code thingie.  It's supposed to like up to something in Google if I have it right. And if I don't, somebody email me.

I'm going to talk about 2 yarns that I love.  One I dye, the other I buy.  The one I buy is Encore DK.  Yep, mostly acrylic but you can't beat it for blankies that will get dragged around or baby gear.  The stuff is indestructible, comes in lots of colors, cheap, and is pretty, really pretty.  Yep, there's only a bit of wool in it, but that bit seems to predominate over the acrylic.  I"m not a yarn snob; I've been knitting for 50 years (gasp) and have learned that different yarns have different uses.  You wouldn't use a microwave oven to grill burgers, and blankets that get schlepped around need to go into a washing machine.  I could use superwash wool I suppose, but this yarn is so darn handy to find and works so well.  Eh, it's great for a dyer to get lazy and not always dye her yarns.


Here it is from Friday's post. I got another hexie done yesterday.  It's soft, cuddly, and I really really love it.  It doesn't pretend to be elegant, just a fine acrylic yarn.

I'll admit that it isn't what I would use for a brand new baby.  Too woolly for that, but when the munchkin gets a bit older, and runs around and gets dirty big time, bingo!  here's the yarn to use. 

Yarn I dye:  I love all the yarn I dye.  I don't sell anything that I can't or won't use (so no alpaca because it itches me, and I just can't wear it).  But here's my latest love:  Rachel yarn.  This one is 100% SW merino 100g approx 400 yards with a nice little twist to it.


This is the fichu made from the yarn above.


Socks that I'm wearing at the moment and a crochet scarf.

What I love about this yarn is that it is wool but feels like soft cotton in the hand.  It's my current craze and I can't get enough of it.  Plus it dyes like a dream.

And those are two yarns that I love.

PandaBearofDoom - Thanks!  It started out as a retirement hobby, and then grew into a business.  Who every would have thunk it?  Off to check out your blog.
nursenikkiknits - I know loony Grammies who knit in cashmere for their precious babies.  Just what a mom of little ones has time for!  And there's nothing like a white cashmere baby sweater with baby upchuck on it!
CrochetBlogger - Speaking of different uses for different yarns, I have a confession:  I did knit Miss P (the grand who live in MN) a shawl in 50/50 merino/silk last year for her birthday.  Just because she wanted it.  No, silly, I didn't spend a fortune on a shawl for an 8 year old, but I get the yarn at wholesale, so it was quite affordable.  I have no idea on whether she has worn it since, but I had fun doing it.
AND to every one else who has responded - Thanks for all your lovely words. 

19 comments:

Anonymous said...

Wow so pretty. I love the hand dyed yarn.

nursenikkiknits said...

I agree that arylic is great for babies. I have one, they are messy!
Your hand dyed yarn is stunning. It looks so light and lofty.

Kim said...

A great start to blog week! Your hand dyed is LUSH! Look forward to reading more of your posts :)

Much love,
Kim

abipolz said...

Very pretty hand dyed yarn!

Voie de Vie said...

Nice to see both knitting and crochet representin'. :)

supertinks said...

I love the colours of your hand dyed yarns. Especially that green/purple one. It knits up so beautifully!

Amy said...

Just popping in to say "hi" as part of Knit Crochet Blog Week.

www.knitterofhatssspeaks.blogspot.com

Leah said...

I love the colours of your hand-dyed yarn - especially the light blue on top. Gorgeous.

Moonie said...

Wow, the colours of your own dyed yarn in that shawl are just beautiful!

Chase said...

Love your hand dyed yarn, it looks so gorgeous! Popping in as part of Knitting and Crochet Blog Week

www.blog.mymummyknits.com

Jen Hagan said...

Beautiful hand dyes, Yarnarian!

Kasia said...

Your hand dyed yarn looks so amazing!

pendie said...

What is the yarn your socks are made out of? I love that color!

Ginny said...

The colours are so pretty.

Love the mix of knitting and crochet.

rachel said...

Gorgeous hand dyes! Anything that you make yourself definitely has more sentimental value. But hey, nothing wrong with acrylic blends. I'd never knit an afghan in anything else.

Cyprienne said...

Google link works, btw. :) Fantastico!

Guistinello Design said...

Not only do we all get to discover new blogs, but I think today's topic is a big fat invite to shop for more yarn!!! I love the hand dyed yarn... I'll be back soon!

CrochetBlogger said...

Love your post for Knit and Crochet Blog Week (which I'm also participating in this year!) You make a great point that different yarns have different uses, something that is definitely worth highlighting. And your dyed yarn is gorgeous!

Stefanie said...

Encore is pretty cool. It is good for gifts. How fun that you dye your own yarn! That is hardcore. I love your, "Would it kill ya to comment?" My sentiments exactly!

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