Yarn Review: Knit Picks Mighty Stitch & Mighty Stitch Bulky

Happy Tuesday! It's been over a year since I've done a yarn review and I thought it would be time for another one. I'm on no set schedule so these may pop up from time to time. I tried to do the whole schedule thing.....it didn't work very well for me. Apparently my life is too unpredictable.

The purpose of my yarn reviews: to review a yarn from my stash that I have either used in the past or am currently using for a project. The review may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question are, unless otherwise specified, coming from my own stash and have been purchased either by me or for me (example: birthday present from Husband), and are for my use (which may or may not include my own design work). I've not been paid nor received any non-monetary compensation for the yarn reviews. The reviews are of my own opinion, based on my personal experiences. In addition, they may or may not coincide with the thoughts of other fiber enthusiasts.

Knit Picks Mighty Stitch (worsted & bulky)

1. Information about The Company: Knit Picks started in 2002 with a fiber enthusiast and an engineer. Their goal was to create a line of consistent and reasonably priced items. They work with trusted mills and manufacturers around the world, right at the source. They are also an ethical company; they spend time traveling to their manufacturers and mills every year to ensure safe working conditions and no child labor. 

2. Other Yarns Offered: Do you really want me to get into this? Okay....Palette, CotLin, Chroma, Felici, Lindy, Stroll, Dishie, Comfy, Brava, Swish....and the list goes on and on and on.

3. Information about the Yarn:

     - Official Name: Knit Picks Mighty Stitch (or Mighty Stitch Bulky)

     - Fiber Content: 80% acrylic/20% superwash wool

     - Skein Weight/Yardage: 100 g/208 yds (136 yds for bulky)

     - Gauge: 4.5-5 sts on US #6 (3-3.75 on US #10 for bulky)

     - Yarn Weight: Worsted (bulky)

     - Washing Instructions: Machine wash gentle & tumble dry low

     - Where to Purchase: Knit Picks

4. Review (why you're really here):

     - PROS:

          1. Machine washable and dryable. I have children so this is a big deal for me. 

          2. Consistent colors, which is important if you're making large items.

          3. Large variety of colors. 

          4. Ethical company.

          5. Tough yarn. This yarn is incredibly difficult to break. I had to cut it. 

          6. Inexpensive. Always a bonus.

     - CONS:

          1. Splitty. I found that the yarn was splitty (the worsted more so than the bulky). 

          2. The worsted weight pills like crazy (the bulky had none). Even while knitting, little pills would travel down the working yarn and I'd have to cut them or rip them off the working yarn. My dry hands did not like working with this at times because they would get caught on fluffs.

Case in point: this is the fluff I scraped off the eight worsted weight hats with my travel Gleaner (this is after the hats had a trip through the dryer but I had plenty of fluff before then). It doesn't loo like a whole lot but it was a Little Man handful (and he compressed it down a bit). When I scraped the bulky hats, nothing came off from the bulky part (but a little came off with the stripe in the middle). 

          3. If you're a bit of a fiber snob, you can tell this is an acrylic yarn, though a soft one. 

          4. I found a few knots and weak spots in the yarn (not the bulky, just the worsted). I had to cut the knots out, which wasn't a big issue. But, for the five skeins of the worsted that I had, I found at least one knot per ball. 

In case you've missed it over the last few weeks, I've made several projects out of this yarn:

Honestly, the pilling issue alone turns me off from this yarn. I think it would work wonderfully for kids (not babies), for toys (because stuffies are supposed to feel like they've been loved and pilling yarn makes me think of something that is well-used and loved), simple hats, and maybe for big blankets, but not for much else. Yes, you can clean off the pills with a sweater shaver or a Gleaner or something, but you shouldn't have to do it every time you wear or wash the item, which is what I had happen with the hats (some were washed twice and I had to clean pills off both times). 

However, I also think this yarn was very nice to work with, pilling issue aside. I think someone that's learning to knit would do well with this yarn (it's not as hard on your hands as cotton and it's not rough like RHSS can be). I have much more of it in my stash and I will use it but I think if I'm going to use an acrylic or acrylic blend from Knit Picks, I'll stick with the Brava. 

Yarn Review: Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveller

Happy Tuesday!

I suppose it's time for another yarn review :) I'm on no sort of set schedule for these so it's just going to happen whenever I feel like it.

The purpose of my yarn reviews: to review a yarn from my stash that I have either used in the past or am currently using for a project. The review may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question are, unless otherwise specified, coming from my own stash and have been purchased either by me or for me (example: birthday present from Husband), and are for my use (which may or may not include my own design work). I've not been paid nor received any non-monetary compensation for the yarn reviews. The reviews are of my own opinion, based on my personal experiences. In addition, they may or may not coincide with the thoughts of other fiber enthusiasts.

Sanguine Gryphon Little Traveller

1. Information about the Company: Sanguine Gryphon, sadly, closed in 2012 for various reasons, most of which I cannot remember. However, it was split into two different companies: Verdant Gryphon and Cephalopod Yarns. Sadly, Cephalopod Yarns also closed up shop in 2014, for what I seem to remember being medical reasons, but I could be wrong. With that said, the yarn in question can be found through Verdant Gryphon and is, in fact, the same yarn. So, we could also say that this yarn is Verdant Gryphon Little Traveller.

2. Other yarns offered: Bugga, Skinny Bugga, Mithril, Eidos, and many others. Ravelry lists 28 different bases from Sanguine Gryphon. However, with the splitting of the company, some of the bases went to Cephalopod and others went to Verdant Gryphon. The four listed all went to Verdant Gryphon.

3. Information about the yarn:

     - Official Name: Little Traveller

     - Fiber Content: 100% superwash merino

     - Skein weight/yardage: 4 oz (~ 113 g)/560 yds

     - Gauge: 8-9 sts/inch on US #1 (2.25 mm) needles (Verdant Gryphon's website says 8.5 sts/inch)

     - Yarn weight: Light fingering

     - Washing instructions: machine washable but for best results, handwash & lay flat to dry

     - Where to purchase: As Sanguine Gryphon is defunct, you can order the same yarn base from Verdant Gryphon (website linked above) but if you're insistent on having Sanguine Gryphon, you can dig through destashes on Ravelry. It's going to run you $27 from Verdant Gryphon but I've seen it going for around $18-$22 in the destashes. 

4. Review (why you're really here!):

     - PROS:

          1. Machine washable. I have children; this is always a bonus. 

          2. Lovely stitch definition! Once things are washed and blocked, everything just evens out and it's great. 

          3. Even though it can be splitty (see "CONS"), it's still a tough yarn. It's going to be very difficult to break. When I was frogging my shawl to restart it (which you'll see below), there was a spot where the yarn tangled up and I couldn't break it apart. I had to get out scissors to break it. As a result, I still have a teeny little ball of yarn that I'm not sure what to do with. Perhaps I'll make an artsy fartsy mini-skein. 

          4. Doesn't pill. Often, you'll work with wool yarns that will pill after washing once or twice. This yarn doesn't seem to do it. I don't know if it's the superwash processing or the fiber itself but it doesn't pill. Yes, you may find a fluff here and there but I think that happens with almost any yarn. 

     - CONS:

          1. Can be splitty. I've only worked with one skein of this yarn that I bought ages ago (before 2012, obviously) and the biggest complaint I had in my head while knitting was that it was somewhat splitty to work with. If you're aware that it's going to be splitty, it's not a big deal. 

          2. Feels a bit on the scratchy side when you're working with it. To be fair, it softens up quite a bit after washing...but when you're doing the actual work, it's a little scratchy. I actually wondered if I had made a bad choice using the little leftovers I had for my Swirl Hat (pictured below)...but it softened up. In other words, don't let the scratchiness in the skein throw you off! 

          3. Color selection, while lovely colors, are lacking. I think Verdant Gryphon has 12 colors listed for this base. I understand dyeing yarn takes awhile and you can't have every color under the sun......I just wish I had a wider selection. Of course, colors rotate. So the 12 listed today may not be the same colors in a year or two. 

          4. Even within dye lots (yarns dyed together - there really aren't "dyelots" per se), colors vary. So, if you're going to knit something that requires more than one skein, you still may need to alternate the skeins in order to have some sense of uniformity throughout your piece. 

Here are the whole two projects I've made out of my one skein of Little Traveller:

Swirl Hat (link to Project Page)

Pacific Shawl (link to Project Page)

It really is a lovely yarn, don't let my cons fool you :)

Yarn Review: Wollmeise Sockenwolle 80/20 Twin (aka Wollmeise 80/20 or Wollmeise Twin)

YARN REVIEW! Woo-hoo!

It's been quite awhile since I last did a yarn review.....but I've noticed that many of the hits to this blog are specifically to yarn review posts. Sooooooo, perhaps it's time for more yarn reviews. But, seriously, no schedule. Too much pressure!

The purpose of my yarn reviews: to review a yarn from my stash that I have either used in the past or am currently using for a project. The review may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question are, unless otherwise specified, coming from my own stash and have been purchased either by me or for me (example: birthday present from Husband), and are for my use (which may or may not include my own design work). I've not been paid nor received any non-monetary compensation for the yarn reviews. The reviews are of my own opinion based on my personal experiences. In addition, they may or may not coincide with the thoughts of other fiber enthusiasts.

WOLLMEISE SOCKENWOLLE 80/20 TWIN

1. Information About The Company: Rohrspatz & Wollmeise, more commonly known as Wollmeise (which literally means Wool Tit), was founded in 2002 in Germany out of a necessity to find the "right color" yarn. Up until a few years ago, it was run by just one person (with some help from her husband, the "Rohrspatz," or cheeky sparrow, of the pair) but, of course, increased demand turned it into a family business. It's still a small company, however. 

2. Other Yarns Offered: Pure, Lace, DK, Blend (which is a merino, cashmere, nylon), though the Ravelry database has eleven (11) yarns listed, total.

3.  Information About The Yarn:

      - Official Name: Twin 80/20

      - Fiber Content: 80% superwash merino, 20% nylon

      - Skein Weight/Yardage: 150 g & ~510 yds

      - Gauge: Unknown specifics

      - Yarn Weight: Fingering

      - Washing Instructions: Macheine wash, gentle cycle

      - Where to Purchase: You can order online directly from Wollmeise (see link above), or you can also order from The Loopy Ewe. If you live in London, you can visit Loop and pick some up there. Or, of course, you can troll the Ravelry Wollmeise Destashes, which is what I usually end up doing. Generally speaking, a skein of the 80/20 Twin is going to run you around $30-$35 if you're in the US. 

4. Review (the real reason you're here)

      - PROS:

         1. Extremely durable. This is a workhorse yarn, which is strange coming from a small company, but she believes in having good quality yarn and the proof is in the pudding!

         2. HUGE selection of colors. The Ravelry database says people have listed 485 different colors of the 80/20 Twin. To be fair, there are variegated, semi-solid, and solid colors included...but, still, 485 different colors?

         3. Machine washable. This is always a bonus in my book because, quite frankly, sometimes you're in a hurry and just want to throw something in the washer already! Also, I have small children so the less time I have to spend handwashing something, the better.

         4. Stitch definition is fantastic......which is probably because it's a smooth yarn, for the most part. 

      - CONS: 

         1. Highly sought-after yarn. Now, this isn't necessarily a reason not to own it...but understand that if you're ordering directly from Wollmeise or The Loopy Ewe, it can be difficult to get a hold of, and especially if you're ordering from Wollmeise, things can get expensive (shipping).

         2. Somewhat expensive. If you're buying this yarn for a pair of socks, you will not be disappointed but if you want enough yarn to make a sweater and you're shaped like me....we're talking about $150 worth of yarn, plus shipping. Would it be worth it? Absolutely....but it's not always practical. Socks? Hat? Sure! I've paid more money for dumber things. Sweater? Maybe not. 

         3. This should go without saying but, seriously, if you need more than one skein, buy them together because you cannot always guarantee they're going to match across different dyeing sessions (though, truthfully, she's very, very good).

         4. Perhaps it's the way my ball was wound but it's almost like it's been spun and plied opposite of what one normally sees (so, spun Z and plied S, for you spinners)...which means my working yarn likes to twist upon itself. I've had to stop knitting a few times to untangle my working yarn. It's not going to stop me from using it but it is annoying. 

Honestly, even my "cons" could still be considered "pros." I've heard the hype about Wollmeise since I started knitting and I have several skeins hanging out in my stash but this was the first I've ever actually, you know, used any of them. I have not been disappointed (other than untangling my working yarn once in awhile). The hype about Wollmeise? It's. All. True. Seriously. All of it. 

If I could, I would buy stock in the company. I would own all the yarn. 

Yeah. Let's look at my Wollmeise!

Oh wait.........I can't really show you this because it's for a design project that I hope to submit for publication. But, there's my Wollmeise in it's horribly lit, nighttime glory. 

Ah, there it is....before I wound it and started using it. 

And here are a few more from my stash...

Hope you're having a lovely day :) 

Yarn Review #11: Malabrigo Chunky

The true essence of "fall" only lasts for a few short weeks in my household. A few days before Hallowe'en hits, it turns into "HollowBirthGivingMasCruiseYearDay," which lasts until about the first week in January. It's short for "Hallowe'en-Little Man's Birthday-Thanksgiving-Christmas-Cruise-New Year's-My Birthday." Soooo...things don't always go as planned, things get tossed out the window, and plans change constantly. 

In other words, I'm running behind on my yarn reviews and book reviews. Again. 

But, that should change for today because today, I have a yarn review :)

The intention is that once a month, roughly about mid-month (depending on the day - Year of Projects are on Sundays, WIP Wednesdays are on Wednesdays, and FO Fridays are on Fridays so rarely will you see a Yarn Review on those days), I'll do a yarn review, which may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question, unless specified, are coming from my stash, purchased by me, for me, and for my use. I've been given no money or other non-monetary gifts for these yarn reviews. The reviews are of my opinion and based on my own experience and do not necessarily coincide with other fiber enthusiasts, though they may.

Disclaimer. I haz it. 

Malabrigo Chunky

1. Information About The Company: Malabrigo is a small, family-owned company located in Uruguay. Uruguay is the biggest wool-producing country in South America. They work with a co-op group of women from Uruguay, they have developed a line of hand-painted yarns with incredible softness and color variations. (Information from their Ravelry Page as I could not find any information about them on their webpage). 

2. Other Yarns Offered: Aside from the Chunky, they have thirty (30) other yarns listed in Ravelry's database (their website lists 17 but they may have combined a couple lines. Included are Malabrigo Worsted, Arroyo, Rasta, Rios, Sock, and Twist. 

3. Information About The Yarn:

     - Official Name: Malabrigo Chunky

     - Fiber Content: 100% superfine merino wool

     - Skein Weight/Yardage: 100 g (3.53 oz)/104 yds (95 m)

     - Gauge: 14 sts = 4 inches (on US #10 or US #11 - 6-8 mm)

     - Yarn Weight: Bulky

     - Washing Instructions: Hand wash, dry flat

     - Where to Purchase: This yarn is available in several places, but Malabrigo only sells to shops (translation: you cannot buy their yarn via their website but you can locate a shop via their website). You can also find it online in several places, including  Eat.Sleep.Knit ($11.60/skein), Webs ($12.99/skein), and ImagiKnit ($11.75/skein) - ImagiKnit is also fairly local to me as it's located in San Francisco. 

4. Review (the reason you're really here):

     - PROS

          1. Extremely soft (honestly, that's no lie)

          2. Tons of colors to chose from

          3. Durable

          4. Good stitch definition

          5. Great for felting (or spit-splicing) and Russian joins

          6. Warm warm warm :)

     - CONS

          1. Kind of expensive for the yardage. It's fine if you need a skein to make a hat but if you need  bunch of skeins to make, oh, I don't know...a Freeport Vest, perhaps...it gets a little nuts. Not that I'd know anything about that.

          2. This yarn will grow when you wash and block it...and I don't mean it will grow a little. No, this yarn will grow quite a bit. If you make a fitted beanie out of this yarn, wash it, and lay it flat to dry...the beanie will turn into a slouch that is a bit too big around the brim. Not that I'd know anything about that either. In other words, you should probably do a proper swatch before using this yarn.

          3. This goes without saying but for Bob's sake, match the dyelots! But, be aware that even when you match dyelots, the yarn still won't be all matchy-matchy. I spent probably a half-hour drying to match skeins from the same dyelot...and in the end, there were still subtle stripes. ::sigh::

Here are a couple projects I've done with Malabrigo Chunky :)

Susan's Hat (V2) - before blocking (i.e., when it still fit my head)

Freeport Vest in progress (see the subtle stripes toward the bottom - which is on the right)

Yarn Review #10: Lion Brand Cotton Ease

I must be all about getting things done lately. Perhaps it's the feeling of fall around here where I am busy doing "Fall Cleaning." It's like Spring Cleaning except, you know, it's in the fall. I suppose that means getting caught up and keeping caught up on things. Or something.

Anyway, let's have another yarn review :)

The intention is that once a month, roughly about mid-month (depending on the day - Year of Projects are on Sundays, WIP Wednesdays are on Wednesdays, and FO Fridays are on Fridays so rarely will you see a Yarn Review on those days), I'll do a yarn review, which may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question, unless specified, are coming from my stash, purchased by me, for me, and for my use. I've been given no money or other non-monetary gifts for these yarn reviews. The reviews are of my opinion and based on my own experience and do not necessarily coincide with other fiber enthusiasts, though they may.

Disclaimer. There it is.

Lion Brand Cotton-Ease

1. Information about The Company: Lion Brand was founded in New York City in 1878 (making the company 135 years old) and has been family owned and operated for five generations. The official mailing address is in Carlstadt, New Jersey but that's just across the river from Manhattan. I think it's safe to say that they're still located in New York City. They boast taking a large part in the resurgence of knitting over the last decade (or so) including introducing novelty yarns like Homespun and Fun Fur that drew in a younger crowd, as well as having the first celebrity-licensed yarn that shares a portion of it's proceeds with a charity (in this case, St. Jude's).

2. Other Yarns Offered: Ravelry lists 200 yarns under the Lion Brand name including (but obviously not limited to): Homespun, Babysoft, Bonbons, LB 1878, LB Collection Pure Wool, Sock Ease, and they also include the Martha Stewart Crafts and Vanna's Choice lines.

3. Information about The Yarn:

     - Official Name: Lion Brand Cotton-Ease

     - Fiber Content: 50/50 cotton/acrylic

     - Skein Weight/Yardage: 100 g (3.53 oz.)/207 yds (189 m)

     - Gauge: 17 sts = 4" on US #8 (5 mm)

     - Yarn Weight: Aran

     - Washing Instructions: Machine wash, machine dry (tumble dry on low). Do not iron or bleach. Can also be dry cleaned in any solvent.

     - Where to Purchase: Most "Big Box" stores in the US will have this (Walmart, JoAnn Fabrics, Michael's) but you can also order it directly from the Lion Brand Website (noted above). On the Lion Brand website, it runs $7.69/skein. You can find it on Joann's website for $4.87 (down from $6.49). I couldn't actually find it on the Michael's website...but I've bought it there before so perhaps they've stopped carrying or it or it's just not available on their website.

4. Review (the real reason you're here):

     - PROS

          1. Machine washable. This is always a plus in my book.

          2. Smooth. I get really dry hands, especially in Wisconsin winters (not as bad here in California) so a yarn that doesn't get caught is lovely. Some cotton yarns can be really rough and maybe it's the acrylic content but this isn't as rough.

          3. Inexpensive. Seriously, this yarn is cheap and you get a ton. I've made two children's sized hats from one skein. What's even crazier is that I still had some left at the end.

          4. Stitch definition is fabulous! You can see everything you do with this yarn.

          5. Variety of colors. The Lion Brand website has 23 colors listed but I'm pretty sure there are more than that...just that some may have been discontinued. 

          6. Durable. This is a workhorse yarn and it's cotton. It should be durable. 

     - CONS 

          1. It's heavy. It's cotton yarn so it's going to be heavy...but it's also cotton so.....

          2. Not warm. It's heavy and it will keep you warm to a point...get a breeze and you'll start to shiver. Cotton wicks moisture away from the body, which is great when you're running and want to keep cool...not so great when you're trying to bundle up and stay warm. 

          3. Not waterproof. It's great for soaking up liquid...which makes it not so good for mittens, hats, and scarves, especially in weather-prone areas (where it snows or rains a lot). 

          4. Will stretch over time. Small items will usually bounce back into shape after a trip in the dryer but, generally, cotton is known to stretch and not bounce back very well. 

I love this yarn for things like dishcloths, baby blankets (I know, counterproductive but if you use them for floor blankets...), and toys. 

Some of the items I've made using Cotton-Ease:

I have plenty in my stash, too :)

Yarn Review #9: Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic

As of this posting, I'm caught up on my Yarn Reviews for the year...just in time to work on the remaining three for the year. ::sigh:: I always feel like I'm falling behind. Perhaps I took on too much for this year. Or not. 

Whatever, it's time for my NINTH Yarn Review. 

The intention is that once a month, roughly about mid-month (depending on the day - Year of Projects are on Sundays, WIP Wednesdays are on Wednesdays, and FO Fridays are on Fridays so rarely will you see a Yarn Review on those days), I'll do a yarn review, which may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question, unless specified, are coming from my stash, purchased by me, for me, and for my use. I've been given no money or other non-monetary gifts for these yarn reviews. The reviews are of my opinion and based on my own experience and do not necessarily coincide with other fiber enthusiasts, though they may.

Tahki Yarns: Cotton Classic

1. Information about The Company: Tahki Stacy Charles is a two-person company. Well, it's co-owned by two people: Diane Friedman and Stacy Charles. Diane Friedman founded Tahki Yarns in 1968 after a trip to Ireland. Eventually, she was led to Greece where she discovered the joys of mercerized cotton and, thus, Cotton Classic was born. There are several lines in the Tahki grouping. Stacy Charles, on the other hand, grew up in the yarn industry, working for his aunt and uncle over the years. In 1999, the two decided to merge their companies and in January 2000, Tahki Stacy Charles was born. Today, they offer yarns under Filatura Di Crosa, Tahki Yarns, S. Charles Collezione, TSCArtyarns, and Loop-d-Loop by Teva Durham. They call Glendale, New York their home and their website can be found here.

2. Other Yarns Offered: Including, but not limited to: Donegal Tweed, Kismet, Lily, Tara Tweed, Bunny (disc.), Designer Homespun Tweed (disc.), Aria, and Cotton Classic Lite. And those are all just in the Tahki Yarns line.

3. Information about The Yarn (specific to this yarn): 

     - Official Name: Tahki Yarns Cotton Classic

     - Fiber Content: 100% mercerized cotton

     - Skein Weight/Yardage: 50 g (1.76 oz)/108 yds (99 m)

     - Gauge: 20 sts = 4" on US #5-#7 (3.75-4.5mm)

     - Yarn Weight: DK

     - Washing Instructions: Machine or hand wash, dry flat

     - Where to Purchase: I've seen this in many yarn shops over the years but you can find it online via Webs ($6.50/skein), Yarn Market ($6.35/skein), and Jimmy Beans ($6.50/skein).

4. Review (The Reason you're here):

     - PROS

          1. Machine Washable. This is always a plus for me.

          2. Fabulous stitch definition. It's nice for cables or lacework...but more on that in a minute...

          3. Huge variety of colors. I think there's something like 125 different colors to choose from.

          4. Inexpensive. You get 100+ yards for $6.50. That's a pretty good deal.

          5. Durable. It's cotton so it should be.

          6. Drapey. If you're going for some drape, you will get it with this yarn. 

          7. Doesn't pill when you wash it. It's mercerized cotton so it shouldn't pill and I haven't had any come out of the machine all pilled up...so, I'd venture to say that it doesn't pill.

 

     - CONS

          1. Splitty. This yarn has a tendency to split while working with it. It's obnoxious but not to the point that I'll stop working with this yarn.

          2. Heavy. Cotton is, by nature, a heavy material to work with. But, it wicks moisture away which is why you see so many "summer" projects knit with it...and it doesn't hold heat well. It's cotton. It's just that way.

          3. Doesn't hold it's shape very well. It's cotton; it's going to stretch out of shape. So, while the stitch definition is fabulous, it's going to stretch out and get wonky. Depending on the size of the item in question, sometimes it will snap back into shape with a trip through the dryer (yes, I know you're "supposed" to lay flat to dry - it's fine to go through the dryer but it will come out all wonky and out of shape)...but if we're talking about a lacy, openwork shawl, not a chance in hell. You'll have to block it properly to get it the way you want it...and it will stretch out over time and there's not squat you can do about it. ::sigh:: Cotton.

Anyway, here are some things I have with the Cotton Classic...or just photos of my Cotton Classic :)

The pink is currently becoming a dishcloth...the white is somewhere in my stash. I also made a Tardis Dishcloth out of some blue I had but I never photographed it and it's had some discoloration (bleach, I think)...so, nothing fancy there. 

However, there are over 10,000 projects made with Cotton Classic listed on Ravelry :) Check those out!

Yarn Review #8 (slightly late): Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme

I'm still busy trying to get caught up with my yarn reviews and my book reviews and partaking in WIP Wednesdays and FO Fridays and knitting and spending time with Little Man...and let's just say that I'm behind but not as behind as I used to be :)

Anyway, it's time for another yarn review :)

The intention is that once a month, roughly about mid-month (depending on the day - Year of Projects are on Sundays, WIP Wednesdays are on Wednesdays, and FO Fridays are on Fridays so rarely will you see a Yarn Review on those days), I'll do a yarn review, which may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question, unless specified, are coming from my stash, purchased by me, for me, and for my use. I've been given no money or other non-monetary gifts for these yarn reviews. The reviews are of my opinion and based on my own experience and do not necessarily coincide with other fiber enthusiasts, though they may.

This shall be my 8th Yarn Review (only a month late!).

Cotton Supreme

1. Information about The Company: There's not much to know about Universal Yarn. Or, rather, I couldn't find much in the way of information. The home office of Universal Yarn is located in Harrisburg, North Carolina and their goal is to offer high-quality yarns in a variety of colors, incredible softness, and fashionable design (from their website). 

2. Other Yarns Offered: Aside from the Cotton Supreme, they have 124 different yarns listed on Ravelry, about half of which are discontinued. However, there are also Universal Yarn Collections which include Wisdom Yarns and Fibra Natura, among others. So, there are more than you think there are. 

3. Information about The Yarn (specific to yarn being reviewed):
     - Official Name: Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme
     - Fiber Content: 100% cotton
     - Skein Weight/Yardage: 100 g (3.53 oz.)/ 180 yds (165 m)
     - Gauge: 16-20 sts/4" on US #6-US #8 (4-5 mm)
     - Yarn Weight: Worsted
     - Washing Instructions: Machine wash warm, do not bleach, tumble dry medium, iron on low heat; dryclean with any solvent
     - Where to Purchase: I have not seen this yarn in many places since we moved to California but I also haven't been actively looking for it. You can, however, purchase it online from various places including directly from Universal Yarn (see website above), and Webs. It's listed on a few other sites but I wasn't actually able to find it in stock (like Jimmy Beans and Yarn Market). 


4. Review (the real reason you're here):
     - PROS
          1. Machine washable and dryer-safe. This is always a big plus in my book
          2. Variety of colors.
          3. Incredibly soft. And no, I'm not just saying that. It really is.
          4. Relatively inexpensive. On Webs, this yarn is $8.50/skein, $9.50 on Universal's website, or you can find it from these people on Ravelry ranging anywhere from $4-$9/skein.
          5. Not splitty. I cannot stand yarns that split and this one doesn't split. Okay, I mean once in awhile it can but, as a general rule, it doesn't split.
          6. Durable. This is always a plus. No one wants their yarn to break while working with it...or to have a small child destroy it.

     - CONS
          1. Does not hold shape well. It's cotton yarn and like all cotton yarn, unless you set the shape every single time, it's not going to hold it's shape well. Also, over time, items made from cotton can get droopy and no matter what you do, it won't go back. 
          2. Fuzzy. This yarn gets a little fuzzy while working with it. I think it's because it's so soft and it does go away when you wash it but it can be difficult to work with because of the fuzz. 
          3. Heavy. This is not a yarn for "light" things unless you're planning a lot of lace. Cotton yarn is, by nature, heavy. It makes great, heavy blankets. It's not so good for a summertime camisole.
          4. Not waterproof. Translation: not good for winter garments like hats and mittens. It's great for mitten liners but not so great for the outside things.
          5. HOT. Cotton yarn is notoriously hot and this is no exception...but it doesn't hold heat well, either, if that makes any sense. Basically, if you make a hat with it, your head will be very warm until the wind blows and then all the sweat will get cold and you'll shiver. 


Here are a couple things I've made with some of the Cotton Supreme in my stash. The first photo is of a pinwheel blanket that I test knit (I made a doll-sized version and it was gifted to Sassy Girl last Christmas). The second is a hat I made for one of my best friends in our high school colors. I expect that her son may have gotten a hold of it but I don't know for sure. And yes, I know I said it probably wasn't good for hats but, you know, it's so soft and it's what I think of as a spring/fall hat and not a winter hat. 

I also started a vest for Little Man using this yarn but it wasn't working out too well and it went to the frog pond. 

So, if you want some soft cotton, go out and buy it!

Yarn Review #7 (Extremely Late): Cashmerino Aran by Debbie Bliss

While preparing to do a yarn review, it came to my attention that I wasn't just a month behind...I was two months behind. So, I owe yarn reviews for July and August, plus the one I have for September. 

Oops. 

So, I suppose I should get going, right?

The intention is that once a month, roughly about mid-month (depending on the day - Year of Projects are on Sundays, WIP Wednesdays are on Wednesdays, and FO Fridays are on Fridays so rarely will you see a Yarn Review on those days), I'll do a yarn review, which may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question, unless specified, are coming from my stash, purchased by me, for me, and for my use. I've been given no money or other non-monetary gifts for these yarn reviews. The reviews are of my opinion and based on my own experience and do not necessarily coincide with other fiber enthusiasts, though they may.

I now present to you my 7th Yarn Review (two months late).

Cashmerino Aran

1. Information About the Company: Unfortunately, though I've done some digging, I can find very little about Debbie Bliss as a company (or as a person, and she is an actual person). Their website can be found here. What I did find was through their Ravelry Yarn Page and the website listed there. Debbie Bliss not only has several different yarn lines (apparently in her signature color palate), she/the company also has a magazine, several pattern books (35 and counting), and pamphlets/booklets (20 and counting).

2. Other Yarns Offered: Aside from the Cashmerino Aran, there is also a Baby Cashmerino (which is basically the same yarn, just in a sportweight), Angel (laceweight mohair/silk blend), BFL Aran, and Prima (DK bamboo/merino blend)...and several others. Ravelry has 55 different yarns listed for Debbie Bliss, some of which are discontinued. 

3. Information About the Yarn (specific to the yarn being reviewed): 

     - Official Name: Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran

     - Fiber Content: 53% merino, 33% microfiber, 12% cashmere

     - Skein Weight/Yardage: 50g/93 yds

     - Gauge: 18 sts = 4" on US #8 (5 mm)

     - Yarn Weight: Aran

     - Washing Instructions: Machine washable

     - Where to Purchase: I've seen this yarn at several shops but you can also order it online at Webs, Jimmy Beans, and directly from their website (noted above).

4. Review (the real reason why you're here):

     - Pros

          1. Machine washable. Having a small child means things need to be machine washable in my world. This is always a pro for me :)

          2. Variety of colors (32 according to their website).

          3. Doesn't pill when you dry it in the dryer on delicate (yes, I've tried it).

          4. Stitch definition is wonderful!

          5. Relatively inexpensive. I've seen it being destashed on Ravelry anywhere from $5-$8 (and retailing anywhere from $8-$12)

          6. Not splitty! I hate it when yarns split while I'm working with them...then I have to undo stitches and that's just a pain in the butt sometimes.

     - Cons

          1. It doesn't appear to be a true Aran weight...more of a worsted. This doesn't bother me but if you're looking for a true Aran weight, this isn't quite it. 

          2. I found a couple of knots while working through my skeins (about one knot per ball). I know yarn will have knots once in awhile but I found a knot on almost every ball I've used so far. 

          3. I found a couple of "weak" areas. If this were 100% wool that was feltable, I would chalk up the "weak" areas to a spit splice that didn't quite take. However, these don't work that way and they're just a few spots where the yarn is a little weaker and the yarn has fuzzed around it. It happens. Doesn't mean I have to like it.

Little Man's Greyson Sweater was knit out of this yarn and it's fabulous! I love how that sweater turned out (if you come back on Friday, you'll find out, too). I might make another one...or two...or six. I have more of it in my stash and I plan to make a hat and/or fingerless mitts out of it. We'll see how things go. 

Greyson Sweater for Little Man

Five skeins of Cashmerino Aran (some used for the above sweater)

Now, there is something else worth mentioning with regards to the Cashmerino Aran. I have a feeling I'm going to get questions if I don't mention it. In 2010, Cascade Yarns brought about a lawsuit against Debbie Bliss and Knitting Fever, Inc. (which is, apparently, a parent company of some sort to Debbie Bliss). The short version is that Cascade Yarns wondered how Knitting Fever, Inc. was able to offer a yarn, specifically the Cashmerino, that had an expensive cashmere blend at such a low price. Because of their suspicions, Cascade had some Debbie Bliss Cashmerino sent to a lab for testing. According to that lab, the sample of Cashmerino contained no cashmere. My understanding is that the matter is still in the court system (you can find the most up-to-date information here). 

Even if it turns out that Debbie Bliss and, by extension, Knitting Fever, Inc., is not accurately representing the fiber content of Cashmerino, it's still a fabulous yarn. Sure, I'll be a bit peeved that they're dicking the public but the yarn itself, regardless, is still a good yarn to have in your arsenal.

As I'm a bit behind, I hope to finish up some yarn reviews and my book review within the next week and a half...we'll see :)

Yarn Review #6: Brooklyn Tweed

Hello! Welcome to Yarn Reviews. Today is the sixth installment of my yarn reviews and it looks like I'm "on time" for once!

The intention is that once a month, roughly about mid-month (depending on the day - Year of Projects are on Sundays, WIP Wednesdays are on Wednesdays, and FO Fridays are on Fridays so rarely will you see a Yarn Review on those days), I'll do a yarn review, which may or may not include multiple types of the same yarn or multiple different yarns on the same day. The yarns in question, unless specified, are coming from my stash, purchased by me, for me, and for my use. I've been given no money or other non-monetary gifts for these yarn reviews. The reviews are of my opinion and based on my own experience and do not necessarily coincide with other fiber enthusiasts, though they may.

And that, dear readers, is my disclaimer (of sorts). 

Let's move on, shall we :)

Shelter

 

1. Information about the Company: A few years ago, Jared Flood, knitter, photographer and knitwear designer, had a grand idea. He wanted a yarn that was spun from American breeds of sheep. His research showed that this was not something that had been done on a commercial scale and he set out to do it. A small team of creative professionals, including Flood, came up with Brooklyn Tweed. The idea was that this venture would help support and sustain the tradition of textile production in the US. More information can be found on their website.

2. Other Yarns Offered: Currently there are only two yarns offered - Shelter and Loft (Loft is the finger weight version)

3. Information about the Yarn (specific to the yarn being reviewed):

     - Official Name: Brooklyn Tweed Shelter

     - Fiber Content: 100% Targhee-Columbia Wool

     - Skein Weight & Yardage: 50 grams & 140 yds (128 m)

     - Gauge: 5 sts/inch on US #7 (4.5 mm) or 4.5 sts/inch on US #8 (5 mm) or 4.25 sts/inch on US #9 (5.5 mm)

     - Yarn Weight: Worsted

     - Washing Instructions: Handwash only

     - Where to Purchase: Here is a listing where Shelter can be found in stores (very limited) but it can also be purchased online, directly from Brooklyn Tweed's website.

4. Review (the real reason you are here):

     - Pros

          1. Array of colors (32 different colors, based on the website)

          2. American bred, sheared, processed, spun, dyed...100% American product

          3. Durable

          4. Fabulous stitch definition

          5. Warm (it's wool, it should be warm!)

          6. Dyed very well - match dyelots, of course, but I haven't seen any Shelter with under-dyed spots.

     - Cons

          1. It's a little.....rustic. When I made my hat (see below), I kept finding bits of organic matter spun right into the yarn so I spent time picking that out while I was knitting.

          2. Somewhat itchy - this isn't something I'd necessarily want to make a cowl with as it would bother me. For a cardigan to wear over long-sleeves or mittens with lining...perfect. Not something I want right on my skin. Now, perhaps a good soak in conditioner will help but I haven't done that yet.

          3. Cost prohibitive. It runs $12.50/skein and you only get 140 yds. Now, I made a hat with one skein and that's fine. For small projects, the price isn't horrible...but if you're looking to make a long-sleeved, cabled cardigan, this yarn can get a little expensive (of course, which yarn doesn't).

          4. Sold in very few places and screens vary with color accuracy. I know knitters and crocheters like to bury their faces in the yarn and see what they're getting...and with so few places selling this, it's difficult to be able to do that. 

          5. A little splitty. I think this is because of the handspunish quality but I did have some difficulty getting my needles to place properly. 

I have only ever owned one skein of Shelter. I won it at our year-end Madison Knitters' Guild meeting a couple years ago (Jared Flood had been one of the speakers that year). 

It became this:

Habitat

This photo doesn't do it justice...the color is all wrong (it's the Nest colorway, the same one used in the original pattern and photo shoot). The pattern is one of Jared Flood's patterns and was designed with Shelter in mind. I made some modifications (adding length, for instance)...I wound up with less than 10" when I finished the hat. 

Since then, I have seen Shelter in very limited quantities out in the wild. I do like working with it for some projects and I think that, if I find it again, I'll snatch some up :)

I hope you've enjoyed. I expect a book review will come within the next week but I have to decide which book I want to discuss :)