Tuesday, September 16, 2008

My favourite yarns

Still on the list theme, just because it's so easy for me right now. I love to knit, I guess you might have picked that up by now. I'm not a fussy or particular knitter. I am happy with most yarns even acrylics which I know sends a shiver down the spine of some knitters. There are however a couple of factors by which yarn makes it's way into my stash. One is the feel. It must feel soft and luscious. It must not be itchy at all. If it's itchy then it does not get into my stash. The other factor is colour. Generally I am drawn the the colour first and then of course the feel is the clincher. I have, naturally those tried and tested yarns that have always been there for me, been forgiving of my mistakes and complimentary for my figure. They lend themselves to a variety of tasks.

1 Patons Zhivago. The first and second season of colours. I never really took to the variegated limes and oranges, but the teal and the mulberry I really loved. It's a beautiful soft acrylic that knits up well. It holds its shape and doesn't bobble. The patterns were fresh and vibrant and it was inexpensive. Just as well really as it doesn't have great meterage.


Next on my list of favourites is Sirdar's Snuggly. I love the range of colours in this, they are all such fabulous shades, especially for babies and small children. I like the choice and that there tend to be a few non traditional options. I especially love the fact that it goes on forever meaning less ends to sew in. That's always a plus in my book.

Third is Inca because it knits up so fast. It's really quick and unlike some other chunky wools it doesn't seem to add too much bulk.

Fourth is Another Patons yarn. It's about availability at the end of the day but this is a gorgeous yarn to work with. It has more drape than either bamboo or cotton on their own and isn't overly splitty. It goes a very long way, is reasonably priced but there are only a few colours to choose from. Hopefully that will be remedied soon.


So there we have just a few of my favourite yarns. What are your favourites, and why do you choose a particular yarn?
Next post will be my 100th. I will announce the winner of the surprise package for guessing that it was Queen Elizabeth's reign that saw knitting stockings become a popular pastime and there will be a giveaway celebrating my milestone.

19 comments:

leah said...

With so many different yarns out there I keep trying new ones. Not sure I've settled on a favorite. definitely some I wouldn't use again, but a fav?

Natalie said...

I am not to big a fan of Sirdar Snuggly. I find it too splitty. But I love their Baby Bamboo. Gorgeous yarn. I have recently played with Noro Silk Garden and that is a great yarn. A new fave. Oh and I love Rowan yarns. Heck I love yarn.

Kitty said...

Coo - that was really interesting. Thank you Alison! x

Anonymous said...

I like sirdar snuggly and have some sitting there waiting to be knit into a jumper.. there are just too many types to choose from now that I couldn't choose a favourite
lisa x

Sal said...

I'm not an expert on yarns of that sort..but they all look wonderful to me. ;-)

Marcia said...

I'm not super picky for yarns either. I do like the fancy ones, but can't often justify the cost. I quite like caron simply soft. It's a bit squeaky sometimes, but not often. It makes nice afghans and I use it in the baby knitting/crocheting I do as well.

Oh I also like the cotton for dishcloths. I guess that's about it though. I don't like wool much at all because it hurts my skin, all scratchy and such.

Willow said...

I have definite favorites for different projects. I never give a new mom a sweater that has to be handwashed. My grandson got organic cotton for his special blanket.

Eliz. I's father Henry VIII was the first English sovereign to recieve a pair of knitted silk stockings. They were a gift from someone (maybe another royal) in Spain. And Charles I was wearing a knitted 'undershirt' when he was beheaded.

Thimbleanna said...

Gosh you're so good to know your yarns! It all confuses me -- I'm not as good with yarns as I am with fabrics. I just choose a yarn that I think feels nice. And for socks it MUST be washable, which makes me sad 'cause I've seen some beautiful wool socks. I just don't want to have to hand wash socks.

Ally Jay said...

Thanks willow for the additional bits of knitting trivia. I have a real thirst for these facts just lately.
I think it's great that there are so many differnet likes, talents and tastes out there. Means we won't all end up fighting over the same skein of yarn.

Jane said...

Some of the rowan yarns are lovely but i can't stand wool if it makes me itchy. Jane x

Tracy said...

Hi! Just back from holiday, and LOVE all the yarn talk here! This post has my knitting needles itching to knit--LOL! I found your yarn observations very interesting and exiting reading. Color is always a first for me...Color, feel, and then fiber. I love wool blends, silk & cotton blends too. I'll knit with just about anything as long as I like it. For knit-gift giving I try to be aware of the giftees needs--no wool for babies, cottons only. Willow's knit trivia was amazing--I love such history! Happy Knitting ((HUGS))

Linda said...

I can't say that I have a favourite yarn ... the one I am using at the moment is nice though. Serenity aran, a Wendy yarn I think. Its full of acrylic but mixed with a bit of alpaca and wool, soft.

Knitterary said...

My favorite depends on the project! Dale Baby Ull is probably my favorite sock yarn, though Cherry Tree Hill is a close second.

Plymouth Encore or Red Heart for afghans, Cascade 220 for serviceable everyday cardigans and felting, Louet Euroflax sportweight for hand towels and bags -- I could go on! There are so many wonderful yarns to choose from these days!

knittingdragonflies said...

Thanks for the list. There is so much out there, its good to have some input. I always trust the opinion of another knitter.
Vicki

LizzieJane said...

I love Sirdar Snuggly too, although I do have to agree that it does have a tendency to split. I hate itchy yarn also, I don't like knitting it or wearing it!

Rebecca Jo said...

OHHH< I love your blog - knitting & reading....great combo!

Lynn said...

Sirdar has another nice yarn, their Tropicana. Wears really well. I made a vest using that yarn for my son and it still looks like new!

Ragged Roses said...

As you know I don't knit, but I do love all those colours, one day I'll learn (again!)
Kimx

Jennie said...

ooh what pretty yarns. I have no idea what constitutes a good yarn. I just like the pretty colours.