Yarn Tales

The part of the blog where good yarn gets called names.
(Note: I will not be reviewing any wool or wool blends, due the the fact that I'm allergic to them.)
Rating system: I'm using skeins, because stars just aren't yarn-y enough.  I was going to use balls, but I changed my mind do to the unfortunate mental image of counting my balls... Not to mention having five in the first place.
OOOOO = One out of five skeins.  Really bad yarn.  Do not use.
OOOOO = Two out of five skeins.  Not great, but if you want to find out for yourself go for it.  Maybe it's just me.
OOOOO = Three out of five skeins.  About average.  Not my favorite, but it's usable and has works great for some projects.
OOOOO = Four out of five skeins.  Really good yarn.  Easy to work with, and looks good. Has a lot of benefits.
OOOOO = Five out of five skeins.  The best of the best.  Absolutely amazing and fun to work with.
NOTE: All of the swatches are 10 stitches X 10 rows, and I used a size G hook.

Review: Red Heart Classic™ by Coats and Clark™
June 5, 2010
Probably one of the easiest yarns to find.  Red Heart Classic™ is sold just about everywhere, and it has the added benefit of being incredibly inexpensive (about $2-$3 for one skein).  It's a medium weight yarn, which means that it will work for most patterns, including blankets, sweaters, scarves, etc.


UPDATE 07/28/2010: 100% Acrylic


 
PROS:
Cheap
Easy to find
Easy to wash - Red Heart Classic™ is machine washable and tumble dry
Durable - I've never had a project fall apart or heard of someone else's falling apart.  The fibers don't break down even after strenuous use, and the dyes usually do not run (would recommend washing seperately the first couple times, and using something like a Shout™ Color Catcher until you are absolutely certain).
Medium weight - works for almost everything
Colors - Red Heart Classic™ has been on the market to have a large number of color options (73 according to their website).
 
CONS:
Coarse - Red Heart Classic™ is not one on of the softest yarns and can be hard on your hands while you're working with it.  I also would never use it on a project that will come in direct contact with skin (ex. socks) for the same reason.
Cheap - the yarn makes an awful squeaking noise if you stitch tightly.
  
Overall, Red Heart Classic™ is a good yarn, if not one of my favorites.
Rating: OOOOO 3 out 5 skeins

Review: Loops & Threads™ Charisma™
July 28, 2010
A Michaels storebrand yarn, I had a lot of fun working with this yarn.  The only place that you can get this yarn is in the Michaels store, but you can see all of the other colors at their website.  However, this yarn is definitely worth looking for.
Charisma™ is a slightly bulky yarn, but it works extremely well for making hats, scarves, afgans, pretty much anything that you want to be extra warm but can hold the extra bulk.  I've actually made a hat out of the rest of the skein and will post photos of it soon.


PROS:
Good price - about $2 (ish) per skein.
Great color options - 21 with a mix of solids and varigated colors.
Really incredibly soft - I will probably live in that hat once it gets cold, and I keep petting it any time I'm within reach of it.
Easy to wash - Machine wash and dryable
100% Acrylic
Seems to be fairly durable, but I haven't had a chance to be mean to it.  If it falls apart, I will update and let everyone know about it.


CONS:
Loose spin - it has two seperate strands which can sometimes come apart.  I didn't have too many issues with this, but it's something to be aware of.


All in all, I absolutely love this yarn, and I will be getting more.  This is the kind of yarn that you find a pattern that fits and not the other way around.
Rating: OOOOO

Review: Loops & Threads™ Country Loom™
September 21, 2010
Another style from Michael' s™ Loops & Threads™ brand, Country Loom™ is a very heavy weight yarn with quite a lot of bulk.

NOTE: I was able to work the sample (see picture) with a size G hook, but it was nearly impossible.  On further use, I'd say at least a J hook or even a size N.

BASICS:
100% Acrylic
Machine washable (gentle) and dryable (low)
PROS:
Very warm - I made a hat that is probably one of the warmest things I own.
Appears durable - if I find out otherwise once it gets truly cold, I will let you know
Very soft - I found myself petting it while I was working it, and anytime I showed someone they were all over it, too.
Nice colors - according to Michael's™ website, they offer 21 different colors in this style.
Reasonable price - about $3 for each 109 yard skein, if I remember right (if I'm wrong, please let me know).

CONS:
Very warm - only use for stuff where you need to be extra warm.
Fluffy - makes it difficult to pull out any mistakes.
Colors - mainly varigated, so if you want a solid that's not cream, you're out of luck.

 Overall, it's a great yarn.  It just needs the righ patthterns.  I've bought more.
Rating: OOOO1/2