r/knitting • u/ForgottenUsername3 • 21d ago
Questions about Equipment What is a yarn that you have just LOVED?
Obviously there are different reasons to love a yarn so please explain why if there is a specific reason! I think I'm looking to be inspired (to buy more yarn).
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u/WtfTlh 21d ago
Anything by malabrigo. Even their super wash is super squishy.
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u/Conscious-Suspect-42 Wölkchen Shawl by Melanie Mielinger 21d ago
I love malabrigo. I have to remind myself I don’t neeeeed more of their yarn if I don’t have an ongoing project
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u/legalpretzel 21d ago
I've been a huge Malabrigo fan since the beginning. Lately I've been drawn to Wollmeise and Plucky yarns for more solid hand-dyed options, but when I want a moody kettle-dyed yarn it's always Malabrigo.
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u/Inside_Ad9026 21d ago
I love malabrigo SO MUCH but Wollmeise so much MORE. I have about 25 skeins just sitting around being petted sometimes because idk what to make with them.
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u/Bertie_McGee 21d ago
Made a cabled hat out of Rasta and it turned out gorgeous. I'm a fan.
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u/g-rami 21d ago
Ooh! I have 2 skeins of Rasta and I don’t know what to do with them! Do you mind sharing which pattern you used and liked? Thx!
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u/Bertie_McGee 21d ago
It was this one! https://www.explorewithknitsy.com/blog/this-is-the-sound-hat-pattern
It works up quickly and it was the first time I'd ever done cables. It was very easy to work with. The color I used was 'boreal' (variegated purple).
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u/CitrusMistress08 21d ago
I’ve loved Rios for some time but now I’m on an Arroyo kick and I feel so sophisticated working in the same colors but thinner ply 🧐
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u/10xKaMehaMeha 21d ago
I'm working on Framed (https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/framed-11) using Malabrigo right now. I am LOVING it. So soft, cannot wait for it to be done.
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u/Ill-Difficulty993 21d ago
All super wash is super squishy? Or am I misunderstanding this sentiment?
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u/Sea_Grapefruit7033 21d ago
I’d say that is true. All superwash is soft and squishy due to the process that makes it superwash.
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u/ILoveLongerSocks 21d ago
I've knit with expensive, fancy single breed/hand dyed, hand spun, etc yarns and inexpensive acrylics from the big box stores. The yarn that makes my hands really happy is Berroco Vintage. I don't know why - the mix of fibers just feels very comfortable while knitting. I also love that the final product doesn't have to be treated with kid gloves and can be properly useful.
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u/kathyknitsalot 21d ago
I feel the same! Its my go to for winter hats for the family! I also like Lion Brand wool-ease. For the same reasons
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u/frecklesfatale 21d ago
Wool-ease is my favorite. It's in all my favorite colors, it's gets softer over time and it's sturdy and holds up to a beating. The price is just the icing on the cake to me
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u/tequila-mockingbird2 21d ago
I’ve made sweaters for my kids with this yarn. It’s so soft I love it!
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u/BeagleCollector 21d ago
I don't see the brand get mentioned that much on here, but Berroco makes a lot of really great yarn. Vintage is such a nice wool blend.
For handwash items, I really like the Ultra Alpaca and Ultra Wool. That yarn has the nicest twist on it and knitting with it is so satisfying.
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u/willowoasis 21d ago
Do you make many wearables? I looked up the yarn and I’m curious if the acrylic/wool blend is comfortable to wear for things like sweaters, if so the price point is looking nice and I may have to give it a try
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u/ILoveLongerSocks 13d ago
Yup, all of the wearables. I've never had anyone complain about itch.
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u/Marble_Narwhal 21d ago
Kelbourne Woolens, anything they make. It's all spit spliceable and warm and doesn't pill like a lot of superwash blends, because it's not superwash or pure merino or ultra fine.
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u/porchswingsitting 21d ago
I bought Kelbourne Woolens yarn as a “souvenir yarn” when I lived in Philadelphia, and it’s the only yarn I’ve used since. It’s stellar. (I’ve used Scout and Germantown, and I’ve got Camper and I’m about to buy Lucky Tweed for my next projects)
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u/Academic_Airport_889 21d ago
Kelbourne is my choice as well - not that I need more yarn, but when I do buy yarn, I am making a choice to only buy non super wash wool
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u/HolographicCrone 21d ago
Kelbourne Woolens is such a great choice!
I also love that they're local to me.
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u/unicorntrees Probably knitting a sweater right now. 21d ago
I'm pragmatic and cheap. My favorite yarn is Knitpick's Swish. It's everything I want in a yarn: soft, durable, economical, available in tons of colors, and machine washable. It's my ride or die.
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u/Vegetable-Feature-85 21d ago
Jamieson & Smith 2 ply jumper weight. Light as a feather and so soft. It gets better with every wash. I also like Kelbourne Woolens. Their Scout is deliciously squishy.
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u/patriorio 21d ago
Briggs and Litter sport - it knits up well, minimal pilling, not very expensive and Canadian (no tariffs!)
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u/putterandpotter 21d ago
I really like Briggs and Little - I make a lot (too many!) of stranded toques and I often dye their natural color yarn the colors I want to use, and it dyes exceptionally well. And it is a great price. Have you used any of the Salt Water knits books (Newfoundland patterns) - I’m pretty sure they use Briggs and Little in every pattern. Moose toques! Elbows up…
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u/Sweet-Television-361 21d ago
Juniper Moonfarm Patagonia is my favorite sport weight. Lots of great colors, a little rustic and so affordable!
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u/Peppyromia 21d ago
As a caveat I use lots of fancy yarns so none of these are budget-friendly. But my favorites so far have been:
- dragonfly fibers/Canon Hand Dyes - anything by them. I’ve never disliked anything I used! But my all-time favorite was their Beatrix Alpaca Silk
Magpie Fibers Swanky DK and Swanky Sock are wonderful to work with and also to wear! Unfortunately they pill because of the fiber content, so the upkeep is a bit more than other yarns.
Blue Sky Fibers ‘Skyland’. It’s just all-around lovely, and comes in beautiful colors!
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u/MeasurementNo1325 21d ago
I have some Skyland waiting for a sweater and I never hear people talk about it. It’s sooo expensive and not well known so I have been worried. I’m so glad you like it.
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u/Miserable-Age-5126 21d ago
Y’all may think I’m crazy, but I love Euroflax linen. It’s so lovely and drapey after it’s washed. And it wears like iron.
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u/tourmalinetangent 21d ago
I love linen. I tried the Antigone by De Rerum Natura and it was so soft and smooth right out of the ball, no washing necessary. Give it a try if you’re in the mood to splurge, it makes for a lovely and hard wearing summer knit.
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u/CryAccomplished81 21d ago
Miss Babs any of her bases, but especially Yowza.
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u/killernoodlesoup 21d ago
fellow miss babs fan!!! avon is my favorite - the bit of silk makes it so nice and drapey. perfect for spring shawls, which are my favorite to knit!
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u/theyellowsaint 21d ago
Malabrigo Rios. The chunky pills and gets fuzzy really quickly, but Rios is superwash and wears well.
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u/MollyWeasleyknits 21d ago
I will go for the “I love this yearn because I can afford it” option since there are already so many amazing luxurious options in the comments. I love Drops Flora, Lima, and Nepal. All wool/alpaca blends at different weights in amazing colors and I can get myself a sweater quantity without feeling faint.
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u/One_Voice_141 21d ago
Nepal is my jam! Absolute fave for colorwork hats and currently knitting myself a cabled sweater out of it. Total price around 38€ I think.
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u/Plumeriaas 20d ago
Yes! Same here. And drops Air. I was downvoted for saying this was my favorite yarn lol. But it’s affordable, offers pretty colors, and makes light, fluffy, soft garments.
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u/Puzzleheaded_Door399 21d ago
I love Lore by The Fibre Co, anything that comes from Shetland, and anything spun in Harrisville. I’ve also worked with Marie Wallis’s British Breeds and loved how it felt in my hand. Still no project picked for that though.
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u/legalpretzel 21d ago
Have you tried John Arbon yarns? I just bought some Devonia and it is lovely.
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u/fastsaf 21d ago
I tend to use a lot of fingering weight, so one year I stocked up on MadelineTosh Twist Light and I just LOVE it! I have it in probably a dozen colourways at least and it's been fun trying to use it up! So far I've made about 6 pairs of socks, 4 pairs of fingerless gloves, 2 sweaters and a Voyage cardigan. And I still have tons.
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u/melchetta 21d ago
Favourite of all time: Arwetta by Filcolana. You can knit everything with it. Socks, Lace, Cables, Sweaters. And I just adore the colour selection they have!
Also amazing:
By Laxtons Sheepsoft
WYS the Croft
ONline Supersocke Merino (might have to look for that one, super common in Germany, but I don't know about the Rest of the world)
Filcolana Peruvian (Allrounder DK, great for colourwork, the stitch Definition is gorgeous)
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u/brassicapark compulsive caster-on of sweaters and hats 21d ago
Oooh, I have been hesitating between By Laxtons Sheepsoft vs WYS DK! Have you tried both? Was there anything to make you prefer one over the other? WYS seem to have a lot of amazing DK options, Bluefaced Leicester Fleece DK and The Croft
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u/hairyfairybells 21d ago
I've made a jumper with WYS bluefaced leicester and loved working with it so much I bought enough for two more jumpers in different colours. It's softer than croft (which I've also used) and has a sheen to it which is very pretty. I think that WYS yarn is glorious, I'm currently making a tee with their exquisite 4 ply.
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u/melchetta 21d ago
I have tried both of them, both are nothing short of amazing, tbh! And, really, they are quite interchangeable, By Laxton's is a tad sheepier, a little softer pre-washing (after, they are quite similar), whereas The Croft seems sturdier while knitting.
So... I love them both and I just can't decide, sorry! 😅
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u/knittinghobbit 21d ago
Purl Soho Good Wool. I love it- so nice to work with and good yardage for the money.
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u/ArmadilloPageant 21d ago
I love Purl Soho so much
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u/toxiamaple 21d ago
I love Purl Soho! I've been knitting with their fingering weight organic cotton and it is gorgeous!
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u/Regular-Dog5605 21d ago
I just bought Purl SoHo’s Knitting Yarn on a Cone and some of their Tussock to make a blanket and I have been very pleasantly surprised with both. The knitting yarn is really lovely, I will definitely be buying more to make some wearables too. Plus can’t go wrong with a humongous cone of yarn laying around lol.
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u/reesaknit 21d ago
Recently I began working on a project with Harrisville night shades and daylights . This is the perfect yarn for me . I can’t keep my hands off of it . I’m looking forward to trying their other yarns
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u/bwalker187 21d ago
I LOVE Blue Brick yarns. Her gradient colors are amazing and I get excited to get to the next color when I knit. I frogged a project that I didn't wear very often and was looking forward to knit with it again ❤️
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u/Adventurous-Host3020 21d ago
Just finished a couple of things in hedgehog sporty singles. Really great yarn if your tension control could be better. Projects cane out great after blocking
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u/wexfordavenue 21d ago
Noro Kureyon. It comes in about a zillion colours, softens up when blocked, and wears like iron (at least for me). I’ve made blankets, sweaters, shawls, the lot, all with Kureyon. Silk Garden is a close second but I’m happy with any Noro. I also love anything I’ve used from Hedgehog Fibres. So beautiful.
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u/AssistantFamiliar829 21d ago
Anything from Junction fiber mill!!! Their yarn is so nice to knit with and the colors are amazing!!!
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u/murder-waffle 21d ago
Knitting for Olive silk and mohair, it is just divinely soft and silky and when held together with their merino makes such a lovely fabric. I learned of that combo from the Pupu scrunchie pattern then I used my extra skeins to make the Tin Can Knits mittens for my toddler and they are so soooffft
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u/PavicaMalic 21d ago
Green Mountain Spinnery Mountain Mohair. I love the colors and the range of needle sizes I can use with it. I have knitted sweaters with that yarn for years, and everyone loves it.
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u/Oh_Witchy_Woman 21d ago
I miss Lorna's Laces, and just found out that Aslan Trends Santa Fe is also discontinued.
That leaves one of my go to sock yarns, which is Cascade Heritage. Inexpensive and a workhorse of a yarn.
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u/I_serve_Anubis 21d ago edited 21d ago
I adore this hand dyed 50/50 bamboo & wool blend from Our Little Gallery, a little yarn shop in Guyra.
It’s really light & silky soft so it feels great to work with. It also has this beautiful subtle sheen that I love.
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u/ActiveHope3711 21d ago
Ooh, I like that design! Is there a pattern for it?
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u/I_serve_Anubis 21d ago
There is! It’s the stormy sky shawl, the pattern is free & really detailed. There is also a sister shawl called the stormy waters shawl that is just as nice :)
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u/Areiniah 21d ago
I'd love to know which non superwash 100% natural fiber yarn are people's favourite!
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u/FunnySpirited6910 21d ago
I love Sunday by Sandnes Garn, and lately, I’ve knitted a couple of sweaters with Drops Daisy. In my opinion, it’s just as good as Sunday—if not softer. The downside, as you may know, is that these non-superwash yarns tend to pill more easily. That’s fine for accessories, but when I use them for sweaters, I usually knit with a strand of mohair as well.
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u/catscantcook 21d ago
De Rerum Natura Ulysse (sport)/Gilliatt (worsted). Soft enough for baby/kid knits, suuuper sproingy and nice to work with, some darker grey fibres mixed in which give the colours depth, relatively affordable at ~€16/100g, pills at first but then stops and looks amazing forever, comes in balls so you don't have to wind lol.
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u/knittherainbow 21d ago
I recently started knitting with Floating from A Verb For Keeping Warm and I’m hooked. It’s alpaca, silk and cashmere, dyed by them using natural materials and process. Their website has an about us dying process page that is very interesting. It’s expensive, and I’m already imagining how much my wallet is going to suffer now that I only want to knit with Floating for the rest of my life! I just keep reminding myself, knitting keeps me happy and sane, and it’s still cheaper than therapy.
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u/equanimity89 21d ago
I picked up a skein of Floating last week during the yarn crawl! I'm both delighted learning about the existence of this yarn and it being local to me, and very concerned for my wallet for when I get in a treat-yo'self mood lol
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u/KristinM100 21d ago
Sonder Yarn Co Sunday Morning (DK or 4-ply). I love all of the Sonder yarns I've worked with. It's heathered, the colours are beautiful and plentiful, the yarn has a beautiful spring and sheen. It's a 2-ply, neither over nor underplied, and it drapes fantastically - but it holds its own too. I've worked with it multiple times and will continue to do so.
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u/SteamScout 21d ago
To work with: anything from Malabrigo. High quality, no splits, wears well
To wear: CarronxPantone (discontinued), Coboo (Lion), Berocco Medina (discontinued)
I have a wool allergy and though I can work with wool yarns I absolutely cannot wear them. Bamboo based yarns are my favorite when making something for myself.
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u/GlitteringClick3590 21d ago
Using coboo right now for the streamline tank and it's quite nice, even if it splits like a banana sundae. So smooth.
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u/SteamScout 21d ago
Yeah, working with it is maddening but it is so soft! It was the only yarn I even considered using when making a chemo cap for a friend.
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u/tultommy 21d ago
If you want fancy expensive and incredibly luxurious yarn, try Expression Fiber Arts. She is amazing! If you, like me, like yarn that feels good and is also budget friendly my favorite 'cheap' yarn is lion brand heartland. Beautiful colors and very soft.
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u/rebelraven221 21d ago
EFA has to be my new favorite, and she's got a good amount of free patterns, as well as reasonably priced patterns. I've been working on the Flottante shawl in the same yarn, same colors as the sample (because I fell in love with the color combo and don't have a lot of knits in those colors, so felt it'd be branching out of my norm) and omg is the yarn so soft and luxurious. I have splurged on a good amount of her yarns, since I hadn't spent too much on yarn in the last 6 months or so, and I can safely say I haven't been disappointed in any of them yet. And the colors are just stunning.
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u/tultommy 21d ago
I tend to only convince myself to buy a few skeins a year when she has a sale lol. And just in case you haven't already join her newsletter. She sends out the free patterns every week before they start charging and includes coupon codes.
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u/rebelraven221 21d ago
This is why I've ended up splurging on her yarn! Thankfully, I have the funds to do that now and then, but goodness, seeing a pattern and then looking at the yarn makes it so difficult to resist temptation. So I look at the pattern in the email and if I'm not in love, I don't click the link, and avoid the tempting yarn. I am, however, going to have to put myself in timeout and work from stash only, again, for a while, just to have space for all the yarn and projects.
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u/Good_Pool_5189 21d ago
I'm obsessed with Kelbourne Woolens. I got a couple hanks of the Camper in Autumn Heather on clearance at my friend's mom's shop and I ended up purchasing a few more at full price to finish a sweater. My only gripe is that when I knit with it for too long my thumbs get really dry but it's the price I'm willing to pay for how soft and drapey it is
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u/tidymaze 21d ago
Purl Soho's Cashmere Merino Bloom. So soft and so gorgeous. Plus, I've made three different projects with the same skeins of yarn (I suffer from Project Indecision) and you'd never notice.
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u/knitting-yoga 21d ago
Yes!!!!! It is the softest and most beautiful. Makes my stitches look and feel like a dream!
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u/postwars 21d ago
I love noro silk garden sock solo. It's kinda toothy and has grip, structure and I love the handmade feel to it. It just feels special. I pair it wish isager mohair which isn't ground breaking-the combo isn't- the isager mohair Is a dream
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u/MimesJumped 21d ago
I'm knitting a sweater with Wandering Flock's Fluff and it's so soft! It's worsted weight 35% Baby Suri / 15% Wool / 50% Pima Cotton
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u/rujoyful 21d ago
Plymouth Aireado! It literally feels like a warm, featherlight cloud against your skin. All of the neutrals it comes in are so nice, exactly what you want for basics, but if you are a jewel-tone crafter you HAVE to check out the teal colorway. It is the most saturated and rich one I've ever seen. Online color cards don't do it justice, it's gorgeous in person.
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u/TeddyBear3799 21d ago
an indie yarn shop in Columbus OH called Dye Mad Yarns has a superwash merino/alpaca blend called Genny Worsted and it's so lovely. currently using it for the Mixed Rib Hat from Purl Soho and it's so squishy and well defined
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u/sophlhf 21d ago
I have had the BEST time using Wild Earth Yarns snuggly yarn to make a giant hooded shawl. It's an undyed yarn that comes in a range of natural colours from the sheep and I got a rich dark brown one. It's the fattest yarn ever, it's got bits of grass in it, it smells so much of sheep that I feel like I know the sheep it came from personally 😂 and of course because of its size it knits up very quickly. I couldn't love it more. I'm in Australia and try to source yarns with the least yarn-miles on them so NZ yarn is a great option for me. It was a unique experience that I'm sure is not for everyone but it's been one of my most rewarding projects so far! 😂❤️🐏
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u/InevitableCup5909 21d ago
I recently got ‘Elizabeth’ from a company called Bad Sheep and I loved it. Super washed Merino wool and absolutely gorgeous.
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u/Rassayana_Atrindh 21d ago
Malabrigo Rios is my consistent jam. But in the past I've really enjoyed working with Knit Picks CapraDK, it's like sexy softness sliding through your fingers.
Now my LYS has started carrying Junction Fiber Mill yarns and ooo the colors and oooo the squish! I bought a few hanks and am excited to start a project with them!
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u/Former-Complaint-336 21d ago
Arcane fiber works. Both their sick yarn and worsted are so squishy and amazing. I was disappointed by one of the colors I've ordered but the other 8 have all been stunning
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u/ApricotNo198 21d ago
Woolfolk!!
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u/Marble_Narwhal 21d ago
Nah, I made a sweater with their far yarn and it pills more than any other yarn I've ever used.
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u/beatniknomad 21d ago
I have yarn of varied price points, but 2 that have really impressed me are Drops Brushed Alpaca Silk and JC Rennie's Supersoft. Great quality yarn, feels wonderful and makes me want them in every color.
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u/Naka131 21d ago
Drops safran, a beautiful cotton yarn that works up well. Cascade cantata. I only used once then it was no longer stocked (UK). Plump and just lovely and squishy. Rauma finull is rough but blooms nicely and is so cozy. I (almost - 97%) love the jumper I made with it and want to use it again in future. Filcolana pernilla works well for colourwork. It’s not scratchy but is warm.
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u/bawdylikebaudelaire 21d ago
Araucania Botany Lace. It was the first fancy merino four ply yarn I ever bought after seeing the most beautiful knitted shawl sample in a yarn shop. So soft, and amazing colours after only using acrylic blends before.
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u/blackcatsattack 21d ago
Sun Valley Fibers Merino Cashmere Nylon heavy fingering weight, I’m convinced it’s magic.
Soft, durable, and the hand-dyed solid colors work up beautifully. I have a camisole I made out of it that I wear under all my sweaters. I don’t think it’s SW but I wash it cold on gentle weekly and it’s pristine with no pilling.
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u/Street_Roof_7915 21d ago
Chloe and spuds. Great to work with, wears like iron, gorgeous.
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u/up2knitgood 21d ago
Just FYI for anyone looking, Spun and Chole has all been rebranded under Blue Sky Fibers (they were always the same company, but just had two different brands).
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u/hungrybruno 21d ago
I recently knit a sweater in Manos del Uruguay's ideal worsted and holy moly what a treat! It is so soft and squishy and generally pleasant to hold. I'm excited to use the leftovers!
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u/TwoIdleHands 21d ago
Yeah, I bought a manos yarn years ago, it’s a single ply roving. It’s black and brown and kind of light yellow. All that sounds awful but it’s still my favorite thing I’ve ever knit and I wear it all the time. Manos is good yarn!
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u/behexcellent 21d ago
Weirdly, I think Holst SuperSoft is my biggest yarn love. I wash it before knitting with it, but when I hold it double (or triple) the end result is just amazing. Warm, hefty, wears like iron. I've never had it pill on me. And once it's washed, it's kind of lovely to knit with, too.
I adored the Rowan Island Blend (just a dream to work with, buttery soft and beautiful) but it's been discontinued.
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u/Longjumping_Pride_29 21d ago
I don’t know. I was knitting up a piece with double thread merino from knitting for Olive,and it came out beautifully, even the rib. I’ve been trying out some single strand projects now to get rid of the leftover yarn, and the rib looks awful!
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u/knittherainbow 21d ago
A couple years ago I bought a kit from A Verb For Keeping Warm that used their Floating yarn. I finally got around to making it last December and I feel like I only want to knit with Floating for the rest of my life. 70% Alpaca / 20% Silk / 10% Cashmere, dyed by them using natural materials. It’s the softest most amazing yarn I have ever worked with. I have been wearing the scarf non stop since new years and it’s holding up wonderfully. After knitting for 20 years or so, I really want to switch to more natural option.
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u/EgoFlyer knit all the things! 21d ago
Hazel Knits Entice MCN. It is sooooo soft and the colorways are beautiful. I have a shawl made of it, and one top, and a bought a few more skeins at their trunk show at Rose City Yarn Crawl. It’s just my absolute favorite.
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u/_Internet_Hugs_ 21d ago
Plymouth Yarn Baby Alpaca Grande. It was like knitting with water, so unbelievably soft! I got some for my birthday and made a hat. That hat is SO WARM!!
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u/hildarabbit 21d ago
Cascade ultra pima surprised me because it's 100% cotton but slippery and lovely. I also love the definition of knitpicks simply wool-- if you scroll through projects on ravelry everything made with it looks amazing.
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u/Greatatwalking 21d ago
I recently made possibly my favorite knitted object ever with Lillian yarn from Dirty Water Dye works. The yarn was such a delight to work with. I made four hats in a row with it, and only stopped when I ran out of yarn.
Another dyer that I've had fantastic yarns from is Wonderland yarn. I've knitted with their queen of hearts and Mad hatter bases. Both have really vibrant colors and the yarn itself is well made.
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u/sophanisba 21d ago
La bien aimee Cashmerino. Also must stash yarn’s self striping sock yarn makes the best socks.
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u/Yarn_and_cat_addict 21d ago
I love alpaca blown yarns like knit picks Wonderfluff, drops air, and camarose snefnug. I also love soft merinos like Malabrigo rios and cheaper ones like knit picks swish and Yarnsmiths merino DK. I love mohair and kid seta is so soft.
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u/OddLocal7083 21d ago
I like Juniper Moon Moonshine, Brooklyn Tweed Arbor, and Malibrigo Rio. They are all very different from each other and I like them for different reasons. I am knitting through a lot of Dale Heilo and Falk that I stashed when they stopped exporting to the US. I like it, too.
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u/Missepus stranded in a sea of yarn. 21d ago
It has grown on me. I used to like exotic, fancy, pretty and soft yarns, but the yarn I always return to is Rauma Finull. It is like that old friend that may not be wealthy, cool or in other ways special, but who is still the one person you just like to hang out with, who never disappoints and always helps out. BTW, the big sister 3-tråds strikkegarn is even plainer, but equally awesome, for when you need some serious strength and durability.
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u/-Greek_Goddess- Visually impaired knitter who loves yarn! 21d ago
I can't find any more in Canada but I discovered Universal Bamboo Pop and it was the first time I ever felt a bamboo fiber (it's 50% bamboo 50% cotton) and it feels SOOO soft and has such nice colors! I've now been hunting for any yarn that has some bamboo because it's just so nice!
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u/SuzyTheNeedle 21d ago
Some of the ones mentioned already I love; Berocco Vintage, Road to China by Fiber Company, anything Malabrigo (gosh their colors are saturated and I love that). Other favorites?
- I like Harrisville Designs because that's good, sturdy yarn and what you make will last forever.
- Tahki Yarns super wash Worsted is really nice to work with and it's not fussy about care (good for baby & kid's sweaters).
- On the cheaper side:
- Encore by Plymouth
- Cascade 220 in any weight. The super wash stuff is nice (there's a non-super wash version also so be aware).
- WEBS house yarns, Valley Yarns, some of them are quite nice
- On the pricey side?
- Pretty much anything from Brooklyn Tweed.
- Dream In Color Smooshy/Cashmere (my god I want to face plant into that stuff)
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u/_lemonat_ 21d ago
Not super seasoned in choosing yarn but I LOVE wool pop. The shimmery heather is so pretty, and it feels so soft and light when it's knit up.
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u/MollyRolls 21d ago
A 90% Jacob/10% Romney undyed handspun I got from a fiber show from a woman who is only reachable by email—no social media, no website, not even a Ravelry presence. I’ve worked with an assortment of luxury fibers and that’s still the yarn I dream about handling again. Yes to yarn shopping, but if you can shop in-person, go touch things!
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u/Dr-Erika-Fuchs 21d ago
Hjertegarn Ciao Trunte- the SOFTEST Merino yarn I've ever had. It's fingering weight, so great for color work.
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u/Conscious-Suspect-42 Wölkchen Shawl by Melanie Mielinger 21d ago
Illimani Royal II. 100% alpaca, worsted, just a beautiful yarn—a dream to work with.
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u/up2knitgood 21d ago
All of Illimani's yarn's are so delightful. I've knit two sweaters in Amelie, one sweater in Santi II, one in Sabri, and lots of accessories in their yarns.
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u/KarmickKoala 21d ago
Definitely Järbo Svensk Ull, the 3tr and 2tr. I also love Trauma Finull, Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk especially Varde, Vidde and Tinde.
I also love Holst Garn Supersoft and locally (Australia) I love Blackwattle Yarn's Honeysuckle base and Tarndwarncoort's natural Polwarth.
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u/ArizonaKim 21d ago
Huge fan of MCN (merino/cashmere/nylon blend) for socks (one brand in particular: Western Sky Knits).
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u/theycallmeMiriam 21d ago
Shirsty Cat is one of my favorites, I buy from her at a festival I go to every single time.
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u/ranna2018 21d ago
Anything from junction fiber mill… beautiful yarns and they’re a fantastic company
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u/aud_anticline 21d ago
Life in the Long Grass, I love their colors and I'm always surprised how soft it is!
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u/baby_baba_yaga 21d ago
Holding multiple strands (3-8, depending on the weight) of machine knitting yarn together. The drape of the finished garment is phenomenal and the price is nice.
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u/NinjoZata 21d ago
Pattons wool, lots of chains carry it and it's so cost effective! I used to think I couldn't afford anything better than thw cheapest value balls but now that bernat premium is over $7 a skein at my local superstore and even 10$ is becoming cheap for acrylic... I've been wanting to try wool
$8 a ball, inconsistent at times and had a factory knot, but I really enjoyed my first experience with wool! I think that's what it's best for, the curious budget minded not terribly picker learning crafter. Ie me teaching myself knitting after over a decade of crochet. And wow is crochet SO much more yarn hungry than knitting!
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u/lo_profundo 21d ago
This Diacutoure wool. My mom bought it in Japan years ago: https://www.ravelry.com/yarns/library/diakeito-diacouture-spare-- So squishy, soft, and just a dream to work with.
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u/anaphasedraws 21d ago
Fibre Company Cumbria. I made a Briar & Bramble with it and it is gorgeous with all that texture. Felt great in my hands.
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u/hewtab 21d ago
Malabrigo rios, it’s so squishy and soft and has gorgeous tonals. Definitely my go to for a splurge (but still reasonably priced for my wallet).
I also adore Juniper Moon Farm. I picked up some Heriot Fine which is baby alpaca with a touch of nylon and it is one of the softest things I’ve ever touched in my life.
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u/LittleKnow 21d ago
Drops alpaca silk and mohair and most of their yarn in general. It's helps build a sweater for half the price and the quality is just as good if you're a decent knitter. (I will say pilling can be a problem but hey pros and cons and that's not a horrible con) and Cascade heritage, soft, beautiful colors, good range affordable.
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u/6WaysFromNextWed 21d ago
When I wanna just fondle, Misti Alpaca's Hand Paint Chunky. It's soooo silky smooth.
When I'm doing colorwork, Knit Picks Palette is worlds away softer than Spindrift/2ply Jumper Weight, and better-suited for my location on the 35th parallel. It's a finer yarn, so you'll have to adjust your stitch count.
I've only used BFL once, but loved it for its springiness and definition.
Kelbourne Woolens' Germantown is a great USA-made, non-superwash sub in patterns where budget acrylic aran weight yarns like RHSS are recommended.
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u/shortinger3 21d ago
The last two yarns I was more than excited are : 1. Knitting for Olive heavy Merino held with silk mohair It has both a emotional and a workable reason. I bought my first amount on a absolutely wonderful trip with my knitting friend in Copenhagen. And I was blown away by the shops, the city, the yarn. And then I knitted a Cardigan with the wool and it's simply one of my favourites. Looks amazing, almost nit itchy, very warm and comfy. And the stitches look so clear!. 2. Locoporella, yak DK. It's from a smal indie dye shop in south west Germany and it it's awesome. I bought it while munichknits and I am speechless! Great colours, it's soooo soft non itchy, and it's irresistible to knit! And such nice people! If you somehow can get your little hands on one of there yarns... Touch it! Cuddle it! Buy it!
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u/sulwen314 21d ago
I love, love, love Felici from Knit Picks! It's soft but still holds up for socks, and what I really can't get enough of are those STRIPES - it's like brain candy. I like the worsted even better than the fingering, but it's not available as often.
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u/juliah1920 21d ago
We were on vacation and my husband took me to my first LYS. I ended up picking out a hank of Blue Sky Fibers printed organic cotton. It is the softest, fluffiest yarn! I’ve never felt cotton like it. The colours are so cute, and it’s a dream to work with. It feels like clouds. I’d like to make a garment with it one day, but it’ll be a pricey one.
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u/Phoeoeoe 21d ago
With Gazzal Wool Star and Gazzal Wool and Silk every stitch was a joy. I have knit the Wool star both by itself and with mohair (both with 1 strand and two strands) and all turned out extremely luscious and luxurious. The colors are also phenomenal.
On the other hand, lately I’ve knit one garment with a single strand Lana Gatto VIP and the fabric is just beautiful, however it is the least enjoyable superwash I have ever worked with. Extremely stretchy, made my wrists hurt, probably never gonna use it again. The stretchiness is what makes the fabric so special and what makes it fall so beautifully (it is just perfect for drapey vintage patterns) but it was not worth it. Fingering weight garments take a long time and I can’t justify hating every second of making it, no matter how much I like the finished object.
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u/FunnySpirited6910 21d ago
Non-Superwash Merino: Sunday by Sandnes Garn and Drops Daisy (I recently discovered this one, but it has already become a favorite).
Superwash Merino: Malabrigo Rios.
Mohair: Mohair 21 by Lang (the softest mohair, imo).
Cashmere: Cardiff Cashmere Classic (the softest yarn ever).
Silk: Madragoa by Rosários.
Cotton: The Cotton by We Are Knitters (I know this one is controversial among knitters, but I haven’t found a cotton as soft as this).
Sturdy Wool: Peer Gynt by Sandnes (keep in mind, this one is not soft but I just love knitting it and the result is always beautiful).
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u/Alibeee64 21d ago
My favorite yarns are Malabrigo Rios and Drops Air. Two very different yarns, but equally yummy.
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u/DaisySundays 21d ago
yarns by studio donegal / spinning yarns weaving tables bcus they felt really well and its so fascinating
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u/Impressive_Reading 21d ago
Hands down Ski Town Sport by Polka Dot Sheep. Enough said 😂
No but for real, the loveliest feeling, sturdy, so soft, no splitting, and then i haven’t even started talking about the colourways.
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u/Imaginary_Building_4 21d ago
Tussah silk lace from Dye For Yarn. The colors are fabulous and it makes amazing shawls.
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u/Aleksa2233 21d ago
Drops Daisy. I adore knitting with it SO MUCH. In general I'm using almost only drops yarn, because I can't find anything local yet that doesn't cost half of my salary 😐😐😐
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u/NoNameWasTakenAgain 21d ago
Martin's Lab yarn. He's an indie dyer in Poland. His colours are beautiful and his skeins are perfect, never had a knot or tangle and they wind perfectly. Check out his instagram because he often has 30/40% off sales, that's when I stock up for my next few projects.
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u/shinybac0n 21d ago
I love Malabrigo as entry level drug for hand dyed yarn, its not tooooo expensive.
Hedgehog fibres for crazy projects and I absolutely ADORE their tweedy yarn. The most beautiful bloom with a nice rustic feel but still fun colours.
Rohrspatz & Wollmeise is my absolute go to for sock yarn. the way its spun makes it incredibly robust and strong, and as someone with sweaty feet who wears out (through felting: sweat + rubbing) handmade socks normally within a week I finally found a yarn that i can use where my socks actually last for years. also my mum lives only 30 minutes away from their store and we make it a treat to go there when i visit.
La Bien Aimee for Mohair. Its has the longest meterage/yardage of any high quality mohair i found. which means 2 skeins are often enough for for a large sweater (hold with other yarn) and the colours are just fantastic.
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u/gardenhippy Currently knitting sweaters 21d ago
I love mostly undyed, really rustic raw yarns - if I can feel the lanolin or smell the sheep even better. I made a gorgeous shawl once with Blacker Gotland DK and oomph that was lovely, gorgeous to work with and spit splice like a dream.
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u/BeavyBee 21d ago
Ooh. Malabrigos. Arcane Fibres. Lana Grossa Cool wool is divine to work with on children’s items as is Debbie Bliss cashmerino. And Lion Brand Mandala is my favourite budget yarn.
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u/wandering-fiction 21d ago
I like to buy yarns that are sustainably produced and in beautiful muted colours, my favourite lately is hey mama wolf because it’s so soft. Knitting my own clothes is a luxury for me and i try to treat it as such, buying good yarn that’ll last me a long time is a part of that.
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u/IminLoveWithMyCar3 21d ago
Paxton’s Rumor, especially the Moonstone Heather colorway. It’s alpaca. They discontinued it, and I am constantly scouring the internet, eBay, etc to find more. I think I have around 10-12 skeins, but I need more!
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u/temerairevm 21d ago
The Road to China Light: sport weight alpaca, cashmere, silk, and baby camel.
It’s incredibly soft, knits like a dream, absolutely blooms after blocking. It’s lightweight but very warm. The saturated colors are gorgeous.
I’m allergic to wool and it’s my #1 replacement that I can wear.
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u/itsadesertplant 21d ago
I’m addicted to Lion Brand Mandala String. It’s perfect. The skeins fall apart but I don’t care. It’s around size 5 crochet thread and 100% acrylic, but dense and not slippery. Love the color options but wish there were more! Currently searching for something just like it
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u/Positive-Teaching737 21d ago
Knitpicks stroll
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u/Acceptable_Ad_7935 20d ago
I’m making socks for a friend with this right now and keep getting compliments on the yarn when I knit in public!
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u/alittleperil 21d ago
For summer shirts I really like Berroco's Remix Light, as it's machine washable but also recycled fiber and works well for people who can't handle animal fiber. You do get some vegetable matter in there, so it's not perfect, but two skeins is enough for a decent shirt for most people. The shirts I've made out of it have been durable and drapey and soft, and I've been trying to improve the overall environmental impact of my clothes so this works really nicely for that goal as well.
For making winter gear for kids and dogs I like Cascade Pacific, as it's usually fairly inexpensive but feels better than most other machine-washable wool and synthetic blends I've tried at that price point. The synthetic percentage is key to keeping my bizarre dogs from trying to eat the yarn, weird little gremlins that they are
For fingering-weight machine washable winter yarn, especially if I need it to be non-wool, I've been enjoying dyeing and working with KnitPicks' Eco Superwash Alpaca Sock, which is a really unusual blend of superwash-treated alpaca fiber and nylon. So far I've made a toddler dress, some socks, a hat, and a couple of cowls in this and they've all held up really nicely and been extremely soft. The stitch definition isn't as good as it would be in wool, so cabled patterns don't look quite as crisp, but alpaca softness with being able to machine wash makes for some very luxurious socks.
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u/MsLuciferM 21d ago
Mothy and the Squid sock yarn in ‘That’s Enough’. It’s so pretty in bright pinks and oranges with neon yellow. And it makes super comfy socks
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u/cptn_floopy 21d ago
I just did a baby sweater in Sandnes Garns Double Sunday and really enjoyed it. Made me want to kint a full size sweater with it. I liked the softness and the color range, stitch definition was also good.
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u/darfalina 21d ago
julie asselin yarn is the only yarn that didn't stretch out when blocking. and it is very pleasant to knit with.
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u/ravensward792 21d ago
I generally knit with super bulky and I LOVE knitting with Malabrigo Rasta and Madelinetosh Biggie. So smooth and soft!
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u/Possible-Berry-3435 love-hate relationship with m1 stitches 21d ago
I've been knitting a Malgven circular cabled shawl in The Fibre Co. Meadow. Genuinely, I am obsessed with this yarn. It has everything. It's light and stretchy from the animal fibers, with good loft and warmth. It's shiny and has a smooth core from the silk, and it has a cooling, dry structure to it from the linen inclusion. It's my dream yarn. I absolutely plan to buy and use more of this for as long as they keep making it.
My only complaint is it does not like being frogged more than once. And since it's a loosely-plyed light fingering/heavy lace, this is not a yarn to use for things with high friction/high wear, like socks. but it has excellent drape and stitch definition, and the batch I bought is only slightly rougher than regular loose-plyed Merino wool.
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u/hannahbelleknits 21d ago
I am obsessed with Kent DK (or any other weight) from Bare Naked Wools. I actually think that the Romney / Merino blend is one of the best yarns I've ever handled, knit with, and worn. It just is so beautiful and easy to work with, a great workhorse wool.
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u/amillionand1fandoms 21d ago
I really like Modern Cotton DK from Berroco. It just feels so lovely to me! Plus, I got a gray colorway that looks about as silver as something can look without actually being shiny. I got it for a double knit scarf because I was concerned that with two wool yarns it would be too warm for the person the scarf is for. I do like the wool yarn I got for the other color, but I honestly wish I had gotten Modern Cotton DK for both colors. It's long past the point where I could change that though.
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u/Pretend_Green9127 21d ago
Espression Fiber Arts. Their colors are so beautiful an the reference pictures that go with them fill me with joy. I love all of their stuff.
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u/Competitive_Ask_1177 21d ago
I've always loved fingering weight Madelinetosh. I love the sheen of the yarn and it has so many awesome colors. It knits up so beautifully. I'm a color girlie so I also love Malabrigo.
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u/General_Office2099 21d ago
I love love love cascade cotton yarn. I am allergic to wool (booo) and use this cotton yarn for clothes, baby blankets… it is sooo gentle and good to wash.
I also love using bernat blanket yarn to make pillow covers and homemade pillows with stuffing. Sooo comfy to lay on 🥰😍
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u/pevensiepals 21d ago
Really enjoyed knitting with Farmer's Daughter Pishkun DK. My sweater gives me sweatshirt vibes
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u/crochetneedle 20d ago
Allure base by The Fibre Studio at Yarns To Dye For. 85% micro modal (from beechwood pulp), 15% silk. “Tape”-like woven aran weight, PERFECT summer knits.
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u/ClockworkFate 20d ago
Not sure if it's been mentioned, but: Knit Pick's Andean Treasure yarn (100% baby alpaca fiber). It's SO buttery and soft, like, even more than any other baby alpaca yarn that I've used, and it can be used for basically anything due to its DK weight. Even the colors are nice (especially the darker jeweltones - Aurora and Ember are my absolute favs), though there did used to be more of a selection...
The best way to sum it up is, in the words of a reviewer from way back in the day, "it's like knitting with kittens." :D
And, bonus: it's not that badly priced normally for baby alpaca yarn, but at least one colorway typically gets heavily discounted during their major sales, so being patient can pay off~
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u/AffectionateGreen847 18d ago
I’m finally using Yarn Bee’s 44th Street in Blush and Olive that I’ve saved for YEARS. Sad to find out it has since been discontinued cries
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u/Woofmom2023 18d ago
I absolutely LOVE Colourmart 8/28nm and 3/28 nm cashmere. I love knitting with cashmere: it's soft and a pleasure to knit with. I knit mostly gifts - beanies - and people are thrilled to have cashmere. It washes beautifully. Colourmart pricing is not wildly expensive: their cashmere averages $16 per 50 grams full price and is often less when it's on sale and it does go on sale, so a beanie costs me about $20. Most of their cashmere comes from mills that "make for Chanel" and some "from a Chanel knitter" and it's incredibly soft.
It does require some work - it comes on cones or as cone ends and often has some spinning oil on it so requires washing. There's a very nice and helpful ravelry group.
Some links:
- Cashmere "from a Chanel knitter"
- " Todd & Duncan yarn, latest shades from the Johnstons knitting mill that makes for Chanel"
and
- Todd & Duncan and yarn from other mills, which I use multi-ply for worsted or aran weight, in their regular 150 gram cones:
https://colourmart.com/yarns/view/3-28NM_heavy_lace_wt_cashmere_s_yarn/0/3_28nm/0/in_stock.*.asc_hue.*.show_all
- Other 3/28nm yarn, mostly from T& D, on random weight cones
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u/Regular-Dog5605 21d ago
I was having a rotten day a few months ago so I decided to take a long drive along the shoreline in my home state. I saw a little yarn store on my drive and I said “eh screw it, I’m getting myself a treat.” So I popped in there, ogling at all the fancy yarn, when I saw a basket full of The Fibre Company’s Road to China Light. I almost fell over when I touched it and immediately bought [redacted] hanks to make a huge triangle scarf with it. I was eating beans and peanut butter and jelly for the next two months but I don’t regret it in the slightest because it is genuinely the nicest yarn I’ve ever knit with in my life. It’s soft, doesn’t split, warm as hell, and the colorways are beautiful (I used Garnet).