Chunky Yarns in Today’s World
In the world of knitting and crocheting, the term chunky is very well known. The phrase “chunky yarn” refers to a variety of thick yarn that is used for knitting or crocheting warm articles of clothing. Other heavy weight items such as winter blankets are made from chunky yarns. Also called bulky weight by some, this type of yarn can be used for making large stitches, and is commonly used with a US size 10 knitting needle, or the United States 10. Can also be used with USK or USJ crochet hooks.
A thicker version of this yarn is available as well. It is given the name super chunky, and is much thicker than regular bulky yarns. Because super chunky is the thickest and heaviest yarn that can be purchased, the US 11 or other large needles will be needed. This type of thick yarn is often used with large crochet hooks. Both super and chunky yarns can be readily found in a variety of materials and textures.
A widely popular and elegant type of bulky yarn is cashmere. This soft and beautiful yarn is a favorite for making scarves, sweaters, and bed throws. Chunky cashmere yarns are manufactured in a rainbow of bright and bold colors, soft, delicate pastels, and soothing neutral shades. Cashmere yarn is produced from wool that is combed from the luxurious undercoat of Cashmere goats. Chunky cashmere yarns may be combined with silk fibers to create a more silkier feeling material.
Another elegant and highly rated yarn produced from the hair of goats is mohair. Created from the silky soft hair that is gathered from Angora goats, mohair has a strong, yet light and feathery texture once it has been crocheted or knitted. Chunky mohair yarns are offered in diverse multicolored balls, some of them may have a faint, watercolor like appearance. Certain types of chunky mohair yarns are hand painted in colorful rainbow patterns and other distinctive designs.
Lambs wool is used to make chunky yarns from wool, and many chunky wool yarns are blended with acrylic fibers. Bulky yarns made from cotton are natural alternatives to super chunky and acrylic chunky yarns. Many chunky yarns are one hundred percent acrylic, which means they are synthetic and economical. The course texture of acrylic yarns are easy to care for, but they do not have that silky soft feeling.
Bulky yarns are generally used to knit and crochet sweaters, while super chunky yarns are better suited for large stitch projects such as wraps and shawls. Uses for super chunky yarns include small rugs and covers for pillows. Bulky yarns are basically used to make scarves, hats, or vests, they can also be used to knit slippers, socks, and blankets. Leftover bits of yarn can be combined to make sweaters for dogs, doll clothes, pot holders, baby booties, and many other adorable items.
Bulky yarns are affordable options for creative individuals who regularly knit and crochet. Bulky yarns can be used to create gifts for birthdays and anniversary, or to make a personalized gift for new parents. Whether your knitting projects are for business or pleasure, these inexpensive chunky yarns are a practical way for you to continue to knit or crochet beautiful, customized items that your family and friends will love.
You can learn more about chunky yarns with Jenny.
Author: Jenny Mason
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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New And Unusual Knitting Yarns
In days gone by, yarn was obtained locally. It was usually hand-dyed, of high quality and unique. Things changed, and knitters bought branded yarns that were chemically dyed, of regular though unremarkable quality and were the same the world over. Thank heavens things are changing, and fast! Today, we are seeing the resurgence of unique and beautiful yarns. What follows is a tiny selection of what’s now available.
No matter how long you’ve been knitting for there is always something new to learn or yarns that you haven’t yet tried. If you’re looking for a yarn that’s different you’re spoilt for choice. And, you don’t have to go to craft fairs, knitting workshops or join specialist knitting groups to get hold of these beautiful, traditionally made yarns. Many yarn suppliers and yarn stored now stock these unusual yarns and, thanks to the Internet, you can even buy these yarns online.
Filaro Yarn is an exciting yarn fiber from knitwear designer Anna Gratton. Anna runs a yarn boutique and mill from her farm in Waituna West on the north island of New Zealand. She’s been raising her own stock of colored Corriedale sheep since 1976. Corriedales produce merino wool of truly exceptional quality and softness. The silky soft fleece is in the 27 – 30 micron range. Filaro Yarn also produce a funky fiber called ‘Mohair Sparkle’. It is a wonderfully soft brushed mohair boucle yet with a strand of lurex glitter that shimmers and glimmers without any scratchiness; just perfect for a complete knitted garment or for adding that something special to a garments edge.
Another anitpodean, Margaret Stove, is renowned as a fine spinner and designer who is generous in passing on her knowledge. She’s been spinning her own yarn for over 25 years using only the finest materials. Margaret Stove Lace Yarn is a two-fold New Zealand merino wool, which is known the world over for its quality and softness. You can buy Margaret Stove lace yarn from many approved retailers. All Margaret Stove lace yarn is hand-dyed and are available in 900m and 300m skiens. You can also get Margaret Stove lace kits; her escarf kits are very popular with knitters of all abilites.
Rainbow Mills Yarn has a well-deserved reputation among knitters who appreciate quality yarn. Rainbow Mills Yarn is based in Philadelphia and makes handspun, hand-dyed yarns. The company produces different types of yarn but a particular favorite is ‘Candy’. It is handspun, hand-shredded and hand-mixed before being spun. It is then spun over rayon, and twisted again with rayon after being spun. Candy from Rainbow Mills Yarn is artist hand-dyed in colorfast aniline dyes and the colorways produced are simply devine.
Twisted Sisters Yarn come about when Lynne Vogel and some her fiber-loving friends got together in Oregon to produce yarns of exceptional quality, feel and color. For well over ten years Twisted Sisters Yarn has become internationally known for producing one-off, hand-dyed yarn. The color blends produced from from each limited edition of Hand Paints makes every garment made from Twisted Sisters Yarn something that is unique and personal. But Twisted Sisters Yarn isn’t just about producing traditionally dyed yarn, they also produce modern, stylish classics like their Elektra and Roxanne yarn collections.
The above are just a brief overview of the new and unusual yarns that are now widely available. Other unique yarns come from the likes of Windy Valley Muskox Yarn and Artyarns Yarns. For those who want to create beautiful, one-of-a-kind creations the availibility of unique and exquisite yarn has never been so good.
Follow the links for more information about Filaro Yarn, Margaret Stove Yarn, Twisted Sisters Yarn and other beautiful yarns.
Author: Robin Cassidy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Quickly Discover – What Is This Thing Called Yarn?
“This funny thing called yarn? Just who can solve its
mystery? Why should it make a fool of me?”
Oh, I could go on and on singing Cole Porter’s hit
song, but you get the picture! You can substitute the word
“yarn” for “love” and feel just as confused. Knitting can
do that to you; “yarn flew in through my window, I was so
happy then”.
Been in a yarn shop lately? Leafed through a knitting
magazine? Got your heart set on the perfect pattern for
you, only just why is it telling me to use a sport-weight
yarn and, what is that anyway?
Just like material,- cotton, wool, knits, blends,
silk, taffeta, linen, – yarn comes in a variety of
different styles and types. Some yarns are great for
certain projects, other yarns will be disastrous. With all
of the yarns available today, either in yarn shops or
online, it’s a good idea to arm yourself with a little
knowledge. After all, a little knowledge goes a long way!
The following is a list of the most popular yarns that
you will encounter with patterns today. Whenever you choose
a knitting project, there will always be a suggested yarn to
use. This information will be at the top of the instruction
page, under “materials” along with needle size, length or
size, gauge, and sometimes a manufacturer’s specific yarn
brand.
Please keep in mind that yarn doesn’t grow on trees
looking like that. Yarn comes from fibers; anyone who uses
a spinning wheel can tell you all about how yarn is spun
from rough fibers. One strand of spun yarn is called a
single. When singles are formed together they create a ply
or plied yarn. Two-ply yarn is formed of two singles, and
so on. Most yarn used for knitting comes in 4-ply.
Just look at the label around any skein or ball of
yarn, and you will find the ply number there. When you
knit, you use the yarn as is; in other words, you don’t
separate plied yarn, as you would in needlepoint or crewel
work. (In fact, some patterns call for using more than one
strand of yarn at a time.)
So without further ado, here is the list:
Worsted weight yarn - this yarn is the most popular you
will see! It can be used for just about anything you have
in mind. Sweaters, scarves, afghans, shrugs, vests, all do
well with worsted weight yarn.
Sport weight yarn or DK (double knitting) - this yarn
is a tad bit thinner than worsted weight, but again it is
used for many projects; usually you will see the DK
abbreviation in British publications. You can knit afghans,
baby projects, or a whole host of other items with this very
popular yarn.
Sock, Fingering or baby yarn - this sounds just like
it is. Very soft, pliable, this is also great for any baby
or toddler pattern. Great for delicate items, too.
Cotton yarn (also mercerized) - cotton yarn is easy to
knit with. I use it for placemats or other kitchen or bath
items; you can knit vests, or a more sturdy outer garment
with it. If cotton yarn says “mercerized” this just means
it has extra strength & shine.
Fisherman or Aran yarn - this yarn is thicker than
worsted weight, and is used in heavier sweaters or even
afghans. The word “Aran” is from the Aran Islands, which
are just to the west of Galway Bay in Ireland. Aran
patterns abound, and they are most beautiful.
Chunky or bulky yarns - these yarns are, you guessed
it, chunky and bulky! They are often a challenge to knit
with and require strong fingers. They make for wonderful
outer garments, such as shrugs, vests, even sweaters, and
will keep you warm.
These are just the most popular yarns you will run
across in knitting projects. There are many, many more. In
fact, many untraditional materials are now being utilized;
you can knit with string-like yarn, eyelash yarn, ribbon
yarn, as well as delicate, thread-like yarn for more
intricate, or openwork patterns.
Yarns can often be combined with each other, for
unusual effects; a strong yarn can be paired with something
wispy and the results are fantastic! The absolute explosion
of yarn texture, color, and variety are unlike anything from
the past.
No matter what you’re knitting, there is a yarn for
you! So, just like ol’ Blue Eyes, you can say “you gave me
days of sunshine, you gave me nights of cheer, you made my
life an enchanted dream”…….
And you know what, – you will have discovered this
thing called yarn!!
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Keep YOUR knitting on the “Cutting Edge” with FREE patterns. The place where smart knitters gather resources and share stories. FREE Details ==>http://www.theknitstitch.com
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Alice Seidel, is the owner of TheKnitStitch.com, where her newest ebook Ready or Knit, Here I Come! is available.
A former innkeeper, Alice has turned her passion for knitting into books, articles, and pattern information for todays’ savvy knitter!
Author: Alice Seidel
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Knitting Yarns
With so much knitting yarn to choose from, how do you know which one is right for your project?
Acrylic Yarn
Completely synthetic, acrylic yarn is easy to dye, so it comes in a variety of colors and striped patterns. Most knitters learn how to knit using acrylic yarn because it is cheap, but then move on to higher quality, natural yarns. Many choose to make baby blankets, hats and booties out of acrylic yarn because it is machine washable and dryable.
Cotton Yarn
Cotton yarn is another favorite yarn used for baby blankets because it is washable, does not stretch and is soft. Cotton is lightweight and great for knitting summer accessories. If you are concerned about the environmental impact of manufacturing knitting yarn or the number of pesticides used in growing cotton, it is very easy to purchase yarn made from organic cotton.
Wool Yarn
Wool yarn is probably the most versatile of all knitting yarns. You can make everything from scarves and sweaters to electronic accessory holders out of wool yarn. Wool is generally more expensive than acrylic, but still in the low-to-moderate price range. The only drawback to wool is that it is generally not machine washable. Check labels for washing instructions, especially when using knitting yarns made from animal hair.
Mohair Yarn
Don’t let the fact that this yarn is made from goat hair discourage you from using it. Mohair makes lovely sweaters, scarves and other types of clothing, but it can be itchy and shouldn’t be used in a project that will be worn in direct contact with your skin. Mohair makes a fuzzy, textured weave and can be combined with other yarns for a unique project.
Angora Yarn
Made from rabbit hair, angora yarn is as soft and fluffy as the animal. Angora is very expensive, tends to shed and is not machine washable. Many knitters believe that angora’s beauty and softness outweigh its other drawbacks.
Alpaca Yarn
This type of yarn comes from alpacas, which are animals that resemble llamas. Alpaca and wool are often used interchangeably and have many of the same qualities. Alpaca yarn is more expensive, warmer and often a higher quality. In addition, alpaca fiber is hypoallergenic, which is good news for knitters allergic to wool and other animal fiber.
Eyelash Yarn
This type of yarn is usually made from polyester or a similar synthetic fiber. It looks like a main strand of thread with shorter strands coming off of it. Eyelash yarn is decorative, fun and usually brightly colored. When you use eyelash yarn, your particular stitches are hard to see underneath all of the fluff. It can also be difficult to work with because the hanging pieces catch on your knitting needles. Projects made with eyelash yarn usually don’t have a lot of substance or bulk. When you knit with eyelash yarn, try to knit it with a simple acrylic or wool yarn as a base. Hold the two yarns together and knit as if they are one.
Ribbon Yarn
Though flat like any other type of ribbon, this type of yarn is made specifically for knitting, and the texture is quite different from decorative ribbons. Ribbon yarns can be made from any number of materials, but they are usually synthetic in origin. Knitting with ribbon yarn for the first time is a strange experience because of the yarn’s flatness. Ribbon yarn is best used for decorative trim or for scarves, but not for primary garments like sweaters.
Sock Yarn
If you want to knit socks, buying sock yarn is always a safe bet. It is made with a thin enough gauge that your stitches won’t feel lumpy on your feet. You can also machine wash and dry sock yarn without doing any damage to your creations. If you can’t find sock yarn you like, or you want to get creative with your knitted socks, choose a yarn that has some synthetic content (like acrylic or nylon) for stretch. Cotton and wool blends work well for socks. Cotton tends to be lighter and more breathable, and wool will keep your feet warm in the winter.
Yarn Weight
How you will use, wear and care for your finished project all determine what type of yarn is best. The weight of the yarn is also an important factor in the project’s success. Fingering weight yarn is the thinnest possible weight, and is used only for delicate knitting projects like making lace. Sport weight (also notated as DK) is lightweight and used for socks and thin garments. Worsted weight yarn is the most common, and can be used for anything you want to make (including winter wear). Bulky yarn is the heaviest and is used for thick sweaters and blankets, as well as fine art projects.
For more information on knitting, visit the hobbies section of Life123.com.
Author: Esther November
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Wholesale Yarn
Wholesale yarn is a term used to refer to yarn which is sold and bought in bulk. The wholesale yarn suppliers sell particular quality of yarn in wholesale or in bulk. This is particularly of use to those people, who run small yarn shops and make large number of items made of yarn. In short, yarn in wholesale is purchased by people who use yarn frequently. When buying yarn in wholesale, the customer saves a lot of money, as the suppliers tend to give huge discounts when large amounts of yarns are purchased. Thus, buying wholesale yarn turns out to be fairly economical for frequent users of yarn.
In general, suppliers offer large discounts on most kinds of yarn when bought in wholesale. The amount of discounts varies with the kind of yarn which is bought. If the yarn is made of high quality fiber and is generally quite expensive, then the discount on the wholesale purchase will be quite low. In contrast, if the yarn which is bought in wholesale is of average quality and is generally not very expensive, then the discount can be quite large. Discounts are highest when the yarn to be bought is of mediocre quality. The amount of discount offered by the supplier also varies with the amount of yarn which is purchased. As the amount of yarn purchased increases, so does the discount.
There are many yarn suppliers who deal only in wholesale yarn and do not entertain small purchases by regular customers. They generally sell yarn in wholesale to retailers, departmental stores, art and craft stores and other shops which sell yarn. Generally, such suppliers stock only a few types of yarn made by single company, as opposed to the retailers, who stock a wide variety of yarn, from all companies and brands.
Yarn provides detailed information on Yarn, Knitting Yarn, Discount Yarn, Yarn Shops and more. Yarn is affiliated with Wholesale Soy Candles.
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Alpaca Yarn – Three Reasons Why Knitters Should Use Alpaca Yarn Instead of Wool
By Jim Hofman
If you enjoy knitting, you should be aware of the benefits of using alpaca yarn. In fact, alpaca yarn has a few significant advantages over standard wool knitting yarn. Let’s take a closer look.
More and more knitters are turning to alpaca yarn for their clothing and apparel projects, and with good reason. Alpaca yarn is available in almost two dozen natural colors, is minimally processed, and is more affordable than ever. There are three specific advantages to using alpaca yarn, particularly if you are knitting something that can be worn or an accessory item like a blanket.
Advantage #1: Alpaca Yarn Is More Durable
You may know that alpaca garments in general are extremely durable. In fact, it is not uncommon for an alpaca scarf, sweater, or blanket to last for decades or even a lifetime. This is a testament to the fleece, which is then processed into yarn for knitting.
The fibers, while extremely soft to the touch, are woven to be stronger and much more durable than wool. Further, these garments are less likely to snag, tear, or rip.
While the cost of alpaca yarn is typically higher than other yarns, prices have come down as availability has increased. You can normally find the quantities you need from specialty online retailers that will ship the product directly to your door.
Advantage #2: Ease Of Handling
The second advantage is of special interest to knitters. Alpaca yarn is easier on your hands because it is softer. If you find your hands itchy and scratchy after working with traditional yarn, you will definitely appreciate the difference.
In addition, durability also comes into play. There tends to be less waste of yarn since the weave is tighter and stronger. The more you work with this yarn, you will find a need to buy less quantities for the same project done with wool.
Advantage #3: Warm, Soft, And Hypoallergenic
The final advantage relates to the end product. Alpaca garments are not only durable, they are more comfortable as well. We’ve discussed the softness aspect, which will be appreciated by the person who wears your creation.
The fiber is much warmer than other fabrics, like wool as one example. An alpaca blanket is considered to be at least twice as warm as wool and significantly warmer than cotton. And yet, it is extremely breathable and less stifling, like a thick and bulky down comforter can often be.
Another advantage is the hypoallergenic nature of this yarn. It is a completely natural product, with no intensive processing like wool. The end result is a softer, natural fiber that won’t irritate or create skin allergies or other conditions.
Summary
Experienced knitters are turning more and more to alpaca yarn for their crafting projects. It is significantly more durable and much easier to work with than wool, especially for your hands. Further, the end result of your project will be more durable and a soft, comfortable, and hypoallergenic garment that anyone will appreciate for years to come.
If you like to knit, discover the many advantages of using alpaca yarn for your next project. Your garment creations will be softer, more durable, and naturally hypoallergenic. For more insight and to learn additional uses for this durable fiber, visit us at: http://www.alpacaclothingandgifts.com.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Jim_Hofman
Knitting With Bamboo Yarn – It’s Hip to Stitch!
Knitting evokes the image of little old ladies sitting around their nursing home in rocking chairs stitching together scarves and blankets and sweaters for all their grandkiddies. But knitting is not just for grandmas anymore! After suffering a downturn in popularity in the 80s when efficiency and modernity were all the rage, knitting is steadily becoming a popular and favorite hobby of young women again. While people no longer need to knit their own clothing from necessity, they are choosing to use knitting as a creative expression and art form of its own. In fact, in 2004, a survey by the Craft Yarn Council found that the number of women ages 25 to 34 who knit had increased an astounding 150 percent since 2002.
Much of the reason for the surge in popularity is the wide-spread availability of unique fabrics to use, including the strong, flexible and lustrous bamboo yarn.
There are many reasons to choose yarn made from bamboo to create with:
* Bamboo yarn can hold up to 3x its weight in water making it an excellent wicking material for summer clothing.
* Yarn made from bamboo is also thermo-regulating so not only will it work to keep you cool in summer, it will work just as hard to keep you warm in winter.
* It is hypoallergenic, making it ideal to use for baby items or for anyone with sensitive skin.
* Bamboo yarn offers UV properties when used in garments.
* It is extremely soft and comfortable against the skin
* Bamboo yarn is totally plant derived so it’s suitable for vegans who don’t want to wear animal fibers
* If using 100% pure bamboo yarn, it is biodegradable.
There are hundreds of things to make using yarn made from bamboo, including a Bamboo Bambino Sweater, Cabled Bamboozle Mitts, a Summertime Lace Shawl and even Bamboo Socks! To make it a truly Bamboo creation, consider using Bamboo Knitting Needles. Durable and smooth on the fabric, these needles only require a light sanding to maintain their surface.
Douglas Michaels Jr. writes educational articles for Green Earth News, the authority on everything Bamboo. For more information on Bamboo Knitting. Check out Green Earth Bamboo for bamboo sheets, bath towels, duvet covers, clothing and baby products, all made from the world’s most sustainable and renewable resource on the planet.
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