In search of the perfect yarn

General Knitting
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I’m coming out of my knitting hiatus. It was just SO hot the last few months; it was hard to think even think about yarn. That’s hot!

Anyway, my next big project will be a baby blanket for my new niece or nephew :cheering: and I’m struggling with yarn choices. I found a pattern or two I like, but I want something other than the typical baby yarn. I’d like it to be durable and washable, but possibly a natural fiber or a portion natural. I need a worsted or DK weight, but I think I’d prefer worsted. It needs to have that ooh-ahh factor with softness.

I think I want to stay away from pastels or primary colors. I think with my sister’s house and personality, it needs to be an earthy color. I love the Mission Falls colors, but I think the cotton will be too heavy and the wool just isn’t soft enough for a baby blanket.

I’d love to have a hand-dyed or a yarn with personality. It needs to speak to me and keep me entertained.

Any ideas for the perfect yarn?

2

Is cost an issue? Lorna’s Laces Shepherd makes several weights and is the softest wool I’ve ever felt! It’s also machine washable (the shepherd type is washable I mean).
http://www.jimmybeanswool.com/secure-html/onlinegen/currgen/LornasLaces/ShepherdWorsted.asp

I know you said natural fibers, but if you don’t mind acrylic, there are several choices that are very soft.

Vanna’s Choice worsted
Red Heart Soft
Caron Simply Soft

3

I just bought some Lorna’s Laces (from Jimmy Bean’s, btw) for baby blankets. I think it’s perfect–can’t wait to start.

Jimmy Bean’s shipped a few hours after I ordered, too.

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Hi!

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Hello!
I used the Sirdar Snowflake Chunky for my grandchild-to-be - at the shower, my daughter’s [pregnant] best friend asked for one for her coming baby…just did a diagonal garter stitch - 4 skeins, #10 needles - and it’s fantastic!!! And there are deeper solids as well as the usual baby colors.

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Those Lorna’s Laces are gorgeous! I guess I’ve only seen a few in a LYS and the colors never “spoke” to me. I probably only saw was picked over. Maybe I need to stalk a new shipment.

I really like the Baltic Sea and Tuscany colorways and I think they would work well if we get news of a girl. I’m thinking Sand Ridge for a boy. Now if we can get an ultrasound!

I also looked into some of the Sidar yarns. Are they as soft as they sound? Any experience with washing?

Thanks so much for your help!

7

Here’s some pretty wool yarns for reasonable prices they are handpainted!

Also check out this place for natural fiber!