Community Chat

[Nomorebirthdays]

Yes I do and knit picks is where I get it. No it is soft. The wooden needles are great also.

The merino wool is especially. Nice. I hand wash what I make. But they do have washable wool that I use if making something for a child.

[Poodlepet2]

I have been ordering from Knit Picks for awhile now: everything they sell is high quality.

High quality wool is soft and not scratchy.  The higher quality fibers come from the wool closer to the skin. The cheaper stuff comes from the outer layers.

Another company I love is Pattern Works.

Which blanket are you making?

BTW, Knit Picks has awesome tutorials and great customer service.

If you have questions about fibers a great resource is "Knit and Crochet Today", available online.

Poodlepet2

[Kachina624]

The first major afghan I ever crocheted was done in shades of brown wool.  It's a very solid ripple pattern with no holes.  It's too warm and has never been used much for that reason.  You'd be hot in a blizzard under that thing. 

[funinthesun]

I am looking at the merino wool blends on knit picks. It looks like they are machine wash but flat dry. Can you not put these in the dryer?

[Poodlepet2]

Hi @funinthesun! You can't put wool in hot water or a dryer: heat will cause it to shrink and felt. You have to dry items made with wool flat.

In the 30's and 40's before synthetics came out, women used to knit diaper covers with it...I can't even imagine....yucky! 

If this is going to be something that could possibly inadvertently be soiled-either from a child or pet, you might want to reconsider your yarn choice of yarn. I think superwash is a very good idea, or a blend of wool and cotton or wool and synthetic.

The sales personnel at Knitpics are all familiar with their products: give them a call-they will gladly help you and advise you.

Poodlepet2

[sfnative]

@funinthesun

Merino wool for sure.

Take a look at what LoveKnitting, WEBS, Lion Brand Yarn, Yarnspirations, Craftsy, Annie's and KnitPicks have to offer.

Since we're moving into sping and summer, you may find some excellent sales on merino wool, but be sure to purchase sufficient amounts for your project, all in the same dye lot.