Stitch Nation

I have never been a yarn snob — prided myself on it, actually.  Out where I live (in BFE) I don’t have a lot of yarn options (Red Heart, Vanna, and Caron pretty much) and it’s all acrylic.  Which, let’s be honest, is the red-headed step child of the yarn world. Utilitarian, sometimes garish, often scratchy, and, well, plastic.  But cheap!

I gravitate towards colors and I really care if the yarn is soft.  Washability is a big deal to me, and I’m not about to make a hat for a 4 year old that I can’t toss in the washing machine, so acrylic works fine for just about everything.

BUT THEN.  The godmother made Thea some longies (wool pants that go over cloth diapers) and she used this wool that was so soft I had to have it. HAD. TO. I’ve never really felt that way about yarn before.  It was Paton’s Wool, nothing fancy, but it won me over, handwashing and all.  So, I bought one or eight skeins, and while thrilled about the softness, was disappointed at how drab the colors were.

And then I got one of those e-mail blasts in my inbox from Joann Fabrics, and how they had this fancy new Stitch Nation yarn.  I had to check it out immediately because I have two of Debbie Stoller’s books, and think anything with her name on it would be pretty kick ass.  And kick ass it is, my friends.  Wool, lovely soft wool, in bright candy colors.  Oh, the joy! 

I usually hesitate buying yarn over the internet, but took a chance anyway because I couldn’t resist the purple and pink and teal green loveliness.  I’m so glad I did, because this yarn is the bees knees.  The colors!  The softness!  And it was on sale!

I have a hat to make for the hubby next (I promised), but am itching to get my hands on my new stash and make Thea some kick ass pants with the fancy new yarn.  I will never turn my back on my trusty acrylic, we’ve been through a lot together, but I think I like this new expanding-my-horizons thang.