Yarn Wars: Acrylic versus Natural Fibers

Why is it that everything has to be a either/or debate? Why is it that if I have a different opinion from another it means that there is something wrong with me? This mindset seems to creep into every facet of life. I have started knitting again because I find crafting relaxing and because I was looking a group (online and IRL) with which to socialize. I learned to crochet and knit using acrylic yarns. I made some perfectly wonderful baby blankets with acrylic yarn that I used with my twins and then later passed down to one of my sisters. I am new to natural fibers and I am not particularly comfortable with wool or wool blends. I am afraid of ruining a project that I have spent hours to complete by accidentally felting it. I have mostly acrylic yarns in my stash because my hubby and I are on a fixed income. Another reason I am buying so-called cheap yarns is because I am still learning different stitches and techniques. I splurged and bought a skein of Noro Taiyo because I loved the colors. I released it in a swap but I got a even rarer (for me) skein of Wollmeise. I will use the Wollmeise to knit some socks for my husband. For me yarn is yarn and all of it has a purpose. It can be difficult to find strong colors in natural fibers and acrylic yarns have some of the most wonderful color combinations. Softness is important but strong colors are equally important to me.

I am back

After a gentle nudge I have decided to start writing my blog again. Currently, I am working on a project for a summertime themed swap. The hardest part is getting into the summer mindset because it is winter in the southern hemisphere. Another hard part has been finding a summer weight yarn in my swap partner's favorite colors. After much dithering I have started the project. I will talk about that later.

I have taken part in a couple of swaps. The first one was a dishcloth swap. I enjoyed that one because it allowed me to practice my knitting and become more confident in my knitting. The second swap was an envelope of yarn swap. I was 3rd on the list and was really looking forward to doing that swap. The yarns were beautiful hard to find yarns from Europe (Malabrigo, Wollmeise, Trekking Hand Art). The second person on the mailing list replaced the THA with Ice Yarn (Fiona Mohair). The Trekking Hand Art retails for approximately 20 dollars/skein and the Ice Fiona is junk yarn from Turkey that retails for 7 dollars for eight 50gm balls. Not quite an equivalent trade...oh well...karma. It might have been okay if the color had been appealing but it was a horrible green color. When I received the package I had the choice between a beautiful pink Malabrigo - Light of Love and the Wollmeise in lovely dark blue. I was tempted by the Malabrigo but decided to take the Wollmeise because the hubby wants socks and blue is a better color for him ;-). I replaced the Wollmeise with a lovely Noro Taiyo (sob). I hated to let it go but I can get more Noro and the Wollmeise is difficult to obtain in Australia.