The most frequently asked question I get is, “What are your favorite yarns?” and I’ve always struggled to answer because I have SO many favorites! Every yarn is unique and has a different purpose. My favorite yarn for one project may not work at all for another. It all just depends. (See what I was saying about struggling to answer this question?)
I decided to look back at 2017 and figure out which yarns I used the most. This list is my top five favorite yarns from last year, based on which yarns I used the most (and couldn’t stop working with). When I looked back through my Instagram feed, it made me want to pick up these yarns all over again. Here are my top five favorite yarns, in no particular order – they are absolutely amazing and I know you’ll love them too!
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Crazy Sexy Wool
Crazy Sexy Wool is is super soft, eco-friendly, and an all around stellar yarn. This is the the softest wool I’ve ever used and combined with the chunky, roving-style texture, it makes for the most luxurious projects. I’ve made dozens of the Ridge Cowl pattern using this yarn, and I just love the way it works up. Side note: I also love The Wool by We Are Knitters, but I love that Wool and the Gang has a more eco-conscious approach to their yarns!
Heal the Wool
Heal the Wool, by Wool and the Gang is the recycled version of their Crazy Sexy Wool (which I obviously adore). Heal the Wool is two-ply, which gives it a little more texture than Crazy Sexy Wool. My favorite project to make with Heal the Wool is the Ridge Cowl, but I am secretly dreaming of making a cardigan with the little version of Heal the Wool – Lil’ Heal The Wool. On top of being 100% recycled wool, being biodegradable, and having zero waste, one of the best things about this yarn is that 30% of the yarn price is donated to Friends of the Earth to help fight climate change. Pretty incredible and makes me want to use this yarn for more and more projects.
The Petite Wool
The Petite Wool, by We Are Knitters is a smaller version of The Wool, but I love it even more because it’s so diverse. It’s my favorite yarn to use for the Everyday Triangle Scarf pattern but it’s honestly amazing for any project from hats, to scarves, to garments. I’ve been working on downsizing my yarn stash, but this is a staple for me and I know I’ll always have a few skeins tucked away in my stash. If it’s time for you to restock on your Petite Wool stash, make sure you use this link and the code CJ15WAK to get 15% off at checkout!
Wool-Ease Thick & Quick Yarn
Wool-Ease Thick & Quick, by Lion Brand is a favorite among makers and it’s for a good reason. This yarn is versatile and sturdy, which makes it perfect for almost any project from blankets, to accessories, and even garments like the Chain Link Armored Cowl. It’s another yarn where no matter how small my stash gets, I always have a few skeins on hand.
The Pima Cotton
I used to think that cotton yarn was only for sturdy projects like dishcloths until I met The Pima Cotton, by We Are Knitters. This cotton is the only one I’ve ever used for a garment and it does not disappoint. It’s super soft and has a beautiful drape, unlike some cottons that can be too stiff and almost scratchy. This one is my favorite cotton for garments and I actually have several stocked up for some designs coming up this summer… Stay tuned! And don’t forget you can get 15% off here with the code CJ15WAK at checkout.
My Bonus Pick: Hand Dyed Yarn
Last year was the first year I started using hand dyed yarns, and they blew me away. When we went to Alaska last summer, I loved visiting the local yarn shops and buying yarn from local dyers. It was the best souvenir! Since then I’ve used hand dyed yarns on quite a few Everyday Triangle Scarves and they work up beautifully (see for yourself!). Hand dyed yarns are often some of the most unique and luxurious yarns I’ve worked with. I used to think that hand dyed meant it had to be colorful, but once I started using variated neutral yarns, I fell in love. One of my all-time favorite dyers is Lindsay of Hello Stella Fibres. Lindsay is an absolute sweetheart and has an eye for putting together the most beautiful color combinations!
That rounds out my list of top five favorite yarns from the past year! Leave a comment below with some of your favorites – I’d love to hear!