May 27, 2012

Sparkle, Sparkle, and more Sparkle...Yarn Review

So if I am being honest I have never been a fan of sparkly, shimmery, glittery yarn...well that is until I actually used it. Now I will just say there is nothing wrong with a little bit a whole lot of sparkle! Below is my review of the three sparkly yarns I use most often for Don't Get it Twisted Crochet.

Simply Soft Party is a fantastic metallic yarn by Caron International Yarns.

Slouchy Beanie in Simple Soft Party Color Purple

Why I love it: If you are a fan of Simply Soft you can't help but be a fan of Simply Soft Party...everything I love about Simply Soft and then add some tone on tone sparkle and I believe you have the perfect metallic yarn. Even with the metallic added it is still really soft, and doesn't split as often as other metallic yarns I have used.

Make it better: Add some colors! Currently Simply Soft Party only comes in seven colors including Black, White, Royal Blue, Teal, Fuchsia, Purple, and Green. The only thing that could make this yarn better is to add some additional color choices...I am patiently waiting them to add one of my favorite colors RED.

Additional Information: Worsted Medium weight yarn (4), 99% Acrylic 1% Metallic, 164 yds (3 oz) per skein.

Shimmer Yarn by Red Heart Yarns. Shimmer is the very first metallic yarn I had used and before I tried Simply Soft Party it was my go to yarn.


Hot pink Fingerless Gloves in Shimmer Yarn Color Bright Pink


Why I love it: Like Simply Soft Party, Shimmer Yarn is Red Heart's classic yarn with a same color metallic strand added. I love the subtle shimmer this yarn has and with 17 color choices available I am sure you will find one to meet your project needs.

Make it better: Shimmer Yarn tends to be a little rough for my taste. I have used it for quite a few projects and although it works up well when wearing projects made from this yarn it can sometimes be a little scratchy and I can tell that the metallic has been added.

Additional Information: Worsted Medium weight yarn (4), 97% Acrylic 3% Metallic, 280 yds (3.5 oz) per skein.

I Love This Yarn Sparkle is a Yarn Bee yarn distributed by Hobby Lobby.

Hat and Scarf set in I Love This Yarn Sparkle Color Black

Why I love it: One of the main reasons I love this yarn is because it comes in both an acrylic and cotton. I also love that it is the ultimate sparkle, instead of a tone on tone sparkle I Love This Yarn adds a silver or gold tone metallic strand depending on the color of the yarn which definitely makes the sparkle SPARKLE!

Make it better: I am a fan of the tone on tone sparkle so if I could find this yarn in a more subtle sparkle it would most likely be my favorite. A little more drape would make this yarn a bit easier to work with as I do find it a little stiff however it works great for hats and projects that I need a more structured shape.

Additional Information: Worsted Medium weight yarn (4) 97% Acrylic 3% glitteren or 100% acrylic. Comes in 3 oz or 5 oz skeins.

Overall I enjoy working with each of these yarns for different reasons and different projects...have you worked with any of these yarns or do you have a sparkle yarn you think I should try leave a comment below and let me know.

May 16, 2012

What's On The Hook Wednesday ~ The Buttercup Blanket

It has been a little while since I have done a What's On The Hook Wednesday but I am super excited to share what I am working on as it is one of my most challenging favorite projects thus far.

The very first time I saw a preview of The Buttercup blanket on Raverly I knew I was going to make it. So when Kristin Omdahl's book Seamless Crochet was released I went to three different book stores before I got my hands on it. I read through the pattern a couple of times before actually making my first chain and even still I had to start this blanket more times than I am willing to admit before actually getting a hang of it. Lets just say the diagram for this pattern has saved me and if it were not for the diagram I think I would have given up on it a long time go.

I am actually using the yarn that the pattern calls for which is something I usually do not do but I have to say that I am loving this yarn and how it is working up I am using the color rose bisque. I did go down a 4.5mm hook size because my gauge swatch in 5.00mm was just a little too big and I like how much easier the yarn works on my 4.5mm hook.


Not sure how long it will take me to finish this blanket...I have tried to time myself af far as making one buttercup or making one row of buttercups but yeah that is not really working so I will just keep working at it and when it is finished...well I guess it will be finished.

Would love to know what you are working on. Leave a comment below or better yet join all the Work in Progress fun by joining the party hosted by Tami Amis.