Hi Everyone! I was asked to establish a forum where we could discuss our experience with specific yarns (brand and type) so we can better understand what will work for our projects. This is an excellent idea and I want to thank Brenda for suggesting this. If you feel strongly (either positively or negatively) about a particular yarn, please post below. It would be great if you can be as specific as possible as to what you liked or disliked in the post so we can all benefit. If you have questions about yarn types, this is also a good place to post and hopefully someone can answer.

I did an afghan with Caron Kindness - it was horrible. It was almost like varying between #3 and #5 weight yarn. When I tried to rip out stitches, it was very difficult and had to cut the yarn a couple of time to accomplish ripping. I have a couple of skeins of it left -- don't even want to touch it. Kind of puts me off the whole Caron brand.

Thanks for the heads up Brenda. I would definitely consider contacting Caron's customer service and let them know of your experience. Sounds like this was the end of a bolt or seconds quality which is unacceptable. Please let us know what you find out should you contact them. In the past another major yarn company I am aware of was quick to try to satisfy the customer by replacing with better yarn.

Never thought to do that. Thanks!

Does anyone have anything to say about Premier brand yarns?

I have used them only on a few occasions Brenda. The Celtic Mandala Throw was made using Premier yarn and I found it pretty durable. I had to rip out my work twice before being confident about continuing with the design, and you can't tell at all. It was also their "anti-pilling" yarn, which I personally think is worth the little extra investment in cost. I have not washed this item or put it through the family endurance test, so I cannot speak into this at this time.

I have used their Parfait cakes for baby blankets and absolutely love the results. I hope to use them in the future.

My "go to" budget conscious yarn is Lion Brand anti-pilling Basic Stitch. In my experience: its softness cannot be matched in other 100% acrylic yarns; it's a pleasure to work with as I found it has very good glide on my hook and doesn't tend to split; and indeed, it does wash well without pilling. I like to use it for worsted weight baby blankets (for those winter babies needing additional warmth) and for scarves/cowls...it's just that soft. At my Joann's it's the same price as Lion Brand's regular Basic Stitch yarn. I really stock up when they offer BOGO at 50% off. The only improvement I would to suggest to Lion Brand is to offer a bigger skein; it's only 185yds (sure do hate weaving in those ends).

I think my favourite yarn that I've discovered so far is MillaMia Naturally Soft Aran - it's lovely to use, with fantastic stitch definition and is 100% merino wool. It's not very budget friendly and only comes in 50g balls (£5.49 and 80m per ball), so I've only made a scarf with it, however it does come in different weights. I'd love to try some of the Knit Pick ones, but it does add a lot to the cost when I include shipping and taxes to the UK! Scheepjes Stone Washed is one I've bought but haven't used yet, but really looking forward to finding a project I can use it with. It's 70% Cotton and 30% Acrylic with 75m per 50g ball and again the stitch definition and feel of the yarn on the hook is fantastic.

I am on a tight budget so most of my yarn comes from second hand stores. Often that means RedHeart yarn. I soak all my yarns in warm water with fabric softener and most of the time it takes the itch, scratch, stiff out of the yarn. I rarely have nicer yarns. My favorite yarn is Lion brand fishermen's wool. The colors are earthy and fit my lifestyle. One year my hubby bought me yarn from Knit Picks. Oh my, that wool was wonderful.