TOP 5: the best affordable, natural fiber yarns
as a knitter and fiber enthusiast, i love to explore small boutique yarn stores and i love soft, luxurious, natural fibers like merino wool and baby alpaca. unfortunately, really nice yarn can be really expensive. so what's a knitter to do?
fear not! i've rounded up my top 5 favorite affordable yarns that are all 100% cotton or 100% wool, but also pass the test for softness and durability. they're all under about $10 per skein, and you can find all of them at your local jo-ann's or michael's stores.
1. patons classic worsted wool
this is my go-to wool when i'm making anything 3D, and i always have a few skeins of the aran and black colorways on-hand. i use this yarn to make my knit bunny (pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/knit-bunny)
find it here: http://www.michaels.com/classic-wool-worsted-yarn/M10111116.html?dwvar_M10111116_color=Navy#q=patons+classic+worsted&start=1
2. lion brand fisherman's wool
while not quite as soft as the paton's, there are such nice natural, marled colors available! Plus, it comes in large skeins.
find it here: http://www.joann.com/lion-brand-fishermen-s-wool-yarn/prd2701.html#q=lion%2Bbrand%2B&start=1
3. lily sugar'n'cream cotton
i started working with lily sugar'n'cream because the worsted weight cotton comes in the most amazing rainbow of colors, and beautiful variegated and self-striping colorways too. it's ideal for knitting and crocheting things like dishtowels and face cloths, because the cotton is super durable, and wears and washes well. plus, considering it's usually only $2-4 a skein, you can't beat the price. i use this yarn doubled up for my aphrodite crop top (pattern here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/aphrodite-crop-top)
find it here: http://www.michaels.com/search?q=lily%20sugar%20n%E2%80%99%20cream
4. bernat handicrafter delux cotton
i like this cotton more than the lily sugar'n'cream and the skeins are also larger, but it's not as easy to find. the colors are limited, but they make an excellent teal, mustard yellow, and bright purple that aren't available in the sugar'n'cream.
find it here: http://www.joann.com/bernat-handi-delux-cotton/zprd_11739950a.html
5. lion brand alpine wool
this is the undisputed king of your local craft store! it's the most expensive wool on the list, but worth every penny. the weight is a bit heavier than worsted but not quite as thick as a chunky, and it. is. so. soft. it comes in a few solid colorways, but my favorite are the marled neutrals. i love to use this yarn for cozy newborn hats!
what are your favorite affordable, natural fiber yarns?