Loops & Thread Cozy Wool - My new favorite!

I love chunky yarn! I love it because it's warm and cozy, but also because it works up quickly when working on a project. A nice big hug from a chunky scarf, shawl or sweater is just what the doctor ordered for the winter weather ahead.

Used to be that when I thought of a chunky project my first thought was Lion Brand Thick & Quick yarn. Yes there are lots of other brands, but most are much pricier so when thinking within budget, that was my default yarn. I loved using it. However, in the past few months I've discovered Loops & Thread Cozy. At first I didn't pay much attention, but when I started noticing colors that I really like and I felt the texture, I decided the water was fine and that I should jump in. I haven't looked back. Don't get me wrong, I still think Thick & Quick is a lovely yarn but here are my reasons for selecting Loops & Thread Cozy Wool more often:

1. The wool acrylic ratio in Cozy Wool is 50/50, in Thick & Quick it's 86% acrylic, 10% wool and 4% rayon. I like the idea of having more wool rather than less in the ball of yarn
2. Cozy Wool is a lot softer to the touch. It may because of the process they use, or it may be because of the wool content, whatever the reason, it's a smoother yarn.
3. Cozy Wool costs less. Now, I know that because Loops & Thread is a Michael's product they're going to want to sell it lower than the competition, but if you need to order Thick & Quick from Lion Brand directly, it will cost $9.50 a ball not including shipping. Cozy Wool costs $6.99 in the store
4. The color palette for Cozy Wool is much more varied with less variegation and more solid colors

Now, it's not all wine and roses with Cozy Wool because you can't really buy it online so if you need a color and you can't find it in the store you are pretty much lost. However, when Michael's decides to join the rest of us in online commerce, it may be dangerous!!

I will use both yarns depending on the project, but I do feel that I will gravitate to the Cozy Wool first then if not available in the color of choice check to see if Thick & Quick is available.

Product Review - Hand Painted Soft Washable Worsted

About 3 years ago I purchased this yarn from See Jayne KnitYarns on Etsy. When I received the yarn I fell in love! The color, the texture and the drape were wonderful. However, it sat in my stash (don’t tell me you don’t know what I’m talking about) until I wanted to work on a project and found it once again.

When I decided to do a review on the yarn, I went to the shop and found that this amazing yarn is being discontinued by Jayne. Imagine my dismay! Here I wanted to send everyone to her shop for this luscious yarn and there are only a few left. I decided to do the review anyway and let you decide if you’d like to get this particular color or others before they are completely gone! This particular yarn is "Hand Painted Soft Washable Worsted" and it's called "Dad's Famous Chili" in a mercerized wool

I love yarn when the colors speak to me. I don’t care what the content (unless I have a definite project in mind) as long as it’s wonderful to the touch and when I work with it, I don’t get that stressful feeling. This amazing mercerized wool is perfect. Not only are the colors vibrant, but the gentle glide of the yarn between your fingers is so easy you want to keep going and going on whatever project you choose to create. I used it for a crochet scarf (as seen in the photo) and the drape is amazing, therefore I’m sure that when knit it gives a lovely motion as well.

If you’re like me and you like soft, smooth yarns that work up easily, you’ll love See Jayne Knit Yarns on Etsy, they are amazing! You better hurry, I'm not sure they'll last much longer and once they're gone. . . they're gone. . . of course there are other lovely yarns to choose from . . . .

Product Review - Knitting Stitch Markers

If you knit or crochet, you know that one of the joys is being able to use really pretty stich markers along your work. You want them to stay put, take a little bit of a beating, but keep on ticking and not weigh down your project any more than necessary.

When looking for a stitch marker you also want it to have the type of "closure" that you are most comfortable with. Often, when buying markers you can only purchase what you see.

When Pedras put out a request for a product reviewer I volunteered for a few reasons: 1) I knit and crochet and we love to have "supplies"; 2) She offered to send me a set for free to review; 3) What I saw onscreen was very pretty!!! Little did I know what I was getting myself into.

The markers arrived wrapped and taped into bubblewrap and in a bubble envelope so they weren't going to be damaged or bounce around. It was great to see that because when I opened the package and pulled out the markers, I could see why they needed protecting. These markers are very delicate, yet sturdy.

I used them on a project and throughout the process they did their "marking" job with ease. There were a few times when I tugged too much and they came off their ring, but a quick push back got them back in place and didn't disrupt the ring itself. These stichmarkers are also light as a feather so it's almost as if they're colorful teardrops hanging from your work.

To show my support and favorability rating on these markers I purchased a set as a gift, and wouldn't you know I was given a choice of closures!! What more could a girl want? Pretty, sturdy, lightweight, and choices. I can't wait to have the need to order a new set!

I love these beautiful markers!

Adjustable Neckwarmer - Product Review

This morning I put on my coat and my adjustable neckwarmer to face the day. When I got outside, I had to pull my coat tighter because the temps outside hovered around freezing. After getting into my car and adjusting/re-adjusting my neckwarmer I decided to do a product review.

Why? Because I'm going to start doing product reviews for other items, I might as well start with mine.

This adjustable neckwarmer is adjustable because instead of making a buttonhole and putting a button in a specific place, I put hooks on the end so it can hook onto itself anywhere along the body. I found doing it that way made it more "one size fits all" rather than "one size fits those who's necks are about the same size as mine".

I think that feature sets it apart from other neckwarmers. Since I've had my neckwarmer from the beginning of the Fall/Winter season, I think I have a pretty good sense of it's benefits and drawbacks.

Benefits:
- It's incredibly soft and not at all scratchy because it's made with 100% soft acrylic yarn
- It's machine washable, so it's easy to care for
- Because it's adjustable, you can wear it as snug or as loose as you'd like, garnering different looks at different times
- When you hook it to a specific place, it tends to stay hooked
- It can be worn indoors without your coat, as an added "cozy"
- It's easy to carry in your purse, pocket or bag.

Drawbacks:
- If you have an open lapel coat (like I do) it will keep your neck warm, but not your chest
- The hook could be a bit bigger
- It does not adjust well to positions that are not "around" your neck

Overall, I love my neckwarmer. I wear it indoors and out and find it easy to carry. I probably won't wear it much with my open front coat, but I think it's perfect for my ski jacket and my other jackets that come up a but higher than my coat.

I would suggest that if all your coats have a large open front like mine (pictured here), you don't consider this item but you consider a chunky scarf or a cowl if you don't want the bulk of a scarf.

So that's what I think. As much as I'd like to tell everyone they should have this piece, if it doesn't work with the type of outerwear you own, you won't be happy, and therefore, I won't be happy. It's all about being happy with your purchase!