Yarn Sources

[landolphe]

I have been gathering patterns from here and there and now have a longish list of needed yarns. Checking the online sites I know, it seems that no one site carries all or even most of the brands of yarn. Am I correct?

I realize that the high-end wools (all species), other natural fibers, and handspun/hand-dyed yarns are marketed either directly from the producer or through the better knitting shops.

Are certain "common" brands, e.g., Lion Brand, Berrocco, Crystal Palace, marketed through general retail channels (like WalMart, JoAnn's)? Which brands are marketed thru bargain store & discount retailers? Are any brands known to be problematic and, hence, are to be avoided?

Would appreciate refs re most comprehensive (and reliable) online yarn sources.

Happy Holidays to All,

Lando
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OTN: 60" wall hanging in Kid Merino, Rowan Kidsilk Haze, extra bulky three-ply handspun, lumpy-bumpy llama yarn, and 2 colors of handspun alpaca // eyelet scarf // scribble scrabble scarf // handspun llama wool ski hat #31,297 (at least ... or so it seems)