The Ultimate Yarn Thread

[Chel]

Hey guys. Some of us are texturally challenged and like to get a better feel for yarn before we buy online. Some of us just like looking at yarn. (Who am I kidding-SOME of us?) Others haven't branched out from the yarn we are able to find locally.

So... I invite you guys to take pics of your favorite yarn. OR yarn you hate. Swatch pics are a plus. What are its positive properties? Negatives? Do you find its better suited to one type of garment than another?

I'll add mine when I get home!!!

[DQ]

*sets up camp in thread and waits*

[cando]

I think this is an awesome idea, Chel.
I promise to have some pics and opinions up this evening

ETA the first set of pics.

Yarn: Elann Sonata, 100% Mercerized Cotton (shown in Victorian Grape)
My comments: A little rough to knit with, but like most cottons I hear it washes into a soft fabric (I haven't tried washing yet). The below swatch is with size 6 needles, I think I prefer a denser fabric. Colors are lovely and a very affordable yarn at $1.98 per 115 yd skein.

[Chel]

Well I obviously failed miserably in my attempt to take pics last night. But here is the first yarn I am contributing to the list.

Classic Elite Yarn
Premiere
108 yards per 50g hank
50% pima cotton
50% tencel
My purchase price: $6.50 per hank

In the hank which comes twisted like a braid, it feels very soft.
Knitting with this yarn is a pleasure, it has more give than plain cotton and feels almost silky running through my fingers.
It knits up with beautiful stitch definition despite the small amount of halo.
I have noticed as I knit small tufts appear and just kinda take flight was the yarn is unwound. These are not broken fibers and do not reflect in any way in the yarn. (no surface pilling)
Note: I read up a bit and found where a couple people say it pills under the arms with wear.

Overall I would definitely use this yarn again.
*I used size 4 needles, label recommended size 5*

[Chel]

*Bump* Come on... I know someone wants to post mmmmmmmalabrigo

[Eloewien]

At the moment, my favorite is anything from katsara yarns- they're hand-dyed and gorgeous!!

[jeanius80]

ok, i will add a yarn. its nothing fancy but i loved working with it and it felted great. its soft to the touch before and after, and easy to work with. it was soft enough i could wear it next to my skin.
i used the colors wildflowers and rose gardens

Content: 100% Wool
Yardage: 93 yards / 85 meters per 1.76 oz. skein
Recommended Knitting Needle size: 9 US
Recommended Crochet Hook size: I-9 US
Knitting Gauge (before felting): using #11 needles
12 stitches & 15 rows / 4 inches
Knitting Gauge (after felting): using #11 needles
16 stitches & 29 rows / 4 inches
here is what it looked like prefelting: