I've crocheted for decades and have usually used acrylic yarns. I have always wanted to use natural fiber yarns (wool or alpaca) but had been hesitant due to the high prices of the natural fiber yarns. And I don't like how some natural fibers yarns are more scratchy than soft. I didn't want to spend extra money for a yarn that I didn't want to touch. I have recently purchased and begun using Eddie Bauer Wool Paca yarn and couldn't be more thrilled. This yarn is super soft and works up wonderfully.
Eddie Bauer Wool Paca Yarn
Eddie Bauer Wool Paca Yarn is a blend of 80% extra fine Merino superwash and 20% Alpaca. It is a 3 weight yarn (thinner/lighter than worsteds weight yarn). The skeins are 277 yd and 3.5 oz (small/lighter than worsted weight yarn skeins).
At the time I ordered, there were 16 colors to choose from. And there were 9 5-star reviews.
The description of the yarn on the Joann site describes the yarn as:
- soft, luxurious, and warm
- machine-wash safe
- perfect weight for baby items and women's garments
- the merino base helps create accessories and garments with warmth and sophistication
My Project
I decided to give this Wool Paca Yarn a try when I found it on sale on the Joann site. I chose 2 different colors: Scarlet and Alaska Gold. I hope to learn how to crochet a cable-stitch with the Alaska Gold color. I completed a beanie with stitches that I'm familiar with as a test-run with the Scarlet color.
For this first hat, I used the Bag-O-Day Knotting Around Beanie video tutorial. As an intermediate crocheter, Crystal is SUPER easy to follow. I feel that she goes slowly enough, and had her camera set closely enough, that this is a great tutorial for beginners also.
This Eddie Bauer is very soft! As I was crocheting the hat, I was already thinking about making scarves, sweaters, baby blankets and maybe stuffed animals. I'm already wondering if I can find a pattern for crocheted plush bunnies that I used years ago.
Related Links:
When brick and mortar stores are not an option, Joann.com is a great place to order your crochet supplies. Be sure to watch for their sales.
If you prefer to shop Amazon for your yarns, you can begin your search for wool alpaca yarns here.
I also used my Nelsonwood crochet hook with this hat. You can see my review of my first Nelsonwood hook here!
Our Review This contributor, Wednesday Elf, is a talented crochet artist. You can see her most recent article related to crafts and crochet here.
How exciting to find a soft, washable wool yarn! Your beanie hat is lovely!!! I guess because it is Eddie Bauer brand, I immediately thought what a pretty sweater it would make. I had to smile when I got to the part of your article where you mentioned the other items you would like to make using this yarn. Great minds!
ReplyDeleteHow exciting to discover a natural fiber wool yarn that is soft, not scratchy, making it super suitable for crocheting things like hats, scarves, blankets and soft toys - all of which touch your skin. As a fellow crochet crafter, it's great to be introduced to Eddie Bauer Wool paca yarn through your review. Nothing like hands-on experience to be convinced how well something works. Thanks, Dawn Rae.
ReplyDeleteAlso, thanks so much for mentioning my recent crafts article. :)
Oh I like the colors you chose! They are two of my favorites. Like you I haven't tried this natural blend thinking that it would not be as soft, so I'm glad to hear this passes the touch test! I will have to look into getting back to more natural fibers now that I know there are some that are soft to the touch. Thanks Dawn Rae for all the information on this review!
ReplyDeleteI often find wool yarn itchy against my sensitive skin, especially around my neck. This soft, washable, wool and alpaca-blend yarn sounds perfect for scarves and high-necked sweaters. The beanie you crocheted is lovely!
ReplyDeleteI don't crochet but I can appreciate such a beautiful , soft, washable wool-alpaca blend yarn. I love to wear clothes that are soft. Thank you for your review and recommendation.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. I used to crochet quite a bit, and like you, wanted a yarn that was softer. So good to know about this and where I can purchase it, when the muse may come again.
ReplyDeleteI'm really getting the urge to crochet again - goodness gracious I'll get nothing else done if I do that! I'll never go online again, lol - This wool sounds lovely.
ReplyDelete