on yarn snobbery, part ii: in defense of lion brand.
This is the project that caused me to stand corrected on the quality of Lion Brand yarns, and on yarn snobbery in general. This is my first Cashmere Arm Cosy, knit in Lion Cashmere blend.
I really, really like this yarn. It’s merino and cashmere, and while I could have bought a similar product from Knit Picks, I didn’t for a couple reasons. A) this was at my local Hancock Fabrics, thus I was able to fondle it in person; B) said Hancock is going out of business, and I was able to buy this yarn for 30% off; and C) Knit Picks doesn’t carry the yarn I needed (worsted weight) in a camel color! I think they have some Wool of the Andes in camel (or caramel or something or other), but I specifically wanted camel since it matches my coat and I am THAT picky. 
This pattern was really fun to knit and fast since it’s a worsted weight. And I LOVE the cables. The pattern uses four different cable motifs, two of which I’d never used before, so I learned something new while knitting this. 
This is definitely one of Lion Brand’s nicest and most decent patterns. I know they have some wacky stuff out there (most of which incorporate Fun Fur), but I really think that the quality of their patterns and yarns is improving.
Posted: February 27th, 2007 under Knitting.
Comments: 7
Comments
Comment from kc
Time: February 27, 2007, 7:49 pm
oh la la! Your cables always look sooo good. Maybe it’s that right handed throwing thing
I definitely think being able to touch and feel a yarn beforehand is a big plus. And it being on sale… well how could one say no? I’m glad you liked it and weren’t disappointed!
Comment from Jennie
Time: February 28, 2007, 12:04 am
The cashmere arm cosy is soooo pretty.
Glad to hear that you have nice things to say about lion brand. I agree, it isn’t so bad, especially price-wise.
Comment from tammy
Time: February 28, 2007, 5:17 am
lol, i saw these on flickr and didn’t even notice that it was your picture. 
they do look really good… i’d by them from a store!
Comment from Tiffany
Time: February 28, 2007, 11:34 am
kc: thanks! hehe…embracing the power of throwing!
Jennie: it’s ok when people complain about crappy yarn, but LB really is getting better and I think that should be acknowledged. thanks!
tammy: why thank you!
Comment from Annie
Time: February 28, 2007, 5:43 pm
I love the pattern, but wish it was in the round!
Comment from andrea
Time: March 1, 2007, 1:18 am
Those are awesome! If I could knit well enough, the thing I’d want to make most is a pair of fingerless gloves (I’ve got the pattern I want to use and everything!), I just love them.
It’s been a while since I looked at the Lion Brand patterns, but from what I remember the crochet ones were kind of lacking. But after reading this I just might have to check them out again. There’s some of their yarn sitting in my cabinet (also found on sale!) waiting for a project
Comment from Tiffany
Time: March 1, 2007, 4:03 pm
Annie: eek, me too. I loathe seaming so so so so very much.
andrea: thank you! Fingerless gloves aren’t too hard…you can do it!
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