Crochet Cotton

As I mentioned a day or two ago, it took me a while to understand the value of Crochet cottons, but now I'm a believer. I now understand the need for a 100% cotton product that has some weight to it.

Everyone is familiar with Lily Sugar n' Cream http://sugarncream.com/ which has been a staple for dishcloths for years. If you go to the website, however, they have many patterns that will help you expand it's uses. I used the Sugar n' Cream for the Tunisian Backpack (in brown) that I posted about a couple of days ago. Cotton is absorbent and cool and machine washable, and doesn't melt if you put a hot pan on it. (Maybe I'll tell you about that one day :) This yarn was good for the Tunisian backpack because it is durable, in Tunisian, the fabric is a little more dense, so there were less "holes" between stitches. The yarn "softened up" the more I worked with it. The Lily comes in a 2.5 oz ball, it doesn't say how many yards, but it also comes in 1 pound cones and lots of colors.

Next is Lion Brand Organic Cotton.

it comes in these teeny tiny hanks, that are 1.75 oz, and 82 yds. It's a size 4. And boy do I love it. It is really nice to work with. It feels "lighter" somehow than other cottons. It comes in just a few natural colors, and would add up pretty quickly for a bigger project. Awesome for facial washcloths, baby washcloths, burp cloths or bibs. When you see this yarn, you don't ever want to wash your face with anything else again. This would make a great little gift with a natural bar of soap in a little crocheted basket! Hmmm? Can we say "Christmas Gifts?" Just act surprised, ok?This is Lion cotton, and I don't recall ever using it. I think I had a ball in black once, and my recollection is that it is very similar to the Lily Sugar n' Cream. Anyone with more experience with this yarn and want to chime in? It's 236 yds, 5 oz, and is worsted weight.Here's another one from Lion that I don't know anything about. In general, if it is smaller than a Red Heart LusterSheen or Patons Grace size yarn, I don't know much about it.

Next, here's the new Coats & Clark's Creme de la Creme. It's 100% combed cotton, worsted weight, 2 oz ball, mine doesn't have a yardage amount listed on it. This one is called, "orangetones" and is quite pretty, though I haven't made a swatch with it yet. It comes in lots of colors, and I think is set to hit stores this or next month.

And don't let me forget Bernat Cottontots!

I really like this one for children's items. It's a little softer than the Sugar n' Cream, and it has more texture. I made a baby blanket with it once (with other scrap yarns too) and it turned out nice. It also comes in mid-tone colors, not just the palest of pastels. I like medium tone colors for babies. They like bright colors, and so do I. This comes in a 3 oz ball and some multi-color skeins.

And here's Handicrafter! I've never used this one.

I have heard a little about it, but never used it. I think it also comes in another variety, like multi-color or solids, but I really don't know. You'll have to go to http://bernat.com/ and try it out! let me know what you think!