[Nfb-krafters-korner] Yarn reference

[Eileen Scrivani]

Hi Cindy:

I don't know of any web sites that discuss the traits of different fibers.

You can basically use any yarn you like for a knitted bag, but if you're 
looking for drapey, I'm not sure that cotton is the fiber.  Many knitters 
say that cotton is heavy and don't like knitting say a sweater with 100% 
cotton because the weight will over time stretch it down and therefore, out 
of shape.  If your heart is set on a cotton, perhaps you should consider 
using a cotton blend that has some acrylic in it and will help your bag stay 
in shape once complete.  Or, if you do decide on a 100% cotton bag, keep it 
on the smaller side.  Other alternatives to cotton might be a linen or 
bamboo yarn, or some blend of those fibers.  Use what you like and produces 
the appearance & feel that you like for your bag.  Perhaps you should 
consider the type of bag you want to make before choosing the fiber ... a 
small bag for going out or only carrying light weight essentials, or do you 
want a work-horse that is larger and will carry more parafanalia?

Felted bags, can be sturdy and can be made to hold heavier items, but here 
too it depends on the wool used to make the felt.  If you choose a really 
soft feltible wool then you'll have a finer softer felted fabric.  You can 
also use either ribbon or cord yarns.
Try knitting a swatch in the pattern you have and with the yarn you like and 
see if you like the result.

HTH.

Eileen

--------------------------------------------------
From: "slery" <slerythema at insightbb.com>
Sent: Sunday, July 04, 2010 3:05 PM
To: "Krafters listserv" <nfb-krafters-korner at nfbnet.org>
Subject: [Nfb-krafters-korner] Yarn reference

> I am wondering if there is a reference somewhere that details the 
> qualities
> of yarn. What I am referring to is something like Cotton makes a light
> weight fabric, is very absorbent, machine wash and dry, drapey. I want to 
> be
> able to look up and decide what type of yarn would be best for a certain
> project. An example is that I am considering designing and making a purse. 
> I
> like the feel and how light weight cotton is. However, it absorbs water so
> if you are in the rain I would rather have something that would repel 
> water
> better but is still machine wash and dry. Also, cotton is drapey so I 
> would
> actually like something that would retain its shape a little more for this
> project.
>
> I hope I have been clear and someone can help.
>
> Cindy S.
>
>
>
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