Cotton, How Do We Love Thee?

This week, we're sharing some characteristics of cotton yarn. Because of nearly-year round warm south Texas temps, we work with a lot of plant fibers, particularly cotton; cotton yarn comes in a variety of quality, price, and colors. Below are some of the reasons we love cotton!

Did you know that cotton fibers can hold water 24-27 times their own weight? Cotton is durable and its hollow fibers are highly absorbent, which means that cotton is a good choice for towels and washcloths, whether crocheted, knitted, or woven. When we're making homewares, we tend to be price sensitive and you may hear the term "utility" to describe some cottons. Utility cottons are lower priced yarns, making them economical for larger projects. Yarnivore carries Queensland Coastal Cotton and Universal Yarn Cotton Supreme Waves; both are utility cotton yarns that are good choices for towels and even blankets. 

Cotton is soft and cool to the touch, making it a comfortable fiber to have close to your skin, which is excellent for garments. Cotton has great drape and can have a lovely sheen; there are a lot of gorgeous cotton yarns that are both comfortable and colorful. Any cotton yarn can be used to make garments, but stitchers often splurge on higher quality yarn, like Berroco Bozzolo (see Featured Yarn, below).

No fiber is perfect, though. While it is moderately strong and durable, cotton has very low elasticity. This low elasticity means that, unlike wool, cotton doesn't return to its original form once it's stretched. (If you've ever made a sweater from cotton yarn, you know what we mean!) When you're using cotton yarn in a garment, be sure to allow for it to stretch over time (thanks, gravity!). Many patterns written for cotton yarn will already account for this. You can tell what fiber the designer intended by looking at the suggested materials. If the pattern suggests wool or manmade fibers and you want to use cotton, you may want to adapt the pattern. For example, if your pattern has long sleeves, then you will want to shorten them. Over time, they will stretch! (Note that, as cotton garments stretch, they will also narrow. Make sure the width of your stretched garment will still fit the wearer.)

If you're worried about elasticity, you can still love working with cotton, because it's often blended with other fibers, like wool, nylon or acrylic, to compensate for its poor elasticity. Manufacturers do this to give stitchers the best of both worlds: a wool/cotton blend will feel cool and soft (like cotton) and have elasticity (like wool). Cascade Cantata, Berroco Spree and Madeline Tosh Wool + Cotton are good examples of cotton/wool blends.

Cotton, we love wrapping up in your comfort!

-Caryn and the Yarnivore staff

p.s. Don't forget to come see Lazy Cat Yarn on Saturday, March 9 from 11a-4p!

Intermediate Crochet with Moses  - Masks Appreciated, but not required
Take the next step in your crochet journey! Learn to increase and decrease (intentionally!) and crochet in the round while working Linda’s Quick and Simple Hat Pattern.
$35 (use your own supplies or buy them at Yarnivore for 10% off)
 

Upcoming dates & availability-
   Sunday, April 13 & 20 at 1 pm - 4 seats available

Shop News

Featured Yarn & Pattern

Berroco Bozzolo yarn just arrived! This feathery soft yarn comes in a variety of solids and multi-colors. We like Bozzolo for tops, sweaters, and fancy blankets. Berroco has a variety of patterns, including Limpet top (crochet, $8, available in-store/Rav/Berroco), Operculum cardigan (knit, $8, available in-store/Rav/Berroco), Conus cardigan (knit, $8, available in-store/Rav/Berroco), and Olividae blanket (knit, $6, available in-store/Rav/Berroco).

Bozzolo is a 100% cotton worsted (#4) weight yarn; it has 240 yds in a 100g ball (no winding needed!).

Hand wash cold/gentle, lay flat to dry.

Hours! 

Yarnivore is open until 7pm three nights a week: Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. Come join us for casual sit and stitch!

11-5 Monday-Tuesday
11-7 Wednesday-Friday!
11-5 Saturday & 12-5 Sunday

Yarnivore will be CLOSED for Easter Sunday, March 31.

Upcoming Events
Lazy Cat Yarn Trunk Show, Saturday March 9, 11a - 4p.

Local Yarn Store (LYS) day, Saturday April 27th.

Private Lessons
In-store and online private lessons are available! Visit us or call 210-979-8255 to schedule a lesson! Wendy, Han, Moses, Nancy, Jackie, & Suzy are all available to help you with your projects! Private Lessons can also be scheduled outside of regular hours at the discretion of the teacher.

The Tip Jar

Stitchers will feel a difference between wool and cotton; cotton can be more difficult for new stitchers to work with. If you want to try using cotton, knit or crochet something small, like a washcloth or narrow scarf. If you're using cotton on cross stitch or needlepoint, be sure to fluff your fiber (e.g. floss) and be mindful that your tension allows for enough coverage.

Do you have a tip idea? We're happy to share it, just reply to this newsletter!

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