From the time I was little I have always loved Crayola crayons…not Rose Art, not the restaurant bulk crayons, Crayola crayons. But I always was super picky about my crayons: They had to be new with sharp points. Even if I would use the built-in sharpener from the box of 64, the points were never perfect enough again (although the new sharpeners have gotten much better).
The box of 64 brings me to another point that I always needed with my crayons: Variety. I wanted to have as many hues available in my crayon box as possible. When the 96 box came out I was in my glory. My mother was much the same. There was just something about the smell of Crayola crayons (especially from a freshly opened box). And being able to use different shades to capture as much realism in my coloring as possible was just an added bonus.
Why am I talking about my borderline-obsession with crayons in a forum that is primarily about my crochet journey? Because history has a funny way of repeating itself with me.
I’ve talked before about how I’ve been searching for “the one” when it comes to yarn. I want to have one go-to brand and weight that I know is going to produce consistently amazing amigurumi, be affordable, and be awesome to work with. With this goal in mind, I’ve sampled a lot of yarn in not quite 18 months. But, like I said, history has a way of repeating itself.
There are several companies that I have tried, and they make a perfectly lovely product, but they just aren’t my Crayola – they just weren’t the right fit for me. Some came close, some missed the mark, and there are some that aren’t quite there, but they are close enough that I can happily use them, especially in a pinch. But I do think that I’ve found a yarn winner: Knit Picks.
I have been using them pretty much exclusively for two months and am impressed with the consistency and quality of the product, and the cost effectiveness. I have found that both their Brava Worsted and their Mighty Stitch are my favorites, although I would like to make a teddy bear with their Wool of the Andes blend.
The funny thing is I have noticed my Crayola tendencies rubbing off on my yarn picks. Knit Picks is currently my “crayon” of choice, so of course I want to get as many different colors as I can. But, just like I hated as a kid to use a crayon after the point wore off, or got down to a certain stump, I am the same with a skein of yarn. I enjoy the satisfaction of beginning a new project with a new ball of a yarn. And, if I work on a project and I only have a few yards of yarn left, I tend to wind up that yarn and put it to the side instead of starting another project with it, only to have to change to another skein in mid-row. I guess some habits just die hard.
Considering that both crayons and yarn involve bright colors and a degree of creativity, I guess I shouldn’t be totally surprised that I have similar tastes and habits with both, but I still kind of am. I wonder if my love from this brand of yarn will be as long of a partnership as me and Crayola (we are 41 years strong), or if there will be another skein of yarn to tempt me away. Oooh, look at all the pretty colors. (I’m such a dork).
Hugs and cuddles,
Elisha
Lil' Luvvies 