Work In Progress
...
using Caron Simply Soft Light

simply soft light in bubblegum

not all yarn sizes are created equal....My bad experience substituting yarn has become a lesson learned.

I really liked this new yarn by Caron up until I found out that it is not really the size it claims to be.  It's making things shrink. Here's what I mean....I am working on an adorable baby sweater. I measured the gauge to be o.k. Now unless I measured wrong this sweater shrunk!

The pattern calls for DK weight. The yarn I bought says it's DK. After doing a little math to compare yards per ounce it seems there is a difference between the weight of the yarn called for in the pattern and the weight of my yarn, even though they are both supposed to be DK. I was getting so frustrated until I realized that it's a breakthrough in disguise. This ordeal explains some of my many inconsistencies in results after substituting yarn.

Here's a sample botched substitute:

Redheart, Loops&Threads, ICE (left to right)

The pattern calls for a yarn category 4-medium weight (70 yd per oz according to my calculation)

I tried three different category 4-medium yarns (out of pure excitement). I tried 1) ICE spiral blend 80 yd per oz, and 2) Redheart super saver 52 yd per oz, then 3) Loops & threads impeccable 61 yd per oz

THE RESULTS: 3 different size booties

MY FINAL MEASUREMENTS: 1) 3.5 inches, 2) 4 inches, 3) 4 inches

Next time I work on a pattern that calls for a particular yarn I'll just compare the yards per ounce before I choose which yarn to use.

Caron Simply Soft Light

I'm moving up with the pros, trying out lighter weight yarns ever since my local craft store brought in a new product line: Caron Simply Soft Light. I'll be a beginner pro in no time. (I've read that modern crochet fashion is going with the finer yarns instead of the bulkier look.)

Typically, I'd say that over 85% of the yarns in American department stores are the bulkier ones (medium, bulky, and superbulky). Finer yarn is in very limited selections here; try baby colors or sock yarn for the most part, no thanks. These stores need to catch up with the times. (Like it would be cool to have a sport weight or dk cotton blend in our stores.) I've never seen a yarn specialty store in my vicinity. (A specialty yarn shop might be helpful but also very pricey.)

Since I really like Caron Simply Soft in medium size I was really giddy to try out the new Caron Simply Soft Light. I think it's the American version of dk weight. It feels lighter to me though. I'd say it was more like sport weight unless I'm mistaken. Crochets with ease. I just hope that this product line is successful so that Caron will add a lot more color selection.

I seem to want more yarn than there is time to use it.  I thought that it would be interesting to try these 5 Caron colors together someday:





I should visit the store to see if they look appealing together in-person.