So first, I know! It's been a while...again! I had stuff! What??? I did! I had stuff. This was a busy month for me, business wise and personal life wise. I'm not complaining. I feel really blessed. Before we get into this post, I want to take a moment to wish my mommy a happy birthday and for any other April babies reading this.... HAPPY BIRTHDAY! I hope it was amazing for you!
OK! Let's get into it. Soooooooooooo....Bernat Blanket Yarn Extra. That's what I'm talking about today. Why? Because I tried it for the first time the other day and so I thought I would share my experience with you. I feel like, it's the right thing to do.
SOOOO SOFT!!!!
When making my Cre8v-Pals, I usually stick to Bernat Blanket or Bernat Baby Blanket. I love the feel, the way it glides through my fingers and most importantly the finished product. The Pals always come out looking nice and plush. So, what made me change it up you ask? (Maybe you didn't, but just go with me here) Calvin! The love of my life!
I wanted to make a larger version of Calvin and thought instead of adding more work, I would just use bigger yarn. It wasn't a fail, but it wasn't a win either.
My Fight with Bernat Blanket Yarn Extra
Here's the thing, I didn't hate the yarn. It did exactly what I wanted it to. It allowed me to use the same pattern I created for Calvin and produce a larger version. My issue was the breakage. Every time I started my magic ring and pulled the tail to close the circle, the tail would snap off and I would have to restart. Big Calvin significantly increased my projected completion time, which I was not expecting. I know when you different yarns, there can be a bit of a learning curve, but this was crazy. I finally figured out the best way to create the magic ring, but I wasted a lot of time fighting with the yarn.
Now, this could totally be my fault. I would say, I probably need to increase my hook size. Perhaps, that will make it easier, but even using a size N hook, I genuinely felt and feel the stich sizes are right. I mean, I don't want to have huge holes with the stuffing hanging out.
I also feel like I didn't have good needles for threading the yarn. All of my needles have smaller eyes, so trying to thread a large piece of yarn through was challenging, but I managed.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
Definitely increased the size of Calvin
Comes in a few different color options, so you have a choice
Super soft
Probably great for making blankets
Works up nicely
Cons:
A bit challenging for amigurumi. Although I'm sure I'll get the hang of it with practice.
Yarn breaks off pretty easily if you pull too much
Wrap It Up!
Would I use Bernat Blank Yan Extra again???? Yes! I know I complained about it, but what can i say? I love a challenge. Honestly, writing this review made me realize, I probably need to tweak some things on my end to yield a better result, so I will. If I had to give it a score right now from 1-5, I'd say 3 (only from an amigurumi standpoint). I really can't wait to make a blanket with it.
The best thing you can do is to test it out for yourself. I have seen a lot of other designers use this yarn for their amigurumi products and it comes out beautiful. Just because I didn't have that experience the first time, does not mean that you won't. Anyway! Here's a pic of Calvin and his new friend. We'll try it again soon. Until then, make sure you're being kind to yourself and as always, stay Cre8v.
Comments