Yarn for soakers question

goodgalpal

I am thinking of making some woolies and want to know if any of these yarns would be good:

Pacaboo (50% wool, 25% alpaca, 25% rayon from bamboo)

Bellezza Bellissimo (90% wool, 7% nylon, 3% other)

 

Also I have this stuff called "Angel Hair" (22% wool, 50% acrylic, 28% nylon) that I am thinking of making a blanket with. It is sooooooooooo soft. What are your thoughts on using this type of yarn for that?

marbear81

Just wanted to say I'm jealous of your talent!!!!

mh2t

I think I remember reading that you are on Ravelry - if so, there is a Soakers and Longies group that is great for this kind of information.  I've made a bunch of soakers, but have yet to test any out.  From what I've read on that group, though, anything with synthetic fiber in it is probably not going to work as well as yarns that are 100% animal fiber.  The ladies there swear by Peace Fleece (I've made one out of it, but I worry that it will be too itchy) and BFL (I have a skein but haven't knit it up yet).  I've also made a few out of Malabrigo, Cascade 220 and Patons Classic Wool.

Temp76535187505890

Glad told me the other day that anything 95% or higher on wool content will work for soakers, etc.

MTOW

I'd stay away from any plant-based fibers.  I've heard synthetics work, but really you're best off with 100% animal fiber, and the more wool in it the better.

crackerjackprinter

MTOW:

I'd stay away from any plant-based fibers.  I've heard synthetics work, but really you're best off with 100% animal fiber, and the more wool in it the better.

Ditto.  The first one def. wouldn't work because it's only 50% wool and doesn't have another animal fiber.  The second may work okay, but I'd suggest trying to find something 100% wool or with another animal fiber.  I've used a 50% mohair 50% lambswool blend successfully.  In fact, it's one of the best (most bulletproof) of my soakers.

aspade

I agree with pps about the amount of animal fiber.  I wouldn't waste alpaca on woolies partly because it's my absolute favorite fiber, but also partly because it's known for its lovely drape, which means that it's heavier than wool and tends to hang well, which you won't want.  I haven't made a woolie yet, but I'll probably end up using some Cascade 220 or some Brown Sheep that I have in my stash (with odds and ends of skeins, I can do stripes!).

BTW, I noticed you friended me on Ravelry!  Did you know that I'm creativeamy there, or is it pure coincidence?!  (I'm also from downriver...)