Let’s talk yarn. Glorious, squishy, colorful yarn. If you’re reading this, you probably understand the love affair we crafters have with our yarn stashes. It’s more than just fiber—it’s comfort, creativity, and, dare I say, a bit of an obsession. My journey with yarn started with the humble Woobles yarn, took a detour through the aisles of big box stores, and finally led me to the wonders of local yarn stores (LYS). Each type of yarn holds a special place in my heart, and I still find myself reaching for all of them, depending on the project, my mood, or just because, well, yarn.
Stage 1: The Woobles Yarn Awakening
Ah, Woobles yarn—my gateway to the yarn world. If you’re unfamiliar with Woobles, it’s a crochet kit and a fantastic starting point for beginners. It’s like training wheels for yarn enthusiasts. I remember the first time I got my hands on a Woobles kit. The yarn was smooth, easy to work with, and came in cheerful colors that practically begged to be made into something cute. My first creations were simple amigurumi that, despite their lopsidedness, filled me with pride.
To this day, I still keep a stash of Woobles for when I need a quick project or a confidence boost. It’s like comfort food in yarn form—always there when I need it.
Stage 2: The Big Box Store Bonanza
Once I got the hang of the basics, I started venturing into the big wide world of box store yarn. You know the kind—the kind that comes in every color of the rainbow, often on sale, and in quantities that make you wonder if you’re knitting for an entire village. I was like a kid in a candy store. The variety! The bargains! The sheer volume of yarn! I was in heaven.
Big box store yarns are like the reliable friends you can always count on. They’re affordable, versatile, and perfect for everything from blankets to sweaters to that giant stash-busting project you promise you’ll finish someday. I still love the thrill of finding a great deal and coming home with a giant bag of yarn that will (probably) keep me busy for months.
And let’s be real—who hasn’t fallen down the “clearance yarn” rabbit hole and emerged with more skeins than you can count? No shame here.
Stage 3: The Local Yarn Store Revelation
Then, one day, I wandered into a local yarn store, and everything changed. Walking into a LYS is like stepping into a yarn-filled wonderland. The colors are richer, the fibers are softer, and there’s this magical energy in the air that whispers, “Come on, just one skein won’t hurt.” Spoiler: it’s never just one skein.
The first time I touched a skein of hand-dyed merino wool, I felt like I’d unlocked a new level of yarn heaven. The textures were luxurious, the colors were deep and complex, and the quality was undeniable. I suddenly understood why people rave about LYS yarns. They’re not just yarn; they’re art.
But here’s the thing—I didn’t abandon my Woobles yarn or my big box store finds. Instead, I started mixing and matching. A little luxury LYS yarn for the special touches, a sturdy big box store yarn for the bulk of the project, and, when I needed a quick win, a bit of Woobles yarn for a fun side project. It was like discovering that you could have your cake and eat it too—why choose when you can have it all?
Why I Still Love Them All
Now, whenever I sit down to start a new project, I’m grateful for every stage of my yarn journey. Each type of yarn brings something unique to the table, and I love that I can pick and choose based on my mood. Whether it’s a big, cozy blanket made from budget-friendly yarn, a delicate lace shawl from an LYS gem, or a cute amigurumi from my trusty Woobles stash, I love them all.