Letter From Jodie Morgan: Founding Editor
As I mentioned in this week’s special edition of Fiber Friday…
Remember my Success Manuals series? Well, I've been working hard these last few weeks on the next installment. After the releases of Knitting Habits and Crochet Habits, I'm excited to introduce the third manual:
Yarn Habits! This manual is dedicated to helping you unlock the full potential of our craft's most essential component.
As I've written in the opening chapter:
“Yarn. Our craft’s building block, how we express our creativity, and sometimes, the bane of our existence when it tangles!”
Just like its predecessors, I want this manual to be super valuable for you, my members. And that's where you come in!
Thank you to everyone who’s replied and emailed with their suggestions, improvements, and additions.
It’s all been so helpful, and I appreciate you all! Please keep sending them in!
And since I got such encouraging feedback on the excerpt, I shared with you on Fiber Friday, I’m giving you another sneak peek on what I’ve got so far today!
Please enjoy, and remember, if you have any thoughts, please let me know.
Excerpt From The Yarn Habits Success Manual
Chapter 3: Natural Vs. Synthetic Fibers
The Great Fiber Face-Off
Natural fibers come from plants or animals: wool from sheep, cotton from cotton plants, or silk from silkworms. People have used these fibers for thousands of years, and there's something magical about working with materials that connect us to nature and ancient textile traditions.
Synthetic fibers are human-made, from petroleum-based chemicals: acrylic, nylon, and polyester. These fibers emerged in the mid-20th century and revolutionized the textile industry.
Some fibers are a blend of synthetic and natural. Bamboo rayon offers a texture comparable to silk, but much cheaper.
Each fiber has its strengths and weaknesses.
Natural fibers often have a wonderful feel against the skin. The first time I knitted with 100% merino wool it was like working with clouds! Natural fibers are great for regulating body temperature. They absorb moisture without feeling damp, a quality I appreciate in wool socks during long walks.
However, natural fibers are more expensive, and some require special care. I learned this the hard way when I felted my just-finished baby alpaca cowl in the washing machine! Many natural fibers are also susceptible to moth damage.
Synthetic fibers are affordable and low maintenance. They're machine washable and dryable, resist wrinkles, and are less likely to be damaged by insects.
But synthetics aren’t as breathable as natural fibers, which make them uncomfortable in hot weather.
Some people also find synthetic fibers less pleasant to the touch, although modern manufacturing techniques have improved their feel.
In my yarn stash, you'll find a mix. For warm, cozy winter wear, I often reach for wool or alpaca. The natural crimp in these fibers traps air, providing excellent insulation. For summer projects, I love working with cotton or cotton/bamboo.
When I need something durable and easy to care for, like for children's clothes or frequently used household items, I often opt for synthetic/wool blends. Wool/Acrylic yarn is my favorite for blankets that withstand repeated washing.
So, what did you think? I’d love to hear your feedback!
Reply back or leave a comment with what you’d like to see.
P.S. Don’t forget to become a VIP member for even more inspiration…
This is great. I really appreciated your kind treatment of acrylics. Perhaps you are addressing this in another part of your book, but I think it would be great if you could have a brief discussion of the huge differences in acrylic yarn. It took me years to learn how much of a difference that makes. I generally knit grandkid items out of quality acrylic now, and it makes such a difference. I love my natural fibers, but good acrylics have a place in my knitting as well.