Knitting with Acrylic
Go Spain, go!
This is a top from Phildar's Summer 2008 catalog, called "Pull 491-T7-686", with 3/4 sleeves, what the catalog describes as a Tunisian collar, and an all-over mesh pattern. I'm using Francesca's Italian tubular cast-on, deceptively simple with great results. This cast-on's a keeper. I'm about to start on the body, which I've decided will not be mesh. Give me a few days and I'll make up my mind. I'm using Phildar Tonic in 0007 Naturel, and it's got great yardage for the price. It's also an 85% acrylic yarn.
I've been following some discussions on Ravelry regarding acrylic: this , this, this, and this. At the heart of the matter are these issues: quality; brand perception; price; personal preference based on tangibles such as feel, color, pattern support, and convenience; and environmental impact.
There will always be a market for acrylic yarn. But what I've been thinking of lately is how we knitters as a whole are an influential group, and with our numbers, we can definitely influence the way yarn companies operate. We can persuade them to go "green". Or even "greener". Really. I want to know about recycling or repurposing unwanted acrylic yarn. And what yarn companies, big and small, are doing to minimize their impact on the environment. Are steps being taken to ensure that waste from their processes are taken care of? Are their vendors using sustainable practices? Is there room in their mission statements for environmental awareness? Are they members of "green" associations, such as 1% for the planet?
Anyway, food for thought. Any opinions out there?
I tried using acrylic (Wool Ease- 80%) yarn and I was alright with it up until I was almost done, and then I realized that acrylic yarn has almost no drape, and is not nearly as nice on the skin. I think using it for hats is a good idea because they will go through a beating anyhow but I am fairly sure that I won't try knitting a sweater out of it again.
Just my two cents :)