Or – the Trouble With Tribbles (with apologies to Star Trek fans everywhere)!
http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.jsp?CATID=&PRODID=prd19292&source=search
Eyelash yarns have their place – away from me!! Actually, I don’t hate them. I just hate crocheted projects that contain only them, with the single exception of the scarves made with double strands (often one strand is just a plain old size 10 thread) as they are soft and snuggly. Other items, like babyghans, stuffed animals, sweaters (oh, puh-leeze), etc made most of totally of eyelash yarns are just awful. They must also weigh way too much and would allow for NO air transfer – meaning the poor baby or sweater wearer might suffer heat stroke.
But, everywhere I look, these yarns are on sale – a sure sign they are on their way OUT. That’s fine with me. However, and it’s a big however, these yarns are nice for several applications. I think they’re fun for trimming a scarf for a little girl. They look fine used as a minimal trim around sweater collars for those so inclined. They make nice accents to other crocheted garments and items. And, they’re easy to add a touch of whimsy to purchased gloves and caps
This falls into the category of what not to crochet:
While I personally enjoy the splash of color in the above pictured afghan, I wouldn’t like to snuggle under the thing. Not only would it tickle my nose, I think it probably weighs about 20 pounds!!
I’d much rather see just a touch of fun fur or other novelty yarn used to enhance a basically functional design – just for a touch of whimsy, like this:
http://sparklystrandz.blogspot.com/2007/11/super-sassy-baby-onesies.html
This onesie would be even cuter with a touch of color.
So, I’m saving my partial skeins of fun fur and other novelty yarns to use them as accents on future projects. I think the toddlers (and their moms) among us will appreciate the prudent use – not overuse – of such yarns.
I wish eyelash would go on sale here! In Hawai’i, lei crocheted out of eyelash yarn are crazy popular, and really pretty. But the yarn is very expensive.
KATHLEEN, I actually purchased two crocheted lei pattern books. They are quite attractive. Hawai’i usually gets a raw deal on prices. Maybe your weather makes up for it???
jd
I have never had any luck trying to crochet with those yarns. I have trouble seeing the stitches. I did a knitted scarf in it. Very easy to knit with but I never wear it. It was more of an experiment with the yarn itself. I had about half a ball left over. The cat loves it but I have to agree that it is generally just WRONG.
I am using eyelash yarn for very, very, very simple scarves right now. Basically I just make a bunch of chains, line ’em up, tie ’em at the ends, badda-bing, badda-boom, scarves. I’m going to try and etsy them off but I figure – worst case scenario, I’ve made some early holiday presents.
Eyelash SWEATERS? Whiskey tango foxtrot?!
I live in Florida and work at Patrick AFB, for the last 15 years we’ve honored the Pearl Harbor survivors with a ceremony and the last couple of years we’ve started to crochet Lei’s for them. Last year I made up a simple pattern and imbeleshed with the eyelash yarn.
Do you have a simple pattern for a crocheted Lei?
I Love eyelash yarn, I live in Hawaii as well and I enjoy making eye lash yarn leis. I make the very simple but very nice leis made with ribbion, yarn and straws. I wish it would go on sale, it is costly!