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THEY’RE STILL TRYING TO GET US TO BUY THOSE EYELASH YARNS!

by

eyelash yarn lion brand crochet

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:

eyelash yarn crochet crystal palace yarns

http://www.straw.com

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:

fun fur onesie from sparklystrandz super sassy baby onesie

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.

Comments

  1. 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

  2. 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.

  3. 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?!

  4. 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?

  5. 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!

Have you read?

The Forest Valley Shawl – Crochet Pattern

This is one of those shawl patterns that feels instantly calming, even before you pick up a hook. The Forest Valley Shawl (After Party Pattern 23) by Scheepjes, available through Jimmy Beans Wool, has a very gentle, nature-inspired feel that really lives up to its name.

What I love about this design is how wearable it is. Some shawls are beautiful but awkward to style; this one feels practical in the best way. It drapes naturally, sits nicely on the shoulders, and works just as well for everyday wear as it does for something a little dressier. It’s the sort of piece you grab when the air cools in the evening and you don’t want anything heavy.

From a crochet perspective, this is a lovely “slow and steady” project. The stitch pattern has enough variation to keep your interest, but it’s not overly complicated. It’s very much the kind of crochet you can sink into — the sort that lets your mind wander while your hands keep moving. Perfect for quiet afternoons or evening crochet sessions.

Skill-wise, this one is best suited to confident beginners moving into intermediate territory. If you’re comfortable following a pattern and keeping your stitch count in check, you’ll enjoy this a lot. It’s also a great pattern for appreciating beautiful yarn — especially colourways that shift and flow, as the shawl really lets them shine.

Overall, the Forest Valley Shawl is one of those free crochet patterns that feels thoughtful and soothing. It’s wearable, relaxing to make, and finished with a look that feels timeless rather than trendy. If you enjoy shawls that are as comforting to crochet as they are to wear, this one is definitely worth bookmarking.