We only have two stores in Australia wide which carry many different yarns including Lion Brand. I absolutely loved Joann, Michaels and that other store I won’t mention now I am in the know what criminal goings on etc, the real discounts had my suitcases filing up too quickly and some of those yarns from 2015 and 2018 have not hit our shelves yet. The biggest monopoly doesn’t allow for real good prices sadly. Once Covid19 clears us all to travel again I will return with a clear plan of attack with projects planned and for what yarn I will spend my Aussie dollar on. 🙏 for our dollar to get closer to the US $.
When I get a 'new' brand of yarn, I make a dish rag out of it. See how it stands up to cleaning dishes and going through the laundry a half dozen times. Red Heart super saver isn't, good for apparel (IMO), but you can scrub the hell out of iron fry pans with it.
This reminds of the "Fabric Torture" I do when I'm trying a new type, supplier, blend, or manufacturer for my fabric yard goods. I do all the horrible things I can think of (that have happened in the past with sewn items) before I decide to make a major investment in yard goods. I can see where Red Heart Super Saver would make a lovely scrubby, but I'm still going to use it for things for children, pets, and to wear as an accessory or over something else. I have other yarns for close to skin wear, but I can see where you can make that decision to not wear it. We all have different opinions! What a wonderful world!
@@goldengryphon I used to use red heart super saver to make children's outdoor wear sweaters. The ones that knit up super fast on a knitting machine. It's tough stuff.
I am a relatively new beginner (of about two months) and I just used the silvery gray Truboo yarn to make snowflake and star Christmas ornaments. They turned out so pretty and delicate, so I definitely recommend Truboo for that. I didn't experience a lot of splitting with mine, but it was slippery (I just worked a little slower, though).
That is my frustration too. I sew also, and buying any sort of textile without touching it first to see the quality is almost impossible for me. I'm worried that we're going to be stuck with that soon because so many shops have gone out of business. (If I ever get through what I have stashed in the closets, lol).
@@krisniznik3953 You can find mail order/online shops with fantastic reputations for yard goods pretty easily. Just look for the people who would be using a lot of whatever you're looking for (historical costumers for linen and wool; heirloom baby things for cotton, ask around for a good silk supplier,...). Even though my fabric stash has been dumped out all over the spare room, and now my yarn stash has joined it - I still look for good suppliers for when I finally run out of Things to Make With, or if I need "just a couple of yards" to finish an outfit. I do feel for all of the LYS and LFS that have gone under. I hope that they will be able to spring from the ashes, or have managed to go online with community support, but it's so hard for a small business in the best of times.
I am so impressed with your presentation and your thorough evaluation of the yarns' characteristics. For myself, I like the shine of Truboo, and you did a good job of making it still seem appealing, even if you didn't like it for yourself. I am glad to have found your channel!
I really appreciate an honest yarn review. Especially from someone with so much experience making wearables. Everything you make is seriously, beautiful! Thank you for saving me some pain in my wallet and on my hook!
The Mandala Roving looks amazing I laughed out loud at your comment about your wallet. That's similar to what I was thinking. My exact thought was "There goes my paycheck."
Excellent review on several yarns done is a timely and concise manner. To the point, no meaningless chatter and very informative. I’ve watched several yarn reviews from many you tubers and yours is by far THE BEST! Thank you. ❤️
Okay - so I just found you during this unending isolation of the covid - am I am soooo glad I did. I think I'll cue you up every morning just to hear you say 'hey, loves' ! Thanks for your work on our behalf - stay healthy, stay happy
I know this is an old comment (and video) but I wanted to add: I use this yarn for embroidering and giving new life thrift store sweaters. The same shine that makes it a bit odd for some folks to knit/crochet with gives it a very 'embroidery thread' look which I've been loving for this purpose. I used the gold tone one on a lovely burgundy bell sleeve sweater to add even more interest to those awesome sleeves. The shiny golden flowers, vines, leaves, and nerdy easter eggs (like a pokeball, triforce, rupee, sailor moon's moon, ect) always get compliments. (Edit: also the splitting is actually GOOD for some styles of embroidery)
I really like Truboo, for its softness, drape, decent stitch def and it doesn't split as much as similar yarns. Most bamboo is slippery; so I expected that. It's not high-end yarn; but I think very nice for the price & will make lovely warm weather projects. Goes to show, all a matter of personal taste! I have ideas for Summer Kiss, for what I think will be good uses, given the texture. The Shimmerie probably a fine alternative for those sensitive to basic wool; since Scarifie has 22%. New colors would be nice though. Thanks for showing all the yarns!
I’m not buying any yarn anytime soon but I savoured every single second of this video! Your voice is so soothing and the honest review is so refreshing to watch and listen to ♥️
This was so helpful. Living in a small town, most of my yarn purchases are online. This helps a great deal without wasting a lot of money on yarns that don't work. Thank you. I do enjoy your down-to-Earth tutorials and to-the-point opinions.
I am personally using the truboo yarn (in white) to make like a summer crop top thing and I found that the white color I am using kinda helps the shininess blend in more with the yarn but it is still there. I could also see people using that yarn to make like swimsuit cover ups for the beach and pool. I definitely appreciate your yarn reviews I think about them a lot when I buy yarn!
Wonderful, unbiased review. I almost bought a couple of these new-to-me yarns yesterday when I was at Joann's, but resisted. I can see why you like the Low Tide. I'm going to wait for a sale and get some! Thanks!
So refreshing to watch such a great hands on review. Love how you are on point and take the time to make a swatch and explain the good and bad points of each yarn. Loved listening to you it was nice clear and very easy to follow your every word. Thank you from a new subscriber and thank Marley bird for having you on her podcast which I saw you and became an immediate fan❤️
Thank you Toni for always being very honest with your description and opinions of the yarn you bring to the table. I love the shimmering yarns so I know that Tru Boo is a must have for me. Well done!❤️
Excellent video. Well prepared, you speak wonderfully and to the point! Tip for crocheters: if the hook hits your finger(s) or the yarn is irritating to your fingers, use a couple of Bandaids. I keep them in my yarn bag/kit and I always have at least two on my first and middle fingers, as the way I work causes me to rub the point of my hook against both of those fingers. Bandaids work!
Your reviews are clear and concise, I agree.. I love that you crochet the yarn on video with a finished small sample (real life) . Gives me a better understanding of how the yarn behaves for a project in mind.
I Appreciate makers who do yarn reviews. My craft stores have never been well stocked with the latest & greatest & because of my budget I can't just order a bunch of stuff & end up not liking most of it. I didn't care for any of what you showed but I do like LB's 'Homeland'....I think, the one that is kind of heathery? I love it. I especially like your reviews as you are pleasant sounding, precise & get to the point (pun intended haha) and none of the hash & rehash over one item like many of the reviewers do. I love your channel & thank you for sharing this. Hope all is well with you & yours & if you are starting to get antsy like some of us well just keep the ant spray handy (more crafting) :D
My favorite LB yarns right now are the Wool-Ease in both #4 and Thick and Quick. The 20% wool gives a much-improved yarn compared to many 100% acrylics.
Your reviews are always so well done. You’re well-prepared in what you say and you get to the point. I use a lot of Lion Brand yarns, and you and I seem to be on the same page with our assessment of the products. You did a great job!
I admire your genuine reviews. It's really hard to find someone who is fair but truly firm about yarns. Most channels seem so proud of their purchases or sponsors that they act bamboozled when it comes to explaining the facts.
Makes me excited to try Mandala Roving! Not usually a fan of caked yarn with stark color transitions, but the swatch you made looked beautiful. Will have to give it a try!
Oh I absolutely love bamboo and bamboo cotton mix yarns, my absolute ego to yarns, love the shiny and smooth to the touch feel and they feel so soft and nice on the skin :)
I felt like a good friend had sent me her reviews on the new LB products vs. watching a stranger's take. Love that! Gotta say, I'm most attracted to Truboo and the Mandala Roving, so that's where this month's budget will go. Thanks for the lively and inviting video. Subscribed!
Yup I am with you, What new Mom wants a cashmere dress for their baby girl's first birthday!!! Oh, the stains, oh the hand washing, re-blocking....new Mom wants a pretty dress she can throw in a pillowcase (my preferred safe-wash trick), drop in washer, toss in dryer (less than 10 minutes on medium) and WA-LA new clean washed dress! Maybe the new Mom would love that cashmere in a lovely pair of fingerless gloves she can wear even whilst struggling with that darn car seat buckle ....insert smiley face here....
Hi Toni!! I just wanted to say that I absolutely love your channel! You have a vibrant personality and you’re fun to watch. Your videos are entertaining and informative. Love love love it. Keep doing you, girl! 💕
Loved your video! You did such a great job describing the yards.....I enjoyed your comments and you gave me so much to think about as I ponder yarns in the future. I am new to knitting and I don't really know much about yarns yet....thank you.
Ha! As soon as you said sheen I was searching for Truboo. That’s right up my alley! I love your reviews. Thank you for being so clear, honest and informative!
Thank you for everything from having clean well maintained nails & hands. Nothing ruins a crochet video like dirty unmanicured hands & nails. Your presentation was professional well thought out and did not have the killer UMMs & sighs. You stayed on topic and gave us honesty feedback. I am officially a fan.I'm going to be ordering some of the yarn you featured. Also I love your hooks.
i would like to say, i have ALSO found knots in the middle of my mandala before and it was super disappointing... i will be avoiding them in the future :(
Thank you for the reviews! I really appreciate them! My FAV new yarn is the TruBoo, but I know that it is a personal choice. I made a top and I cannot get enough of it!!!
I’ve been wanting to try Truboo since it first came out but haven’t had the opportunity yet! Both of you were very helpful I helping me make my mind up whether to try it or not...and I definitely will! Thank you both for your input!
I love your video! I'm so going to Lion Brands website and hooking myself up with the roving Mandala yarn. I purchase the Lion Brand Mandala yarn ends religiously once a month. The choice of colors is up to Lion Brand. It's like getting a surprise in the mail once a month. Thank you for your great review!!
I just found you today...loved your presentation of the yarns. I appreciated your honest appraisal of each one of them as they related to your needs and preferences while giving them the option to be 'loved' by other knitters/croceheters.
Toni you are right on. I love your reviews. You are amazing when you talk yarn and projects with them. Talk advice with crochet goods and my ears perk up.
I just stumbled across your channel and I'm so glad I did. Thanks for the reviews. I love the Mandala yarns as well...and could just go bankrupt buying all the colors! But, I could have totally binge-bought a couple of the others -- and been disappointed. Great reviews. Fun to watch. And, I appreciate your comments regarding gauge, texture, etc. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your channel. :) #stayhealthystayhappy
I appreciate your review so much. When I see the yarns and read the descriptions on line, my mind stops working after a while and I just give up. Thank you!
Great reviews! I loved that you make a nice sized swatch so we can see how it really looks. That last loop yarn looks hard to use. I've never tried a loop yarn, and probably wont, but I like the way your swatch came together.
Mandalas by Lion Brand, are also my new favorites. Back in the fall, 2019, I found a bunch at Walmart at clearance prices, and not even having a project idea, I got tons. Since, I have made several items, and like you, I found tons of knots. I have used the Baby, and regular Mandala, both with and without the metallic strand, I love them all, even with knots. I have been cutting off the knot and working it as a yarn change. I don't want knots in baby items or blankets. They are so soft, easy weight, and so relaxing to work with. Corner to Corner projects, stripe wonderfully and work up quickly, too. You are so delightful, I enjoyed your video. Thank you. 🌹🌻🌼💐💕
I've only just found you and watched one podcast on Tunisian crochet. You're amazing! Yay for me and everyone else who finds your superb teaching, with video to match.
This was just what I needed right now, thank you. I’m one who likes to feel the yarn before buying...something I can’t do right now. Your assessments keyed in on what’s important to me, so now I can buy online with confidence.
Just discovered you today and love your review of the new Lion Brand yarns (I've been wondering about them....)! I'm definitely going to get to know you better! Thanks for your honest and expert appraisal of these products.
I really appreciate the sampling as I watch I agree that an alternate needle size or crochet / knit method can result in a different outcome as well as combining them with different weights for attractive color combinations. Keep up the great reviews.
Thank you for doing a review on the Mandala. I found some at my Wal-Mart for $2 a cake and so I bought a BUNCH, however I haven't used it yet. Now after what you have said I CAN'T WAIT to make a project. You are the BOMB
EXCELLENT REVIEWS! Succinct, clear, well thought out, pertinent information, easy listening, and NO wasted time which I greatly appreciate. Thank you so much!!
Thank you for the Amazing reviews. I will definitely be trying some of these out.....❤️ it’s great seeing the yarn in action and hearing your comments!
Thank you for this beautifully presented review! You give exactly the kind of information that is most valuable--and I love your sense of humor too. Brilliantly done!
This was so helpful! There are a couple I want to try and a couple I know I wouldn't like, thanks to this review. I love Mandala, so I'm super excited about Mandala Roving! RU-vid suggested this video to me... I didn't even know you have a channel! I made your Flatiron shawl last year and love it!
Scarfie contains wool. It's not an issue for me but lots of folks are allergic or find it irritating to the skin. I'd love a true Scarfie with shimmer. The subtle metallic combined with the yarn's natural luster would be gorgeous.
Yes. Thank you for saying this. I am allergic to wool, after years of knitting solely with unique cottage yarns from New Zealand and Italy. I was quite a true yarn "snob" LOL ! I WISH I could use Scarfie, but have to stick to man made fibers these days.
The Mandala Roving looks like a "must-try" to me, too -- as soon as I use up some of the cake yarns in my existing stash to make room for it! ;) The Low Tide was the stuff you gave 8/10 hooks to, I think, and that looked worth trying, too. I've ordered some Lion Brand yarns recently, too, but they were slightly older ones: a 3-pack of Mandala Ombre from Walmart, and a 3-pack each of 4 different solid colorways of Lion Brand Landscapes (another single-ply roving-type yarn) from Deal Genius. I picked up several colorways of Lion Brand Heartland from the local Shopko Hometown before they went out of business last year, and I've been using a few of those Heartland colorways in charity afghan projects recently.
I am so glad your video showed up in my feed. What a treasure you are! I enjoyed this video because of your voice and the fact that you are informative and funny the same time.
I just ordered Truboo. I was attracted to it because it is Made from bamboo - lightweight and strong. I have not seen it in person yet. You really have to feel it and work with it. I enjoyed and appreciate your reviews. You also have me interested in Mandala roving to try. Thank you. Janice
I love your review of these yarns! very thorough and well thought out. I feel like I can easily choose between which yarns to purchase now based solely on your review. I love Mandala yarns. I think the Mandala Roving would be my favorite of them all. The Truboo has just never appealed to me. It has just always seemed like a cheap knock off yarn. I think because of the packaging. To me the packaging just doesn't look like something LB typically runs.
Here’s the thing…I love truboo, but I DON’T love how much it splits on me and I totally feel you on the shine!! If they would remake this yarn with maybe a different ply and toned down the shine it would be amazing!
I love this video! This is the first I've seen from your channel, and I'm hooked (pun definitely intended)!! I never thought yarn reviews would be a thing, but this is soooo helpful. As a knitter, the most disappointing thing is spending cash on a pretty ball of yarn just to find out that it splits easily and is difficult to work with. I'll definitely be checking out your reviews more often!
So...I just have to compliment you on your reviews. I thoroughly enjoyed this video. You've told me EXACTLY what I like to know about yarns and I learned quite a few things. You've saved me money- I liked the idea of the truboo but now I can see I wouldn't have like it either. Plus, you've gotten me interested in the faux fur one- I never would've considered it if I had not seen your video. Great reviews, loved it, keep them coming! Thank you soooooo much!
I love this and would love yarn reviews. Too many times i have to buy online (no variety where I live) and I'm clueless about what I'm buying. I hope you do this with your current stock
I really like how you broke down why you do and don't like each yarn. Honestly it sold me on truboo since I love the feeling of really silky slippery yarn and that shine is gorgeous!
Please do more yarn reviews! Loved it. I ordered the off the hook Faux fur on sale and it was a surprising delight to play with over the weekend. Watched an Alien marathon- made an alien blanket- 6 balls makes a small throw!!
I have just ordered a bunch of different yarn yesterday. Thank you for explaining the ways to use your yarn! I am RETIRED so I needed to get back into crochet and knitting, lots of time on hand...lol. Thank you!
Thank you! What a great video. I’ve noticed I have been using more Lion Brand than any other yarn lately. I appreciate your thoughts on these yarns and their demos. 👍👍. Stay well 🌝
Very helpful review. I appreciate not having to listen to a lot of personal comments. I look at reviews to get product information. This review is well prepared, and beautifully presented, and gives all the information needed for making yarn choices. Thank you very much!!
For southern hot temperatures states, truboo is awesome for baby items and wearables. To each it’s own but I love that it is DK and the shine and softness of it is adorable. It also has great stitch definition and once again, the shine is lovely for baby clothes. Definitely use a hock smaller than the recommended one, I personally use 3 and 2.5 with it and always tapered. If you are left handed, it does not split
Nice review, thanks! My initial project with regular Mandala was disappointing. I found the yarn to rather course and not really all that soft. Hopefully it'll soften up after I wash it. So, I'd be curious to check out the Mandala Roving.
Thank you for these rundowns, and thank you for Yarn Barf - that made my day. Never heard it before, and it describes it exactly. I really like the look of both Low Tide and Mandala. Will be checking out the Low Tide first.
Thank you for the reviews! I am eager to see how TruBoo compares to the more expensive Sirdar bamboo yarn (which I am currently using for a sweater - just that final sleeve to go! And a baby blanket). For Summer's Kiss - I am wondering if this is going to work out better for knitting than crochet. I just think the final product both might have a nicer drape, and you'll actually get to see more of those little stripes of colour. My 12 year-old thinks it looks awesome. She's thinking it might make a good beach bag.
Great reviews. I like working on Red Heart Super Saver . It works well for afghan blanket. I've already made 4 afghans 55" by 70". With the lockdown, I'm groovin' and is inspired with more projects ahead. Now working on granny squares.
I love your reviews. I always Learn a lot from you and I’m so glad you share all this info. Mainly because I was taught that there is nothing better than wool yarn. Therefore, I need to learn everything I can about acrylic yarns as they are abundant and way less expensive. Making something from wool is a bit scary for me as I’m not real confident in my crocheting or knitting abilities. So thank you again, I appreciate the time you take to share your knowledge.
I just discovered your channel. I love your honesty and aesthetic. Subscribing now! Also, can't wait to see what you make with Low Tide and Mandala Roving. Those look enticing to me!
I'm using TruBoo to crochet up some scrunchies. I think the silkiness of the yarn will help to not leave marks in hair, and it will be lovely if you wear it as a bracelet.
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