At the risk of slipping off my soapbox and hurting myself, it is with some trepidation that I step up and proclaim my wholehearted and unbridled enthusiasm for Red Heart Super Saver yarn.
In the world of fiber, Red Heart Super Saver yarn is often singled out as being “scratchy.”
I could point out that my favorite yarn is very affordable (which it is), that it is machine washable (which it is), or that it has a huge assortment of colors (also true), but the fact is I flat out like Red Heart yarn and enjoy making things with it.
While I am not going to tell anyone that my favorite acrylic yarn feels like a soft, cotton knit, I can assure my gentle reader that where my skin is concerned, the only thing that scratches more than sheep’s wool is steel wool.
But be that as it may, my purpose in this post is to explain why I love acrylic yarn, and what it is about Red Heart Super Saver in particular that makes it my go-to fiber.
About two-and-a-half years ago, I began work on my annual state fair project. I don’t remember the precise sequence of ideas I had that led me to this:
but after several weeks of making little squares and joining them in a variety of ways, I decided that I absolutely had to make a large square composed of 1681 much smaller squares.
One of my goals in working on this project was to use as many colors as I could and to juxtapose them, one against the other without a buffer or neutrals of any kind.
In order to make the project I had envisioned, I needed, at a minimum, 41 colors of yarn (I ended up using more than this), and Red Heart Super Saver (along with some Red Heart Classic) offered me the choices I needed to take this project from pipe dream to pixelghan.
Because of the size of the project and density of the stitch (I used a 3.5mm hook with a worsted weight yarn), cotton was not an option as it would weigh an awful lot and, since the project was (and is) slated to hang on a wall, the weight of the fiber used in the project would distort the shape, and it was important that the piece remain a recognizable as a square even when hung.
In addition to the wide variety of colors and washability, Red Heart Super Saver has a structural integrity that the “soft” acrylics don’t offer, making it the perfect vehicle for crocheting sturdy tote bags as well as all manner of hyperbolic planes.
And if you do have a project that you want to soften, I have found that soaking a completed object for 20 minutes or more in a tub of water with a cup or so of vinegar, tends to soften the yarn enough to give it more drape.
And while, as a devotee of this yarn, I might not belong to a terribly exclusive club, I do belong to a very inclusive one, where everybody is invited to join in the fun.
Now, I need to carefully step down from my soapbox and get back to my crochet.
Here, Here and Hurrah!
Quite a labor of love that work of art.
I love all fibers and find that all the yarn has its place, even well applied fun fur. Many highly praised painters work in acrylic; why not a happy hooker or knitter too?
I also love Red Heart Super Saver, and its cousin Bernat Super Value. Good workhorse yarns both!
Hey, Anne, I just had to laugh. I loved your comment, but I must say, I’ve never heard of a painter who used wool or silk paint! 😉
The wide range of colors and inexpensive cost make this an oldie but goodie (just like me!)
I have to say when I was in the USA I did not like the feel of RHSS and didn’t purchase any although it had a fantastic range of colours. However, I have read since then that although it is scratchy it does soften up after a couple of washes and I’m thinking that maybe I should have tried it – maybe on my next visit as pricewise it was fantastic! I have tried and loved Vannas choice and Caron Simply Soft – lovely yarns and I was very impressed with them!
I wanted to comment on your afghan also as it’s so wonderful and beautiful! I can see that a lot of work has gone into the making of it – it’s simply stunning! 🙂
Thank you so much!
For me, RHSS is a total work horse. I have a yoga blanket that I take with me everywhere: beaches, hotels, and yoga. It has held up beautifully with all of the use, and that is one of the features of RHSS that I like best: it is possible to make something and then use it without having to treat it with kid gloves.
That is so cool! I may give one of these a go!
If you are going to make one, the one thing I strongly recommend is getting your hands on the Clover bent-tipped needles. They made the weaving in of ends SO much easier, it was hard to believe.
I also appreciate Super Saver. One of the best things about it is that I can find it here in Mexico at a normal price! There is a division of Coats and Clark here. 🙂 Incidentally, in Mexico, Lion Brand is an import and it costs quite a bit more.
Thank you so much for saying that! I hate it when ppl give RHSS a bad rap, without even trying it. I love RHSS, and my stash is mostly composed of it…it’s def my go to yarn! I love the afghan as well, its very unique!
I love RHSS also! The colors are incredible! I totally agree that it is my go-to yarn for blankets!