amberblissthis I recently had the opportunity to design with Aspen Bulky Yarn from Mary Maxim. With it, I created my absolute favorite pattern to date. Are you curious yet? I mean, when I say something is my ABSOLUTE favorite, I mean it. USUALLY, I can’t decide on a favorite pattern, but this one has my heart (Please don’t tell my EARRINGS; I don’t want to start a sibling rivalry! HA!). Curiouser and curiouser? Keep reading and I’ll tell you where to find my newest favorite pattern for free!
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So, what attracts you to a yarn? For me, it’s really all about color first and foremost. Next, I lean toward texture or feel of the yarn. Finally, how the yarn holds up over time and use is so important!
All about Aspen Bulky Yarn
Here’s the general information you need about Aspen Yarn. You can find this same information on the yarn wrapper or the Mary Maxim website!
Fiber Content: 100% Acrylic. This isn’t a generic scratchy acrylic. It’s soft and pleasant to touch. This acrylic roving yarn is thick, but there are not separate plies which means–no splits!
Hook Size: N/A– While the website doesn’t list a specific hook size, I used 7mm and 8mm hooks for my projects and was pleased with the results!
Needle Size: 10.5 (6.5 mm) You know I don’t knit, but I’m not discrimi-knit-ory, so I left this information in for my bi-stitual readers!
Yarn Ball Weight: 3.5 oz (100 g) Do I need to say anything else about this? I don’t think so. It is what it is. HA!
Yarn Gauge: 13 sts & 18 rows to 4″ (10 cm) I’m not 100% sure how a knit gauge usually compares to a crocheted gauge, but with a 6.5mm hook (because that’s the size needle called for), I was able to get 13 sc sts in 13 rows for a 4″ swatch. I definitely preferred using a 7mm or 8mm hook.
Yarn Length: 130 yds (118.872 m) Now, if Mary Maxim came out with a double-skein of this, I sure wouldn’t complain. I needed 2 skeins to make my projects, but I could totally imagine making a nice cozy long cardigan with this yarn, and WHEW that would take quite a few skeins!
Yarn Weight: 5 Bulky The yarn is not 100% consistent as there are some places that the yarn is very thin and others where it’s noticeably thicker. I kind of like that myself as it adds a bit of character to my projects. The majority of the yarn, however, is a consistent thickness.
Aspen Bulky Yarn Colors
Now, if you haven’t popped over to Mary Maxim to check out the yarn yet, you’d better do so. I have 3 of the gorgeous colorways, but 3 more are available that were out of stock when I ordered. Not that I’m bitter, sad, or weeping into my iced coffee or anything (I totally am!). I LOVE THE COLORWAYS OF THIS YARN! As in I love them ALL. And I could totally support an expansion to additional colorways (hint hint)–I’d love a navy base with cream and subtle yellow striping–think night sky! I even think a neutral grey/black/white colorway would be AMAZING–snow covered mountain for sure. What about a mountain wildflower inspired colorway? ALL THOSE BEAUTIFUL PURPLES and YELLOWS! Just, you know, in case you need more help making your colorways! I’m available for a consult. (Yes, yes I do think I’m very funny!)
The colorways CURRENTLY available are all woodsy-nature-cabin “Aspen” inspired: Alpine, Fireside, Hot Springs, Lodge, Meadow, & Skyline. I think LODGE is my absolute favorite. It has so many beautiful colors within, and it’s built on a neutral base. I can’t get enough of it!
Care for the Yarn
I bet you’re wondering how well this stuff washes up! The good news? It’s ACRYLIC! It washes up great. The instructions on the label are, well, impossible. I should clarify: my washing machine does not have the required setting to wash as the care instructions indicate. They label states that the yarn is both machine washable and dryable. I found this to be true. However, I do not have a 2-minute gentle/delicate cycle. It’s more like 30 minutes. So, I hooked up some swatches and tossed them in the wash on my delicate cycle. They came out fine.
Now, I am not guaranteeing this for you. Do your own experimentation, and don’t blame me if your washing machine EATS your yarn. I also forgot to take the swatches out of the dryer after only 5 minutes. Oops! Next time. Even though they were in the dryer for too long, my swatches didn’t shrink and didn’t pill. I’m impressed with the results!
Overall, I think this yarn is going to hold up pretty well over time. If I find out differently, I’ll let you know! And remember that texture and softness are really important to me. So far, with use and washing, I haven’t seen a change in that with this yarn. It’s a WINNER!
So, if you haven’t yet been convinced to try out this colorway, maybe a PEEK at the FREE PATTERN that’s coming this weekend to the MARY MAXIM BLOG will convince you!
Introducing the Blythe Handbag
Now do you see why it’s my favorite pattern EVER? I’m so proud of this handbag pattern. Not only does it work up QUICKLY and easily, it has STYLE and BEAUTY! You definitely need this pattern RIGHT NOW! And you can get it, too. Mary Maxim is hosting a Crochet-Along for the month of May! Beginning on Saturday, you’ll find the first part of the Blythe Handbag on their blog.
What Do You Need?
It’s super easy! You’ll need the following supplies:
2 skeins of Mary Maxim’s Aspen Yarn in your favorite colorway.
1 set of 2 round purse handles–6 to 8 inches in diameter. These are the ones I used; they come in a 4-pack–2 sets of 2!
1 7mm hook. That’s not a super-standard size, but I used a Furls hook, and you can grab one over at WeCrochet!
And, of course, you’ll need the standard stuff, a large-eyed needle, scissors, chocolate, a large iced coffee, etc!
Have you tried Aspen Bulky Yarn? Are you going to? I’d love to hear your thoughts on it! Please join us over at the Mary Maxim Blog beginning on Saturday for a GREAT TIME and a really fun pattern!
Head over to the Mary Maxim Blog for Week 2 of the Blythe Handbag CAL!
And here’s Week 3 on the Mary Maxim Blog!
Coming SOON! You’ll be able to grab your very own PREMIUM PDF of the Blythe Handbag which will have all the instructions in one easy-to-print (or view) place! STAY TUNED!
