Here at Babes in the Wool, we’re always looking for ways to encourage crafters to make sustainable choices when it comes to their hobbies. In recent years, recycled yarns have really taken off, and we’ve made a commitment as a small business to stock as many of these yarns as possible. Recycled yarn seems to get better and better with each new range that is released, and the latest collection from James C. Brett certainly delivers on this. Since it arrived in store, nearly every customer who has picked it up for a feel has ended up leaving with some! Here’s why…
Second Chance DK is a yarn we just had to stock; it comes in 17 gorgeous shades, which can be hard to come by with recycled ranges, and is one of the most affordable options on the market. It is made entirely of recycled acrylic, and the reason I’ve selected it for this instalment of Yarn Corner is because I think it will be a great choice for those of you making gifts for Father’s Day, and for those wanting to make slow fashion garments. There really is a colour for everyone, whether you’re looking for vibrant summer shades or nicely done neutrals - which may be exactly what you’re looking for with Father’s Day makes.
One of the main attractions of Second Chance is how incredibly soft it is. We were surprised by this, especially as it is not only an acrylic but recycled acrylic yarn, and it really is lovely to work with. Our customers have been drawn in by the fabulous colours, and convinced by its soft touch, knowing that their project will work up smoothly, gliding off your hook/ needles, and will be easy on your hands. It is certainly giving regular acrylic yarns a run for their money!
Second Chance is a very versatile yarn, and will work with pretty much any standard DK pattern for whatever projects you have in mind. Later in this article, I have included some patterns that will go nicely with this yarn for Father’s Day. To demonstrate some of the lovely shades and get a better understanding of this yarn, my mum has been making a 12-point star blanket. Check it out below!
I love how colourful this looks, and that you could pick any number of shades from this collection and they would all work really well together. Sometimes recycled yarns are noticeably different from regular yarns, whether it be a flecked appearance or a slight inconsistency of shade. Second Chance, however, could be side by side with normal acrylic yarn and you would not be able to tell the difference! The shades are rich and consistent, and there is no variation throughout these 100g balls.
Another great element of Second Chance is the price. It only costs £2.35 per ball, which is actually less money than some standard ranges of acrylic and cotton yarns. If you’re a premium subscriber of In the Wool, you can enjoy an extra 15% off this yarn in our online shop for the next 2 weeks. This a great opportunity to plan a big summer project on a budget, or get cracking with light autumnal garments!
Second Chance DK is designed for the eco-conscious crafter, and for those looking to easily switch over to sustainable choices, so this yarn is guaranteed to be long lasting. Ensuring your makes can go the distance is another element of eco-friendly crafting, as they will not be disposed of for a long time and you will therefore create less waste. Second Chance is machine washable up to 30 degrees (lay flat to dry), so it will not require much extra effort and care to keep your make in pristine condition.
Patterns
We ordered in a few accompanying patterns for this range which are pictured below. As previously mentioned, Second Chance will work with any DK pattern, so you are not limited to these options, but they are still lovely patterns! The pattern leaflets below are all £3.50, and are available in our online shop. Simply click the link beneath the image to view pattern on our website.
As for Father’s Day patterns, we’ve had a look through our huge collection at the shop and picked out a few that you may like. I have also just released an article titled ‘My Ultimate List of Free Patterns for Father’s Day’ (click here); definitely check this out if you need further inspiration.
So, if Second Chance has caught your eye and could be perfect for your next project, make the most of your exclusive 15% discount while you can! CLICK HERE to shop now- you can find your discount code in Edition #47!