Yarn Made from Recycled Plastic Bottles Newly Released

Caron International has come out with a new yarn called Simply Soft Eco, which is made from 80% acrylic fiber and 20% fiber made from recycled plastic bottles. The recycled plastic bottles are thoroughly cleaned and refined, and the fiber made from them is also being used in some clothing articles. Each skein of yarn contains fiber from .6 of a plastic bottle.

Perhaps the thought of recycled plastic bottles in a yarn make you think of something stiff and plastic-like. But Simply Soft Eco is similar to many other acrylic yarns, and is softer than many. It also comes in a wide range of colors. And the yarn is not difficult to obtain--- it's carried at your local Walmart at a very reasonable price.

It's a medium weight yarn which uses a size H crochet hook or size 8 knitting needle. This is a very common weight of yarn which can be used in many projects, including a variety of projects for those just learning to crochet or knit.

A visit to Caron International's web site will give you the chance to see all the colors available in Simply Soft Eco yarn. There are also free crochet and knitting patterns made specifically for this yarn, as well as other free patterns made for similar medium weight yarns. There is also an online store where you can buy the product.

The advent of Simply Soft Eco yarn may awaken a desire to learn crochet or knitting in those who haven't learned these skills. There are websites available which will teach you such as The Learning Center at Lion Brand Yarns website, which gives instruction in knitting and crochet in English, Spanish and French. The website also provides a number of free crochet and knitting patterns. Those for medium weight yarn can be adapted for Simply Soft Eco.

As a sheep farmer I am more accustomed to working with wool yarn, and many other crafters tend to prefer the natural fiber. But an acrylic yarn can have its uses, such as baby gifts for young mothers unaccustomed to the care of natural fibers. The ecological appeal of Simply Soft Eco and similar yarns adds an interest for those interested in the environment.

References:

Caron International Yarn and Latch Hook Kits http://www.caron.com/

Lion Brand Yarn http://www.lionbrand.com/