Hrrmph

[starfish]

So I broke down and bought me some Noro Silk Garden, online, figuring I would make me a scarf-cowl that I had a pattern for but no yarn. Because, you know, Noro. And I am entirely underwhelmed and not a little sad.

First of all, almost $12 per 50gr skein (I bought two) plus shipping is a good bit of money. So there's that to live up to. And then ...

One skein had bad thick-and-thin issues - it went from bulky to sport weight in several places. I was using size 7 (4.5 mm) needles, so it was pretty noticeable when what I was knitting with was one step away from sock yarn. And that's not helpful when you're making a hood.

The other skein had constant burrs and twigs in it, way more than I expected. I had to stop and pick out every one of them, because if this thing I'm knitting is going around my neck, I don't want poky things in it.

And yes, the colors are lovely and striking but let me tell you how that is so NOT making up for anything right now.

Also, the pattern as written does not make a deep enough hood for my liking, and the only way to correct that is to frog it and start over, and I just don't know if it's worth it.

I have put it away for now and am going to work on a gift for someone, but I really think tomorrow I am going to tear it all out and wind it up and see if someone on Ravelry wants to swap for it. Sigh. And then I have to pay shipping again.

Comments

[katieastrophe]

I've been after some and don't mind the flaws you mention, so I may be able to swap you for something, though I do live in the UK, so it'd be kinda expensive shipping probably, unless you sent it land ^^;

[starfish]

Hi, thanks for the offer but I can't see spending more money to ship it elsewhere. I frogged the project and am trying a simple hat now, and I think it's going to be chalked up to "lessons I have learned." But thatnks again, and I hope you can find some -- is it not available in the UK?

[laughingrat]

Well, thick-and-thin is kind of what most Noro yarns are all about. The twigs, not so much. Sometimes there's some VM in Kureyon, but not usually that much and not usually in Silk Garden. Anyway, on the bright side you'll probably have good luck swapping it.

[starfish]

on the bright side you'll probably have good luck swapping it.

This is what I figured ... :)

[nolivingman]

Yeah, that's been my experience with Noro as well. It's lovely; it's just too aggravating to work with IMO.

[starfish]

And now I know. :)

[aunty_marion]

I'm sure you'll be able to find someone to swap it or sell it to.

I personally don't like any of the Noro yarns. The colours are gorgeous, it's true; but I can't stand the feel of them next to my skin. The Noro sock yarn is about the best, and I'm told it softens up after washing, but I don't think I could bear to knit with it long enough to make a pair of socks, and I'm not sure I could wear them afterwards.

[starfish]

It's not bothering my hands (except for the constant burrs), but I am rethinking the scarf idea.

:)

[pinesandmaples]

All of those things you complained about? Noro's charms.

Which means it leaves more Noro for those of us who actually like it and are willing to wait for the reward.

[suncat]

Would you be interested in trying any of the "Noro-like" yarns that are out now? A friend first did a pattern in Kureyon, and then when she wanted to make it again is now usying Plymouth Boku. It's coming out quite nicely, and she's pretty happy with the yarn.

[starfish]

I just tracked it down, and Boku does look lovely - thanks for the tip! So much cheaper, too.

[crafty_packrat]

One skein had bad thick-and-thin issues

That's typical of Noro, though. I've knit with 5 different yarns from Noro, and they are ALL thick and thin. It's really bothersome in the sock yarns.

[starfish]

I am calling it a learning experience. :)

[rainkatt]

I adore Noro of any kind; if you're still fed up, maybe I could take it off your hands, although I wish you well with your new attempt to use it.

It's really a matter of taste with Noro--people either love it or hate it. There doesn't seem to be much in between.

[vilakins]

I bought two lots of Noro this year on sale because I've loved the finished projects on Ravelry, but I also was a little annoyed by the variations in thickness. What really pissed me off though was the joins made without any consideration for matching colour. I wasted quite a bit of yarn matching to the proper colour later on in the skein. I'll look for another brand with interesting graduated colours in future.

[delia]

I know this comment is really delayed, but I am here with you on the WHY WHY WHY feelings. My main issue with Noro isn't the burrs or thickness variations, it's that there are constantly knots of color changes (instead of spliced yarns) and that drives me nuts. Give me some Patons SWS or Mochi any day; the colors aren't the same, but much more satisfying. And there's always acid-dyeing superwash merino wool!

[robynbender]

It may mark me forever as a philistine, but, I share your pain. The Noro looks so luscious on the skein and then it maddens me. I have fallen in true love with Crystal Palace Mochi Plus and MiniMochi which are SOFT and have material integrity and yet have excellent long runs of color changes. they are not as arty as Noro colors but they make garments I want to wear. It is a very soft merino: http://www.straw.com/cpy/yarns/mini-mochi-balls.html

Late, jazzy is late.

[jazzypom]

But just a pop in to say yes, I agree with this comment. Noro *is* overrated, and overpriced, true facts.

[hobbitbabe]

I've just started a sweater with Noro Silk Garden. Given all the warnings, and having previously made a stole with Kureyon Sock (having decided that it felt too icky and was too unpredictable to put on my feet), I'm actually enjoying knitting with it. I like the fuzzy soft feeling, and I'm braced for the occasional pattern interruption. It's a plain stockinette sweater, so the lumpy bits and random uncoloured flecks kind of add interest and conceal my uneven knitting.

I don't know for sure that I'll like wearing it without something under, though.

I'd love to find other yarns with that kind of colourway but smooth, soft, and more consistent.