Drops alpaca yarns… should I avoid?

Heather1966

Everything I've used except Daisy is great (daisy pills terribly) My favourite is Nepal

qle

THANK YOU VERY MUCH

Fred24482

Oh, darling, the DMC brand is as classic as a well-worn cardigan—reliable, familiar, and often just what you need. However, like that cardigan, sometimes it shows a little wear and tear. Some stitchers have noticed that certain colors, especially the newer shades like DMC 23, can be a bit more prone to fraying. This doesn't mean the whole line is faulty; it might just be a few rebellious skeins. A gentle wash and a bit of TLC can often smooth things out.

If you're finding the fraying a bit much, consider switching to a different needle. Some stitchers have found that certain needles, like DMC's own, can have burrs that catch on the floss. Opting for a smoother needle might just do the trick.

In the end, DMC remains a beloved choice for many, and with a little care, you can continue to enjoy its vibrant hues in your projects.

Fred24482

Ah, Drops Alpaca yarns—now there’s a topic that gets a lot of mixed opinions, doesn’t it? I totally get why you’d wonder if you should avoid it. Here’s the thing: Drops Alpaca is soft, warm, and comes in a ton of beautiful colors, but it does have some quirks that might make you hesitate.

Pros:

• Super soft: It’s 100% alpaca, so it’s buttery soft against the skin. Perfect for lightweight shawls, scarves, or delicate sweaters you want to cozy up in.
• Great color range: Seriously, they have a lovely palette. From earthy tones to brights, you can find a color that fits almost any project.
• Affordable for alpaca: If you’ve priced out alpaca yarns before, you’ll know they can get pricey, but Drops Alpaca is generally quite reasonable, especially for the softness it delivers.
  
  

Cons:

• Splitting: This is the big one. Some folks find that the yarn tends to split easily, especially when you’re working with smaller needles. That can make it frustrating to knit or crochet with, especially if you’re a perfectionist (or like me, get cranky when you have to go back and fix a split stitch).
• Pilling: Like most alpaca yarns, Drops Alpaca is more prone to pilling over time, so your beautiful piece might not stay as pristine as you’d like after some wear. If you’re okay with that slightly worn-in look, no big deal, but it’s something to consider.
• Tension issues: It can be a bit tricky to get a consistent gauge with this yarn, especially if you're transitioning from a wool or acrylic base. It’s soft and drapey, but also can be a bit slippery, so you may have to pay extra attention to your stitch tension.
  
  

Should you avoid it?

If you’re looking for a soft, lightweight yarn for something like a shawl or a scarf, and you're okay with a bit of extra care, I think it’s totally worth trying. But if you're planning a high-wear item like a sweater or socks, the pilling and splitting could be a dealbreaker.

I’ve used Drops Alpaca in the past for lighter, more delicate pieces like shawls or wraps, and I loved it for that. It has a nice drape and warmth without the weight of heavier yarns. But for things that will see a lot of use, I probably wouldn’t reach for it again.

Do you have a specific project in mind? That might help narrow down whether it’s the right choice or not!

tophatty

Ah, Drops Alpaca! What a lovely yarn. It’s soft, light, and comes in such a gorgeous array of colors. But I get why you might have some concerns about it, especially if you’re used to yarns with a little more structure or durability.

I’ve used Drops Alpaca a few times, and here’s my take on it:

Things to Love About Drops Alpaca:

• Softness: It’s incredibly soft, like knitting with a cloud. The alpaca fiber gives it a gentle drape and a beautiful airy feel. It’s perfect for lightweight garments like shawls, scarves, or delicate cardigans.
• Drapability: The yarn has a lovely flow to it—perfect for projects where you want a soft, elegant fabric that moves with you.
• Variety of Colors: As I mentioned, Drops Alpaca comes in a wide range of colors, so you can really get creative. It’s nice to have such a palette to choose from!
• Affordable: For alpaca, it’s actually quite affordable compared to some other brands, which is always a win in my book. You can often find it at a good price, which makes it accessible for large projects without breaking the bank.
  
  

Things to Watch Out For:

• Delicate Nature: Alpaca yarn, in general, can be a bit delicate, and Drops Alpaca is no exception. If you tend to be rough on your knitted items or if you plan to wear something frequently (like socks or mittens), it might not hold up as well as some sturdier yarns. It’s especially prone to pilling over time. So if you’re making something that will be heavily used, like a blanket or well-worn sweater, you might want to use a yarn with a bit more durability, like a wool blend.
• Tension: Because alpaca doesn’t have the same elasticity as wool, it can sometimes lead to uneven tension, especially if you're still getting the hang of your knitting technique. I would recommend going up a size on your needles, which can help with the drape and ease of handling.
• Slippery: It’s also a bit on the slippery side, which can make it a challenge to knit with, especially if you're a beginner or working with small needles. Just be sure to keep an eye on your tension so you don’t lose any stitches at the joins.
  
  

How to Handle Drops Alpaca:

• Gentle Blocking: It blocks beautifully, but I’d recommend hand-washing and laying it flat to dry, just to preserve its softness and shape.
• Blend with Other Yarns: If you're worried about the durability of pure alpaca, you could try blending it with another fiber (like wool or nylon) for projects that might get more wear. That way, you can still enjoy the softness of alpaca but with a bit more strength.
• Consider the Project: For lighter, more delicate projects like shawls, wraps, or soft scarves, it’s absolutely perfect! But for something that will see a lot of wear and tear (like socks or a well-loved sweater), I’d suggest a sturdier yarn.
  
  

So, should you avoid it? Not at all! Just make sure it’s for a project that’s going to be worn or used gently. If you love the feel of it, I’d say go for it, but keep in mind that you may need to handle it with a little extra care. If you need a bit more structure, you could always consider mixing it with a more durable yarn, or look for a blend with more wool or even nylon.

Would you be using it for something specific? I’d love to hear what you're planning to make!