Yarn. It’s something that strings a lot of us together: knitters, crocheters, macrame artists, stitch marker makers, yarn dyers, hook makers, etc. We all love yarn. We love the look of it, the feel of it, and the versatility of it. With just a few strands of fiber, we can create so many different things. Totes, beanies, scarves, plant holders. We dye it, cut it, thread it, twist it, knit it. Yarn.
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Welcome, friends. Today is THURSDAY and that means it’s the start of Thursday Threads. Every Thursday, I’m going to attempt to post a review of different yarns and brands that I’ve tried. I say attempt because life gets in the way, and sometimes I forget to post. But, putting this out there will help me become more accountable. Hopefully.
With Thursday Threads, you’ll get my honest opinion about each yarn plus all these topics will be addressed:
The Details (all the information about the yarn)
The Texture (How does this yarn feel? Is it scratchy, soft, smooth)
What’s it Cost (Is it worth the cost? Does it hold up?)
Show Me the Swatches (I’ll crochet and knit up some swatches based on the recommendations on the label and see if they are true)
Patterns (What can I make with this yarn? I will list some patterns that use the yarn)
First up is my current FAVORITE:
Let's Meet: Color Made Easy
The Details
Name: Color Made Easy
Company: Lion Brand Yarns
Yarn Weight: Bulky 5
Length and Weight: 247yds and 7oz
Fiber Type: Multi-plied 100% acrylic
Color Options: 24 (see picture below)
Suggested Crochet Hook: 10.5mm (K)
Suggested Knitting Needles: 6.5mm
The Texture
I love the feel of Color Made Easy. The thickness of the yarn knits up nicely with beanies, giving the beanie a bulky feel without looking super bulky. I will be honest though, the yarn does tend to split more than I’d like it to, but this isn’t a problem I’ve had with the whole skein nor every skein of Color Made Easy.
Those allergic to wool can rejoice: Color Made Easy is 100% acrylic. While acrylic yarn isn’t the best for the environment (made in a factory using petroleum products) this man-made yarn is a good bulky yarn substitute for those with allergies who still want to knit up a product that looks and feels nice.
What's it Cost?
Color Made Easy is a budget friendly bulky yarn. On the Lion Brand website, Color Made Easy will cost $8.99 USD per skein. JoAnn Fabric will run sales every so often (usually 20% off yarn) and you can score some skeins from $6.39-$7.19 USD. At 247 yards of yarn per skein, the breakdown is roughly $0.036 USD per yard.
With 247 yards per skein, you can get 1 adult beanie (knit) plus a small child sized beanie (knit) out of it. Or you can cake up the extra yarn after knitting yourself a beanie, and use the scraps to make a striped beanie. So many possibilities with this yarn.
Show Me the Swatches
For the swatches, the label for Color Made Easy suggests that you knit or crochet up a 4″ x 4″ swatch to check your gauge. Gauge is the required number of stitches per inch horizontally and the number of rows per inch vertically.
This swatch will help determine if you should use the suggested needle or hook size when making your item. If your swatch is too big (meaning you have too many stitches horizontally or vertically), that means your gauge is off and you should go down a needle/hook size. If you swatch is too small (meaning that you have too few stitches horizontally or vertically), that means your gauge is off and you should go up a needle/hook size.
Suggested Crochet Hook: 10.5mm (K)
Swatch Size: 11sc x 13 rows
My thoughts: I was able to meet the gauge for crocheting. My swatch measured 4″ x 4″. I tend to crochet a bit more loose but I’m glad I could meet the gauge for this.
Suggested Knitting Needles: 6.5mm
13sts x 20 rows
My thoughts: I wasn’t able to meet gauge for knitting. My swatch was too small since I tend to knit too tightly. I would need to size up my needles to make a swatch that matches 4″ x 4″.
Patterns
Okay ya’ll. Have I convinced you to purchase some Color Made Easy yet? I hope so! I (obviously) love this yarn. Here are a few of my favorite patterns that use Color Made Easy. All of the patterns are paid patterns. But don’t let that stop you! Supporting other makers and artists is what this is all about. Go and show them some love. They worked hard on these patterns and deserve our support.
Need some Color Made Easy? Shop my affiliate link (no extra cost to you): Color Made Easy-Lion Brand
Pattern Name: Justyna Beanie (click to purchase)
Maker: Lady Jay Crochet (click to follow on Instagram)
Where to purchase: Ravelry and Etsy (click to purchase)
Cost: $5.00 (USD) on Ravelry and $5.25 (USD) on Etsy
Pattern Type: Knitting
Sizes: 9 (newborn-adult)
I had the pleasure of testing out the (gorgeous) Justyna Beanie for Justyna back in January. It’s easily one of my favorite beanies to knit up. I’m currently making a bunch for winter markets (if that’s a thing this year). Using Color Made Easy and a few simple stitches makes this a fast knit. It’s gender neutral plus the texture is beautiful. My kids love their beanies.
ALSO, I sell finished Justyna Beanies on my Etsy page! Click HERE to check them out.
Pattern Name: The Mermaid Tail Beanie (click to purchase)
Maker: Kneedles and Life (formally Kneedles and Love) (click to follow)
Where to purchase: Ravelry and Etsy (click to purchase)
Cost: $8.00 (USD) on both sites
Pattern Type: Knitting
Sizes: 5 (baby-adult)
I had the pleasure of testing out the Mermaid Tail Beanie for Kalley (do you see a pattern here? I love testing out beanies). The Mermaid Tail Beanie is beautiful and includes 3 patterns in one! You will get a pattern for: worsted, bulky, and single ply chunky. This pattern is easy to follow and makes a gorgeous beanie.
Pattern Name: The Rockwood Beanie
Maker: Cozy Cole Creations (click to follow)
Where to purchase: Etsy (click to purchase)
Cost: $5.05
Pattern Type: Knitting
Sizes: 4 (baby-adult)
While I haven’t had the pleasure of testing this beanie out, I did receive the pattern for free from Laura. I’m adding this one to my list of makes for winter markets.
She also have 2 other patterns that use Color Made Easy: The Dragonfly Beanie and The Mapleton Beanie. Both available in her Etsy shop (link above). BRB as I go and make that Dragonfly Beanie in Halloween colors…I think it could double as cat whiskers or even bats.
Pattern Name: The Treble Beanie AND The Rainie Beanie
Maker: La’Knits Apparel (click to follow)
Where to purchase: Etsy and Etsy (click to purchase)
Cost: $5.05 (Rainie) and $4.27 (Treble)
Pattern Type: Knitting
Sizes: Adult
You guys. Lanre LOVES Color Made Easy just as much as I do! She even has her own blog post all about it! Click here to check it out. Lanre actually has multiple patterns using this yarn. Go and buy them ALL. Each one is gorgeous and has some amazing stitch definition.
Pattern Name: Woven Lies Messy Bun Beanie
Maker: Black Rose Stitches
Where to purchase: Blog
Pattern Type: Knitting
Sizes: Adult
I had the pleasure of testing out this amazing messy bun beanie for Rose. I LOVE IT. It’s such a great messy bun and if you didn’t want that feature, you could just cinch the top to close it before finishing it. The perfect beanie for not messing up your hair during fall and winter.
Okay friends, I really hope that you enjoyed this write up. And I hope I’ve convinced you to purchase some Color Made Easy.
If you make any of the beanies above, let me know! Tag me on Instagram (@puglovecrochet).
xoxo, Lindsey