Caron SS Replacement Yarn

[Carol Ann]

So here is the scoop on the Caron SS that is being discontinued at WalMart but NOT at all other stores:  supposedly WalMart and Caron are going green and will be stocking a new line of Caron yarn that is supposed to be as soft as the SS and in similar but not the same colors.  It is called Simply Soft Eco.   (Simply Soft is not being discontinued and should still be found at Michaels, AC Moore, Jo Ann Stores and Hobby Lobby).   It is made of 20% plastic recycled bottles.  Price is not a for sure thing but has been quoted as probably 3.99 a skein (for 5-6 oz.) MY editorial remark: Seems a bit pricy for recycled material when I have been paying $2 and change at WalMart, and some people (and I know some pets) have allergic reactions to plastics sooooo   

[tweed]

At the risk of sounding like a  ECO jerk, why is it that Eco friendly items always cost more? If it takes more steps to produce it, using that many more resources, how can it be eco friendly? I think this bugs me because our hospital attempts to be "Green" and just recently switched to eco friendly paper coffee cups. They leak after mere minutes and like the coffee shops, they are like grabbing a cup full of molten lava. I just wish eco-friendly and user-friendly could some how merge!

[Crochets247]

RH has a Soft yarn that is the same in different colors.  I used it for an afghan with the Caron SS one time.  Of course, the skeins are smaller.  I know that Michael's carries it.

[Carol Ann]

I saw some of the "new" RH soft yarn at WalMart last week.  It was very nice and comes in delicious colors.  BUT!  less ounces per skein and 4.99 a skein!  Maybe ok for small projects but I can't afford it for larger projects. I can just buy a nice sweater for less $$...and forget a nice sized afghan.

[Carol Ann]

I hear ya, Tweeds!   

[Rebel]

I won't be buying any of the Simply Soft Eco not at that price.  I'm sure if it caught on fire it would melt and stick to you.  Sure wouldn't want to use that on a baby.

[Crochets247]

I don't like the price of it either, but the colors matched what the customer wanted.  I only needed it for one of the 3 colors I used. 

I think I'll add the SS to my on-line ordering.  That list is getting larger, rather than shorter!

I also love the Bernat Denim Style colors and use quite a bit of it.  I can't buy it locally either.
You'd think with 3 Walmarts, 2 Joann's, 1 Michael's and a Craft Warehouse that someone would carry it here.

[Bende - Forum Admin]

Well, that sure is a let-down.  That is a bit pricey and I won't be buying it either at that price.  I'm all for going green, but if it were at a "reasonable" price.  I guess I'll be sticking with the same old Caron SS, but will have to get it elsewhere........I have an idea that I will mention at a later time.  It may be an answer for us all who are having our walmarts downsizing......

[Carol Ann]

Good thinking, Reb.  I had not even thought of the plastic content melting.  But, it seems to me that the acrylics melt also and that is why they are not supposed to be used for potholders ---only for hotpads.  What IS a person to do!

[Carol Ann]

Looking forward to the "idea" you have, Bende   In the meantime I have phoned 1-800-walmart again(!) and finally(!) reached a real person to register a consumer complaint about losing the craft dept. in all  or most of the stores (and the loss of many supplies in the stores that will still carry any at all).  Made it quite clear how important the dept is to the thousands of crafters / needleworkers.  Complaint taken and will be "passed along".  hmmmm.  Well, if enough of us around the country do it MAYBE someone will sit up and re-evaluate   (I also pointed out that many knitters and crocheters make things for charity and loss of supply and reasonable prices will make it cost prohibitive for many to do the charity work. ).

[tweed]

You made a great point about charity work!

[Rebel]

Good thinking, Reb.  I had not even thought of the plastic content melting.  But, it seems to me that the acrylics melt also and that is why they are not supposed to be used for potholders ---only for hotpads.  What IS a person to do!

You're right about the acrylic yarn Carol Ann.  Polyester is made from plastic bottles too.  In my quilting I make sure I use only 100% cotton.  A blend of cotton and polyester wears out to quick.  I tested my scrap pieces by taking a small piece and burning it.  The cotton has a blue/gray smoke and the material makes ashes, whereas if it has polyester in it it flames up and sends up black smoke and no ashes just curls and drip.  Ugh! 
   

[Carol Ann]

     Not a laughing matter, Reb, but I had to chuckle---I have done the flame test, too!  Pretty scary to see things melt.  Gosh it reminds me of those many years ago that the media put out the word to people who flew in airplanes----do NOT wear polyester or acrylic / blends clothing---only wear cotton---in case of a fire or crash.