Since I don’t have enough yarn or projects, I decided to browse around Michael’s today. Usually that’s only slightly dangerous, as I’m unlikely to buy yarn there, and I’m offended that they don’t stock DPNS under size 8. I happened upon the new Patons SWS (Soy wool stripes) and had to pick up a few balls to play with. I decided that the self striping yarn needed an uncomplicated repeating pattern, so I went with the Misty Garden scarf pattern from scarf style (it’s basic feather and fan if you don’t know the pattern.)
I spent forever looking for a retro sort of 70s “ripple” pattern, but decided that the color changes were too gradual for that – I’ll save the one I found for later, when I feel like dealing with multiple balls of yarn, and possibly I’ll crochet it. I’m not really sure how I feel about this yarn. It’s not as nice as SWTC’s Karaoke, although it is cheaper and all natural. It’s very soft and has a nice sheen, but it’s also terribly easy to split and hairy. Did I mention hairy?
That’s a whole lot of fuzz, and I am known for my dislike of fuzzy yarn. So I don’t know… to keep going on this or not? I’m pretty sure I would love the finished result, I just don’t want the knitting to be too hard on my hands. Maybe I’ll keep going a bit and see how I feel. I swear, after my current projects (noro, cotton, sws) are finished I’m going to buy the softest, most gentle yarn possible. I think I’ll deserve it.
Green apples - Stitchywitch Creates 
I so understand about the rough yarns. I knit a whole sweater with Lite-Lopi recently and then got my hands on some Cascade 220 that felt like cashmere in comparison. I’ve been on a merino kick recently!
Give it a bit more time. If you are still not that thrilled with it then, just forget about it!
i don’t know what all the acronyms mean… and i wish i did! it’s nice yarn though!
I totally understand about the SWS and the splittiness. I found that using my duller bamboo needles as opposed to my KnitPicks needles seemed to help a little. Don’t give up on it, though. It is really a nice yarn for the price!
The Soy/Wool blend is nothing new. Infact Patons SWS Yarn came after SWTC Inc introduced Karoake which is a 50/50 blend of Soysilk and Wool. I personally like the latter since the Soy makes the wool feel so much softer. I have done felting project with it and just love the way it feels.
Yes, I have a bunch of Karaoke awaiting use for a Clapotis soon, and I would agree it’s a far superior yarn – less thick/thin and splitty, and I like the colors better. I also have a ball of Rowan Tapestry, which is soy/wool. I am disappointed that the SWS is the one I don’t really like, but that’s just because I’m cheap!
What is the ‘color’ of the SWS in the photo above? The wrapper on the skein of a project I am working is long gone and I need 1 or 2 more skeins to finish the project. I went to Patons website and could not find it so believe they may have discontinued it. This may end up being the shortest scarf in history:)