Fiber

 With all the new yarns with new fibers or uncommon fibers, where can I go to get information about the particular properties of a specific fiber or mix of fibers.  For example, I am looking at a cotton tencel yarn online, but I don't know what properties the blend will have.  I have found information online that Tencel fabric has a good drape, but is it stretchy, not stretchy? 

 Hi Kathryn,

The tencel yarns I have used drape very well and are stretchy - but has good memory.  I would definitely recommend buying it in person rather than over the internet.  I have some tencel/alpaca blend that is quite soft, but very itchy - so much so that I have just pushed it to the back of my stash and have no idea what I will do with it!

 Thanks, this is helpful.

 Katheryn,

Sometimes you can request a sample card from fiber/yarn sellers. I would definitely ask if you are unsure of what you might get. You don't want to waste precious money on something that sounds wonderful and isn't at all what you thought it would be. Good luck.

Risa

Hello Rebecca, if you are a member of Ravelry, you could always exchange the yarn for something else. Alternatively, are part of a knitting group? You could arrange a yarn swop. It could be fun to see what yarns your friends are also hiding away with no intention of using it.

 I am a member of Ravelry!  I haven't had time to use it much though.  Great idea to swap the yarn.  It is so pretty  I am sure that someone would be able to find a use for it.

Thanks Mandy!

Rebecca

 Tencel is a cellulose fiber similar to rayon, viscose and modal.  It has wonderful drape and is supposed to be a good fabric for travel clothes because its not supposed to hold wrinkles for long.  I have used Cascades Pima/Tencel to make crocheted summer hats and I would use and it is suggested to use it for form fitted summer tops like White Lies Design's Shapely Tank.  I would also knit flowing skirts or sweaters with it. As far as stretchiness, I think it would depend on the yarn's constuction in addition to the fabric construction.  The Pima/Tencel is a fully blended worsted weight and is not stretchy but the hats I've made with it are a bit and hold their shape better than plain cotton would.  A cabled or knitted tube yarn might be stretchier.

I often go to the manufacturer or distributor websites and read what they say about the yarn and look at any patterns they offer for the yarn.  That usually gives me a good idea if I can't see the yarn in person.  Sometimes looking at yarns with the same fiber content on different websites will give you a better idea of how to use it.

I hope this helps.