What Yarn Should I Use?

One of the first questions I am asked is "What type of yarn should I use"? This is a great question. Ideally you can use up yarn you already have in your "stash", just ask anyone who yarns and they will tell you they have a draw, cupboard or room full of yarn bits at home ;-) 

When setting up YKAM we wanted to be able to have the resources we need available locally as after having to import many materials for Days for Girls we wanted to simply the process. 

There are many places here to purchase yarn. 

In Al Khuwair the most common places are Gafoor and Nada Textiles, both are marked on Google Maps. There are similar shops in Seeb, Al Khoud, Ruwi and Muttrah. In addition to these there is a lady selling via Instagram, her page is al.hiyaka . Please feel free to leave a comment of any other shops you suggest. 

 

For all items the yarn MUST be acrylic. The reason is that these items will be machine washed and the natural yarns like wool won't stand up to that.  Also think about the yarn you choose, how will it feel after machine washing? 

For blankets, scarfs etc there are so many wonderful yarns in a variety of colours both solid and variegated (multi colour on one ball). First check the label, is it acrylic? Then feel it on your skin, on the back of your wrist, does it feel cozy, warm, soft? 

For the beanies / baby caps we require VERY SOFT yarns. Below is a range of beanies that have been made with locally sourced yarns. These were purchased at either Gafoor or Nada Textiles, both located within the same area in Al Khuwair.  Initially we thought we could use the Himalayan Brand but to be honest once we worked it up it just wasn't as soft as we liked for the newborns sensitive skin. However for adult beanies it will be great. We also tried Alize Burcum Batik from Gafoor because of its beautiful colours but again it was a too scratchy for the babies sensitive skin (we are using it for the blankets and it is looking amazing!).  

There is a good article that articulates how to choose baby yarn HERE.

Please find below pictures of the beanies, and the yarns used. all information is on the labels. These beanies were all made on the loom. However we also accept beanies that are knit or crochet and you should take into account your gauge when choosing the yarn.  These yarns vary in price starting at .250bz a ball to 2.000 per ball, but then you also have to look at how much (meters or yards) are in a ball to see the economy of each. 

Got questions? Please ask below. 

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