What's the best yarn for a baby afghan - something that is washable, durable but

[hedgehog]

will stay soft and silky?

[CaliforniaPeggy]

1. I used to weave baby blankets, long ago.

I always used polyester yarn, since it is very washable and machine dryable.

I don't know if there is anything else out there now that is better.

[get the red out]

2. This isn't silky, but soft and durable

I like Lion Brand Cotton-Ease. It is soft but blended with acrylic for durability, it also feels lighter than cotton.

I knitted my young niece a cardigan with it a couple of years ago and it turned out very nice.

[Arkansas Granny]

3. I would go with acrylic yarn or a blend of acrylic/wool or acrylic/cotton.

I would just go to the store and feel the yarn and check the labels for washing instructions. If it feels good in the skein, it will probably get even softer when washed. What pattern are you using?

[hedgehog]

4. I don't have a pattern yet - but that's OK - there's no grandchild yet, either!

I'm just learning/teaching myself - I have another 7 months to get it right!

[Arkansas Granny]

5. Have you heard of a website called Ravelry? They have oodles of patterns available,

many of them free. You have to register, but that's free, also.

www.ravelry.com

[hedgehog]

6. I've been looking there. I have to go upstairs and look over the

patterns my mom left me, too!

[intaglio]

7. My Sigoth says Merino, Cashmir or either with a silk addition

She is of the "anti-acrylic" lobby on Ravelry because of the problems with flame resistance and melting.

You might want to look at "Colour Mart" (UK spelling) a UK company that does "mill ends".

If real wool allergy is a problem then Cashmir (goat fibre) would probably be OK or Alpaca, which is hypo alergenic.

Mind you if you want to splash out Qiviut. Spend even more and you can get the traditionally gathered variety which also supports the First Nations.

[hedgehog]

8. I was wondering about the washability of natural fibers -

this will be going into the washer and dryer - no new mother has time for hand washing! With luck, this will turn into a bankie to be dragged about!

[intaglio]

9. Check a Merino Superwash

Something like Cascade 220 Superwash (she says), apparently in both worsted and sport weight.

If wool is out and you want to stay natural, a Pima cotton yarn.

[SheilaT]

10. Two others I like are

Caron Simply Soft and Spa, also by Caron which is 75% acrylic, 25% bamboo. The Simply Soft is 100% acrylic, but there are no dye lots, which is nice.

The simply soft is a worsted weight, the Spa is a slightly lighter weight, whatever it may be called. It's possible Spa has been discontinued, but I happen to have a very large stash of it and have been using it up making baby afghans.

Personally, I don't fret about acrylic's melting properties, but that may matter a lot to you.

[pipi_k]

11. My favorite yarn

is Lion Brand Wool Ease.

I don't know if it can be called "silky", but it has a nice feel to it, is lightweight yet warm, and washable.

If you want a bit thicker yarn, Caron's Pound of Love yarn (all acrylic) is a good choice. It will probably feel a bit stiff at first, but it does soften up after washing.

[hedgehog]

12. Thanks to everyone for the pointers.

BTW - after trying to teach myself crochet for years, it suddenly came to me about the same time my daughter (unbeknownst to me) became pregnant. Coincidence, or grandma skills kicking in?