I've been knitting sweaters and scarves using Berroco yarn for years but Sirdar has been a recent discovery for me. I love using these yarns because of their modern color mixes and fiber combinations. Both companies also provide beautiful knitting patterns that complement their funky and fun fibers.
Berroco yarns are definitely modern in color and fiber mixes. I believe the company doesn't manufacturer the yarns but imports and distributes them from producers abroad. Anyhow, I love the wide choice of fiber types and colors.
Berroco Boho is a sublime fiber I've used to knit a pullover with keyhole neckline (I used a Berroco pattern). The fiber is made in Italy and is gorgeous. It's hard to describe how it looks but imagine a hosiery yarn alternating with 3 different fibers in long repeats. However, it isn't that simple as there's interplay between matte and shiny fibers that help to give the yarn an extra dimension to the color variations. I used 'Dijon' from the Boho Colors range - mustards and browns with hints of cream. The fiber is made from 37% Cotton, 22% Rayon, 21% Nylon, and 20% Polyester.
Berroco Suede is another favorite of mine. It's made from 100% nylon ribbon and feels sensuous to the touch. I've knitted two scarves using it. There are around 30 colors to choose from; I chose 'Happy Trails' and a new color called 'Chicopee'.
Lastly, I've just bought Bling Bling. It's made from 60% Cotton, 38% Acrylic, and 2% Aluminum and has a foil effect running through it. However, it's been made using a new technique; fabric is machine knit before being printed with a foil transfer. The fiber is then unraveled back to yarn giving it a luxurious and superbly soft feel and supple hand. I haven't decided what I'm going to do with it yet, but possibly a dressy scarf, I think.
I'd never heard of Sirdar yarn until my local store began stocking it. Sirdar is a manufacturer from the UK and, like Berroco, makes very modern, fashionable fibers. Sirdar patterns are right up to date on the latest fashion trends. Its knitting patterns are also in demand for baby's and children's designs.
I've knitted a poncho using Sirdar's Denim Ultra yarn and pattern. I've also knitted a 'Snuggly Buggly' (company's pattern) jacket and beret for my sister's little baby girl using Sirdar Snowflake Chunky - the color I chose was 'Frosted Pink'. My niece looked pretty as a picture wearing the ensemble.
I like the fact that both companies produce knitting patterns to accompany their fibers: you just buy the yarn and the easy-to-follow pattern and in no time at all you have something trendy and beautiful to wear.
Berroco and Sirdar knitting yarn are for those who love funky, modern designs. Those who prefer to knit more traditional designs using hand dyed yarn and such like, won't appreciate the modern look of some of their fiber although they both make yarn that is fine for more traditional styles.
Follow the links for Berroco yarn and Sirdar yarn as well as unusual hand dyed yarn like qiviut and Uruguayan wool.
Source: www.isnare.com
