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I am an affiliate at LoveCrafts but I didn’t feel right promoting something to you that I had never tried. Although they came highly recommended, I felt the need to try their products. Paintbox Yarn is available exclusively from LoveCrafts, therefore, this was the product I wanted to try.

I stumbled across LoveCrochet one day when I found a pattern I loved on their website. In fact, their website offers lots of patterns (free and paid), along with inspiration and how-tos. LoveCrafts is a combination of LoveKnitting and LoveCrochet and was founded by three people who after seeing the makers in their lives struggle to find all their craft inspiration and materials in one place, they decided to change this. They built an online place for crafters to feel inspired, connected, and find every little thing they need.

I want you know that even though I am an affiliate, I have remained honest in my review of the Paintbox yarns by LoveCrafts. Actually, I have dropped out of some affiliate programs when I found that I did not like their products. I do not want to promote something to you that I do not like myself. So, on with the review…..

THE YARN

This was the first time I every ordered yarn from Lovecrafts.  In fact, this was my very first online order for any yarn.  And I was NOT disappointed.  My decision to order Paintbox Yarns was based on a recommendation from a crochet group I belong to along with the rave reviews I found on the web.  I fell in love with the colors offered as well as helpful hints and FREE projects they offered on their website. 

My first order consisted of two types of yarn. The Paintbox DK Cotton yarn and the Paintbox Simply Aran.

Look and Feel

Paintbox Yarn comes in a variety of weights.  You also have a choice of 100% Acrylic or 100% Cotton or a variety of wool or nylon blends.  And the colors!! Over 50 shades.    I did find that the colors of the yarn are much brighter in person than shown on your computer screen. 

The acrylic yarn was so soft and buttery and has a light sheen to it.  It crocheted very smoothly with no problems. My only complaint was that it was very difficult to find the end in the center of the skein so I crocheted from the outside. 

Although I have not tried to crochet with the cotton yarn yet, I really like the look and feel of the yarn. It is softer than most cotton yarns and has a lovely matte look.    

Price

The regular price for 100 grams (3.5 oz) of the acrylic “Simply” yarns – DK, Aran and Chunky  – is $3.00US.  The cotton comes in 50 gram (1.7 oz) skeins for the same $3.00US price tag. Prices are slightly higher for the blends.

Even though the price of this yarn is well below other yarns of this quality, I recommend watching for sales.  LoveCrafts constantly rotates what it puts on sale so if you wait long enough the type of yarn you want will be on sale again soon.  And there are very few conditions on their coupons.  I found that if an item is on sale for 30% off and you have a 15% off coupon, you get BOTH discounts. With a sale price and a 20% off coupon (see below), I ending up paying about $1.80 per ball.

Customer Service

OMG what service!  My fault, I had forgot to add one item to my order.  A second order would mean another shipping charge!  So, I used the little box in the bottom of the screen marked “HELP”. 

Within minutes, my problem was solved.  I had asked to add to my order.  The agent informed me that she could not add to the existing order but TADA!  she gave me a coupon for FREE shipping!  I wasn’t able to use my 15% off coupon but on $3.00 oh well, it was my fault.   So two orders were on the way.

And your purchase is no risk because if you do not like the yarn or ordered too much, you can return any used skeins within 120 days for a full refund.

Arrival

I placed my order on June 5 and the first pretty pink package was in my mailbox  June 13. (the second arrived the next day).  This is great for Canada!  The yarn came in a cute little bag and because the bag is sheer, I can see what’s in it.  I absolutely love this idea because I can carry my project complete with yarn, hook and instructions in this bag and know which project I am taking along.  Another PIB (if you are unfamiliar with this term – click here). 

BUT the best thing about my order was that not only did I receive a “welcome to the family” postcard, it included a coupon for 20% off my next order!! 

Overall, I absolutely LOVE this yarn.  It is soft, crochets nicely, comes in tons of colors and what is best is the price!  If you want to try it, you can get 15% off your first order if you sign up for their newsletter.  I already placed another order using my 20% off coupon!! and look forward to making many more projects with this yarn.

The cons…other than the chunky pots and sock weight yarn, Paintbox yarn does not offer any self striping or tweed type shades. And it’s tough to find that center end without a lot of yarn barf !

THE TOP

I choose the Midnight Top to test the Paintbox yarn. There are so many crocheted tank top patterns out there but I was looking for something that used the 4 Weight yarn.  I found this top on a Facebook group and everyone who made it looked gorgeous.  Thick or thin, tall or short.  And it also looked magnificent in every color.

The pattern for the Midnight Top was designed by  Rachel at Desert Blossom Crafts as a crochet-along (CAL).  Although I was a little late in crocheting along, I was making it anyway.

Overall this pattern was fast and easy.  Once the yoke is complete it is straight double crochet.  I made mine in a few days and it looks Fabulous! The Paintbox yarn crocheted exactly to gauge and the top feels great on. I think I will try it again with some cotton yarn next time so the top will be cooler.

I have been VERY pleased with both the Paintbox Yarns as well as my new Midnight Top!!