Searching for a basic worsted...

I'd suggest Woolease, but HL doesn't have the worsted as far as I know, just the thick one, and they don't have much else along those lines. Hancock Fabrics carries it if there's one close to you. Online, there's knitpicks.com with its Swish superwash; a lot of people like Plymouth Encore and Cascade 220 washable which are available online.

sue

I don't know about it being the highest quality, but in my local town, Beverly's Fabric carries the best selection of lower-priced yarn, and on the internet, there is Marymaxim.com and herrschners.com

Also, smileysyarns.com has odd lots for dirt cheap.

Look for Plymouth Encore.

I prefer 100% natural fibers myself so I use Cascade, Brown Sheep, or my own handspun depending on the ultimate disposition of the FO.

I forgot to mention Paton's has some wool/acrylic blends and so do Bernat. You can get a lot of these yarns online by the bag or discounted

Hey, Melinda,

Thanks for the heads-up on Smileysyarns. I've never heard of them and so I now have their site bookmarked!

So much for my yarn diet.....

lisa

Patons Classic Merino

Shelagh

Only problem with Mary Maxim is that most of their yarns are acrylic.

Shelagh

Not washable.

sue

I wash it. Just don't use hot water, and don't put it in the drier.

Higs, Katherine

Doesn't the agitation felt it some? Or do you just put in to soak and spin?

sue

At last my news server is up and running again so that I can thank all those who responded. I will pursue each suggestion. I want to have a basic yarn that I can use whenever needed for slippers, mittens, and (present urgency) wristlets for grandchildren who play in snow. (Wool is warm even when wet, hence that particular requirement.)

Again, thank each and every person who responded.

Regards,

Leslie