Last summer I came across a Facebook post by <a href="http://www.etsy.com">Etsy</a> promoting the <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperPhine?ref=shop_sugg#">Esty shop PaperPhine</a>.  I was so intrigued by what I saw that I had to have it.  It reminded me a lot of <a href="http://habutextiles.com/yarn">Habu Textiles</a> (a personal favorite), but made out of paper!  I contacted Linda, owner of <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperPhine?ref=shop_sugg#">PaperPhine</a>, and ordered some of her yarn.  She was nice enough to include some extra samples of her other yarns as well.  Here is what she sent me:

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=3121" rel="attachment wp-att-3121"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3121" title="PaperPhine1" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/PaperPhine1.png" alt="" width="500" height="136" /></a>

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=3122" rel="attachment wp-att-3122"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-3122" title="PaperPhine2" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/PaperPhine2.png" alt="" width="500" height="136" /></a>

I wasn't sure what to expect when I ordered this yarn.... the only thing I knew I could expect was something very very unusual.  The PaperPhine yarns range from a cobweb weight all the way through a flatter ribbon/raffia type yarn that is heavier and closer to a chunky weight.  Each yarn has a unique texture and feel... even though they are all 100% paper!  How does she do it?!  In addition to all the weights and textures the colors are amazing! She has everything from neutrals to lime green! Wow!

I am still playing around with this yarn.  I started crocheting it, I thought crochet might be a little more forgiving.  I'm not sure what I'm making yet.... it looks like it might end up being a market bag or a bowl-like object.  We'll see... I'll keep you posted on any progress.  I have the most of the lace weight, so I might make something like a lace shawl with it.... still not sure.  It'll be a very fun experiment.  I might make coasters out of the rest, that seems like it would be interesting.

<a href="http://graceakhrem.com/?attachment_id=3123" rel="attachment wp-att-3123"><img class="aligncenter size-medium wp-image-3123" title="DSC_0001" src="http://graceakhrem.com/wpdev/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/DSC_0001-500x334.jpg" alt="" width="500" height="334" /></a>

The one thing you wouldn't expect from these products is strength, but I am here to tell you first hand, this stuff is strong and sturdy!  Just don't use your fabric scissors to cut it, because technically its paper... I wouldn't want to take any chances of dulling my scissors by cutting paper (yarn).  I haven't tried blocking or washing these yarns yet, but it seems like it would hold up pretty well to water and heat.  I'll keep you posted on this as well.

Are you intrigued by <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaperPhine?ref=shop_sugg#">PaperPhine</a> but not sure this is the right yarn for your knitting or crochet? No problem! Linda has an AWESOME and inspiring <a href="http://www.paperphine.com/">blog</a> where she discusses all kinds of uses for her products beyond knitting and crochet.
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