(1 Skein) Lion Brand Yarn Mandala Yarn, Troll

Gorgeous, soft, easy to work with, fabulous colors

I was fortunate enough to be able to purchase one each of several colors of this yarn when it first came out. I wanted to buy more but apparently it is sold-out everywhere until September/October (it is now June.) Because I only had one skein, I developed a diagonal scarf pattern that, for me, shows the color changes and works for my needs. I will include that pattern in the comments at the end of this review for anyone who might want to try it.I was really happy to find that Lion Brand brought out their color change yarn in acrylic and in a size 3 weight (the other brands are currently all worsted weight 4 and at least one includes wool.) I love the drape of a sports weight 3 for clothing items. That they included 590 yards on the yarn cake is also an outstanding plus.The yarn is spun as a cake rather than a skein. That means that pulling from the center is not advisable. You can find the end and try it but eventually you will hollow out the center and have a floppy cake that cannot hold its shape. You can always ball the yarn (and be able to see and deal with any problems you come across. As I like to pull from the center of skeins and don't like to have a cake or ball spinning around on my lap while I stitch, I found and am using a yarn dispenser. There are a number available but this is the one that I found that I like best (though I had to make a small fix to it which is included in my review.) Yarn Dispenser by Yarn Valet - Non-Slip Base with Built-In Holder for Markers, Pattern and 4" Gauge RulerThe color changes are immediate – it does not slowly blend from one to the other. That would also be a beautiful style yarn and I hope Lion Brand comes out with that, too. Maybe Mandala Gradient? However, on Mandala yarn, the changes are abrupt.Personally, I like that. I have two adult daughters that I love to crochet items for. One doesn't like yellow and the other doesn't like pink. With the generous amount of yarn I get on these cakes and the abrupt changes, I can snip out the color they don't like and rejoin the yarn and continue on. I save the color I snipped out to use for the other daughter (if the colors works) or to use in my amigurumi projects.The yarn has a soft feel but has a good twist and substance considering its weight. I've used two different color skeins thus far and have not run into a knot. I fully expect to do so as even the most expensive hand-dyed yarns I own have knots in them from time to time. What I did find was that one of the yarns (Warlock) is more of a heathered yarn than the other one (Phoenix). As I have found with other heather yarn, sometimes the “heathering” is inconsistent with tiny knobs of it showing up thicker from time to time. I keep my sharp embroidery scissors handy and carefully snip off the excess heather “fuzz” when that happens.I'm looking forward to when this yarn is available in quantities once again. I am planning a variety of projects which will utilize the lovely color changes and hope that Lion Brand will come out with more color choices, including some which remain in a color family. I will add photos of the scarves that I finish as I go along and will update this review if I come across any issues.

The blanket is am making turning out so beautiful because of this yarn. It is so soft and so colorful. I love it so much

A nice, soft yarn that doesn't split. It is very easy to work with. I am making a few baby blankets for my expected great grandchild. The variations in color work out beautifully.

Overall, pretty happy with this yarn. This is the second time using it. I like that there was only 1 tied knot so far in the almost 600 yards. I was using another yarn that had many places where yarn was tied together with under 300 yards in that skein.I love the colors and the subtle color changes. I would give this 5 stars if the yarn was more uniform in size and softness within the skein, in some places, yarn is thinner and some colors are stiffer than other colors as it changes throughout. Would probably purchase again though, it works up nicely when making a blanket and has a nice drape to it.

Love Love Love this Mandela....I have made many gifts with it...the colors are so vibrant and restful at the same time...:-)

A good yarn for sweaters and accessories for those with sensitive skin. Comfortable, machine washable, easy to knit. Especially good for babies and children.

This yarn is easy to use and is soft enough for baby blankets! Love this yarn!