I like hand-dyed and shop de-stashes because I I don't want to promote over-consumption. I want to give unused yarns a new loving home.
So I can make it affordable that way, but I still get quality wool blends.
I use a lot of acrylic for everyday sweaters and gifts, usually from Michaels, Walmart, Mary Maxim & destashes, because I want it machine wash/dry. For shawls/socks/sweaters for special occasions, I usually buy at festivals & my LYS which have higher quality stuff. When I think about it I really shop for each project and buy the yarn that suits the needs for that project. It runs the gamut from really cheap to really expensive and from anywere I can get what I want. I have been known to even buy from antique and thrift stores. Whatever works.
Thanks for the responses guys! Gonna go check out the Red heart since they seem super popular.
Will keep an eye out on others as well.
I appreciate all the responses.
If you’re looking to save money, maybe you could try thrifting sweaters and unraveling them for the yarn. It’s honestly very laborious but I like the process. You first unravel the yarn and then wash and “block” the yarn to get rid of the curly texture of the yarn. A yarn ball winder and yarn swift make the process much easier, but it’s 100% possible to do it without any equipment
Love acrylic so I use what I can find but if you don't mind shopping online then there's always the big brands like knitting for olives or premier yarns. I'd recommend waiting to treat yourself on the online websites though so that you can spend enough to get free shipping