Reason 428 why vintage stuff is always better.

There’s a long-running argument in the online knit/crochet community about the relative benefits of natural fibers vs synthetics. Generally, the acrylic lovers remind us about affordability, durability and machine washability, while the most ardent wool fans believe that an acrylic afghan will kill your baby in his sleep. (I’m only partially kidding — these arguments get unbelievably heated on ye olde interwebs.)

Oftentimes, even among natural fiber fans, the sustainability question raises its ugly head: ought you buy mass-produced yarn, yarn that was produced through rampant pesticide use factory farming and probably even slave labor?

And, as if on cue, in walk the smartasses: people who can be relied upon to ask, “but what about organic acrylic?” Almost everyone laughs. It defuses the situation and allows people to take a step back and realize that all this arguing won’t get 8 pairs of mittens knit before Christmas morning.

Couldn't you see Rhoda Morgenstern rocking this with a big pair of trousers and a headscarf?

Right about now you’re asking “Why is Norm blathering on about all this? Doesn’t she have better things to do with her morning?” (Yeah, I know you’re not actually thinking that, but bear with me for a moment.) Well, my friends, it’s because I found something yesterday. I was cleaning off the pile of clothes from my dresser and found this sweater that Mr Deplume’s mom handed down to me a while back. I’ve never worn it, because it’s see-through and I have no idea what to put on under it, but I still kinda like it in a vintage, Mary Tyler Moore sort of way.

And then I looked at the label.

"Organically Grown Sweaters by Arpeja"

It’s the elusive and incredibly rare Organic Acrylic! And Organic Nylon! Together in one garment! Surely this thing is worth some dough. They just don’t make ‘em like they used to, eh? I think I’ll keep the sweater. I need to figure out what I should wear under it. Maybe an acetate camisole.