I didn't want to like this yarn. Like many yarn artists, I have, not-so-fond memories of learning to crochet with this scratchy synthetic fiber .... but also like many fiber enthusiasts, I appreciate enough positive things about this yarn it has become a staple in my yarn stash.The positives:So many beautiful colorsPriceDurability of steelEasy to work withEasy to find and color matchMachine washes and driesSoftens more with each washThe negatives:It's scratchy and some colorways are more scratchy than othersI did follow the advice of some red heart enthusiasts and use fabric softener (which i am generally not a fan of) to soften my projects during the blocking process. This works wonderfully! The yarn does soften. Like 10 times more than upon original use. I've even heard of yarn artists placing the skein in a knee high panty hose and rinsing some fabric softener through it prior to working with it. I haven't tried that myself and likely won't, but it's an interesting idea.I mean if I must work with synthetic fibers, the durability and easy care instructions are easily 2 of many selling points in this yarn. I now have many, many skeins just waiting to become... something.