Growing up in the 80's, I learned to crochet with Red Heart yarn. We didn't have access to all the luxury yarns available today. As an adult, once I picked up knitting and crocheting again, I dismissed acrylic yarns as somehow inferior to all those expensive luxury yarns. (I wasn't quite a yarn snob, but I didn't like the feel of acrylic while working with it.) But I've since used Red Heart to make several afghans and throws, and I have to say I've totally changed my mind. I now recognize it for the value it really is: it's inexpensive, widely available, and virtually indestructible. (I still have and use an afghan my mom made me with RHSS about thirty years ago.) I also think the yarn has a lot of body and a decent twist. And by far, its best characteristic has to be its easy washability. I love that I can toss this in a washer and dryer and not fret about it. In a house with pets and/or children, that's an absolute must for me. I've thrown exclusivity out the window in favor of function and practicality. I like knowing that when I gift a handmade blanket to a loved one that it's going to hold up and not accidentally be felted or destroyed in some way!