This is a nice thick yarn and excellent for someone with low vision or just starting out with needle crafts. The colors are as pictured and the yarn is of the good quality I expect from this brand. I have not yet washed it- but based on how it handles while working I expect it to wash and dry just fine- there is no indication of excessive shedding or any other cause for concern about durability. Definitely soft enough for things like a scarf that would come in contact with one's face.