If you thrift yarn like I do, you already know the big question isn’t just “is it pretty?”—it’s “how old is this yarn, and is it still good?” In this video I’m walking you through my best tips for figuring out the age of mystery skeins, especially vintage yarn you find at the thrift, estate sales, or in those random donation bags. I talk about what I look for first (labels, logos, dye lots, and how the packaging is printed), and then I get into the hands-on stuff like texture, smell, elasticity, and whether the fibers feel dried out or still have some life to them. I also share the practical, frugal side of it—because I’m not here to be precious. I want you to be able to make a smart decision fast: what’s safe to buy, what’s worth testing at home, and what should be a hard pass even if it’s “vintage.” The takeaway is simple: you don’t have to be a yarn historian to thrift successfully. With a few quick checks, you can spot older yarn, avoid the gross surprises, and still score amazing deals for your stash.