Trial - DMC Natura XL

Since Sirdar and DMC have joined up, we now have access to the DMC range of yarns. We took the opportunity to try something that neither Sharon nor I have seen before - a super chunky cotton yarn!  We only have 1 of the colours out of 30 bright and wonderful shades available - this lovely teal  If it proves popular then we will expand the range to include more colours.  We selected the planter pattern for its unusualness, as it reminds me of macrame!  I've almost finished the teal version of the pattern and its been such a quick but really enjoyable crochet!  It takes 1 ball and a 5.5mm hook, plus a couple of hours (depending on how many questions you're fielding from hungry kids!).  Technical details - 100% cotton, 100g and 75m/82yds on a ball, 8-9mm needles or 6-7mm hook (planter is done to a tighter gauge to make it stronger!) with a gauge of 12 sts and 17rows.  It's machine washable at 30 degrees.  I think it is best suited to home accessories like baskets, bags etc.  

Please let us know your thoughts on this yarn, is it something that you would like to see in your local yarn shop?  what would you use it for?