Yarnswatch

Noro Kochoran

2009-02-17T18:10:00.003-05:00

Kochoran
Noro Yarns
50% Wool, 20% Silk, 30% Angora
100 g = 176 yds
Gauge: 3.5 per inch on US needle size: 10
My color: 57
My source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Finally, a soft yarn from Noro! I stand corrected. They CAN make a soft yarn. Obviously, the colors are gorgeous. I am very bothered my angora when I'm knitted, but this did not bother me at all. I really love the colors in this particular hank. However, as usual with Noro, I found a knot right away, which throws off the color patterning.

2009-02-17T15:44:00.000-05:00

Silk Strands
Kaalund Yarns
100% mulberry silk
50g = 108m/118yds
Gauge: 20sts x 22.5 rows to 4" on US size 8 needles
My color: Magnolia
My source: Knit Stop
Pattern Stitch: Japanese Feathers

The yarn is wonderful! One ball made this whole scarf. The colors are gorgeous and it is truly a pleasure to work with.

Noro Silk Garden Lite

2009-02-15T15:18:00.003-05:00

Silk Garden Lite

Noro

45% Silk, 45% Mohair, 10% Lambswool

50 g = 122 yds

Gauge: 4.5sts/1" on 7-8 US needle

My Color: 2013

Noro does such beautiful colors. Why can't they just do it with soft, high quality yarns? This is a scratchy one. I wouldn't want it for a next-to-the-skin garment. And why is it scratchy? Kid mohair? Lambswool? Silk? What's to be scratchy? I don't get it. You'll love the colors, though. They are gorgeous.

Ty-Dy Socks

2009-01-22T12:45:00.009-05:00

Ty-Dy Socks
Knit One Crochet Too
80% wool/20% nylon
100 gr = 436 yards
Gauge: 34 sts per 4" on US size 1 (2.25mm) needles
My color: 1689 BUTTER BLUE

Interesting yarn with fairly long color repeats. The blending of colors is slightly different than Noro, with little bits of the other colors bleeped here and there before you get a full run of the next color. I actually knit this sock on a size 2 because that's what I had available at the time, and the fabric is nice and taut. Check out their range of colors. There are some really pretty ones.

Camelino: One Hump or Two?

2009-01-20T13:40:00.007-05:00

Camelino
Knit One Crochet Too
90% Merino wool/10% camel
50 g = 109 yds.
Gauge: 20 sts to 4 in. on US 7 needles
My Color: 737

A very pretty yarn with good stitch definition. There are purl stitches beside the cable, but they wanted to rib up with the stockinette beside them. Should have done the background in reverse stockinette. Not the fault of the yarn, the fault of the knitter. I liked it and would use it again.

Hippie Chic

2009-01-20T11:33:00.003-05:00

Ty-Dy

Knit One Crochet Too

100% Cotton

Gauge: 20 sts/4 in. on US #7 needle

100 grams = 196 yards

Color: 891

Very interesting color changes. Of course, this would look quite different when knitted in much longer rows or in the round for a sweater. The clor changes would happen much sooner and the stripes would be much more narrow. I am not a fan of cotton, but this is an interesting yarn for those of you that do. It did not split while I was knitting it with Denise needles, and felt good in my hands. I am a loose knitter, so I would go down to a size 6 at most, rather than the size 7 suggested on the label, as this fabric is a bit too loose for my taste. Tighter knitters should have no such problems.

Malabrigo Sock Yarn

2008-12-17T19:08:00.003-05:00

Malabrigo Sock Yarn

Malabrigo Yarns

100% Superwash Merino Wool

100g= 440 yds

Gauge: Approx. 8 sts/inch

Recommended Needle Size: 1-3 US

My Color: 850 Archangel

Needle size used in this sample: US 0

Pattern: Practice sock from Cat Bordhi's, "New Directions for Sock Knitters"

The colors are gorgeous! The yarn is very skinny, and could probably be used for lace knitting. The skeins are generous, with 440 yards, so you only need one for a pair of socks, and only one for a small shawl.

Silk Stralis

2008-10-21T15:45:00.010-05:00

Silk-stralis

Kaaland Yarns

50% cultivated silk 50% wool
50g =120m/131yds
Gauge: 25 sts x 27.5 rows to/4" on US size 6 needles
My Color: Coral Trout

Gorgeous yarn. Wonderful to work with. I will definitely use this one again.

Malabrigo Silky Merino

2008-10-10T09:08:00.004-05:00

Silky Merino

Malabrigo Yarns
50% Silk, 50% Baby Merino wool
50 g = 150 yds.
My color: Nocturnal 472
My source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Pattern: Palindrome Reversible Cable Scarf<

If you like Malabrigo and you like silk,then you'll love the mix of the two in this yarn. The colors are what you would expect from Malabrigo and a kettle dyed yarn. The silk gives the yarn a beautiful sheen. It's thick and sturdy enough to be a gorgeous hat, but thin enough to make a soft scarf.

Jo Sharp Classic DK Wool

2008-10-10T09:01:00.005-05:00

Classic DK Wool
Jo Sharp
100% Pure Wool
50g = 107 yds
Gauge: 22.5 sts and 30 rows to 4 in. using US size 6 needle
My color: Smoke 339
My source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Pattern Stitch: Baudelaire, by Cookie A., Knitty.com Summer 2006

A sturdy yarn, this one comes in quite an array of colors, and would be great for color work. It is somewhat stiff in the ball, but may soften up after washing. Its crispness would make it great for cables.

You've Got Class

2008-10-10T07:33:00.003-05:00

Class

Aslan Trends

55% Cotton, 45% Viscose

100 g = 240 yds.

Gauge: 5-6 sts/in. on US 4-7 needles

My Color: 947

My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

From their website: This sport-weight cotton-viscose blend is delicate, fun and with a soft light sheen. Its a gorgeous extra light yarn perfect for that special spring summer project.

There is a very nice sheen to this yarn, and its drape would make it great for a summer or dressy but not hot shawl. It would be equally pretty in a sweater. There are many colors to choose from, and the tone on tone quality makes the yarn more interesting.

Mericash Express 2

2008-10-10T07:23:00.004-05:00

Mericash Solid

Punta del Este Yarns

80 % merino wool, 20 % mongolian cashmere
50 grs. = 263 yrs.
Gauge: 24 sts /4"

My Color: 414

My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Pattern: Waves of Grain, Knitty.com Fall 2008

So soft, so gushy. I loved this yarn. It is heavier than laceweight, but makes beautiful lace with a little more body. As you can see from the swatch, it would make a beautiful scarf or shawl. Baby clothes would be equally beautiful, though they would need to be hand washed.

Give me a little Hempathy

2008-10-09T18:09:00.002-05:00

Hempathy

Elsebeth Lavold

40% Hemp, 40% Cotton, 20% Modal
50 g=175 yd
Gauge: 22-23 sts /4" on US 4 needles

My color: 015

From the Elsebeth Lavold website: A lovely yarn, made up of 40% Hemp, 40% Cotton and 20% Modal. The hemp content provides for a great drape and a linen-like feel, the cotton adds softness, and the modal provides elasticity.

I agree with their description, but for this swatch, I held two strands together throughout, and thus, ended up with a thicker swatch. One strand would definitely be drapey and nice shawl. The website also gives links to several patterns using this yarn.

Mericash Express

2008-10-09T13:20:00.003-05:00

MERICASH KALEIDOSCOPE
Punta del Este Yarns
80 % merino extra fine, 20 % mongolian cashmere
50 grs = 66 yds.
Gauge: 19 sts. to 4 in.

My Color : Kal01

My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

I loved this yarn! It is very soft and natural feeling. It's very lightly woolen spun, so pilling may become a problem, but I'd LOVE to have a coat out of this. It will be very soft and very warm.

Hi Ho Taiyo

2008-10-09T13:09:00.002-05:00

Taiyo

Noro Yarns

40% Cotton, 30% Silk, 15% Wool, 15% Nylon

100 g=220 yds

Gauge: 4-4.5 on US Needle size: 7-8

My Color: 4

My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

My Pattern: Aria by Lynne Barr from her book, Knitting New Scarves

Another lovely blend of colors by Noro. The yarn is soft, but there were several little colorful stick-like things stuck in here and there. I just pulled them out as I came to them. This little scarf-ette swatch was fun to do. If you haven't seen Lynne Barr's book, I suggest you check it out. Very interesting.

Country Cashmere

2008-10-09T12:57:00.004-05:00

Country Cashmere

Filatura di Crosa

70% Merino Wool, 30% Cashmere

50 g = 46 yds.

My Color: 302229

My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

A nice, cushy yarn, woolen spun, so prone to pilling. Would make a nice warm hat, thick scarf, or heavy coat, though the pilling might be a problem with the coat, where there is more friction.

Elsebeth Lavold Angora

2008-10-09T11:07:00.000-05:00

Angora
Elsebeth Lavold
60% Angora, 20% Wool, 20% Polyamide
50g = 91 yds.
Gauge: 17 sts /4" on US 7-8 needles
My Color: 026 Citric
My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

I expected this yarn to be limpy and wimpy, as some angora yarns can be. However, it was surprisingly robust. It made a nice, thick swatch, and I can definitely see it in a very cozy cardigan, or a hat and gloves for a nice warm winter set.

Playing Possum

2008-10-01T17:48:00.005-05:00

Kia Ora 8-ply

Rimu Blend

Zealana Yarns

Distributed in the US by Yarn Sisters

60% Merino Wool

40% New Zealand Possum

No gauge information is given on the label, but I used a US size 9 for this swatch, and got 3.5 sts per inch.

My color: Boysenberry

My source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

From the Yarn Sisters website: "Like the deep, rich-colored timber, native to New Zealand, this sumptuous yarn is strong and hard-wearing. A blend of 60% fine New Zealand Merino and 40% New Zealand possum fiber with a silky, warm touch you’ll have to feel to believe! "

This is not the animal you find dead on the side of the road, or live hanging from a tree by its tail here in the US. No, this possum is a different animal, and its fiber is nearly as soft as cashmere, and quite durable. New Zealand is overrun with these animals, which are native to Australia, NOT to New Zealand. You can read here to learn about the eco problems they have caused in that country, but the upshot is, we now have a new fiber to knit with. It is quite lovely, soft, cushy, takes dyes well, and is a joy to knit with.

Rowan Tapestry

2008-10-01T16:19:00.003-05:00

Tapestry

Rowan Yarns

70% wool and 30% soybean protein fiber

50 Grams=131 Yards

Gauge: 5.5sts per 1" #6 US needle

My Color: 172

My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

One of my pet peeves: knots in balls of yarn. Within 5 rows of knitting 22 stitches, I encountered my first knot in this ball. Still, the colors are beautiful, the hand is soft and comfortable, and the sheen is lovely. If you don't like Edamame, you can get your soybeans in your yarn!

Koigu Mori

2008-09-28T11:55:00.003-05:00

Mori

Koigu Yarns

50% merino and 50% silk

185 yards

Gauge: 7 stitches per inch on US 3

My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Another beautiful yarn from Koigu, but this time, there is silk involved! It's just like the KPPPM sock yarn, but is 50% silk. It feels great, knits up beautifully, and comes in a gorgeous array of colors.

Rowan Damask

2008-09-28T11:21:00.002-05:00

Damask
Rowan
57% Viscose 22% Linen 21% Acrylic
Approx. 115 yds/50g
Weight: DK
Gauge: 5.5 sts/1in on Needle: US 6
My Color: 41

A very pretty yarn with very little pattern support. It's much softer to work with than a pure linen yarn, and would still make a cool, lightweight garment.

Alp Feza

2008-09-22T18:07:00.003-05:00

Alp

Feza

3½ ounce (100 gram) hanks of approximately 210 yards

Gauge will vary according to the size needle used,from 5 sts per inch on US #8 (5mm) to 3½ sts per inch on US #13 (9mm)

The poor man's answer to Prism yarn. Beautiful colors, all different yarn types combined.

Noro Kureyon

2008-09-22T18:05:00.008-05:00

Kureyon

Noro

Fiber: 100% Wool

Yardage: 110

Gauge: 5 st per inch on US needle size: 7

My color: #188 - Moss, Purples, Navy, Black, Pink

My source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

I made this sweater to match the Kureyon socks I made. This is a medium soft wool of beautiful colors, but unfortunately, it has slubs of unspun fiber along the way. To manage these slubs, I just wet those spots and rubbed the heck out of them between my hands to felt them down to the same size as the rest of the yarn.

Kureyon Sock Yarn

2008-09-22T18:04:00.004-05:00

Kureyon Sock

Noro

Fiber: 70% Wool, 30% Nylon

Yardage: 462

Gauge: 7.5 per inch on needle size: 2

Just like the heavier weight Kureyon, this sock yarn also has the little slubs of unspun fiber along the way. I used the spit splice method to whittle them down to the right size.

2008-09-22T18:01:00.003-05:00

Silk Garden Sock
Noro
40% wool, 25% Silk, 25% Nylon and 10% Mohair.
Yardage: 328 yards
Gauge: 6.5 sts per inch on a US #3 needle.
My Color: S8
My Source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

This will make beautiful socks and scarves, in a bit heavier that normal sock yarn weight. The color changes are very pleasing and typically Noro.

Shepherd's Wool

2007-11-25T16:41:00.000-05:00

Shepherd's Wool

Stonehedge Fiber Mill

From their website: This three-ply yarn is spun to 1000 yards per pound, which in 4-ounce skeins is 250 yards per skein. It knits like any commercial worsted weight yarn, about 5 stitches to the inch on size 6-8 needles. This yarn is worsted spun, meaning it's very very smooth and almost shiny in appearance. It will give great stitch definition for intricate patterns such as lace, cables, and knit/purl patterns.

I LOVED this yarn! It is so very soft and fluffy, yet has beautiful stitch definition. It would make a spectacular Aran sweater, soft enough to wear right next to the skin. I found this at Stitches Midwest, and fell in love with it. These folks have milled other people's yarn for several years, and finally decided to manufacture some of their own. We are the luckier for their decision. You will not be disappointed with this yarn, nor with its price: only $8.99 for a 250 yard skein.

A Robin's Egg in a Pear Tree

2007-10-21T13:49:00.000-05:00

4-ply Baby Yarn
Pear Tree Yarns
100% merino wool
50 grams = 175 yards
Gauge: 6.25 stitches per inch on US 3 Needles
My Color: Robin's Egg
Retail Price: $10.00

What a nice surprise this was! Notice the little specks of color in the close-up. This yarn is incredibly soft and wonderful to work with. It would truly do well for baby projects, or anything you want to wear next to the skin. It was so soft that I was sure it had alpaca or angora in it. But, no, it is just 100% merino wool. And a fine wool it is, too. It comes in heavier weights for larger projects as well. I highly recommend it.

Mongolian Cashmere 4-ply

2007-09-16T09:55:00.000-05:00

Mongolian Cashmere 4-ply

Jade Sapphire

100 % Mongolian Cashmere
Gauge: 4¾-6 stitches/inch on US size 3-5 needles
55 grams = 200 yds.
My color: 68 Raspberry Mousse

Retail price: $36.75

Another hit from Jade Sapphire. What's not to like about cashmere? This stuff is incredibly soft and wonderful to work with. The pattern here is from 200 Stitch Patterns for Baby Blankets. It is called GROTTO and is pattern number 113, and is crocheted. It was enjoyable and easily memorized. I could have kept knitting this one forever!

Cruisin'

2007-08-19T13:11:00.000-05:00

Cruise
Twinkle Yarns
70% Silk, 30% Cotton
50 gms = 120yds
My color: 39 Periwinkle

This yarn is a skinny, multi-ply yarn. In order to make this pattern, the Hamptons Halter (from Twinkle's Big City Knits), you have to hold 4 strands of the yarn together. That is, you must wind 4 hanks into 4 balls, then wind the 4 balls into one ball. That was a royal pain in the tush. If I was to do it again, I would probably just use a fatter yarn to begin with. But, I did what the pattern called for. There were only a few times when a ply got away from its friends and gave me trouble. The silk makes this a very nice yarn. Another warning abou the pattern, though: Something is wrong with the directions for the large size bra part. The bottom went along very quickly, but once I got to the bra part, I ended up taking it apart many times. I'm a pretty good knitter, but this one got the best of me. I was working on it while at Stitches Midwest, and Shelly, owner of Knitterly in Peta Luma, CA, said a customer of hers made it and had no problems, but she made one of the smaller sizes. Therefore, I think the problem is in the large size directions. I ended up just making the bra part in stockinette. The girls with me all thought it looked better that way for a bustier girl, anyway, to have less going on in the bra.

2007-08-18T12:50:00.000-05:00

Rock Star & Cleopatra

Cleopatra up close

Cleopatra Ribbon
Tilli Tomas Yarn Co.
Nile threaded with large European Glass Beads
65% Dupioni Silk, 35% Bead
Gauge: 6.5 stitches = 4 " on recommended needle Size: #11
100 gr = 65 yds
My color: Burnt Orange

Rock Star
Tilli Tomas Yarn Co.
Spun silk studded with round glass beads
Pure and Simple studded with European Glass beads
70% Spun Silk, 30% Beads
Gauge: 5 stitches = 1 "on recommended needle Size: #7
100 grams = 100-150 yds
My color: Burnt Orange

To see this beautiful garment, click here . It is a shawl I made to test the pattern my friend, Nancy George, designed. It is called Simply Heaven Jacket/Shawl. The pattern can be purchased at http://www.knit-stop.com/ .

While I LOVE most Tilli Tomas yarns, I must say that this batch of Cleopatra was terrible. There are so many strings/ravelings hanging off, and the glue she uses to stick the ends together is awful! I couldn't believe a $47 skein of yarn could be such poor quality! I've seen other colors/hanks that weren't this bad. So check out your hank before you buy. I was glad when the Cleopatra part was over and I could move on to the Rock Star! That stuff is great!

Do You Dream in Color?

2007-07-16T19:50:00.001-05:00

Gaia (a.k.a. "Smooshy Sock)

Dream In Color Yarns

22 micron 100% Australian merino wool (Superwash)

Gauge: 6.5 to 8 sts. per inch on U.S. 1 to 3 needles

4 oz ≈450 yards

My Color: The ball band says 240, but looking at the website, it looks more like 250 In Vino Veritas

My Pattern: Ultimate Crocheted Socks by Dorothy Hardy in Crochet Me online magazine

From the company's website: "Inspired by the play of light in nature, our veil dyeing process brings depth and life to color, giving garments a subtle, dramatic shimmer and shine. While veil dyed yarn has all the unique character of other hand-dyed yarns, it will not “landscape” or “pool.” The result? A magnificent, flattering garment every time!"

What a wonderful yarn! I love it in all the weights, but this is the only one I've knit with. They're a company out of Chicago, which is where I first found them. But I bought the sock yarn here in Indiana at The Shuttle Shop in Warsaw, IN. I've really enjoyed working with it, and you dyehard/diehard sock knitters out there ought to give it a try if you haven't yet. The name is totally appropriate, as it is truly smooshy yarn.

Hey, Baby, What's Your Sign?

2007-07-14T13:39:00.000-05:00

Zodiac
Karabella Yarns
100% Mercerized Cotton
Gauge: 5 sts per in. on US size 7 needles
50 g = 98 yds.
My color: 404
Pattern: Ribs and Lace Tank by Jodi Green in Interweave Knits Spring 2007

Okay, okay, I know I've said it 100 times but I really do hate cotton yarn. I swear I do. But this happened to be in my stash, and I saw a pattern for it in the 2007 Spring edition of Interweave Knits, and it was SO pretty, I decided to make it. I'm glad I did. I really love how this turned out. The yarn doesn't split, and it certainly doesn't fuzz up. It was pretty before I blocked it, but after blocking it, it was truly gorgeous!

Limari

2007-07-11T18:25:00.000-05:00

Limari

Araucania
70% Wool, 20% Alpaka, 10% Silk
Gauge: 2.75 sts. per inch on US Needle Size: 11
100g = 73 yds
My Color: 569
Retail Price: $16.00

I walked into the yarn shop today and knew this had to come home with me. It is gorgeous. I quickly, and I mean quickly, knit up this swatch, thinking it was very much like Rowan Big Wool. Then when I searched for it at Araucania's own website, it wasn't even listed, it's so new. I finally found it at the distributor's site, Knitting Fever. There I found out it wasn't just wool, but also had my very favorite fiber, alpaca, along with silk! Who knew? I guess I could have read the ball band, but that would have been too easy. I enjoy a good sleuthing. So, if Rowan's colorways are a bit too bland for you, try this one on for size. It comes in a number of different hand-painted colors, which you can see at the Knitting Fever site linked to the Limari name.

2007-07-01T15:45:00.000-05:00

Mogul

Tilli Thomas Yarn Company

100% Australian Merino wool studded with glass beads

Gauge: 18 sts x 26 rows = 4" on US Needles Size: US 7

100 grams = Approximately 80 yds (this yarn is sold by weight)

My Color: Pinecone
Retail Price: $28.00

Please click on the pictures to get an upclose view of this yarn. It is so beautiful. The beads didn't cause me any trouble in knitting, as some beaded yarn can. It's an interesting change from the silk and beads that Tilli Tomas is known for. Not quite as fancy pants, but still beautiful. I made it into a short little shrug, and only needed one ball and a bit of another.

Looks Like She's Bulked Up A Little, Bless Her Heart

2007-06-23T13:39:00.000-05:00

Euroflax Linen Bulky/Chunky Weight

Louet North America

100% Wet Spun Linen
Gauge: 3.5-4 sts per inch on 5-6 mm needles (8-10 US)
Machine Washable and Dryable!
100gm = 150 yds

My Color: Blue Fescue 16-2822-2

Retail Price: $18.86

Oh, I liked this one much better than the sport weight version. I liked its bulk and its slightly haggard appearance. It softens considerably in the washer and dryer, and would make for a quick knit, or, as in this swatch, crochet garment or home decor item.

Cashmere Canapa

2007-06-22T15:18:00.000-05:00

Cashmere Canapa

Hemp for Knitting

60% cotton
30% cashmere
10% hemp
50g = 129yds
gauge: 5.5 sts = 1" on needles: US 5
My Color: Cristallo Blue

Retail price: $11.00

This was an interesting new find for me at TNNA this year. I saw a lady wearing a cute little capelet in the ladies room, and asked her what it was. She said it was cotton, cashmere and hemp. I thought that seemed like a random combination. Then minutes later, there she was selling sample kits for it at the "Sample It" event (also known as frenzied buying for 30-45 minutes by rabid knitters and cross-stitch/needlepointers). The color she was wearing was already sold out by the time I made it to the table, so I got the blue one. I can't say this is the softest yarn I've ever used, but I guess it's better to knit with hemp than it is to smoke it. Maybe it is like flax, and will soften up when worn and/or washed, but unlike a plain linen yarn, this blend, with cashmere, cannot be put in the dryer. I'll post an update after I wash it, if that is the case.

Tonalita, Tonalita, Men Have Named You

2007-06-21T14:26:00.000-05:00

Tonalita
Trendsetter Yarns
52% Wool, 48% Acrylic
50 gr = +/- 100 yards
Gauge: 4.5sts = 1" on US #9 needles
Non-Felting
My Color: 2348 Sunset
Retail price: $7.95

This is really a beautiful yarn, very soft and nice to work with. I enjoyed the changing colors, and the way the solids melded together as a strand of each was spun together, then changed to the next color singularly. I was surprised to learn that a yarn this soft had acrylic in it, but that may, indeed, be part of what makes it so soft. Unfortunately for you felters out there, it's also what makes it unfeltable. It's against-the-skin-soft, though, so it would be great for a scarf, sweater, hat, or even mittens.

Squiggle Magic

2007-06-20T10:43:00.000-05:00

Colibri

Katia Yarns

51% Cotton, 4% Nylon, 45% Acryl
19 sts, 24 rows on 4 mm needles
50 gr = 204 metres
My Color: 7500

Retail price: $14.70

If you ever wanted to make one of those Squiggle Shawls, then this might be the yarn for you. Typically, you need two yarns: a fat one and a really skinny one. You do several stitches of the skinny one, then throw the fat one in there for a few more stitches. This is done randomly and makes a neat looking fabric. Well, this yarn does it all by itself. It is both yarns in one, and all you have to do is knit. No thinking necessary, and no tangling of the two yarns together. I liked it and think it makes an interesting summer fabric.

Do That Crazy Hand Jive

2007-06-19T13:08:00.000-05:00

Fingering Weight Merino
Nature's Palette by Hand Jive Knits
100% merino wool
Gauge: 7 to 8 stitches per inch on US 1-3 needles
Retail price: $11.00
50 gr = 185 yards
My Color: Odd Duck #3, Dye Lot 916
Stitch Pattern: Twisted Rib

This is such a beautiful yarn! Darlene Hayes' colors are amazing, especially for natural dyes, which tend not to be so....colorful. As with other naturally dyed yarns and rovings I've used, this one had a teensy-tinsy bit of dye stuff particles here and there (maybe little bits of cochineal shells), but I do mean teeny bits, nothing problematic. When I washed the swatch out in a bowl, there was quite a bit of dye in the first dip, but the second rinse was better, and excess color was virtually non-existent in the third and final rinse. This yarn is machine washable, so go ahead and make your favorite pair of socks, as with this yarn, they are sure to be. Or, if modular knitting is more your thing, this would be great for that, too.

A Sunbrella and a Fan in One

2007-06-18T23:50:00.000-05:00

Ceramic

Needful Yarns

5% Ceramic, 95% Viscose.
50 gr = 98 yds.
Gauge: 16 sts x 20 rows to 4 " on US #8 needles/Metric: 5mm/UK:6 - circ

My Color: 7008

Retail price: $13.55

Neither of these photos really does this swatch justice, but the bottom one is closer to the true color. I attempted a bit of yarn-over laciness in the middle, but this yarn does not want to be lace. It's better as a straight fabric, in my opinion. I was very excited about this yarn, as I tend to run a little hot during the summer. This one claims to help you feel 5 degrees cooler, give UVA & UVB protection, and is static free. I have yet to make it into a wearable garment, so I can't confirm or deny those claims, but it's a fun, silky, squarish ribbon-like yarn, that is certainly worth a try. If you have a garment made from it, please let me know!

Chanel Number 2, and 3, and 4, and 5, and 6, but not 9 (that one's for Coco)

2007-06-17T06:06:00.000-05:00

Arusha
Curious Creek Fibers
50% Silk ~ 50% Merino Wool 2-ply
Spun in Switzerland ~ Hand-painted in the USA
100 g. = 138 yds. ~ 125 m.
Gauge: 3-3.5 st. / inch on US #11-13

Well, Coco may not have so much on me after all, as, this time, I've come closer to the look I was going for. Much better than yesterday (see original post here). All it took was a little half-linen stitch, and the Curious Creek Fibers weren't so curious after all. The trick was slipping the stitch with the yarn in front instead of in the back. It seems that any combination of their colors is gorgeous when done in this way. Even the back of the fabric is pretty. I see a turquoise and brown Chanelesque jacket in my future....

Another Coco I Am Not

2007-06-16T18:06:00.000-05:00

Arusha
Curious Creek Fibers
50% Silk ~ 50% Merino Wool 2-ply
Spun in Switzerland ~ Hand-painted in the USA
100 g. = 138 yds. ~ 125 m.
Gauge: 3-3.5 st. / inch on US #11-13
My Color: Anemone

Merinos Otto Shadow
Baruffa (distributed by Trendsetter)
100% EXTRA FINE MERINO WOOL 8 PLY
50gr. = 99 yds
Gauge: 5 sts=1" on US #8 needles
My Color: 1775 Rose Blossom

This swatch is a few different attempts at a Chanel-looking fabric. The bright colored yarn is the Arusha, while the more subtle color is the Otto Shadow. The light color of the Otto disappears in the bottom of the swatch, while the two-row slipped stitches of the middle part are a bit too long for my taste. I'm more partial to the top of the swatch, where I only slipped the stitches on one row. The Otto yarn is SO nice a soft, and very, very springy. I really loved it. The Arusha is so very beautiful. Their colors are amazing. I don't know why this yarn doesn't just walk right out of the store on a daily basis. People don't know what they're missing.

A Linen By Any Other Name is Still the Same

2007-06-14T20:09:00.000-05:00

Linen (by Louet)
Claudia's Handpainted Yarns
100% Linen - sport weight
100 grams/270 yds
Gauge: 6 sts/inch on 3 - 3.5 mm needles
My Color: Blue Terra Cotta
Retail price: $31.50

This is the same yarn as Euroflax Linen sport weight by Louet, which I have reviewed previously here. This, however, has been beautifully hand-painted by Claudia, and comes in some gorgeous colorways. It is not yet shown on her website, but if you like linen, you'll like this one. I worked this swatch in the lace pattern that is used on a camisole in Joan McGowan-Michael's new book, "Knitting Lingerie Style." I happened to get an autographed copy at TNNA this month, but you can get a signed one, too, at her website. Just click on the link to the book in this post, and it will take you to the page.

Rainbow Sherbet

2007-06-07T21:33:00.000-05:00

Kelly

Filtes-King Yarns

55% Cotton/45% Acrylic

108 Yds.
Gauge: 19 sts x 26 rows to 4" on US Needles size 8.0 (Metric:5mm UK:6 - circular)

My Color: 67

Retail Price: $4.95

This is a great yarn for a quick summer sweater like this one. It goes fast, and the color changes are fun. It makes a nice sturdy fabric on size 8 needles.

Noro Tidiori

2007-06-06T15:00:00.000-05:00

Tidiori

Noro Yarns

60% rayon, 35% nylon & 5% cashmere

40g= 97 yds.

Gauge: 20 sts per 4 inches/10cm. on size 7 U.S. (4.5mm) needles

Retail Price: $8.80

I'm not a huge fan of Noro yarns, but this one was fun. I started making a swatch, and the colors just kept changing and changing, so I didn't stop the swatch till the ball was done! It's not something you could felt, and the cashmere is not readily apparent, but the color changing makes you want to keep on knitting.

Hey, Kid, Do You Bamboo?

2007-06-04T21:26:00.000-05:00

Alchemy Bamboo

Bamboo and KidLin Pixie held together

Louet Sales KidLin Pixie

Bamboo
Alchemy Yarns
100% bamboo
Gauge: 6 stitches = 1" on US needle size: 5
50 gr = 138 yards
Color: Full Metal Alchemist 11 C
Retail price: $30.50

KidLin Pixie (Lace Wt.)
Louet Sales
49% Linen / 35% Kid Mohair / 16% Nylon
Gauge: 5 sts per inch on 3.75-4.5 mm needles (5-7 US)
50 gm = 250yds
Color: 35 Raffia Tan
Retail price: $12.50

Each of these yarns by itself is incredible, but together, they're even better. The Bamboo is so silky, and the KidLin is nice and soft. The Bamboo would make a great summer sweater or tank, with its luster and saturated color, and the two together would be great in a Fall weather garment.

Homespun?

2007-05-30T19:12:00.000-05:00

Homespun Silk

Great Adirondack Yarn Co.

50 % silk, 50 % wool

220 yards

Gauge: 4 stiches =1" on US size 9 needle

Retail price: $37.00

This yarn is as lovely to work with as it is to look at. The colors are amazing, and it shows no signs of being "homespun." It would make a gorgeous summer top or shawl.

Fabu-lous

2007-05-26T14:55:00.000-05:00

Fabu
Muench Yarns
90%Viscose, 10% Polyester.
50 gr, 72 m/79 yds
Gauge: 3 1/2 sts per 1" on US 10 needles
My Color: 4314
Retail price: $14.00

The colors in this one are gorgeous, but it is a bear to knit by itself. It really needs to be held with something else, unless you are a masochistic knitter.

Nature Cotton

2007-05-24T17:19:00.000-05:00

Nature Cotton
Araucania Yarn Co.
100% Cotton
+/- 100 gr. = 105 yd.
Gauge: 13 st. / 4" on Needle Size 5 - 6 US. / 9 - 8 UK
My Color: AZ07
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: $7.95

Yet another challenge to my "I Hate Cotton Yarns" mantra, the Nature Cotton was actually nice to work with. It was soft, unlike its mercerized cousins, and maybe the mercerization is what ai really hate. I'm certainly being made to question my mantra alot these days! This swatching has been good for my closed-minded stance towards cottons. This one is thick and thin, like a cotton verson of Manos del Uruguay wool, and is, therefore (in my humble opinion) good for more casual wear. If you want your stitches to look perfect, this one would not be a good choice. However, if you want it to feel soft, this is a great choice.

Nah Nuh, Nah Nuh, Boo Boo

2007-05-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

Big Baby
Alpaca With A Twist
100% baby alpaca
100 gr = 82 yds
Gauge: 3 stitches per inch on #11 needles
My Color: 5004 Summer Squash
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $13.00

Well, I'm not a fan of Squash, summer or otherwise, but I'm a huge fan of alpaca, and this one is no exception. It is SO soft and SO squishy, that I quickly fell even more deeply in love with this fiber. I can see a nice winter cardigan or blanket out of this, as it would be so nice to snuggle up with.

Blue Lagoon

2007-05-18T15:05:00.000-05:00

Giotto

Colinette Yarns

50% cotton 40%rayon & 10% nylon
100 g = 144 metres
Gauge: 11sts to 16 rows per 4" on 8mm needles

My Color: Lagoon

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $26.50

For some reason, the shine of this ribbon yarn doesn't show up well in these photos, so for another look at it, check the Collinette website. The yarn is really beautiful, and aptly fits its name. I pictured a blue lagoon in the Caribbean while I knit this lovely little tank top. It is "Gloria" from the book Rock Gods and Movie Stars, and it only took two days to make (not full days, mind you. Just two days of my knitting time). In other words, it was FAST! I really enjoyed using it, and look forward to making something else from the Rio colorway that's also in my stash.

Salsa Caliente

2007-05-16T07:00:00.000-05:00

Salsa

Garnstudio

50% cotton, 40% tactel polyamid, 10% polyamid

50g = 68m

Gauge: 13 sts x 17 rows = 10x10cm on needle size 8mm.

My Color: 06

Retal price: $12.60

I've used ribbon yarns before that felt like knitting with strips of paper, but this stuff was surprisingly soft. I really liked it. It would be much more comfortable to wear than its stiffer cousins.

Gelato and a Bath

2007-05-15T16:28:00.000-05:00

Italian Ice
Knit One Crochet Too
61% cotton/26% linen/13% viscose
Texture: mate ribbon with shiny wrap
50 gr = 76 yards
Gauge: 16 sts per 4" on needles size US 9 (5.5mm)
My Color: 611 robin's egg
Retail Price: $9.00

I'm neutral on this one. Didn't love it, didn't hate it. But the bath mitt is cute. K1C2 has a kit with this yarn and a bar of soap, and a pattern for a mitt and a soap pouch. It would make a cute gift, as a kit or as the completed items.

You Are An Obsession

2007-05-10T16:45:00.000-05:00

Obsession
Classic Elite Yarns
100% cashmere
Gauge: 3.24 - 3.5 sts/inch on US #10½ needles
50 grams/1.75 oz = 95 yards/87 m
My Color: H60585 - Camel
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: $45.00

I can definitely see how this yarn could become one. An obsession, that is. It has about 100 plies of pure cashmere, and when you put them all together, you get an amazingly soft, luscious yarn. It becomes a big, thick, yummy fabric that would be incredible to come home to on a cold day.

Diva-ine

2007-05-09T15:47:00.000-05:00

Diva

Muench Yarns

10% Glass Beads, 23% Cotton, 67% Nylon

50 gr = 33 yds

Gauge: 8 sts & 8 rows to 4" on US Needle #19

My Color: 5301

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $42.00

Es ist gut! You might just walk on by this one at your LYS, but if you happen to pick it up, you're in for a nice surprise. It just looks like your average ball of ribbon yarn, so the price might shock you. But on closer examination you will see some hidden jewels, literally. From the Muench Yarns website, I quote: "A wide woven ribbon of beautiful shiny microfiber rayon, combined with a coordinating soutache thread with glass beads sewn down the middle." Now I don't know what a soutache is, but the rest of it describes this yarn perfectly. As with other novelties, I found the beads showed up best on the purl side, so keep that in mind if you're designing your own beautiful number in this yarn.

Gentlemen, Start Your Engines; Ladies, Grab Your Clutch

2007-05-08T20:30:00.000-05:00

Corde'
Judi & Co.
100% Rayon with a Cotton Core
Once spool = 144 yds
Gauge: 5.5 sts = 1'' on #5 US needle or size F crochet hook
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: $27.30

May is race time here in Indianapolis, so I crocheted this quick little clutch bag using Judi & Co's Corde' Ribbon. Then, I knit up the checkered flag flap using both the white and black cords. I can't say I loved using this material, but it does make a nice purse. It is a little elastic, so make your item bigger than you think you'll need it.

Katia Ibiza

2007-05-07T17:43:00.000-05:00

Ibiza
Katia Yarns
26% Cotton, 50% Nylon, 24% Bamboo
Gauge: 22 sts x 27 rows per 10x10 cm on needle size 3.5 mm
50 gr = 106 metres
My color: 09
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $13.85

This was a fun yarn to knit with. It was like a relationship. It starts out as one thing, then changes to another, then another, and another, until finally, you've got something really nice. The changes are enough to keep it exciting, and you want to keep knitting to see what it will look like next. All of it is really soft and I can see if in a beautiful summer top, or even a fun skirt or shawl.

Drops Dead Gorgeous

2007-05-06T17:23:00.000-05:00

Left to right: Muskat Color 22 w/ Vivaldi Color 13; Muskat Color 22 w/ Vivaldi Color 8; Safran Color 01 w/ Vivaldi Color 8; Safran Color 01 w/ Vivaldi Color 13

Left to right: Cotton Viscose Color 12 w/ Vivaldi Color 13; Cotton Viscose Color 12 w/ Vivaldi Color 8; Cotton Viscose Color 12 w/ Vivaldi Color 18; Safran Color 50 w/ Vivaldi Color13; Safran Color 50 w/ Vivaldi Color 8

Left to right: Cotton Viscose Color 12 w/ Vivaldi Color 13; Cotton Viscose Color 12 w/ Vivaldi Color 8; Cotton Viscose Color 12 w/ Vivaldi Color 18

Left to right: Safran Color 50 w/ Vivaldi Color13; Safran Color 50 w/ Vivaldi Color 8

Left to right: Safran Color 01 w/ Vivaldi Color 8; Safran Color 01 w/ Vivaldi Color 13

Left to right: Muskat Color 22 w/ Vivaldi Color 13; Muskat Color 22 w/ Vivaldi Color 8

Muskat
Garnstudio
100% Egyptian mercerized cotton
50g = 100m/109 yds
Gauge: 21 sts x 28 rows = 10x10cm on European needle size 4,
Retail price: $6.50

Safran
Garnstudio
100% Egyptian cotton
50g = 160m
Gauge: 23 sts x 30 rows = 10x10cm on needle size 3.5mm
Retail price: $6.95

Cotton Viscose
Garnstudio
54% Egyptian Cotton, 46% viscose
50g = 110m
Gauge: 23 sts x 30 rows = 10x10cm on needle size 2.5-3.5mm
Retail price $8.50

Vivaldi
Garnstudio
Solid colours: 58% mohair, 19% wool, 23% polyamid.
50g = 280m.
Blends (Vivaldi Special): 76% mohair, 4% wool, 20% polyamid.
50g = 200m,
Gauge: 19 sts x 26 rows = 10x10cm on needle size 4
Retail price: $12.50

So many Drops patterns call for these yarns to be combined, that I thought it might be nice to show how they look when you put them together. I really like the way it makes a totally new fabric. I wish I'd thought of that....

Wouldn't It "Be Sweet" If I Could Actually Wear This?

2007-05-04T13:42:00.000-05:00

Bamboo

Be Sweet Yarn Co.

100% Bamboo

From their website: "a soft yarn with an elegant sheen that is ecofriendly and perfect for baby wear. Hand dyed and spun in South Africa. Available in over 70 solid colors."

50g ball is 120 yards

Gauge: 5 stitches / inch on US 6 needles

My Color: 659

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price:

I LOVED this yarn. It is so much nicer to use than cotton, and makes a lovely fabric. Everyone who saw it had to touch it and ooed and ahhed over it. It's no cashmere, mind you, but it is a great summer yarn.

No Swine Allowed

2007-05-02T18:09:00.000-05:00

Silk Purse

Alchemy Yarns

100% silk

Gauge: 5 1/2 stitches = 1 on US needle size: 6

50 gr = 138 yds

My Color: 03c Lovely Good

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $29.40

Another winner from Alchemy. This stuff is so very nice to work with. If I had to wear a full body cast, I'd want it to be in this.

Yarnden of Eden

2007-05-01T19:15:00.000-05:00

Eden
The Fibre Co.
20% French Angora 48% Tussah Silk 32% Fine Wool
50 gr = 60 yds
Gauge: 3.5 stitches per inch on US size 10 needles
My color: White
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $25.20

This is my new favorite yarn. I will definitely be making a sweater with this stuff. It is like being wrapped up in the softest bunny crossed with the most luscious little lamb you've ever felt. I can't say enough good things about this one!

Where'd You Get Those Peepers?

2007-04-29T13:54:00.000-05:00

Sanctuary

Alchemy Yarns
70% wool, 30% silk
Gauge: 6 stitches = 1" on US needle size:5
50 gr = 125 yds
My Color: 08c Sierra
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $29.40
Tilli Thomas Eyeglass Case

I guess I should have had some eyeglasses on while I was knitting this, because the yarn was a bit smaller than the recommended Tilli Thoms Simply Heaven, thus, my case looks a little puny. But at least you get to see what the pretty Alchemy yarn looks like. Like everything else Alchemy I've used, this stuff was great. It feels like heaven while you're knitting it, and continues to do so as a fabric. There are many, many colors to choose from, so don't let the brown get you down.

Loopy: Who Knew?

2007-04-28T13:01:00.000-05:00

Above: Before felting 9 1/2" x 5 3/4"
Below: After felting 6 3/4" x 3 1/2"

Loopy
Prism Yarns
74% rayon, 26% wool
2 oz, 58 yds
Gauge 12 sts = 4" on US # 11 needle before felting

From the Prism Yarns website: "Loopy is a great new yarn consisting of a wool core surrounded by rayon boucle. The wool is dyed one solid color, then the rayon is dyed in multi-colors. While it makes a very nice fabric just knitted, once it is felted the real magic happens! The wool core shrinks considerably, forming a nice dense felt, and the rayon loops are contracted and captured, obscuring the individual rows and stitches. The over-all feel is that of Persian Lamb. Try this on your favorite felted bag pattern--you'll love it."

My Color: Peacock
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $15.75

I didn't even know this stuff felted till I started writing this review and checked out the Prism Yarns website. I chose the yarn because it is so beautiful. I wanted it while it was still in the box at the yarn shop. It was great to knit with, and makes a very quick fabric on size 11's. It felted very quickly in my front loader with a tennis ball smacking it around. As you can see, it shrinks considerably, but the beauty of it is, if you knit a bag with this, you only need the one yarn, and voila! You have a beautiful purse when you're done felting.

"Honey, pull the tractor over by that goat yonder. I feel like spinning." (or whatever the Mongolian translation would be)

2007-04-27T14:57:00.000-05:00

Handspun Cashmere

Jade Sapphire

100% Mongolian Cashmere

Gauge: 4¾ stitches/inch on size 8 US needles
50 gr = 120 yds

Colors: natural colors

My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $39.00

Well, it looks like they pulled the goat over, plucked his hair and commenced to spinning. However, it feels like Heaven on earth! It is SO soft I'd like to have lingerie made from it! It definitely looks handspun, with variations in thickness, but there is no doubt about it, this is cashmere. Umm, umm, ummmh!

"G'day, Mate!" Meets "Hola, Senorita!"

2007-04-25T20:04:00.000-05:00

La Boheme

Fiesta Yarns

A 2-strand yarn—one of 100% brushed kid mohair, the other 100% rayon boucle

165 yards per 4 oz. skein

4.5 stitches x 5.5 rows = 1 inch on US #9 needles.

My Color: Australia

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Pattern: Drops shoulder piece with crochet edges

I was challenged by a friend to make this yarn look good, so I did my best. You be the judge.

And the Emmy Goes to...

2007-04-21T14:32:00.000-05:00

Trendsetter Yarns

for Emmy

50% Polyamid, 50% Poly

50 gr = - +/- 65 yards

Gauge: 3sts = 1" on US #13 needles

My color: 12

My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $16.00

If you need a little bling in your life, this might be just the same. Shown here crocheted in a Granny Square pattern, it is equally sparkly knitted in openwork. Just the thing for a glitzy party.

Way, Way Down Yonder in the Land of Cotton

2007-04-19T17:26:00.000-05:00

Cotton Stria

Manos del Uruguay

100% Peruvian Cotton. Hand dyed and hand spun.

50 gr = 116 yards

Gauge: 18-20 sts to 4" on size US 4-6 needles

My Color: 202

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: $8.00

Another cotton for the girl who hates cotton? Let's just say I might be coming around. I enjoyed working with this one, and liked how the fabric turned out. It doesn't hurt that it was in one of my favorite colors, of course.

Judi, Judi, Judi

2007-04-18T19:06:00.000-05:00

1/2" Rayon Ribbon

Judi and Co. Yarns and Ribbons

100% Rayon

Yardage: 100 yds (91 m)

Suggested Needle Size: US 17 (12.75 mm)

My Color: Black Orchid

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $42.00

This ribbon is so gorgeous! The color variation is beautiful, and I had a great time crocheting this pretty little scarf I found in The New Granny Square. To me, this stuff is as pretty as some of the silk ribbons I've seen, but at a much friendlier price point.

A Geranium By Any Other Name...

2007-04-17T16:08:00.000-05:00

Geranium

Needful Yarns

50% Linen, 30% Acrylic, 20% Viscose

50g = 100 yds.

Gauge: 11 sts per 4 in. on needle size 10.5 U.S. (7mm)

My Color: 6051

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $5.99

The patterns (Needful book 304) for this yarn are really cute. It's too bad I don't like the yarn itself. It has all these random strands of what looks like colored grass or straw, but which I'm sure is linen, and they stick out at strange angles. It is not my favorite, by far.

Irish Mist

2007-04-16T12:13:00.000-05:00

Maggi's Mist Slub

Maggi Knits

100% Viscose

Gauge: : 4.5 Sts per inch on US Needle Size 8

50g = 88 yds

My Color: 13

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $10.50

Pattern: Popcorn Square, The New Granny Square

This was a fun yarn to use and an equally fun pattern to crochet it in. I like the various colors, and I can see a gorgeous shawl made from it. It would also looke good as a carry along with something else.

Irish Linens

2007-04-15T12:37:00.000-05:00

Maggi's Multi Linen

Maggi Knits

Fiber Content: 52% Cotton, 48% Linen

Gauge: 5.5 Sts per in. on US Needle Size 6

50g = 126 yds

My Color: 103 Deep

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $9.65

This was fun to use. It is several strands of beautifully colored linen and cotton, which is nice and soft. It looks great crocheted up in this little pattern from The New Granny Square. That's a great book, too. Definitely worth checking out.

Dia-ing to Knit

2007-04-14T16:28:00.000-05:00

Dialent
Diakeito Yarn by Dancing Fibers
40% Acrylic, 24% Viscose, 18% Ramie, 11% Cotton, 6% Polyester, 1% Nylon

Gauge: 35-37 sts in 4” using two plies on #4-5 Needle

25 grams = ±149 yds

My Color: 704

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $14.25

Stitch pattern: Diamanta by French Girl Knits

As soon as this yarn came in at my LYS, I had to have it! It is so pretty, and comes in a multitude of colors. If you like openwork, but don't like wool, this could be your ticket. Althought blocking wouldn't do you a bit of good, some pretty stitches on big needles look even prettier in this yarn. My model uses only a single ply, though the gauge on the band suggests two. I love it and will definitely use it again. And check out those French Girl Knits patterns, too. They're awesome!

Wake Up, Maggi

2007-04-13T19:40:00.000-05:00

Maggi's Cotton

Maggi Knits: MK Collection

Fiber Content: 70% Cotton, 30% Rayon

50g = 93 yds,

Gauge: 5 sts. per in. on needle size US 8

My Color: 11

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $8.50

This is an interesting yarn. It is a slub yarn, which actually feels more rayon than it does cotton. I did my rendition of one of Maggi Jackson's famous tubes in the swatch. It would make a nice summer sweater.

John Linen

2007-04-12T19:40:00.000-05:00

Euroflax Linen

Louet Sales Yarn

"Euroflax Sport Weight linen in 49 solid colors and 16 beautiful blends."

100% Wet Spun Linen

6 sts per inch on needles US 2-4
1300 yds/lb. Solid Colors: 100 gm Skeins (270 yds); 50 gm Skeins (135 yds); 1/2 lb Cones (650 yds); Blended Colors: 100 gm Skeins (270 yds); 1/2 lb Cones (650 yds)

My Color: Cedarwood 18-2464-7

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price for 100 gm hank: $20.95

If you've ever knit with linen yarn, you know that it can be like knitting with rope, in terms of the softness factor, but once washed and dryed in the dryer (Yes, I said, "dryed in the dryer"), it can be as soft as cotton. Well, I decided to forgoe the exfoliation treatment and washed and dryed the yarn before knitting with it. While this softened it some, it still wasn't as soft as I'd like. So, I washed and dryed it again after I knit the washcloth, which is what this is, by the way. I tried to do the one in the Knitter's Stash book, but it was much bigger than I wanted, so I just used the handy Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns and worked out the Dragon Scales pattern in the size I wanted. It is amazingly softer after its final wash and dry.

Cotton Viscose

2007-04-11T19:41:00.000-05:00

Cotton Viscose

Garnstudio

54% Egyptian Cotton, 46% viscose

50g = 110m

Gauge: 23 sts x 30 rows per 4 in. on needle size 2.5-3.5mm

My Color: CV03 Rose

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $8.50

This was another nice one to use. The yarn is as beautiful in the ball as it is knit up. These pictures really can't capture it in all it's glory, but it is really, really pretty, and comes in some great colors. I definitely look forward to making a summer tank top with this one.

Karabella Aurora 8

2007-04-10T19:08:00.000-05:00

Aurora 8

Karabella Yarns
100% Extrafine Merino Wool. "The best extrafine merino wool on the market. Very soft and springy, with excellent stitch definition. Comes in 95 gorgeous colors."
Gauge: 4.50 Sts/In. on Needle Size US 7
Yardage: 98

My Color: 885 Taupe

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $8.35

This is one of my all time favorite yarns. It is soft and gooshy, like I like, but it has memory and bounces back beautifully from the gooshing. Cables just pop with this stuff, as you can tell by looking at the leaves, which stand out from the fabric of the swatch. It is truly a joy to use, and I've already made 2 sweaters with it, with more to come, I'm sure!

Claudia Handpaints Brushed Mohair

2007-04-09T17:50:00.000-05:00

Kid Mohair-Brushed
Claudia Hand Painted Yarns
70% Mohair 30% Nylon
Gauge: 7.5-8 stitches = 1" on needle size US#6-7
50 gr = Approx. 490 yds.
My Color: Purple Dot
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $23.10

It took awhile for me to arrive at a stitch that this yarn wanted to be. I ended up crocheting it after a couple of knitted tries that didn't work out. Unless you want to use it as a carry along, or hold two strands of this together, crochet may be the best option.

Pomaire

2007-04-07T14:07:00.000-05:00

Pomaire
Knitting Fever - Araucania
100% hand dyed pima cotton

154 yds per 100gm ball

5 sts per inch on US #7 needle

My Color: 9

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $15.75

As I've said previously, I'm not a fan of cotton yarn, but this is yet another exception. Do I sense a trend? I don't know. But this was really nice to work with. It was soft and gooshy, like a good yarn should be. It did not split, as I had feared it might. The colors were gorgeous and it was fun to watch them change as I knit along.

Who, Who Cares What it's Called When it's Cashmere?

2007-03-27T00:01:00.000-05:00

Light-Weight Cashmere a.k.a. SuperCashmere Fine

Karabella Yarn Co.
100% Cashmere

Gauge: 7 sts/in. on needle size US 3
50 g = 202 yds.

My Color: 1250

My Source: The Knit-Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $25.00

Stitch Pattern: Tiger-Eye, Barbara Walker's 2nd Treasury of Knitting Patterns

Yet another wonderful yarn from Karabella. This one is super light weight, and a joy to work with. I'd spend many an hour wrapped up in a shawl made from this yarn, and with 202 yards per skein, a smallish shawl wouldn't necessarily be out of the realm of possibilities for a yarn of this price. Though the stitch pattern here is called Tiger-Eye, it looks more like an owl to me. An owl, a tiger, who cares when it's cashmere?

A Safari in Paris

2007-03-26T00:01:00.000-05:00

Paris

Drops/Garnstudio

100% cotton

50g = 75m

Gauge: 17 sts x 22 rows per 4 inches on needles size 5mm

My color: 55p

My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $6.00

I was surprised by how nice this cotton was to work with. I'm not usually a fan of cotton, but this was a nice, thick-ish, soft yarn, that works up quickly and evenly. To me, that's saying a lot for cotton.

Habu Textiles Gima Cotton

2007-03-25T02:56:00.000-05:00

1/8.5 Cotton Gima
Habu Textiles
Item #: A-174
Laceweight
Suggested needle size: US no. 1 - 3 for single strand
My Color: 13 SAX
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $6.45/oz.

Stitch pattern: Openwork Edging, from Barbara Walker's First Treasury of Knitting Patterns (note: I executed this improperly, but the bottom repeat is what the edging should actually look like on a garment).

From the Habu Textiles website: "This is a cotton, which feels like paper. "Gima" literally means "fake linen" in Japanese. It feels like linen paper if you do not know it! Great to knit in single. Beautiful warp & weft yarn for weavers also. Looks beautiful in simple stokinette, but also great in seed stitch or just garter (very three dimentional). It may feel stiff in the beginning, but will soften greatly."

As they say, this does feel like linen, only not quite as hard textured. It did soften as I used it, but was rather stiff again after washing and blocking. It would work well as a lace item.

Mongolian Cashmere: What's not to like?

2007-03-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

100% Mongolian Cashmere
Jade Sapphire
12 ply
55 grams = 70 yards
Gauage: 2½-3 stitches/inch on US 10½-11 needles
My color: Blackberry Fudge
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $35.00

This stuff is as good as it gets. It wasn't just the color name that made me want to eat it. It is SO nice. Though it would be a bit of a pricey snack, I'd be willing to spend it for this delicacy.

Wabi Sabi Kimosabi

2007-03-22T09:17:00.000-05:00

Wabi Sabi

Alchemy Yarns

66% silk, 34% wool

Gauge: 3.5 stitiches = 1" on needle size US 9

50 g = 86 yards

My Color: 36c Dylan's Blue Depths

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $29.00

This yarn is wonderful to work with. It's nice a gooshy, like a good fat, silk and wool yarn should be. It knits up quickly, and would make the most luscious sweaters. Mmm, Mmm, Mmm!

Elen Cashmere

2007-03-19T06:30:00.000-05:00

Elen Cashmere

Filatura di Crosa

25% Cashmere, 35% Extra Fine Wool, 5% Silk, 35% Viscose

Gauge: 5.5 sts per inch on 5-6 US needles

50g = 146 yds

My color: 6

My source: The Knit-Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $19.75

Stitch pattern: Moorish Lattice, from Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, p. 232

This yarn looks lovely when knitted, and has a drape that would be wonderful in a shawl. This pattern is reversible, so it would make a great scarf, too. The cashmere would give it nice warmth, along with the wool. I think the silk could just as well have been left out of this one, as it didn't add much to the yarn, in my opinion. You don't get the usual sheen of silk with it, and though this effect virtually disappears from view once knitted, while unknitted, the tiny thread of silk running through it makes the yarn look a bit scraggly up close. Mind you, this is unnoticable once you knit it, but I like my yarn to look pretty just sitting there waiting to be knitted, too, since most of it is (waiting, that is!).

Not Too Tart, and Not Too Sweet Either

2007-03-15T10:25:00.000-05:00

In the Sunlight

Indoors

Tartlette

Knit One Crochet Too

50% cotton/50% nylon
50 g = 75 yds.
Gauge: 4 sts per in. on US 9 needles

My Color: 285 Fireside

My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $11.00

This pretty ribbon yarn comes in quite a variety of colors, and would make beautiful shawls, tank tops, and summer sweaters. I can also see it in belts, headbands, and knitted/crocheted jewelry. One vertical half of the ribbon is matte, while the other is shiny. Knit One Crochet Too has many patterns available on their website for Tartlette, too.

Silke-Tweed

2007-03-14T17:38:00.000-05:00

Silke-Tweed
Garnstudio
52% Silk, 48% Lambswool
50 g = 200 m./218 yards
My Color: 15
My source: The Knit-Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $13.50
Stitch pattern: From Garnstudio's Drops pattern, Short-sleeved Lace Cardigan in Silke-Tweed

Personally, I don't care for this one. It was as rough as a cob to knit with, though I should be happy that I got a free exfoliation treatment for my hands while using it. I'm not into knitting with Brillo pads, so I don't think I'll be using this one. I will withhold further judgement till I see how it looks after blocking.

Update: Well it is prettier and softer after blocking, I must say. It would probably make a nice, lightweight top or shawl.

Soy Merino Latte

2007-03-12T11:34:00.000-05:00

Savannah
The Fiber Company
50% merino, 20% organic cotton, 15% linen, 15% soya
50 g = 65 yards
Gauge: 3-3.5 stitches per inch on US size 10 needles
My color: Blue Sky
My source: The Knit-Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $16.80

From their website: "The Fibre Company offers a collection of yarns made from unique blends of natural fibers including alpaca, camel, cashmere, organic cotton, linen, merino, silk, soy and yak. The mission of The Fibre Company is to create sustainable natural fiber luxury yarns paying special attention to environmentally friendly production methods such as the use of low-impact dyes and organic cotton and wool where possible."

I was a very picky eater growing up, so my mom often used the gentle persuasion technique of telling me to "Eat it or wear it!" at the dinner table. I've since forgiven her (can't you tell?), but with this yarn, I actually could maybe eat a part of it, and would gladly wear it. As the mother of two small children, I hold the record for McDonalds drive-thrus, so I don't know from organic. But if you care about what you put IN your body, I suppose you care about what you put ON it, too. If so, this might be the yarn for you. Its organicity is as close as this one comes to granola, though, as it is not the least bit crunchy. It is nice and soft, and I can see it becoming a great cardigan that would be as comfortable to wear as a favorite bathrobe.

Karabella and the Supremes

2007-03-11T17:07:00.000-05:00

Supercashmere
Karabella Yarns
100% Supercashmere
Gauge: 3.50 Stitches/Inch
Needle Size: 10.5
Yardage: 81
My Color: 1380
My Source: The Knit-Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: $55.00

This is as good as Baskin-Robbins: it, too, comes in 32 take-home flavors! Well, colors anyway. And it is equally sweet and delicious! Surprisingly, it felt more like cotton while I was knitting it, but it is as soft as any soft serve you might want. Everyone who has touched the swatch has wanted to go home with it. It is NICE! And if you spend too much on the yarn to buy a pattern, Karabella has a free pattern you can use. Though it calls for Aurora Bulky, the gauge is the same as the Supercashmere.

Temptation You Can Give In To

2007-03-10T12:00:00.000-05:00

Temptation
Knit One Crochet Too
"The Gourmet Collection"
50% baby alpaca/50% Merino wool
50 g = 55 yards
Gauge: 13 sts per 4" on needles size US 10.5 (6.5mm)
My Color: Sea Green 538
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: $7.88

Don't try to resist this tempation. It's a nice, lofty, woolen spun yarn, that's as soft as it is pretty. It reminds me of Debbie Bliss Alpaca Silk, only without the sheen of the silk, and with a bit more body. It would make a lovely, warm, soft sweater.

Scozia Cashmere

2007-03-09T20:25:00.000-05:00

Unblocked swatchBlocked Swatch

Scozia Cashmere
Filatura di Crosa
100% Cashmere
Gauge: 3.5 sts per inch on size 9 US
50g = 88 yds
My color: Indigo 302265
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $37.95
Stitch pattern: Square Lattice, from Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, p. 7

Boy, oh, boy, was this a yummy yarn to work with! It's nice and puffy, and feels like pure, well, cashmere, in your hands. I would highly recommend it if you're willing to splurge. The price seems a bit big for its yardage, but after using it, I can understand why. I would happily drape my entire body in it and spend the rest of my life in nothing else. But, at this price, if I'm going to wrap my entire body in it, I'd better start losing some weight!

Rumpelstiltskin Eat Your Heart Out

2007-03-08T09:05:00.000-05:00

Silken Straw
Alchemy Yarns
100% silk
Gauge: 6 stitches = 1 on needle size: 4 US
Approx. yardage = 236 yards
Approx. weight = 40 grams
My Color: 15C Grass Harp
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: $29.40
Stitch used: Starlight Lace, from Barbara Walker's Second Treasury of Knitting Patterns, p. 288

Don't worry, no one will cut your head off if you fail to turn this straw into gold by morning. Silk is good enough! It is quite straw-like in the hank, but once you get knitting with it, it softens up considerably. In fact, what looks at first like a single piece of straw turns out to be several plies of finely spun silk side by side. This only became a problem when I had to re-do a part a couple of times, and the plies completely separated from one another and were hard to corral. Luckily, that was the very last stitch, and I was able to hide it away easily enough. Just don't make any mistakes and you'll be fine! ( : The knitted swatch is light as air, and would make a lovely summer top or shawl. They have some amazing colors, so be sure to check the others out if green is not your thing.

Zara Plus Mouline

2007-03-07T22:07:00.000-05:00

Zara Plus Mouline
Filatura di Crosa
100% Extra Fine Merino Wool
Gauge: 4 sts per inch on size 8 US needles
50g = 83 yds
My color: 422
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $10.00

This was SO nice to work with! It comes in as a close second to my favorite Karabella Aurora 8. I has about a million plies, and you'd think it would split as you knit it, but it doesn't at all. Very close-to-the-skin soft. This one will definitely be used again in a future project.

Amazing Grace

2007-03-06T13:36:00.000-05:00

Grace
Lorna's Laces
Mohair Blend
Loopy mohair boucle
Yardage: 120
Weight: 2 ounces
Needle Size: 10
Gauge: 4
Color: 18 Watercolor
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $15.75

This is a gorgeous yarn that stripes up beautifully. Mind you, this is a mini-shawl, the size to fit a doll, so a bigger shawl or sweater would obviously have longer rows, and therefore, more colors per row. I don't usually like boucles, because of the problem of the needle poking through the loops, but this yarn was worth it. It feels good, it looks good, and it's fun to anticipate the color changes as you are knitting.

Passion(less)

2007-03-04T18:40:00.000-05:00

Passion
Garnstudio
60% merino uld, 25% viscose, 15% polyamid
50 gr = ca 100 m.
Needle size: 7 mm (US 10.5-11)
Color: 09
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $14.95

I didn't have much passion for this, but I don't really like ribbon yarns, especially those that are prone to letting your needle stick through them. Still, the color of this is really pretty, and would look great with blue jeans. Because it is merino, it is nice and soft, and would make great shawls.

Ice, Ice Baby

2007-03-02T12:00:00.000-05:00

Ice "Winter cotton"
Drops/Garnstudio
55% cotton, 45% acrylic
50g = 45m,
Needle size: 9 mm (US 13)
Gauge: 9 sts x14 rows = 4 in. x 4 in.
Color: 03
My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail price: $6.95

I must first confess, I HATE cotton. I do not hate this yarn. It has enough acrylic in it to make it much nicer, to my hand, than pure cotton. It makes a beautiful fabric, suitable for winter wear for those who don't like wools, but equally nice for a quick spring/summer sweater, as well. I was surprised by how much I liked this, and for a cotton-hater, that's saying something!

Curiouser & Curiouser

2007-03-01T17:45:00.000-05:00

Kalahari

by Curious Creek Fibers

100% Nylon "Soft ribbon with a great lustrous sheen. Made in Taiwan ~ Hand-painted in the USA"
50 g.
87 yds. ~ 79 m.
3-4 st. / inch
US #10-15

Color: Sunrise on Daffodils

My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail price: $17.85

This is a beautiful, full-bodied ribbon yarn that would work well for garments, as well as purses and other accessories. It's not too flimsy, and has a gorgeous sheen with a certain cripness to it. The colorways are amazing!

Rococo A Go Go

2007-02-23T12:49:00.000-05:00

Rococo
Diakeito by Dancing Fibers
Fiber: 100% Wool
Gauge: 18-20 sts, 26-28 rws = 4" x 4"
Needle size: US 9
Yardage: 165 yards, 50g
My Color: 104
My Source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN
Retail Price: 16.00

This is a really nice yarn, much softer than it appears to be in the skein. It did become thinner in spots, but not extremely so. It is a single ply, woolen spun yarn, and would be great for felted projects, as well as reglar knitting. Of course, the striping would turn out much differently in a full-sized garment than it did in this meandering scarf done with short rows.

Multicolor Indeed

2007-02-21T08:21:00.000-05:00

Multicolor

Filatura di Crosa

60% Mohair, 40% Acrylic

Gauge: US 5-7/4.75 mm

50g / 195 yds

Color: 4053 Fuschia

My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $12.65

This is a beautiful mohair yarn, which is very aptly named. The colors are stunning, and it never fails that someone stops and asks me to see it, even if it is laying in my bag and I'm working on something else. It is that eye-catching. The stitches are even and beautiful, and it feels good to the hand to work with.

Simply Irresistible

2007-02-18T18:41:00.000-05:00

Simply Heaven

Tilli Thomas Yarn Co.

Color: Hot Pink

100% Spun Silk

From their website: "Our same luxurious Spun silk double ply."

Gauge: 4 stitches = 1

Recommended Needle Size: #8

Approx. yardage = 120yds

Approx. Weight = 100 grams

My source: Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Retail Price: $28.00

They definitely got the name right. This stuff is simply Heaven to knit with. It is a nice, soft silk with a beautiful sheen, and ever so subtle color changes. There will be lots more of this in my future! (This is the Tilli Thomas Evening Bag, where you pick up stitches through grommets of an already finished silk bag lining, and knit the outside of the bag from there down. A quick, simple, beautiful project.)

Awesome Aussi Wool

2007-02-16T09:43:00.000-05:00

Aussi Wool Bulky

Oasis Yarn Co.
100% Australian Wool
128 yards, 100 gr skeins
3.5 - 4sts/in on US 9 needle
Color: W03 - Rose Bay
Retail price: $6.00

My source: The Knit Stop, Indianapolis, IN

Thank you, sir, may I have another? I have fallen in love. This yarn is TDF. It is so soft to the touch, yet very nicely firm for these beautiful cables (which come from Nashua Handknits lovely book called Relax, which is what I do when I'm making this sweater-to-be). Don't the cables just pop? This is a new favorite yarn for me.