| Author |
 Topic  |
|
|
Clara
queen bee
USA
4363 Posts |
 Posted - 02/02/2011 : 8:28:17 PM
|
When I was preparing for VK Live and my Yarn 101 class, I hunted through my stash for a good example of a traditional cable-spun yarn. I always use a cotton blend for this, like Brown Sheep Cotton Fleece or Tahki Cotton Classic.
But then I remembered a small bag of yarns that Blue Sky Alpacas had recently sent me. In it, I found a plush hank of spongy Merino/alpaca that was, ding ding ding, a perfect example of a cable-spun yarn.
So I started swatching, and then swatching some more, and before you know it... this week's review was here. I hope you find it helpful.
Clara
Your friendly Knitter's Review publisher
|
|
|
knitree
Seriously Hooked
688 Posts |
Posted - 02/02/2011 : 9:21:44 PM
|
If one opens the Blue Sky Alpaca link in Clara's review, the Dec 2010 free pattern uses one skein of Worsted Hand Dyes, and it includes a cable. I don't have this yarn in my stash (yet) but thick, warm alpaca fingerless mitts look mighty good right now.
Tree
Taking simple patterns and complicating them... |
 |
|
|
frenetic@charter.net
Permanent Resident
1386 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2011 : 05:35:05 AM
|
Purlsoho has a beautiful cowl, called the Big Herringbone Cowl which uses 5 skeins of this yarn. I finished my first one and it is stunning! (If I do say so myself!). However, the Herringbone stitch does not lend easily to frogging. Also, the join where you switch from one row to another pattern-wise does look rather messy. There are just 2 rows in the pattern and it is mindless knitting. I loved the way this turned out so much that I am making a second one from BS Worsted stash yarn but I only have 4 skeins. It calls for size 17 needles and I used 15s as my knitting is usually loose. Using such big needles and a tight stitch did hurt my hands, but this pattern is worth it!
http://www.purlbee.com/big-herringbone-cowl/
Sharon |
|
|
|
frenetic@charter.net
Permanent Resident
1386 Posts |
Posted - 02/03/2011 : 05:43:06 AM
|
Also, Jimmy Beans Wool mailed a catalog of patterns from BS Alpaca. It showcases each of the BS yarns individually and the corresponding patterns. I am a huge fan of BS Alpaca yarn and am going to dig some BS Alpaca Silk out of my stash and consider making Kaw Valley Wrap:
http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/kaw-valley-wrap
Sharon |
|
|
|
knitree
Seriously Hooked
688 Posts |
Posted - 02/13/2011 : 10:40:26 PM
|
I helped a very nice gal on Rav de-stash a skein of this lovely yarn (in purple), and quickly knit up the one-skein fingerless mitts from the Blue Sky Alpaca website, using #8 rather than the recommended #9 ndls, and fine-tuning the fit a bit for my hands. These are the softest, cushiest mitts ever! I've never been a big fan of chunky fingerless mitts because really who wants hands to look bigger than they are? But this yarn and pattern are an excellent exception. The long cable pulls in the yarn, and the ribbing creates a nicely formed fit. And purple is just so much fun. Thanks Clara for the review. I'm going to add more of this lovely stuff to my stash one day...
Tree
Taking simple patterns and complicating them... |
|
|
| |
Topic |
|
|
|
| Knitter's Review Forums |
© 2001-2013 Knitter's Review |
|
|
|
|
Worsted Hand Dyes from Blue Sky Alpacas
