Kay's Korner - A Knitters Notes

In 2008, designer Elsebeth Lavold introduced Calm Wool to her yarn collection. Of course, as a buyer for Rare Purls, I am always quick to order any yarn with Lavold's name as they are always top quality and have her wonderful pattern support. As a favorite bulky luxury yarn had been discontinued, initially I thought Calm Wool might be a good replacement. But the fat, lofty appearance of this yarn is deceiving; it is not a true bulky weight yarn. Most of the patterns call for a size #7 US needle, putting this yarn in the aran or worsted weight category on the yarn standards chart. Even the yardage, 82 yards /50 grams, is comparable to many bulky yarns. But if you choose this yarn as a substitute, you will want to stay close to the suggested gauge. The two lofty plies knit into stitches with character. Simple seed stitch has beautiful definition and cables are plump with distinct edges. Even a simple garter ridge visually pops next to rows of stockinette.

But beautiful stitches aren't the only reason to choose Calm Wool for your next cool-cold weather project. The camel/alpaca/wool blend is marvelously soft, characteristic of high quality camelid fibers. If any of you are old enough to remember the highly regarded camel hair coats of the mid 20th century , camel fiber is both soft and durable, truly a fabulous exotic, luxury fiber. I'm also a huge fan of alpaca, adoring its soft hand and highly insulating qualities. I suspect the wool has been added for elasticity, as no fiber equals the crimp of wool. The end result of this balanced fiber blend is a yarn that exceeds my every expectation.

Lavold's pattern book, Touch of Romance, where Calm Wool and another new yarn, Bambool, are featured, is also a success. (I will review Bambool at a later date). The nine designs knit in Calm Wool are appealing, especially Phoebe, the sweater coat with an easy stitch pattern that delivers both textural interest and visual impact. Imogen, a versatile vest is classic fashion and Lady, a pet sweater, is simply charming. The mens pullover, Cameron, is possibly the most handsome mens sweater I have ever seen. Masculine details (Lavold was inspired by barbed wire when designing the stitch motifs), a textbook use of relief, and this wonderful yarn team for design success.

This yarn is truly imspiring. Already I am busy designing an accessory set knit using two colors of Calm Wool. The twelve debut colors mix and match well, all of similar saturation (Hopefully, Ms. Lavold will give us a striped sweater in an upcoming book, capitalizing on these agreeable colors.) Consider using it for accessories or your next cabled sweater. You will simply love the way this natural fiber blend delights both visually and tactilely. It is easy to get excited about Calm Wool.

On Kay's Needles

For the past couple of weeks, I have been knitting a mixed bag. I finished half of a summer shell in an easy diagonal stockinette, knit in Laines du Nord Zahir, a ribbon yarn of silk/cotton. The colorway of lovely spring pastels will be perfect with white slacks, a summertime staple. The fabric has great texture, yet is very light and airy, sure to be cool and comfortable casual wear. I started a student on a garter stitch wrap in this same yarn, but on #13 US needles for a lacier look. It is always interesting to see how different projects turn out using the same yarn.

Even still, I am continuing the reknit of Happy, from Elsebeth Lavold's Book 11, The Sunny Side Collection. Having ripped and began the reknit with a needle two sizes down from the original, the stretching problem has been eliminated using the tighter gauge. I am nearly finished with this warm weather pullover and have to admit that although I adore both the yarn, Hempathy, and the design, I will be happy when Happy is no longer in my knitting bag.

Copyright Kay Mather Rare Purls 2009