Kay's Korner - A Knitters Notes

Most of us have favorite yarns and can fondly remember the projects where, in all the hours of working with these yarns, we experienced the merits and attributes of well spun fibers. I have to admit that I am a bit embarrassed that a yarn won my heart before I even cast it on. Queensland's Kathmandu Aran had me at "Tweed".

It all began when I saw Kathmandu at a meeting with a mutual friend, the Euro Yarns sales rep. Coming from a prominent family, I knew that I was meeting a quality yarn. Its card, which I slipped into my file, gave impressive references, my two, old, highly respected friends, silk and cashmere. Although I didn't see my new yarnie interest for months, one day a huge package arrived with the return address of EuroYarns. Every day since, Kathmandu has joined me at Rare Purls, though I have delayed any permanent commitment. After all, I am a busy gal and spend my days (and nights) with many yarns. There are not so many that I decide to take home and even fewer that I find worthy of an enduring relationship. Just because a yarn is a real looker and makes my heart skip a beat every time I lay my hands on its luscious plys, doesn't mean that I am going to wrap my body up in it. I do have a reputation to uphold and cannot be seen with every yarn that promises a fine hand and nice drape.

But then last night, I curled up on the sofa and really got to know Kathmandu. We were making an aviator hat for a friend of mine and in just a few hours, I felt that I had learned all there was to know about this handsome yarn. O-kay, so the two plys were a bit uneven. It only added to the rustic charm. The colorful flecks held my interest and the silk fiber content made me a little heady. Together, we made beautiful fabric and (dare I say it) - I think that I have fallen in love with this yarn.

At this point, I began to make future plans. I could imagine myself cuddled in a comfy cardigan with simple stitch patterns, made beautiful with Kathmandu's rich colors and complimentary tweed flecks. Yes, I had designs on this yarn! I even felt safe venturing my thoughts to include my family. My son Luke would look so handsome in a traditional, button front vest, made possible by my new love Kathmandu, and I know that my son Will would enjoy some new socks, knit with the soft comfort of cashmere and the durability made possible by a bit of nylon. You see, although this yarn is equally comfortable with knits for both men and women, I know my guys will relate to its traditional elements, the blend of strong wool and exotic silk. Yes, this is a family yarn!

But just as I was ready to commit to a great room throw, I got the news that Kathmandu has a new brother, Kathmandu Chunky. With all of the wonderful traits of the first born, Kathmandu Chunky requires less of my time, a quality that truly appeals to both my busy schedule and my need for speed in order to satisfy a long, holiday gift list. Upon hearing of the more magnanimous sibling, my fickle heart began to conjure up thoughts of warm hats and snuggly mittens, just meant to hold hands. Please do not make me choose between these yarns! After all, no yarn can be all things to all knitters, right?

For the present, I am enjoying projects a plenty. Two wonderful, reliable yarns are filling my days as partners in a rewarding collaboration, ending in beautiful and stylish garments and accessories. How long will this infatuation last? God only knows. Maybe there is an alpaca blend in my future that will steal my heart. I take it day by day. But my affection for Kathmandu will be remembered in rows of sweaters and rounds of boot socks. Yes, good, honest, and reliable yarns are hard to come by and this one is a keeper.

Copyright October 2009

Kay Mather