Hazy Mila
October 22, 2013Oh my. Angora Haze. I don't think I've been more lovesick over a yarn since I fell hard for Kidsilk Haze, and I also don't think I have the vocabulary to quite express my affection for it either. I always thought of Kidsilk Haze as being the Grace Kelly of yarns; elegant, beautiful and posh. Now my darling KSH has a rival.
This is my second sweater (and considering a third) knit with Rowan's newest, Angora Haze. The pattern Mila is from Kim Hargreaves new "Smoulder" book. The project yarn was supposed to be Rowan Baby Alpaca DK which I know would have been absolutely lovely. However, I was hell-bent on using AH again in this dainty pale beige/pink "Nest". Plus I'm nutty for slouchy sweatshirty sweaters knit in luxurious yarns.
If you've knit with angora before and had a bad experience (shedding during knitting and while wearing), well, I've had that bad experience too. But this stuff is different, I had minimal shedding while knitting and wearing. Angora does shed, and this does, but not much. Do take that in mind if that sort of thing drives you crazy. You can read about my modifications to accommodate for the gauge change on my Ravely page.
So, in conclusion: loved the yarn, loved the pattern, but mostly ~sigh~ I love feeling like I'm wearing a cloud. As far as the knitting experience goes, it's beaut. Angora itself does not have much give or bounce. Rowan's Angora Haze is a blend of 69% angora with 20% polyamide and 11% wool to aid in stability and elasticity. Angora is also warm. Making AH a fingering weight yarn allows the fabric to be lightweight and fluid. It's simply fabulous. I preferred using my Karbonz needles as I like a good point, but I also tried it with dull bamboo needles and it was smooth knitting either way.
I'd like to add some practical advice: I prefer to iron block my knits before and after finishing. With Angora Haze you can use your iron to lightly block on the wrong side only, but do not allow the iron to touch the fabric, it will mat the fuzziness which is part of it's beauty. My swatch washed well and blocked to size with no change in gauge and it retained it's fluff. I haven't washed this sweater yet but I will report back and let you know how that goes. I plan on being extra careful, it's worth the extra trouble.
I know that like me, you probably prefer to shop at your local yarn store. I'm lucky that mine carries AH in every shade, but in case yours does not, here are some good links:
Kim Hargreaves Smoulder Book
Rowan Angora Haze Collection by Martin Storey
My new favorite needle, Karbonz by Knitter's Pride available at Webs.
My lys, Uncommon Threads in Los Altos, California
Rowan Angora Haze Collection by Martin Storey
My new favorite needle, Karbonz by Knitter's Pride available at Webs.
My lys, Uncommon Threads in Los Altos, California
Until next time...xoxo
11 Comments
Your work is always exquisite, and this lovely slouch sweater is no exception. Kim Hargreaves patterns are absolutely lovely and this one looks perfect on you!
ReplyDeleteThank you Carmen, and agree about KH.
DeleteLovely sweater! :)
ReplyDeleteOMG, you are gorgeous, but I knew that.
ReplyDeleteCarole
Wonderful Sweater! This pattern is allso on my to do list.
ReplyDeleteGreetings Annette
Looks great on you Kristen! I really like this pattern as well, wish I didn't have so little time or I might actually make one for myself!
ReplyDeleteI've been out shopping for clothes a lot lately, and NO sweaters out there compare to these you do with your creative little hands!!! I love this soft, fuzzy, feminine look and the warmth it provides in winter!!!
ReplyDeleteThank you Alicia!
DeleteThis is so beautiful, Kristen! I'm really thinking of doing Kim Hargreaves Ava from this book in just this color. I'm a teeny bit worried that it's going to be too hot for me, but I have a feeling I'll end up caving in anyway!
ReplyDeleteGail, you should! Ava is a cardigan, right? This yarn is perfect for a cardigan or a v-neck, a sweater that you can be warm in but still have a way to cool down.
DeleteIt looks so soft :) Beautiful!!!
ReplyDeleteYou make my day when you make a comment!