Montreal in Kidsilk Haze
February 19, 2018
Kidsilk Haze--I try to never been without a Kidsilk Haze work-in-progress in my work basket; I love knitting with it and wearing it. This project, Montreal by Lisa Richardson, was made with leftovers from some of my other projects.
To a newcomer, knitting with Kidsilk Haze can seem daunting. I remember my first experience with KSH and wondered what I had gotten myself into. The yarn is wispy, flyaway, as thin as a spider's web, and appears that it can never be tamed. But it can be tamed and here's how: She's needle fussy so play around with a few needles to find what works best for you. I find blunt bamboos give me more control by slowing it down; if KSH is rushed and you make a mistake, it's notoriously difficult to frog. If you do find yourself having to rip out a few stitches or even a few rows, go ahead and give it a good tug, then tug again, because it's super strong and resists breaking. I know from unfortunate experience that KSH can be frogged and re-frogged and even re-re-frogged and will hold up beautifully, but just keep your eye on your project and you'll be fine. I guarantee you are in for a first-rate knitting experience that will produce the most heavenly fabric that rivals anything you'll see in the finest bespoke shops. Also, be prepared to like your garment for more than a few years as it holds up well. My first KSH sweaters made over a decade ago are still much loved and in sweater rotation in the Knitionary wardrobe.
The pattern is a snap to make, but I feel it's very oversized. I made the XS size, but ripped it out and cast on again with much fewer stitches. I didn't keep notes, but I recommend making a size or even two sizes down. The original pattern calls for Rowan Mohair Haze, now discontinued, and KSH is a fair sub as the gauge and fabric feel is similar, just fiddle with needle sizes while you swatch to get gauge.
The first two pictures above are me of course, and the last three are of my darling teenage neighbor who will often model for me when she's in town.
The first two pictures above are me of course, and the last three are of my darling teenage neighbor who will often model for me when she's in town.
Montreal pattern by Lisa Richardson
10 Comments
I bet you had to bargain to get that garment off your neighbour! It looks wonderful.
ReplyDeleteHaha! She does seem to look absolutely darling in every darn thing!
DeleteLooks good on both of your models!
ReplyDeleteThank you Janet!
DeleteLove your color combination! Ah, kidsilk haze, how do I love thee.....
ReplyDeleteSo cute!!! Love this on you Kristen. Like you I adore kidsilk and usually make at least one project a year using this yarn!
ReplyDeleteHi Claudia. I miss KSH too much if I don't knit on it at least once every few weeks!
DeleteLove your posts. I was the lucky winner of 3 skeins of Shibui Silk Cloud and I don’t know what to do with it. Would it be a good substitute for kidsilk?
ReplyDeleteYes! I think it would be a very good substitute and there are tons of KSH patterns. It's also good paired with another yarn, or doubled. They yardage is great too. I think you are going to fall in love.
DeleteThank you I haven’t FALLEN in love since my 10th granddaughter was born Nov/16 so I’m ready again :)
ReplyDeleteYou make my day when you make a comment!