While I’m progressing on Robert’s kilt hose, I thought I might write a few words about some different variegated yarns I’ve been trying out lately. All are slow-color-change varieties, by several companies.
First I’ll mention Geode by Berroco. – – – –
A 50% wool/50% acrylic single.
Delightful colors. Only began to repeat color-sequence near the end of the ball.
Nice feel — perhaps a little “squeaky” on the plastic Bryspun needle I used with it some of the time.
I don’t think it will resist pilling very well over time, because it’s so loosely spun and soft.
–
And then there’s Matsuri by Noro. – – – –
Matsuri is an 87% cotton/13% wool braided 3(?)-ply.
Interesting feel to this. Not very elastic — that’s the cotton. But I like it.
I discovered, as the colors moved from green to maroon to orange etc., that the cotton underpinning remained constant; it’s the fluffy wool bits braided into it that change.
Here’s a close-up of 2 “Color 5” balls. Four different over-colors, all atop a yellow-orange base. (Other colorways have green or lilac base-braids).
I have also tried Poems by Wisdom Yarns. – – – –
A 100% wool single.
Very soft and lofty; very not-durable.
After knitting a few rows, I didn’t think this one would hold up at all well to any abrasion, so I decided on a felted project. The yarn fulls nicely, but the red and/or purple dyes bleed (alot!) in the hot water.
It feels nice while working, but I don’t think I’ll be using it again.
–
–
Just this past week, I pulled out a ball of Boku by Plymouth Yarns to try. – – – –
An 95% wool/5% silk blend single. Colors more muted.
This yarn is much more coarse (and sturdy) than either Poems or Geode. It’ll definitely be more durable than either of those two yarns, but would probably be better as outerwear or accessory than as an against-the-skin garment. After washing, it may soften up — we’ll see.
Would you believe: I have yet to try Noro Kureyon or Silk Garden. I have a ball of the latter; also 2 skeins of Silver Thaw. More fun ahead!