Uncategorized | Knitting With Rowan

I have finally got around to using my stash of Rowan Truesilk and I’m so pleased with the result…….

Originally I was going to knit something from the Trueslik Collection brochure such as Citrine……..

Citrine designed by Martin Storey

and then I changed my mind and thought about this lovely little shrug called Amethyst……

Amethyst, designed by Martin Storey

but then I changed it again and finally decided to knit Amazonite……….

Amazonite, designed by Martin Storey

So, what happened! I changed it again and began knitting Emmer, this cute little top designed by Sarah Hatton, but I used Truesilk and not Purelife Revive which it was originally designed with.

Emmer, designed by Sarah Hatton

You may remember that I knitted Emmer last year in this lovely green-blue colour called Grit……..I got so many compliments and people wanting to know where they can get hold of the pattern and besides I love it myself too, so I decided to knit it again. And now I have two lovely Emmer’s but they have very different characteristics.

Truesilk is a quite a luxurious yarn made from 100% mulberry silk giving it a natural sheen. It knits up to a light fabric with neat even stitches and garments that drape beautifully on the body. Whilst this draping is a delightful characteristic of the Truesilk fabric it can also be a negative one as it will highlight any lumps and bumps on your body, even small ones. Maybe a textured cable or lace stitch would be better than plain stocking stitch if this is a concern; Truesilk does display great stitch definition. This might be something to bear in mind when choosing a pattern. Also, the yarn is of a chainette type construction which I found pulled quite easily, even while knitting. So make sure your knitting needles are nice and smooth and your finger tips don’t have any hang nails before you start knitting. Additionally, tie a small knot in the end of your yarn to prevent the chain of yarn unravelling while knitting.

This is definitely a delicate yarn which requires a certain amount of gentle handling but it is worth it. Therefore, create something for special occasions with this yarn such as the Amethyst shrug I mentioned above or how about this Sunburst Shawl…..

Sunburst Shawl, designed by Martin Storey

or Torine scarf in this beautiful coral colour called Sugar……

Torine, designed by Martin Storey

My top will be my special t-shirt as I live in area where everyone wears nothing but t-shirts and jeans! And when it gets a little colder in the next few months I can pop a cardigan over the top as it is great for layering.