Yarn questions

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Permalink Reply by KisForKnitting on April 19, 2008 at 9:59am

I put this question in the wrong discussion section:

...I thought I would dive in headfirst and do Peace of My Mind next. I wanted white or ivory, so I chose KP's fingering weight bare 70% merino wool, 30% silk. Has anyone used this yarn undyed? Will it look OK, or should I try to dye it ivory?

I ordered the yarn yesterday, so hopefully it will work.

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Permalink Reply by Snow White on August 5, 2008 at 7:58pm

Hi, I bought the book and fingering yarn intending first to do EZ's Pie R Sqared Shawl. The Wrapped in Comfort looks easier for starters but, I had a question about gauge. (I always have a question about Gauge) Anyway, do I do a swatch? In stockinette? In the proposed pattern? Just jump in with the recommended needle size? I could use some basic guidance.
Thanks, Snow White

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Permalink Reply by Knit Picks Admin on August 6, 2008 at 7:26am

For Wrapped in Comfort, you would swatch in the lace pattern starting out with the recommended needle size. Block out your swatch, decide whether you like the drape and texture, and then you can either go up or down one needle size to adjust the fabric.

The Pie R Squared shawl doesn't suggest a gauge - I would suggest swatching and blocking your swatch like usual, and then adjust your needle size until you get a fabric you like. Just remember that lace gauge is subjective - the right gauge is the gauge that you like the look of!

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Permalink Reply by Snow White on August 6, 2008 at 8:51am

Ok, I like the Shawl on page 72, "Peace of Mind Shawl" It calls for #1 yarn which says is fingering. I have lace yarn is that a #0? I love the way it looks and would purchase the type I need, but what type is that. KP used to have the numbers with the type of yarn but I am missing that somewhere. This is a beautiful shawl and I will enter it in the county fair next July. Please guide me on the yarn selection. Also, then I need to understand the yardage I need.
Thanks, Snow White

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Permalink Reply by Knit Picks Admin on August 6, 2008 at 10:42am

If you'd like to purchase fingering weight yarn for this shawl, you can find our selection right here. You'll need about 1100 yards of fingering weight yarn - if your skein had 220 yards, like Gloss, you would need 5 skeins.

If you'd like to use your existing lace yarn, you could try holding it doubled and swatching the lace pattern for the "Peace of Mind" shawl to see if you like it. Remember to block your swatch properly before making up your mind about it!

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Permalink Reply by KisForKnitting on August 6, 2008 at 12:05pm

I made this shawl in fingering weight and think it would be just fine using lace weight. All these shawls have so much drape that I imagine any weight from lace to DK would work, just giving you a completely different look depending upon what you choose: from airy to big and cozy.

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