| Tahki Dove |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Tahki’s new yarn, Dove, is a single strand of equal parts alpaca and extra-fine merino with a touch of nylon. This slightly uneven single strand mimics handspun singles. It is packaged in 50-gram mini-wheels or cheeses and is available in a range deeply saturated autumn tones. Dove evokes femininity and softness.
The Feel In the ball, Dove feels soft and springy. Next to the skin, it is soft and smooth, rating it a “7” on the softness scale. As pleasing as it feels in the ball, Dove knits up to a light fabric with an agreeably soft texture that nonetheless retains its shape and stitch definition.
The Patterns Dove produces a lightweight fabric that retains its shape without drooping or sagging. Recognizing the excellent stitch definition that can also be achieved with Dove, Tahki developed patterns featuring texture, cables, raised stitches, and drape. Since Dove is knit in a medium gauge of 4.5 stitches per inch, knitters have a wide range of patterns available. It is a good choice for garments with romantically feminine details or those with cables, lace or other raised stitch accents.
Color Range
Dove is available in 9 deep, rich tones perfect for fall and winter fashions or home décor. The dark values in the dyes are warmly satisfying; think claret wine or vine ripened mulberries. Neutrals in cream, slate gray, the season’s “must have color”, and a crisp black compliment the jewel tones. These colors could spring right out of a harvest tapestry or from the Tuscan countryside.
Working It Dove knits up to a lightweight pliable fabric with good stitch definition and excellent resiliency which translates into drape. With knitting, a slight haze from the alpaca surfaces. This yarn contradicts some of the notions you might have about it if you just read the advertising copy or label. First, the manufacturer suggests the haze gives a felted appearance to the fabric, but this comparison is unnecessary. Unlike felted knitting, Dove is drapable, soft and retains stitch definition. Felted projects are notable for their firm, stiff fabric, but Dove is soft and resilient when knit. Next, you notice the alpaca content (44%). Alpaca is a warm, soft and luxurious fiber, but sometimes loses all stitch definition and shape in the softness. This blend of equal parts extra-fine merino and alpaca with nylon for strength is resilient, but still soft and luxurious.
What I’d Like to Make with It Dove retains its shape and has a soft, slightly loose texture when knit to gauge. This versatile combination makes it a good choice for both flowing and loosely fitted garments. Use Dove for sweaters, shrugs, capes, or vests. It is suitable for warmer climates because it can be knit to a relaxed gauge and forms a lightweight fabric. You might select Dove for knitting a toddler’s garment; the light weight warmth will keep your baby cozy out of doors or inside.
Knitting Outside the Box Knit a wispy, warm scarf, wrap or shawl to brighten your winter coat. Dove will retain its shape even after wrapping around your shoulders in snuggly warmth. For lightweight luxury at home, make a lap robe or blanket to chase away the chill.
Blocking It Dry flat to shape. Dove retains the shape very well and blocks to desired dimension easily.
Washing It Hand wash in cool water. May be dry cleaned
Wearability The alpaca in Dove raises a slight haze with knitting and wear, but the long silky alpaca fibers brush off without pilling. Garments knit in this resilient fabric should wear well and retain their shape.
Overall Recommendation Choose Dove to knit up a sweater, shrug or vest to accent your fall wardrobe. The luxury feel, relaxed drape and rich colors of this soft but resilient yarn earn an “8.”
Where to buy Tahki Dove yarn: Yarnmarket.com
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