| Filatura di Crosa Superior |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Yarn Name: Superior Review Date: 8/12/2009 Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2007
Two new books from Filatura Di Crosa present more stunning designs for knitting and crocheting with Superior, a luxurious cashmere/silk blend. The classy designs will please both knitters and crocheters. Beyond the expected collection of lace shawls and scarves, the knitting collection, Dancing on Air, includes a wimple and bolero. The eight patterns in Superior Crochet include a tunic, cardigan, shell, and caplet plus shawls and wraps created by Doris Chan and Kristin Omdahl. The Look
The Feel Simply stated, this yarn rates a “10” on the softness scale. Superior is an ultra-soft blend of 70% cashmere and 30% silk. You’ll want to stroke and fondle the ball, and your hands will itch to start knitting, if you could only remove it from caressing your cheek.
The Patterns Filatura Di Crossa offers two free patterns on its web sites, not to mention the multitude of lace patterns available anywhere you search. Unfortunately, the free pattern does not include a lace chart. Most people find it well worth the trouble to knit lace from a chart, but the simple pattern repeats in this scarf (and the fact that it is free) make this pattern worth trying. The generous yardage in Superior means you can make an attractive sampler scarf with just one ball. Try Superior and you may never want to stop knitting lace.
Color Range
Four new colors were added for the fall 2009 season, bringing the color range to an amazing choice of 28 colors. You will find elegant neutral shades, pastels and brights – something for every wardrobe and taste.
Working It Superior is a superfine yarn that is a bit slippery and somewhat tricky to manage. Most patterns recommend intermediate or above skill level. Improve your chances for success by using bamboo needles to help grip the knitting. You can also use stitch markers to set off the pattern repeats – it is much easier to correct mistakes at the end of a repeat or row than after several inches of knitting. Other knitters use the “lifeline” technique to minimize ripping. Keep careful notes or use any of the many gadgets on the market to help you mark your place in the pattern. Lace will look wrinkled and misshapen as it is being knit. If you are careful to reproduce the pattern accurately, the lace will “bloom” when it is blocked. Lace is purposely knit at a very loose gauge. Do not expect it to be resilient. Lace is noted for the elegance of drape and shimmer as the light shines through the open stitches.
What I’d Like to Make with It
Superior is best used for lace or openwork. This yarn is designed to flow, drape and display lace patterns. Reserve this yarn for scarves, shawls, wraps, and flowing garments like tunics or unstructured cardigans. The craze for lace knitting is driven by the availability of fine yarns like Superior, and designers have created a dizzying array of patterns to choose from. Your only question will be, “How fast can I knit up something in all 28 colors?”
Knitting Outside the Box Instead of knitting an avant garde garment, use your lace in an unexpected fashion. Study the fashion shots in the pattern books and use your imagination to creatively add lace to your everyday wardrobe. Enjoy the looks of envy you will attract by wearing your gorgeous designer lace.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry. Never apply heat. Lace will need to be “dressed”. After washing carefully by hand, lay the lace on a towel and roll it into a tube to absorb most of the moisture. Place the near dry lace on a large clean flat surface. Your bed will do nicely. If a spare bed is not available, clear a space on a carpeted floor (away from pets who will want to bed down on your lace). Clean the floor thoroughly and/or cover with a clean sheet. Carefully lay the lace out, stretching it to the reveal the beautiful lace pattern, and pin out the points evenly. Use stainless steel pins to avoid rust marks on the lace. Measure carefully and then measure again to be sure the piece is evenly stretched. Close the door, walk away and wait for it to dry. Don’t meddle with it until it is thoroughly dry. Remove the pins and enjoy your work of art.
Washing It Hand wash in cool water. Do not wring or twist. Lay flat to dry. Lace should be gently washed with a product made especially for fine wools. Follow the package instructions for washing and rinsing.
Wearability Lace must be handled with care to avoid snagging on jewelry, zippers, clothing or shawl pins. It should be carefully folded and stored to preserve the blocking. To protect the lace, you may choose to store it in a pillow case of cotton or satin. Recycle a outdated silk blouse or skirt into a storage envelope for keeping your lace.
Overall Recommendation This yarn lives up to its name. For the finest luxury, Superior rates a “10.” Where to buy Superior yarn: Yarnmarket.com
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Packaged under the Golden Line, Superior is an incredibly soft blend of brushed cashmere with a shimmering silk core for added strength & a hint of shimmer that lives up to the luxury labeling. Filatura Di Crosa’s pattern books, Dancing on Air, could as easily be titled Knitting with Air.
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