| Twisted Sisters Mirage Hand Paints |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
 Yarn Name: Mirage Hand PaintsReview Date: 11/2/2009
Mirage Hand Paints from Twisted Sisters is perfect for the Pythagorean Top (also known as the Pythagorean Pullover). The color changes in Mirage combine with the diagonal lines in this simple top to create a swirl of color. This elegantly casual T-shirt works well for any outing and can be dressed up or down. Mirage is also featured in Graphic Fantastics. It is filled with designs featuring mitered squares, bands of color, internal ruffles and vertical lines of lace. The 5 featured designs include cropped and kimono style sweaters, a hat, a scarf, and a fun geometric top all knit in Twisted Sisters Yarns such as "Mirage."
Soft cotton plied with silky rayon combine into a luxuriously soft yarn that is richly dyed in deep, brilliant color. Sheen from the rayon contrasts subtly with the flat cotton finish, adding luminosity to the dyes. The result is a beautiful three-dimensional effect much like the subtle brushstrokes of an Impressionistic painting by Monet or Cezanne. The simple act of winding the yarn into a ball from the skein is a visual sensation; you won’t be able to resist this yarn.
The Feel Rayon and cotton are plied with a soft twist in this supple yarn. The cotton contributes strength for good stitch definition and the rayon adds sheen. This yarn is soft and silky smooth; it rates #8 on the softness scale.
The Patterns In Double Trouble, you’ll find projects for 8 sophisticated tops and sweaters using bias, asymmetry and traveling ribs to play up the dazzling colors in Mirage Hand Paints. Bias or diagonal knitting takes on a lively, swirling dimension when knit in these beautiful colors. Check out the many books, magazines and designers who feature this technique. Don’t forget that it can be mixed or matched with the 36 semi-solid Mirage tones for even more color.
Mirage Hand Paints are all about color. A true artisanal yarn, it is dyed in small lots of 20 skeins, each individually hand painted by a Twisted Sister artist. The Impressionist collection, an artistically inspired series of colorways, is descriptively labeled with names such as “Monet’s Gardens”, “Les Fleurs”, “Ballerina Blues” and “Paris Rain”. Four more equally inspired palettes supplement the Impressionist collection. All coordinate beautifully with the nearly-solid monochromatic variegates of the "Mirage" series.
Working It Color knitting, whether with stripes or a hand painted yarn, mesmerizes me as I wait to see how each new bit of color affects the whole. The Twisted Sisters palettes blend but do not stripe or pool, resulting in a knitted fabric that is a visual delight. Knit to a relaxed gauge, the fabric drapes gracefully, showing off the subtle color variation to its best advantage. I was pleased with this yarn; it knit evenly without splitting or snagging.
What I’d Like to Make with It Add pizzazz to your project by substituting Mirage Hand Paints for cotton yarns in shawls, scarves, bags, or other garments. Mirage Hand Paints will enliven any project. Used in a pattern stitch that accentuates color, these vibrant hues will add depth and interest. Choose a fit that capitalizes on the graceful drape that can be achieved in a rayon/cotton fiber. Even the simplest garments are chic when knit in the beautiful color ranges of Mirage Hand Paints.
Knitting Outside the Box Try this simple bow tie scarf. Knit in Mirage Hand Paints, this garter scarf is a stylishly colorful highlight for your wardrobe. This simple accessory knits up in a jiffy with just one ball of Mirage Hand Paints. Make it choker or scarf length; there’s enough yardage in the skein to make either.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry. Dry away from direct sunlight.
Washing It Hand wash in cool water using a mild soap.
Wearability The label advises that dark colors may be subject to crocking (rubbing the dye off onto other items), but the test swatch presented no problems in knitting, washing or wearing. This yarn will retain its lovely gloss and rich color with appropriate care. Overall Recommendation Find the color palette that suits you and knit a luminous project in this dramatic yarn. You will love the process and the results. This yarn rates #8.
Where to buy Twisted Sisters Mirage Hand Paints yarn: Yarnmarket.com
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