| Debbie Bliss Eco Baby |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Ecobaby is a lightweight fine yarn so smooth and uniform that you’d never guess it’s 10 plies of finely spun cotton. Ecobaby, a companion to Eco Aran organic cotton yarn, are part of the new Debbie Bliss Fair Trade Collection. If you think terms like organic and fair trade mean roughhewn, these yarns will smash that perception. Debbie Bliss uses only the highest quality raw materials to produce yarns under her label. Ecobaby is another fine yarn just added to the Bliss line.
Ecobaby carries the bioRe label, designating that it was manufactured within an ecological and socially conscious chain of producers that integrates farmers, their families and the textile industry as equal partners. The bioRe Association supports farmers on a long-term basis to develop their organic farming practices. Production is based on the principle of fairness, with equal partnerships, involvement and participation, including humane working hours and conditions.
Farmers receive agricultural advice and training. They are supported on a long-term basis to develop their organic farming practices. Through bioRe, the farmer’s income increases considerably compared to conventional farming, and there is no damage to their health, and the productivity of the environment is protected. Organic means that toxic chemicals are replaced with harmless alternatives. The cotton in Ecobaby is grown without the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers or defoliants and is harvested by hand. The yarn is dyed with non toxic dyes and the water is recycled and rendered drinkable by Idra, a non-profit organization. Marketing materials, including the belly bands, are printed on 100% recycyle paper using vegetable inks.
The Feel Smooth and soft, Ecobaby ranks at 6 on the softness scale. This is not a coarse dishcloth yarn. It will be soft and comfortable for baby or you if you decide to knit a fine gauge garment for yourself.
The Patterns Debbie Bliss has literally dozens of charming children’s patterns in numerous books and collections. Choose any of these timeless projects or design your own substituting Ecobaby for a baby sport weight yarn. Choose from your existing collection or pick up a copy of new Debbie Bliss patterns designed specifically for Ecobaby.
Color Range Ecobaby is available in a range of understated muted colors that mean you can dress your baby or toddler in something other than pastel and fruit colors. This sophisticated range of colors makes it possible to create truly stunning and noticeable projects; the color will distinguish your work. You’ll have the right palette to match straight from the fashion runway togs, giving your bäbchen a designer-inspired ensemble.
Working It Debbie Bliss yarns are notable for their high quality fibers and manufacturing standards. Eurobaby is another exceptionally well crafted yarn. There were no knots, joins or splits in the sample I worked. It knit up beautifully. Only occasionally did I have problems with splitting the strand, but I worked a sample pattern that included a p3tog maneuver so I can be forgiving on this point. I chose a pattern that I thought would challenge this yarn’s memory, stitch definition, and resiliency and was well pleased with the results.
Baby cottons bring to mind vintage bonnets, blankets, and rompers. I designed a throwback hat using Ecobaby because I knew it would make a pert ruffle to frame baby’s face. The openwork lace is enhanced by the terrific stitch definition achieved in this finely spun cotton yarn. It’s soft, flexible, and a perfect summer bonnet for baby. Button-embellished rosettes secure ribbon ties giving the bonnet a fanciful Victorian touch.
Knitting Outside the Box Many knitters like to knit at a finer gauge, which opens the door to a wide choice of design choices. Ecobaby knits at approximately 6 stitches to the inch, making it an ideal substitute for fine gauge vests, cardigans or pullovers. Substitute with care, however, as cotton yarn lacks resiliency and even this fine yarn won’t deliver the shaping and drape of wool. Use Ecobaby for openwork, knit-purl textures, garter stitch, and baby blankets or lap robes. You might like it for lacy spa accessories such as a luxurious and lacy face cloth.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry. Do not dry in dryer.
Washing It Machine wash using cold water.
Wearability The long staple fibers of this tightly plied yarn will not rub off or pill. You can expect long wear from this high quality yarn. Overall Recommendation For many knitters, the boiRe endorsement will be reason enough to purchase Ecobaby. Others will be attracted to it through Debbie Bliss patterns. The color, texture and quality will lure others. There are many reasons to try this notable new yarn. It rates a 9.
You can purchase Debbie Bliss Eco Baby yarn from Yarnmarket.com.
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What I’d Like to Make with It
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