| S. Charles Collezione Sahara |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Southerners know that loose garments of simple woven linen and cotton are nature’s air conditioners. Sahara, from S. Charles Collezione collection, is so evocative of those natural fabrics that you’ll feel a trickle of sweat. This narrow ribbon yarn is a blend of 44% viscose, 36% bamboo and 20% linen woven into a light and breezy mesh. It knits to a bulky gauge and is ideal for simple garter, stockinette, or open patterns.
The Feel Sahara is lightweight and gauzy. The raised surface of the finely woven fibers creates a slight granular texture that is as comforting as digging your toes into silky beach sand. Sahara rates a 4 on the softness scale, but don’t let that deter you. It’s so airy that it nearly floats and will never scratch.
The Patterns S. Charles introduces Sahara with patterns for a multi-directional ribbed vest and sleeveless top kimono cardigan. The designers emphasize simple stitches with minimal adornment, capitalizing on the textural qualities of this lightweight yarn. It is ideal for simply shaped garments. Look for patterns that emphasize textural effects as the main design element. Color Range The colorists for S. Charles Collezione created a palette of 10 soft pastel, but not washed-out shades that will stand up to the hottest summer heat. Mimicking natural linen, there is a natural, sand and driftwood shade along with traditional summer cotton shades of pale blue, pink and citrus and lime. These soothing colors are buttressed by charcoal, orchid and tiger lily.
Working It Sahara is woven, not spun, so don’t expect it to be elastic or very resilient. It should be knit at a gauge of about 16 stitches over 4 inches to produce a light fabric that will drape stylishly, but with little elasticity. If knit any tighter, this yarn will smash into string creating a stiff and lifeless fabric. Loosely structured garments are best suited for this yarn. Sahara produces a fabric with uneven texture resembling crumpled linen or old silk. Simple garter or stockinette is highly effective with such a surface texture. Blunter needles help to prevent piercing the tape, but that is about the only concern you’ll have in working this yarn.
What I’d Like to Make with It Sahara would be terrific in a loose blousy top for summer’s hottest days. Try knitting a loose vest to drape over a tank top or an empire-waisted tunic with a lacy open pattern on the bottom, stockinette top, and no sleeves. Think about what kind of garments bring you relief in hot humid weather and knit the something that will put you in your comfort zone.
Knitting Outside the Box Convert the coat into a robe or knit a long flowing tunic for Stella-esque relief from the heat. You’ll be stylish, sexy and cool in Sahara.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry. Do not apply heat.
Washing It Hand wash in cool water.
Wearability Sahara poses no danger of pilling, shedding or other annoying problems associated with cotton yarns. While the woven construction is open and airy, there are no loose fibers to snag. You may experience a slight flattening of texture as the ribbon yarn compresses with wear. Some may prefer a less puffy texture, which will occur with wear and washing of most ribbon yarns. Overall Recommendation If you can’t envision a hot weather wardrobe without natural linen, add a top, vest or jacket in Sahara. Knit it now before that overhead fan starts stirring the hot humid air. Sahara rates #8.
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