| S. Charles Collezione Solaris |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Beginning the introduction of rayon, yarn manufacturers have been searching for a more readily available fiber as a substitute for silk. New to the market, Solaris from S. Charles Collezione, closely approximates the deep luminosity and luxurious drape of silk, one of the most revered fibers. This lovely, lightweight yarn combines the fluidity of rayon with the crispness of linen to create soft textural knits.
The Feel Solaris is smooth, supple and strong. The linen reduces any tendency toward slipperiness from the rayon fiber. It knits into a soft fabric poised to drape gracefully over your frame. It won’t cling or drag nor will it feel like stiff cardboard. The softly crushable fabric retains its shape without being stiff. It rates a 7 on the softness scale.
The Patterns With the pattern support already available for Solaris, you can have stunning new garment finished before “sleeveless” weather arrives. Bright Nights Big City features three attractive summer tops: a versatile sleeveless tank, a diagonal-ribbed vest, and a short sleeve ribbed top with the high style detail of the1930’s. Solaris is ideal in garments featuring textured stitches or lacy patterns. Knit this lightweight yarn into fitted garments that softly hug your body. It retains its shape and you won’t have to contend with drooping, sagging stitches.
Color Range Both linen and rayon are natural cellulose fibers that readily accept dye. Solaris is available in 7 solids perfectly tuned to accent your summer wardrobe. The luminous shades of onyx, sapphire, coral, jade, citrine, sandalwood, and pearl are lovely against any skin tone. You can dare to go sleeveless because your skin will glow with the reflection of this softly radiant yarn.
Working It Six pairs of ultra-fine strands of fiber are plied together to create a medium weight yarn. The multiple fibers give the yarn resiliency and memory. Consequently, the stitches retain their shape. Textured stitches pop out against smooth stockinette background. Yarn overs, increases and decreases in open lace patterns reveal crisp pattern details. Because Solaris is a very smooth yarn, many knitters will want to use wooden or bamboo needles. Blunt points will prevent splitting the many softly plied strands, but I had no difficulty using sharply pointed metal needles. Knit you swatch in the needles you feel most comfortable with. If you’re not happy with working the yarn after you’ve knit for a bit, try a different type of needle. Sometimes that’s all it takes to correct what’s troubling us!
What I’d Like to Make with It This yarn says silk. Imagine it in a lightweight summer top that is equally elegant at the beach, office or for a backyard cook-out.
Knitting Outside the Box Ideal for summer tops and pullovers, this yarn could also be used for children’s garments. This lightweight yarn that so mimics silk would be worth considering for a baby’s crossover jacket, textured blanket or gown.
Blocking It Lay flat. Do not apply heat due to high rayon content.
Washing It Hand wash. May be dry cleaned.
Wearability Rayon and linen combine to give you all the qualities you want for long wear with a continued fresh appearance. These fibers hold dye well and you can expect colors to stay vibrant. Rayon and linen respond well to hand washing, an important feature for summer knits. Your knitting will bounce back into shape after a gentle bath in mild soap. Overall Recommendation Solaris is definitely worth a try; I rate it #8.
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