| Crystal Palace Cotton Twirl |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Newly released from Crystal Palace Yarns, Cotton Twirl is a burly cotton yarn with a tactile crinkly texture and soft luster of natural cotton. It’s a medium weight crimped yarn that promises outstanding results.
The Feel Cotton Twirl is sturdy and solid, falling midway on the softness scale at 7. The soft cotton is tightly spun creating a nubby texture that adds elasticity to your knitting and creates a surface on the order of fine wale corduroy.
The Patterns Crystal Palace provides a range of free patterns to introduce Cotton Twirl. These patterns display the adaptability of this yarn. The snug fitting ribbed watch cap demonstrates elasticity inherent in Cotton Twirl. The short sleeved cardigan and open work scarf illustrate the body and drape this yarn delivers. There’s also a basket weave blanket that display crisp stitch definition.
Color Range Cotton Twirl is available in 14 prints and 8 coordinating solids. The range includes currently fashionable “Cocoa Blues” and childishly cute “Happy Baby." Colors like “Beach Scene” are great for any age. The cool and pleasing “Blue Jeans” confirms the appeal of denim and will undoubtedly be among knitters' favorites.
Working It There is enough elasticity in Cotton Twirl to make for relaxed knitting. Cotton Twirl falls in the medium to heavy range for yarns, sometimes called Aran weight. Early cotton yarns of this weight tended to be ropy and hard to knit because they lacked elasticity, but manufacturers have been searching for ways to solve that problem. Sometimes cotton is combined with other fibers, like silk, wool, bamboo, or manmade fibers. Other approaches include varying the spinning techniques. In Cotton Twirl, a bit of elastic plus a tightly spun crimped spin just enough bounce to ease the strain for hand knitters. Cotton Twirl did not split, twist or annoy in any way. This yarn is firm, so the stitch definition is very good. Cotton Twirl’s crinkly texture produces an irregular surface that softens the stitches somewhat, but the pattern remains distinct. On a quick glance, you might mistake Cotton Twirl for velveteen or corduroy.
What I’d Like to Make with It Cotton Twirl falls into a versatile gauge range that offers lots of choices for summer cardigans. Knit up a short sleeved swing cardi to take along on summer vacation. Pop it on over a tank top for a quick transition from tourist to sophisticate. Children’s garments are a natural for Cotton Twirl, too.
Knitting Outside the Box Because the garments are so small, baby gear is most often knitted at a fine gauge, but Cotton Twirl’s recommended gauge range of 4 stitches per inch still allows several options for baby, and the knitting will go very quickly. Welcome a summer baby with a lacy cap, hooded towel or mini hoodie. New moms will appreciate the easy care of this natural fiber.
Blocking It Do not apply heat to this yarn. You may machine dry on cool or fluff cycle, but do not put it in a hot dryer. Alternatively, dry flat.
Washing It Hand wash or machine wash in cool water using a gentle cycle.
Wearability Cotton Twirl is a fine quality, well-constructed yarn that will retain its shape and give long wear. Overall Recommendation In the medium to heavy range for cottons, this yarn is an excellent choice. I rate it #8.
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