| Mirasol Hap'i |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Hap’i from Mirasol is 100% cotton produced in a remote area of Munani, Peru. The cotton used in this yarn is Tanguis cotton which has longer, thicker fibers. Available in solid, contemporary hues, this worsted weight fiber has pattern support by Jane Ellison and works well for tank tops, shells, summer wraps, lightweight clothing and more. Here you see a woman’s top knitted in a simple lace design using Hap’i, a chunky slubbed cotton yarn, giving the garment a very fresh look.
The Feel If you rub this soft, smooth yarn against your cheek you may not be able to resist the urge to lay your head into the cushiony skein and take a nap, escaping into the comfort of this plush yarn. It ranks #8 on the softness scale.
The Patterns A portion of every purchase of Mirasol yarns, including Hap’i, is dedicated directly to funding a school in the remote area of Munani in the region of Puno to educate the children of the shepherds (www.mirasolperu.com). Designer Jane Ellison has dedicated herself to supporting Mirasol yarns. Jane Ellison’s Book 9, Hap’i Women, is a collection of six airy vests and pullovers in Hap’i. The relaxed style with emphasis on light texture takes full advantage of this medium weight nubby textured yarn. Jane says, “It is a delight to knit with the high quality Mirasol yarns and make a beautiful garment but to do so knowing that the purchase of the yarn helps such a worthwhile cause makes it extra special. I feel that it is good that I, like many consumers, can make a difference.”
Color Range Six new colors were added for 2010, bringing you a choice of 18 colors in Hap’i. This year’s new colors are summery and cheery: bright pink, sunflower, khaki green, turquoise, and wisteria shades round out darker tones and neutrals.
Working It Hap’i is spun unevenly, varying from a very loose nearly unspun strand to firmly spun, giving the yarn a plump nubby texture. Because of the relaxed spinning tension, Hap’i knits easily. You won’t notice painful hand strain working with this Aran weight yarn at the recommended gauge of about 18 stitches over 4 inches. Keep the gauge relaxed so that your knitting maintains elasticity and drape. Knitting this heavy worsted weight cotton at a tighter gauge will rob it of the little resiliency it has. There’s a pleasing contrast between the sheen on the sharp edges of the tightly spun sections and the frosted surface of the roving. The variations in circumference along the strand of yarn create interesting variations in the depth of stitches. Stockinette in Hap’I turns into a pebbly surface and you’ll see deep channels in ribbing. Choose pattern stitches with texture or open stitches to take full use of this characteristic in the yarn. Ribbing or variations using knit and purl combinations will help to add elasticity to the knitting.
What I’d Like to Make with It This premium Aran weight cotton yarn is an excellent choice for jackets or sweaters, especially if you live in a warm climate or are sensitive to other fibers. Stick to simple pattern stitches and build in elasticity where you can. Look through earlier books from Jane Ellison for Mirasol for more timeless pattern ideas.
Knitting Outside the Box The colors, textures and plushness of this yarn tempt me to knit a table runner or set of placemats using Hap’i. Heeding the recommendation not to machine dry, the table runner seems the more practical choice. The new colors for 2010 would make a bright statement for any summer table setting.
Blocking It Dry flat. Do not tumble dry as Hap’i may shrink. You may use a cool iron to block.
Washing It Hand wash. Do not bleach. May be dry cleaned.
Wearability Some abrasion may occur at the face of the unspun sections, but I suspect that will be minimal. Hap’I is spun of long staple Tanguis cotton which did not shed or break off as it was being knit. Pilling, snagging or other problems should be minimal. Follow the care recommendations, especially with regard to avoiding heat in drying and no bleach to protect your investment in time and materials. Overall Recommendation Hap’i is the kind of yarn you can’t take your hands off. It earns a rating of #8 for quality, texture and finish.
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