| Mirasol Wach'i |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Wach’i is a Quechan word meaning sun rays. Keeping with the convention of naming yarns using Quechan words, this soft new cotton/silk blend from Mirasol is aptly named. This traditional 4-ply blend is lightly twisted, smooth and resilient. The dye is completely saturated, and the luster of silk and fine cotton enlivens the surface of this lovely new yarn. Your purchase of Wach’i and other yarns in the Mirasol Yarn Collection supports local communities in Peru. The Mirasol Project (www.mirasolperu.com) was founded to bring the textiles and fibers of the Peruvian highland people to larger markets and thereby support these traditional cultures. A portion of every purchase goes directly to the funding of a community center in the remote region of Puno.
The Feel Mirasol’s Wach’i is a luxurious blend of 85% pima cotton and 15% silk. You may need a magnifying glass to read the hand printed label (it’s tiny), but you can feel the luxury with one touch. Try to keep your hands off this soft yarn; you can’t. It rates #9 on the softness scale.
The Patterns Mirasol’s Book 12 for women and girls features 6 classic designs from Jane Ellison using Wach’i. Cotton/silk blends are a favored choice of many designers who like the stitch definition, drape and luxury feel of this exquisite combination. Look through your knitting shelf for other ideas, or shop for new designs in the widely used gauge of 5 stitches per inch.
Color Range The eight bright colors are ideal for summer garments, accessories and kid’s garments. These are strong and vivid colors that can be used to accent your wardrobe or make a statement all their own.
Working It Wach’i is a pleasure to knit. There is enough crimp in the fiber to make the yarn nicely resilient. Stitches are crisp and sharply defined. Consequently, Wach’i is a good choice for textured stitches, cables and even plain stockinette or garter stitch. The natural silken luster adds further dimension.
What I’d Like to Make with It Lawn parties, croquet matches, and seaside walks call for billowy cotton dresses and loose sweaters. Knit yourself a tank or boxy shaped cardigan in Wach’i. Top a little girl’s summer shift with a pretty ribbed or cabled bodice. Cotton and silk are cool and comfortable, perfect for catching the summer sun’s rays. You don’t have to scrimp on texture, ribbing or ruffles with this dk weight yarn.
Knitting Outside the Box Try Wach’i in a bag or “pocket.” Knit a colorful pouch to carry your phone, I-pod, or even doggy treats. Simply attach a long strap to a textured rectangle knit to the dimension you need. Other choices might be to knit a pair of fingerless long gloves, a cowl collar or summer scarf.
Blocking It Dry flat.
Washing It Hand wash.
Wearability There are no concerns about wear or durability of this yarn. It is evenly spun premium Pima cotton and silk, and should give you good service if treated properly. Overall Recommendation Add some sun to your knitting this season: Wach’i from Mirasol. It rates #9.
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Yarn Name: Wach'i (a Quechan word meaning sun rays)
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