| Debbie Bliss Cotton DK |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Smooth, comfortable and versatile—that’s cotton. Cotton DK by Debbie Bliss presents this lovely fiber at its best. This firmly spun plied yarn has a polished surface that will stand up to all uses. Even if that challenge is active children or hot humid climates, Cotton DK will continue to look fresh and bright. That’s because it is very tightly spun 4-ply yarn of 100% long staple cotton. Tug as you will, it is very difficult to raise a haze or loosen any fibers.
The Feel Without the “additives” of other fibers or synthetics to add softness, Cotton DK still rates 6 on the softness scale. Cotton doesn’t have the softness of cashmere or merino, but there is no scratch or irritation in Cotton DK. It is soft enough that even a Princess will not detect a bump.
The Patterns You need look no further for inspiration than the masterful collection of designs in Debbie Bliss Cotton Knits for all Seasons. This excellent book has 25 projects for children, adults and the home, all knit in cotton. This book really shows the versatility of cotton. There are 25 designs for adults and children, ranging from summer cardigans to a Nordic-inspired blanket. Whether your taste runs to simple shapes or ornately bobbled and cabled garments, you will find lots of patterns for Cotton DK.
Since its introduction in 2004, the range of colors for Cotton DK has settled into a range of 24 shades that will please nearly everyone. The bold and bright colors are solid for even color distribution. The range has lots of neutrals that can be balanced by pastel or brighter colors. If you have an interest in color motifs or intarsia, you will find variety and range of colors to suit your color needs.
Working It This 100% cotton yarn has an even surface so both the rough and the smooth sides of the stitch show, giving you crisp stitch detail in textured stitches. The smooth surface works well with colorful motif and intarsia knits, too.
What I’d Like to Make with It The simple dress with mock pleats in Cotton Knits for all Seasons is designed for toddlers but who says big girls couldn’t adapt something similar? The pleats drape gracefully from the bodice to hemline in this loose-fitting sleeveless dress that is perfect for summer wear or adaptable as a winter pinafore. It’s a simple concept, worked into a timelessly fashionable garment.
Knitting Outside the Box Cotton DK is firm and smooth – just the ticket for a small purse or “pocket”. You can embellish the small area with a knit/purl stitch pattern. This yarn can be knit at a firm gauge to create a sturdy fabric that won’t collapse when you drop your keys or a lipstick in it. Crocheters will find this yarn an excellent choice for such projects.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry. Do not dry 100% cotton hand knitted garments in a dryer.
Washing It For best results, hand wash in mild soap and rinse completely. Use a gentle cycle in the machine to prevent stretching your knitting.
Wearability Don’t over wash and certainly do not put any hand knit cotton garments or items in the dryer. That said, cotton does tend to soften and “bloom” slightly with repeated washings, and it may begin to widen in shape. If the look and feel you seek is very soft and relaxed, then launder away. If you want to preserve the polished finish and crispness of new cotton, you can if you treat the garment properly. Cotton DK is a high quality tightly spun yarn that should give you many years of use. Overall Recommendation The designs created for this wonderful yarn go far in proving the point that cotton can be worn for all seasons. Cotton DK is an excellent choice of yarn for any season’s knitting. I recommend this yarn as #8.
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