| Blossom Street Gerbera (print and solid) |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look Many knitters know Debbie Macomber as the author of seven Blossom Street novels that started with The Shop on Blossom Street. By now you’ve seen the print ads showing a glowing Debbie Macomber holding a basket filled with samples of Blossom Street yarn, Debbie’s new signature yarn collection from Hal Ozbelli and Universal Yarn. Named after the yarn shop in her popular Cedar Cove series, and inspired by flowers of her home in the Pacific Northwest, the Blossom Street Collection represents the fulfillment of Debbie’s dream yarn line. Recently, when Knitch Magazine asked Debbie about her new yarns, she responded, “Let me start by telling you that having my own yarn collection is above and beyond anything I expected when I wrote the first Blossom Street book. As far as developing the line is concerned, Hal and I discussed the yarns but I left the color choices to him and his wonderful staff, as I loved everything they presented to me. Prepare to be wowed! This is FABULOUS yarn.” As Debbie traveled the country during this year’s book tours, she handed out mini skeins of her new Gerbera yarns. Just as she predicted, everyone who saw the beautiful yarn loved the feel and texture. We did, too.
The Feel Gerbera is an unspun roving or singles yarn. It’s a sturdy yarn that won’t pull apart with handling, but is also soft, lofty and light weight. Don’t worry about scratchiness with this 100% wool yarn; on the softness scale, Gerbera ranks #8.
The Patterns Three pattern booklets will be released in conjunction with the release of the Blossom Street Collection yarns. Here you will find knit and crochet projects featuring the new yarns. Gerbera is ideal for outer jackets, hats, scarves, mittens, and today’s must-have accessory, the felted tote bag.
Color Range Gerbera, named after the colorful Gerbera Daisy, is available 6 self-patterning prints that coordinate perfectly the 10 traditional solids. Just like its namesake, the vivid colors of Gerbera yarns are compellingly cheerful.
Working It Gerbera has an ever-so-slight twist that makes working this yarn a delight. Gerbera is very easy to work primarily because it is a bit on the bulky side. Like a densely molded running back that is strong, sturdy and hard to tackle, this yarn is a dependable performer worthy of cheers. The stitches glide off the needles into neat, crisp bumps and flats. Gerbera is nicely resilient, which is great for hat bands, mitten cuffs and garment hems. The recommended gauge of 17 stitches over 4 inches yields a lightweight, pliable knitted fabric.
What I’d Like to Make with It Here’s a stunning colorwork sweater by designer Diane Zangl (photo right). It’s featured in the Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection Book 1 and is a gorgeous example of the radiant colors available in Gerbera. It’s also a good example of how this heavy worsted weight yarn can be used effectively in color pattern designs.
Knitting Outside the Box Continuing the practice she began with her first knitting pattern book from Leisure Arts, Debbie is donating all her profits from the sale of the Blossom Street Collection to children’s charity. Knitting a cap, blanket, toy or scarf for a charity project using Gerbera yarn is a double-feel good project. If you’re not sure how you would use this yarn, start with a few skeins and commit an act of generosity.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry; do not iron.
Washing It Hand wash in warm water.
Wearability You will enjoy warmth without weight in a garment knit with Blossom Street Gerbera. This 100% wool roving yarn has enough bulk and natural loft to keep you warm in damp, cool and wintery climates, but it’s lightweight and flexible. You won’t feel like you’ve been trapped in a coil of rope. Overall Recommendation: Try Gerbera. It is a strong, sturdy yarn likely to become one of your favorites. I rate it #10.
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Yarn Name: Gerbera (print and solid)
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