| Berroco Remix |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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The Look In the age of recycling, Berroco's Remix is sure to appeal to ecologically conscious. Remix is another of Berocco’s vintage style yarns just released for Fall 2010. This tweedy blend of recycled nylon, cotton, acrylic, silk, and linen reimagines the old rag wools, but this French-spun yarn is far different from earlier raggs. The original ragg yarn was created by spinning finely torn scraps of yarn with new wool. The yarn could be spun with shorter staple wool and less wool fiber content. Since the resulting yarn was considered to be of inferior quality to long staple virgin wool, it was called “shoddy.” How the world turns. Berroco’s new yarn will be eagerly sought after precisely because it is recycled, and because it is a quality-made yarn available in an attractive palette of colors. A medium weight flecked yarn, Remix promises to look great in any use from casual to city wear. Hand knit cardigans, pullovers, accessories and even kids wear will draw notice in this new old yarn that is machine washable and easy care. Remix is a throwback to wool tweed, but in an easy care mix of recycled fibers for the modern knitter.
The Feel Remarkably soft and springy, Remix feels a little like all its components. It passes the fondle test at #8 – very soft but slightly bumpy as you would expect with cotton, silk and linen content. Crush this softball size ball of yarn in your hands and you will find it has good elasticity and springs nicely back into shape.
The Patterns Tweed makes us think of rustic Aran knits, Wellington boots, and the rural countryside. The designers at Berroco have developed a new collection of comfortable designs for Remix. You can outfit the entire family in the designs featured in Berroco Booklet 303. The patterns are scaled for easy to intermediate skill levels. From the super easy striped scarf or girl’s pinafore to slightly more technical cabled and textured sweaters, these garments are satisfying to knit and fashionable to wear. Remix knits to a medium gauge of 4.25 stitches per inch, a gauge that is so ubiquitous that you should will find a nearly inexhaustible supply of patterns to knit.
Color Range Deeply saturated tones are highlighted with contrasting specks of color that add depth of color and interest. The tweed effect gives surface interest; even flat stockinette stitch reflects energy and sparkle. Remix is available in 12 pretty tones. There are six natural shades you would expect to find in tweed plus six colorful choices that include clementine, buttercup, old jeans, nightfall, strawberry and verdant.
Working It In knitted fabric, Remix closely resembles cotton, but it knits more like a wool or acrylic blend. It is slightly resilient, has good drape and excellent stitch definition. Remix is very soft and pliable. Each 100 gram ball contains a generous 216 yards. If you like to knit from center pull balls, you will be challenged to find a strand in this nicely wound round ball. Fearing an unmanageable tangle, I gave up and knit from the outer edge, corralling the bouncing ball in a basket.
What I’d Like to Make with It Think about using Remix for your next kid’s project, especially if you want a yarn with color and surface interest along with machine washability. You will have no worries about skin sensitivity, durability or color choices with Remix. It is lightweight enough to use for a toddler’s pullover or a tweedy baby blanket.
Knitting Outside the Box Try this vintage tweed yarn in a pair of moccasin socks. You can knit the top and attach it to a pair of suede moccasin soles or choose one of the many slipper sock books on the market. Remix is machine washable and will not felt, but you will need to dry your socks flat. Knit some comfy slippers for fun and style. You could go way out on a limb and knit a sock monkey toy using Remix. The colors Patina, Maple Sugar and Strawberry closely resemble the original red heel socks which were used for sock monkeys.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry.
Washing It Hand wash or machine wash in cool water using a gentle cycle.
Wearability Heed the care warnings and do not dry Remix with heat. The high cotton content poses a danger to shrinkage, so avoid heat and use the gently cycle on the washing machine. If cared for properly, you should be well satisfied with this yarn. Overall Recommendation: Remix is a remarkable substitute for wool tweed. It is a good choice for multi seasonal garments and those who live in warm climates. I rate Remix #8.
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