| Blossom Street Cashmere Fleur De Lys |
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| Written by Barbara Rottman | |||
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Yarn Name: Blossom Street Cashmere Fleur De Lys
Brand: Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection
Manufacturer: Universal Yarn Made In: Turkey Date Released: Fall 2010 Yardage: 93 yards Weight: 50 grams Yarn Weight: Heavy Worsted Fiber Content: 90% Extra fine merino wool, 10% Cashmere Texture: Singles Gauge (st./4 in.): 17 sts/4 inches Needle Size(s): US 9 (5.5mm) MSRP: $13.00 Availability: Available Care: Machine wash warm water on gentle cycle. Dry flat.
The Look Cashmere Fleur De Lys, from Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street Collection, is a yarn for those who want it all: softness, luxury and easy care machine washability. This new cashmere merino blend is available in 16 trendsetting solids will attract yarn lovers like bees to bright flowers. Fleur De Lys is a heavy worsted weight yarn that knits up smoothly and quickly to a gauge of 17 stitches over 4 inches on size 9 needles. A soft haze blooms on this unspun roving type yarn – it’s not enough to classify the yarn as fuzzy, just fine tendrils of wool fiber poking above the yarn surface.
The Feel Merino and cashmere are two of the softest and silkiest wool fibers, and Cashmere Fleur De Lys is a tactile sensation. It rates #10 on the softness scale. You’ll love it next to your skin and to knit with, too. As with the other yarns in this series, Debbie Macomber is donating her profits from the sales of Fleur De Lys to children’s charities. This yarn makes you feel good all over.
The Patterns Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection Book 2 is filled with ideas that will give you a sense of the design possibilities for Fleur De Lys. There are 6 designs for cardigans, pullovers, accessories and a vest for the guys. These projects feature lace, texture and color work options. Whatever your knitting skill level, preference and personal style, you can knit to suit yourself using this versatile yarn. Given the color range, easy care properties, and soft luxurious feel, you can use Fleur De Lys for ages from infant to grown up. Just remember that Fleur De Lys is washable, so don’t be tempted to use it in a felted project as it will not shrink. Instead, capitalize on the machine washable quality by using Fleur De Lys its natural softness and rugged machine wash ability, as in a pair of soakers for a diapered tot.
Color Range Fleur De Lys is available in 16 deeply dyed jewel and natural tones. Made more luminous by the unspun singles yarn, the dyes have that vibrant glow that comes from the finest wool and cashmere fibers. These colors are as versatile as the yarn. For example, use sage green “envy” for your adorable baby or in a chic handbag for yourself. Try bold red “courage” for your child’s long red scarf or for a cozy lap robe. You can even combine the colors as in the attractive designs featured in Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection Book 2. Try either the color pattern sweater or the interesting two-tone cardigan with a wide color border.
Working It Beginners and experienced knitters all like knitting with singles yarns because of their elasticity. Fleur De Lys is very easy to knit with, and it never splits. The silky yarn knits into a very smooth fabric. Even though this is a heavy worsted weight, the fabric is soft and light with a flowing draping quality; there is no stiffness or scratchiness in Fleur De Lys. Add surface embellishments like lacey stitches, cables or textured stitches to the smooth surface, or leave it plain and finish off with garter stitch edging for simple elegance.
What I’d Like to Make with It Big, bold and chunky cowl collars that can be worn on the outside of your coat or sweater are all the rage for the fall season. Fleur De Lys is soft and comfortable enough to wear up around your chin and ears. Keep your fingers and hands toasty warm while you enjoy the softness of merino and cashmere in a pair of Fleur De Lys mittens.
Knitting Outside the Box With cooler temperatures comes shawl weather. What could be more luxurious than a shawl for you in this soft luxurious fiber? If you have never knitted one of these popular wardrobe staples, start with a simple triangular shape or a convert your favorite scarf pattern into an elegant stole by making it extra wide scarf and a bit longer.
Blocking It Lay flat to dry and do not tumble dry.
Washing It Hand wash or machine wash in tepid water using a gentle cycle.
Wearability The short fibers that form the halo on Fleur De Lys may pill, but this yarn is so soft that they should brush off with a gentle swipe of a lint brush or roller. Because Fleur De Lys is machine washable, you should not have to worry about it shrinking or losing its shape. Overall Recommendation: Blossom Street Fleur De Lys is well worth trying out. Test it out by knitting a cap or mittens. If you are like me, chances are you’ll want more. I rate it #10.
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