Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Rosebud
Review Date: August 27, 2010
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2010

The Look

Debbie Macomber’s Blossom Street Collection includes a softly plied extra fine merino in the light worsted weight category. Rosebud is aptly named for its velvety softness, almost equal to rose petals. Rosebud is not fragile, though. It’s a smooth spun 4-ply DK weight traditional yarn with a gentle touch and supple hand. This superwash wool is a great choice for everything from baby rompers and crib blankets to fashionable stoles and wraps for Mom.

The Feel

Rosebud is extraordinarily soft, silky and resilient. It ranks #9 on the softness scale for its velvety touch. Some wool yarns are left dull and lifeless in the processing that makes them superwash. No softness, loft or luster were sacrificed in making this merino into a superwash yarn; it feels naturally soft and pliable.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

The Debbie Macomber Blossom Street Collection Book 3 includes 6 clever patterns designed specifically for Rosebud. You’ll notice the natural focus on afghans and shawls; that’s because Rosebud is a soft yarn with excellent stitch definition and drape, and it’s machine washable. Rosebud knits at a versatile gauge of approximately 5 to 6 stitches per inch, a gauge that is scaled to suit babies and young children.

Color Range

Working It

This extra fine merino is highly elastic and knits with very good stitch definition, especially for a yarn so soft. If you squeeze the ball or tug on a length of yarn, you will notice that it crushes easily and the yarn is stretchy, but it bounces right back to its original shape. This promises good things for knitting, and Rosebud delivers. Purl bumps stand out distinctly against the flat surface created by this smooth yarn. Slanting increase and decrease stitches are etched across the smooth surface, so even the simplest design elements like sleeve or neckline shaping can be used to ornament your knitting.

What I’d Like to Make with It

The Rosebud palette is charmingly subdued, reminiscent of Victorian roses. The gentle color range and light DK weight make Rosebud a good choice for baby layettes, afghans, stoles and frilly, lacy garments. Many scarf, shawl, wristlet and cardigan patterns feature ruffled edges, sometimes combined with lacy open stitches. Rosebud is a good choice for projects with these design elements because it is soft and elastic.

Knitting Outside the Box

If you like detail and a finer gauge, try this ultra-soft DK yarn for a sleeveless shell or tank. The light weight won’t add bulk when paired with a cardigan or jacket. Use a fancy lace or cable stitch for decorative interest, or knit it plain. The soft colors will blend nicely with your business wardrobe, but are just as effective with jeans or a cotton skirt. Knit in Rosebud for its soft touch and easy care machine washability, this shell could become your essential wardrobe piece.

Blocking It

Do not apply heat to this yarn. Lay flat to dry.

Washing It

Hand wash or machine wash in warm water using a gentle cycle.

Wearability

Another quality yarn from Universal Yarn, Rosebud should give you long wear. You can expect some pilling because the yarn is soft. Brush gently using a fabric lint brush and your garment will look fresh as new.

Overall Recommendation:

Rosebud is delightfully soft, pliable and luxurious to the touch. It knits with a good hand and crisp stitch definition. Try Rosebud when you want soft luxury, whether for your next baby project or for anything soft and luxurious. Rosebud rates #10.