Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Rios
Review Date: January 31, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2010

Rios Cranberry Plaid Sweater

The Look

Malabrigo just added a superwash medium weight 4-ply Merino to its line of kettle dyed yarns. Rios (rio means river in Spanish) is named after the four major rivers in Uruguay: Rio Cuareim, Rio Uruguay, Rio de la Plata, and Rio Negro. According to the Malabrigo yarn artists, each river is represented by one of the plies that twist together like the winding rivers. Rios also denotes the yarn’s washability; for millennia rivers provided water for washing garments. If you knit for others, don’t hesitate to share a little of this symbolism with your gift; we are all intertwined.

The Feel

Yarns in the new crop of superwash wool are all soft and smooth; Rios is no exception. Processing that makes the wool superwash removes the scales that can feel rough or scratchy. Even after dyeing, the yarn remains smooth and supple. This yarn is so soft you might be tempted to wrap the unknit and unwound skein around your neck and just wear it “raw” as a faux scarf. Rio ranks #10 on the softness scale.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Several designers have turned their talents to Malabrigo, and you will find a compelling range of books and patterns readily available from Malabrigo as well as from freelance designers. Malabrigo knits at a friendly gauge of 18 – 10 stitches over 4 inches, and there is a seemingly limitless array of patterns available in this gauge. The difficulty will come in deciding what to knit with this agreeable yarn. Start by considering a use that capitalizes on any of the unique qualities of this fine yarn: machine washability, softness, subtle kettle dyed shading, or traditional hand and finish. Consider using Rios for anything including sweaters, accessories, shawls and scarves, mittens (it’s superwash so it won’t felt), and slipper socks.

Color Range

The lustrous and deeply shaded jewel tones reflect bits of light like a flowing river. Rios is available in 25 semi-solid tone-on-tone and variegated shades. Be sure to get enough yarn to complete your project since each bag is a different dye lot, and skeins may vary from bag to bag. Some of the variegated colors may vary one from the other even within the same lot. To ensure random color distribution, work from two balls of yarn at once, alternating a few rows from each ball. The energetic primary colors are a good choice for kids’ garments, too.

Working It

Merino is a popular hand knitting yarn, and Rios handles like any good merino. It is smooth and elastic, knitting to an even gauge that is resilient and retains its shape. At the recommended gauge of 20 stitches over 4 inches, the fabric is firm but not rigid. Purl and garter stitches are sharply defined against smooth stockinette, and the subtle tonal variations in color add zest.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Soft Rios is ideal for big collars or shawls to keep the neck and shoulders warm, either as deep turtlenecks, cowl collars, möbius rings, scarves or shawls. Dispense the special care needed for hats, mittens and socks knit in natural wool in favor of the easy care properties of Rios. It has the warmth and resilience of wool and easy care busy people demand. Splashy colors like the bold Purple Mystery, cool Teal Feather, and attention-getting Ravelry Red add vitality to a drab winter wardrobe. If you’re yearning for the end of gray skies, knit up a pair of fingerless gloves, wrist warmers or slouchy hat. A little yarn and a few hours’ time may change your outlook.

Knitting Outside the Box

Knitters don’t usually think first about knitting skirts, yet a hand knitted skirt is comfortable and flattering. Toddler dresses, little girl jumpers, and adult A-line skirts are worth considering. Skirts require a yarn with memory, good drape, and elasticity, all of which Rios delivers. The fine gauge tight straight skirts knit of the 1960’s are not your only option. Think about chevron stripes, peasant shapes, gathered skirts with petticoat edgings, mid-calf and miniskirts. Whatever your style preference, you can find a skirt pattern that’s perfect for you, many of them free and downloadable.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry.

Washing It

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

Wearability

The color didn’t wash out and Rios settled back into the original shape with little prodding. Expect this yarn to perform well.

Overall Recommendation:

Try this yarn. It has all the qualities knitters say they want: warmth, resilience, good color, good texture and it is easy-care. Rios is strongly recommended at #10.