Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Noro Kirameki
Review Date: February 23, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2010

The Look

Just a year ago, Eisaku Noro created a huge sensation by introducing a laceweight yarn. Lace knitters will be intrigued by the introduction of Kirameki, another laceweight yarn in the Noro line-up. Kirameki has the sheen of silk and the texture of tussah. Noro’s color artistry is on full display with a selection of captivating and unusual colorways. Kirameki is packaged in understated 50 gram balls with a whopping 495 yards, enough to knit a fabulous shawl or wrap.

The Feel

Kirameki is blended of 60% rayon, 25% nylon, 10% wool and 5% cashmere. Undoubtedly the nylon adds strength, and the wool and cashmere contribute resiliency and softness. Kirameki feels like soft linen. It rates #6 on the softness scale, but don’t fear that it will be rigid or stiff. Knit into a lacy scarf or shawl, Kirameki will feel whisper light and airy.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Noro always produces lots of patterns for the many Noro devotees. Kirameki is featured Noro Book #28 (Fall 2010), which also includes a crochet pattern. Other patterns are available in Jane Ellison's Noro Love (Book #10). It features two options that can be knit with just one ball of Kirameki. Scarves, shawls, and wraps are natural choices for this fine laceweight yarn. Reinterpret your favorite medium weight scarf in Kirameki to reveal a completely new look. Textured stitches will have a lacy effect when knit with a much finer yarn. Simple garter stitch and stockinette stitch look spectacular in the brilliant Noro colors.

Color Range

Kirameki is available in 10 ranges. Like other Noro yarns, Kirameki has long spans of color repeats blended so subtly that the eye barely detects the change. Knit up, these colors stretch into brilliant bands of color with no puddling or ugly globs of pooled color.

Working It

A cardboard sleeve tucked inside the ball helps support the skein, keeping it from collapsing and tangling. I carefully removed the cardboard and was rewarded with a well-shaped center pull ball. Pulling the yarn from the center of the ball prevents tangling and abrasion common when the ball is unwound from the outside.

Since it is primarily spun of rayon and nylon, Kirameki is a little slippery. The first few rows knit with any fine yarn are notoriously challenging. Traditional “cottage” knitters sometimes tied the knitting to their knitting belts or added a small weight to anchor the first few rows. Avoid slippery metal needles in favor of bamboo or wooden needles that prevent the stitches from sliding away. After knitting a few rows and familiarizing myself with the pattern, I was spellbound by Kirameki. The colors blend beautifully if unexpectedly from one to the other. Anticipation builds to see what the next color will look like and how it will change the overall look of the knitting. That 495 yards will knit up quickly because you won’t want to stop for any reason.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Look for stitches and even garments with an emphasis on horizontal line to take advantage of the long irregular color repeats in Kirameki. Lace patterns with medallions, cat’s paws, beading or other horizontal motifs will be accented by the color changes in Kirameki. Vertical stitch patterns will swirl with motion as the color changes along the vertical lines. I tested Kirameki by adapting a long-held favorite scarf pattern from Joyknits, by E. J. Slayton. I later found an almost identical version online; my compliments to all designers. My adaptation uses a simple 4-row lace pattern that is easy to memorize. Choose one of your favorite lace patterns and cast on enough for a long scarf or stole. Calculate the number of stitches in the repeat and add a few border stitches to stabilize the edges. My pattern has a 10-stitch repeat, so I cast on 46 stitches to test the yarn. That’s four pattern repeats plus three stitches on each edge for a garter stitch border. I started with 5 rows of garter stitch then launched into the pattern. Make your own pattern following this process.

Knitting Outside the Box

Lace knitters will be drawn to the color and lustrous sheen of Kirameki. For an unexpected baby gift, choose a lacy baby blanket knit in brilliant Noro colors.

Blocking It

Lay flat. Use very low heat to avoid damaging the rayon and nylon fibers. Do not tumble dry.

Washing It

Hand wash in cool water using a mild soap for fine woolens.

Wearability

Noro doesn’t suggest that Kirameki be used only in gossamer lace projects. Check out the casual scarves, wraps and shawls aimed for everyday use. The blended fibers create a strong yarn that will withstand every day wear or last decades in an heirloom quality shawl.

Overall Recommendation:

Experience the color mastery of Noro in lace; you won’t be disappointed. Kirameki rates #9.