Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Debbie Bliss Angel
Review Date: May 4, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Spring 2011

Cropped Cardi from Debbie Bliss Angel Book Debbie Bliss Spring/Summer 2011 Angel Cropped Tank Top Angel Short Shrug

The Look

Light airy lace is all around for spring and summer fashions. Debbie Bliss’ just released new yarn, Angel, is ideal for lace. A blend of 76% super kid mohair and 24% silk, Angel is so eye-catching that it was selected for the cover of the spring/summer edition of Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine. Several must-have new designs featuring Angel are included in the issue, especially the captivating cover piece, a charming lace capelet. Angel is an ultra-feminine gossamer fiber, just right for delicate romantic designs like shrugs, shawls, wraps and cardigans. These airy confections are warm but light and can span the seasons.

The Feel

Soft as you imagine an angel’s kiss, this yarn ranks #10 on the softness scale. A subtle haze of mohair lifts off the knitted surface, creating an aura of feminity.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Debbie Bliss launches Angel with a supply of very appealing new patterns for lace and simple cardigans. It is almost as if she could not stop working with this delectable yarn. In addition to Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine, a new book called simply Angel includes ideas for a shrug, wristlets, and two cardigans. The designs are show-stoppers; simple elegance set off by a luxurious yarn in colors so tempting you want to start knitting now.

Color Range

The 18 color choices include a range of classic neutrals plus extraordinarily appealing pastels and fruit colors. The heathery base color of silk and mohair is shines through the slight fuzzy surface of mohair. Pastel the colors may be, but they are vibrant and strong. The light pink and lilac will be able to hold their own against strong summer light and still add an air of excitement to a dark winter wardrobe.

Working It

Fine slippery silk and mohair is a pleasure to touch, but will need some effort to keep on the needles unless you use bamboo or wood. Even if the needles slide out of the knitting, the mohair stitches remain interlocked and can easily be picked up again. The shiny bright needles may be an attractive accompaniment to Angel, but take the road of caution to really enjoy knitting this yarn. You may feel like you are whipping egg whites as you work with this yarn, as it billows off the needles into airy clouds of fizz. Even though the fiber is very fine, the fluffy mohair fills the gaps between stitches yielding a loose, open gauge with a surprising amount of body. Angel can be knit to a wide gauge range, but should be kept light and fairly open, not crushed and tight. A mere 25 grams contains 218 yards. Once knit, Angel fairly floats away. It retains its shape nicely and needs very little blocking.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Visions of lace fill my head when I look at and handle this yarn. Fluffy scarves, stunning shawls, and warm shrugs are just a few ideas for using Angel. The simple elegant designs from Debbie Bliss are fashionable and wearable so why try to overthink it: the lacy cape on the cover of Debbie Bliss Knitting Magazine is a one way to start appreciating this yarn. There’s no need to invest in jewelry when you can create a lofty lacy scarf in one or more sumptuous colors of Angel to accent your favorite outfit.

Knitting Outside the Box

Use Angel to embellish knitting by adding a flourish of lace such edging the neckline of a sweater or adding a row of lace to peek out of the cuffs and hems of a sweater. Use leftovers to knit up a bouquet of flowers to adorn other garments, kid’s clothes or gifts.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry. Stretch and pin out lace to reveal pattern.

Washing It

Hand wash in cool water. Do not wring or twist but gently squeeze water out to avoid stretching your garment out of shape.

Wearability

Angel activates the touch response, and knitters may find signs of wear on the shoulders or arms of their garments, made so by avid observers who can’t help but stroke this yarn.

Overall Recommendation:

Lace lovers will be enchanted by this frothy yarn. Angel soars to #10.