Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Rowan Panama
Review Date: May 15, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Spring 2011

The Look

Rowan’s new Panama yarn is a woven strand of rayon, cotton and linen that knits into a crisp and shimmery fabric with elegant drape that is ideal for summer fashions. The fingering weight yarn flattens into shiny lozenges every few inches. This spinning technique creates irregularly spaced reflective flat surfaces that sparkle against the matte knitted ground. This new yarn promises a relaxed drape that will beautifully complement summer linens and flowing cotton skirts. Deeply saturated dyes in muted floral tones create a sophisticated tone for relaxed elegance.

The Feel

The label describes Panama as a blend of 55% viscose, 33% cotton, and 12% linen. Viscose is simply the base solution of cellulose (wood pulp and used in making rayon fibers. Cotton and linen are also cellulose fibers; this entirely natural blend of fibers will feel pleasant next to the skin. The mixture of viscose, cotton and linen used in Panama is selected for properties of softness, absorbency and breathability that bring comfort to summer garments. Panama rates #6 on the softness scale. The knitting stitches are softly defined and lightweight, not at all scratchy or stiff.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Rowan supports all their new yarns with compelling designs, and Panama is no exception. The Panama Collection includes 15 fresh summer designs from the Rowan design team, featuring lacy open work stitches, fine crochet and stripes. These easy to wear contemporary styles are set to be a 'must have' for the essential summer wardrobe and include tunics, wraps, and even a dress.

Color Range

Panama is available in 12 lustrous flower shades that dazzle. The natural fibers in Panama absorb the dyes in deep rich tones with a hint of glitz that has an eye catching effect.

Working It

As a natural rayon, cotton and linen blend, Panama does not have much elasticity but it drapes gracefully and is ideal for flowing garment lines. The fingering weight yarn is worked at a gauge of 27 stitches over 4 inches on approximately US size 3 needles. Panama works to a slightly uneven or rough rustic texture in stockinette. It creates a nubby finish in lace and mesh patterns. The fine gauge stitches flow into a fine lightweight stockinette stitch or work equally as well in open lacy stitches at a looser gauge like shawls and shrugs. Panama retains its shape well, so it is a good choice for tanks and tunics, too.

What I’d Like to Make with It

If your summer climate brings hot humid summer days that call for breathable, absorbent lightweight garments, consider a tank top or loose tunic knit in Panama. Work this fine gauge natural blend into a mesh pattern or other openwork design for a breezy cool look. The shiny rayon highlights bring Panama into the “fancy” class, suitable for business or causal wear. Quick-to-knit projects like a summer lacy scarf or shawl will give your summer wardrobe an instant boost of color and flair.

Knitting Outside the Box

The 1930’s was an era defined by cosmopolitan styles and chic elegance. Silky fabrics like rayon were cut to emphasize drape in a curvy feminine style. Gloves, especially crocheted and mesh gloves were the must-have accessory. Panama will knit or crochet beautifully into a pair of fingerless gloves. Adapt one of the many patterns available for gloves that use sock or fingering yarn. Panama is suitable for cables or lace; add a lacy gauntlet, buttons or beads.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry. Be careful not to stretch.

Washing It

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. To avoid wrinkling and stretching, do not wring or twist the garment when wet. Support the garment while allowing water to drain from it and then roll it in a towel to absorb any extra moisture.

Wearability

Panama promises excellent potential for long wear. Both linen and cotton soften with increased washings. Rayon can stretch if it is twisted or wrung in washing but with caution can be easily laundered. This blend of rayon, cotton and linen should be lightweight, breathable and comfortable to wear over many seasons.

Overall Recommendation:

Panama is a premium-quality lightweight cotton yarn that is ideal for fine gauge and lacy summer knits. It rates #9.