Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Jojoland Rhythm
Review Date: June 17, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Colors Updated Fall 2010

The Look

Rhythm, from Jojoland, is a symphony of color in crisp 100% wool. The undulating color is achieved by long color repeats that shift gradually from one tone into another. A solid colored marl strand unites the colors and adds depth to the knitted fabric. In the ball, the yarn appears to be tweedy, but it knits into bright blocks of color. With Rhythm, knitters can easily achieve complex color effects. There’s no need to darn in ends or buy dozens of balls of yarn. Rhythm is a bundle of color in one ball of yarn.

The Feel

Rhythm has the rustic feel of hand-carded yarn best described as softness with an edge. You will know you are wearing a hat, mittens, scarf or sweater knit of wool. Some people are comforted this wooly touch and others want to make it go away. Jojoland produces a superwash version of Rhythm that scrubs away the wooly scales, making the yarn both washable and softer. Rhythm 100% wool rates #6 on the softness scale.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Designers can’t seem to stop when it comes to Rhythm. Pat Kirkland’s designs and the manufacturer’s recommendations illustrate how knitters can capitalize on the color variations in Rhythm. Transform any medium gauge pattern with the singing colors of Rhythm. Traditional hats, mittens, socks and sweaters bloom with perfectly blended colors.

Color Range

With 19 palettes to choose from, Rhythm provides an extraordinary range of tempting colors. There’s no need to experiment with matching colors; the harmonious colors in Rhythm are ready to knit.

Working It

Knitters who like crisp, crunchy knits with springy elasticity will be pleased with Rhythm. It knits into that optimal gauge of 18 – 20 stitches over 4 inches. This is a comfortable gauge that knits quickly and delivers firm, warm knitted fabric. There are thousands of patterns readily available for sweaters in any size, wraps, scarves and other accessories.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Take advantage of the subtle coloration in Rhythm to achieve otherwise difficult color shifts. For example, using one ball of Rhythm in the color Victorian Lavender, I was able to knit a traditional ascot scarf so that each “petal” was a different shade. Consider a beautifully shaded stole, shawl or sweater with color changes so gradual they seem to be created in a prism. Use a bold contrast shade like black to mimic stained glass in your knitting.

Knitting Outside the Box

Rhythm is available in 100% wool as well as superwash wool. If you are working on a felted project, read the label carefully; the superwash version will not felt. However, superwash is a good choice for bright children’s garments. Think beyond baby sweaters and blankets to knit soakers, overalls, and dresses of playful colors for babies and kids.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry.

Washing It

Wash by hand using a mild soap. Colors did not bleed or fade in a test wash.

Wearability

Rhythm is as tough as it is beautiful. It is firmly spun wool that should not pill. Washing raised a slight halo, softening the yarn. There is some possibility of pilling as these short fibers knot up, but wool sheds these pills easily. With minimal care, Rhythm will retain its alluring appearance.

Overall Recommendation:

Jojoland’s Rhythm is a reasonably priced wool yarn with fascinating color changes in a versatile gauge range. Give it a try. Rhythm rates #9.