Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Anny Blatt Jalouse
Review Date: November 29, 2011
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2011

The Look

Wow! Fresh from Paris runways comes Anny Blatt’s Jalouse ready to add accent and pizazz to any knitting. Like eyelash, Jalouse is made by anchoring tufts of wool roving in a fine polyester strand. The irregular length of the tufts works into a rugged shaggy texture that almost perfectly mimics the retro 60’s afghan shearling trim. Knit along with base yarn, it’s an ideal accent to cuffs, collars, hems and brims.

The Feel

Light, feathery and unspun, Jalouse rates #9 on the softness scale.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Anny Blatt pattern books are widely admired for haute-couture designs that emphasize style, detail and fashion. Jalouse is used as a lavish accent in several designs featured in the latest Anny Blatt books. The striking shawl collared cover design on Book 22 is a favorite classic updated with a wide feathery collar in Jalouse. Other designs defy tradition. A daring re-interpretation of a classic cabled sweater, the Kina vest in Book 19 is a fantasy of texture and shape that’s sure to appeal to hip gaslight romantics and traditionalists alike. A hat pattern available on Ravelry is a very clever use of Jalouse.

Color Range

Jalouse is available in five natural wool shades: natural black, white, beige, grey, and dark brown.

Working It

Accent yarns are knit along with another yarn that adds stability and form. Jalouse is formed by locking tufts of roving along an extremely fine strand of polyester thread. The surface dimension blooms into shaggy nap of on top of the base worsted or bulky weight yarn. Work Jalouse to a rather loose gauge and don’t be overly concerned about arranging the tufts as you knit. They will work themselves to the surface and cover the base yarn. Keep the two strands of yarn from tangling and take your time to enjoy this unique yarn. Worked at a loose gauge, the knitting will go quickly anyway. Take time to be sure of your row and stitch counts; ripping Jalouse is somewhat painstaking.

Knitting Outside the Box

Jalouse is an extraordinary accent yarn, so why not create an entire garment of it for a truly remarkable fashion statement? Held together with a strand of bulky wool, Jalouse knits quickly into a vest, jacket, coat or poncho. Unlike heavy shearling coats, Jalouse creates a lightweight warm fabric that suits any occasion.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry.

Washing It

Hand wash in cool water using mild soap suitable for wool. Be very careful to avoid agitation that could tangle the fringe.

Wearability

The unspun and extra-long tufts may clump or mat with heavy wear, and you will need to care for garments made with this yarn to keep them looking fresh. Finger comb or lightly straighten the tufts after wearing. This will brush away any soil and keep your garment fresh. This is a luxury yarn that adds an haute couture element to your wardrobe; wear it and enjoy the admiring glances it is guaranteed to bring.

Overall Recommendation:

Daring, dramatic and bold knitters will fall head over heels for Jalouse. It can be interpreted in fantasy, punk, or haute couture designs, and is an ideal fiber to add a dimension of the incredible to your knitting. I rate Jalouse #8.