Knitch Magazine

Yarn Name: Athena
Review Date: January 6, 2012
Date Introduced to Market: Fall 2011

The Look

Athena is a new singles yarn from Anny Blatt. Its rumpled, un-ironed finish might lead you to think it will be lumpy or uneven when knit, like the retro 60’s thick ‘n thin yarns, but it is smooth, soft and a most pleasing yarn. In Greek mythology, Athena is the goddess of just about everything, including inspiration, arts and crafts, and skill. Let’s just skip over the violence, warfare and heroism parts as they aren’t often called upon in knitting. If a yarn is to live up to its namesake, then Athena must be one that brings out the best in the knitter and allows their vision to be revealed without distraction. Every knitter dreams, even if it is just a little, of achieving mythical results, lest they would never cast on. Let’s see if Athena can help them get there.

The Feel

Of 100% washable merino combed into strands that Rapunzel would envy, Athena is soft and lustrous. Without the slightest twist or bump to interrupt its flowing softness, Athena rates #9 on the softness scale.

Softness Scale

The Patterns

Notable fashion houses earn the label “haute couture” because of their unparalleled attention to detail, impeccable workmanship and use of the finest materials. Anny Blatt designers aspire to this tradition in creating sensational garments. Often bold and daring, these garments make a profound statement that the wearer appreciates fine materials and high style. Sometimes startling and often daring, these styles display the yarn at its best. The deeply etched cables, texture and ribbing in the samples tell you that Athena will show stitch detail with precision while it drapes softly around feminine curves. For those whose style is more laid back, you can still get an idea of how to use Athena by studying the fashion plates.

Color Range

Athena is available in 20 brilliant tones like deep lipstick red and gentian along with several sophisticated neutral shades. The dye is fully saturated but maintains the luster and shine of fine merino or silk.

Working It

Singles yarns are easy to work as they don’t twist or pull. Athena seems to melt off the ball and stream into knitted fabric. It is somewhat lofty so there is the occasional split but sharp needles can keep that to a minimum. Every stitch stands out whether it is a purl bump, decorative decrease or cable.

Athena knits into a fabric that is firm but not stiff. The recommended gauge of 16 stitches over 4 inches allows a lot of leeway to go up or down a few stitches per inch and still get good results.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Hannah Poon’s “Sense and Fashion Handwarmers” in Jane Austen Knits were beautifully sculpted in Athena. One skein neatly makes one wrislet, and one knits up in an evening. These mitts are soft and comfy; the striking blue color makes them a brilliant accent for dreary winter.

Knitting Outside the Box

The sculptural detail possible with Athena makes it a good choice for any accessory. Even a simple rolled brim hat will take on added interest when every crown decrease becomes a design element. A scarf or cowl knit in simple seed stitch or basket-weave will nonetheless look complex as if knit by a master.

Blocking It

Lay flat to dry. Do not apply heat.

Washing It

Athena may be machine laundered using a gentle cycle and cool water. Avoid agitation and do not launder with other items to avoid pilling.

Wearability

Vigorous rubbing and twisting did not raise loose fibers. Like many soft yarns, there is always a chance that Athena will pill, but they should be easily brushed away from the pliable wool.

Overall Recommendation:

To say that Anny Blatt’s Athena is mythic may be an overstatement, but it is definitely a yarn you should try. I rate it #9.