Knitch Magazine

Brand: Artyarns
Manufacturer: Artyarns
Made In: USA
Date Released:
Yardage: 128 yds.
Weight: 100 grams
Yarn Weight: worsted
Fiber Content: 85% silk, 15% cashmere with glass beads and sequins
Texture: Plied
Gauge (st./4 in.): 16 sts/4 inches
Needle Size(s): US 7 (4.5mm)
Availability: Available
MSRP: $68.00
Care: Dry clean

The Look

Beaded Ensemble with Sequins by Artyarns is a feast for the eyes.  The loosely plied strands of silk and cashmere are dyed into a swirl of color and adorned with tiny sequins and glass beads.  The overall effect sparkles and shimmers like a sunlit dewy field of flowers.

The Feel +

This yarn is incredibly soft – it shoots past the #10 on the rating scale.  The combination of silk and cashmere is everything you imagined.  Adding miniature sequins and glass beads to the mixture makes this yarn tingle.

The Patterns

Yarnmarket offers an elegant scarf pattern for Beaded Ensemble & Sequins.  Patterns are also available from Artyarns.  For other ideas, refer also to one of Iris Schreier’s three books on modular knits and knitting with luxury yarns, or any of the many designers, magazines and books devoted to knitting with specialty yarns.   Let this beautiful yarn do the work for you. Stick to simple patterns with only a few rows in the repeat; complicated lace or cable patterns will look muddled in the swirl of color and glitz.  Consider using a diagonal motif and garter stitch to accentuate the dyes while reducing chances for color pooling.

Color Range

Beaded Ensemble is available in a range of 10 colors including shimmering neutrals, red, green, blue, and mixed shades.  I tested a glorious palette (164G) of moss/mocha/rose/ivory highlighted with gold beads and sequins.  The colors fused into a vision of old roses and dried hydrangeas.  The available color combinations are simply stunning; choosing one could be a difficult decision.

Working It

Beaded Ensemble is not as fragile as it looks but this yarn is not recommended for beginners who may be prone to splitting or piercing the yarn. In general, the strands slip across the needles effortlessly.  The strands of silk, cashmere, beads and sequins knit evenly; there is no puckering or untwisting with some strands knitting ahead of the others. However, you must work carefully to avoid splitting the plies. I used Brittany walnut needles to test this yarn. These needles have a long tapered nose that slid under the yarn, gradually lifting without piercing it. Maintaining a relaxed and loose tension also helps to avoid splitting the yarn. I recommend working Beaded Ensemble at a a looser gauge using larger needles than the US 7 suggested on the label, and I found US 10.5 yielded a softly draped fabric.

With knitting back and ripping out, Beaded Ensemble tends to soften and develop a soft haze, but it knits back without defect.  Joins are easily hidden in the brew of color and texture.  With handling, the cashmere raises a soft haze that adds to the texture of this lovely yarn.

The suggested worsted gauge of 4 stitches per inch can be worked more loosely, creating a gracefully draped fabric.  Openwork patterns accentuate the cashmere haze and expose the metallic sequins, glass beads, and silk to more light for a shimmer you can wear.

What I’d Like to Make with It

The spectacular color and texture of Beaded Ensemble call for simple shapes and patterns.  Use this yarn for an evening wrap or handbag, a scarf, moebius, shawl, or shrug.  The rich blend of color and texture make this yarn a perfect accent to basic wardrobe pieces.

Knitting Outside the Box

Mix in a few rows of Beaded Ensemble with other luxury combinations for the ultimate comfort afghan to adorn your bedroom or guestroom.  To be sure, this lavish yarn is a luxury item, but who would not love a boxy cardigan or stylish jacket in these fibers.

Blocking  It

The yarn label does not mention blocking and recommends dry cleaning only.  Avoid steam and moisture to preserve the finish on this yarn.  The knitting should “correct itself” after knitting because of the relative weight of the yarn and the smooth texture.  However, if necessary, block with a slightly damp cloth and allow to dry flat before moving.

Washing It

This yarn should be dry cleaned only – this loosely spun concoction of fibers, dyes, beads and sequins will be damaged by immersion and agitation.  Gently brush away any surface dirt but avoid stiff bristles because of the danger of snagging or tearing the soft fibers.

Wearability

Beaded Ensemble stood up well in knitting and will certainly withstand the gentle wear expected for luxury accessories such as scarves or shawls.  It drapes well and is silky soft next to the skin.  The tiny sequins and beads add texture but not weight; Beaded Ensemble with Sequins doesn’t stretch or droop.  

Guard this yarn against snagging and mend any broken strands to prevent the loss of beads.  Air out garments after wearing to reduce the need for dry cleaning; store flat and do not hang.

Overall Recommendation

If you want the ultimate luxury of silk and cashmere, treat yourself or someone you hold dear to Beaded Ensemble with Sequins.  The yarn is sumptuous and stunning.  The artistry of Beaded Sequins can best be exploited with craftsmanship applied to simple shapes and patterns. Detailed lace or cable work will not be effective in this yarn.  Beaded Ensemble is a “9” on the luxury knitting scale.