Knitch Magazine

Brand: Rowan
Manufacturer: Westminister Fibers
Made In: China
Date Released: Fall 2008
Yardage: 124 yds.
Weight: 50 grams
Yarn Weight: DK (sport)
Fiber Content: 70% cotton, 30% milk protein
Texture: Plied (8-ply)
Gauge (st./4 in.): 22 sts/4 inches
Needle Size(s): US 5 (3.75mm)
Availability: Currently Available
MSRP: $12.50
Care: Handwash and dry flat or dry clean.

The Look

Milk Cotton DK looks and feels like cotton; only upon reading the label does one discover that the yarn is 70% cotton and 30% milk protein (casein).  This DK weight yarn is gently spun of eight very fine plies, creating a yarn that almost looks like cotton string, but much softer and more pliable.  Milk Cotton DK is an unusually resilient, springy cotton yarn with a soft matte finish and deep color saturation.

The Feel

Milk Cotton is an exceptionally soft and supple blend of cotton and milk protein.  To produce yarn from the milk protein casein, milk is first dehydrated and skimmed to extract the. Then it is returned to a fluid form so that it can be spun and blended with other fibers such as cotton. The result is an exceptionally soft yarn that rates a “10” on the softness scale, making it an ideal yarn for babies and tots.  This ultra soft yarn and lightweight will also delight adults who yearn for a supple cotton yarn.

The Patterns

Rowan presents two books for Milk Cotton:  cherub baby wear and novel garments for women.  The books offer designs for crochet and knitting in both Milk Cotton DK and fine weight.  Knitters can choose summer tops, cardigans, shrugs or pullovers for children or adults.  Milk Cotton DK can be substituted for any DK weight or cotton yarn.  The excellent stitch definition and lightweight make Milk Cotton a good choice for summer wraps or shawls in lace or textured patterns.

Color Range

Milk Cotton DK is available in a 22 bright shades.  The modish color names like “dip dab” and “bubble gum” (two shades of purple) or “jelly belly” (green) and “tutti fruitti” (rose) that will inspire both trendy knitters and knitters for kids.   For traditionalists, Milk Cotton DK may suggest the fine craftsmanship of Shakers and Colonists who used this paint, much prized for its muted natural pigments and earth tones.  They may choose Milk Cotton to wear with silk crepe or crisp linen.

Working It

Milk CottonKnitters who worry about hand strain from knitting with cotton will be relieved to experience little or no strain from Milk Cotton DK.  It is quite resilient, very soft, and easy to work.  Despite the 8 plies, there is no greater tendency to split that with any other plied yarn.  Milk Cotton DK has excellent stitch definition.  Although it may sound contradictory, this yarn is both soft and crisp.  It knits to an embracing drape that can cuddle a baby or adorn an adult.  This yarn did not shed or fuzz with being worked.  There was a knot in the skein, a rather disappointing find in a skein of only 124 yards.  Because of its smooth surface, this yarn should be joined at the edge of your knitting to avoid significant changes of texture in the knitting.

What I’d Like to Make with It

Knitting Outside the Box

Milk Cotton is soft and luxurious, so use it for knitted lace tops, cardigans or shawls.  Combine Rowan DK with other luxury yarns to create blended fibers to knit custom home décor items.  The matte finish will provide a striking contrast to shiny beads; use Milk Cotton for a beaded handbag or knit a Fair Isle motif using beads.  Milk Cotton DK is soft and absorbent.  Even though the label recommends against wringing this yarn or leaving it wet, I would be tempted to make a face cloth using this yarn.

Blocking  It

Rowan recommends garments be reshaped and dried flat.  Use a cool iron with damp press cloth for a final finish to blocking.

Washing It

Milk Cotton DK can be dry cleaned, but it can also be machine washed in cool water with low agitation.  In all cases, it should be dried flat out of direct heat or sunlight.  The label cautions against wringing and against soaking Milk Cotton or leaving it wet.

Wearability

This soft yarn has enough memory to retain shape and crisp stitch definition.  Milk Cotton DK’s light weight and resiliency prevent finished garments from drooping and sagging, ensuring a better fit.  Garments for babies and tots should be able to withstand repeated laundering.  Milk Cotton DK did not shrink or stretch out of shape with washing, a promising sign for long life of this cotton blend yarn.

Overall Recommendation

Rowan Milk Cotton DK will delight all knitters, especially those who are kitting for a cherished baby.  The remarkable softness, resiliency and ease of knitting this yarn rate it a “10” for cotton yarns.