FO: Reeds & Grasses kimono

[kightp]

Pattern: Reeds & Grasses, from Vicki Square's Knit Kimono
Yarn: Blue Moon Fiber Arts' LSS (Luscious Single Silk) in the Kaw Kaw colorway, approx. 3,200 yards (6 skeins plus part of one more)
Needles: US 5 for body; US 4 for cuffs and button band
Started: Sept. 28, 2008
Finished: Dec. 14, 2008

Photos and notes about pattern adaptations

Comments

[hugh_mannity]

Oh very nice! I feel warmer just looking at it!

Love the way the yarn knits up -- different varigation on different parts of the garment. Lots of visual interest.

[kightp]

I was really pleased to get only minor color pooling, and nothing that looks like a big ol' stain. That's always a risk with variegated yarns.

[hugh_mannity]

Yep. I rather like the way it stripes at the top of the sleeves -- almost like a design element.

[bouwert]

I think it's fabulous! I want to put it on and swoosh dramatically around the house when no one is looking. Did you enjoy working with the yarn? It's such a good price for the mad yardage it comes in!

[kightp]

The yarn is fabulous to knit with - soft as butter. Because it's a loosely spun single, you have to be careful on the seaming-up - drawing it repeatedly through the stitches tends to pull the strand apart. Given how long I worked on this, and how much it got tossed around in my lap, I'm happy to report zero pilling, which can be a problem with both silk and merino.

[bouwert]

Excellent. It seems to be comparable to Manos Silk blend, but at a significantly better price. Now that I look, it seems to contain more silk than the Manos. This might be the perfect excuse to try out Blue Moon's stuff - I've been wanting to for a while now.

[kightp]

I've used the Manos, and I think the Blue Moon is a nicer yarn.

But then, I'm a slut for silk - and I like supporting home-grown artisans.

[hfnuala]

Lovely - I love the texture of the pattern stitch.

[tygre]

Wow, that is just beautiful. I love the color! It looks wonderful.

[feylin17]

I really like how the color changes on the edges. Very neat.

And yes, big-ass sleeves! They look like they're the warmest things ever. I'd be draping them over my lap for extra warmth.