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Corkscrew Mitten Class with Michelle Hunter
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Michelle Hunter will be at The Flaming Ice Cube in Boardman, Ohio on Friday, March 6, 2015 at 1pm to teach a class on her Corkscrew Mittens. This 3-hour class is chock full of fabulous techniques. Learn two-handed/two-color knitting for quick color work. Master the dizzying two-color cables that only look difficult to execute. The mitten's afterthought thumb will have you clamoring to knit socks with an afterthought heel. Class is suited for knitters experienced with cables and circular knitting. (If you're not experienced with cables and circular knitting, there's still time to schedule a private knitting lesson at the Cube to get up to speed for the class). <more info / register online >
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Caring for Superwash Wool
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Many knitters and crocheters enjoy working with our Superwash yarns because they are easy care. It is nice to know that you can knit a child a garment and not have to worry about mom ruining it in the washing machine. Or do you? Superwash wool is easy care-not zero care. Here are a couple of pointers for caring for garments made from Superwash wool:
- Use ample water. Friction is the enemy of any natural fiber, especially merino. 220 Superwash® is 100% Superwash Merino which has a short fiber staple length which gives the yarn incredible softness, but also makes it more susceptible to pilling. A lot of energy efficient washers use low levels of water. Large projects need ample water to allow the piece to swish and not rub up against itself repeatedly, causing undue friction. A mesh bag is also helpful in preventing friction.
- Use the right soap. Superwash yarn is safe for the washing machine, but not necessarily for all of the chemicals found in regular laundry detergent. Many laundry detergents contain enzymes to attack protein based stains. Wool is a protein based fiber, which means the enzymes in your detergent can harm the wool. Instead of a conventional detergent we recommend using a soap that is specifically designed for use on wool.
- Use the dryer. Superwash yarn has been processed to remove the scales on the fibers. These naturally present scales are responsible for the adhering of the fibers during felting. Without the scales the fibers lose their gripping properties. When yarn is wet, it becomes heavy and in the case of superwash wool it will stretch if given the opportunity. Superwash wool springs back into shape in the dryer. It is recommended that you tumble dry your projects to prevent overstretching.
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