Knit Picks Essential Sock Yarn: Software Review

I have now knit two pairs of socks with Knit Picks Essential sock yarn in two colorways: Meadow Multi and Peacock Multi. I love the colorways and the patterns they create.

The weight of the yarn was very even. I do not like knobby or bumpy yarns and Essential was consistent through the entire skein. The yarn was fairly soft while knitting, maybe just a teeny bit scratchy, but super-soft after washing. There was slight fuzzing after the first wash, but no significant pilling.

This yarn is incredibly durable. Look at the tail below. It was used to cast off the second sock. It went through each stitch twice on a tapestry needle and looks completely unscathed. Not to mention that it was liberally mouthed by Cat No. 2. By the way, that's all that was left of the skein after I made IGS2. Twelve and three-quarters inches, how cool is that?

I’ll have to come back and update this after the socks have been washed and worn a few times, but at this point I’m satisfied overall. I’d have to say a very good value for the money.

Uh-oh

The box came today from Webs with the SWTC Twizé for my Reeds & Grasses project from Vicki Square's book Knit Kimono. My first impression was WOW! It's Beautiful!

I can't begin to describe how beautiful this yarn is! None of the pictures do it justice. The colorway is a silvery fog, palest pink, and white. The yarn has a shimmer-sheen to it that gives it incredible depth. It has a very soft touch...like a cross between silk and cotton.

As I was petting and ogling a skein, somewhere in the back of my mind a light came on. This skein is heavy. Very heavy. I hefted the box. Uh-oh. Where's the packing slip...here it is...okay, weight...6.0 pounds...WHAT!!!

Here's where my knitting novice status becomes glaring. You mavens out there will get a good laugh out of this one. The pattern calls for 12 skeins of SWTC Bamboo (250 yards/100g ball). I decided I wanted to use SWTC Twizé, it's bamboo, too, and I like it better. Twize is 110 meters/100g ball, which is 120.3 yards/100g ball).

That should have set off the alarms, but alas I just did the math and ordered the yarn. Okay, I'll admit it, like most Americans, I'm metrically challenged. I found my favorite metric conversion website. Let's see here...12 x 250 = 3000 yards divided by 120.3 yards is 24.93 skeins...okay I'll make it 26 just to be safe.

The verdict is: 5.49 pounds. That is going to be an incredibly heavy sweater. Oh, dear.

Monday Weekend Booty Review

Here’s what I ordered from KnitPicks:

Hardware

Options Interchangeable Nickel Plated Circular Needle Set @ $59.99/ea

First Impressions:

The needles are not as slick as I had expected based on the product description, but rather have just a hint of a silk feel to them. I’m a bit disappointed as I knit tightly and like really slick needles. The cords are wonderfully slim and flexible. I’m having some trouble with the connection of the cord to the connector; there is a small gap and my yarn keeps getting hung in it. The needles will come loose from the cord connector if you don’t tighten them aggressively. The needles are thin and will bend easily. The binder/organizer is brilliant. I love having all of my needles in one place. No more having to set my project aside and rummage through the front closet for a different sized needle. It is a bit heavy, but very much worth it in my opinion. I’ll be ordering a few extra organizer pockets for the binder. Overall, I very much like this set.

Nickel-Plated DPN 6" Sock Set US 0-3 (2.00, 2.25, 2.50, 2.75, 3.00, 3.25mm) @ $29.99/ea

The silk feel mentioned above proves to be a bonus on these needles. The yarn won’t just fly off.

Software

For a vest I’m going to start this weekend:

Coal Swish DK @ $3.29/ea – a very nice black, no weird reddish hue

Eggplant Swish DK @ $3.29/ea – looks just like the picture

Pale Lemon Swish DK @ $3.29/ea – looks just like the picture

Moss Swish DK @ $3.29/ea – a bit darker than I expected. I ordered some asparagus to work this project. Moss, though very attractive, won’t work for this project and will be added to my stash.

Since I’ve never knitted with wool I’m not sure if it’s normal, but these yarns have an odd texture, like very fine silt. It’s hard to explain. The yarn looks lovely, though.

For a sweater I’m planning for spring:

Grass Shine Worsted @ $1.99/ea (Clearance Color) – looks just like the picture

Snapdragon Shine Worsted @ $1.99/ea (Clearance Color) – more pink that the picture showed

These are lovely yarns and I think they will make a beautiful spring weight sweater.