I originally had no intention of committing to any more deadlines, since lately I’m finding them little more than a recipe for failure. Grand plans. Not keeping up. The usual blah-blah. So why in heaven’s name did I let friend Rachel persuade me to hop onto another Ravelry knit-along (KAL) bandwagon? This time, it’s all about the Malabrigo, baby (Ravelry link).
The Malabrigo Junkies are sponsoring a half-dozen or so KALs, including Knitty’s Foliage hat. Since Foliage and I are already acquainted, I expect to comfortably meet the end of March completion date. See? I’ve already finished one repeat of the leaf pattern past the crown.
Malabrigo, “Velvet Grapes” (cat hair at no extra charge)
Could I stop there? No, apparently not. When I saw the Agatha shawl on Wendy Knits, I knew I had the perfect candidate for the job: Malabrigo’s latest offering, Silky Merino.
At first blush, there appears to be more of silk than merino to this yarn, in both the touch and the halo sheen so characteristic to that fiber. The label says 50-50 but it seems to me that the wool serves more as a supporting player. This stuff is smooth, affordable luxury and is available in both solid and variegated colors.
I didn’t even know about Silky Merino until I stumbled across it while checking out Manos’ silk blends in a nearly identical weight and yardage. I know both companies have their proponents. Anyone who has touched either or both care to weigh in?
Am I allowed to lick that hat? I really think it would taste like grape bubble gum.
I wonder if the Malabrigo might not be a bit softer. I’ve not yet seen the Malabrigo Silky merino, but the regular Malabrigo worsted is very soft and pettable, unlike the Manos, it’s pretty, but scratchy. I think the Manos Silk helps tone down the scratchiness of the wool. If the Malabrigo Silky Merino is a similar mix, it seems to me (and I’m easily addled) that the Malabrigo Silky Merino would be softer.
I don’t want to lick the hat. I want to lick the Malabrigo.
I also covet the Agatha Shawl. What a great pattern! Yet another pattern to add to my ever growing Ravelry queue.
You bandwagon jumper! I am finishing my 4th Foliage and spent most of the day yesterday surfing Ravelry and drooling over the Malabrigo madness stuff. I even toyed with subbing Malabrigo for the DIC Greenjeans…
Wow, that’s some beautiful yarn! The colors of both are just delicious.
I’ve touched neither, but in my experience, Malabrigo tends to be softer than Manos. Wonder if that’s the case here.
The foliage hat is beautiful! Love the purple colors.
I must take a look at that Agatha shawl.
Stop with the yarn porn. My heart cannot take it.
I’m happy to have given you the nudge.
I really like that purpely goodness, even though it got licked a few times before I saw it.
I’ve really developed a fondness for silk blends in the last year. I’ll have to do some research and get back to you on those yarns. Thanks for the info, I think.
I had the pleasure of knitting my silver birch hat with Manos Silk Blend. I wish I could afford to knit more with it. I loved the color and the feel of it. And it looked even better as a crochet edge! ;o) Lovely stuff for sure!
The Malabrigo is what sucked you in, I am pretty sure. It is beautiful, but all chocked full of evil powers…
Also, the hat in your previous post is gorgeous – not that I will be taking up a crochet hook anytime soon, but I definitely admire that hat.
Be well!
I have total Malabrigo yarn envy. Such wonderful colors! The Agatha shawl is an outstanding design. I’m looking forward to seeing yours. Have a great weekend!
That silver yarn is just lovely, I think the shawl will be amazing!
You *would* have to point out that Malabrigo forum. Gads. I didn’t have any choice. I joined. Now to see if I have anything going on with the KALs… LOL
Love the purple color. Can’t wait to see the shawl come to shape.
Velvet Grapes is YUMMY!
(((hugs)))
Now that’s my kind of March Madness! I haven’t seen the Malabrigo silk/wool around the LYSs yet. Sounds fabulous.