Today’s post is on another of the yarns from Zealana – Kauri.
Kauri is a worsted weight yarn composing of 60% NZ Merino, 30% Possum, and 10% Silk. It comes in 50g balls of approximately 86m or 94y. The suggested gauge for this yarn is 20 stitches to 4 inches using 4.5mm needles. I have found though that it will knit up anywhere from 16 – 20 stitches quite nicely simply by changing the needles. Being a loose knitter I get 18 stitches with 4.5mm and 16 with 5mm. Your results may vary, but you’ll be pleased with the look of the fabric created regardless which of these needles you choose.
When I feel Kauri, I think sweater right away. It is soft, yet not cashmere soft, more like pillow soft. I don’t know how to describe it, but it has the feeling of strength. I’m certain this comes from the Merino AND the Silk. The silk adds that je ne sais quois that makes this yarn stand out. I did a swatch, with cables, and liked it immediately. It holds the cables well, and the stitch definition is very good. As I said, I immediately thought of making a sweater, and that is exactly what I’m making now. There’s just something about the feel of it that says this which is great as I haven’t made myself anything for quite some time now!
Being made of all natural fibers, Kauri will felt and I have been told it felts well. Since I haven’t tried (and won’t be with this batch) I can only comment on what I have heard. I was able to easily spit felt the ends together though when joining a new ball so I don’t think felting a project would be very difficult. There aren’t any names for the colors, but i would describe the one I’m using as a dark oatmeal. It’s called K1 according to the label. I love the mixture of shades in it and the classic look of this color. Ironically, it is a color I had picked out ages ago to make myself a shawl collared sweater to replace a favorite one I had been given about 20 years back. This is the perfect fit.
I’ll definitely post pictures when it’s finished and leave you with this little teaser for now. This is the back, with a simple 2×2 rib going into a stocking stitch fabric for the main body. This sweater will be fairly plain, with accents on the sleeves and the collar. Stay tuned!
Hugzzz 8-)97