Last week I had to make a decision on which yarn to use for the Ashore Knit Along.
Yarn Choices
On the left is Malabrigo Rios, in the center is an avocado (kinda) Alpaca blend and on the right is Cascade 220 Superwash. I ended up going with Cascade because (1) I want something I can wear all the time during our two weeks of winter and (2) it’s the local high school color so everyone in town will love me when I wear it.
Laura has some weird swatching instructions for this one so I did it . . just as instructed . . you know me . . always following the rules! 🙂
Swatch
There are short rows and the reverse stockinette is the right side so the little “rough” area near the top left are my short rows. I did them per Laura’s instructions but still may actually use German short rows when I’m working on the project.
Since Cascade 220 Superwash is . . well, superwash . . I decided to toss it in the washer and dryer with a load of jeans (bad Judy). That might have been a little rough treatment for even superwash yarn.
Washed
I wanted to see what it would do and now I won’t do it ever again. For superwash yarns, I usually soak them in the sink, roll them up in a big old towel, step on them to get all the water out and then toss them in the dryer on low til they’re damp, then block them. It’s a much kinder thing to do and it doesn’t take much effort. Sorry Superwash swatch . . I’m going to blame it on the meds I was taking last week! 🙂
Sharon in Michigan says
Thanks, I appreciate learning from your mistake. I wondered how the super wash did in the machine. Now I know -not good. Thanks for sharing. And so glad you’re feeling better!
Karen says
Once again that pattern is in my queue. Too bad I’m not in Texas yet, we could have a knit along.
Cindy says
Judy, You make me want to learn to knit as I love seeing all of your yarn and patterns! Maybe I just want to shop for the supplies… My mother in law tried to teach me to knit but gave up and told me I am “hopeless”. Awww. I hope she only meant in the knitting department!! Would you recommend a class or YouTube or something else? Someday, I really want to learn to knit socks. Are they hard?
Judy S says
Interesting post, Judy, as I used Cascade 220 Superwash on my Lady Kina and have been wondering about its care. Like you I do the soak/towel thing but this time it took forever to dry, so the idea of finishing up in the dryer sounds good. (on low)
Laura says
For all my hand wash stuff I plop the item in the washer after I rinse and run it through the spin cycle once or twice. And if I’m washing a few things I’ll do it in the washing machine. I don’t RUN the machine… just fill & soak etc. Works for me.
I love your taste in knitwear. My wish list is starting to resemble your queue!
JudyL says
I’m rarely in the house long enough for all that . . start the washer and head outside and hope I remember to hang the clothes or put them in the dryer at some point.
Bev Gunn says
OMG! Don’t know if I can type straight….you apologizing to a swatch was almost too much for my bladder control! SO glad you are back to normal, you are often my daily source of entertainment….no, my life is really not that boring, just love your sense of humor to the max. (Look out mean red hens, the old Judy is back-better find your manners!)