Today is the 7th day of the ongoing Knit So Fine blog tour and I have the privilege to visit with one of the authors, Carol Sulcoski of Black Bunny Fibers. Knit So Fine was co-authored by Carol, Lisa R. Meyers of Rosie’s Yarn Cellar and, pattern designer, Laura Grutzeck.

Knit So Fine Designs with Skinny Yarn is a brand new book that explores the joy of knitting with “skinny yarns”. Lightweight yarns are not just for lace, Shetland or otherwise, anymore. The patterns in this book vary widely and include only three “lace” type patterns and only one of these I would consider a true “lace” piece.

This is a refreshing twist on the notion that skinny yarns are only for those of us who choose to use tiny needles and who seem to take joy in extremely intricate (read difficult) lace patterns. The patterns in the book include a lovely skirt, really awesome cabled leg warmers, a beautiful pair of fingerless elbow length gloves, also cabled, as well as the two patterns mentioned in the interview below that were knit with Rowan KidSilk Haze.

Let’s visit with Carol:

DK: Hello, Carol and welcome to Knitwith.us

Carol: A great big thank you to DK, the Nautical Knitter for hosting me today on Knitwith.us!

DK: We are happy to visit with you today and to find out more about the new book and the yarns used in it. Today’s yarn in particular is Rowan KidSilk Haze. Can you tell us more about this yarn?

Carol: Yes, today’s skinny yarn is Rowan KidSilk Haze. It’s a blend of 70% super kid mohair and 30% silk. When you look at the label to see what’s listed for gauge, the label says “18-25 sts per inch” on size “3 to 8” (US) needles – which is quite a range. That’s because you can knit KidSilk Haze in a lot of different ways, and its versatility is one big reason why it’s such a great yarn. Using a single strand of KSH, for example, you can knit at a looser gauge to get sheer fabric; at a tighter gauge for more opaque fabric; or using lace patterns to get a floaty, ethereal effect. Knit double-stranded, you get a bigger gauge and a more sturdy fabric. KSH is also great as a carry-along; stranded with another yarn, KSH adds luster, a hint of color, a soft halo and incredible softness.

You can see the versatility of KSH by looking at the two projects which use it in Knit So Fine. Lisa’s Mohair T-Neck uses KSH knit double-stranded for the body of the sweater, so that it’s opaque where you need coverage, then switches to a single-strand for the translucent sleeves and edging. Different-sized needles are used for each, and you get a different gauge for each.

In my scarf, KSH is used to create ruffles along the lengthways edges. KSH is light and airy enough to create the ruffled effect without pulling at or distorting the main piece of the scarf.

DK, what do you think of KidSilk Haze?

DK: The first word that came to my mind when I first used KidSilk Haze was “wispy”. It is extremely light and airy. I love the idea of adding it to another yarn or to the edge of a garment to give it a loftiness. Actually makes me think of a cloud. I am looking forward to trying it out on the scarf you designed for the book. There are so many patterns that come to mind that would be enhanced by the addition of this yarn.

Carol: Oh yes, if you are as fascinated by KidSilk Haze as I am, and you belong to Ravelry, you can do a quick “Yarn” search, then click on “Projects” and scroll through some of the projects that Ravelers have done in KidSilk Haze. You’ll find lace of all kinds, ruffles, sheer panels, dresses, shrugs – even a bookmark! It gives you a great sense for how truly versatile KSH is.

DK: I agree! The book is wonderful, by the way. I especially like the example in the very front of the Barbie dress knit with the two different weights of yarn. It is a really good snapshot of the difference gauge, yarn and needle selection can make in the finished garment. Thanks for sharing your time with us and for the fabulous new book. We wish you all the best!

Carol: Thanks for having me! I hope you and your readers will join my co-author Laura Grutzeck as she visits designer Connie Chang on her blog, Physicsknits for the continuation of the Knit So Fine Blog Tour.