Malabrigo is back

It's been a long wait, but one touch tells you the wait's been worth it.  Malabrigo is truly the softest, smooshiest hank of kettle-dyed fibery goodness you'll ever hold.  It's wonderful for scarves, wraps, mittens, sweaters, and more.  It makes a really beautiful February Lady - you can see Joanne's here.  There are both solids and variegateds, so you can let either the pattern or the color take the lead. 

Sounds pretty perfect, doesn't it.  That' not to say that Malabrigo doesn't have its faults. Some people complain that it pills.  Well, it's certainly not as durable as say, Kathmandu Tweed.  But there's a really easy way to get around the pilling, and I'll let you in on the secret.  If you knit Malabrigo to a decent gauge - like 4 1/2 to 5 stitches to the inch, it will hold up really well.  We have a Malabrigo mitten in the La Plata shop that's been around for about 3 years and it still looks great.  Please note too that a shop garment lives a much, much harder life than the average knitted thing.  A shop garment is handled many times a day, and usually much less gently than most things.  Since it's knit in Malabrigo, that mitten gets more than its share of fondling, and still, it looks pretty good.  Darn good, in fact. 

So, what to knit with Malabrigo while we have a nice stock in house.  Well, let's see, Julie Weisenberger has designed the Marta cardigan just for Malabrigo.  The ribbing gives you a great shaping over your curves with minimal effort.  Flattering v-neck, size 8 needles, 5 skeins Malabrigo, yum.

 If sweaters are not your thing, you are sure to love Sugar Maple shawl. Easy lace pattern, lovely ruffle, size 8 needle, 4 skeins Malabrigo.  It's both cozy and chic.  I love this one. 

Both of these patterns are written for Malabrigo and each one takes into account how Malabrigo likes to be knit.  In addition to the warning on how to handle Malabrigo, I give you one more warning:  don't wait - Malabrigo is never on the shelf for very long - especially in these gorgeous new colors.
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