Queensland Collection's Kathmandu Aran Yarn
A Luxurious Merino Knitting Wool Manufactured in Italy
Dec 23, 2008
From the Queensland Collection this yarn features rich fiber flecks with a tweaded blend of 85% Merino Wool, 10% Silk and 5% Cashmere. The yarn is soft, lightweight, and has a great feel on the needles and in the knitter’s hands.
Recommended Gauge
The recommended gauge on the Kathmandu Aran is 24 rows of 18 stitches on size 5 mm (US 8, UK 6) needles for a 10 by 10 centimeter swatch.
Each skein weighs 50 grams, or one and three-fourths ounces, and is 95 meters (104 yards) long.
Kathmandu Aran Shade Card
This yarn is available in 28 colors ranging from natural shades such as the Oatmeal, Biege, Rust, and Light Grey to more vibrant colors such as Hot Pink, Red and an attractive purple called Lily. To retain its natural look the yarn has flecks of darker colors spun throughout – giving it both dimension and personality.
Easy Fancy Rib Scarf Pattern
This scarf looks intricate but is very easy to knit using both the knit and purl stitches.
Materials:
- Size 4.5 mm knitting needles (size 7 in UK and US)
- Two skeins in preferred color Kathmandu Aran yarn
- Tape measure to check gauge
With size 7 knitting needles cast on an odd number of stitches, such as 19 or 29. Work up a swatch to determine the preferred width of scarf – the wider width might be preferable for a man while the narrower may be better suited for a woman.
Row one is the right side of the scarf and will have an attractive basket weave style pattern to it. Row two is the wrong side or back side of the scarf; however the scarf is still very attractive if used in reverse. In fact it can be draped in such a fashion to show both sides of the scarf since each side has a very unique pattern not seen in typical stocking stitch.
- Row 1 (RS): *knit one, purl one* to end of row
- Row 2 (WS): knit across
- Repeat this pattern until appropriate length for scarf – drape around neck while still on needles to see the desired length.
See images below for a 29 stitch scarf example in the light grey color. Notice the natural flecking and texture in the yarn.
Further Tips for Kathmandu Aran
For more patterns specific to the Queensland Collection try one of Jane Ellison’s books, The Queensland Collection, volumes one through eight. She has designed patterns for cardigans, sweaters, socks and gloves for the Kathmandu yarns. Local yarn stores may carry some of Ellison’s books, or should be able to place a special order for their customers.
Care of This Yarn
The care instructions for this yarn are to gently hand wash and dry flat in the shade. Do not use a tumble dryer and do not dry clean this yarn. Some manufacturers recommend wool-friendly detergents and cold water to prevent bleeding of the yarn’s colors and shrinking. Wash the yarn and block it out before giving it as a gift. Pass along care instructions to the new owner so the handmade gift is not accidently destroyed.
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