Hi everyone!
Just wondering if anyone else has used Katia Air Luxe yarn and, if so, what’s your take on its fiber content, etc.? The “sheen” seams to dissipate while knitting. Also, for such an expensive yarn, it feels cheap.
I bought this yarn to make Katia’s Poncho (#26), but, after seven rows, I’m having doubts now. The five skeins might be better, if used with mohair, in something like the “Love Note” sweater.
I don’t see any comments on Ravelry about the sheen disappearing, but several complaining about knots in the yarn, dye rubbing off on hands, and it being difficult to frog due to the halo. Several people suggested it’s better with another yarn, as you suggest, larger needles and simple stitchwork to minimize frogging.
You’re right! There’s no going back with this yarn, and I’m using a size eight needle. So I think I’m going to order some very light pink mohair and make the Love Note sweater that calls for a size ten needle. The color I’m using is #78, which is almost a silver.
I’ve used Katia Air Luxe yarn before and noticed a similar issue—the sheen fades as you knit, which is disappointing given the price. It seems the fiber blend doesn’t hold up as expected, making it feel a bit subpar for such an expensive yarn. For a project like Katia’s Poncho, mixing it with mohair might boost its texture and durability, or you might consider using it in a different project like the “Love Note” sweater where a lighter touch works better.
Thank you! My words exactly!
Wow!!! What an expert analysis of my comments on Katia, Air Luxe yarn! Thanks so much! You’ve been an excellent moderator!
Sue
Hi,
I’m ashamed to admit this, but I tried for an hour to start a new thread and finally gave up. I’m also ashamed of my knitting when it comes to joining the left and right shoulder backs with the backwards loop cast on (page 6 of Shona Top pattern). How can I make it come out neater? Is there a YouTube video that might help?
Thank you,
Ms. Sue
Maybe this pattern?
It’s just something you haven’t done before or haven’t needed to practice. We’ve all been there.
Can you quote the directions? Just a row or two please not a large portion of the pattern due to designer copyright.
Often shoulders are joined with 3 needle bind off but I’m not sure how the backward loop cast on joins the shoulders.
What you’ve done is fine but try this for adding a new topic. Go to the Menu lines in the upper right of this page and choose Latest for example. Then click +New Topic in the upper right.
Sure, I’d be happy to quote a few lines.
Continue working on the left back as follows:
“K2, p1, k to last four stitches, M1R, k1, p1, k2, use backwards loop cast on method and CO 29 stitches to join the right back, k2, p1, etc”
By the way, I did exactly what you said to do regarding starting a new thread. I just couldn’t find the “send” button!
Thanks
Ms. Sue
Patterns sometimes suggest the backwards loop cast on but it’s not a sturdy cast on for a large number of sts. For 3-5sts it’s fine but it’s not so neat for greater numbers.
A knit or cable cast on is better: neater and sturdier.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ijlQuyMDXTs
To post a new topic scroll down to the bottom left of the text box and click +Create New Topic. It’s where the Reply arrow and button are in replies to a topic.
You probably heard me breathe a sigh of relief! Thank goodness! I would much prefer either of those rather than the backwards loop cast on.
Hmmmm, I tried that button but no luck. Will repeat with your instructions.
Thank you so much!
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Do you have any tricks for the two stitches at either end of the cast on so they are not so loose? It always seems like those stitches that mark the join between the cast on and the knitting are loose.
Thank you,
Ms. Sue
P.S. You’re like a knitting guardian angel 
