Yarn Pictured Here

 

The yarn we used for this story, plus a few that didn't make it in the final shots.  For more ply than you know what to do with, from left to right:

12-PLY
Lobster Pot Bulky Hand-dyed Cashmere in Natural

8-PLY
Lobster Pot Worsted Weight Hand-dyed Cashmere in Seafoam

6-PLY
Jade Sapphire 6-ply Cashmere in Hint o' Mint

Kersit Merino Crepe in 0000 

2-PLY
Blue Sky Alpaca Sport Weight in Pistachio

Blue Sky Silk Alpaca in Spring

Koigu Premium Merino in 2331

1-PLY 

Alchemy Haiku in Willow

Alchemy Silk Purse in Willow 

Manos del Uruguay in Mint

Blue Sky Bulky in 1002

Comments

[Pam]

Your photos are amazing. I love the colors here.Very inspiring.

[soggy_fruit_loop]

Thank you for a fantastic site which has just answered a life long question of mine! Your article "2-ply, 4-ply What ply?" Is very well written and made me go "AhhHaa!!"

[LSchnur]

Thank you. Still have questions. Is ply a single strand? I have Berroco Pure Merino. Ravelry says it is 10 ply. When i separate the individual strands I get 8 strands that were wrapped around to make the final strand. Not sure how you get 10.
In Vogue Knitting page 10 there is a illustration of ply. The 3 ply has three strand twisted together to make the main strand. This I understand, yet they also show the 3 original strands used to create the final strand each unravel into 2 strands. If you do not have the book this will not make sense.

Is there a way to determine the ply at home?
I may have confused, but I appreciate what ever comments you offer. Sincerely, Laura

[purl bee]

Hi Laura,
Each ply is technically a single strand, but people also use the term more loosely to describe gauge. Whether the yarn is 10 actual plys or not might not be the point, it could mean a yarn that knits at about 3.75-3.5 stitches per inch.... I know this is confusing, but if you can let us know what you're trying to get at with your question we'll be happy to help. For instance, are you trying to find a comparable yarn for a pattern?

[maryann]

thank you

[Donna Lea]

The variety of yarns in today's knitting is amazing while the intricacies of such a seemingly simple craft /art and all it entails can be confusing.

While growing up in Florida in the fifties and early sixties, my intense desire to learn to knit seemed senseless based on our short-term need for warm clothing along with the the introduction of those unappealing acrylic "fibers". I toyed with needlepoint and cross stitch but set those aside to give my growing family my full attention.

Delightfully,I have recently been re-introduced to knitting. The information available now can be overwhelming so I am more than just pleased to have found your site. I appreciate your desire to inform along with your well written and clearly illustrated tutorials. Your combined interests and expertise encompass the majority of needlework I have wanted to be proficient in for the greater part of my life.

I am glad to be part of your audience and recipient of your combined knowledge and expertise.

Thank you,

Donna Lea

[purl bee]

Donna,
Thank you so much for your incredibly thoughtful comment! You should check out our bamboo yarns, they are wonderful to work with and perfect for your weather in FLA.

Here is a link:
http://www.purlsoho.com/purl/products/yarnlist/fiber,28

[Elvin Poh]

Dear Purl Bee,

I am a student in Singapore studing fashion designing. Currently i am working on a school report and I am so happy to have found your website because it really helps a lot in my assignment.

I am so glad that i read the question from Laura dated 31 January 2009 and your reply. However i still have some questions.

What is the meaning when people mention about cashmere in 4 ply 1 gauge chunky knit? From what i understand from your reply, the basic principle for 4 ply simply means 4 strand twisted together to form one main strand. Is there a difference in handfeel of the cashmere if i use two 2-ply twist to form the main strand or 4 strand twisted together to form the main strand.

I have a cashmere swatch piece which is suppose to be knited in 4 ply cashmere. However when i analyse carefully on the main strand, i found 22 strand of 2-ply twisted strand forming this main strand. Is there a reason for this?

What is the meaning when people mentioned silk charmeuse in 4 ply 40mm. Is the meaning for 4 ply same as above? How to tell that the silk charmeuse is 40mm?

People mentioned that the fur from the chest of a baby alpaca is softer than cashmere. Is it true? I have two swatch pieces on 100% cashmere and 100% baby alpaca. Cashmere is soft and puffy while alpaca is not that soft and not that puffy. Therefore when i hold the two pieces, cashmere is softer than alpaca. Is that the nature of these 2 fabric?

I sincerely wish that you can answer my questions.

Thank you very much

Elvin Poh

[CAROL]

I am in my fifties and literally just taught myself to knit two weeks ago. I happened upon your blogs/site and I feel myself inspired to learn as much as my arthritic hands can manage. thanks for all of the beauty that abounds on your pages.....I'll be back for more!