Meet the Yarn: Serenity
My dictionary defines serenity as the state of being calm, peaceful, and untroubled. It is true, I found that while working with this new 100% Cashmere fingering weight yarn all my worries disappeared, at least for a few moments. What is Anzula's new yarn, Serenity ? It is 185 yards (169 meters) of four softly plied strands of creamy white 100% cashmere. The bare fiber takes the dye beautifully and looks stunning in all the colorways that make Anzula yarns pure luxury.
You'll find a handy list of shops below.
Serenity in Au Natural
As we've seen already from several designers, the stitch definition for knitted cables is stunning . It is also true for stripes and slipped stitch colorwork , I'll discuss lace later (spoiler -- it's lovely). Looking at beautiful photos and working with this yarn are two very different actions. I wish technology was at a point I could let you feel the swatches. The stockinette is soft and lets you see the hint of halo. The garter stitch is pure squish and in my opinion is pure serenity! My swatch became a micro (3.5in/9cm) comfort blanket.
Serenity, knitted swatches
So now that I've gushed about the knitting, how is the crochet? Does the slight halo of the lofty cashmere fibers adversely affect stitch definition? How does it drape?
Go get your crochet hook. You will want to work with this yarn and it loved every stitch I tossed at it. My stitch definition ranged from about 4-5 spi for my swatches and I need to figure out how to photograph the drape. I'm in love!
Serenity, crochet swatches simple stitches (single crochet, half-double crochet, and double crochet)
I apologize that these simple stitch swatches are flat, and you can't touch them. I wish I could capture them in a way to excite you. The depth created by the crochet stitch creates a warm texture without adding unwieldy bulk. The single crochet swatch (at 4in/10cm square) has given the garter stitch a fierce challenge to become the swatch I carry everywhere.
Serenity, crochet swatches simple stitches (single crochet, half-double crochet, and double crochet)
When I make the swatches, the granny square is most often made first. It took control to stop, which was true of every swatch. A draft of this post was delayed because after laying it out on my desk, I rested my head and took a quick nap.
Serenity, crochet swatch - granny square
If the depth of the plain stitches or the granny square didn't impress you, let me offer this textured swatch. It is not bulky and offers as beautiful a drape as the single crochet.
Serenity, crochet swatch - texture swatch
I'll confess that the swatch I love the least is only because it's late November here in the Northeast. I gravitate away from delicate lace this time of year. From my tiny swatch, I know that it is stunning, and know it could be scrunched in the morning when it's extra chilly. As the warmth of the day arrives, the lace could emerge. It looks beautiful in open knitted stitches too.
Serenity, crochet swatch - lace
The nature of crochet stitches mean yardage for a project is always a concern. While I've not completed final maths, my 4in/10cm single crochet square weights 5.22g. By my quick estimates that means you could make a small one skein project! In single crochet you could make a cowl of approximately 6in/15cm width and 26in/66cm length.
Yes, gauge and stich choice will influence what you can make but one skein projects are possible!
With that generous yardage I urge crocheters to feel confident to pick up a skein of this luxury yarn their crochet hooks and give it a try.
You will find Serenity in all of these shops:
California
Twisted Skein
Connecticut
Stars Hollow Yarns
Florida
Castle Creek
Dixie Knits
Four Purls
Knitting Garden
Knitty Gritty
Illinois
Knit One Purl Two
Michigan
Crafty Lady Trio
Knotted Needle
Spun
Woolly & Co
Yarn Garden
Minnesota
Missouri
The Village Yarnery
New Jersey
Wool & Grace
New Mexico
Yarn Store at Nob Hill
New York
Brooklyn General
The Knitting Room
The Knitting Store
North Carolina
Bella Filati
Silver Threads & Golden Needles
Oklahoma
Pennsylvania
South Carolina
Tennessee
Bliss Yarns
Texas
Serenity, knit and crochet swatches
All swatches are in a one-of-a-kind colourway very similar to Orchid, worked with 3.75mm needles and a 3mm crochet hook. Any perceived differences in shade are due to the photographer.
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Penny Shima Glanz spends her days spinning yarn and code into memorable projects. Small businesses rely on her for smart technology decisions. Designers rely on her to sample, test, and edit their hand-knit and crochet patterns. She loves muddy trail runs, fosters kittens, and lives in Westchester, NY with her husband and cat. www.pennyshima.com
You can find Serenity in our gorgeous Nubivagant Kits, shop list here.
