thursdays are for answers
May 27, 2010
i recently received this question from pattylatty:
Steven,
I’ve written to you before about your three Malabrigo blankets and finally bought a bag of Mal and have started one of the blankets. But recently I’ve been hearing about how much Mal worsted pills. So I thought I’d write to you and see if you have had any problems with that.
And why haven’t I seen you on the Malabrigo Junkies group? It’s a fun place to talk with people who are as crazy about Mal as we are.
Happy knitting.
Pat
well pat, there’s a few things i have to say on the subject of malabrigo.
if you make it into a sweater, it will pill.
but so will any other natural fiber.
the friction of body movements it just gonna do that.
malabrigo just pills more easily because it is a single ply.
now in terms of my blankets,
i can only speak for the zig zag.
(the other two of were gifts)
veronica and i used it pretty heavily this winter,
and while it hasn’t pilled,
it has a little halo going.
a nice soft halo.
you can’t see the spaces between the fabric anymore,
and the yarn has relaxed nicely.
i say go for it.
hell, you’ve already bought the yarn.
but if you’re really worried about it,
and can return the yarn you have,
get malabrigo twist.
just as soft but plied for durability.
if you can’t,
just add a pattern repeat,
and knit on a smaller needle (us 7/4.5mm)
hope to see the finished product!
Bitches Get Stitches 
May 27, 2010 at 4:12 pm
I have your zigzag blanket in my favorites on Ravelry. Get ready for some traffic- the Yarn Harlot just mentioned you on her blog 🙂
May 27, 2010 at 5:34 pm
LOVE all these amazing blankets!
Been at the Harlot’s blog!
I think you should post a swatch so we can see how lacy the Whisper Cable Pullover looks as you want to knit it up.
Your fan, Juliet (from Yarn Harlot in Detroit)
May 27, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Totally off topic, but in case you’re not reading all of the comments on the Harlot blog, here’s mine:
Steven, I’m going with whatever answer gets me that skein of cashmere. (Otherwise I’d have to go with C leaning towards A) But I really, really want that yarn, so if you like I will write a Treatise on Lace Options if needed and send it to your Store Ruler. Yup, I’m on your side.
Posted by: Sally at Rivendale Farms at May 27, 2010 5:33 PM
May 27, 2010 at 7:45 pm
Steven,
I would love to send you my address if you would like to send me the gift of a hand knit blanket out of Malabrigo worsted. JK. What wonderful gifts….I hope the recipients appreciate the love and effort you must have put into the blankets.
I’ve never seen twist but would love to. In the meantime, my love affair with Malabrigo worsted and Silky Merino continues. I can hardly breath I’m so excited to try my hand at some Rio.
Thanks for your answer and suggestions!
May 28, 2010 at 2:27 pm
Just read more of the comments over at the Harlot and had to weigh in here again.
A) Wow. Who knew so many people had such strong opinions about lace.
B) Franklin Habit weighed in, rather awesome, that.
C) Would like to slap the condescending bitches whose only justification for their choice was how many years or yards of lace knitting they’ve done. Their tone kinda peeved me, I must say.
D) Said women mentioned in C would be greatly embarrassed if they saw your Girasol
I’m just sayin.