I know I shouldn't be saying this, given that I'm trying to flog some, but Kidsilk Haze is proving a bit of a bugger to work with. It's probably because I haven't used it before, but I've just had to rip out the very first row of the 'River' stole. The first row!

When I say 'rip out'. I actually mean 'completely discard', because believe me ripping out Kidsilk Haze is not an option; it's simply too fluffy. The little whispy bits get trapped here and there and ripped out yarn looks a bit flat and sorry for itself.

Oh, and one more thing. Don't use bamboo needles for Kidsilk Haze - they have far too much grip. The stitches simply refuse to slide over the needles, and become irretrievably tight. Sigh. Guess who's going to be ordering some plastic needles? :gag:

Summary: knitting with Kidsilk Haze, especially on large needles, is like attempting to knit with cobweb silk. Frustrating, to say the least. Hopefully I'll get into it after a few rows on slippier needles.

I know I shouldn't be saying this, given that I'm trying to flog some, but Kidsilk Haze is proving a bit of a bugger to work with. It's probably because I haven't used it before, but I've just had to rip out the very first row of the 'River' stole. The first row!

When I say 'rip out'. I actually mean 'completely discard', because believe me ripping out Kidsilk Haze is not an option; it's simply too fluffy. The little whispy bits get trapped here and there and ripped out yarn looks a bit flat and sorry for itself.

Oh, and one more thing. Don't use bamboo needles for Kidsilk Haze - they have far too much grip. The stitches simply refuse to slide over the needles, and become irretrievably tight. Sigh. Guess who's going to be ordering some plastic needles? :gag:

Summary: knitting with Kidsilk Haze, especially on large needles, is like attempting to knit with cobweb silk. Frustrating, to say the least. Hopefully I'll get into it after a few rows on slippier needles.

So you won't be wanting those three balls of "smoke" I bought you? ;)

So you won't be wanting those three balls of "smoke" I bought you? ;)
I didn't say I wasn't going to persevere :D .

I found the key to KSH was to treat it quite firmly. It looks so delicate, but it's actually really strong and can put up with a lot of abuse! I also used loads of markers when I knitted birch with it, as it can be very hard to see the yo's and marking out every pattern repeat really helps to avoid the need to frog (which is a total nightmare, like you say).

I found the key to KSH was to treat it quite firmly. It looks so delicate, but it's actually really strong and can put up with a lot of abuse! I also used loads of markers when I knitted birch with it, as it can be very hard to see the yo's and marking out every pattern repeat really helps to avoid the need to frog (which is a total nightmare, like you say).
Ah, thanks for that. I tend to not use markers, but I reckon I'll make an exception in this case. Fore-warned is most definitely fore-armed in the case of this yarn.

Indeedy! I'm not normally a marker user either, and whilst they slow you down they are definitely worth it in this case ;)

I had similiar problems with the Colinette Silky Chic, looked amazing on the skein - was a nightmare on the needles!

I tried to use bamboo needles at first and like you say the yarn just won't slide at all, you have to keep nudging it up a bit, so frustrating!

I love kidsilk haze, but it can drive you mad, just make sure you're concentrating entirely on the knitting and take your time over it. I've seen River knitted up and it is GORGEOUS! :love:

I love kidsilk haze, but it can drive you mad, just make sure you're concentrating entirely on the knitting and take your time over it. I've seen River knitted up and it is GORGEOUS! :love:
My intention was to knit one in a lovely wine colour for my mum, then knit another in the 'Smoke' colour photographed in the Rowan magazine for myself. I really hope that this Kidsilk Haze experiece doesn't turn out to be a bit of a nightmare, because 'River' is absolutely beautiful and I've been really looking forward to seeing the finished stole in the flesh.