The Evil Temptress reviews "Yarnplay."

One of our customers, Alison, dubbed me "The Evil Temptress" when I first introduced her to Lantern Moon needles. Mind you, I entered into the conversation with full disclosure. "You will get addicted," I warned her. "So if you want to remain in innocent, less expensive bamboo bliss, continue on with your Crystal Palace needles. Just forget you ever saw these smooth, beautiful rosewood needles with the gorgeous tops." Yet, to this day, Allison blames me for her collection of Lanterns in every size. Sigh.

So I begin this blog with this (futile) warning: You will be tempted. Yea verily, though ye wallow in the valley of unfinished objects, ye shall be seduced by these projects. Read on at thy own risk.

Today, I'm reviewing the book "Yarnplay," by Lisa Shobhana Mason. This book is not entirely new, having been published in 2006, and having been on our shelves for a couple of months. But it's new to ME, because even though I ordered it, I only recently popped it open over a quick lunch and perused it in depth. Ohhhhh...I want to make them ALL!!!! And I'm not alone, judging from the number of people out in Cyberspace that seem to be working these up.

The most popular seems to be the cover sweater, "Poppy," knitted with 6-8 skeins of Noro Silk Garden. Can you just imagine this in the new, super-soft Noro Cashmere Island? I noticed online, it seems to be flattering on all figure types - chalk it up to the vertical lines:

A close second is Lorelei, knitted mainly in a Noro yarn I've never heard of (discontinued?) called Lily, plus a little Silk Garden. This would be amazing in a worsted cotton, like Tahki Cotton Classic...or Rowan Handknit Cotton:

Yarnplay also has a guy's sweater that is popular, made from SWT Karaoke, a nice blend of soy and wool. Would also be great in Trendsetter Tonalita, or maybe even Rowan Tapestry if you could get gauge on the slightly smaller yarn. It's called K.I.S.S. - Keep it Simple So Your Man Will Wear It:

And I love, love, love Edie, an asymmetrical cardigan that would be gorgeous in Berroco Pure Merino, or maybe even ArtYarns Supermerino:

There are great smaller projects, too, including elegant "scrubs" (exfoliating warshrags), the "Georgetown" table runner in Rowan Denim, and "Havana" - a great cushion cover in Araucania Nature Cotton. But mainly, I want to play with Yarnplay for the innovative, fitted knits that bid farewell to boxy and embrace the feminine form. Hooray!
- Shelley
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