We test the latest yarns
Our latest pick of gorgeous yarns includes hand-dyed delights, British fibres and sumptuous colour palettes
CAT AND SPARROW Sweater Weather
Shade pictured Marine Skein weight/length 100g/400m Needle size 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) Tension 24 sts and 35 rows to 10cm Fibre content 75% Bluefaced Leicester wool, 25% Masham wool Care Hand wash RRP £20.00 Contact 07570 017 449 www.catandsparrow.co.uk
Sweater Weather’s blend of longwools makes a wonderfully lustrous and supple yarn that just begs to be squished. It knits up into a softly haloed fabric that feels springy and lightweight. There are seven gleaming hand-dyed shades, with our sample full of soft tonal variations of sea blue. A delight to knit with, it would be great for shawls as well as draping garments.
THE BORDER MILL North Coast Tweed
Shade pictured Gorse Skein weight/length 100g/200m Needle size 5mm (UK 6/US 8) Tension 18 sts and 25 rows to 10cm Fibre content 100% Shetland wool Care Hand wash RRP £15.00 Contact 01361 883692 www.thebordermill.co.uk
This light aran-weight yarn offers tweedy variations in shade, inspired by the north coast of Scotland. The stunning palette is full of rich hues as well as calm naturals - perfect for colourwork! It has a dry, crisp feel as you knit, but the knitted fabric softens and blooms beautifully with washing, showcasing an enticing warm glow beneath a soft, subtle halo.
ROWAN Moordale
Shade pictured Blue Moor (08) Skein weight/length 100g/230m Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6) Tension 23 sts and 30 rows to 10cm Fibre content 70% British wool, 30% British alpaca Care Hand wash RRP £15.95 Contact 01484 668200 www.knitrowan.com
New Moordale features a blend of British fibres that results in a lustrous yarn with a lovely softening halo. The distinct and even stitches make it a fantastic choice for textured knits, while the 12 nature-inspired shades create a palette that would be fantastic for colourwork designs. Pattern support by Martin Storey features classic designs for men and women.
WEST YORKSHIRE SPINNERS ColourLab DK
Shade pictured Aqua Green (705) Ball weight/length 100g/225m Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6) Tension 22 sts and 28 rows to 10cm Fibre content 100% wool Care Machine wash 40°C RRP TBC Contact 01535 664500 www.wyspinners.com
The brand-new ColourLab is a classic, versatile DK designed for knits that the whole family can wrap up in. The wool is sourced and spun in Britain, and its balanced, rounded construction creates smooth and even stitches, and a fabric that feels soft and bouncy fabric. There are 18 solid shades and five striped prints. ColourLab will be available from 18th February 2019.
LOTTIE KNITS Little Bird DK
Shade pictured Rock Garden Skein weight/length 100g/225m Needle size 3.25-5mm (UK 10-6/US 3-8) Tension 20 sts and 28 rows to 10cm on 4mm Fibre content 75% superwash merino, 25% nylon Care Hand wash RRP £16.00 Contact www.lottieknits.com
This new hand-dyed delight is just the ticket for characterful cardigans and supple speckled socks! Little Bird’s smooth and distinctly rounded construction means it glides through your fingers as you knit, and creates a springy fabric with fantastic stitch definition. With a joyous palette full of mouth-watering brights and soft neutrals, it’s a true pleasure to work with.
MAHOODLY Aran Superwash BFL
Shade pictured Mormont Skein weight/length 100g/166m Needle size 5mm (UK 6/US 8) Tension 18 sts and 26 rows to 10cm Fibre content 100% British Bluefaced Leicester wool Care Hand wash RRP £16.00 Contact www.mahoodly.com
Hand-dyed to order in the West Country, this gorgeous yarn has two lightly spun plies twirled into a sumptuous strand that feels sleek and soft in the hand. The six colourways are full of subtle tonal changes, giving a rich depth of shade that is enhanced by the gleam of the BFL fibre. The knitted fabric shows great stitch definition and is next-to-skin soft.