YARN REVIEWS
This month, we test gorgeous wools and indulgent blends of alpaca, llama and camel nd for your seasonal knitting
We test the latest yarns
BROOKLYN TWEED Peerie
Shade pictured Aurora Skein weight/length 50g/192m Needle size 2.75-3.5mm (UK 12-9/US 2-4) Tension Approx. 25-29 sts to 10cm Fibre content 100% American merino wool Care Hand wash RRP £12.75 Contact www.brooklyntweed.com www.loopknittingshop.com
Super-smooth, durable and light, this 4ply yarn offers incredible stitch definition and a bouncy fabric. Peerie is worsted-spun in Maine using American merino wool. There is a beautiful palette of saturated shades to choose from, making this a wonderful choice for colourwork projects. Find stunning patterns using Peerie on Brooklyn Tweed’s website.
LANA GROSSA Alpaca Peru 200
Shade pictured Rosenholz (201) Ball weight/length 50g/200m Needle size 3-4mm (UK 11-8/US 3-6) Tension 25 sts and 24 rows to 10cm Fibre content 100% baby alpaca Care Hand wash RRP £8.49 Contact www.lovecrafts.com
If you love alpaca yarn, this one will capture your heart!
It’s a pure baby alpaca sportweight with a fine, lightweight feel, and an incredibly soft handle. The fabric has an appealing fluffy halo, and a slightly heathered look - we adore the palette of vintage-inspired shades. Use this yarn for elegant sweaters and accessories worn next to the skin.
JOHN ARBON TEXTILES Alpaca Supreme
Shade pictured Azurite
Skein weight/length 100g/333m
Needle size 3-4.5mm (UK 11-7/US 3-7)
Tension Approx. 22-28 sts to 10cm
Fibre content 40% superfine alpaca, 40% organically farmed Falklands merino, 20% silk
Care Hand wash RRP £20 Contact www.jarbon.com 01769 579861
The lustrous shimmer of this yarn gives the knitted fabric a glowing, almost metallic look - it’s stunning. Alpaca Supreme is classed as a sport/heavy 4ply weight, and its luxurious blend of alpaca, silk and organic merino provides a soft, draping feel. Choose from a range of neutral and pastel shades, and an nd opulent blue; each gives a subtly semi-solid look when knitted.
BLACK ISLE YARNS Auchen
Shade pictured Haar
Skein weight/length 110g/410m
Needle size 2.5-4mm (UK 12-8/US 2-6)
Tension Approx. 23-26 sts to 10cm
Fibre content 100% wool (Bluefaced Leicester, Shetland and Cheviot) Care Hand wash RRP £23.50 (undyed), £26.50 (dyed) Contact www.blackisleyarns.co.uk
It’s easy to fall in love with this sportweight yarn, thanks to its bouncy, woolly feel, and its impressive softness. Auchen is woollen-spun from the fleece of young sheep (‘hoggs’) that are farmed in the Scottish Highlands, and it softens and blooms even more with washing. Our sample shows the undyed grey shade; a choice of beautiful hand-dyed colours is also available.
WILLOW & LARK Poetry
Shade pictured A Wee Bit Chilly
Ball weight/length 50g/115m
Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6)
Tension 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm
Fibre content 60% merino wool, 10% camel, 30% acrylic microfibre Care Hand wash RRP £5 Contact www.lovecrafts.com
This yarn would be a lovely option for women’s jumpers and cardigans, special baby knits, and next-to-skin accessories, thanks to its wonderful softness. It combines merino wool, camel hair and microfibre, and when knitted up it offers well defined stitches, a good drape and gleaming colour. Poetry is available in 19 sophisticated shades.
JUNIPER MOON FARM Stargazer
Shade pictured Hyacinth (27) Skein weight/length 100g/200m Needle size 3.25-3.75mm (UK 10-9/US 3-5) Tension 23-26 sts to 10cm
Fibre content 70% llama, 30% silk Care Hand wash RRP £16.99 Contact www.knittingfever.com/stores/GB www.lovecrafts.com
Create draping, glamorous and elegant knits with this exquisite blend of extrafine baby llama and silk from Juniper Moon Farm. There’s a warmth to the fabric yet little weight, and the rich, glowing sheen is a delight to behold. Choose from a palette of intense saturated colours. A fluffy brushed version, which swaps the silk for nylon, is also available.