We test six special yarns for your seasonal knitting
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IN THE WOOL SHED DK Wensleydale
Shade pictured Indigo 2 dips Skein weight/length 100g/225m
Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6)
Tension Approx. 22 sts and 30 rows to 10cm Fibre content 100% British Wensleydale wool Care Hand wash RRP £16 Contact www.inthewoolshed.com
This yarn has the glossy shimmer for which Wensleydale wool is famed. It knits up into a soft fabric with a good drape, which blooms beautifully after washing. It comes in a range of hand-dyed indigo shades, of differing intensity depending on how many ‘dips’ the skein has had. An undyed ecru option is also available, along with 50g yarn ‘cakes’.
MANOS DEL URUGUAY Feliz
Shade pictured Cincuenta (5000) Skein weight/length 100g/320m
Needle size 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4)
Tension 22 sts and 21 rows to 10cm
Fibre content 70% superwash merino wool, 30% modal Care Machine wash 30°C RRP £25.50 Contact www.manos.uy www.lovecrafts.com
Blending merino wool with plant-derived modal fibre, Feliz feels beautifully soft and flexible, with an appealing lustre. It’s kettle-dyed in a range of variegated colourways which bring a fiesta of colour to your projects. Manos’s Fair Trade yarns are produced by women’s cooperatives in rural Uruguay, and each skein bears the signature of the artisan who dyed it.
RICO Superba Vintage 4ply
Shade pictured Pink-Green (06) Ball weight/length 100g/420m Needle size 2-3mm (UK 14-11/US 0-2) Tension 30 sts and 42 rows to 10cm Fibre content 75% virgin wool, 25% nylon Care Machine wash 40°C RRP £7.29 Contact www.rico-design.de/en/ www.woolwarehouse.co.uk
The self-patterning colourways of Superba Vintage were inspired by antique textiles, and the colour mixes include faded pinks and browns, and muted greens with touches of purple. It’s a classic machine-washable sock yarn which is smooth and durable, and will bring excellent stitch definition to your cable and lace patterns.
MCINTOSH YARN Calm
Shade pictured Honeydew Green
Ball weight/length 50g/150m
Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6)
Tension 22 sts and 28 rows to 10cm
Fibre content 80% extra fine merino wool, 20% cashmere Care Hand wash RRP £25 Contact www.knitmcintosh.com
Blending indulgently soft cashmere and smooth merino, this delightful yarn feels luxurious to knit with, and has a fantastic drape and softness, making it ideal for special knits. It offers excellent stitch definition, too, thanks to a combination of plies spun with Z and S twists. Calm is hand-dyed to order, and the wide palette includes chalky pastels and berry brights.
ROWAN Cotton Wool
Shade pictured Cuddle (210)
Ball weight/length 50g/130m
Needle size 4mm (UK 8/US 6)
Tension 20 sts and 28 rows to 10cm
Fibre content 60% organic cotton, 40% merino wool Care Hand wash RRP TBC Contact www.knitrowan.com
01484 668200
Coming soon from Rowan is a brand-new yarn called Cotton Wool. It’s a DK-weight blend of organic cotton and merino wool, which has a lightweight handle, a fine halo and a fluffy feel that really is reminiscent of cotton wool! Rowan promises the yarn has no fibre drift, so is safe for baby knits. The palette offers 12 delicate pastels and neutral shades.
CAT AND SPARROW Eco-Warrior Sock
Shade pictured Floozy
Skein weight/length 100g/400m
Needle size 2.5-3.5mm (UK 13-10/US 1-3)
Tension Approx. 32 sts and 46 rows to 10cm
Fibre content 70% superwash Bluefaced Leicester wool, 30% Tencel Care Hand wash RRP £20 Contact www.catandsparrow.co.uk
A fantastic choice for nylon-free socks, Eco-Warrior Sock combines Bluefaced Leicester wool with responsibly sourced Tencel fibre. Stitches are well defined and lustrous, and the fabric is hard-wearing. This yarn is hand-dyed in a palette of zingy shades, both variegated and self-striping, such as the vibrant ‘Mojito Mojo’ and the elegant ‘Storm Clouds’.