Sleeper Yarns

Like a good Indie film, sometimes a yarn doesn't get the exposure it deserves because of all the blockbusters that are around at the same time. I have some favorite "sleepers" that I'd like to highlight today.

Noro Niji (what a shocker - a Noro yarn)

Niji is 45% wool, 25% Kid Mohair, 25% silk, and 5% Nylon boucle-ish yarn. We have a

 sample in the shop that some people love to hate because it's a garment that is hard to wear but I really like this yarn. It's perfect for a warm wrap or a simple bulky sweater.

Noro Silk Mountain

Another sleeper from Noro, this boucle is gorgeous and the colors are more subtle and uniform than most Noro yarns. I started a wrap last year (mixed with some other yarns) and really liked the yarn but I got sidetracked somehow....you know how that is. Anyway, I think it's very pretty.

O-Wool - 100% Certified Organic Merino, worsted 

This is a beautiful merino; perfect for that cable cardigan you've always wanted to make. The colors are a little muted because of the organic nature of the yarn but it should not be overlooked. Several people are making the February Lady sweater with it. (Pssst - that will be our KAL for January!)

Cilantro by Nashua - 70% Cotton, 30% Polyester, worsted

This single twist yarn feels like merino - kind of springy - and we have a lovely shop model but it came in a color that isn't too flattering for most people. This is a shame because the yarn is great and its perfect for all kinds of garments. The colors are mostly bright but they would work for Fall.

Louisa Harding Cinnabar - cotton, silk and linen blend with a touch a sparkle

I'm not a sparkle yarn kinda woman but I love this yarn. Victoria made the most beautiful skirt using this yarn and I've seen a few other tops made out of it and it's beautiful! I think the color blends are very sophisticated and elegant. Her Jasmine cotton/bamboo blend is also very nice but we don't have a garment yet. That's a common problem in the shop - so many yarns, too few samples made up - so some yarns don't get the attention they should. 

I hope you take a few minutes the next time you are in the shop to look at these "neglected" yarns.  

Oops. More Koigu and O-Wool

So, we went upstairs, moved some boxes around whilst looking for something else and POOF!! More Koigu appeared! Several different colors are now available (again) at a reduced price in our sale area. Perfect for that last minute shawl you want to whip up for your mother-in-law for Christmas. ;-)

The rest of our O-Wool order arrived today so our color palette has doubled. We have some cute hat and scarf patterns designed specifically for this wool but it is perfect for all types of garments and we have enough backstock for sweaters in all colors.

O~Wool

No, it is not the title of an ode by the Bard, it is the name of the new organic wool from the Vermont Organic Fiber Company. This wonderful company promotes and supports sustainable agricultural and business practices that minimize the negative ecological impact to the earth.

"By using O~Wool hand knitting yarns, knitters and crocheters are directly increasing the acreage under organic management and offsetting the negative effects of conventional cotton production, effectively contributing to a truly sustainable environment. On average, for every pound of organic wool produced, two acres of land are sustained under organic management. Each pattern developed using O~Wool has the skein equivalent to acreage so the knitter or crocheter can see how much land is being supported by each garment."

Is that cool or what?! We currently have 8 colors with 9 more on the way. The Classic is 100% certified organic merino and is sold in 198 yard skeins, 16-18 sts = 4" on a size 8-9 US, for $14.25/skein.

If you are anything like me, and I sincerely hope you aren't, you might be asking yourself "what the heck is organic wool?" Well, here is how they qualify certified organic wool production:

• Livestock must be fed 100% organically grown feed and forage
• Synthetic hormones and vaccinations are prohibited
• Synthetic pesticides on livestock and pastures are prohibited
• Genetic engineering is prohibited
• Healthy livestock is promoted through good management

And organic fiber processing is as follows:

• Organic fiber must be handled separately from non-organic
• Detergents for wool scouring shall be readily biodegradable
• Must practice appropriate treatment of waste water
• Oils used in spinning shall be of vegetable or animal origin
• All dyes must be free of heavy metals and aromatic amines
• Recyclable or readily biodegradable finishing materials are used
• Carbonizing fibers using acid baths is prohibited
• Organic facilities must practice structural pest management
  

Too much sharing?