yarn reviews

COMPOSITION: 50% alpaca/50% pure Shetland wool

WEIGHT: 50g

LENGTH: 150-200m

REC NEEDLE SIZE: 2.50mm–3.50mm

RRP: £5

CONTACT: The Natural Fibre Company
Unit B Pipers Court, Pennygillam Industrial Estate, Launceston, Cornwall, PL15 7PJ
Tel: 01566 777 635 
E-mail: info@blackersheep.co.uk
Website: www.blackerdesigns.co.uk

The Natural Fibre Company launched its online shop last autumn. All the wool used in its products is British and is processed on the Devon/Cornwall border. This yarn knits into a soft, fine fabric with a hint of fluffiness from the alpaca. There is no suggested tension or needle size but it knitted up well on 3.5mm needles and the tension can be adjusted by changing the needle size. There are free patterns available with the yarn and an average sweater takes seven balls. The yarn is available in six natural shades and the sample is shown in Fawn.

COMPOSITION: 45% acrylic/40% nylon/15% wool

WEIGHT: 100g

LENGTH: 318m

REC NEEDLE SIZE: 4mm

RRP: Approx £3.75

CONTACT: Sirdar Spinning Ltd
Flanshaw Lane, Wakefield, West Yorkshire, WF2 9ND
Tel: 01924 231 682
E-mail: consumer@sirdar.co.uk
Website: www.sirdar.co.uk

Country Style is a highly versatile DK yarn that has been around for many seasons, but still proves to be a popular choice for its quality and value. The yarn has recently had a makeover and is now available in 100g balls. It will knit to all standard DK patterns with a tension of 22 sts and 28 rows and there is also pattern support in leaflet form for all the family. It is available in a massive range of 43 shades and the sample is shown in one of the latest additions, 599 Apples. The knitted fabric has a smooth texture and wears well too.

COMPOSITION: 88% cotton/12% polyester

WEIGHT: 50g

LENGTH: 78m

REC NEEDLE SIZE: 6mm

RRP: £3.43

CONTACT: Rowan Yarns
Green Lane Mill, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire, HD9 2DX
Tel: 01484 681 881
E-mail: mail@knitrowan.com
Website: www.knitrowan.com

Fiorista is a new yarn for spring 2009. It is a chunky, multi-plied yarn that is quick to knit, forming a thick but light fabric with good elasticity and a crisp texture. It has a tension of 17 sts and 24 rows to 10cm and a medium-sized sweater takes around 13 balls. Fiorista is available in six solid shades and eight multicoloured shades. The sample is shown in shade 5307. Pattern support is available in leaflets.