"Craft can be practiced by anyone, regardless of the skill or artistry that has come to be demanded by those who preach craft. Like a good meal, a good Crafternoon shouldn't need much - a few quality ingredients, a couple of good friends, and a little bit of creativity."
(by Maura Madden)
ALPACA LIGHT ~ Terra
Creating wearable Colours in a close relationship with nature - this Palette has been inspired by Fruiting trees & Shrubs, Irish River Meadows and Late Indian Summers.
Only selected baby alpaca fleeces from the Peruvian Andes are used for this incredibly soft and light Alpaca yarn. Spun in Peru, Alpaca Light still keeps with the general slouchy and drapey character of any Alpaca yarn. It is best suited for flowing and body skimming pieces, ideally knitted seamlessly. Unlike its bigger siblings, Alpaca Light is perfect for delicate knits, baby clothes or undergarments.
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All our Alpaca yarns come from the Peruvian Andes
The entire production ~ from Alpaca farmer to the spun yarn ~ is done within Peru, supporting local employment and a low carbon footprint.
Pattern: Harvest Season
In a nutshell for 1 skein:
100% baby Alpaca
4ply
100g/ 3.5oz
400m/ 437.4yards
Needle size 2-3mm
Origin: Peruvian Andes
Spun: in Peru
Dyed Naturally in Ireland with Rhubarb Root
Indigo* - herbaceous plant ( you might get a bit of blue on your hands while knitting - that is easily washed of with soap and even healthy!)
Vegan note: please be aware that we use Lac and Cochineal dyes as well, which would be of animal origin ~ Cochineal** - small louse; Lac*** - the casing made by beetles to hatch and protect their eggs.
DOOLIN ~ Marigold
Let’s celebrate the humble nettle! Doolin can also be used for all softwool patterns.
Doolin is made from 80%wool and 20% Ramie and the bigger brother of our 4ply Turin, made from a similar blend but including Silk as well. Ramie is a bast fibre, made from the inner phloem of the nettle. Ramie not only gives the yarn a gentle sheen, but also provides strength and stability needed for the heel and toe areas making it a great alternative to nylon rich yarns. Ramie doesn’t absorb dye the same way as wool does, giving this yarn a unique two-toned mottled effect.
Doolin and Turin are 'all rounder' yarns suitable for any project you set your mind too.
Like with all hand knitted items, a gentle handwash is best, however, this yarn has been washing machine tested by us and can be wool washed if preferred.
We also have some stunning patterns available for this yarn in our pattern section, designed by LBhandknits for AppleOak FibreWorks.
Patterns shown:
Ascophylia hat pattern
Sleeping in the Garden sock pattern
Rochelle Sock pattern
In a nutshell for 1 skein:
80% wool & 20% Ramie
weight Sport
100gr/ 3.5oz
300m/ 328yards
2-3mm needles
Dyed in Ireland naturally using fresh organic Coreopsis plants.
Origins: Wool USA, Ramie China, spun in the Czech Republic
TURIN ~ Mandarin
And then there was the nettle. Turin is a slightly shiny 4ply yarn and has much to offer! Spun in the Czech Republic, this yarn is made from wool blended with Ramie and Silk to produce a delicate but strong yarn with a cheeky shine to it. This is one of our favourites to use in plant dyed multi-colours – it makes the colours come alive – ever changing with the light.
Due to its Ramie and silk content, it makes sturdy socks, but it can also be used for knitting flattering garments. Beautifully soft but can be a little stiff at the beginning, this yarn will win you over in no time.
Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn
In a nutshell for 1 skein:
60% wool & 20% Ramie & 20% Silk
4 ply
weight Fingering
100gr/ 3.5oz
425m/ 464.7yards
2-3mm needles
Hand wash only
Dyed in Ireland naturally using Maddder root
TURIN ~ Pumpkin
nd then there was the nettle. Turin is a slightly shiny 4ply yarn and has much to offer! Spun in the Czech Republic, this yarn is made from wool blended with Ramie and Silk to produce a delicate but strong yarn with a cheeky shine to it. This is one of our favourites to use in plant dyed multi-colours – it makes the colours come alive – ever changing with the light.
Due to its Ramie and silk content, it makes sturdy socks, but it can also be used for knitting flattering garments. Beautifully soft but can be a little stiff at the beginning, this yarn will win you over in no time.
Pattern design by Ailbíona McLochlainn
In a nutshell for 1 skein:
60% wool & 20% Ramie & 20% Silk
4 ply
weight Fingering
100gr/ 3.5oz
425m/ 464.7yards
2-3mm needles
Hand wash only
Dyed in Ireland naturally using organic fresh Coreopsis plants