review | Laura Chau

Wool and the Gang Crazy Sexy Wool

September 3, 2014

Wool and the Gang recently wrote me asking if I would like to try and review some of their yarn! I chose Crazy Sexy Wool. This yarn was sent to me for free, but all opinions are my own. I will not receive compensation for links in this review.

Crazy Sexy Wool is a Peruvian wool, super bulky, with 87 yards per 200g ball – they’re huge! I rarely knit with such bulky yarns, but they do appeal to me – the chunkiness of the stitches, the thickness of the fabric, the speed! For the curious, this yarn is 5 wpi.

I’ve decided to knit a simple cushion cover, knit diagonally like a washcloth, on 10mm needles. The yarn is a nicely spun single, which holds together well (no breaking) but it’s a touch splitty on these Denise needles. I’d suggest using a blunter needle if you have them.

The colours I chose are “zoot suit blue” and “sand trooper beige”. The blue is really lovely and rich, and the beige is just the kind of neutral, warm colour I crave in the fall. A fall jacket made from this yarn would be amazing.

Wool and the Gang has a pretty awesome story and mandate, to produce high-quality fashion (both yarns and finished products) that is made sustainably. They have quite a few items that you can choose to buy finished, or instead purchase a kit with everything you need! It’s a great way to get people thinking about where their clothes are coming from, and I think the high-fashion tone of the brand helps reach people who might otherwise think of knitting as stodgy.

Plus, Natalie works there! Hi Natalie!

Thanks to Wool and the Gang for giving me the opportunity to try out your yarn! What are you planning to make with bulky yarn this fall?

fabulousness

November 12, 2007

I love reference books.

The way you get the whole picture, the way you can just flip a page and find an answer to a question somewhat related to what you are looking at.

It’s no different when it comes to yarn and fibre – and The Knitter’s Book of Yarn is the ultimate reference book! There’s everything you need to know about difference fibres, where they come from, what you should knit with them, and the best way to care for them.

Information about yarn structure and how best to work with various types is especially valuable, particularly to non-spinners (hence the “knitter’s book”, of course). Patterns are divided into sections based on the ply structure of the yarn called for – and the patterns are top-notch.

I love the seascape bolero (knit with singles), the baby soft cardigan (2-ply), and Adrian’s mittens (both of them!). I need a new pair of mittens soon, and the double-thick mitten pattern is calling to me!

All in all, this is a fantastic book that every knitter should own. Even if the patterns don’t strike your fancy, there’s enough information contained here to keep a knitter informed and happy. Get something new and unusual and not sure what it is – like Pygora? Well, just look it up in the Knitter’s Book of Yarn!