yarn reviews

Sirdar Big Bamboo

Big Bamboo is a super chunky yarn with an open chain-like construction, which makes it ultra light to wear. It comes in a range of 12 subtle shades and has a high bamboo content which gives it a lustrous appearance and a silky handle. The sample shown was knitted in shade 057 using size 10mm needles, which creates a more open fabric although better stitch definition can be achieved by using 8mm needles. This is a great yarn for quick gift knits with basic instructions for a drop stitch scarf printed on the ball band. Further pattern support is available in a selection of loose leaflets as well as the ‘Big Bamboo Knits’ booklet, which features designs for sweaters, waistcoats and cardigans as well as hats, mitts and scarves.

Composition:    50% bamboo sourced viscose, 30% acrylic, 20% wool

Weight: 50g

Length: 40m

Rec needle size: 10mm

RRP: £4.46

Contact: Sirdar Spinning Ltd.

Flanshaw Lane

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF2 9ND

Tel: 01924 231 682

Email:    consumer@sirdar.co.uk

Website: www.sirdar.co.uk

Rowan Fine Lace

Fine Lace is a luxuriously soft laceweight blend of baby Suri alpaca and fine merino wool. Its high alpaca content means it’s as light as air with just the right amount ‘haziness’ or blur when knitted and generous metreage of 400m. The recommended needle size is 2mm although you could achieve more open stitch effects by using larger needles. It’s available in a palette of ten vintage inspired colours with names like Cobweb, Patina and Retro (sh 923 shown above) but if you’re tastes are more forward-looking the Rowan Lace brochure has contemporary and traditional lace designs for both knit and crochet. Cold hand washing is recommended.

Composition:    80% baby Suri alpaca, 20% fine merino wool

Weight: 50g

Length: 400m

Rec needle size: 2mm

RRP: £7.50

Contact: Rowan       

Green Lane Mill

Holmfirth

West Yorkshire

HD9 2DX

Tel: 01484 681881

Email:    consumer.ccuk@coats.com

Website: www.knitrowan.com

Rowan Creative Focus Worsted

Creative Focus Worsted is a lovely rounded yarn with a very light twist so it feels more like roving to knit, although it’s very strong. It knits up as an Aran weight on 4.5mm needles and while the alpaca content adds a slight fuzzy quality it has very good stitch definition. There’s a great choice of 26 colours including both fashion and classic shades making this an excellent yarn for all types of stitch patterns and colour work. There’s a dedicated collection of ten women’s designs and accessories are available in the City Retreat brochure including quick knits like fingerless mittens and beanies. Cold hand washing is recommended

Composition:    75% wool, 25% alpaca

Weight: 100g

Length: 200m

Rec needle size: 4.5mm

RRP: £7.50

Contact: Rowan       

Green Lane Mill

Holmfirth

West Yorkshire

HD9 2DX

Tel: 01484 681881

Email:    consumer.ccuk@coats.com

Website: www.knitrowan.com