270 yards and 110 grams per skein.
A truly natural wool yarn from Dorset sheep raised in Ontario, Canada, and processed at a Canadian mill.
The Schill family at Ontario's Revolution Wool Company provides top-quality care for their flock, resulting in healthy and happy sheep who produce superior fleeces for this yarn as well as other wool products from the farm.
This yarn is woolen-spun, meaning it is very lofty and holds air for insulation and breathability. This also means great yardage for weight!
The character of this wool is round, bouncy, elastic, and toothy. It is ideal for cool-weather knits such as sweaters, jackets, hats, mittens, and shawls. Some may find it a little too textured for next-to-skin wear on sensitive areas such as the neck, but if you'd like to check before buying, please send an email to request a free sample: alleycatyarns@gmail.com.
Knit at a looser or tighter gauge according to your preferences. I typically use 4mm to 6mm needles when knitting with this yarn. A looser gauge (larger needle) offers more drape and flexibility in the finished fabric, while a tighter gauge (smaller needle) makes a denser, firmer fabric.
Why 100% natural wool? Wool is:
- renewable: unlike synthetic options, wool is a renewable resource that can be harvested year after year.
- biodegradable: wool breaks down naturally without harming the environment.
- insulating: wool's unique structure includes air pockets that trap heat, while also remaining breathable and lightweight.
- moisture-regulating: wool wicks and holds a lot of moisture before feeling heavy or damp. At the same time, wool releases excess moisture into the air, keeping its wearer dry and comfortable.
- durable: wool has a natural crimp and elasticity that allows it stretch and recover, and to be resistant to pilling, ripping, or losing shape versus treated wool or other textile fibres.
- self-cleaning: wool contains natural lanolin in its fibres. This makes it naturally-antibacterial, and repellent of dirt and odours. Natural wool can be refreshed by airing it out, spot-cleaning, and gently hand-washing infrequently.
Why breed-specific Ontario wool?
- environmental stewardship: wool raised locally travels less distance to reach your needles.
- genetic diversity: helps conserve sheep breeds that may not otherwise continue to exist.
- supporting local supply chains: when we invest in our local farms, mills, and other fibre and textile producers, we support the viability of domestic textile production.
Yarns are dyed in my home studio using professional wash-and-lightfast textile dyes. I make efforts to conserve resources in the studio, taking steps such as: reusing dye bath water, harvesting rainwater for dyeing, hanging items to dry and re-mixing leftover dyes to create new colours.
All dyes are set and rinsed until they run clear, however you might notice some slight dye colour in the water when you wash your projects due to differences in water properties (particularly pH and minerals).
Hand wash knits in cool water using a gentle wool wash. Lay flat to dry.
