The chill is really starting to set in around here, and there's only one way we know how to beat it: warm woolly sweaters, shawls, cowls, hats, mitts, etc. The key, here, though is thick and woolly, and, better yet, quick! Due to an always high demand around this time of year, we've got lots of chunky and bulky yarns in stock. Some are old favourites (Berroco Peruvia Quick and Misti Alpaca Chunky among them) but we have lots of new yarns too, so without further ago, here's a great selection of yarns destined to be your need-warmth-now garments of choice.
- Rowan Big Wool in Deer, Reseda, and Forest
Rowan Big Wool — This is the super bulky, 100% wool yarn of our dreams. It has incredible stitch definition, knits up incredibly fast, and holds its shape beautifully. It's perfect for Stephanie Pearl-McPhee's Unoriginal Hat, Jane Richmond's Marian cowl, and Kim Hargreaves' gorgeous textured Nan cardigan/jacket.
- Rowan Brushed Fleece in Nook.
Rowan Brushed Fleece — Brushed Fleece has to be felt to be believed, but its softness is in the same realm as kitten fur and the down of tiny chicks. That makes sense, really, since this is a combination of superfine merino and baby alpaca (with just 5% nylon for a little structural boost) blended into a lofty, lightweight bulky yarn. Its incredible softness means you'll want to wear it close to your skin, making it a great choice for Caitlin ffrench's Offhand Lace shawl, tinkerknits' Cabled Mini Scarf (with buttons!), and Melissa Schaschwary's elegantly slouchy Chateau cardigan.
- Rowan Fazed Tweed in Oak, Sycamore, and Elderberry.
Rowan Fazed Tweed — Fazed Tweed is like no other yarn we've encountered: its blend of wool and alpaca inside a very fine nylon-net "tube," which makes for a very round, plump yarn that knits up into a pleasantly tweedy, even fabric with a soft halo. It's a great choice for simply, chic accessories like the Shannon Cook's classic Keaton hat or the Purl Bee's ever-trendy Bandana Cowl, as well as something classic, like Marie Wallin's Una Vest (if you like the look of those cables, we also love her Elva Beanie).
- Berroco Brio in Surge.
Berroco Brio — Need to add a little pizazz to your needles? Berroco Brio has you covered. There's colour, some sparkle, and a healthy dose of don't-take-it-too-seriously, which combines for a fun and quick knit (it is a super-bulky yarn, after all). With so much going on in the yarn itself, we think it's best suited to simple patterns: Whip up some speedy Emmett hand warmers, Abi Gregorio's fantastic (and free!) Vermonter hat, or marvel at the way the colours blend in Andra Asar's Quick Slip Cowl.