New Base: Zwartbles 4ply Limited Edition | Sourced in Northern Ireland
It is my pleasure to introduce one of my new limited edition bases to you. This one has been a bit of a surprise for me- a bit of an experiment too. I wasn’t sure how this would turn out as Zwartbles sheep are quite common here- you can normally see one in every field. Usually they are there because a lamb has been put with it for whatever reason and they are apparently very good mothers. So I wasn’t sure what the outcome would be: I expected something more monotoned, but it turned out to be way way more exciting and beautiful than I expected.
It is a dark brown/black/ grey base colour with little flecks of lighter grey throughout, which gives the yarn a beautiful depth. Much darker than both my Blue Texel and Jacobs limited editions, but still with tons of character (and interest because of the two colour tones throughout). It’s a voluminous, oddly silky yarn. It has definitely been an unexpected gem within my breed experiments, and one I hope to continue next year with a Zwartbles flock from even closer to my house. The yarn has good structure but not too much, it feels cosy and farmy, as if it would create the most gorgeous, timeless garment. I cannot wait to work with it!
Zwartbles yarn being wet blocked.
Yarn Description
4ply/ 399m/ 100g
Woollen Spun
100% Zwartbles fibre from Ballynahinch, Co. Down, Northern Ireland
Spun in Wales
Undyed
I always find the structure of woollen spun yarn really good for garments, especially for the warmth they provide. I also find it good for colourwork (a monochromatic neutrals colour work garment anyone?). I would recommend a pattern such as the Galdor Cardigan by Marina Skua ([it takes three colours, but you could use two if you prefer] it’s out on Wednesday 16th June), Thistle by Anna Johanna would look stunning (I haven’t knitted this myself though- it takes three colours too). These are just a few ideas- you maybe have better one’s of your own!
This base will be launching on 16th June, 7:00pm GMT+1, here on my website. Word of warning- you may want to pre- register for your customer account to make checkout more efficient and easy!
Emma