by Giddy Aunt Yarns
If you were to ask me what kind of yarn I like, I’d tell you that it’s hand dyed, tonal, and soft. Super soft. I’m not fussed if it’s superwash or felts at a moment’s glance, but the one thing I will say almost right off the bat is that it’s soft. So I thought, quite naturally I think, that the kind of sticky, woolly wool best suited for colourwork wasn’t My Thing at all.
And then I tried it, and discovered I was wrong.
Let me tell you about Highland wool.
Let’s get the obvious out of the way: no, this yarn does not feel as soft as the “standard” indie dyer superwash merino / merino nylon sock blends that we’re all used to. But it doesn’t feel harsh or scratchy either, and that’s important. Of all the “woolly wools”, I find Highland to be the softest.
As it happens, the Highland sheep is a cross-breed – part Merino, part Corriedale – which explains why it’s not as scratchy as some other “proper wools” can be. It feels plumper than Corriedale and, while I wouldn’t call it bouncy, it does have a little give and stretch. It’s quite dry, very warm, and evenly spun, making it perfect for colourwork.
And here’s the thing. I’m a fan of saying that blocking is magic: it evens out your stitches, opens up your lace, helps your edges lay flat, and generally tidies up your work.
But is also makes sticky woolly wool softer, every single time you do it.
Magic.
Peruvian Highland Sheep
Location: Peruvian Highlands – 1,000m above sea level
Breed: cross-breed (Merino / Corriedale)
Microns: 24.5 – 28.5
Properties: The Corriedale heritage gives Highland wool a long fibre length, which makes it strong; the Merino side gives it softness.
Highland 4-Ply / DK
Dyer: Giddy Aunt Yarns
Composition: 100% Peruvian Highland Wool
Superwash: no
Weight: 4-ply; DK
Yardage: 459y / 420m per 100g (4-ply) ; 246y / 225m per 100g (DK)
Sizes: 20g / 50g / 100g
Colourwork Patterns
Highland is perfect for colourwork. Find your favourite pattern below.
