Yarn Feature: The Fibre Co. - Meadow

The Fibre Co's Yarn of the Month for May is Meadow. So what better way to shed some light on this gorgeous yarn, than a Yarn Feature. The Fibre Co are well know for creating interesting fibre blends and Meadow is no exception. A blend of 40% Merino Wool, 25% Baby Llama, 20% Silk, 15% Linen. The Merino and Baby Llama provide softness and bounce, the Silk sheen and drape, and the Linen a crisp hand and lovely stitch definition. Perfection! The Fibre Co began in 2003 in an old warehouse on the working waterfront of Portland, Maine, USA. Founded by Daphne Marinopoulos, they began with a small spinning mill, lots of raw natural fibre and a vision of creating yarns that she couldn’t find on the retail shelves. Now based in the UK the Fibre Co have become a global brand, working with a variety of producers and artisans. [caption id="attachment_2560" align="aligncenter" width="584"] A detail of Fairy Mist by Knitted Bliss.[/caption] The Fibre Co describe Meadow as 'Rustic Luxury', inspired by the eco system of meadows. How they house local fauna and serve as a fertile growing ground for flora of many varieties. Meadows are usually filled with grasses and other non-woody plants so have a feeling of lightness, which lends itself perfectly to this beautiful lace weight yarn. The fibre blend creates and interesting texture and the dying process has given a compelling play of colour throughout the skien. It's fibrous, but soft and will add a nice heathered texture to your projects. Earthy but sumptuous. Spun into a 2 ply yarn that’s slightly heavier than a typical lace weight yarn. This blend of fibres creates a versatile yarn able to work on a wide range of projects and over a variety of needle sizes. Made and dyed in Peru, these 100g skeins have 498m / 545yds per skien, with a tension of: 32–36sts over 10cm / 4" and a recommended needle size of between 2.25cm-3.25mm. Lets take a look at a few patterns that give justice to this super yarn: Summer Meadow by Janina Kallio is a simple easy to knit shawl that will celebrate the yarn, while not complicating it with fussy details. Textured garter stitch is offset with eyelet rows on stocking stitch. The lightness of Meadow will make this the perfect elegant layer. Planting Seeds by Helen Stewart is the project for those who can't decide on one colour. Knit in three skiens of Meadow, bold and graphic but with a lightness from the yarn. Slipped stitches add interest here and create an interesting interplay with the other colours. Huia by Libby Jonson is a luxurious, light cardigan with pretty lace details. A go to layer, that is smart, while also being relaxed. No picking up for the bands, the edge detail is worked with the body. Fluted by Cecily Glowik MacDonald, is a simple cardigan that showcases this yarn. Worked seamlessly, top down and uncomplicated. The smallest of details are provided by the Art Deco-esque designs on the collar. I hope this post has inspired you to take a look at this fabulous fibre blend and made you think about giving lace weight knitting a go.