Botanically Dyed Yarn
 
 

I’ve been working on a new project for a while and I’m finally ready to share. I have a new line of botanically dyed yarn! It’s the perfect intersection of two of my obsessions, yarn and gardening. I spent the summer growing things and testing methods, mordants, and materials. Every trip outside with the dogs turned into a research session as we walked around the field and I was looking at every plant with new purpose.

 
 
 
 
 
 

The new base is called Targhee Torrent and though it’s a 3 ply worsted weight, it is a bit of a gauge chameleon as it also works up really nicely at a DK gauge. It is 100% Targhee wool, approximately 100g and 215 yards per skein. The gauge is 4.5 - 5.5 sts on a US 6-9 (4 - 5.5mm). It’s a great option for anyone looking for an untreated wool. The fiber is comparable to Merino for softness with a matte finish. I love how smooth the fabric is and the crisp stitch definition.

 
 
 

Top knit with US 9, bottom knit with US 6

Crocheted with a J hook

 
 
 

Due to the nature of these dye materials, each batch is unique and can never ne replicated exactly so please plan projects accordingly. I have properly mordanted and thoroughly washed all yarn to minimize fading, bleeding, and Crocking.

To care for your naturally dyed yarn, hand wash in cool water with a mild detergent (I use Grapefruit Eucalan on all GDF yarn) and lay flat to dry. Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading.

 
 
 
 
 
Deborah LynchComment
New Base - Merino Graupel

Graupel is a type of precipitation also known as snow pellets or soft hail so it seemed like the right name for a rugged version of rain drops. I love my Merino Drip base for shawls but I wanted something that machine washes well and is more durable. Merino Graupel is the perfect fit. This 2 ply fingering weight has a tight twist to give it durability and make this yarn perfect for socks and other hard-wearing items. It is soft and has a nice luster and crisp stitch definition. I’ve been using it for some Diamonds and Rakers Socks and love the results.

Fingering weight superwash Merino yarn. Washable wool yarn for knitting or crochet. Washable sock yarn. Colorway Amethyst - dark purple
Fingering weight superwash Merino yarn. Washable wool yarn for knitting or crochet. Washable sock yarn. Colorway Honey - golden yellow with brown undertones
Fingering weight superwash Merino yarn. Washable wool yarn for knitting or crochet. Washable sock yarn. Colorway Blood Orange - deep burnt orange, rust, red orange
Diamonds and Rakers Socks

One of the things that originally made me want to learn to knit is argyle. I have always loved it so much which is why I designed this classic, 3-color argyle sock pattern. They are not as tricky as they appear because almost the whole thing is worked flat then seamed up the inside of the foot/leg.

The pattern covers 6 sizes ranging from a US women's shoe size 5 to a US men's shoe size 14. They have just enough negative ease to be snug and comfortable. 

This pattern uses GDF Merino Graupel Argyle which gives you the correct amount of each color, saving you from buying 3 skeins to make one pair of socks. You could make argyle in the colors of your school or favorite team. You could do seasonal or holiday themed socks. Or you could do like I am tryin to do and make a rainbow of argyle combinations to fill your sock drawer. The pattern is available in the shop or through Ravelry

New Base - Merino Rain

Introducing my new base, Merino Rain! I am really enjoying working with this yarn and have a few projects in mind for it. This yarn has four plies which are twisted enough to give it a smooth texture with crisp stitch definition and a slightly bouncy hand. The merino is soft with a slight luster and very little halo. When knit, the fabric has a nice drape. Try it out on your next sport weight project!

 
Speckled hat knitting project. Free sport weight hat knitting pattern. Vanilla Hat pattern
 
Vanilla Hat - A Free Knitting Pattern
 
Vanilla Hat. DK weight hat pattern. Free knitting pattern
 

Vanilla is sometimes used an adjective to mean something plain so it seemed like the perfect name for this pattern. I wanted a plain hat that could show off a unique skein of speckled or variegated yarn, show the beautiful tonal shifts in an understated semi-solid, be easily adaptable if I wanted to change it up a little, or even satisfy the most picky gift recipient who only likes plain things (don't we all have at least one of these?).

I came up with this folded brim, stockinette hat. The brim is knit with a smaller needle size so it gives the hat a snug, comfortable fit that stays put without squeezing around the bottom. There are 3 sizes to choose from and you can make it fitted or slouchy. My sister has very curly hair and she likes her L slouchy version because she can keep warm without getting serious hat hair.

You will need one skein of Merino Storm for this pattern and to be able to do a provisional cast on. Other than folding the brim and decreasing to shape the crown, the whole thing is stockinette stitch so it is suitable for an adventurous beginner.

There are so many fun ways you can modify this hat. You can add stripes, ombre stripes, color blocks, a pompom or use a contrasting color for the inside of the brim.

Click here for the free pattern PDF

Vanilla Hat. DK weight hat pattern. Free knitting pattern
Vanilla Hat. DK weight hat pattern. Free knitting pattern
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