Let\'s Knit - UK (2019-12)

W

inter is always a brilliant time

for us knitters, instead of

looking for an excuse to

spend the evening in with our favourite

WIP, we can simply rely on the good old

British weather. After all, what better

way to stay warm than with a soft and

snuggly knitting project! If you are

determined to make this Christmas your

cosiest yet, look no further for advice on

sorting your stash, inspiration for

updating your winter wardrobe, plus an

exciting display of potential projects.

Keeping It

COSY

29

SIX STEPS TO A^

Snuggly Stash

1

PLAN YOUR

PROJECTS

Before you invest in a

new yarn or streamline

your existing stash, it is

a good idea to build up a

list of potential projects.

Ideally, every cosy ibre

you own should have a

corresponding pattern.

You could make things

easy for yourself by opting

for a yarn that has been

designed with a speciic

snuggly project in mind.

For instance, Bernat

Home Blanket Yarn

is a super-chunky

ibre with a chenille

efect. Perfect for

home accessories,

this practical choice

is warm, durable and

machine washable.

2

ASSESS YOUR OPTIONS

The next step is to evaluate the current

state of your yarn stash. To make space for

your soft and snuggly yarns, it is essential

that you let go of any ibres you have fallen

out of love with. If you are already feeling

guilty at just the thought of parting with

some of your stash, you could always donate

your yarns to a charity shop or craft group.

3

THINK ABOUT TEXTURE

It may seem obvious, but when creating

a snuggly stash, it is essential that you

consider texture. For a cosy knit, one strong

contender is Aereo from Cascade Yarns. A

nylon tube containing merino wool and baby

alpaca, this unique ibre is incredibly warm

and soft to the touch. Another fantastic option

from Cascade Yarns is Aegean Tweed. Spun

from 100% organic wool, this ibre ofers

attractive lecks and impressive durability.

4

CHOOSE YOUR COMBO

Paying close attention to the blend of

your yarn is also an excellent step to take. For

example, if you are searching for a pure ibre

that will help you to ight of even the coldest

winter chill, you could treat

yourself to Noro Ito. This

100% wool, worsted

weight yarn will leave

you looking and feeling

your best, as it is available in a series

of striking, variegated colourways.

Alternatively, if you are searching for

luxurious texture at an afordable price

point, why not try Noro Silk Garden?

A sumptuous blend of silk, mohair and

lambswool, this popular yarn is a favourite

amongst knitters and crocheters alike.

5

PICK IN PERSON

Here at Let’s Knit HQ, we can’t think

of anything more valuable than supporting

your local yarn shop. In addition to being

a great thing to do, picking your yarns in

person will also provide you with an excellent

opportunity to assess the texture of your

potential purchases. Another beneit is that

you can turn to your local yarn shop owner

for advice. Find out what their softest ibre

is, ask if they have a personal preference

and then make an informed decision.

6

TRY A TREAT

Instead of buying cheap yarns on a

regular basis, why not treat yourself to

something special? Investing in luxury

yarns is often a brilliant way to ensure the

ibres you are working with are soft to the

touch, incredibly warm and will stand the

test of time. Although it might be tempting

to stock up on as much yarn as possible,

taking your time and prioritising quality

is always a great approach to adopt.

Bernat® Home

Blanket Yarn, £15

per 300g (201m)

ball from

hobbycraft.co.uk

Find stockists for Noro Ito,

RRP £29.99 per 200g

(399m) and Noro Silk Garden,

RRP £8.99 per 50g

(100m) at knittingfever.com

TURN OVER FOR PERFECT PROJECT IDEAS!

Cascade Yarns® Aegean Tweed, £10.99

per 100g (300m) ball. Cascade Yarns®

Aereo, £16.99 per 100g (219m) skein.

Both from lovecrafts.com