Every month I write a series of hints and tips to allow you to make the most of your Time Travellers Club. There are suggestions on how you might want to spin the yarn, ideas on the yarn thicknesses that will work best, and possible combinations of fibres to allow you to make larger quantities of yarn from your set amount of club fibre. All the combinations I suggest are based on colours that will work well. If the 2 fibres have different composition then you will be making a compromise yarn, it might not be quite as soft, or might not be quite as lustrous, or as fluffy. You need to decide what works for you!
You may want to avoid visiting this page until after you have received your fibre as there will be information about the colour and composition of the blend.
You may want to avoid visiting this page until after you have received your fibre as there will be information about the colour and composition of the blend.
January 2020- Little Black Dress
Something smooth, shiny and incredibly soft this month. This is a complex colour that will look dark in all lights, but depending on the light may show different shades as subtle tints and tones.
The shine means that I would want spin this straight from the end of the fibre, using a worsted draft, to create a worsted yarn. It's a fibre that will work at different thicknesses, but the 50% non-wool content means that I don't think it's best suited to thicker yarns. I'd be wanting to spin this at something thinner than DK weight.
It will be a fibre with good tensile strength, due to the silk and the ramie, great for weaving and for lace knitting, or anything else where you want good stitch definition.
Plying with previous club parcels-
Tussah Silk- Graphite, Blackberry, Tuareg, Ireland, Dark, Fir
Superfine Merino & Silk- Blackberry, Fir, Nochevieja, Tannenbaum,
Heather Mulberry Silk- Gladys, Llinos, Ina
Ramie- Tuareg, Ireland, Storm
Something smooth, shiny and incredibly soft this month. This is a complex colour that will look dark in all lights, but depending on the light may show different shades as subtle tints and tones.
The shine means that I would want spin this straight from the end of the fibre, using a worsted draft, to create a worsted yarn. It's a fibre that will work at different thicknesses, but the 50% non-wool content means that I don't think it's best suited to thicker yarns. I'd be wanting to spin this at something thinner than DK weight.
It will be a fibre with good tensile strength, due to the silk and the ramie, great for weaving and for lace knitting, or anything else where you want good stitch definition.
Plying with previous club parcels-
- Renoir
- Humboldt
- Emerald City
- South Africa
- Mardi Gras
- Airforce Blue
- To Boldly Go
- Blue Print
- Whitby Jet
- Ode to Joy
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Gold
- Thin Blue Line
- Pink
- Penicillin
- Chrome Yellow
- Pompadour Pink
Tussah Silk- Graphite, Blackberry, Tuareg, Ireland, Dark, Fir
Superfine Merino & Silk- Blackberry, Fir, Nochevieja, Tannenbaum,
Heather Mulberry Silk- Gladys, Llinos, Ina
Ramie- Tuareg, Ireland, Storm
December 2020- Ode to Joy
Another textured blend for this month, though not quite as much as that used for November. This will spin in to a yarn with tweed nepps, rather than something with outlandish texture.
The fibres used are all ones with an open crimp, to maximise this I think spinning with a woolen draft from the fold with produce a yarn with great loft. This might be a blend where you feel the prickle factor slightly, but that means it will also turn in to a more sturdy yarn, so great for mittens and hats.
Plying with previous club parcels-
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork-
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Graphite, Storm, Tuareg, Evening, Sunrise, September, Saffron, Bay
Superfine Merino & Silk- Tuareg, Ocean, Photography, Storm, Sunrise, Saffron
Heather Mulberry Silk- Anwen, Meinir
Nordic- Storm
Another textured blend for this month, though not quite as much as that used for November. This will spin in to a yarn with tweed nepps, rather than something with outlandish texture.
The fibres used are all ones with an open crimp, to maximise this I think spinning with a woolen draft from the fold with produce a yarn with great loft. This might be a blend where you feel the prickle factor slightly, but that means it will also turn in to a more sturdy yarn, so great for mittens and hats.
Plying with previous club parcels-
- Tower Subway
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Khaki
- Penicillin
- Airforce Blue
- Kelly Green
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- Newtons Indigo
- Concrete
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork-
- Great Comet
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- Red Canary
- Gold
- Pink
- Munstead Wood
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Chrome Yellow
- Saffron Crocus
- Pompadour Pink
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Graphite, Storm, Tuareg, Evening, Sunrise, September, Saffron, Bay
Superfine Merino & Silk- Tuareg, Ocean, Photography, Storm, Sunrise, Saffron
Heather Mulberry Silk- Anwen, Meinir
Nordic- Storm
November 2020- Great Comet
It's a bit of a crazy textured blend this month, the flax used in the mixture is flax tow, which is the leftover shorter bits of fibre after processing to get the longer smooth linen. It would be great for art yarn techniques if you fancy trying something different. Core spinning this blend would be amazing!
However, if you like conventional yarns, fear not, you can still spin this in to a conventional yarn.
You might need to use a bit more concentration that you would normally, but the overall effect is really stunning, so I think it's worth it!
Plying with previous club parcels-
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork-
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Rust, Fire, Melon, Coffee
Superfine Merino & Silk- Saffron, Orange, Chocolate, Sun,
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth, Meinir, Tanwen
Naturally Dyed Merino- Ginger
Nordic- Sif, Earth
Silk Road- Desert Sands, Bazaar, Tussah, Oasis,
Ramie- Sun, Pumpkin, Passion, Saffron
Silk Hankies- Saffron, Passion, Pumpkin, Chocolate, Cinnamon
It's a bit of a crazy textured blend this month, the flax used in the mixture is flax tow, which is the leftover shorter bits of fibre after processing to get the longer smooth linen. It would be great for art yarn techniques if you fancy trying something different. Core spinning this blend would be amazing!
However, if you like conventional yarns, fear not, you can still spin this in to a conventional yarn.
You might need to use a bit more concentration that you would normally, but the overall effect is really stunning, so I think it's worth it!
Plying with previous club parcels-
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Banksia
- Athena
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Gold
- Hawaii
- Turkey Red
- Illuminated Manuscript
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork-
- War of the Roses
- Tower Subway
- Athena
- Chrome Yellow
- National Parks
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Rust, Fire, Melon, Coffee
Superfine Merino & Silk- Saffron, Orange, Chocolate, Sun,
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth, Meinir, Tanwen
Naturally Dyed Merino- Ginger
Nordic- Sif, Earth
Silk Road- Desert Sands, Bazaar, Tussah, Oasis,
Ramie- Sun, Pumpkin, Passion, Saffron
Silk Hankies- Saffron, Passion, Pumpkin, Chocolate, Cinnamon
October 2020- War of the Roses
The fibre has a pretty silk feeling this month, both from the Mulberry Silk, and the Optim Merino. Optimums is a treatment process which takes the Merino fibres and trestles them to make them longer and finer. The blend this month is really luxurious, and incredibly soft. It's not a fibre that I would want to use for anything at all hard wearing, but will be ideal for wearing next to your skin for even the most delicate areas!
That softness, and that fineness mean that this is not a blend to simp on the levels of twist. Finer fibres can handle more twist before feeling harsh, and they will be longer lasting as a result of those higher twist levels.
The finished colour this month ends up being surprisingly complex when it's spun in to yarn, it reminds me of the shades you get on rose petals, at a distance, a beautiful peach tone, but close up there are slight flecks of other colours.
Plying with previous club parcels-
Club Fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Shell, Sage, Fire, Onion, Rouge
Superfine Merino & Silk- Saffron, Orange
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth, Meinir, Tanwen
Naturally Dyed Merino- Amber, Ginger, Starch, Genista, Perfume
Nordic- Frigg, Sif
The fibre has a pretty silk feeling this month, both from the Mulberry Silk, and the Optim Merino. Optimums is a treatment process which takes the Merino fibres and trestles them to make them longer and finer. The blend this month is really luxurious, and incredibly soft. It's not a fibre that I would want to use for anything at all hard wearing, but will be ideal for wearing next to your skin for even the most delicate areas!
That softness, and that fineness mean that this is not a blend to simp on the levels of twist. Finer fibres can handle more twist before feeling harsh, and they will be longer lasting as a result of those higher twist levels.
The finished colour this month ends up being surprisingly complex when it's spun in to yarn, it reminds me of the shades you get on rose petals, at a distance, a beautiful peach tone, but close up there are slight flecks of other colours.
Plying with previous club parcels-
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Banksia
- Athena
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- Red Canary
- Stonewall
- Gold
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Gutenberg
- Chrome Yellow
- Turkey Red
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Illuminated Manuscript
Club Fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
- Banksia
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Khadi
- Singer
- Gold
- Khaki
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Turkey Red
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Shell, Sage, Fire, Onion, Rouge
Superfine Merino & Silk- Saffron, Orange
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth, Meinir, Tanwen
Naturally Dyed Merino- Amber, Ginger, Starch, Genista, Perfume
Nordic- Frigg, Sif
September 2020- Old Faithful
There's something autumnal feeling about the fibre this month. It's been a while since we had a blend with such a variety of shades. The way in which you spin this yarn, and the thickness at which you spin it will be key to the overall effect. The colours will get more blended with finer yarns over fatter ones. The colours will also blend more if you spin from the end of the combed top compared to taking a chunk and spinning from the fold.
The camelid fibres in this blend give a lovely bounce and fluffiness. Personally I'd be going for a long draw spin, from the fold in something that's an Aran weight... but as ever, there's no wrong way, so don't take that as gospel.
Plying with previous club parcels-
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Olive, Citron Sage, Nut, Earth
Superfine Merino & Silk- Scotland, Ash, Saffron, Lace, Dune, Orange
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth, Meinir, Rhian
Naturally Dyed Merino- Amber, Ginger, Starch, Genista, Parchment
Nordic- Earth, Frigg, Sif, Odin
There's something autumnal feeling about the fibre this month. It's been a while since we had a blend with such a variety of shades. The way in which you spin this yarn, and the thickness at which you spin it will be key to the overall effect. The colours will get more blended with finer yarns over fatter ones. The colours will also blend more if you spin from the end of the combed top compared to taking a chunk and spinning from the fold.
The camelid fibres in this blend give a lovely bounce and fluffiness. Personally I'd be going for a long draw spin, from the fold in something that's an Aran weight... but as ever, there's no wrong way, so don't take that as gospel.
Plying with previous club parcels-
- Tower Subway
- Athena
- Singapore Sling
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Gold
- Khaki
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Kelly Green
- Gutenberg
- Blue John
- Blackpool Illuminations
- Chrome Yellow
- National Parks
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Concrete
- Illuminated Manuscript
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Munstead Wood
- Bronze
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Mardi Gras
- Airforce Blue
- Blue Print
- Turkey Red
- Newtons Indigo
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Olive, Citron Sage, Nut, Earth
Superfine Merino & Silk- Scotland, Ash, Saffron, Lace, Dune, Orange
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth, Meinir, Rhian
Naturally Dyed Merino- Amber, Ginger, Starch, Genista, Parchment
Nordic- Earth, Frigg, Sif, Odin
August 2020- Tower Subway
Something that's a rather nice neutral this moth. Neither grey nor brown... but somewhere in the middle, with lovely pops of colour from the tweed.
That means that you will need to embrace a certain level of texture from this blend. The Corriedale and South American Wool give nice levels of loft and bounce, neither are prickly, but equally the micron count is high enough that I would suggest you could use this things that you want to be more durable.
I think this blend will work well at any yarn weight.
Plying with previous club parcels-
I started writing the list... and then realised I was basically writing down every fibre. so basically, I think this is the perfect neutral!
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Nut & Earth (lots of others will also work, these are the ones that will tone)
Superfine Merino & Silk- Ash, Dune, Lace
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth
Nordic- This would work well with all the colours!
Something that's a rather nice neutral this moth. Neither grey nor brown... but somewhere in the middle, with lovely pops of colour from the tweed.
That means that you will need to embrace a certain level of texture from this blend. The Corriedale and South American Wool give nice levels of loft and bounce, neither are prickly, but equally the micron count is high enough that I would suggest you could use this things that you want to be more durable.
I think this blend will work well at any yarn weight.
Plying with previous club parcels-
I started writing the list... and then realised I was basically writing down every fibre. so basically, I think this is the perfect neutral!
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
- Banksia
- Red Canary
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Stone Wall
- Munstead Wood
- Pink
- Bronze
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Blue Print
- Turkey Red
- Newtons Indigo
- Bathroom Suite
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Nut & Earth (lots of others will also work, these are the ones that will tone)
Superfine Merino & Silk- Ash, Dune, Lace
Heather Mulberry Silk- Delyth
Nordic- This would work well with all the colours!
July 2020- Mojito
This is a wonderful shiny blend. It uses the 19micron Merino so is also lovely and soft, but has a bit more structure due to the addition of Wild Giant Himalayan Stinging Nettle. This is a linen style fibre, so it will soften and become more flexible the more you work with it. In my opinion this is a fibre that needs to be spun at DK weight and below, anything thicker than that isn't a good use of the drape that this yarn will have. I'd also be using a worsted spinning technique, as a short forward or backward draft will really emphasise the shine.
Plying with previous club parcels
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
If you want other options for combing with fibres that are currently in stock-
You can buy Wild Giant Himalayan Stinging Nettle as a stand alone fibre
https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/non-wool-fibres/products/wild-giant-himalayan-stinging-nettle
Colours of Superfine Merino & Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/merino-silk
Scotland, Cobalt, Ireland, Paradise, Twilight, Provence, Sunrise
Naturally Dyed Merino- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/naturally-dyed...
Rain, Cornflower, Emerald, Amazon
Tussah Silk Colours- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/tussah-silk
Storm, Ireland, Tuareg, Paradise, Sunrise, Twilight, September, Antilles, Meadow
Ramie- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/ramiehilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/ramie
Cobalt, Tuareg, Ireland, Lavender, Sunrise, Paradise
Heather Mulberry Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/heather-mulber...
Anwen, Llinos, Ffion, Eirwen, Ina
This is a wonderful shiny blend. It uses the 19micron Merino so is also lovely and soft, but has a bit more structure due to the addition of Wild Giant Himalayan Stinging Nettle. This is a linen style fibre, so it will soften and become more flexible the more you work with it. In my opinion this is a fibre that needs to be spun at DK weight and below, anything thicker than that isn't a good use of the drape that this yarn will have. I'd also be using a worsted spinning technique, as a short forward or backward draft will really emphasise the shine.
Plying with previous club parcels
- Athena
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Remoir
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- Airforce Blue
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- Bathroom Suite
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Bronze
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Airforce Blue
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- Chrome Yellow
- Pompadour Pink
If you want other options for combing with fibres that are currently in stock-
You can buy Wild Giant Himalayan Stinging Nettle as a stand alone fibre
https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/non-wool-fibres/products/wild-giant-himalayan-stinging-nettle
Colours of Superfine Merino & Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/merino-silk
Scotland, Cobalt, Ireland, Paradise, Twilight, Provence, Sunrise
Naturally Dyed Merino- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/naturally-dyed...
Rain, Cornflower, Emerald, Amazon
Tussah Silk Colours- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/tussah-silk
Storm, Ireland, Tuareg, Paradise, Sunrise, Twilight, September, Antilles, Meadow
Ramie- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/ramiehilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/ramie
Cobalt, Tuareg, Ireland, Lavender, Sunrise, Paradise
Heather Mulberry Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/heather-mulber...
Anwen, Llinos, Ffion, Eirwen, Ina
June 2020- Banksia
It’s a Merino & Bamboo blend this time, so pretty versatile. Will spin in a smooth and strong yarn with good shine. It’s the 23 micron Merino in this blend, so not astoundingly soft, but versatile, and will work well for things around your neck, or for things like mittens or garments.
Go for any thickness of yarn, it’s not fussy!
Plying with previous club parcels
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
There’s a couple of colours of orange viscose and bamboo that are in the sale section of the shop-
https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/sale
Colours of Superfine Merino & Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/merino-silk
Soft Fruit, Rust, Fire, Sicilian, Dune, Ash, Purple, Saffron, Lace, Orange, Chocolate
Naturally Dyed Merino- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/naturally-dyed...
Ladybird, Perfume, Ginger, Parchment
Tussah Silk Colours- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/tussah-silk
Saffron, Rust, Purple, Melon, Raspberry, Soft Fruit, Nut, Onion, Rouge
Heather Mulberry Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/heather-mulber...
Tanwen, Delyth
It’s a Merino & Bamboo blend this time, so pretty versatile. Will spin in a smooth and strong yarn with good shine. It’s the 23 micron Merino in this blend, so not astoundingly soft, but versatile, and will work well for things around your neck, or for things like mittens or garments.
Go for any thickness of yarn, it’s not fussy!
Plying with previous club parcels
- Athena
- Singapore Sling
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Stonewall
- Gold
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Gutenberg
- Chrome Yellow
- Turkey Red
- Illuminated Manuscripts
Club fibres to use for stripes or colourwork
- Humboldt
- Gold
- Khaki
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- South Africa
- Airforce Blue
- Kelly Green
- Gutenberg
- Chrome Yellow
- Bayeux Tapestry
There’s a couple of colours of orange viscose and bamboo that are in the sale section of the shop-
https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/sale
Colours of Superfine Merino & Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/merino-silk
Soft Fruit, Rust, Fire, Sicilian, Dune, Ash, Purple, Saffron, Lace, Orange, Chocolate
Naturally Dyed Merino- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/naturally-dyed...
Ladybird, Perfume, Ginger, Parchment
Tussah Silk Colours- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/tussah-silk
Saffron, Rust, Purple, Melon, Raspberry, Soft Fruit, Nut, Onion, Rouge
Heather Mulberry Silk- https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/heather-mulber...
Tanwen, Delyth
May 2020- Athena
We’ve got a neutral this month, but one that’s very luxurious!
As I was packing the fibre I was wondering about how best to spin this blend. The Silk and Alpaca would suggest from the end with a short forward/backward draw, but the Camel and Merino might favour a point of twist draw from the fold.
So I did what any good spinner should do and sampled.
We’ve got a neutral this month, but one that’s very luxurious!
As I was packing the fibre I was wondering about how best to spin this blend. The Silk and Alpaca would suggest from the end with a short forward/backward draw, but the Camel and Merino might favour a point of twist draw from the fold.
So I did what any good spinner should do and sampled.
Top is from the fold with point of twist, bottom is from the end with a short forward draw.
They’re both lovely, and both would work really well. From the fold gives you more loft and bounce, from the end gives more drape. It entirely depends on how you think you might use the fibre.
These are a rough and ready DK weight, unwashed, but I think you could go for just about any weight of yarn.
Ideas for plying with other editions of the club
Tussah Silk Colours you could use to ply with this blend- Shell, Nut, Sage, Earth, Onion, Rust
Superfine Merino & Silk colours- Rust, Natural, Onion, Shell, Powder, November, Dune, Ash, Lace.
Naturally Dyed Merino- Plum, Eyeshadow, Amber, Starch, Genista, Perfume.
It would also work really with some of the Heather Mulberry Silk colours- Delyth & Meinir.
They’re both lovely, and both would work really well. From the fold gives you more loft and bounce, from the end gives more drape. It entirely depends on how you think you might use the fibre.
These are a rough and ready DK weight, unwashed, but I think you could go for just about any weight of yarn.
Ideas for plying with other editions of the club
- Singapore Sling
- Red Canary
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Stonewall
- Peak District
- Gold
- Khaki
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- South Africa
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Khaki
- Gutenberg
- Chrome Yellow
- National Parks
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Concrete
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Kinder Trespass
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Bronze
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Turkey Red
Tussah Silk Colours you could use to ply with this blend- Shell, Nut, Sage, Earth, Onion, Rust
Superfine Merino & Silk colours- Rust, Natural, Onion, Shell, Powder, November, Dune, Ash, Lace.
Naturally Dyed Merino- Plum, Eyeshadow, Amber, Starch, Genista, Perfume.
It would also work really with some of the Heather Mulberry Silk colours- Delyth & Meinir.
April 2020- Fireworks
As is appropriate for this month this blend is about letting go and not feeling like you need to control every last thing! Spinning blends with Sari Silk is all about embracing texture, and accepting that you won’t get a perfectly even yarn. I think this is a blend that would be great when spun as a thicker yarn, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for anything thinner.
There are quite a lot of different shades hidden in it, so if you want minimal blending then try spinning from the fold. The finer you spin the more blended the colours will be.
Ideas for plying with other editions of the club
Ideas for contrast stripes or colourwork
Superfine Merino & Silk colours- Blackberry, Soft Fruit, Rust, Saffron, Orange, Lipstick.
Naturally Dyed Merino- Ladybird, Ginger, Perfume.
This blend also sits really nicely with the colour palette of Silk Road.
As is appropriate for this month this blend is about letting go and not feeling like you need to control every last thing! Spinning blends with Sari Silk is all about embracing texture, and accepting that you won’t get a perfectly even yarn. I think this is a blend that would be great when spun as a thicker yarn, but that doesn’t mean you can’t use it for anything thinner.
There are quite a lot of different shades hidden in it, so if you want minimal blending then try spinning from the fold. The finer you spin the more blended the colours will be.
Ideas for plying with other editions of the club
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Stonewall
- Munstead Wood
- Thin Blue Line
- Pink
- South Africa
- Blackpool Illuminations
- Chrome Yellow
- To Boldly Go
- Whitby Jet
- Bathroom Suite
- Wild Apple
- Saffron Revolution
- Scheeles Green
- Tyrian Purple
Ideas for contrast stripes or colourwork
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- South Africa
- Mardi Gras
- To Boldly Go
- Blueprint
- Whitby Jet
- Bathroom Suite
- Scheeles Green
- Flapper Dress
Superfine Merino & Silk colours- Blackberry, Soft Fruit, Rust, Saffron, Orange, Lipstick.
Naturally Dyed Merino- Ladybird, Ginger, Perfume.
This blend also sits really nicely with the colour palette of Silk Road.
March 2020- Boat Race
This is one that wants to be be smooth and sleek rather than fluffy and bouncy. It will make beautiful shawls and have a lovely drape. I don’t think it’s too fussy about thickness, but it says finer yarn to me personally, but for no specific reason other than I know I’d want to make a shawl out of it so would want around 400m per 100g!
I suspect this will end up looking a lot more shiny once it is spun in to yarn.
Combinations if you want to ply with another colour
If you want to ply with Tussah Silk then you could use Cloud, Storm, Evening, Sunrise, or September.
If you want to use it with Superfine Merino & Silk then you could try September or Mojito ( I’m a bit short on Merino& Silk colours right now, a delivery is due next week).
Or with the Naturally Dyed Merino you could use Cornflower, Amazon, Emerald and Rain (which is due on the delivery next week).
It would also work well with Anwen and Eirwen from the Heather Silk colours.
This is one that wants to be be smooth and sleek rather than fluffy and bouncy. It will make beautiful shawls and have a lovely drape. I don’t think it’s too fussy about thickness, but it says finer yarn to me personally, but for no specific reason other than I know I’d want to make a shawl out of it so would want around 400m per 100g!
I suspect this will end up looking a lot more shiny once it is spun in to yarn.
Combinations if you want to ply with another colour
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Penicillin
- Mardi Gras
- Airforce Blue
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- National Parks
- Bathroom Suite
- Denim
- Khadi
- Gold
- Khaki
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Chrome Yellow
- Pompadour Pink
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Amazonian lily
- Wild Apples
- Saffron Revolution
If you want to ply with Tussah Silk then you could use Cloud, Storm, Evening, Sunrise, or September.
If you want to use it with Superfine Merino & Silk then you could try September or Mojito ( I’m a bit short on Merino& Silk colours right now, a delivery is due next week).
Or with the Naturally Dyed Merino you could use Cornflower, Amazon, Emerald and Rain (which is due on the delivery next week).
It would also work well with Anwen and Eirwen from the Heather Silk colours.
February 2020- Singapore Sling
This is a blend that is lovely and soft and full of bounce. Both the Rambouillet and the Camel will lead to a yarn that will poof up dramatically when you wash it. If you are spinning to match a specific yarn thickness then I recommend sampling and washing of your samples to check that the finished yarn will be the correct thickness.
It’s a versatile blend that I think will work well at any thickness, I’ve had it well blended so you shouldn’t have an issue with being left with clumps of camel, though as ever, a relaxed grip with your fibre holding hand is always good practise for even drafting.
Combinations if you want to play with another colour-
If you want to ply with Tussah Silk then you could use Shell, Onion, Earth, or Rouge.
If you want to use it with Superfine Merino & Silk then you could try Dune, November, Powder, Ash, Lace or Boudoir.
Or with the Naturally Dyed Merino you could use Plum, Eye Shadow, Artichoke, Parchment, Ginger or Perfume.
It would also work well with Delyth from the Heather Silk colours.
This is a blend that is lovely and soft and full of bounce. Both the Rambouillet and the Camel will lead to a yarn that will poof up dramatically when you wash it. If you are spinning to match a specific yarn thickness then I recommend sampling and washing of your samples to check that the finished yarn will be the correct thickness.
It’s a versatile blend that I think will work well at any thickness, I’ve had it well blended so you shouldn’t have an issue with being left with clumps of camel, though as ever, a relaxed grip with your fibre holding hand is always good practise for even drafting.
Combinations if you want to play with another colour-
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Stonewall
- Singer
- Gold
- Khaki
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- South Africa
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Kelly Green
- Gutenberg
- Graphite
- Chrome Yellow
- Blackpool Illuminations
- Saffron Crocus
- Pompadour Pink
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Concrete
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Kinder Trespass
- Amazonian Lilly
- Saffron Revolution
- National Trust
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Bronze
- South Africa
- Airforce Blue
If you want to ply with Tussah Silk then you could use Shell, Onion, Earth, or Rouge.
If you want to use it with Superfine Merino & Silk then you could try Dune, November, Powder, Ash, Lace or Boudoir.
Or with the Naturally Dyed Merino you could use Plum, Eye Shadow, Artichoke, Parchment, Ginger or Perfume.
It would also work well with Delyth from the Heather Silk colours.
January 2020- National Trust
Not the softest blend in the world, the Swaledale portion does contain some kemp, but judging by what was falling out as I weighed out the fibre I think most will fall out as you spin. There’s also a bit of BFL in the blend to give a bit more toothless. You can therefore get away with using this yarn for more high-wear items such as mittens.
Because this is a blend with many colours the points that I’ve made before about how spinning technique will effect the blending apply…. If you want more separate chunks of colour then try spinning from the fold, if you want a more blended yarn then spin from the end of the top.
Combinations if you want to ply with another colour
If you want to ply with Tussah Silk then you could use Paradise, Sunrise, Sage, Ireland, Ivy, Storm, Graphite or Cloud.
If you want to use it with Superfine Merino & Silk then you could try Ash, Cloud, Storm, Scotland, September, Mojito, Panarea, Ireland.
Or with the Naturally Dyed Merino you could use Rain, Amazon, Cornflower, Emerald.
It would also work well with Eiren and Anwen from the Heather Silkcolours.
Not the softest blend in the world, the Swaledale portion does contain some kemp, but judging by what was falling out as I weighed out the fibre I think most will fall out as you spin. There’s also a bit of BFL in the blend to give a bit more toothless. You can therefore get away with using this yarn for more high-wear items such as mittens.
Because this is a blend with many colours the points that I’ve made before about how spinning technique will effect the blending apply…. If you want more separate chunks of colour then try spinning from the fold, if you want a more blended yarn then spin from the end of the top.
Combinations if you want to ply with another colour
- Khadi (though this is very different in terms of softness)
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Peak District
- Penicillin
- Airforce Blue
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- Bathroom Suite
- Radioactive
- Beatrix Potter
- Gold
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Chrome Yellow
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Pompadour Pink
- Amazonian Lily
- Saffron Revolution
If you want to ply with Tussah Silk then you could use Paradise, Sunrise, Sage, Ireland, Ivy, Storm, Graphite or Cloud.
If you want to use it with Superfine Merino & Silk then you could try Ash, Cloud, Storm, Scotland, September, Mojito, Panarea, Ireland.
Or with the Naturally Dyed Merino you could use Rain, Amazon, Cornflower, Emerald.
It would also work well with Eiren and Anwen from the Heather Silkcolours.
December 2019- Renoir
This is a blend that will be incredibly soft, but thanks to the ramie will also be incredibly strong. It would make for very nice lace, as the ramie will help to give great stitch definition. Alternatively spin it fatter, use it for cables, use it for plain knitting, it’s not a blend that will complain too much. However with a 19 micron grade of Merino you will need to use plenty of twist if you want to avoid pilling on items that will get a lot of abrasion. Given the ramie I’d be inclined to use a worsted draft as this fibre blend will suit a more worsted style yarn.
Combinations if you want to ply with another colour-
This is the same grade Merino as the Superfine Merino & Silk in the shop, so you can go wild with the colour combinations, but a few suggestions-
Antillles, Cobalt, Ireland, Leaf, Meadow, Mojito, Scotland, Panarea
For Tussah Silk try-
Chlorophyll, Ireland, Paradise, Antilles, Bay or Meadow
There are also lots of colours of Ramie, including the lime green featuring in the blend-
https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/ramie
This is a blend that will be incredibly soft, but thanks to the ramie will also be incredibly strong. It would make for very nice lace, as the ramie will help to give great stitch definition. Alternatively spin it fatter, use it for cables, use it for plain knitting, it’s not a blend that will complain too much. However with a 19 micron grade of Merino you will need to use plenty of twist if you want to avoid pilling on items that will get a lot of abrasion. Given the ramie I’d be inclined to use a worsted draft as this fibre blend will suit a more worsted style yarn.
Combinations if you want to ply with another colour-
- Kahdi
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Peak District
- Thin blue Line
- Penicillin
- Mardi Gras
- Airforce Blue
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- Newtons Indigo
- Bathroom Suite
- Radioactive
- Beatrix Potter
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Gold
- Pink
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Graphite
- Chrome Yellow
- Saffron Crocus
- Pompadour Pink
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Amazonian Lilly
- Saffron Revolution
This is the same grade Merino as the Superfine Merino & Silk in the shop, so you can go wild with the colour combinations, but a few suggestions-
Antillles, Cobalt, Ireland, Leaf, Meadow, Mojito, Scotland, Panarea
For Tussah Silk try-
Chlorophyll, Ireland, Paradise, Antilles, Bay or Meadow
There are also lots of colours of Ramie, including the lime green featuring in the blend-
https://hilltopcloudshop.co.uk/collections/ramie
November 2019- Red Canary
This is a textured blend, you won’t be able to make a perfectly smooth yarn.
I think it will well at a variety of weights, anything from bulky all the way through to lace weight. It uses Corriedale as the wool component, but the high silk percentage means I could happily put it round my neck, but it will also be a slightly sturdier yarn than the low micron merino from last month.
Combinations f you want to ply with another colour-
Superfine Merino & Silk- Rust, Sunset, Dune, Saffron, Fire, Coffee, Cinnamon
Naturally Dyed Superfine Merino- Parchment, Ginger, Ladybird
Heather Mulberry Silk- Enid
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Rust, Olive, Nut, Fire Coffee
This is a textured blend, you won’t be able to make a perfectly smooth yarn.
I think it will well at a variety of weights, anything from bulky all the way through to lace weight. It uses Corriedale as the wool component, but the high silk percentage means I could happily put it round my neck, but it will also be a slightly sturdier yarn than the low micron merino from last month.
Combinations f you want to ply with another colour-
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Gold
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- To Boldly go
- Chrome Yellow
- Turkey Red
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Wild Apple
- Saffron Revolution
- Humboldt
- Gold
- South Africa
- Khaki
- To Boldly Go
- Chrome Yellow
Superfine Merino & Silk- Rust, Sunset, Dune, Saffron, Fire, Coffee, Cinnamon
Naturally Dyed Superfine Merino- Parchment, Ginger, Ladybird
Heather Mulberry Silk- Enid
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Rust, Olive, Nut, Fire Coffee
October 2019- Khadi
This is a beautifully soft blend, so bear that in mind when thinking about how to use it. Socks, for example, would be prure folly. Something soft and squishy to go round your neck would be a much better idea!
Again, I think this is a yarn I’d spin straight from the end of the top, but that’s more personal preference than for any definite reason.
It’s a pale neutral, and we’ve not had one of those for a while, so I think you should have lots of options for combinations.
Bear in mind my recommendations below are colour suggestions, rather than fibre combination suggestions. This blend is so soft that nearly anything you combine it with will lead to a compromise yarn.
If you want to ply with another colour-
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Sand, Scotland, September, Thyme, Tuareg, Twilight
Naturally Dyed Superfine Merino- Amber, Amazon, Rain, Cornflower
Cashmere- Tuareg, Paradise, Beaver, Shell, Lavender, Rose Acacia, Meadow.
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Sunrise, Shell, Paradise, September, Twilight, Light.
This is a beautifully soft blend, so bear that in mind when thinking about how to use it. Socks, for example, would be prure folly. Something soft and squishy to go round your neck would be a much better idea!
Again, I think this is a yarn I’d spin straight from the end of the top, but that’s more personal preference than for any definite reason.
It’s a pale neutral, and we’ve not had one of those for a while, so I think you should have lots of options for combinations.
Bear in mind my recommendations below are colour suggestions, rather than fibre combination suggestions. This blend is so soft that nearly anything you combine it with will lead to a compromise yarn.
If you want to ply with another colour-
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Peak District
- Gold
- Thin Blue Line
- Khaki
- Penicillin
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Airforce Blue
- Kelly Green
- Gutenberg
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- Blue John
- Chrome Yellow
- Saffron Crocus
- National Parks
- Pompadour Pink
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Concrete
- Bathroom Suite
- Amazonian Lilly
- Beatrix Potter
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Bronze
- Airforce Blue
- Blue Print
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Sand, Scotland, September, Thyme, Tuareg, Twilight
Naturally Dyed Superfine Merino- Amber, Amazon, Rain, Cornflower
Cashmere- Tuareg, Paradise, Beaver, Shell, Lavender, Rose Acacia, Meadow.
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Sunrise, Shell, Paradise, September, Twilight, Light.
September 2019- Humboldt
This is a tweed blend, so it will have little textured lumps, do not try to spin this in to a perfectly smooth yarn, it will be impossible.
This is a slightly less fluffy version that the last tweed blend we had in the club. It uses llama (which is very like alpaca), and the South American Wool is also relatively smooth and with a long staple.
It’s not a fussy blend, so either worsted, or from the fold will work, though to me, the fibres suggest a more worsted style of yarn would be better.
It’s also not a blend where you need to worry too much about aiming for a specific thickness, it will work well from lace too bulky.
Plying combinations-
This is a tweed blend, so it will have little textured lumps, do not try to spin this in to a perfectly smooth yarn, it will be impossible.
This is a slightly less fluffy version that the last tweed blend we had in the club. It uses llama (which is very like alpaca), and the South American Wool is also relatively smooth and with a long staple.
It’s not a fussy blend, so either worsted, or from the fold will work, though to me, the fibres suggest a more worsted style of yarn would be better.
It’s also not a blend where you need to worry too much about aiming for a specific thickness, it will work well from lace too bulky.
Plying combinations-
- Singer
- Thin Blue Line
- Pink
- Khaki
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Kelly Green
- Gutenberg
- To Boldly Go
- Graphite
- Chrome
- Turkey Red
- Whitby Jet
- National Parks
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Paisley
- Wild Apple
- Saffron Revolution
- Gold
- Pink
- Hawaii
- Gutenberg
- Chrome
- Turkey Red
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Bathroom Suite
- Amazonian Lily
- Saffron Revolution
August 2019
This is a linen blend, so it will work best when worsted spun from the end of the combed top. Your washed skein will feel a little stiff, but it will soften and become more flexible as you work with it.
Personally I think this is a good candidate for something spin slightly finer, but it’s not going to be a disaster if you use it for something thicker than DK.
Plying combinations
If you want contrast for stripes or slipped stitch patterns (this isn’t a blend that’s especially well suited for traditional colourwork imo)
This is a linen blend, so it will work best when worsted spun from the end of the combed top. Your washed skein will feel a little stiff, but it will soften and become more flexible as you work with it.
Personally I think this is a good candidate for something spin slightly finer, but it’s not going to be a disaster if you use it for something thicker than DK.
Plying combinations
- Suffrage Emerald City
- Peak District
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Airforce Blue
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- Newtons Indigo
- Pompadour Pink
- Concrete
- Bathroom Suite
- Amazonian Lilly
- Beatrix Potter
If you want contrast for stripes or slipped stitch patterns (this isn’t a blend that’s especially well suited for traditional colourwork imo)
- Gold
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Gutenberg
- Chrome Yellow
- Saffron Crocus
- National Parks
- Pompadour Pink
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Bathroom Suite
- Amazonian Lilly
- Saffron Revolution
July 2019
It’s a sturdier blend this time, so much better for things that need to stand up to higher levels of wear.
If you want to ply with another club fibre (these are recommendations based on colour, if you’re plying with a blend with different fibre content then you will be making a compromise yarn)
If you want contrast for stripes or colourwork then try
Other fibres you might want to consider-
Eri Silk
Tussah Silk- Rust, Saffron, Purple, Onion, Soft Fruit, Nut, Coffee, Olive
Nordic Collection- Earth, Frigg, Sif
It’s a sturdier blend this time, so much better for things that need to stand up to higher levels of wear.
If you want to ply with another club fibre (these are recommendations based on colour, if you’re plying with a blend with different fibre content then you will be making a compromise yarn)
- Gold
- Pink
- Munstead Wood
- Khaki
- Hawaii
- South Africa
- Bayeux Tapestry
- Gutenberg
- Illuminated Manuscript
- Paisley
- Wild Apple
- Saffron Revolution
If you want contrast for stripes or colourwork then try
- Pink
- Gold
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Chrome Yellow
- Turkey Red
- Illuminated Manuscript
Other fibres you might want to consider-
Eri Silk
Tussah Silk- Rust, Saffron, Purple, Onion, Soft Fruit, Nut, Coffee, Olive
Nordic Collection- Earth, Frigg, Sif