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.
May 2022- Glacier
This is a superfine blend, the merino used is 18.5 microns. That fineness is what creates the softness, but of course, the finer the fibres the more fragile they are and the more likely you are to have issues with pilling and yarn wearing out quickly. For that reason this is a fibre use for things that won't be subject to lots of abrasion, socks would be a complete waste of wool and your crafting time!
Finer fibres can however handle more by way of twist, and this will help to make a more stable, durable yarn that still feel soft. This is particularly true at the plying stage, use plenty of twist!
Plying with previous club fibres
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
Tussah Silk- Cobalt, Cloud, Paradise, Antilles, September, Sunrise
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Cobalt, September, Paradise
Pigments- Indigo, Verdigris
Heather Mulberry Silk- Ina, Llinos, Anwen, Eirwen
This is a superfine blend, the merino used is 18.5 microns. That fineness is what creates the softness, but of course, the finer the fibres the more fragile they are and the more likely you are to have issues with pilling and yarn wearing out quickly. For that reason this is a fibre use for things that won't be subject to lots of abrasion, socks would be a complete waste of wool and your crafting time!
Finer fibres can however handle more by way of twist, and this will help to make a more stable, durable yarn that still feel soft. This is particularly true at the plying stage, use plenty of twist!
Plying with previous club fibres
- Model T
- Out in the Cold
- Frankenstein's Monster
- Xinhai Revolution
- Paynes Grey
- Wright Family
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
- Out in the Cold
- Xinhai Revolution
- Florida Orange
- Little Black Dress
- Old Faithful
- Mojito
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- Khadi
Tussah Silk- Cobalt, Cloud, Paradise, Antilles, September, Sunrise
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Cobalt, September, Paradise
Pigments- Indigo, Verdigris
Heather Mulberry Silk- Ina, Llinos, Anwen, Eirwen
April 2022- Model T
This is one of those classic versatile blends, that's going to appear very different in colour depending on the light conditions. All blends get darker when spun, so bear that in mind when thinking about combining this fibre with other colours. It's not going to be a fussy yarn to spin, this will work at multiple thicknesses and with different spinning methods. So choose whatever will make the yarn you will enjoy working with most.
Plying with previous club fibres
Club Fibres to use for Stripes of Colourwork
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Fog, Tuareg, Evening, Ireland, Graphite, Storm, Dark, Soft Fruits,Purple, Fir
Superfine Merino & Silk- Blackberry, Tuareg, Soft Fruit, Ireland, Dark
Pigments- Kohl, Indigo, Verdigris
Heather Mulberry Silk- Gladys, Ina, Llinos, Anwen
This is one of those classic versatile blends, that's going to appear very different in colour depending on the light conditions. All blends get darker when spun, so bear that in mind when thinking about combining this fibre with other colours. It's not going to be a fussy yarn to spin, this will work at multiple thicknesses and with different spinning methods. So choose whatever will make the yarn you will enjoy working with most.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Out in the Cold
- Asima Chatterjee
- Xinhai Revolution
- Paynes Grey
- Robert Owen
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- National Trust
- Peterloo
Club Fibres to use for Stripes of Colourwork
- Yellowstone
- Frankensteins Monster
- John Ystumllyn
- Wright Family
- Florida Orage
- Mary Cassat
- Culloden
- Uranus
- Great Comet
- Old Faithful
- Mojito
- Fireworks
- Boat Race
- Singapore Sling
- Khadi
- Peak District
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Fog, Tuareg, Evening, Ireland, Graphite, Storm, Dark, Soft Fruits,Purple, Fir
Superfine Merino & Silk- Blackberry, Tuareg, Soft Fruit, Ireland, Dark
Pigments- Kohl, Indigo, Verdigris
Heather Mulberry Silk- Gladys, Ina, Llinos, Anwen
March 2022- Yellowstone
With nearly 40% of this blend being silk or viscose this is a yarn that will have a lovely sheen. The addition of the Rambouillet will help give some elasticity, so even a worsted spun yarn will still have good bounce and stretch. This is a colour blend that will read as a neutral from a distance, though the variety of colours will still give you some pleasing variegation in the finished yarn. The thinner you spin the more blended the colours will be, and thicker yarns will show up the separate colours more clearly.
Plying with previous club fibres
Club Fibres to Use for Stripes or Colourwork
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Nut, Earth, Dune
Superfine Merino & Silk- Chocolate, Earth, Sand, Yolk
Pigments- Orpiment, Terre Verte, Indian Yellow, Umber
Heather Mulberry Silk- Meinir, Rhian, Delyth
With nearly 40% of this blend being silk or viscose this is a yarn that will have a lovely sheen. The addition of the Rambouillet will help give some elasticity, so even a worsted spun yarn will still have good bounce and stretch. This is a colour blend that will read as a neutral from a distance, though the variety of colours will still give you some pleasing variegation in the finished yarn. The thinner you spin the more blended the colours will be, and thicker yarns will show up the separate colours more clearly.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Frankenstein's Monster
- John Ystumllyn
- Florida Orange
- Mary Cassatt
- Culloden
- Great Comet
- Ode to Joy
- War of the Roses
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Banksia
- Athena
- Singapore Sling
- National Trust
- Red Canary
- Singer
- Gold
Club Fibres to Use for Stripes or Colourwork
- Out in the Cold
- Xinhai Revolution
- Uranus
- Banksia
- Red Canary
- Singer
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Nut, Earth, Dune
Superfine Merino & Silk- Chocolate, Earth, Sand, Yolk
Pigments- Orpiment, Terre Verte, Indian Yellow, Umber
Heather Mulberry Silk- Meinir, Rhian, Delyth
February 2022- Out in the Cold
Linen adds great texture to wool when used in blends, increasing the stitch definition, and allowing lace patterns to hold their shape beautifully. Don't expect this blend to have much elasticity, when you block something made from this yarn it will stay blocked really well. Think shawls, cowls and more drapey garments rather than hats, or mittens with this blend.
Plying with previous club fibres
Club Fibres to use for Stripes and Colourwork
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Blackberry, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Make Up
Pigments- Kohl, Orchil, Sepia, Tyrian Purple, Lead White
Ramie- Theatre, Violet
Heather Mulberry Silk- Gladys
Linen adds great texture to wool when used in blends, increasing the stitch definition, and allowing lace patterns to hold their shape beautifully. Don't expect this blend to have much elasticity, when you block something made from this yarn it will stay blocked really well. Think shawls, cowls and more drapey garments rather than hats, or mittens with this blend.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Xinhai REvolution
- Paynes Grey
- Mary Cassat
- Robert Owen
- Little Black Dress
- Fireworks
- Stonewall
- Peak District
- Munsted Wood
- Pink
- South Africa
- Mardi Gras
Club Fibres to use for Stripes and Colourwork
- Frankensteins Monster
- Wright Family
- Florida Orange
- Uranus
- Old Faithful
- Mojito
- Renoir
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Blackberry, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Make Up
Pigments- Kohl, Orchil, Sepia, Tyrian Purple, Lead White
Ramie- Theatre, Violet
Heather Mulberry Silk- Gladys
January 2022- Frankenstein's Monster
A crimpy blend with lots of grip and texture. The Sari Silk is designed to give you nepps and lumps, so embrace them and the texture it provides. This would make a great thicker yarn with lots of loft.
Plying with previous club fibres
Club Fibres to use for Stripes and Colourwork
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Chlorophyll, Fir, Meadow, Leaf, Ivy
Superfine Merino & Silk- Chlorophyll, Draco, Santa Lucia, Sun
Nordic- Storm, Earth
Pigments- Terre Verte, Indian Yellow, Umber, Sepia
A crimpy blend with lots of grip and texture. The Sari Silk is designed to give you nepps and lumps, so embrace them and the texture it provides. This would make a great thicker yarn with lots of loft.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Xinhai Revolution
- Wright Family
- Florida Orange
- Uranus
- Ode to Joy
- Old Faithful
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Gold
- Thin Blue Line
Club Fibres to use for Stripes and Colourwork
- Xinhai Revolution
- Florida Orange
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Gold
- Thin Blue Line
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Chlorophyll, Fir, Meadow, Leaf, Ivy
Superfine Merino & Silk- Chlorophyll, Draco, Santa Lucia, Sun
Nordic- Storm, Earth
Pigments- Terre Verte, Indian Yellow, Umber, Sepia
December 2021- John Ystumllyn
A machine washable blend, so technically you can put this in your washing machine and not end up with a pile of felt! Always be a bit cautious with this, particularly if you're washing with things like towels and jeans, it is still possible to felt machine washable wool.
The fibres this time are all smooth and silky, so you might find it a bit slippery if you're not used to this sort of blend. If you're really struggling spinning from the fold is a great way of handling slippery fibres. It also has the benefit of adding loft and air, because this blend could easily end up feeling quite dense if you get a bit heavy handed with the twist.
The colours will bend together to give you something that's a warm peach/apricot, with some hints of stronger orange from the silk. The finer you spin and the more you pre-draft the more blended the colours will appear.
Plying with previous club fibres
Club Fibres to use for Stripes and Colourwork
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Shell, Saffron, Rust, Nut, Melon, Earth, Onion, Dune
Superfine Merino & Silk- Chocolate, Sand, Orange, Sicilian, Earth, Rust
Nordic- Sif, Earth, Frigg
Pigments- Chalk, Orpiment, Vermillion, Minium, Umber
A machine washable blend, so technically you can put this in your washing machine and not end up with a pile of felt! Always be a bit cautious with this, particularly if you're washing with things like towels and jeans, it is still possible to felt machine washable wool.
The fibres this time are all smooth and silky, so you might find it a bit slippery if you're not used to this sort of blend. If you're really struggling spinning from the fold is a great way of handling slippery fibres. It also has the benefit of adding loft and air, because this blend could easily end up feeling quite dense if you get a bit heavy handed with the twist.
The colours will bend together to give you something that's a warm peach/apricot, with some hints of stronger orange from the silk. The finer you spin and the more you pre-draft the more blended the colours will appear.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Florida Orange
- Mary Cassatt
- Culloden
- Great Comet
- War of the Roses
- Old Faithful
- Banksia
- Athena
- Singapore Sling
- Red Canary
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Gold
- Hawaii
Club Fibres to use for Stripes and Colourwork
- Asima Chaterjee
- Xinhai Revolution
- Paynes Grey
- Uranue
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Munstead Wood
- Thin Blue Line
- Khaki
Other stock fibre stocks use with this blend
Tussah Silk- Shell, Saffron, Rust, Nut, Melon, Earth, Onion, Dune
Superfine Merino & Silk- Chocolate, Sand, Orange, Sicilian, Earth, Rust
Nordic- Sif, Earth, Frigg
Pigments- Chalk, Orpiment, Vermillion, Minium, Umber
November 2021- Asima Chaterjee
A smooth and soft fibre this month, the silk will give lovely drape, but this is a slightly fluffier silk than Tussah or Mulberry. The colour of the silk is completely natural, it's simply a natural consequence of the leaves that the caterpillar eats before spinning it's cocoon.
Plying with previous club fibres
Tussah Silk- Blackberry,Purple, Soft Fruit, Onion, Fog, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Blackberry, Chocolate, Flamenco, Make-Up, Fog, Soft Fruit
Nordic- Storm, Frigg
Pigments- Sepia
A smooth and soft fibre this month, the silk will give lovely drape, but this is a slightly fluffier silk than Tussah or Mulberry. The colour of the silk is completely natural, it's simply a natural consequence of the leaves that the caterpillar eats before spinning it's cocoon.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Xinhai Revolution
- Payne's Grey
- Robert Owen
- Culloden
- Tower Subway
- Banksia
- Athena
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Stonewall
- Munstead Wood
- Florida Orange
- Mary Cassatt
- Khadi
- Gold
- Pink
- Penicillin
Tussah Silk- Blackberry,Purple, Soft Fruit, Onion, Fog, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Blackberry, Chocolate, Flamenco, Make-Up, Fog, Soft Fruit
Nordic- Storm, Frigg
Pigments- Sepia
October 2021- Xinhai Revolution
The texture in this blend means you are going to end up with little nepps in your yarn. These will add little white sections of contrast again the blue. The blue itself is going to darken as you spin due to the presence of the small amount of red.
All the fibres used are ones with quite a lot of crimp, so this will fluff up once washed, but you will keep a lovely shine from the bamboo viscose.
Plying with previous club fibres
Tussah Silk- Blackberry, Tuareg, Evening, Cobalt, Purple, Bay, Soft Fruit
Superfine Merino & Silk- Bay, Blackberry, Cobalt, Tuareg
Nordic- Storm, Asgard
Pigments- Verdigris, Orchil
The texture in this blend means you are going to end up with little nepps in your yarn. These will add little white sections of contrast again the blue. The blue itself is going to darken as you spin due to the presence of the small amount of red.
All the fibres used are ones with quite a lot of crimp, so this will fluff up once washed, but you will keep a lovely shine from the bamboo viscose.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Payne's Grey
- Wright Family
- Robert Owen
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Florida Orange
- Mary Cassatt
- Robert Owen
- Old Faithful
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- Stonewall
- Munstead Wood
- Pink
- Gold
Tussah Silk- Blackberry, Tuareg, Evening, Cobalt, Purple, Bay, Soft Fruit
Superfine Merino & Silk- Bay, Blackberry, Cobalt, Tuareg
Nordic- Storm, Asgard
Pigments- Verdigris, Orchil
September 2021- Payne's Grey
The fibre this month is fluffy and shiny. Shetland is one of those fibres where the crimp really opens up when it's washed, so don't be surprised if your yarn thickens when washed. If you're aiming for a specific grist then be sure to sample first. The Kid Mohair element adds shine and fluff. Some people also like to use mohair as a strengthener in sock blends, but remember, the fibres in this blend will felt, so take that in to consideration.
If you would like to get maximum fluff try spinning from the fold with a woolen draft to incorporate air, if you would like something smoother and with more shine, spin from the end of the top with a worsted draft.
Plying with previous club fibres
Tussah Silk- Fog, Graphite, Storm, Evening, Tuareg, Ireland, Fir
Superfine Merino & Silk- Bay, Blackberry, Ireland, Cobalt, Fog, Mojito, Storm, Tuareg
Nordic- All colours
Pigments- Verdigris, Terre Verte
The fibre this month is fluffy and shiny. Shetland is one of those fibres where the crimp really opens up when it's washed, so don't be surprised if your yarn thickens when washed. If you're aiming for a specific grist then be sure to sample first. The Kid Mohair element adds shine and fluff. Some people also like to use mohair as a strengthener in sock blends, but remember, the fibres in this blend will felt, so take that in to consideration.
If you would like to get maximum fluff try spinning from the fold with a woolen draft to incorporate air, if you would like something smoother and with more shine, spin from the end of the top with a worsted draft.
Plying with previous club fibres
- Wright Family
- Mary Cassatt
- Robert Owen
- Culloden
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- Florida Orange
- Robert Owen
- War of the Roses
- Singapore Sling
- Khadi
- Munstead Wood
- Gold
- Pink
Tussah Silk- Fog, Graphite, Storm, Evening, Tuareg, Ireland, Fir
Superfine Merino & Silk- Bay, Blackberry, Ireland, Cobalt, Fog, Mojito, Storm, Tuareg
Nordic- All colours
Pigments- Verdigris, Terre Verte
August 2021- Wright Family
Smooth, soft and shiny this month. Remember blends with combinations of colours will blend together in the finished yarn. The thicker you spin, the less blending there will be. Predrafting, and splitting will blend the colours further as well. If you want to keep streaks of blue silk spin something thicker straight with no messing around with the fibre!
Plying with previous club fibres
Club Fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Heather Mulberry Silk- Llinos, Ceri
Tussah Silk- Cobalt, Olive, Bay, Chlorophyll, Leaf,
Superfine Merino & Silk- Bay, Cobalt, Caipirinha, Chlorophyll, Leaf, Sun
Silk Road- Oasis, Temple
Smooth, soft and shiny this month. Remember blends with combinations of colours will blend together in the finished yarn. The thicker you spin, the less blending there will be. Predrafting, and splitting will blend the colours further as well. If you want to keep streaks of blue silk spin something thicker straight with no messing around with the fibre!
Plying with previous club fibres
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- Old Faithful
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Gold
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Khaki
- Bronze
- Penicillin
Club Fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
- Florida Orange
- Culloden
- Little Black Dress
- Tower Subway
- Fireworks
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Thin Blue Line
- Bronze
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Heather Mulberry Silk- Llinos, Ceri
Tussah Silk- Cobalt, Olive, Bay, Chlorophyll, Leaf,
Superfine Merino & Silk- Bay, Cobalt, Caipirinha, Chlorophyll, Leaf, Sun
Silk Road- Oasis, Temple
July 2021- Florida Orange
A great bit of texture in this blend with some sari silk. Don't expect perfectly smooth even yarn, this is a blend that's designed to have lumps and bumps.
One slight word of warning, the sari silk can sometimes be a bit prone to bleeding when washed in hot water. If you're going to use it as a contrast yarn make sure you wash it in hot water first.
It's a versatile blend this time, I'd maybe consider spinning it from the fold, but that's a personal preference rather than for any real technical reason!
Plying with previous club fibres
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Eri Silk
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Rust, Melon, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Orange, Sicilian, Rust, Sun
Nordic- Earth, Sif
Silk Road- All of them!
Silk Hankies- Pumpkin, Saffron, Cinnamon
A great bit of texture in this blend with some sari silk. Don't expect perfectly smooth even yarn, this is a blend that's designed to have lumps and bumps.
One slight word of warning, the sari silk can sometimes be a bit prone to bleeding when washed in hot water. If you're going to use it as a contrast yarn make sure you wash it in hot water first.
It's a versatile blend this time, I'd maybe consider spinning it from the fold, but that's a personal preference rather than for any real technical reason!
Plying with previous club fibres
- Robert Owen
- Culloden
- Ode to Joy
- Great Comet
- War of the Roses
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Banksia
- Athena
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Gold
- Pink
- Khaki
- Hawaii
- Mary Cassatt
- Robert Owen
- Culloden
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- Tower Subway
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Munstead Wood
- Thin Blue Line
- Bronze
- South Africa
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Eri Silk
Tussah Silk- Saffron, Rust, Melon, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Orange, Sicilian, Rust, Sun
Nordic- Earth, Sif
Silk Road- All of them!
Silk Hankies- Pumpkin, Saffron, Cinnamon
June 2021- Mary Cassatt
A superwash braid for the first time ever! This means you can technically put this fibre in the washing machine, but do so with caution, cool temperatures and gentle cycles are advisable, and I always recommend you wash a swatch in your machine with your detergent before committing to a whole project.
I'd spin this fibre with a short forward, or short backward draw to maximise the shine from the bamboo viscose. It's a yarn that will work at lots of thicknesses.
Plying with previous club parcels
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Fog, Sunrise, Twilight, Lilac
Superfine Merino & Silk- Sand, Cyclamen, Sunrise
Nordic- Asgard
A superwash braid for the first time ever! This means you can technically put this fibre in the washing machine, but do so with caution, cool temperatures and gentle cycles are advisable, and I always recommend you wash a swatch in your machine with your detergent before committing to a whole project.
I'd spin this fibre with a short forward, or short backward draw to maximise the shine from the bamboo viscose. It's a yarn that will work at lots of thicknesses.
Plying with previous club parcels
- Culloden
- Athena
- Singapore Sling
- Khadi
- Peterloo
- Stonewall
- Peak District
- Gold
- Pink
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Mardi Gras
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
- Uranus
- Ode to Joy
- Old Faithful
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- Humboldt
- Emerald City
- Bronze
- Mardi Gras
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Fog, Sunrise, Twilight, Lilac
Superfine Merino & Silk- Sand, Cyclamen, Sunrise
Nordic- Asgard
May 2021- Robert Owen
More lovely fluffiness and wooly texture this month. Again, a pure wool breed, and one that uses breeds from places that have links to the inspiration for the fibre this month. Black Welsh Mountain for the place where Owen was born and died, Cheviot for Scotland where he worked and developed the ideas and ethos for which he is most well known, and Whitefaced Woodland for his first management position in Manchester.
Just like with last month, all the fibres in this blend have higher micron counts. This will make your yarn sturdy without needing to much twist. They're all crimpy breeds, so you should be able to make a yarn that's full of air and wonderfully warm if you use lower levels of twist.
Plying with previous club parcels
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Fog, Blackberry, Purple, Onion, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Raspberry, Onion
Nordic- Asgard, Storm
More lovely fluffiness and wooly texture this month. Again, a pure wool breed, and one that uses breeds from places that have links to the inspiration for the fibre this month. Black Welsh Mountain for the place where Owen was born and died, Cheviot for Scotland where he worked and developed the ideas and ethos for which he is most well known, and Whitefaced Woodland for his first management position in Manchester.
Just like with last month, all the fibres in this blend have higher micron counts. This will make your yarn sturdy without needing to much twist. They're all crimpy breeds, so you should be able to make a yarn that's full of air and wonderfully warm if you use lower levels of twist.
Plying with previous club parcels
- Culloden
- Uranus
- Ode to Joy
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Banksia
- Athena
- Fireworks
- Boat Race
- Singapore Sling
- National Trust
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Singapore Sling
- Stonewall
- Peak District
- Munstead Wood
- Gold
- Thin Blue Line
- Pink
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- South Africa
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Mardi Gras
- Gutenberg
- Graphite
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
- Culloden
- Uranus
- Little Black Dress
- Tower Subway
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Gold
- Bronze
- South Africa
- Mardi Gras
- To Boldly Go
- Graphite
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Fog, Blackberry, Purple, Onion, Raspberry
Superfine Merino & Silk- Raspberry, Onion
Nordic- Asgard, Storm
April 2021- Culloden
Another fluffy blend this month. One that's pure wool, so nothing to add any extra shine. In keeping with our Scottish theme the breeds used all have Scottish origins. Shetland rather obviously comes from the Shetland Islands. Cheviot is the classic upland breed of the Cheviot hills, the upland area that straddles the English and Scottish border covering parts of Northumbria and the Scottish borders.
You don't need to use much twist to make this yarn study, so back off the twist slightly and instead create something that's lofty and filled with air.
The fibre is filled with lots of different colours, and the finer you spin the more blended they will look. If you want a more heathery, less blended effect try spinning from the fold.
Plying with previous club parcels
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Storm, Paradise, Nut, Earth, Onion.
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Santa Lucia, Paradise, Onion, Storm
Nordic- Storm, Frigg, Odin, Idun, Sif, Earth
Another fluffy blend this month. One that's pure wool, so nothing to add any extra shine. In keeping with our Scottish theme the breeds used all have Scottish origins. Shetland rather obviously comes from the Shetland Islands. Cheviot is the classic upland breed of the Cheviot hills, the upland area that straddles the English and Scottish border covering parts of Northumbria and the Scottish borders.
You don't need to use much twist to make this yarn study, so back off the twist slightly and instead create something that's lofty and filled with air.
The fibre is filled with lots of different colours, and the finer you spin the more blended they will look. If you want a more heathery, less blended effect try spinning from the fold.
Plying with previous club parcels
- Ode to Joy
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Athena
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- National Trust
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Singapore Sling
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Khaki
- Bronze
- Penicillin
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Kelly Green
- Gutenberg
- Graphite
- Blackpool Illuminations
- National Parks
Club fibres to use for stripes and colourwork
- Uranus
- Banksia
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Hawaii
- To Boldly Go
- Turkey Red
- Whitby Jet
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Storm, Paradise, Nut, Earth, Onion.
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Santa Lucia, Paradise, Onion, Storm
Nordic- Storm, Frigg, Odin, Idun, Sif, Earth
March 2021- Uranus
A wonderfully fluffy blend, that's filled with fibres that have a slightly high micron count. This makes this blend a bit sturdier than one that use merino, so don't feel that you need to use lots of twist to make this yarn durable. A lower twist yarn, with lots of trapped air is glorious with these fibres, so try spinning from the fold with a point of twist draw. It's a great yarn at lots of thicknesses, but will definitely work well at thicker weights.
Remember, the tweed nepps are a feature not a bug, they will add slight variations to your yarn thickness, so don't get too hung up on perfection.
I love this blend, and think it would be amazing for a jumper, keep an eye on the shop in 2 months time for the spare fibre if you fall in love in a similar fashion!
Plying with previous club parcels-
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Storm, Ireland, Cobalt, Paradise, Olive, Fir, Antilles,
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Santa Lucia, Fir, Paradise, Storm.
Heather Mulberry Silk- Ina, Llinos
A wonderfully fluffy blend, that's filled with fibres that have a slightly high micron count. This makes this blend a bit sturdier than one that use merino, so don't feel that you need to use lots of twist to make this yarn durable. A lower twist yarn, with lots of trapped air is glorious with these fibres, so try spinning from the fold with a point of twist draw. It's a great yarn at lots of thicknesses, but will definitely work well at thicker weights.
Remember, the tweed nepps are a feature not a bug, they will add slight variations to your yarn thickness, so don't get too hung up on perfection.
I love this blend, and think it would be amazing for a jumper, keep an eye on the shop in 2 months time for the spare fibre if you fall in love in a similar fashion!
Plying with previous club parcels-
- Little Black Dress
- Ode to Joy
- Old Faithful
- Tower Subway
- Mojito
- Boat Race
- National Trust
- Renoir
- Khadi
- Humboldt
- Peterloo
- Emerald City
- Peak District
- Thin Blue Line
- Penicillin
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Airforce Blue
- Kelly Green
- Graphite
- Blue Print
- National Park
- Newton's Indigo
- Pompadour Pink
- Old Faithful
- Fireworks
- Singapore Sling
- Red Canary
- Humboldt
- Singer
- Stonewall
- Peak District
- Munstead Wood
- Gold
- Pink
- South Africa
- Charles Rennie Mackintosh
- Mardi Gras
- Kelly Green
- Chrome Yellow
- Saffron Crocus
- Pompadour Pink
Other stock fibres to use with this blend-
Tussah Silk- Cloud, Storm, Ireland, Cobalt, Paradise, Olive, Fir, Antilles,
Superfine Merino & Silk- Cloud, Santa Lucia, Fir, Paradise, Storm.
Heather Mulberry Silk- Ina, Llinos
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. Optim 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 skimp 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. Optim 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 skimp 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
Hilltop CloudHilltop Cloud- Spin Different
Beautiful fibre you'll love to work with. Established 2011 VAT Reg- 209 4066 19 Dugoed Bach, Mallwyd, Machynlleth,
Powys, SY20 9HR |
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