[Review] Freia Fine Handpaint Yarn

You all have probably noticed that this month’s Illusion Scarf is made in Freia Handpaint Yarn in Fingering. So, we also wanted to take the yarn for a spin and see what it’s really like!

We used the colorway Vamp – a very saturated yarn in magentas and purples. But, if Vamp isn’t for you, they have TONS of colors! Pale blues, earthy greens and blushy pinks – just to name a few.

The Yarn

The yarn is a loosely-spun single. It’s a bit grabby but it’s also smooth. I didn’t notice any changes in gauge (it’s definitely NOT a thick-thin).

The yarn comes in a cake and it’s a bit kinky – an ode to its roots of being in a yarn blank. It’s not super-kinky though – just more than a gentle wave.

The Color Changes

That’s why you came, right? You’re curious about the color changes.

The colors change in a very slow and natural way. Going from one color to the other is very even and I didn’t even notice that the color changed as I was knitting it! It wasn’t until I took 2 areas to compare them that I could really tell that they changed.

The Soak

I was sure that a yarn so saturated would certainly bleed. The water was bound to become a strong dark pink shade.

Well, I’m thrilled (excited!) to report that I was wrong! The yarn barely bled at all. The water became a watered down magenta. I was honestly shocked.

Given the way the yarn behaved in the first soak, I’d suggest it for colorwork. I don’t think I’d combine a white in there (not a knock on the yarn – I just wouldn’t tempt fate).

Final Thoughts

The dyeing is lovely and the yarn itself is wonderful! I’d happily use it in projects that need the oomph of color changes! If you’re on the fence, give it a try! There’s a reason that Freia has been around for so long.