I love this part of my job! I get to try out all these new yarns. While it does come with the danger of wanting to buy ALL OF THEM, it’s a real privilege to work up a swatch of each.
Cascade Aereo
47% Merino Wool / 31% Baby Alpaca / 22% Nylon
Gauge: 16 sts over 4 inches on US #9 Sharp Metal Needles
In the hank, the yarn was VERY fuzzy! I even had to check the fiber content because I would have SWORN that there was mohair.
But, there wasn’t!
In the hank, the yarn almost-looks like a novelty yarn. But after it’s knitted, it just looks mottled from the variety of colors. It’s gorgeous.
Cascade BFL
the BFL means Bluefaced Leicester Wool
100% Bluefaced Leicester Wool
Gauge: 22 sts = 4″ on US #6 Sharp Metal Needles
This yarn feels like a workhorse yarn – it’s neat and orderly.
But BFL is know for its strength, so this yarn is really strong too.
And the variety of colors doesn’t disappoint!
Cascade Cantata
70% Cotton / 30% Merino Wool
Gauge: 18 sts = 4″ on US #9 Sharp Metal Needles
The yarn has a bit of bounce to it, even with its 70% Cotton. My guess is that the cabled plying gave it just a touch of stretch.
While I tend to think not-a lot of cotton yarns, this one is a real exception.
And look at the depth of those colors!
Cascade Elysian
60% Superwash Merino Wool / 40% Acrylic
Gauge: 20 sts = 4″ on US #7 Sharp Metal Needles
I didn’t notice the color variations until I took the pic! And even though I KNEW which yarn it was, I was sure it was a different one.
The yarn is lovely and the laundry care is even better – machine wash and dry!
This means it’s a good candidate for a gift. Or even for a toddler/child. Or a person who’s hard on their clothing.
If you’re considering this yarn, make sure you look for the classic Cascade coloring!
Cascade 220 Grande
100% Peruvian Highland Wool
Gauge: 12 sts = 4″ on US #11 Sharp Metal Needles
Aptly named, this yarn really behaves like the bigger brother of Cascade 220.
I was concerned that the looser ply would make it hard for me to use my sharp metal needles – but the grabby nature of non-superwash wool kept everything together.
Like other Cascade 220s, the yarn is a gorgeous dapple of color. As an example, my color is a purple but it also has bits of red, blue and gray.
About the Writer: Jody Richards
Jody is the founder and lead editor of Knotions. She loves poring over stitch dictionaries and trying out new stitches.
She’s also on a mission to get everyone to embrace the blocking. And, to avoid using garter stitch edges in knit swatches made for gauge.
And while she likes all things crafting (well ok, except that one thing), yarn crafts are her true love (and she has the stash to prove it).
Colors are great. Qualities….not bad, not great for the prices they charge for my opinion. Especially bulky superwash I bought. Too many knots ( probably six or seven in total in one skein of yarn which was so annoying ) …..shame as I love the colours they offer….