My friend Eric is a great yarn friend. Why? He has been giving me yarn ever since I took up knitting. And even though we hadn't communicated in about 6 years, when he found out I was bringing him his scarf, he acquired a gift of yarn for me.
This is Faroese yarn that I believe his mother acquired many moons ago in the Faroe Islands. It looks like it is natural colored, in dark brown, grey, and cream, and could be handspun. I think most if it is 2 plies, making a rather bulky-weight yarn. There is lots of VM in it. It probably also has natural lanolin in it.
This is very special yarn, which Eric bought from his mother (I'm guessing after a bit of begging for her to part with it) and I love it. I think I want to re-skein it and wash it, and try and pick the VM out of it. Any opinions out there, about the best way to prepare it for use? Should I not wash it because of the lanolin?
What to make? I was considering a traditional sweater, but it really is too thick - I'd never get a chance to wear it. So I'm thinking of a folk shawl instead. Any suggestions? I'd like to try for Faroese style (not lace, although a lacy pattern might work with this) or anything that captures the rustic, ruggedness of the yarn and its islands.
Thank you, Eric, for such a wonderful yarny gift.
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4 comments:
Holy moley! That is a TREASURE.
I'd say go ahead and wash it if you want to. A soak in Soak (heh!) or Eucalan would be a nice gentle pre-treatment.
The shawl idea is a very good one. The Feather and Fan triangle shawl in "Folk Shawls" comes to mind right away. It has a bit of shoulder shaping for a nice fit, and a touch of lace at the edge.
What beautiful yarn! I think the natural fleece colors would be beautifulin the Feather and Fan shawl that Beth mentions. In the heavier yarn, I would be large (unless you did few repeats of course), but perfect for snuggling up on a cool day.
Oh, my, that yarn IS a treasure. I might soak it in a cool bath -- not much soap or heat so as not to get rid of the lanolin. That'd soften up the VM enough to get it out. I don't know why we (modern yarn companies)work so hard to get rid of what makes wool a lovely outer garment and water proof! And I was going to suggest the Feather and Fan shawl as well -- a traditional Faroese shawl and done in natural colors if I'm not mistaken. What a lucky girl you are!
I use Eucalan. I love the fact that you don't have to rinse it out. I get the Lavender coz I love the smell. A folk shawl would be great!
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