I confess I put off swatching Cloud because I knew it was one of those yarns that I would fall deeply in love with. In the course of this post I'll explain why. Cloud is a yarn that is delicate yet strong. It is a two-ply heavy lace weight (light fingering) yarn in a blend of 80% Merino, 10% Cashmere, and 10% Nylon. Each 114g skein is 575 yards (526 meters). From meeting other yarns, we already know how all the colors love this blend of fibers.

While we've explored the fiber combination in many other Meet the Yarn posts, what makes Cloud special? Why would you want to choose it for your knitting and crochet projects?

Cloud's magic is in the structure of the yarn. In a very simplified explanation of the process, when fibers become yarn they come together as different strands that are twisted (plied) together. The number of strands and the amount of twist combine to create each individual yarn.

This yarn has a two-ply structure that is looser than many of Anzula's other yarns. In addition to a slight halo, this helps the yarn knit and crochet into delicate fabric with gorgeous drape. The nylon content helps to keep this yarn together and allows it to sing in every stitch.

Here are my two humble knit swatches. If you want to learn more about Cloud and knitting, please see Meet the Yarn Cloud, part I.

It was delightful to knit. I kept dreaming of delicate lace shawls. I'm impressed by my restraint to only knit these two squares!

I got a bit carried away in single crochet. I tried to reign myself in on the other swatches. I generally keep my sketchbook nearby as I work these small conversations. However, I didn't let myself get near any paper and pencils until I was done. I'd still be swatching. I think it best to share these swatches and let you begin to think of possibilities.

My thoughts about Cloud are extra gushy because I received one of my favorite colors to swatch with, Charcoal, the very best of all greys. I knew I would love to explore how this heavy lace/light fingering weight behaves for crochet fabric. I'm not often right, but it was exciting to adore every moment spent swatching this yarn. I was surprised too. When I think of two-ply yarns of this weight, I tend to think of heirloom lace shawls. My swatches have shown me how versatile this yarn is across many different stitch techniques! I really should add a post stitch swatch. I can see everything from traditional heirloom pieces to lightweight sweaters, hats, and other accessories.

You don't have to take my word for it, while I was researching this post, there were over 1850 projects and over 2230 skeins are in Ravelers stashes. I know that there's much more that hasn't made it into Ravelry. (Want to learn how to add to stash to Ravelry? You can learn some tips for doing it from your phone at this link.)

Pattern Ideas

Ellipsoidal Shawl by Moon Eldridge, published in Knitscene, Spring 2020: [ ravelry | Interweave ]

Kokedama by Jen Lucas, published in her book, Top-Down Shawls [ ravelry ]

Almost Plaid by Jill Wolcott [ ravelry | jillwolcottknits.com ]

There are several crochet projects listed on Ravelry featuring Cloud, but only a handful of designs. Crocheters, please get designing!

Do you have an idea? A reminder that you can send a Yarn Support Request to Anzula here.

— Charlie interrupting this post to let designers know that we are accepting requests for crochet, knitting, and weaving in a variety of bases. Email me your ideas! I love all of you! —

All swatches in this post are shown in the Charcoal colourway with 3.75mm needles and 3.5mm hooks, any perceived differences in shade are due to the photographer.

Penny Shima Glanz spends her days spinning yarn and code into memorable projects. Small businesses rely on her for smart technology decisions. Designers rely on her to sample, test, and edit their hand-knit and crochet patterns. She loves muddy trail runs, fosters kittens, and lives in Westchester, NY with her husband and cat (or two). www.pennyshima.com

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