It's the time of year when I crave light. Anzula's Nebula is a yarn that provides subtle shine and sparkle. The way it glimmers when it catches light makes me happy.

How can this yarn be so special? For me, what sets Nebula apart from its cousins at Anzula is the combination of the tight twist of the Superwash Merino and Stellina. It makes it rounder and a bit hardier and in all ways yummy. I think it shines (sorry) best in accessories -- from delicate shawls to hard-wearing accessories for hands, heads, and feet. Could you knit a Nebula sweater? Yes, if that much sparkle makes you happy.

I love Nebula and these swatches. My suggestion? Purchase a skein and try it!

I'm excited that I can now share some comparisons of Nebula, Lucero, and Lunaris. You can tell there's a hint of cashmere in Lucero and Lunaris as has a different loft, but Nebula is soft and beautiful in its own right. While I'm trying not to choose favourites, I think it very well might be Nebula. (I know, each new swatch becomes my favourite. In reality they all are!)

Please note that for some reason I choose hooks/needles on the smaller side of the range to work up Nebula. It creates a nice fabric that I love. I could have also worked it up with larger sized tools and it would be different and still beautiful. I find I prefer to work certain yarns at different gauges. Right now I like Nebula at a small gauge.

Pattern Ideas:

There's a pattern book of 5 designs dedicated to Nebula! It includes:

• Contraction Cowl by Barbara Benson

• Dayap Cowl & Hat by Angela Tong

• Light Bell Sleeve Shrug by Katherine Vaughan

• Mandarijn by Jen Lucas

You can watch a video tour of the patterns and find out more at this post describing the book. The patterns are available as a collection and individually at Ravelry.

Here are some of the additional designs featuring Nebula that caught my eye:

• Divo by Heather Zoppetti

• Ashland Collar, Shawlette, & Shawl by Jill Wolcott

• Rising Tide Shawl by Grace Akhrem

• Hawaiian Lace (crochet!) by Ambur Hsiao

Reminder

Has this post sparked a design idea? 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 Dusty Rose colourway with 2.75mm/US3 needles and 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